Sorry about the delay in updating. I took a few college classes this summer and the past two weeks were filled with final papers and tests. Why do they save it all up for the end? And then I just had a plain old case of writer's block. Anyway, hope you enjoy the next installment of…(announcer echoing voice)…Courting the Weaselllll!

Disclaimer: Nah, still don't own it. I can always hope though…

Warning: Language gets a little rough. Strike that. More than a little rough. Saitou's thinking. (grin) Quite a few POV shifts, but it's kind of necessary.

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Courting The Weasel

Chapter 6: Realization and Homecoming

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Saitou's POV

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I woke up slowly, blinking groggily. It wasn't often that I woke feeling so well rested. Usually I jolted awake from a feeling of danger. I didn't have Bakumatsu nightmares like Battousai since I am firmly committed to my code of 'Aku. Soku. Zan.' However, years in the Shinsengumi followed by years of being a top police officer meant danger was a constant companion. It made sleep a rarity and a restful sleep an impossible goal.

But, this morning I feel like I definitely had a good night's sleep. As my mind came into focus I noticed a few things out of place. First, I wasn't in my room. Second, I wasn't in my futon. Third, I still had on part of my uniform. And fourth, I was in someone's lap. Due to the deep breathing behind me, I figured the person was still asleep so I turned over carefully to confirm who I thought it was.

Sure, enough. Weasel. I knew she'd make my life miserable. That damn romance book of hers put me to sleep and now she's making me realize I don't hate her. Damn it, I don't know what I feel anymore. She's not what I expected or remembered her to be. When we were at that stupid restaurant and I saw her with Shinomori, I couldn't believe it was her. The person I was looking at was a gorgeous young lady, not the hyper-active and annoying Itachi. I was easily able to brush it off. Appearances can be deceiving. But then when she started staying here, she started playing havoc on my state of mind. I actually found myself enjoying her company, wanting to be around her, looking forward to our readings at night. It was driving me crazy.

And now, I had a good night's sleep on her lap. As I stared at her, I realize much to my dismay, that she is quite beautiful. Those pouty lips and those enormous green eyes are mesmerizing. The tiny frame makes her seem fragile and precious and her truth and innocence are endearing.

Fuck! What do I feel for the little weasel? Is it lust? There is desire there, but it isn't unbearable. Plus, there is another overriding feeling with Itachi. There's a need to protect her and keep her safe. I also don't want her to leave once she gets better. But she will. Maybe it's a good thing. It will let me get my head back on straight and forget these strange emotions.

I feel a smirk forming as I decide to pretend to sleep until she wakes up. I definitely want to experience her reaction. Turning back over, I closed my eyes waiting for her to stir.

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Misao's POV

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I really don't want to open my eyes. I was having wonderful dreams about being a child again with my fellow Oniwabanshuu playing with me. But I just couldn't make myself go back to sleep. There was a strange weight in my lap that I didn't recognize. I peered down curiously with one eye cracked open and let out a slight, "Eep!"

Saitou was laying on my lap, looking quite comfortable. The baka! Who does he think he is laying on me like that? However, logic kicked in quickly and I remembered I could have woken him last night but I didn't. So, it is kind of my own fault. Sighing I looked down at his peaceful features.

Without thought, my hand slowly inched for his hair, one finger brushing his temple before they all stroked through his black locks. I let out another sigh and whispered to him. "Baka. Things were so much easier when I hated you. I don't know what I feel anymore. It's all so confusing. All I know is I don't hate you and you're actually rather…nice. And of course quite handsome. Stupid Wolfie."

I let my hand slip from his hair and fall to my side. Deciding he couldn't sleep there all day I reached down again to wake him. "Hey, Saitou. You can't sleep on my lap all day, baka!"

I watched him jolt up and I had to rear my head back to avoid a painful head knocking. He looked at me strangely and I tried to break the tense silence with a cheerful smile. "Ohayo, Saitou!"

When he continued to just stare I started to fidget. "Uh, sorry but you looked too peaceful last night so I didn't want to wake you. You've been pretty tired lately and I didn't want you to get too exhausted."

Finally he shook his head slightly and gave me a smirk. "No it's fine, Itachi. Go make me some breakfast, will you?"

My mouth fell in shock. "I can't believe you! The first thing you say to me is 'get me breakfast'? So demanding!"

The smirk deepened. "Actually the first thing I said to you is 'No it's fine, Itachi.' And I did say 'will you'. That makes it a request, really. Not a demand."

I scowled and grit my teeth as I headed into the kitchen anyway. Saitou followed closely and sat at the low table to watch, which I found infuriating. If he was going to be in the kitchen he might as well help.

