DISCLAIMER: FIRST! I don't own Rurouni Kenshin nor Saitou Hajime (although I wish)... RK is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki.
OTHER: Okay... To those reading this story.. I took off most of the authors notes so please just read the notes from prior chapters... Also since fanfiction has this thing against answering reviewers in the story... If you would like to see my answers to your review, please check my profile and there I will post my answers/thoughts. I hope you enjoy the story. Critiques please, please let me know... What you hate.. What you like.. What I need to work on...
italics or are thoughts
asterisks/bold are others/sounds/etc
(sorry about this... My wordprocessor isn't doing a good job on formatting.
CHAPTER 31: Shared Opposites
"Saitou-san..."
"Yes Okita?"
The young man let a smile creep onto his face, was that really Saitou-san who made the commotion earlier that evening? He pushed the thoughts away as he saw Saitou scowl at him, obviously reading his mind.
Souzi sat himself on the tatami mat, making himself comfortable. He crossed his legs and laid down his katana to the floor and took off the headband. The headband was ridden with sweat, he had just finished his first patrol that night and it was a pleasant surprise to see Saitou-san finally join them.
"Here." the young man pushed a long cardoard box towards Saitou.
Saitou slightly cocked his head confused.
"Open it." Okita waited as Saitou bent down to get the box.
"A present? From you?" Saitou smirked "I thought you were as poor as I?"
Souzi smiled a bit more. It was rare that Saitou would joke with him. Obviously, that was his way of saying thanks.
"It's not from me. It's from Onee-san."
He almost regretted letting Saitou know who it came from as the smirk turned into a frown. Souzi watched as Saitou slowly unwrapped the package. What greeted the amber eyed man was a beautiful lacquer covered sheath. He watched as Saitou moved across the room and took his own katana out of the wooden sheath.
"So you finally have one." Okita smiled again. "I thought you'd never get one. How long was it that you kept walking down that store in Tama?"
"I stopped counting." Saitou slowly sheathed his katana to the black one, noting how smoothly both fell into place. He moved back from the wall and drew the sword out slowly.
Very nice...
He placed it back and positioned himself for a battou-jutsu.
Swish
The katana came out swift with his draw. He hid a smile from the younger man. A good sheath did make a difference. Now he wasn't really going to be doing the battou-jutsu most of the time but knowing he could actually do it without worry of damaging his sword or getting it stuck mid-way gave him peace of mind.
I better leave. Saitou-san can't enjoy freely if I hung around.
The boy paid his goodbyes to a much better demeanored man, at least for the moment.
"Will you consider it Hijikata-san? Kondou-san?" Sasaki waited patiently for an answer.
"Of course I don't see a problem with it." Kondou answered enthusiastically.
"Ahem..." Hijikata interjected. "Serizawa-san isn't here and I don't think we can make a decision without him."
Kondou stared at Hijikata wondering what was going on in his head.
"It wouldn't be appropriate to just go pass him. Anyway, it is quite unusual that Akio would like the whole group to be present in his own wedding." Hijikata looked at Sasaki suspiciously.
Sasaki let out a sigh, Hijikata they had been talking for quite a while now and Hijikata was immovable. "As I said before, this is just to foster better relationship among the patrol groups. He has been feeling guilty about how immature he acted two days ago and he wishes to show respect for everyone by having them in his own wedding. I don't see anything unreasonable in that, ONLY good can come out of it Toshi, you know that."
Don't take me for a fool Sasaki... Hijikata frowned "As I said we will have to wait for Serizawa."
Kondou caught a hint of annoyance in Hijikata's voice. "Ah well... Sasaki-san it's getting late. I'm sure you are tired as well. We will let Serizawa-san know and let you know tomorrow."
Sasaki bowed in resignation and left. As soon as Kondou was sure that Sasaki was not coming back he turned to Hijikata and inquired what the problem was.
"It is a simple invitation. No doubt the wedding will be grand and I did not like the tone you took with Sasaki-san."
Hijikata just shrugged. "Serizawa has a temper. He'd make a big deal about this and we might lose face either way if he refuses. He is easily offended, you know this."
Kondou threw Toshi another suspicious look. "Fine then. Go speak with him and let me know."
"Hai. Good night Kondou-san." Toshi bowed.
Toshi carefully slid the door shut behind him, his mind brooding at the events that just happened.
Only good... Sasaki, what are you up to? Saitou will not take kindly to this.
