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
CHAPTER 33: Five Men in Her Wedding
The wedding started with the sun high up in the horizon. The heat made Hijikata sweat profusely but still, Hijikata smiled at himself. Across the road he could see Sasaki Tadasaburo scanning the faces obviously looking for someone.
It's not that easy... Is it Sasaki-san?
----------------------------
The entourage entered the temple along with the bride and groom and a number of Shinsengumis were left outside to guard the temple, among them was Saitou Hajime.
The third troop Captain brought out a new pack of cigarettes and hurriedly placed one of them on his lips. From where he stood there was no way he could see what was going on inside, he muttered a curse as he looked around, he couldn't see any other troop aside from his "designated" outside. Well Harada's was at the gate but even they were starting to pour into the shrine's main hall.
Saitou did not take to trifles but he was hoping to catch a glimpse of her in her white kimono and golden tortoise shell comb. It would be "interesting" to see the girl with oni-like qualities actually become a lady. It would be nice to be taken back to that time when he saw her first playing her piano.
Yes... I wouldn't mind...
------------------------
Okita tapped his foot impatiently as he waited right behind Hijikata. The entourage was long and it probably took half an hour for everyone to get settled. It was quite hot and the burning incense made the whole affair a bit uncomfortable, as he hated the smell as it invaded his lungs. As soon as the couple was announced to enter the shrine, Okita readied himself to give them a good scowl but the sight of a good friend looking her best is not something to easily frown upon. He held his gasp for a moment...
Is that her?
--------------------------
She smiled at him. The sweetest smile she could muster at the moment. The boy or should we say the young man had always been there, even when there were no promises between them. It was then that she remembered Hajime, he had promised to be there, she scanned the faces on Okita's side as she walked. She finally settled back to Souzi, throwing him a questioning look.
He said he was going to be here...
------------------------------
Shinyou Akio couldn't be any happier. He had made it big time in Kyoto and here was an event to show for it. Aside from this he had won her back, his Midori. He had beaten that inu once again. Akio noticed Midori's gaze was deadlocked towards the boy wearing the blue colored uniform. He squeezed her arms tightly to catch her attention. She looked back towards him and she could see his emerald eyes glowing.
You are mine now...
---------------------------
It did not take a genius to know that the bride was looking for someone. At least four men knew that her wandering gaze hinted at that. Okita was quick to act on it though and got up to get Saitou. He was violently pulled back down though by Hijikata.
"Stop being a brat Souzi." Hijikata warned through gritted teeth.
"Let me go Hijikata-san." Okita tried to squirm away from Hijikata's grip. "This isn't fair... What you're doing is not fair..."
"Stay and that's..."
They were interrupted; another man who noticed the whole affair came.
"Sasaki-san!" Okita tried to get up again but Hijikata twisted his arm and he couldn't move.
"Oh Okita-kun... Hijikata-san... Ohayo..." Sasaki noticed right away that the young man's arm was being twisted by the fukuchou. He hid his smile, playing games with Hijikata was fun, especially when he knew how it all was going to end.
"Okita... I was going to ask a favor of you." Sasaki said calmly.
"Hai?"
"I left the harai-gushi for the priest at the carriage parked just outside the gate. I've been feeling rather ill from the heat and I'd be most grateful if you can get it for me." Sasaki took out a small cloth and wiped his face with it."
"Okay..."
Hijikata did not let go of Okita instead... "Wait. Sasaki-san, why can't one of your men get it for you?" The fukuchou's dark eyes gleamed dangerously.
"Hai... I could very well but do you really want me to go across the room for that again. It would seem awfully rude to be going back and forth." "Then you should not have crossed..."
"Ah, but I need to speak with Kondou-san..."
"Surely Okita-kun would not mind getting the branch. It's quite important for the wedding." Sasaki started to sit right in the middle of Okita and Hijikata. The fukuchou had no choice but to let go of Souzi's arm. Souzi could not help but snicker at the whole affair as he left.
"By the way Okita-kun..."
"Yes sir?"
"Your friend Saitou-kun, you should bring him in before he misses the whole thing."
"That won't be neces..." Hijikata interjected.
"Tell him I'm asking for him." Sasaki cut Hijikata off.
"HAI!"
Okita Souzi left the two men and did not look back. It did not matter how the two plan to settle their differences later. He snickered as he heard them bickering like old ladies as he left the hall.