"Hey, Weasel. Why aren't you as contrary as you used to be?"

Some of my anger dissipated as I considered the abrupt and seemingly random question. I really was less of a loud-mouth nowadays. "Well, I guess it's just because I've grown up a lot in the past few years. Really the last time you and I had much interaction I was sixteen. And then it was during an important mission for you and a trying time in my life, so I guess neither one of us was ourselves then. The same question could be posed to you."

Saitou shrugged. "You didn't really know me. Most people don't. I'm only myself at home. Well, I guess I'm myself in public too, but it's a rougher version."

I nodded absently and turned around to continue chopping vegetables. "Well, if you plan on sitting in here, you could at least chop a few things for me."

I turned a pleading face to him and he glared at me. "Saitou Hajime does not cook."

"Fine, fine. I could start to cook like Kaoru-san. Making inedible food isn't too hard." As I said this, more to myself than him, I saw his face darken out of the corner of my eye.

"Give me something to chop, ahou."

With a clap and a smile I handed him a few vegetables while I got to work on the rice and miso soup.

A few minutes later, I put the food on the table and commented on how perfectly he cut the vegetables.

"I'm a sword master. A knife is basically a miniature sword."

A few minutes later I started to giggle; uncontrollable, girly, embarrassing giggles. Saitou looked at me with a frown. "What's so funny?"

I managed to get my fit under control and answered with a few escaped giggles. "I was just imagining you Gatotsu-ing giant vegetables." And then I erupted into giggles once again. It wasn't that funny in retrospect, but at that moment it was hilarious.

I noticed Saitou fighting down the quirk at the corners of his mouth. "Ahou."

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Saitou's POV

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I'll never get my work done. The damn weasel just had to confess to some sort of feelings for me. Actually all she really said was I was 'nice' and 'quite handsome.' I felt my lips pull into a smirk. So, little Itachi has some desire for the Wolf of Mibu.

What was that she called me again? Wolfie? Hmm. I can't say I don't like it. It actually suits me well. I guess it's only fair that she have some sort of name for me since I dubbed her 'Weasel' at our first meeting.

A sharp knock on my door ended my musings and I almost smiled at the interrupting cop, thankful for the distraction. As much as I was dreading it, Itachi really needed to go home so I could live life normally again.

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Misao's POV

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As I puttered around, cleaning yet again, the old doctor came over to check on my leg. "Ohayo! How are you?" I smiled a bright smile at him.

His eyes crinkled as he replied. "I'm quite well, Makimachi-san. How is the leg feeling?"

I hobbled over to a chair. The limp was still noticeable, but it wasn't so bad and the pain was practically gone. The only thing causing the limp was the still weak muscles in my leg. "It's feeling much better."

As he gingerly poked and prodded and checked the joints, he made a few sounds of approval before smiling widely at me. "I have good news, Makimachi-san! The break is healed and you can go home now."

I clapped my hands and did a little cheer. "Thank you so much! I've missed my family!"

The kind old man chuckled at my enthusiasm and left me with a tea to ease any discomfort and instructions to continue to rest whenever my leg began to feel sore. He volunteered to send word to the Aoiya that I would be ready to go home tomorrow and I eagerly accepted the offer.

After he left, I let the forced smile slip from my features. Sure, I was genuinely happy to be going home. But, I realized I would miss Saitou. It was strange to think about, yet it was true. Damn wolf had grown on me! I began to worry that Saitou wouldn't take care of himself once I had gone. He probably wouldn't eat right. And with no one here to make sure he was coming home and sleeping properly, he would undoubtedly bury himself in tons of work, pushing himself to the point of exhaustion. I sighed and headed to the room I had been staying in to start packing my things.

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I looked up from the book I was reading when Saitou walked in the front door. "Hey, Weasel."

"Hey, Wolfie." My eyes went wide and I froze when what I said registered. I just called him by a freaking endearment I had called him in my head. NNNNOOOOOO!

I noticed him smirk and I headed to the kitchen to heat his dinner, hoping the action would calm the blush I could feel heating my face and stave off any smart remarks he may make. "Why the blush?"

Crap. Of course, why would anything stop the Wolf of Mibu from humiliating someone? It was what he lived for! Maybe the phrase, 'Silence is golden' had merit in this situation. If I didn't open my big mouth, I wouldn't dig myself a deeper hole and Saitou would have no further ammunition to taunt me with. Deciding to keep silent, I merely stirred his dinner, avoiding eye contact. Would he let it go? No such luck.