Hijikata did not sleep well that night. He dreaded the fact that Serizawa would definitely say yes. The fool was too fond of liquor and social events.
The fool will not let this pass.
--------------------------
Hijikata's fears were well-founded. Not only did Serizawa say yes in front of Kondou, he asked the two young men sitting beside them to go at once to Sasaki.
"I told you Toshi that it would be alright with Serizawa. Now look what you've done, I bet Sasaki did not take kindly to your words yesterday." Kondou shook his head in disapproval.
"Ah... Forget that Kondou, all we need is..." Serizawa paused wrote a brief note and looked at the two captains sitting across the hall. "Okita and... you...." He motioned to the taller man beside Okita. "Hurry and give this to Sasaki-san."
"Wait!" Hijikata exclaimed "Do we actually have to send two of our Captains to their camp?"
"Toshi! What is going on with you? It is only right we send them." Kondou interjected.
"But Kondou-san, we don't have to send Saitou too. He will be on his first patrol soon." Toshi insisted.
"That is not until later." Serizawa interrupted, then stood up and walked over to the two Captains.
"Here Okita-kun give it to Sasaki. Hurry now."
Okita gave Saitou a puzzed look but proceeded to follow orders and left not knowing what the note was nor hearing Hijikata's protest on sending the two men.
"Kondou-san! There's no need..." Toshi pleaded in vain.
"They're gone Hijikata. Lighten up." Serizawa smiled anticipating another bout of drinking that was soon to come.
--------------
"Dame! I wanted to go out today." the young man stomped his feet as they made their way through the crowded street.
The taller man ignored the pouting boy and continued on without stopping to wait.
"Why do we have to do this?" the boy let out an exasperated sigh. "I have better things to do..."
Saitou waited for Souzi to catch up. He frowned as the lad did not seem to care he was waiting. "Hurry up Okita."
The boy strolled over by Saitou's side and placed his hands on the back of his head. "Ever since we got here, I have not had a chance to go look around."
"Well here's your chance." Saitou rolled his eyes.
"Saitou-san! I hear a few yards east there's a place called the Shimabara. All Sanosuke and Shinpachi could talk about last night was that place. They'd snicker and everytime I'd ask them what it was, they'd laugh and tell me "little boys" don't need to know." Souzi pouted again and scratched the back of his head. "Chikusho! First that! Now this!"
Saitou kept walking trying in vain to ignore the boy who was starting to irritate him.
"Everyone treats me like a child! I was assigned as 1st Squad Captain for goodness sake!"
The taller man opened his mouth just enough to let out a breath. He was careful not to open them freely because he wanted to choose his words carefully. He grinned, that was another thing he learned from Hijikata. Finally he spoke, "Stop Souzi."
"Huh? Can't you at least listen to me?" The young man kicked a pebble on the road and it hit the wheel of a wagon passing by.
"No one likes to listen to a complainer." Saitou saw the boys pout deepened. "No one will treat you better if you pouted either."
"It's no use talking to you." the young man picked up his pace "Hurry up. I want to get this to Sasaki and get it over with."
"Suit yourself."
They walked towards the Mimawarigumi's headquarters, both lost in thought. The boy all caught up in his own predicaments while the other wondered what their business with Sasaki was.
Either way it's a good chance to catch up with Sasaki-sempai...
--------------------------------
"Onee-chan! You'll owe me for this!" Yuuta shouted at his sister while she continued to drag him down the road. "I had plans today! First to go to a nice restaurant, then go see the Sakura blossoms, then go to the University, then go to..."
"Oh QUIT IT Yuuta-kun! I'm not going there alone and you as my ONLY brother should be worried!" she shouted back at him.
People were starting to look at them the siblings now, wondering why a decently dressed young woman was dragging a half-dressed young man behind her. The snickered as thoughts of infidelity and naughtiness went through their minds. Yuuta being the observant person he was noticed and decided to speak more softly.
"Onee-chan... I don't believe you... Why couldn't you have just taken a lady-in-waiting or one of those nice girls back from the mansion? Why me?"
Midori squeezed the lad with her good hand. "Because" she paused and winked at her younger brother, "we're going to a place FULL of men..."
Yuuta burst out laughing, not an embarassed laugh but rather a contented one. He had always wondered about it but never asked since she got back, his sister accepted him. He went ahead of her and took the lead, lightly tugging at her hand indicating that they should hasten.
"So all that talk about Akio forgetting his lunch and you feeling bad because you put so much effort into it... All that was a lie...." He laughed heartily and his sister laughed merrily with him as they headed to the Mimawarigumi's headquarters.
