IceRain: well it would kinda suck if it were to end badly…anyways heres the next chapter enjoy.
child-of-draco: he does doesn't he oh well, I didn't expect to write him like this but hey not a lot of people get to see the softer side of the wolf…:)
w: god? Hmmm maybe to the Saitou worshippers I guess he could be…hehehe
toko: glad you do too…everyone should love the wolf
Impashence: Well I'm thinking this story might need a few more chapters…and a sequel is sort of in the works if I can hopefully get rid of this stupid writers block…
someone out of the blue: Okay I won't…don't cry be happy…
ShadowVixen: hehehe you didn't actually think I'd stop there did ya…:)
gabyhyatt: here you go enjoy
paris: not yet I have a few more ideas :)
Saitouu Ryuuji: Thanks I'm glad you like it here's the next chapter.
Lia: you're welcome and I have a few more ideas so it ain't done yet...:)
Chapter 6 Back in Kyoto
A few weeks had passed and according to the Shinsengumi it was deemed safe for the moment, and Tokio was brought back to Kyoto by her father's wishes even though Saitou didn't show it he had a small hint of a smile on his face he was looking forward to hearing her laugh again.
Okita as usual had a grin plastered on his face as he finished patrolling and arrived at headquarters, feeling a bit hungry he made his way to the dinning area spotting Saitou who was sitting alone an empty bowl before him and was now sipping tea, Okita stood before the man eyeing him curiously his grin widened as Saitou lifted his head to acknowledge the first captain.
"What could you possibly be grinning about now?" Saitou drawled refilling his cup.
"I had a small word with Takagi-san earlier…" he quipped sitting beside the man, and calling one of the servants quickly telling her what he wanted to eat. He then turned his attention to his eldest friend, "So are you going to whisk her off her feet?" he chuckled softly.
"And why would I divulge this kind of information to you?" Saitou sighed leaning back and resting his back against the wall, his thumb brushing against he rim of his cup he lifted his eyes towards the dozen soldiers that had entered the room and sat down opposite the two captains.
"Because I am curious and if it wasn't for me you never would have met her…are those the men that are to join your troop?" he asked with a snort.
Saitou scoffed, "Your curiosity doesn't interest me and if it wasn't for you I wouldn't have had to jump off a cliff and nearly slice my hand in half…and yes they are…pathetic looking bunch aren't they?" he sighed taking another sip from the cup.
"Jump off a cliff…hehehe that had to be fun…" Okita whispered.
"Not entirely as I recall it was raining that day…" Saitou grunted finishing his tea.
Okita smiled as his food was now being served, thanking the woman he looked back to Saitou as he had stood up and was now tying his katana by his side, "Well don't do anything too strenuous on the first day you two are to meet once again…it might spoil the evening what with you two being married and all…" Okita snickered.
"Shut-up Okita…" Saitou mumbled as he left the room.
A few of the soldiers that were to be in Saitou's troop slowly approached the first captain, "S-sir?"
Okita looked up at the men, "Yes what is it?" he asked blowing on the hot food between his chopsticks.
"We didn't mean to eavesdrop sir…but we were a bit curious as to who would marry captain Saitou?" Hearing this Okita remained silent for about half a second accidentally dropping the food back in the bowl sending soup splashing all over the captain, Okita burst out laughing as he waved at the men to return to their seats, a wicked grin adorning his lips.
Meanwhile Saitou entered the dojo to test out his shoulder, after the attack in Tokyo the wounds had healed up quite a bit but the strain was still there. 'Stupid grenades…' Saitou grumbled as he stretched his left arm, craning his neck from side to side he took a calming breath and began his kata.
After a few hours of training, Saitou sighed as he now sat in a steaming bath, kneading his shoulder he then rested the back of his head against the rim of the tub, running his hand across the scars he had received from the Battousai on his abdomen he sighed as he slowly closed his eyes. Then a few thoughts of a certain woman popped in his head a smirk graced his lips he would be seeing her in the morning. After drying himself off and getting dressed, Saitou amazingly felt tired and headed to his room, plopping down on his futon Saitou draped a blanket over himself and immediately started to fall asleep.
XxXxX
Tokio had a smile on her face as the carriage she was in was approaching Kyoto, she recalled the day Saitou Hajime, third captain of the Shinsengumi had left to return to Kyoto. The short time they had together in Tokyo was apparently well spent as they went on a few outings, he had paid her a small visit moments before he left with the troops, he had led her in a private little corner and leaned down kissing her lips lightly, Tokio having an evil grin deepened the kiss doing so made the man run his fingers in the woman's unbound hair and smirk inwardly as he then lowered his left hand wrapping his arm around her waist then tickled her sides eliciting a small laugh to escape her mouth.
