A/N: Heeeey there, how've you been? All well? Great! Don't kill me. Enjoy!
Historical facts:
1) Matsudaira Teru or Teruhime was the adoptive sister of Matsudaira Katamori. She was an amazing lady overall, most important was the fact she fought in the siege of the Aizuwakamatsu castle, leading the women and children who fought the Imperial loyalists as they tried to take over said castle. She wasn't married for several years because they feared Toshihime (Matsudaira's wife) would she'd die young, but after she did, she was divorced. Theories abound but one of them is because her husband was sickly (he too died at a relatively young age).
Tokio was said to be her lady in waiting; she acted as a sponsor between Tokio and Saitou's wedding (while Katamori was said to be a secret sponsor).
2) Takagi Kojuuro was Tokio's father.
As you may later notice, I made Teruhime and not Toshihime be sort of sickly, but that's only because I took a liberty and I couldn't include Toshihime in here, too, sorry. But for now, simply enjoy the new chapter my lovelies!
Timeline: late April - early May 1863
A fine lady...
...and her duty.
My dearest daughter,
On this day that my brush slides upon this piece of paper, you turn seventeen years old. It was on this blessed day your mother brought you into this world, our first child and the first girl in the line of three daughters. I still remember when I held you for the first time; you looked at me with those beautiful eyes and smiled…and then immediately cried, for my own smile was nearly as graceful as yours.
My sweet, kind Tokio, these three years you have been away from the house you were born and raised in, your absence was made painfully obvious to everyone. Your sisters missed their mischief leader; your mother lost her confidant; and I lost my precious jewel. How I wish to see you again…!
Of course, as you might have noticed, nothing but a letter arrived to you, wishing you a happy birthday. No my dear, I did not grow cheap in your absence; nor did I neglect to write this letter earlier, or failed to send it early so it would reach you in the right time. Instead, the wish to see you again was too great for such a long time now…that I decided to bring your present and my letter with me. I'm afraid I played a little trick on you! So if you look up and out of your window right now, you will no doubt see me there, waiting for you.
My most kind wishes,
Your beloved father.
Tokio had all but discarded the letter on her small table before finishing the last paragraph, head snapping up exactly where her father told her; with anticipation, her eyes scanned every inch of the garden they could see while her heart swelled…it took no longer than five seconds to find her father's figure smack in the middle of the well-trimmed bushes and trees outside. He was standing next to a grinning Matsudaira – who of course knew of this and told her nothing – and his eyes fell upon her with the most sincere affection.
If happiness was reason to faint, she was sure she was about to!
"Father!" she breathlessly exclaimed and pushed off the ground, helped by her hands on the table in no time! She had never moved so fast in her entire life but there she was, running in the corridors, looking for the shortest way out! For the Matsudaira compound was unlike Sa-chan's and they didn't have a door to the balcony in private quarters and guest rooms—or close to them, so she had to search for the right room to exit from. She found it two corridors after and unsurprisingly, it was in the "medical" room.
She slid the door open without any regard to grace or propriety – knocking it on the wood, which was always deemed disrespectful – and actually ran to the two men! She crashed into the man's open arms and stayed there as he gave her an enveloping hug.
"My dear Tokio! I have missed you so much…"
"Father…! I am so happy to see you again. Words cannot properly express how much I have missed you—all of you."
They finally let go of one another. "I do wish mother was here with you or either of my two sisters, but I do know they are not fit for travel due to their illness."
"I would hate to think I was not enough for a surprise visit."
"Of course not father, how can you say that?" She turned to the Aizu-han. "My lord, I am indebted to you; first you allow me in your house and now this. It is too much for someone like me, I must thank you from the bottom of my heart once more."
"Ah, see, Kojuuro? Your offspring knows how to properly convey thanks, unlike her father."
"I conveyed my thanks countless times, my friend; are those not enough?"
"I never said you didn't do it; I simply implied you don't know how to do it."
A short laugh was shared between the two men; Tokio was not alarmed to the lord's comments for these two always communicated in this sort of manner. What with her father being twelve years older than the Aizu-han, knowing him when he was still a child, they had a different sort of relationship than the rest of his retainers.
"So where is my present, father?" she asked, looking around him curiously. "I should think your arrival would be it, but you clearly stated it is something else."
"Ah yes, indeed." He spared her a smile. "The way you look about, you remind me of your younger years, always searching for something." She felt heat rise to her cheeks and straightened. "But I do have it with me. Let's just say your present is not material…" he added, seeing her curious expression.