I heard his footsteps as he neared and felt the blush intensify as he leaned back against the counter next to me, scrutinizing my face. He frowned suddenly and I chanced a glance at him. "Are you afraid of me, Itachi?" Huh? What was he talking about now?

"What? No! Of course I'm not afraid of you. What kind of stupid question is that?"

He smiled slightly after my response, replacing it quickly with a trademark smirk. I finally know the truth behind that smirk now. It wasn't really a tool to infuriate people all the time. A majority of the time, yes. But not all the time. That smirk also served to mask his emotions, to hide what he really felt. It was a protective measure for someone who wasn't able to be himself in public. With that revelation came a surge of sympathy for Saitou. Not pity. I knew he didn't want pity and I certainly wouldn't pity him for a life he chose. But it had to be difficult to have to hide yourself when you were around others.

I went to set his dinner on the table and sat across from him with my book like usual. "So, how was your day?" He would normally grunt in response and then he'd turn to his dinner and I to my book and we'd sit in comfortable silence until he was finished and we'd have our normal reading. Today, he surprised me with his response.

"Tell me, Itachi. Do you really want to know or are you just making small talk?"

I tilted my head curiously. Did I really want to know? I surprised myself when I realized I did indeed want to know. "I want to know."

Saitou nodded once. "I see. Very well. I dealt with idiots who don't know how to do their jobs all day. I filled out a pile of paperwork that was as high as my knee and I interrogated a suspect, which I must admit is the part of my job I enjoy the most."

I closed my book and set it aside, propping my chin in a palm. "You really are a twisted individual, Saitou."

The smirk deepened. "Thank you."

"That wasn't a compliment."

He turned back to his food and I studied him a moment. "Why do you enjoy interrogating?"

"I can use any means necessary to get my answers." The devilish tilt to the smirk caught me off guard and I actually felt a strange heat pool in my belly from it. No, Misao! Bad!

Deciding to keep talking to stop any strange desire for Saitou I asked another question. "Do you really think all your officers are idiots? And if they did a good job, would you even admit it?"

He seemed to think about it for a moment. "I have to admit they are better than they used to be. And I do have a few competent officers that I can trust to get the job done. But most of the people who join the force are just kids who don't have the discipline or respect for authority that they should. And no I wouldn't admit they did a good job because that just grows egos and I won't have that on my force."

I stifled my giggle. "No, wouldn't want anyone to nose in on your 'ego space', would we?"

There was a playful glint in the glare I received and I smirked at him in response, picking up my discarded book to continue reading. I lifted the book higher to hide my growing blush. Dang, why did he have to glare like that? It was sexy and the strange heat was zinging through my belly again. Wait…sexy? Did I just say Saitou was…sexy? I did. The heat receded in my belly and my face as I puzzled over my statement. Of course I found him attractive. I had already admitted that plenty of times, but never had sexy entered the equation.

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Saitou's POV

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I saw Itachi's blush form as she lifted her book higher. I smirked as I went back to eating. I had intentionally smirked and glared suggestively, wanting to see her reactions. She had continued quickly after the smirk, effectively fighting down her blush that was almost non-existent. I had to applaud her for that. The blush from the glare was far more pronounced and the awkwardly raised book was a dead give away.

After a few moments of silence, I noticed the book lower to a more natural position and saw she was twirling a lock of hair as she read, brow furrowing every now and then. She was actually quite pretty like that. I finished eating and watched her for a moment, just watched. She began to chew on her bottom lip and I was spellbound as she let it go, swollen, red and wet. I didn't know she could be so seductive when she wasn't paying attention. I stood and moved over to the wall we always leaned against for our readings. "Well, are you going to continue that damn romance book from last night or not?"

She stood quickly and sat next to me, arms brushing slightly as she did. She frowned as she glanced at me. "This will be our last reading."

What? My stomach started doing odd flips as I looked at her. I knew what was coming next and found myself wishing she wouldn't say it.

"The doctor said my leg is healed and I can go home. He sent word to the Aoiya and they'll be coming to take me home tomorrow."

My stomach clenched and I nodded silently. All right, time to make a response. "Finally. Now I can get back to my life and not have to take care of you." Even I can admit that was one of my more pathetic attempts. The truth was she had taken care of me since Tokio left. I just didn't have it in me to come up with anything better.

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Misao's POV

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I smiled at Saitou's attempt at a response. It was apparent he wasn't really looking forward to me leaving. It warmed me and I began our reading. I noticed he was getting closer and closer slowly. We were already sitting close together, but he didn't stop until we were practically pressed together. A large hand pressed the book down into my lap and I looked up in surprise. "Saitou?"