Broken from her thoughts as the carriage came to a halt Tokio waited until the door opened before stepping down, "How I've missed that smile…" she heard, then felt a pair of arms wrap around her.
Tokio smirked as she hugged her father in turn, "I've missed you too father…"
"Oh really…I'm sure you had someone else in mind haunting your dreams…" he chuckled.
"Oh hush…" she scolded, "Speaking of someone else…" she quipped.
"He's patrolling at the moment…he said he'd come by in the morning…"
"Oh so you two are getting along hun?"
Tetsu snorted, "In a matter of speaking…come let's get you inside…" he smirked as he gently grasped her arm.
XxXxX
The next day Saitou arrived at the Takagi residence, after being led through the house by Suki the housekeeper, Saitou thanked the woman and silently made his way into the back of the house where Tokio sat in a gazebo sipping tea. Looking around he slowly stepped down the two steps and walked through the garden as quietly as possible, hearing her start to hum, Saitou smirked as he leaned against the gazebo and watched her.
"Well it's about time you came to see me?" she grinned.
"One day you have to tell me how you do that?" Saitou chuckled as he stepped into the gazebo and kneeled down beside her placing a small kiss on her cheek.
"And ruin my fun…I don't think so…" she smirked sipping her tea.
Saitou sighed as he leaned back on the numerous cushions, "You know I have ways in making you talk Kitty…"
"Really is it the same way you use in keeping me quiet?" she asked placing the cup on the tray and leaning towards him, feeling his bangs tickling her cheek.
Saitou chuckled softly, "No…" he whispered in her ear.
"Interresting…" she quirked an eye and smiled when she felt a hand slowly turn her head as well as a pair of lips against hers. "Hmhmmm…so…did captain wolf miss me these last few weeks?"
"Captain wolf…" Saitou snorted, "Please don't say that again…"
Tokio quirked an eye an evil grin plastered on her lips, "And what will you do if I repeat those words?"
Saitou chuckled, "I doubt you want to know…Come let's take a walk…" he grunted as he stood and helped her up, Tokio had an evil grin as she followed the captain her arm wrapped around his right one.
Leaning up on her tiptoes Tokio breathed in the man's ear. "Capt-ain…Wol-fie…" she grinned, Saitou rolled his eyes.
"I'm a patient man Tokio…I have no problem in taking my sweet time in getting even…" he smirked.
"Oh goody now I have to think of devious ways to retaliate…"
A grin appeared on his lips, "I'm looking forward to it…" he laughed softly.
XxXxX
The next day Saitou was watching over his new recruits as they trained in the dojo, he sighed and closed his eyes for a moment, "Problems Saitou?" Okita asked.
"I think Takagi is testing me…the only thing he's taught these men is…well nothing…" he sighed.
"Oh he's taught them a lot, the thing is after being bruised and beaten will what they've learned stay in their heads." Okita chuckled.
Saitou gripping his shinai released an irritated sighed and called for a six men to step forward, "Sir?"
"Please tell me you can evade an attack…" Saitou drawled.
One of them stepped forward, "Of course sir, we have been well trained by Takagi-san…" he answered with a smirk.
Recognizing the smirk as if the man thought he knew everything Saitou groaned inwardly, "Really…tell me are you so competent in your skills that you think you can tag me?" Saitou asked narrowing his eyes a bit. The other five seemed a bit unsure but this one still had that stupid grin on his face as he got in a stance, his blade in front of him ready to attack.
Saitou eyed him over and chuckled as the man lunged forward beginning his attack, the little smart ass was fast but apparently not fast enough as he found himself flipped over the third captain and landing hard on the floor.
"Tell me what is your name?" Saitou drawled as he walked over to him.
The man groaned as he slowly stood and rubbed his side, "Shinji…sir…ow…" he groaned.
Saitou shook his head as he turned to Okita, "You think perhaps maybe Takagi's angry with me for some reason?"
Okita chuckled, "I can think of a few…although he has had a lot of men to train lately, at the moment I believe yours and mine have just been taught the basics…"
"Oh…wonderful…" Saitou drawled then turned back to his new recruits, knowing it would take a while before they began doing rounds with his troop, he'd have to train them personally, how fun…an evil smirk graced his lips as he thought to begin with the smart ass Shinji first.