But that sounded a little suspicious to her; a bad feeling nestled in her heart, giving it a light squeeze. And yet, she smiled, her good mood at seeing her father dominating. "No matter what it is I am sure I'll love it. Now Matsudaira-sama, father, please allow me go change and wash; I shall come meet you once I'm ready. I'm sure you have many things to discuss in my absence."
"Indeed!" Kojuuro gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head. "Go dear, we shall send for you."
"Yes father; Matsudaira-sama."
She bowed and was about to take her leave when commotion was heard at the gate. Everyone turned to the sound; "It's Teruhime-sama," the lookout shouted "she came back from her trip!"
This day was getting better and better! First her father, now her lady! Tokio exercised a lot of self-control not to run to the carriage and generally not to move before Matsudaira-sama himself; after all, Teruhime-sama was his sister, she was simply her lady-in-waiting. Restraining herself, she followed the Aizu-han and her father to the carriage and its procession of two horses and riders at the front and two horses with their riders at the back, as it came to a stop.
One of the two men sitting behind the reins – probably taking turns driving it, seeing she had made quite the journey – stood first and opened the door of the lady; the riders dismounted, bowing to the Aizu-han. He gave a small nod of recognition for a job well done and waited…fabric finally appeared and the proud figure of Teruhime came out. Even with all that fabric, it was easy to see she was both beautiful yet extremely thin, with slightly sunken cheeks and delicate wrists. Still, her eyes were sharp and as observant as ever. The moment she set foot on the ground she took a deep bow, hands covered by her sleeves per custom.
"My honoured brother; how delightful to see you again."
"Sister; I am glad to see you arrived safely."
"Thank you. And I see we have a guest! Kojuuro-san, what a pleasant surprise to see you here. Are you visiting your daughter?"
"Indeed I am, my lady. After all, it's barely been a week since my dear's birthday. Turned seventeen, she did; a proper lady now."
"Of course; I am sorry to say I have missed it myself…you don't hold it against me Tokio-chan, do you?"
"Of course not my lady; I know you had many things to do in Edo. Testament to that is your prolonged absence. You left before March arrived, but you returned when April is nearly gone. I do hope all is in order?"
"Haha, my dear Tokio, always worrying about others…! Seventeen, eh? What an interesting age." Her sharp eyes flew from man to man, as if trying to discern something; she must have seen what she wanted though, because finally she looked away and there was something guarded in her body language suddenly. "Why don't we go freshen up, Tokio-chan? You will excuse us ladies, yes? I should like to give you your gift, too! It is the most wonderful shawl and I know how much you love them."
She linked her hand with the girl and Tokio immediately caught it.
"Of course! In fact, we had just excused Tokio when you arrived but of course she had to come see you."
"Always looking out for her lady, what a good girl. She deserves only the best; and the best is not always what men think is best," she cryptically said to no one in particular as they moved away, yet both men looked dissatisfied as the two ladies walked away.
Tokio missed none of it; she looked over her shoulder to see the men whisper something between themselves; she heard her lady sigh disappointed, squeezing her hand. And that bad feeling in her chest now took wings and flew to her throat, rendering her unable to even so much as ask anything, fearing the answer she would receive. And Teruhime-sama seemed to know what the problem was, yet still she wouldn't ask. So she lowered her head and pushed on, aiming to change her clothes after her bath, hoping that would also change the mood.
And for today, to honour her father, she would wear the purple kimono with the impressive patterns of flowers her father had bought her a year ago. She had barley ever wore it, it was too impressive for everyday life. But now it was perfect.
.
Saitou was in a foul mood all day.
Discounting Hijikata, who had been giving him a hard time for more than a month – ever since he heard him being rude to hime-sama to be exact – and Okita's insatiable whining notwithstanding, he hadn't been able to train at all. So one stress relief was immediately taken off the table and he was left with a bunch of nerves. Then the source of his constant irritation – Hijikata-san – came and told him a big time guest arrived in the Matsudaira compound and from tomorrow on they were to patrol the area around it…but he was not included in the roster!
When he asked why, he was dismissed without an explanation.
Huffing, he decided to visit those damn hot springs; maybe they would clear his head. Without a single lady in sight to fall victim to any ridiculous plot, he was certain the night would go favourably. He'd get in the water and relax in no time. So he asked for permission from Kondou-san to leave the premises; when he was allowed, he walked to the Matsudaira compound to find the women in charge of the baths so they could note his presence; once that was finished, he'd head to the hot springs.
