Okay, time to voice a concern. There really are only two ways Tokio has been taken care of (that I've noticed) death and leaving Saitou. I'm trying desperately for a different angle here. I mean it still falls into one of those categories but it has a twist to it. Hopefully it works out fine. And now, time to share a haiku my brother wrote.

I see yellow snow.

Nature does not create this.

Man gets very bored.

I'm not sure how many syllables the lines are supposed to have to qualify as a haiku, but he did this one for his senior English class and actually got an 'A' because the teacher thought it was funny. And so do I. He's a strange child. Now on with the fic! Enjoy!

Oh and just a little warning. Keep in mind when reading this that this chapter contains six weeks in it. Especially remember that when reading the Saitou/Misao interaction.

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Courting The Weasel

Chapter 4: Tokio's Departure

…………………………….

I lay on my futon the next day, trying to figure out why Saitou had looked at me that way. It then came rushing back to me, "I may not like you wolf, but at least I feel safe here." My eyes grew wide and I felt heat rise to my cheeks. Crap. I had said that to Saitou and I'm sure he would hold it over my head, tease me and make me feel completely humiliated. Nothing terribly new, but still.

Aoshi-sama was true to his word and came to visit, bringing along some books for me to read. To say I was appreciative was an understatement. For a person who likes to be on the go as much as I do, the next few weeks of bed rest would be pure torture if I didn't have a few books to escape into. He really had brought a little of everything. I had some textbooks, some philosophy books, and a few novels. Good old Aoshi-sama. I knew I would eventually need something else to pass the time, but for now this was plenty.

Tokio fluttered in and out of my room, fluffing pillows, bringing tea, asking if I needed anything. The only thing I really needed was to have my futon positioned by the wall so I could lean against it to sit up. With much pulling and crawling on my part, this was finally accomplished. I was worried about Tokio, though. Something was wrong. She was finicky, not the calm woman who had sipped tea at the Aoiya a few years ago. It was almost as if she was trying to keep busy, to keep herself occupied. I wasn't about to pry, but I was curious as hell. Hey, it's my nature! I can't help it!

I finally formally met the boys. Two little mini-Saitou's were ushered into my room by Tokio. "Boys, you should thank Misao-san here. Without her help, who knows what could have happened yesterday."

The oldest stepped forward. "My name is Fujita Tatsumo. I am six and a half."

I giggled. He was just too cute all serious like that. "Nice to meet you, Tatsumo. A big six year old, huh?"

Tatsumo shook his head and his golden eyes glared at me. "I am six and a half."

Wow, this kid was tough. "I do apologize, Tatsumo."

The little one stepped forward next, although he was trying to hide behind Tokio as he did so. "I'm Fujita Tsuyoshi." His whisper was so quiet I had to strain to hear.

"Nice to meet you, Tsuyoshi. And how old are you?"

He displayed a chubby hand, four fingers held up. "This many."

"Four! My, that's quite a bit younger than I thought."

His shyness was fading. "How old did you think I was?"

"Oh, I would have guessed at least seventeen!"

This caused a great bout of giggles from both boys. Shyness just a memory now, they both came over to sit next to me. Tatsumo looked at me intently. "How old are you, Misao-san?"

Tokio scolded. "Tatsumo!"

I waved a hand. "No, it's fine! I asked how old they were, it's only fair. I'm nineteen."

I watched their little eyes grow wide and Tsuyoshi spoke up. "That's old! The only person I know older than that is Otousan. He's thirty-eight! It takes me a long time to count that high."

I laughed. They were just too cute! Too cute! I just wanted to squeeze 'em both! So adorable. "Do you boys know how to make paper cranes?"

Two little heads shook negatively.

"Would you like to learn?"

"Honto? Can you really teach us, Misao-san?" Tsuyoshi practically shook with excitement.

"Of course! Do you have the paper I'll need?"

Tatsumo ran to grab the paper and within minutes, I was keeping little hands busy while Tokio ran a few errands.

………………………..

After becoming bored with the origami, both little boys snuggled up to me while I told them a story. They fell asleep within minutes.

I heard someone enter the front door and tensed. I was in no condition to defend myself or the boys. Finally I heard Saitou's voice. "Tokio? Boys?" Phew! Never knew I'd feel relief to hear the wolf's voice.

