Disclaimer: The usual drill on the disclaimer. PMK is not my property, thank goodness, given how the manga plot's progressing...
Many reviews have expressed worry over Souji's safety. They're right!
After this undercover gig, Souji will want to stick to a safe job as a regular police officer.
Chapter 9: In the Bath
Hijikata sighed as the warm water soothed his muscles. After that episode by the Trio in the changing rooms, most of the guests had changed their mind about the open-air bath in favor of the more private indoor version. In addition, snowfall was expected. He had the bath almost to himself.
Saitou Hajime sat up to his chest in the steamy water. He was almost too close to the perimeter fence. Shouldn't the man be enjoying a private bath with his wife? Hijikata idly sloshed a handful of water over his shoulder.
"Hajime, miss your better half?"
"She's on the next side of the fence with Ayumu-san and the other girls. Right, Kio?" They had persuaded a few policewomen onto the trip this year. Tokio shouted a muffled reply.
"They're teasing Ayumu-san about Captain Harada. It's a pity about Susumu-san though. He'd make a good agent like his sister was." Hajime shouldn't be eavesdropping…
"Ayu-nee? Why did she transfer to dispatch then?"
"She wanted time for family, I suppose…"
"Why are you so chatty today?" Saitou's acting strange, even for Hajime.
"Why are you so glum? Do you miss the lad?"
"Souji? Of course I…" Hijikata's jaw dropped as he saw the newcomers through the steam. Souji! Their eyes met. Then the long hair man he was with placed a long-nailed hand on his shoulder and steered him off to the far side of the pool. "Come now, Kichi, there's more… privacy…here."
Privacy? Hijikata choked. It seemed to him that Souji cast a pleading look before those damned boulders blocked his view. Hijikata looked at Hajime. The man's face was emotionless. "Confound it, Hajime, you knew!" Hijikata gripped Saitou's shoulders.
"Toshizou, calm yourself. You mustn't scare the snake." Don't blow his cover. Toshi allowed Saitou to lead him closer to the boulders. Saitou started a loud and very pointless monologue about the latest movie. They could hear whispered snatches of conversation under Saitou's words.
"What's your opinion on Raiyo's report on the security, Kichi?"
"Security will be lax even with the Imperial Guard. There'll be schoolchildren at Mibu Temple…"
"Kichi, you squeamish about killing a few kids?"
"No, Master Maro. For the last time, stop that!" They heard Okita give a shocked gasp. Sounds of splashing came from behind the boulders.
"I thought I'll wash your back," Maro pouted as Okita shoved him away. Kami! Toshi and Hajime're just behind the boulders. Were they listening to their conversation? He hoped they caught the bit about the Imperial Guard and Mibu Temple. He still hadn't got the exact details of the plan yet.
There's no way he's going to let Souji get hurt. Hijikata tried to rise but Saitou firmly held him in place. Saitou took his washing tub and threw it over the boulders. "Oops! Gomen nasai!" He called out as it landed with a loud splash and boldly went to retrieve his tub. Hijikata followed him.
Saitou put on a friendly smile that seemed strangely alien to the man Hijikata knew. However, it appeared natural on Saitou's face as he struck up a conversation. "Hi, I'm Fujita Goro from Osaka! This is my cousin, Genrou. This is a nice place, no?" He blissfully ignored Maro's angry glare at their intrusion.
Okita gave a small sigh of relief. At least he's unlikely to be groped now. He saw that Toshi was looking worried. Was it because of him? He felt guilty. He wanted to reassure his friend but how? Thankfully, Maro decided he had enough and excused himself with the least politeness possible.
"Kichi, I'll be expecting you to join us later," he whispered into Okita's ear before he got out of the water. "Don't you be late, understood?" It was a warning. Kichi was proving a little troublesome.
The trio in the water watched as the cult leader left. They passed a few silent minutes waiting. Then Toshi slipped over to Okita's side. "Souji, are you hurt?" Okita shook his head. He was trembling from relief. He wanted to hug his friends, but they may still be watched. Being undercover is hard work.
"Souji, you're a mess." A calloused hand reached out to brush the lank strands of hair from his face. "Toshi, don't," Okita pushed it away firmly. Not now…
"Yo, Genrou! You've been soaking long enough!" Saitou reminded him. They made their way to the changing room. Toshi raised an eyebrow as he noted Souji's white yutaka. Souji had chosen not to wear the inn's blue and white yutaka.
"Okita-san?" It was a young woman wearing the inn's uniform who peered in from the corridor. Hotaru-san.
Operation Seduce Okita Part Two…
Author's notes:
Seduce Okita?! I made Hotaru really, really naughty in this AU. That makes two people trying to jump poor Okita. Love getting Hijikata riled up over Souji's safety. (senbi's waving a sign that's screaming 'FLAME ME!')