But the women were in a disarray, paying him no heed. "You wanna go, boy? Go, don't bother us!" they had told him in his face and then ran off to some errand. He grew even more irritated; so all this walk was for nothing? His eyebrow twitched.
Still, it must have been quite the guest that came to have them in such a state! Suddenly he was curious. When a servant passed by him, he caught the man's wrist. "Who is it that arrived?"
"The honoured lady Teruhime-sama came back from her trip to Edo just today, coinciding with the visit of Matsudaira-sama's long-time friend Takagi Kojuuro-sama."
"I see. Thank you."
He took his leave then, feet carrying him away. Teruhime-sama he knew of; she was the Aizu-han's adoptive sister. Kojuuro he didn't, but he was without a doubt Tokio's father. And he was visiting. Huh; maybe the talks of them being such good friends weren't exaggerated…ah, hell; this was why he was excluded! Hijikata didn't want him around, thinking he could act rudely again and invoke her father's wrath. Of course he wouldn't; he wasn't an idiot. But at least now he knew why.
Maybe this detour wasn't such a waste! His nerves were already settling a little.
But as he exited the compound and started making his way to the hot springs, he saw a flash of purple. He stopped walking. He looked to the left then to the right but nothing jumped out at him. Was he imagining things? He waited for a little longer. Deciding he probably saw some after-light, he pressed on.
Turns out, the visit to the hot springs was exactly what he needed! It cleared his mind, washed his body, and lifted that odd weight off of his shoulders. Of course then he had to withstand Okita and Harada's whining about how he didn't tell them to go with. When he reminded them they had their heart set on Shimabara, they ignored him, claiming they'd be more than willing to alter their plans.
"You wanted to run into Tokio all by yourself, that's what this is!"
Saitou felt his eye twitch again. "Harada, you must have said the most ridiculous thing you could come up with."
"Tokio-chan wouldn't go to the hot springs so late at night on her own anymore, Harada-san; not after what happened at Kobe."
He made a face regardless.
"Besides, her father came to visit; you think she'd have any time for that?"
"All I know is lately it's only you who had to do with Tokio-chan; Nagakura said you were arguing that day, Nagakura said you were the one on patrol when the intruder came and Okita said you were the one who protected her and her friend at the hot springs. I'm getting jealous."
He clicked his tongue. "Want Hijikata treating you the same way he treats me? Because that's all I got in return! Don't be quick to feel slighted."
"I would bear a hundred hours of torture by Hijikata—!"
"Ah, and I was just about to come find you."
Their commander's voice put all three on edge as they turned around to face him. He had that arrogant smirk plastered on his face, proof he must have heard at least a part of their conversation. They all bowed, he waved them off.
"Saitou, as of now you are part of the patrol, too."
Yes!
"Why the change, if I may ask?"
He sighed displeased. "Apparently Matsudaira-sama likes you; when I told him he didn't see you on the patrol because you weren't assigned a spot, he actually protested." A pause. "I guess for every bit of my discontent you have the lord's favour to counter it."
Okay, that was just mean of him! The last bit was only added so that Harada could complain to him some more once he had left. With a crooked little smirk, Hijikata left them alone. Okita burst out laughing at the look on Saitou's face as the never-ending tirade of Harada's sour rumblings began.
.
They had given him the night shift, with Okita and Takeda; he wasn't fond of the last one to say the least, but at least the man knew his own capabilities – or lack thereof – and stood to the side while the other two put in all the work. Takeda's strong suit was his quick wit…and teaching tactics, but that wasn't needed here. The only reason he ever entered the Roshigumi was his shameless buttering up their leader, Kondou. The same reason he was assigned this post, this shift, with the two most skilled swordsmen…so his lacklustre skills wouldn't be needed.
How pathetic.
He was also under the impression he was gunning for this spot in an effort to get Okita alone; it wasn't a secret, the man's tendencies. He was never seen with women, never entered any of the famous establishments of Shimabara with the impressive geisha if Kondou or Hijikata weren't there. Of course Saitou wasn't one to judge…but Okita didn't share that tendency. He was obviously interested in women. So what business does Takeda have trying to make a move on him?
Ridiculous.
At least he knew Okita could cut him into ribbons if he tried anything; that put him at ease. Yet, the man's insistence on chatting Okita up did nothing to help with his mood or their mission—they were supposed to be quiet.
"Oi, keep a sharp eye; a big party of important people are heading this way."