XxXxX
A few weeks had passed and about two dozen Shinsengumi soldiers were talking and joking as they had finished training and were leaving the dojo. A few froze as they noticed a beauty walking down the halls towards them apparently she had caught a few eyes when she had entered the hall. As the men she passed stared at her wondering who she was.
One of the men about her age, with short hair, brown eyes and a pretty little smile stepped forward "Well good morning miss, what's a pretty little flower like you doing roaming these halls?" Shinji grinned as he looked her over.
Tokio gave a small smile and thought for a moment, "Does this hall lead to Takagi-san office?" she asked.
"That it does would you like me to take you there?" he asked approaching the woman.
"No thank-you I'm sure I can manage…" she answered politely and took a step forward.
"Whoa wait…" he chuckled stepping in front of her, "Why do you not look at me as I speak to you?" He asked with a smile "Don't tell me you're shy?"
At that Tokio quirked an eye and laughed, "Don't you have duties to attend to?" she heard a familiar voice sound out behind the man.
Shinji and his friends turned quickly stepping back, "Yes C-Captain Okita…" he stuttered and bowed to the woman then rushed off.
Tokio cleared her throat, "C-Captain?" she smiled imitating the man, "I take it that he would be new here and not as experienced in swordsmanship as you are…"
"That he is…you should be careful being around that one he has the tendency to flirt with a lot of women…he should be taught a lesson…" Okita then laughed softly.
"And what are you laughing about?" she grinned.
"He's to be in Saitou's troop…Perhaps you should allow Shinji to continue flirting with you…the moment Saitou sees this he might beat him into a bloody pulp…"
Tokio giggled, "Okita Souji you should be ashamed thinking that way in torturing a poor innocent soldier…" She scolded Okita's eyes widened a bit at how she defended the man, that is until Tokio continued speaking, "It's a shame I didn't think of that first…" she argued. "Now would you be so kind as to guide me to my father…"
"Of course…" he chuckled grasping her arm.
Hearing a knock at his door Tetsu gave the order to enter, seeing Okita pop his head in the room Tetsu quirked an eye. "You have a visitor sir…" he grinned then stepped aside to allow Tokio to enter.
"Tokio…what are you doing here?" he asked standing and walking to her.
"A messenger delivered this to the house…" she handed him a letter, "Plus I needed to stretch my legs and I was looking for a place to hide…"
Tetsu quirked an eye as he glanced through the letter, "Hide?"
"Yes hide, grandmother decided to pay us a visit…" she grinned, when she heard her father release a heavy sigh.
"Won't that woman ever leave us alone?" he growled.
"Not until I'm dead…" Tokio laughed softly.
"HEY…she dies before you do…" he assured laying a kiss on her cheek. "Kami knows how your mother put up with that old prune…" he smirked and bowed his head for a moment he still missed her terribly.
"How did you convince her to let you marry mother?" Tokio asked curiously.
"I didn't…your grandfather thought it a good match and gave us his blessing."
"Hmmm I've always liked grandfather…" she chirped.
"So did I…" he laughed, "Come let's take a walk by the shore…" he smiled as he lightly grasped her arm.
Father and daughter didn't arrive back home until supper was being served, Tetsu shooed his daughter away to get ready since Saitou was taking her out tonight, seeing her head out back he sighed as he entered the living room to face his wife's mother in the living room, an argument was quickly started when their eyes met, "What kind of a father are you, allowing your only daughter to wander the streets with no escort…that's it I'm taking her to live with me in Osaka…"
"For the love of…now you listen I will say this for the last time, Tokio is my daughter and you are not taking her away from me…" he growled.
The woman quirked an eye, "She belongs in a place where she can be cared for…Really I still don't see what my Kayla…Kami rest her soul ever saw in you…"
Tetsu was so close to murdering the old woman when, at that moment Suki entered the room, Tetsu looked to her and took a calming breath, "I apologize for interrupting…Saitou-san his here to see Tokio…" she informed.
Tetsu gave a small smile, "I believe she's in the garden…" he answered and watched as Suki left.
The old woman frowned, "Who is this Saitou and why would he want to see Tokio?"
Tetsu had an evil grin on his face as he turned to the woman, "Saitou is the third captain of the Shinsengumi…and he is at the moment courting my daughter…"
"WHAT?" she barked looking shocked.