He was frowning slightly, staring at me intently. With his glowing amber eyes he really did resemble a wolf at that moment. Without thought, "Wolfie?" slipped through my lips and his eyes narrowed fractionally before his lips softly swept over mine.

It was so much more gentle than I ever thought Saitou could be and I felt my eyes drift close in response. The barely touching sweep grew to a chaste press of lips and when I felt his tongue against my bottom lip I granted him entrance. I felt his arms wrap around my waist as the kiss continued and I moved my hands up to tangle in his hair. As I tentatively brushed my tongue against his, he gave a slight start and drew back. With a murmured apology he left the house, leaving me in a dazed state.

I brought a trembling hand to my lips and I felt a silly smile spread across my face. That kiss was amazing and unlike any of the ones I had shared with Aoshi-sama. Those had been awkward and uncomfortable. This one had caused me to feel that increasingly familiar heat in my belly and I'm sure if I had been standing my knees would have given out. My lips tingled and I wanted nothing more at that moment than to feel his lips on mine again. He tasted slightly of smoke and instead of disgusting I found it comforting, something that was undeniably Saitou.

I looked toward the door, the silly smile becoming a fond one. I couldn't fault him for leaving. He was probably just as confused as I was about what we felt, maybe even more so. He was still technically married, his wife had just recently left, and he had children to consider. Sighing, I headed for my room. He probably wouldn't want me up when he came home and quite frankly, I didn't want any words to spoil what we had shared.

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Saitou's POV

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Damn it! Damn! Damn! DAMN! SHIT! FUCK! My mind continued to scream out every expletive I knew. I normally wasn't one for coarse language, but Itachi had my mind in turmoil. Why was I all over her like that? What was so special about the little weasel that had broken my restraint? I frowned as I continued to stalk through the streets of Kyoto, wishing someone would start trouble so I could beat them to a pulp. Fighting would be immensely helpful right now.

Of course, on this night no one was out causing trouble. Morons. The peaceful night left me with nothing to occupy my mind but thoughts of Weasel. Misao. It felt weird to even think her name. I had never called her 'Misao' before. The one question that had circulated through my mind lately was what did I feel for her? I can feel a headache coming on. Great. Just what I need to improve my already fantastic mood.

I made my way to the river and just stared at the water, as if the ripples would give some sort of answer to my dilemma. With a growl I plunked down on a bench and lit a cigarette. Gods, I needed that right now. I looked at the glowing end and realized that since Tokio left and while Misao and I had been alone, I didn't smoke at home. I still smoked at the station, I smoked on the way home, but never when I was around Misao. It wasn't some sort of consideration for her. I just never felt the urge to have one.

I stayed at the station later than I used to, but I left home later than I used to also. Was that significant in some way? After thinking for a minute, I came to the conclusion that it was. I rose later to have breakfast with Misao, though we usually had a fight in the mornings. But far from being unpleasant, the fights actually were amusing to me and made me that much more fond of the little weasel. Tokio had never argued with me, being the calm and acquiescing wife. Misao was a spitfire and it ignited something within me to know she spoke her mind and would never be fully tamed.

I used to come home early so I could have dinner with my sons. And though Misao and I never ate dinner together, it was always waiting for me and Misao would jump up to heat it without a second thought. She would sit there reading, just a presence to keep me company and it was nice. The silence was always a comfortable one. I had to admit she was also a wonderful cook, probably better than Tokio who I had always imagined had no equal in culinary skills.

The readings we had at night were soothing. Her voice was pleasant and would erase much of the strain that accumulated during the day. She was much more intelligent than I had originally thought her to be and it still amazed me when she would easily read and interpret another language.

My mind next wandered to the few physical moments we had. The embrace during dinner, just after Tokio had left. I had allowed her to hug me. Not only that, I had returned the gesture. It was very unlike me and I wondered what I was thinking, but I didn't want to let go. She was just so comfortable and warm and calming. Her scent of flowers was intoxicating and I could have stayed in that embrace for the entire night. Then when I had sat close to her during our readings. I could never stop myself from scooting closer. Her warmth was addictive. I wanted to feel it again and again. And that night when we fell asleep together. I obviously trusted her enough to be unguarded and allow myself to sleep. And sleep deeply. I hadn't been that content in a long time, at least twenty years. And this kiss just now. I don't know what possessed me to kiss her, but after seeing her bottom lip after she chewed on it, I couldn't tear my eyes away from it. That little tongue came out to wet her lips as she read and that was it. I couldn't stop myself. She tasted wonderful, a clean taste with a trace of mint. Luckily her tongue jerked me back to reality. She was only nineteen, half my age. She was innocent and carefree while I was battle-hardened and jaded. Yet she was mature beyond her years and somehow we got along well. Sure we argued, but there was never any real venom in the scuffle. Frustration and aggravation, yes. But we were never truly angry with each other.