He didn't know how long Takagi Kojuuro would be staying, but it was a given that the first week there would be banquets held for his honour at the Matsudaira compound, as well as for Teruhime-sama. And of course, the Aizu-han would receive only the finest of people in his home. As such, he knew the people currently approaching them, a dozen of well-dressed men and half a dozen of well dressed women, accompanied by some guards, were important anyway.
He gave a nod to Okita, who immediately ditched Takeda and made a short perimeter check, deploying his famous speed; he himself made sure no one dared to make any surprise attacks, eyes peeled on the bushes and narrow street that met this one. As such, his eyes didn't linger on the people too much, so he almost missed it:
Tokio's face could be seen amongst the guests!
He had looked away, at first not realising what could have been wrong – thinking about Tokio and the Matsudaira compound at the same time was normal – but then he remembered she lived there. She had no business leaving! Was she up to her old tricks? He looked back as soon as he made the connection, eyes searching…but he didn't catch anything. Then a streak of white and blue flashed at his right and he immediately snapped his head in that direction!
But he saw nothing else.
He could swear he saw her though…she could be hiding. There were lots of bushes and trees, it wasn't impossible. So he approached the bush closest to where he watched that streak disappear and put his hand in it!
He came up empty.
Okita came back that exact second, followed by a breathless Takeda. "Saitou-san, what is it?" Okita's hand went to his hilt, angling himself immediately. "A threat?"
"No…I thought I saw…never mind."
If he told anyone he thought he saw her but she wasn't really there, he'd never hear the end of it! Having Harada constantly accuse him of trying to steal all the pretty women, from all places of Japan, was enough. He didn't need anyone implying he was thinking about her so much he started seeing her, Okita of all people, too. Because he didn't, really. He only thought about her when others would bring her up, but that was entirely normal; never had he, on his own, actively tried to do so. He had no reason to. And it wasn't his fault everyone kept bringing her up every other minute…
"What, what Saitou-san? You wouldn't do something like this without reason!"
"I know Okita; I thought there was a reason. But this is one of those too rare occasions I was wrong."
The man snorted his laughter. "Too rare, huh?"
"Why, have I ever been wrong as long as you know me?"
"Um…only all the time!"
And that was how the fight began; didn't last too long, but long enough for anyone hiding to feel safe and maybe try make a move to go…but no, nothing happened. After he was sure Tokio wasn't there, even this poor way he chose, he finally allowed everyone to move on, wrapping up the fight. It was deemed he was always right, after all.
.
Yesterday night was a close call! It definitely made her think twice about this night, but desire won out in the end and there she was, preparing to go out at night again after all the guests left. This once she was smart though; she decided to wear an impressive yet mostly black and indigo kimono with magenta patters. The darker the colours, the more difficult they would be to be spotted in the middle of the night.
Who put Saitou and Okita on night watch anyway? Those people were impossible to escape on their own; to combine them was simply crazy! She was fortunate she was so short and knew how this man operated so she practically folded herself into a ball and waited it out until she could no longer hear them. Not to mention Saitou didn't say anything about her to anyone – why, was beyond her –. Eh, come to think of it, considering their mission was to stop anyone from entering the compound, the combination was ideal…but it allowed too little wiggle room for her! She only hoped tonight would be as fortunate. And the night after that; and so on so forth…
.
.
"I knew it."
He had watched her jump the fence, burrow beneath the second and dust off her hands as she stood and then moved after deciding on her destination; now he got to watch her freeze, as his voice rang loud and clear in the stillness of the night. "You're sneaking out after hours."
He barely heard her timid, almost whispered "n-no…" It had to do with the fact he was standing five paces behind her, too and neither did anything to cover the distance; she kept absolutely still, as if he'd forget about her if she didn't move, and he just stood there, hands crossed in front of his chest, staring at her back disapprovingly.
"Right; you're heading into town to light any lamps that might have been blown off by the wind." She said nothing. He sighed. "You almost fell victim to a kidnapping not two months ago; you were chased by bandits; you randomly ran into men in the worst possible times; yet you still wish to sneak out at night, unattended and unprotected?"
She kept quiet, but his words made her flinch, hug herself. "Why? Don't you see the bans set in place are for your own good?" she still wouldn't speak a single word nor turn around to face him. "You've been doing this for the entire week, haven't you? While we were patrolling, too."
She nodded no; a moment passed and she nodded yes. This sigh was far heavier than whatever he had ever produced, hands on his middle now. "Why are you being so reckless?" And yet, no answer. Time to bring out the big guns. "Tokio," he spoke her name imperatively "why are you doing this? You know this isn't right for a lady like you. Tokio, look at me. I said look at-…me."
He wasn't prepared for what followed.