XxXxX
Saitou was led through the house a small smile escaped his lips when he spotted Tokio was sitting on a bench at the foot of a huge cherry blossom tree in the middle of the yard, running her fingers on the pink petals. He frowned a bit at the look on her face, she seemed a bit angered. He quirked an eye as she lifted her head a bit and moved it to the right a small smile appeared on her lips. "Are you always going to do that?"
"Do what?" he asked as he stepped forward.
"Stay in the shadows until I notice you…"
"I vowed to myself that one day I'd surprise you…" he smirked.
Tokio giggled as she stood, "Hmhmmm…not a chance…"
"Just wait Kitty, one day…" he chuckled as he kissed her cheek.
Tokio turned her head to face him, "A small peck on the cheek is that all I get?"
"For the moment…" he whispered, "…as I entered the house, I heard what sounded like a harpy screeching…"
At that Tokio laughed, "The harpy is my grandmother and she is now feuding with my father…"
"You're not angered that I just called your grandmother a harpy?"
"Please go ahead…father calls her an old prune…" she snorted.
"Why are they feuding?"
"Oh she wants to drag me to Osaka to live with her…she figures that since I'm blind I should be locked in a room and attached to a tiger because apparently I cannot care for myself and am unable to defend myself." Tokio released an irritated sigh.
"A tiger…hn should tell her you're already attached to a wolf…they're more predatorial…"
"Well now there's an idea…" she grinned her right hand lifting to caress his cheek pulling him down for a kiss, at that moment the harpy entered the garden.
"How dare you take advantage of a young girl like that…" she growled, Tetsu arrive behind the old woman not too impressed with how she was acting.
Saitou narrowed his eyes at the woman, "With all due respect madam, I've never and will never do as you accuse…"
"You lie all men are alike…" she hissed. "Come Tokio let's get you away from this brute."
A bit fed up with the woman as she did her best to insult the captain, Tokio turned and glared at her. "I am not a doll grandmother, I can take care of myself, I can defend myself as my father has taught me well, and I…not you will choose who I love, and like it or not I am staying here, and will continue seeing the captain…" she growled.
"How dare you speak to me with such disrespect…" Grandmother spoke appalled.
"I am blind…not deaf, not mute, not stupid…I am not helpless and I will live my life the way I want to…without fear…you cannot keep trying to control me…"
Grandmother narrowed her eyes as she huffed and turned glaring at Tetsu as she entered the house. Not hearing the old woman, Tokio leaned into Saitou and whispered "Is she gone?" as she ran her hand on Saitou's left arm.
"Yes…" Saitou drawled then chuckled at Tokio's answer.
"My word that felt good…"
That evening after eating out Saitou and Tokio were sitting on a beach, Saitou had a cigarette at his lips while Tokio sat beside him letting a handful of sand fall through her fingers.
"May I ask a question?" she whispered.
Saitou turned his head to her, "As if I could stop you…" he chuckled leaning down, "It also depends on how you want it answered..." he smirked wickedly nuzzling her neck, remembering the last time she had asked him a question in Tokyo.
"Not that kind of question…" she smiled.
"Oh…pity…"
Tokio giggled as she leaned into him, "You've changed…"
"Have I…" Saitou smirked as Tokio nodded, "Was that your question…because if it was it's missing a few words…"
"No that wasn't my question…"
"Oh…well then what is?" he sighed throwing his cigarette away and leaning back on his left arm and looking at her face.
"I'm not sure I'm going to ask it yet…" she taunted. "You sound a bit grumpy…"
"I don't get grumpy…" he announced Tokio only shrugged, after a few moments Saitou narrowed his eyes, "You're doing this to irritate me aren't you?"
A grin appeared on her lips, "Is it working?"
"No…"
Tokio huffed as she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes, "That's it spoil my fun…" Saitou quirked an eyebrow at her and lunged grabbing her by the shoulders he pulled the now giggling Tokio to lie on the sand pinning her down with his body he smirked as he watched her squirm, she then stopped and looked up her fingers now tracing the lines on his face, "Well are you just going to sit there…going to let a lady wait for a kiss?"
"Yes…" he answered plainly as he ran his fingers through her hair.
"Is this how you retaliate?"
"No…" he chuckled.
"Are you going to give me more then one word answers?"
"Not entirely…" he whispered as he slowly lowered his head a mere inch of air separating their lips. Saitou froze as he watched her, Tokio caressed his cheeks wondering why the hell he hadn't kiss her yet every time she lifted her head to meet his lips he'd pull back.