I didn't want to wake the boys so I tried for a loud whisper. "Back here, Saitou."

I was sure he'd hear with his excellent hearing. And I was right. He was standing in the door within a few seconds, a slight smile on his face as he looked at his sleeping children. "Where's Tokio?"

"She left to run a few errands."

Saitou came further into the room, looking at the paper cranes scattered on the floor. "Looks like they had a busy day."

"I taught them how to make them. And then they wanted a story and it put them to sleep. Must not have been terribly exciting."

Saitou smirked. "Well if you told it, then of course it wasn't weasel."

And now good mood, gone. How the hell can he be so infuriating? Just a second ago, he was almost cute while he smiled at his kids, asking about their day. I mean he was handsome anyway, but…WAIT! Stop that train right there, Makimachi! What the hell is wrong with me? Really! I need to get a boyfriend or something. The only explanation for this 'Saitou crush' is that I'm oh so lonely when it comes to love. Pathetic.

I merely scowled at him for his comment, not wanting to engage in a verbal war for fear of waking up the boys. I could have gone ahead though, since he leaned down to wake them anyway. "Oi, boys. Wake up."

Tatsumo's eyes fluttered open and he grinned. "Otousan!" He practically launched himself at Saitou, who allowed himself to be knocked over. The ruckus woke up Tsuyoshi, who joined in immediately by jumping on Saitou's stomach.

Amidst the cries of 'Otousan' I heard Saitou 'oof' a few times as the boys got a little rough in their play. Finally he stood up, looking hilarious while Tsuyoshi dangled from his neck and Tatsumo was attached to a leg. I couldn't help the fit of laughter that bubbled out. "How cute!"

Saitou's eyebrow arched. "Cute?"

"Not you, wolf. The boys."

He finally gave me a glare. "Not a word about this to anyone, Itachi. Even Icicle."

I held my hands up in defeat. "I wouldn't dare, Fujita-san. I would never disclose something so private to anyone else." I was a little upset he thought I would.

He nodded once, and left, dragging the leg Tatsumo was clinging to.

……………………..

That evening, I was surprised when Saitou brought me my dinner. "Wow. The wolf's being nice?"

He smirked at me. "Enjoy it, Itachi. It doesn't happen often."

I merely nodded as I took a whiff of the fish.

"Look, I came because I wanted to thank you." He muttered, almost like he was admitting to some terrible crime.

"For what?"

"For calling me Fujita in front of the boys. They don't know the name Saitou and I'd like to keep it that way for their protection. Also, for promising not to say anything about how I am with my children. I don't want others knowing how I am at home. It's private and I'm a very private person."

I nodded. "You're welcome. Although I am a bit upset you actually thought I would tell someone. I'm not like that, Saitou." I frowned at him and he nodded.

"I didn't think you were, but I wanted to be clear about my private life staying just that."

He stood to leave the room. "See you tomorrow, weasel."

"Oyasumi."

I thought over the conversation with Saitou while I ate. Did we really just have a conversation without insulting each other? Didn't we have an argument at some point in there? We had to, it was just the way of the world. The wolf and weasel fought. It was inevitable. I racked my brain, but there was nothing. We called each other 'wolf' or 'weasel', but those weren't really insults anymore. We were too used to them. Damn, we both must either be tired or getting soft. I opted for the former. Makimachi Misao did not go soft! I'm pretty sure Saitou Hajime didn't go soft either.

……………………………..

The next week sped by, surprisingly. It seemed I had a little fan club. The boys were in my room most of the time, asking for stories or wanting to tell me one they had thought of. It was adorable. I was running out of entertainment for them though. I showed them a few tricks with my kunai, but they were a little too intrigued and I thought it best to quit before they decided to try to do it themselves.

I was also realizing I could do different activities with the boys. Tatsumo was a serious child and enjoyed it when I would teach him a few lessons in academics. He was advanced in his schooling and his class just wasn't keeping him interested since it was too easy for him. For a seven year old to learn multiplication and division is impressive.

Tsuyoshi was quite the little entertainer. He and I would make sock puppets and put on puppet shows, usually the plot was all from Tsuyoshi. He was a very creative child. He also loved it if I would tell a story and as I spoke, he would act it out. Every time we played that game I wanted to just pinch his chubby cheeks. He was too freakin' kawaii!