Only her head turned, looking back at him over her shoulder…as streams of silent tears ran down her entire face.
His throat went dry.
What was going on? He was sure he didn't push her that hard. Yet there she was, lip trembling, eyes leaking and her face had the saddest expression he had ever seen her wear. And he could do nothing about it; he simply observed her from afar, oddly calm, like she was some peculiar creature he saw for the first time…because there were many emotions he had associated with her, but this wasn't one of them. He felt awkward and helpless, as she kept looking at him, and her tears wouldn't stop; he really didn't know what to do.
They stared at one another for a long moment…the way the light caught the wetness of her face made for a terrible yet beautiful picture; the tragic, fleeting smile amidst the pain. And then she turned back, hiding her face in her hands. Did she stop crying? No, she just did it in the privacy of her fingers.
Damn it.
That's when he decided it was high time he did something, anything, to soothe her, because whatever it was he felt, it made his stomach swirl in the worst way possible and he couldn't stand that nauseous sensation any longer. Just as he was about to move though, he heard her voice, small and tentative.
"Do you know why my farther is here?"
He could hear the sniffles and the effort to maintain a semblance of pride but she had finally taken her face out of her hands. She didn't turn to him again though.
"No; I assumed he wanted to visit his daughter and his friend."
"…he came for my birthday. It was on the fifteenth—the day before your demonstration."
He had no idea but "good to know."
She nodded. "He came to visit for he missed me he'd said…and to deliver my birthday present, but said it wasn't material, no; it was an announcement." How she could speak while crying yet still sound intelligible he'd never understand. "An announcement I've been preparing for yet somehow I was still unprepared to hear."
A deep, calming breath.
"Father announced I am to be married."
Ah, there it was; her voice broke. Her head lowered in that trademark way of hers while her hands now rubbed at her eyes, hoping to wipe some of the moisture away. "I am to wed a man from Aizu that I have never met before and hadn't even heard his name until a week ago!"
Decorum long forgotten, she trembled and shook and knelt to the ground in a heap of fabrics and tears. She sat on her shins as she tried to find her balance, maybe stop the crying, or at least find her breath again.
"H…how can I get married to a man I don't even know? How can I spend the rest of my life with a stranger?" Her voice was small again, almost fearful. "But…but that's what I have to do, I know; because I'm a fine lady and fine ladies don't get to choose these things. They spend their lives dependent on men, unable to do anything for themselves. And yet I know I'm being unfair because the men I have been dependent upon so far have been excellent and I owe my father so much for allowing me this freedom; and Matsudaira-sama for helping me, caring for me…so I know, if I want to honour them, I must go through with this."
She stopped crying then, hands finally succeeding in wiping away the wetness.
"And he may be a wonderful man, who knows? Not me. And still I won't protest even if I don't want to marry anyone; even if I wish to stay here in Kyoto and finish my studies; become a doctor; remain a lady-in-waiting for Teruhime-sama…" She sniffed and all the sadness came back; she expected it this once so she covered her face before the tears fell. "I'm, I'm so sorry, I'm showing you such a shameful thing. I'm so inappropriate…but…but if I'm inappropriate anyway then I want to admit I am greedy and I just wanted to take in as much as possible from this amazing place. I wish to see it in the dark; I want to see more and more of it before I have to g-go back to Aizu…to perform my duty to my family…"
His silence made her nervous. "I wish to do enjoy my last days as a free woman. So please. Even if it's inappropriate, please pretend you never saw me—none of the previous times as well as this one. I beg of you."
He sighed; she jumped! She hadn't heard him come so close, she thought he was still five paces away. Suddenly she was even more on edge.
"You know I can't do that." she felt her heart sink to the pits of her stomach. "I can't let you go gallivanting off in the middle of the night, unattended…which is why I'll be coming with you." She looked up at him startled; there was something so unguarded in her way, he had to look away. "But you have to promise this stops tonight. No more after-midnight excursions."
"I promise! I, I definitely promise!"
"Good. Now clean up your face and get up."
She rubbed her cheeks and eyes sore, proceeded to wipe her hands on her kimono. "Th-thank you."
"Don't; I'm already regretting this." A deep sigh as he helped her on her feet. "Where to, hime-sama?"
"I used to go to the temple but now I feel like walking around town a bit."
"Perfect; so anyone could catch a glimpse of you and, or grab you at any given time."
She tried to give him "the look" but what with her red-rimmed, puffy eyes, it didn't work. Fine, change of plans. "Actually, there's a river I meant to visit…it's said to fulfil wishes ardently given."