This will not be the end of this Sasaki...The fukuchou thought to himself as they argued...
Always have a back-up plan Hijikata-kun...Sasaki thought as he bickered back.
---------------------------
"Saitou-san! Hurry and go in there now. They are starting...." The boy frantically shouted.
"Calm down Okita." Saitou dragged on his nth cigarette for the day. "What do you need?"
"I SAID THEY'RE STARTING AND YOU NEED TO GO!" Souzi was staring at Saitou who made no motion of leaving his post.
"I can't leave... I was assigned here..." Saitou blew a white cloud above his head.
Souzi shook his head and started waving the branch in front of Saitou's face. "You see this???"
"Yes? So???"
"It's called a "harai-gushi"."
Saitou let out a sigh... "OKITA... YOU ARE NOT MAKING SENSE..."
"Go take this, give it to Sasaki. I think the priest needs it but anyway... Take it and go see the wedding."
"I can't just leave my post."
"She was looking for you and you better go there now."
"OKITA. I CAN'T LEAVE MY POST. HIJIKATA-SAN LEFT EXPLICIT INSTRUCTIONS THAT THE REAR OF THE SHRINE BE GUARDED WITH UTMOST SECURITY." Saitou shook his head at the anxious boy.
What the hell are you talking about??? Guard the rear with utmost security? There's nothing but bamboo trees back here!
"Anou... I'll take care of Hijikata-san." Okita gave a shaky answer, probably afraid of the consequences from the branded "Oni" fukuchou.
Saitou looked at the young man suspiciously. Not only did Okita look rather weird holding the branch up right in front of his face, but something in his body language did not seem right.
"Who will take my place?" He eyed Okita once again.
The boy squirmed under the gaze then shouted... "I WILL YOU... YOU... JUST GET IN THERE AND DON'T ASK ME ANYMORE QUESTIONS! TAKE THIS STUPID BRANCH GIVE IT TO SASAKI AND I'LL BE YOUR REPLACEMENT." The boy squinted, afraid of being hit by the man in front of him. He in particular knew that Saitou hated scenes and out of place "outbursts".
"Wakatta. Make sure nothing goes wrong back here."
Okita rolled his eyes. "Hai. Hai.. Just go..." Souzi almost groaned.
Saitou walked away carrying the branch. Souzi followed him with his eyes. Then a scowl came to his face when he saw Saitou stop short.
What the hell is it this time? It's bad enough I'm going to take the hit for this...
"Souzi..."
"Hai?" this time he couldn't help but groan...
"Suma..." The amber eyed man walked away leaving the young man grinning.
Damn... Guess he saw through it...
-----------------------
Suffice it to say that the bride's heavy heart lifted when his familiar face greeted her. Sasaki had insisted that Saitou give the harai-gushi directly to the priest much to Hijikata's dismay. Restrained arguments were in session even after Saitou handed the branch to the holy man.
The bride's eyes never left his face once she caught sight of it. It was almost like she filled with strength in his presence. She smiled happily throughout the proceedings that most people were deceived into thinking that it was indeed the happiest day in her life. The ladies murmured among themselves as their eyes fixated on the groom. Akio's emerald eyes were striking in the black formal kimono he wore. The small pelican on the back was the family symbol of the Shinyou's and most knew it was synonymous to "money". Both men and women present agreed that Midori made a good catch and it's no wonder she smiled happily. They missed the small fact that her eyes veered slightly to the right at the amber-eyed man who kept a straight face though out the proceedings.
The ceremony was almost over and somehow the two bickering men to the left of Saitou finally stopped. Hijikata was grinning smugly while Sasaki crossed his arms and pouted. Hijikata being the little devil he was couldn't help but taunt Sasaki a little more.
"Sasaki-san... The wedding is almost over, care to join us later in the reception? I bet the sake is much better than being drunk over there."
Hijikata nodded towards the couple who were traditionally exchanging drinks. That was the fateful remark that Hijikata would keel himself over for.
"I sure will, I will reserve a "special" table for your charter members. Ne... Kondou-san?"
Kondou happily accepted and told Serizawa that was sitting directly to his right. Before Hijikata knew it an informal invitation to the "head table" were made to the whole Shinsengumi captains, including Saitou of course. Sasaki left the wedding in a hurry to make arrangements at his headquarters. There was a slight spring to his step and an even wider grin plastered onto his face.