I sighed as I continued to stare at the water. My eyes widened as I realized that with all of those things I just listed, Misao had me acting completely unlike myself. And I can't say I wasn't happy with it. I had freely made my decisions without her prodding me to make them. I wanted to act the way I did, however odd it was for me. I smirked. It was almost as if she was somehow taming me without me noticing. No one had managed that before.

I felt a deep chuckle rumbling up through my chest. I couldn't stop it from spilling forth as the truth struck me suddenly and I whispered. "Holy shit! The Wolf of Mibu has fallen in love with a weasel."

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Misao's POV

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I sat in my room at the Aoiya, truly happy to be home. But, I kinda missed Saitou. He wouldn't have been home right now, but I would have been surrounded by his things, his scent, his essence. Corny, I know. But I couldn't help it. I was used to him by now and I was missing him.

I had been asleep when he returned the previous night and he was gone by the time I woke up. I truthfully don't know whether he had even come home. I assume he did but I guess he could have just as easily stayed at the station.

Aoshi-sama had shown up just after lunch to help me back home. I was glad it was a little later in the day. That gave me time to take care of Saitou just once more, even though I wouldn't be there that night. I prepared him a quick dinner and a note.

Wolfie,

Just wanted to thank you for letting me stay here. It was very kind of you. I never meant any of the mean things I said to you in the beginning…well maybe some of them. But I actually grew pretty fond of you after a while. I'll miss our readings. It was fun to have someone to talk about philosophy with or read with. Sorry about 'Romeo & Juliet'. I just couldn't help myself! There's dinner on the stove. Thank you again. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'll actually miss you. Don't worry about what happened. I don't regret it and you shouldn't either. Sometimes things happen, Saitou. See you around!

-Makimachi Misao

My stomach clenched as I remembered the note. I meant every word of it. I really was going to miss him and I didn't regret that kiss at all. The memory of it still caused that silly smile to creep across my face. I could feel it starting when Jiya burst into my room.

"CIAO! MY PRETTY MISAO!" He may have been in poor health, but that bear hug still had its old crushing strength in it. And his lungs were obviously in perfect working order.

As I was dropped unceremoniously from the embrace I coughed to catch my lost breath. "Geez, Jiya! Did you have to make me deaf AND knock the wind out of me?"

The old man laughed heartily and slapped me on the back a few times. "I missed you my dear! It has been six long weeks without your pretty face to entice new customers!"

I smiled as I shook my head at him. "Seriously, Jiya. I doubt you lost any business without me around."

He chuckled and turned serious. "Actually Misao, there's something Aoshi and I would like to discuss with you."

"What is it, Jiya?" He never took that tone unless it was very serious and I was slightly worried as Aoshi-sama came in wearing the same expression.

We all got situated and Aoshi-sama started. "Misao, we understand that Saitou's wife left him while you were still there."

I remained silent. What were they getting at? Oh. Oh for the love of… Aoshi-sama continued. "Why did she leave him, Misao?"

Well, that wasn't exactly the question I was expecting. "It isn't my place to say. If you need to know, ask Saitou. If he wishes, he'll tell you."

He and Jiya shared a quick look and got back to questioning me. Jiya was the one to speak next. "We just want to make sure he was a gentleman."

I smiled at them. "Saitou is an honorable man. You don't have to worry."

With a smile Jiya squeezed my hand before he turned playful. "So, what is he like out of the public eye?"

I laughed at him. "Oh, Jiya! I'm not telling you that. It's not my place to say anything."

Jiya looked at me shocked. "You're not telling your old Jiya?"

I smiled and shook my head. "Sorry."

He and Aoshi-sama shared a look and a smile. Aoshi-sama leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. "Is that what you wanted to hear, Saitou?"

I saw two beautiful amber eyes behind the four locks of hair I had started to find adorable. I felt my breath catch as a devilish smirk was sent my way.

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A/N: Oh yes, dear readers. The chase is on. Wheeee! I was struggling with this and it took me a week to get to four pages and then it took off for some reason and in two hours I had 12 pages. Hmmm. So anyway, review please! They're an author's best friend. And I don't think I've said it, but a huge THANK YOU to those who have reviewed so far. (Goes gangsta) Much love to my peeps! Ahem. Anyway, Hugs & Kisses!