"Do you know where it is?"
"Yes."
"Then lead the way."
She started walking, head lowered; her heart was doing such irregular things, she didn't know what was happening. One moment it beat too fast, then it stopped then it started again overtime. It had to do with the fact she was sad then embarrassed and then simply overwhelmed when he didn't turn her around. She looked up at him…but he wasn't there. He was five paces behind again. "Hajime?"
"I can't walk next to you, you know that."
"Oh…"
She felt a little lonely.
.
She had never expected the scenery to be so beautiful. The city of Kyoto as a backdrop, the river bank was surrounded by lush green bushes and trees in full bloom. The way the moon reflected on the surface brought something out of fairy tales in the moment; the magic of the moonlight bathing everything in sight, making it all the more special, breathing life in the air.
She simply stood and watched for a long time.
Slowly raising her arm, her hand peeked out of her sleeve. She let it bask in the moonlight, eager to share the magic of the moment any way possible. She drew a deep breath. Oh how she wished she'd stay like this forever: happy, unbound, and touched by the mystical. She bent her knees, sitting on her tip toes. She had no idea how to do this properly, but she felt the closer to the water she was, the better her wish would be heard by the gods residing in its core. Bringing her palms together, she closed her eyes. She dared not speak out loud though, fearing human practices would ruin the magic. She only had to say it in her mind, scream it, yell it as loud as she could!
Let me be like this forever; let me be happy; let me be unbound; let me be me; let me be me; let me be me; let me be me.
"Tokio." She felt a hand on her chest, respectfully pushing her back.
She opened her eyes lazily, like dragging herself out of a dream. She saw Saitou's hand steadying her; even so, she was too close to the water and a small pinch of fear seized her.
"Oh!" She fell back! "Th-thank you for catching me; I didn't realise I was…"
Falling; she was about to, if he hadn't stopped her. He fixed her with a strict look but she shook her head 'no' frantically; it was shameful to know what he was thinking when that was that she attempted to take her own life. "I'd never, honestly…"
He left her side only when he was convinced she was being honest, meaning only after she took steps back and away from the bank. She was dissatisfied by their distance again though, so she purposefully moved next to him, on his left, leaving no room for him even to draw his sword.
They stood there, watching the river.
"Do you think it will work?"
He spared her a look. "Do you?"
She sighed. "I know it's childish, an immature concept…but you must understand, yes? You, I assume, married out of love, if you're married at such a young age…so you must understand how unfair it feels to be made to marry a person you don't even know."
His throat dried for the second time that night; her plight resonated with him so deeply…because he knew. He did understand. He knew exactly what she was going through because he went through it himself. And when she looked up at him so hopeful, no, desperate for someone to relate with her, he couldn't lie.
He just couldn't.
"I did not marry out of love." He looked away because her surprise felt nearly hurtful. "I…was coerced into it. Eh, to be fair, neither party wanted this marriage; she too was pressured to do it. "
"…how?"
"Indiscretions," was all he said. "She, uh, had her eye on a certain man; and what Yaso wanted, she got. But that left her family with a problem and now her honour needed to be restored. I on the other hand…did something I shouldn't have and still regret to this day, but it forced me to flee my home and enter the Roshigumi; the Roshigumi needed backing from her father; and the rest is history."
She was staring at him at a loss for words; this was worse than what she will be going through! At least she knew her father only wanted what's best for her—these people only cared for their personal interest. "That's appalling."
"That's life."
"At least she understands…"
He snorted derisively. "She only understands her own personal interest. When I heard she didn't want the marriage either, much like you, I hoped. But no; turns out she doesn't even want to talk to me, throws fits left and right and hates how she had to reduce herself to marrying someone she'd normally scorn." He rolled his eyes. "I think she completely hated me when I dared say that makes two of us." She dared laugh only when he smirked himself. "Should have seen her face; redder than yours for a moment."
"Stop…!" The aforementioned shades of scarlet made their appearance; and then silence. "I am deeply sorry. I had no idea."
"That's because I don't tell people."
"Then I thank you for trusting me with these information."
"Don't flatter yourself; you're not people."
"And what am I?"
"…a necessary evil."
She made a face then and he could lastly say everything was back to normal. A comfortable silence spread around them, enveloping the moment, the night, the fairy lights…They spent another minute or so like that, watching the flow of the water; the blossoms on the trees; listening to the sounds of the night.
It was beautiful. It was peaceful. It was brief.
"Time to head back, hime-sama."