OTHER: Okay... To those reading this story.. I took off most of the authors notes so please just read the notes from prior chapters... Also since fanfiction has this thing against answering reviewers in the story... If you would like to see my answers to your review, please check my profile and there I will post my answers/thoughts. I hope you enjoy the story. Critiques please, please let me know... What you hate.. What you like.. What I need to work on...
italics or are thoughts
asterisks/bold are others/sounds/etc
(sorry about this... My wordprocessor isn't doing a good job on formatting.
CHAPTER 31: Shared Opposites
"Saitou-san..."
"Yes Okita?"
The young man let a smile creep onto his face, was that really Saitou-san who made the commotion earlier that evening? He pushed the thoughts away as he saw Saitou scowl at him, obviously reading his mind.
Souzi sat himself on the tatami mat, making himself comfortable. He crossed his legs and laid down his katana to the floor and took off the headband. The headband was ridden with sweat, he had just finished his first patrol that night and it was a pleasant surprise to see Saitou-san finally join them.
"Here." the young man pushed a long cardoard box towards Saitou.
Saitou slightly cocked his head confused.
"Open it." Okita waited as Saitou bent down to get the box.
"A present? From you?" Saitou smirked "I thought you were as poor as I?"
Souzi smiled a bit more. It was rare that Saitou would joke with him. Obviously, that was his way of saying thanks.
"It's not from me. It's from Onee-san."
He almost regretted letting Saitou know who it came from as the smirk turned into a frown. Souzi watched as Saitou slowly unwrapped the package. What greeted the amber eyed man was a beautiful lacquer covered sheath. He watched as Saitou moved across the room and took his own katana out of the wooden sheath.
"So you finally have one." Okita smiled again. "I thought you'd never get one. How long was it that you kept walking down that store in Tama?"
"I stopped counting." Saitou slowly sheathed his katana to the black one, noting how smoothly both fell into place. He moved back from the wall and drew the sword out slowly.
Very nice...
He placed it back and positioned himself for a battou-jutsu.
Swish
The katana came out swift with his draw. He hid a smile from the younger man. A good sheath did make a difference. Now he wasn't really going to be doing the battou-jutsu most of the time but knowing he could actually do it without worry of damaging his sword or getting it stuck mid-way gave him peace of mind.
I better leave. Saitou-san can't enjoy freely if I hung around.
The boy paid his goodbyes to a much better demeanored man, at least for the moment.
"Will you consider it Hijikata-san? Kondou-san?" Sasaki waited patiently for an answer.
"Of course I don't see a problem with it." Kondou answered enthusiastically.
"Ahem..." Hijikata interjected. "Serizawa-san isn't here and I don't think we can make a decision without him."
Kondou stared at Hijikata wondering what was going on in his head.
"It wouldn't be appropriate to just go pass him. Anyway, it is quite unusual that Akio would like the whole group to be present in his own wedding." Hijikata looked at Sasaki suspiciously.
Sasaki let out a sigh, Hijikata they had been talking for quite a while now and Hijikata was immovable. "As I said before, this is just to foster better relationship among the patrol groups. He has been feeling guilty about how immature he acted two days ago and he wishes to show respect for everyone by having them in his own wedding. I don't see anything unreasonable in that, ONLY good can come out of it Toshi, you know that."
Don't take me for a fool Sasaki... Hijikata frowned "As I said we will have to wait for Serizawa."
Kondou caught a hint of annoyance in Hijikata's voice. "Ah well... Sasaki-san it's getting late. I'm sure you are tired as well. We will let Serizawa-san know and let you know tomorrow."
Sasaki bowed in resignation and left. As soon as Kondou was sure that Sasaki was not coming back he turned to Hijikata and inquired what the problem was.
"It is a simple invitation. No doubt the wedding will be grand and I did not like the tone you took with Sasaki-san."
Hijikata just shrugged. "Serizawa has a temper. He'd make a big deal about this and we might lose face either way if he refuses. He is easily offended, you know this."
Kondou threw Toshi another suspicious look. "Fine then. Go speak with him and let me know."
"Hai. Good night Kondou-san." Toshi bowed.
Toshi carefully slid the door shut behind him, his mind brooding at the events that just happened.
Only good... Sasaki, what are you up to? Saitou will not take kindly to this.
Hijikata did not sleep well that night. He dreaded the fact that Serizawa would definitely say yes. The fool was too fond of liquor and social events.