"Is there a reason my wolf refuses to kiss his Kitty?" she smiled when she heard him chuckle.
"No…" he answered.
"Then what are you waiting for?"
"Nothing…I just wanted to hear you argue…" he smirked as she was about yell out, he dipped his head and kiss her a bit demandingly.
When the kiss was broken Tokio narrowed her eyes a bit, "You're an evil man…" she grinned.
Saitou chuckled as he helped her up, "Come it's getting late…I can't pleasure you all night…" he smirked as he led her back to her home.
"Oh pity…" Tokio breathed as she leaned against his arm.
Half an hour later she was safe and sound at the gates to her home but was a bit occupied at the moment since she was receiving a very heated kiss goodnight of course. Saitou smirked at the look on her face, taking a breath Tokio chuckled, "You do know if father catches us like this he'll most definitely not be too happy…and grandmother will try to kill you…"
Saitou snorted as he gave her a light kiss, "I suppose I should leave then…" he chuckled, as he watched her turn and enter the house.
XxXxX
The next day Shinji sighed as he walked through the city, he was heading to Shinsengumi headquarters to begin his duties for the day the new recruits were to begin training with the troops they were assigned to. He wasn't looking forward to doing that today since his captain was Saitou Hajime, his worries seemed to melt away as he heard an angelic voice beyond the gate he was walking next too. A bit curious Shinji looked around not seeing anyone he then climbed said gate.
Sitting atop the gazebo, he stayed quiet and listened to the woman tending her garden. His eyes widened when he recognized the woman singing as the one he had met in the hall after training had ended at headquarters yesterday. Stepping forward to get a better view, Shinji suddenly heard a small creak and found himself falling through the gazebo.
Tokio whirled around at the sound, hearing a few moans and curses she frowned as she began yelling for Suki to come outside, "Whose there?" she breathed not moving from her spot.
Shinji chuckled a bit as he brushed himself off and took a step forward, "I'm sorry…" he grinned as he stepped forward then frowned as she looked to be a bit confused.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"Don't you remember me?" Shinji smiled.
Tokio narrowed her eyes a bit as she tried to place the voice and was beginning to lose patience, "SUKI…" she yelled.
"Whoa, whoa calm down it's me, remember we met in the hall at Shinsengumi headquarters…honestly how could you not remember a face like mine?" he joked.
"I wouldn't know I haven't seen it…" She growled, "Where is that girl…SUKI…"
Shinji was totally confused, "What do you mean you haven't seen it…you were standing right in front of me…" he argued.
Tokio sighed as she turned to him, "I'm blind you idiot…SUKI…"
"What?" he whispered.
"Tokio?" Suki arrived a frown on her face, "Who the hell are you…get out of here…" she approached a broom in hand and began whacking the man.
"Wait I can explain…ow…hey…"
"Get out…" she yelled hitting him again.
"Alright, alright I'm leaving…" he growled out grabbing the broom from Suki and throwing it behind him, looking to Tokio he then climbed up the gate again and jumped down on the other side and continued on his way back to headquarters, now deep in thought.
Suki sighed as she looked at the mess, "That idiot destroyed the gazebo…" she frowned, "I'm afraid you won't be having your tea there for awhile…" She then looked to Tokio and asked, "What's wrong?"
"I didn't hear him…how did he get in here?"
"He climbed the gate…Are you alright?" Tokio slowly nodded and entered the house.
That night Tetsu arrived with a small smile on his face, glad to be home and finally sit down and relax for awhile, his smile disappeared when Suki informed the man of the trespass, he went outside to look at the damage and narrowed his eyes, then went in search of his daughter.
Tokio was in her room brushing her hair, thinking to herself that little incident had frightened her it was extremely rare that she'd be surprised like that and it annoyed the hell out of her.
"Tokio?" she heard her father call out to her as he entered her room, "Are you alright?"
"I didn't hear him father…" she whispered.
Tetsu sighed as he helped her up and gave her a hug silently assuring her that everything would be alright he thenpulled her towards the door, "Don't worry I'll find him..." he promised, then chuckled, "I heard Suki became extremely violent…" he smirked when Tokio gave a smile, "Come…have tea with me…I want to know what that captain of yours has been doing." He froze then turned to her, "He has been behaving himself right?"
Tokio chuckled with a smirk of her own, "Of course father…"
A/N I'm sorry suffering from a little writer's block at the moment…I apologize in advance…might take a little time for next chapter…