He patted her back twice – slapped her more like it, so much she jolted forward – and left her side. She pursed her lips. "You don't have to throw me in the river yourself…"
"I didn't hit you that hard."
"It was fortunate I wasn't closer to the edge…"
"You're exaggerating. Come now, walk on; I have to follow you, remember?"
"You can walk beside me, Haijme; whose eyes would catch us at this time of night?"
"You never know; besides, if I were to walk next to you, it would look suspicious. Don't forget, you're engaged now. You have to protect your reputation."
"Proper Haijme, always so mindful…!"
"One of us has to be."
"Hey, I heard that!"
.
"Any survival tips you can offer me?"
"Certainly: stop leaving the safety of your home in the middle of the night. Always take a guard with you wherever you go and never, under any circumstances, go to a hot spring with a friend."
She chuckled. "I meant about surviving an unwanted marriage."
"My predicament isn't the same as yours. When the man is indifferent and ignores the bride, it's no big deal. But if the man wants to be married to the woman…he won't be ignored. But you already knew that."
Of course she did, she simply hoped he wouldn't verify it, but no such luck; her eyes slid to the wall of the Matsudaira compound, pouty. "I could always offer you a knife; that would work."
"Hajime! I won't kill my future husband."
He shrugged. "Then I'm all but spent. Have to figure it out on your own…or ask Sa-chan, she seems to be in the same situation. Wait, no; don't ask her. Don't ask Sakura about anything, ever." He'd hate to see the effect she'd have on her; no, no, she was too innocent to be advised by her, no way. What was he thinking even speaking it out loud? "Ever."
Tokio simply giggled. "I see." Suddenly, a bow. "Thank you for tonight. It meant more to me than you could ever imagine." He gave a little nod of appreciation. "I hope I see you again."
"With my kind of luck, definitely." She was displeased. "Now go inside; won't leave until I see you enter the mansion."
"I'm going, I'm going…!"
She burrowed underneath the first fence, jumped over the second and hurried to the balcony door; he recognised it as the room he was treated in. Hm, interesting to know it was the weak spot of the security; if anyone was watching, they'd know how to bypass the defences. He'd make sure to tell the lord so that room was better protected.
After seeing she was safely in, he took the way back to the Yagi compound. It was a long way home, but he didn't mind; after all that happened tonight, he needed the time to sort everything out in his head. Up to this point in his life, he had never really considered women as…people. They were always this other entity, made for men's inconvenience, whether one loved them or not. Surely, they led miserable lives, too; he would never claim otherwise. Thinking back on it, maybe it wasn't women but rich women he considered a bother, especially those who came from noble blood of some sort, never realising they too had their own hopes and dreams. Nor that he would ever be able to relate to one so directly.
He shook his head; being a doctor, earning an honest living…those should not be unattainable for anyone, woman, man, social status and background be damned! That was one of the reasons he was where he was to begin with; he wanted to carve out a future that people could be able to do as they pleased, without it having repercussions on their family or their own reputation. No matter where you came from or why, so long as your intentions were honest and you tried to do good, you should be able to do it, chase after your desire.
Desire.
Saitou loved that word…but it seemed he was the only one. It held so many negative connotations in this god forsaken place after all, nigh inseparable from "sins" of the flesh. But that wasn't right, nor fair. Desire was a fine word; it expressed an innate need to do something, stronger than a simple want, more realistic than just a wish. Desire drove people, urged them to act. Even if the results weren't always positive, at least it was better than inaction.
Yet sometimes action was ill advised, much like Tokio's case. If she so much as tried to run away, she would fall into hard times, lose her title, shame her family and drive away everyone who knew and cared for her. Just because she didn't want to marry a stranger. He wouldn't blame her if she did for he knew the difficult times that awaited her; but she didn't. And yet, he himself stood tall at the face of a similar prospect, so he also understood why she chose to endure this life.
It was so complicated, yet so simple at the same time, all of it.
He sighed. Yet by the time he reached his bedroom – his was a broad term, seeing he shared the room with a dozen of people – he had made up his mind: there was a fine lady he didn't mind spending time with, a rich woman whose company felt familiar, not because she was all that, but despite.
And that was perfectly alright.
.
"So you are the man I have heard so much about."
Takagi Kojuuro was standing in front of Saitou, hands behind his back, studying the taller man as he took a short bow. They were standing in the middle of the secondary entertainment room, reserved for guests of lower standing that the usual person to enter the Matsudaira compound, and Saitou certainly qualified as that. The Aizu-han himself stood only breaths away from both men, face the perfect picture of relaxation.