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
CHAPTER 33: Five Men in Her Wedding
The wedding started with the sun high up in the horizon. The heat made Hijikata sweat profusely but still, Hijikata smiled at himself. Across the road he could see Sasaki Tadasaburo scanning the faces obviously looking for someone.
It's not that easy... Is it Sasaki-san?
----------------------------
The entourage entered the temple along with the bride and groom and a number of Shinsengumis were left outside to guard the temple, among them was Saitou Hajime.
The third troop Captain brought out a new pack of cigarettes and hurriedly placed one of them on his lips. From where he stood there was no way he could see what was going on inside, he muttered a curse as he looked around, he couldn't see any other troop aside from his "designated" outside. Well Harada's was at the gate but even they were starting to pour into the shrine's main hall.
Saitou did not take to trifles but he was hoping to catch a glimpse of her in her white kimono and golden tortoise shell comb. It would be "interesting" to see the girl with oni-like qualities actually become a lady. It would be nice to be taken back to that time when he saw her first playing her piano.
Yes... I wouldn't mind...
------------------------
Okita tapped his foot impatiently as he waited right behind Hijikata. The entourage was long and it probably took half an hour for everyone to get settled. It was quite hot and the burning incense made the whole affair a bit uncomfortable, as he hated the smell as it invaded his lungs. As soon as the couple was announced to enter the shrine, Okita readied himself to give them a good scowl but the sight of a good friend looking her best is not something to easily frown upon. He held his gasp for a moment...
Is that her?
--------------------------
She smiled at him. The sweetest smile she could muster at the moment. The boy or should we say the young man had always been there, even when there were no promises between them. It was then that she remembered Hajime, he had promised to be there, she scanned the faces on Okita's side as she walked. She finally settled back to Souzi, throwing him a questioning look.
He said he was going to be here...
------------------------------
Shinyou Akio couldn't be any happier. He had made it big time in Kyoto and here was an event to show for it. Aside from this he had won her back, his Midori. He had beaten that inu once again. Akio noticed Midori's gaze was deadlocked towards the boy wearing the blue colored uniform. He squeezed her arms tightly to catch her attention. She looked back towards him and she could see his emerald eyes glowing.
You are mine now...
---------------------------
It did not take a genius to know that the bride was looking for someone. At least four men knew that her wandering gaze hinted at that. Okita was quick to act on it though and got up to get Saitou. He was violently pulled back down though by Hijikata.
"Stop being a brat Souzi." Hijikata warned through gritted teeth.
"Let me go Hijikata-san." Okita tried to squirm away from Hijikata's grip. "This isn't fair... What you're doing is not fair..."
"Stay and that's..."
They were interrupted; another man who noticed the whole affair came.
"Sasaki-san!" Okita tried to get up again but Hijikata twisted his arm and he couldn't move.
"Oh Okita-kun... Hijikata-san... Ohayo..." Sasaki noticed right away that the young man's arm was being twisted by the fukuchou. He hid his smile, playing games with Hijikata was fun, especially when he knew how it all was going to end.
"Okita... I was going to ask a favor of you." Sasaki said calmly.
"Hai?"
"I left the harai-gushi for the priest at the carriage parked just outside the gate. I've been feeling rather ill from the heat and I'd be most grateful if you can get it for me." Sasaki took out a small cloth and wiped his face with it."
"Okay..."
Hijikata did not let go of Okita instead... "Wait. Sasaki-san, why can't one of your men get it for you?" The fukuchou's dark eyes gleamed dangerously.
"Hai... I could very well but do you really want me to go across the room for that again. It would seem awfully rude to be going back and forth." "Then you should not have crossed..."
"Ah, but I need to speak with Kondou-san..."
"Surely Okita-kun would not mind getting the branch. It's quite important for the wedding." Sasaki started to sit right in the middle of Okita and Hijikata. The fukuchou had no choice but to let go of Souzi's arm. Souzi could not help but snicker at the whole affair as he left.
"By the way Okita-kun..."
"Yes sir?"
"Your friend Saitou-kun, you should bring him in before he misses the whole thing."
"That won't be neces..." Hijikata interjected.
"Tell him I'm asking for him." Sasaki cut Hijikata off.
"HAI!"
Okita Souzi left the two men and did not look back. It did not matter how the two plan to settle their differences later. He snickered as he heard them bickering like old ladies as he left the hall.