Tokio became even more fidgety and finally I stopped her. "Tokio, what's wrong?"

She seemed surprised by my question. "Whatever makes you think something is wrong?" She tried to laugh it off, but I frowned at her.

"Tokio, I'm a spy and I can spot a lie a mile away. Plus, you've been acting weird lately."

She sighed in defeat and then began to wring her hands. "Oh, if you've noticed then so has Hajime!"

I nodded. "He probably has. Loathe as I am to admit it, he's even better at spotting lies than I am."

Tokio bit her bottom lip. "Remember when I told you Hajime and I agreed to dissolve our union if one of us ever fell in love?"

My stomach flopped. Oh no. Tokio don't do this to Saitou. I know it's a marriage of friendship and convenience, but the boys! He adores them. Don't do this. My litany of protests never spilled forth as I merely nodded for her to continue.

"Well, I have found someone to love. I have fallen in love with the silk merchant in town. Quite by accident really. I help some of the older women in the neighborhood make their kimonos and so I was at his shop often. It started out just small talk since I was a regular. However, the more we conversed the more personal our conversations became and before I knew what was happening…"

She trailed off. She didn't need to say anymore either. I knew exactly what she meant.

"So, are you planning on leaving Saitou?"

I didn't care that I was prying right now. I actually felt bad for Saitou. Irritating or not, I was beginning to learn he wasn't such a bad guy at home.

Tokio took a trembling breath, tears gathering in her eyes. "I feel terrible about this. Hajime doesn't deserve this, but he also deserves to find true love and so do I. I almost wish I had never met the silk merchant, but I did and I wouldn't trade him for anything. I truly do love him. He has asked me to marry him and move back to Aizu with him."

I shook my head, almost whining when I responded. "No, Tokio. What about the boys?"

She bit her bottom lip again. A sob broke out. "They'll come with us. Hajime's job is too demanding for him to look after them alone."

"But, Tokio he adores those boys. I've seen how he is with them, how he looks at them. They're his world!" I felt my own throat tighten. How could she just tear father and sons apart like that! It was selfish! Just plain selfish!

She was sobbing in earnest now, not bothering to hold back. "I know! But he can visit any time he wants and I'll gladly send the boys to him if he wants them to visit here. He's a wonderful father and I would never keep the boys from him."

I was becoming angry. "And that makes up for him not seeing them daily? He gets to see them every now and then and that makes it all better? How could you, Tokio?"

Just then, the front door opened and we heard Saitou call out. "I'm home."

Tokio quickly wiped her face on her sleeve and tried to stop her sobs. But Saitou made it to the door before she could compose herself. "Tokio? What's wrong?"

She began sobbing again. "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry! Hajime, please forgive me!"

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Saitou's POV

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Sobbing women are not my specialty. I have too little patience and no idea what to say to them. I watched Tokio crumple to the floor. Weasel looked like she was trying to hold in a sob herself. She quickly wiped away a few escaped tears, blinking hard to keep the rest at bay. I didn't sigh, but I really did feel like it. A day of dealing with incompetent fool policemen and now blubbering women. Could I not get a break?

"What's going on?"

Tokio took a calming breath. At least I think that's what she was trying to do. It didn't work since she started crying again. My stomach began flopping around. Something wasn't right. I could tell whatever she said, I wasn't going to like it.

"I've fallen in love."

"What?" My voice was a growl. I remembered our promise. However with our sons, I never thought she would allow someone else into her life.

"The silk merchant in town. I didn't mean for it to happen. It just did and he asked me to marry him and accompany him back to Aizu. I've accepted."

I felt my heart stop. Not because Tokio was leaving. Not really anyway. She was my most trusted friend, nothing more. Yes, I would miss her because of that. What made my chest feel like it would explode was the thought of my sons leaving. Most assuredly they would go with her. My job was too demanding and too dangerous.

"When will you be leaving?"

"One month. As far as the boys go, you can visit anytime you like and if you want them sent here for a visit, I won't hesitate to send them."

I nodded. I needed to get out of here. If I didn't, I would hit something. Turning swiftly, I stalked out of the house.

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Misao's POV

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The tension in the Saitou household was palpable after that. The boys knew what was going on and clung to Saitou, wanting to get in as much father/son time as they could. I would often watch them play in the backyard while I got some fresh air. Aoshi-sama would carry me outside when he came to visit and I would ask him to leave me there when he left, needing to soak up as much fresh air as I could.