"I have to say, as far as first impressions go, you do not disappoint."
He bowed respectfully again, as Matsudaira patted his back.
Despite the pillows and the table being right there, no man was yet seated; this was going to be a short visit.
"A man of few words, I see; I am glad." Kojuuro cleared his throat. "I would like to ask you for a service. You see, my daughter will be getting married in a short time from now…but we haven't decided yet if we should send her to the groom before the wedding, or have him come here. Of course, should the second happen, then that's fine. But if the first is decided, I would like you to be the head of her escort unit."
"I would be honoured, my lord."
"See? I told you he wouldn't say no."
"I'd never turn down such an offer, at least not if I could help it. Hijikata-san is the one who decides our posts, but I know he wouldn't deny you anything my lords."
"Indeed! Well then it's settled; should Tokio be taken to Aizu, you shall be the head of her guard."
As if on cue, the shadow of a woman appeared behind the shoji door and sure enough, it was none other than her that drew the door open, all dressed up and blushing. "Father, Matsudaira-sama…Saitou-san!"
He was the tallest one in the room; how could she have missed him? She mentally berated herself and tried to make her exit. She didn't know why Saitou was here but she didn't have to intrude now; she'd know later. But her plans were cut short when her father said gently, "Tokio dear, come back here."
She did it readily. "I just talked to this man and he accepted, should you be taken to Aizu after all, to escort you there." She looked at all of them surprised; Matsudaira smiled. "This doesn't bother you, yes?"
"Not at all; I would be delighted to have a familiar face in the entourage, especially one so gifted in combat." They bowed to one another at that. "I'd feel safer, too."
"Then I am satisfied."
"Me too. Well, Saitou-san, we no longer need to keep you! Tokio, would you be kind enough to show him out?"
"Of course, my lord. Father," she saluted as she stood by the door and waited for Saitou to expend with the formalities. Once they were alone, she smiled. "New post, is it? Are you to act as my personal guard from now on?"
He snorted. "As if I don't have better things to do other than babysit you."
"But you just said yes!"
"Why would I say no? Your mildly-important father in the presence of the very-important Matsudaira Katamori asked me to do something for him. Besides, do you really think they'll allow you to go there?" She gave him a look. "The groom comes to the bride before the wedding; and if it's dangerous to travel, there's no way anyone would rather put the woman at risk. How much more one like you."
"One like me?"
"Yes, likely to fall victim to a kidnap attempt." She made a face. "So now it's official, huh? The wedding I mean." She seemed confused. "Once a third party such as me is told, it becomes official."
"Ah. Then yes, it is. Even if you knew it for two days already." She giggled then, a completely random thought popping up. "I guess you're allowed to visit Shimabara now."
"I wasn't aware I wasn't before."
She pursed her lips, all lady-like. "You know what I mean…!"
"I'm still married though."
"Yes, but…you know…"
He shook his head. "I could be married to an oni and still it would have made no difference to me."
"Really?" He nodded. "How…admirable."
"I took a vow; I am a man of my word. I just hope she isn't a woman of her word."
She put her hand in front of her mouth to cover her small laugh. "I can imagine."
"So when's the wedding?"
She sighed. "We are thinking about having the ceremony at the end of August…I'm doing my best to come up with reasons to postpone it, but nothing is good enough so far; but my lady does her best to help me through this!"
"Teruhime-sama?"
She nodded excitedly! "She is very fond of me; thinks I should be allowed to pursue my chosen profession but she's been outvoted. She had an unfortunate marriage herself and knows what it feels like. She knew my father had decided on a suitor and came back from her trip to Edo just to be here for me." A sad smile escaped her. "She is the kindest and most fearsome woman I have ever met. I only wish I can be as amazing as her…"
"You admire her."
"Yes; when I arrived here to become a doctor, I had no idea of her condition…but now that I do, I want to become a doctor all the more! I want to stay by her side and tend to her at all times. I wanted to make a living as a doctor independently, too, but now…" She sighed the rest away.
"Now you're to be married."
"Yes."
They reached the main entrance and they both came to a stop. "Think positively: maybe he decides he doesn't want your hand after all."
She chuckled. "I wish." She took a furtive glance around and after making sure they were alone, she smiled. "Goodbye Hajime."
"Tokio."
A/N: Isn't it quite ironic it took such a huge thing to make them act nice to each other? Honestly now, those two. Poor Tokio, too; but it was about time her father thought of her future. Explanations on why will come later on, don't fret.
Please leave a review on your way out!
Kisses,
FAI.