Disclaimer: I do not own PMK or any of the characters portrayed.

Chapter 6: A Meeting

Hijitaka, you bastard! Saitou cursed heartily as both he and Fujita trudged along. You know how much I hate those long drawn out meetings with those wimps from the bakufu civil offices! Hijitaka was to go this time with Okita, but the latter had fallen ill. Strangely, Yamanami and Kondo did not contest Hijitaka's choice of a replacement.

So it's the Third Patrol Captain and a rookie. They'll have to spend a night on the road. He has yet to punish Fujita for that prank involving Okita. He has yet to thank the lad for saving his life back in that alley... Does that make them quits?

They stopped to rest at a roadside inn at noon. "Saitou-san? Are you still mad at us for what happened at the bridge?" Fujita peered at him over the ramee they have ordered. Was he? Saitou decided not.

"Saitou-san, there's something I want to ask... about Sou- Okita..." She had almost given herself away by using her cousin's given name. "He really is sick, isn't he? He coughs an awful lot." Saitou nodded.

"Why does he still go out on patrols? It's too dangerous!" She blurted out. Saitou wanted to slap the lad. Isn't it obvious? He found he could not with Fujita looking at him with those innocent eyes. So he patted his shoulder instead.

"I thought you should know. This is the path we've chosen. We will live by its code. Okita-san will fight until the day he dies."

"Will you do the same?"

Saitou nodded. A look of dismay passed over the young Fujita's face. Then he nodded in acceptance. "I understand now." Tokio decided she will find it hard being with a man who does not live by his principles. Hadn't she always fought against prejudice and tradition? That was her principle, and her chosen path.

The meeting was boring. Even Tokio felt it. A dozen times she almost nodded off to be awakened by Saitou shaking her knee under the table. It is bad manners to fall asleep in front of respected ministers. Saitou himself stifled several yawns. He delivered the usual report on the Shinsegumi budget and activities along with the intelligence gathered on the Ishii.

Finally, it drew to a close. Then an elderly minister blurted out. "Saitou-san, have you found Takagi's daughter yet?" A series of guffaws ran through those present. "I'm still looking for her, sir," he spoke between clenched teeth. Crap! So the news has reached them...

"Young man, isn't life a joke? We've heard tales of you running from the wedding, now the bride's gotten tired of waiting!" More laughter. "Saitou-san, some Miburou you are! Can't even find a runaway girl!" That's it, Saitou unconsciously reached for his sword...

No! Fujita grabbed Saitou's hand before he can unsheath his sword. His young voice rang out clearly over the racket. "Respected ministers, Saitou-san has been searching for Takagi Tokio most diligently. I believe it's only a matter of time before we find her." A hushed silence fell over the room.

No junior taishi had ever dared to address the meeting in such a manner. Even Saitou was shocked by Fujita's audacity. The meeting was dismissed without further ado.

"Fujita-san, do you realize what you just did?" Saitou snapped angrily as they strode out. "Yes, I stopped you from drawing your sword on a Cabinet minister," Fujita replied tartly. Saitou stopped. The lad was right. He had almost allowed the baiting to get the better of his temper. Fujita had an odd mix of maturity and innocence, a most surprising lad.

He will still need to search for Takagi Tokio and return her safely to her family. He suddenly realized that Okita was unperturbed by the fact his cousin has been missing for more than a month. Was Okita so sure his cousin can survive on her own? Tokio was an accomplished swordswoman.

Saitou had confirmed that at the dojo where she used to train. She was trained in the twin sword style. Fujita has been giving Tetsu pointers on the same style. When they were attacked in the alley, Fujita had used the sheath as one would a sword to block the deadly hail of arrows.

Was it possible? He stole a glance at his companion. Fujita was slender enough to be a female, then so was Okita. He had very fine features. On the bridge in that kimono, he could easily be mistaken for a she. What if...

Saitou did not see that last step and stumbled. Fujita let out a soft giggle and covered his mouth with a gesture that's so very feminine. Fujita's either a woman or a faggot, Saitou decided. Good grief! They'll be sharing a room later. Let's just pretend Fujita's Okita... wait, I can't stand Okita.

Although the sun was already setting, Saitou declined the usual room reserved at the local inn and set off towards Kyoto with Fujita. The weather looked terrible. It had been raining constantly as was usual for this time of the year. Fujita was uneasy at the prospect of traveling on such a wet night.

Author's Notes:

Saitou sharing a room with Fujita? Thought not.

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. Reviews are always welcome.