I always fully intended on crawling back inside at night, but surprisingly Saitou would show up, wordlessly picking me up and setting me back in my futon. It was actually sort of sweet. I came to like the wolf a little more each day. He was still insufferable, but a little less so.

As I watched Saitou wrestle with his kids in the backyard, Tokio came out to sit next to me. I couldn't say I liked her after what she did to Saitou. In my mind it was low and despicable. She broke the silence. I was fully intending to ignore her, but her words shocked me.

"Please look after Hajime."

I turned wide eyes to her. "What?" I heard my voice come out slightly breathless. That one threw me for a loop.

"He has grown fond of you. I think he became interested that night we saw you and Shinomori-san at the restaurant. I noticed him glancing at you throughout the meal. And when you were taken by those thugs, he was angrier than I have ever seen him. These past few weeks, he has taken a liking to you. I notice him pause outside your shoji some days, as if listening to see if you're alright. Please be kind to him."

With that, she went back into the house, leaving me stunned on the porch.

………………………………...

Saitou and I hadn't really talked much since I began staying here. So to say I was surprised when he visited me one night after putting his sons to bed is an understatement.

"Saitou? What are you doing here?"

I put down the book I had been reading as he sat across from me. "I just wanted to talk to someone."

I tilted my head slightly. He just wanted to talk to me? And he was sincere. No trace of laughter or amusement in his eyes. "What did you want to talk about?"

"I don't know really. I just need to talk to someone about something, anything. I don't want to talk to Tokio and the boys are sleeping."

I merely nodded. I was trying to desperately think of something when Saitou spoke. "Did things not work out between you and Shinomori?"

I stiffened. It wasn't really a sore spot, but it did remind me of how utterly loveless my life was. "No. And thanks for bringing that up. I wasn't depressed enough."

Saitou let out a small chuckle. "It was my pleasure."

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Saitou's POV

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Itachi sure has changed. Just a couple short years ago, it would annoy me just to look at her. She's still annoying, but less so. The incessant chatter has calmed and the terrible jokes she would spew forth have stopped. She waits now, bides her time, waiting for the right moment to make her statement. And most of the time it's a witty, razor sharp comment. She's interesting now. A far cry from the scrawny brat that would follow Shinomori around like some lost puppy.

But she's still easy to rile up. That happens to be my favorite hobby, next to slaying evil people, trying to provoke Battousai and smacking around that rooster-headed friend of his.

"So, I haven't noticed Shinomori bring you any Oniwabanshuu business. Stop playing okashira?"

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Misao's POV

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Oh, he had to start being an ass! It's official. Saitou Hajime has some sort of allergy to polite conversation. It's the only explanation. "For your information wolf, I was never playing at being okashira. I WAS okashira."

His eyebrow arched. "Was? Did you give the title back to Icicle?"

"No." I frowned slightly. "I disbanded the organization. We are no longer needed in this new era. It's a time of peace. We weren't needed to assist with police missions once you transferred here from Tokyo. And the others wanted to lead normal lives. I was being selfish keeping the clan together."

Saitou seemed taken aback by my words, wonder seeping into his amber eyes. "Sometimes you amaze me, Itachi. I never expected to hear something like that from you."

"Why not?"

"You were always so damn annoying with your ninja business. You seemed to live to be a ninja. I never thought you would be the one to end the clan."

I smirked at him. "I guess that proves you don't really know me, Saitou. Yes, I lived to be a ninja. But the only thing that came before that was my family. To make them happy, I had to let the Oniwabanshuu die. It was a hard decision, but one that I would make again in a heartbeat. They are all really happy now. All going their own ways in life, building the lives they want to lead. I'm very happy for them."

"What about you, weasel? What do you want from life?"

I blinked. What did I want from life? It was something I hadn't really thought of. "I don't know." I furrowed my brows together. "I haven't really thought about it. I was working as hostess in the Aoiya and I do enjoy it. I suppose that's what I'll do with my life. After all, Aoshi-sama and I are co-owners. We've hired new staff and renovated to keep the new employees from the living quarters. It's a little lonely with just the three of us though."

"Okina is still there?"

