Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Zero. Zilch. Squat. I do own one one thing though. My cardboard box. (pats box lovingly)

Chapter Two: Morning of the Ichimuras

"Taaatsu!" Tetsu whined as he reluctantly followed his older brother through the busy markets. "Why did I have to come with you?"

The redhead kicked at the pebbles in his path with great annoyance, wishing he was doing something else, like sparring with Shinpachi, or one of the other Shinsengumi members in their training halls.

It was something he wasn't allowed to do, considering he was supposed to be Hijikata's page and nothing else, but some of the guys--namely the Comedian trio--took pity on him, and invited him to spar. His pride wasn't wounded--he had joined the Shinsengumi to become stronger. How could he become stronger if he couldn't practise swordsmanship with those who were the best at it?

Tetsu glanced at his brother, who was ignoring his question, and busy conversing with an old vendor over the price of radishes.

Obviously he doesn't want me sparring, he thought grumpily. Maybe that's why he dragged me here with him.

He tugged at the faded green of the man's yukata. "Taaatsu! Listen to me! I said, why did I have to come? I want to go back now ok! I'm going!"

Tatsu clutched at his spiky brown locks in exasperation, and grabbed Tetsu by the wrist, giving him a strict warning glance. He had decided this morning that taking his hyperactive younger brother grocery shopping with him would be a good way to keep him out of trouble. However, it seemed that Tetsu was only adding to his headache.

The headache he caused! the Shinsengumi bookkepper thought to himself irritably as he put a small box of vegetables into Tetsu's arms, remembering the night before when Tetsu had repeatedly fallen out of his cupboard to squash him several times during the night.

"We're nearly finished," he muttered through clenched teeth, willing himself to be patient as he turned back to the vendor, a hard feat considering how sleep deprived he felt. "I just need to buy some tofu, and then we'll head back."

Tetsu sighed as he peered into the box, his face dropping in boredom.

He followed his brother to the tofu stall, and face faulted when he saw the queue. Oh man! This is gonna take ages! the fifteen year old thought in dismay, gazing up his serious looking brother, wondering how he managed to look so calm all the time.

Sighing, he put down the box, which was making his arms tired, when suddenly an idea came to him. A mischievous grin on his face, he reached down, grabbed some of the vegies, and began juggling them. A few little children watched him, giggling and clapping as they clung to their mother's kimonos.

Tetsu's grin widened, finally he was having some fun!

"TETSUNOSUKE ICHIMURA!"

Tatsu looked like his eyes were going to bug out of his sockets as he turned and glowered at his brother with an expression that could have turned him to stone. Tetsu very quickly and meekly put the vegetables back in their box as he reluctantly lifted it up again.

"Can't you stay still for one minute! Those are for eating, not for playing! How many times do I have to tell you!" Tatsu's voice was shrill, he was obviously not having an enjoyable morning. The women around them sympathised with the poor teenager, who clearly suffered the same plight as them, having to constantly deal with a trouble making child. The men just shook their heads, muttering about interrupted public peace.

"Alright, Tatsu..." the redhead muttered, face reddening as he wished his brother would lower his voice a little.

"Eating not playing, damn it, Tetsu!"

"Fine," started Tetsu, looking annoyed as he shifted the box in his arms, "Can I eat one then?"

Tatsu stared at him.

"You just had breakfast," he replied, very very slowly as though he was going to implode at any moment. "Can you just keep still until I get the tofu? Is that too much to ask for?"

Tetsu was about to argue that it wasn't his fault he didn't enjoy grocery shopping as much as his brother did, when he spied a familiar figure on the other side of the street.

Is that... His eyes shone with relief. It is! Yes! Now I can escape from Tatsu-nii!

"Okita-san!" the teen exclaimed, waving his arms excitedly. "Okita-san, it's me, Tetsu!"

Fast as lightning he deposited the box into poor Tatsu's arms, before running across to meet the beaming First Unit Captain.

"Hi Tetsu-kun!" Souji greeted cheerfully, his long hair flowing behind him in the breeze. "You're up earlier than usual, aren't you?"

"Tell me about it!" grumbled Tetsu. "My brother woke me up and forced me to go grocery shopping with him." He jabbed a finger in said brother's direction, who was scowling at him.

Tetsu sighed, edging closer to his Shinsengumi friend. "Can I come with you instead?" He looked hopeful. "Pleeaaase?"

Souji glanced at the long suffering Tatsu, and laughed. "Your brother doesn't look happy." He waved. "Hi!"

Tatsu bowed his head, one hand held in front of his face in apology. "I'm sorry he is disturbing you!" he exclaimed wearily.

Souji waved his comment away. There's no need for you to apologise!" His violet eyes sparkled merrily. "Tetsu-kun can come with me if he wants!"

"Alright!" exclaimed Tetsu, punching a fist in the air.

Tatsu wilted.

"Don't worry!" Souji gave him a glowing smile. "I'll be sure to look after him for you."

I have a bad feeling about this, thought Tatsu as he clutched the vegetable box and watched the two disappear round the corner.