The fool will not let this pass.
--------------------------
Hijikata's fears were well-founded. Not only did Serizawa say yes in front of Kondou, he asked the two young men sitting beside them to go at once to Sasaki.
"I told you Toshi that it would be alright with Serizawa. Now look what you've done, I bet Sasaki did not take kindly to your words yesterday." Kondou shook his head in disapproval.
"Ah... Forget that Kondou, all we need is..." Serizawa paused wrote a brief note and looked at the two captains sitting across the hall. "Okita and... you...." He motioned to the taller man beside Okita. "Hurry and give this to Sasaki-san."
"Wait!" Hijikata exclaimed "Do we actually have to send two of our Captains to their camp?"
"Toshi! What is going on with you? It is only right we send them." Kondou interjected.
"But Kondou-san, we don't have to send Saitou too. He will be on his first patrol soon." Toshi insisted.
"That is not until later." Serizawa interrupted, then stood up and walked over to the two Captains.
"Here Okita-kun give it to Sasaki. Hurry now."
Okita gave Saitou a puzzed look but proceeded to follow orders and left not knowing what the note was nor hearing Hijikata's protest on sending the two men.
"Kondou-san! There's no need..." Toshi pleaded in vain.
"They're gone Hijikata. Lighten up." Serizawa smiled anticipating another bout of drinking that was soon to come.
--------------
"Dame! I wanted to go out today." the young man stomped his feet as they made their way through the crowded street.
The taller man ignored the pouting boy and continued on without stopping to wait.
"Why do we have to do this?" the boy let out an exasperated sigh. "I have better things to do..."
Saitou waited for Souzi to catch up. He frowned as the lad did not seem to care he was waiting. "Hurry up Okita."
The boy strolled over by Saitou's side and placed his hands on the back of his head. "Ever since we got here, I have not had a chance to go look around."
"Well here's your chance." Saitou rolled his eyes.
"Saitou-san! I hear a few yards east there's a place called the Shimabara. All Sanosuke and Shinpachi could talk about last night was that place. They'd snicker and everytime I'd ask them what it was, they'd laugh and tell me "little boys" don't need to know." Souzi pouted again and scratched the back of his head. "Chikusho! First that! Now this!"
Saitou kept walking trying in vain to ignore the boy who was starting to irritate him.
"Everyone treats me like a child! I was assigned as 1st Squad Captain for goodness sake!"
The taller man opened his mouth just enough to let out a breath. He was careful not to open them freely because he wanted to choose his words carefully. He grinned, that was another thing he learned from Hijikata. Finally he spoke, "Stop Souzi."
"Huh? Can't you at least listen to me?" The young man kicked a pebble on the road and it hit the wheel of a wagon passing by.
"No one likes to listen to a complainer." Saitou saw the boys pout deepened. "No one will treat you better if you pouted either."
"It's no use talking to you." the young man picked up his pace "Hurry up. I want to get this to Sasaki and get it over with."
"Suit yourself."
They walked towards the Mimawarigumi's headquarters, both lost in thought. The boy all caught up in his own predicaments while the other wondered what their business with Sasaki was.
Either way it's a good chance to catch up with Sasaki-sempai...
--------------------------------
"Onee-chan! You'll owe me for this!" Yuuta shouted at his sister while she continued to drag him down the road. "I had plans today! First to go to a nice restaurant, then go see the Sakura blossoms, then go to the University, then go to..."
"Oh QUIT IT Yuuta-kun! I'm not going there alone and you as my ONLY brother should be worried!" she shouted back at him.
People were starting to look at them the siblings now, wondering why a decently dressed young woman was dragging a half-dressed young man behind her. The snickered as thoughts of infidelity and naughtiness went through their minds. Yuuta being the observant person he was noticed and decided to speak more softly.
"Onee-chan... I don't believe you... Why couldn't you have just taken a lady-in-waiting or one of those nice girls back from the mansion? Why me?"
Midori squeezed the lad with her good hand. "Because" she paused and winked at her younger brother, "we're going to a place FULL of men..."
Yuuta burst out laughing, not an embarassed laugh but rather a contented one. He had always wondered about it but never asked since she got back, his sister accepted him. He went ahead of her and took the lead, lightly tugging at her hand indicating that they should hasten.
"So all that talk about Akio forgetting his lunch and you feeling bad because you put so much effort into it... All that was a lie...." He laughed heartily and his sister laughed merrily with him as they headed to the Mimawarigumi's headquarters.