"Yes. He helped my grandfather build the Aoiya. Plus, he's too old to build a new life elsewhere."

"Why hasn't he come to visit?"

I choked up a little. "Jiya isn't in the best of health. Just traveling to the market exhausts him."

Saitou nodded and then tried to move into a lighter topic of conversation, much to my relief. "What have you been reading?"

I saw him look at the books curiously. I looked at them myself, wondering what had him so confused. Ah, the books in other languages. I was so used to them it didn't phase me what language I was reading in.

I picked up the philosophy text I had been studying. "I'm reading some of Plato's dialogues. Right now I'm studying 'Euthyphro.' It's about Socrates confronting a lawyer outside of court and learning this lawyer is going to prosecute his own father for murder. Socrates questions if this is a pious act and then they have a discussion about piety and what it actually means. However, the lawyer can only list pious actions, he cannot define piety. Every time he does, Socrates gets him twisted around and disproves his definitions."

Oh, I could babble on forever about philosophy. It was one of my favorite subjects. Saitou scooted closer to look at the characters in the book. "What language is that?"

"It's Latin."

Saitou peered curiously at the book. "You can read that? It makes no sense to me."

I giggled at his expression. He was unguarded, not wearing his normal smirk and I found myself delighting in it. It seems he had relaxed around me considerably. "Yes, I can read many languages. It's all part of my former profession." I gave him a bright smile and he leaned back into his previous position.

I saw his mask slipping back into place and found myself disappointed. I wanted to see him unguarded. I wanted to see the true Saitou. It confused me and scared me. Why was I so interested in Saitou all of a sudden? Before I knew what I was saying I blurted out, "Would you like me to read it to you sometime?"

More surprising than my offer, was his answer. "Sure. Is tomorrow evening okay?"

I nodded silently and he left my room, bidding me goodnight over his shoulder.

…………………………….

The next night, Saitou came to my room once the boys were asleep. I expected him to sit across from me, but he sat next to me, leaning against the wall I was propped against. "Ready when you are, Itachi."

I rolled my eyes. "What no pleasant conversation before we begin?"

He smirked at me. "There is no pleasant conversation with you. All that exists when you speak is nonsense and annoyance. Now read."

I growled, but began reading anyway. Saitou leaned his head back against the wall, eyes closed, legs stretched out in front of him, one ankle crossed over the other. As I read, I noticed him scooting closer, peering at the book and then at me. He seemed genuinely impressed that I could not only decipher the words so quickly but translate them into Japanese as if that's the language I was reading in the first place. As I read deeper into the short text, Saitou would stop me every now and then, either trying to clarify something or debate something with me. It was refreshing to have someone to talk about it with. I had always read these on my own. No one else in the Aoiya enjoyed philosophy like I did. Not to mention, Saitou was close enough I could feel his body heat and smell his scent. A very pleasant sensation. His warmth was welcoming, almost protective and his scent was of outdoors and rain, an intoxicating scent.

After I finished reading and we discussed the subject a bit, Saitou retired to bed after asking to meet again the next night. It appears Saitou and I had found something in common.

……………………….

The end of the month had arrived. Tokio and the boys were packed, the carriage waiting to take them to Aizu. Saitou and I did not have our philosophy readings for the week prior to their departure. Saitou spent those nights in his sons' room. My guess is he was watching them sleep, trying to get a little more time in before they left. I knew he wasn't sleeping. The dark circles under his eyes were a clear indication of his exhaustion.

Tokio and the boys came to say their goodbyes to me. The only ones I really hated to see go were the two little boys. I was still pissed at Tokio for doing this to Saitou. Even more so now that I knew the man a little better. He truly was a good person. After they left, Saitou retreated to his room, not emerging until the following day.

……………………………….

A/N: And now Tokio's gone. Along with the cute little boys, but don't worry! I have plans for Tatsumo and Tsuyoshi to come back later. I hope the whole Saitou/Misao thing isn't rushed. But, it's still only at friendship level here. No romance yet. If it is rushed, let me know. I think I could pull a little backtracking on it. Anyway, neat Tokio tidbit (since the real Tokio is very interesting): she was in the services of a princess named Teru in Aizu before marrying Saitou! Some sort of protector/warrior during an uprising there. There was a whole band of female fighters under the princess's leadership. Alright, that said, please review! Hugs & Kisses!