This will not be the end of this Sasaki...The fukuchou thought to himself as they argued...
Always have a back-up plan Hijikata-kun...Sasaki thought as he bickered back.
---------------------------
"Saitou-san! Hurry and go in there now. They are starting...." The boy frantically shouted.
"Calm down Okita." Saitou dragged on his nth cigarette for the day. "What do you need?"
"I SAID THEY'RE STARTING AND YOU NEED TO GO!" Souzi was staring at Saitou who made no motion of leaving his post.
"I can't leave... I was assigned here..." Saitou blew a white cloud above his head.
Souzi shook his head and started waving the branch in front of Saitou's face. "You see this???"
"Yes? So???"
"It's called a "harai-gushi"."
Saitou let out a sigh... "OKITA... YOU ARE NOT MAKING SENSE..."
"Go take this, give it to Sasaki. I think the priest needs it but anyway... Take it and go see the wedding."
"I can't just leave my post."
"She was looking for you and you better go there now."
"OKITA. I CAN'T LEAVE MY POST. HIJIKATA-SAN LEFT EXPLICIT INSTRUCTIONS THAT THE REAR OF THE SHRINE BE GUARDED WITH UTMOST SECURITY." Saitou shook his head at the anxious boy.
What the hell are you talking about??? Guard the rear with utmost security? There's nothing but bamboo trees back here!
"Anou... I'll take care of Hijikata-san." Okita gave a shaky answer, probably afraid of the consequences from the branded "Oni" fukuchou.
Saitou looked at the young man suspiciously. Not only did Okita look rather weird holding the branch up right in front of his face, but something in his body language did not seem right.
"Who will take my place?" He eyed Okita once again.
The boy squirmed under the gaze then shouted... "I WILL YOU... YOU... JUST GET IN THERE AND DON'T ASK ME ANYMORE QUESTIONS! TAKE THIS STUPID BRANCH GIVE IT TO SASAKI AND I'LL BE YOUR REPLACEMENT." The boy squinted, afraid of being hit by the man in front of him. He in particular knew that Saitou hated scenes and out of place "outbursts".
"Wakatta. Make sure nothing goes wrong back here."
Okita rolled his eyes. "Hai. Hai.. Just go..." Souzi almost groaned.
Saitou walked away carrying the branch. Souzi followed him with his eyes. Then a scowl came to his face when he saw Saitou stop short.
What the hell is it this time? It's bad enough I'm going to take the hit for this...
"Souzi..."
"Hai?" this time he couldn't help but groan...
"Suma..." The amber eyed man walked away leaving the young man grinning.
Damn... Guess he saw through it...
-----------------------
Suffice it to say that the bride's heavy heart lifted when his familiar face greeted her. Sasaki had insisted that Saitou give the harai-gushi directly to the priest much to Hijikata's dismay. Restrained arguments were in session even after Saitou handed the branch to the holy man.
The bride's eyes never left his face once she caught sight of it. It was almost like she filled with strength in his presence. She smiled happily throughout the proceedings that most people were deceived into thinking that it was indeed the happiest day in her life. The ladies murmured among themselves as their eyes fixated on the groom. Akio's emerald eyes were striking in the black formal kimono he wore. The small pelican on the back was the family symbol of the Shinyou's and most knew it was synonymous to "money". Both men and women present agreed that Midori made a good catch and it's no wonder she smiled happily. They missed the small fact that her eyes veered slightly to the right at the amber-eyed man who kept a straight face though out the proceedings.
The ceremony was almost over and somehow the two bickering men to the left of Saitou finally stopped. Hijikata was grinning smugly while Sasaki crossed his arms and pouted. Hijikata being the little devil he was couldn't help but taunt Sasaki a little more.
"Sasaki-san... The wedding is almost over, care to join us later in the reception? I bet the sake is much better than being drunk over there."
Hijikata nodded towards the couple who were traditionally exchanging drinks. That was the fateful remark that Hijikata would keel himself over for.
"I sure will, I will reserve a "special" table for your charter members. Ne... Kondou-san?"
Kondou happily accepted and told Serizawa that was sitting directly to his right. Before Hijikata knew it an informal invitation to the "head table" were made to the whole Shinsengumi captains, including Saitou of course. Sasaki left the wedding in a hurry to make arrangements at his headquarters. There was a slight spring to his step and an even wider grin plastered onto his face.