A/N: Hello lovely people! Back again for my weekly update. Thank you all for your love to this story, it means the world to me. Please let me know if/when anything doesn't meet your expectations, it's good to have some perspective, otherwise I'm just going on and on, on my own. Wouldn't wanna bore you dears.
That being said…hope you enjoy the latest shenanigans!
Historical facts:
1. On the 25th of May he starts his position as a group leader within the Shinsegumi.
2. On the 2nd of June, Hajime Saitou was indeed sent to apprehend a runaway member of the Roshigumi in Osaka. He captured him on the 3rd. they were to return by boat and Saitou got a really bad stomach-ache so they reached land. But there they encountered some other roshi (meaning wandering samurai) and a local wrestler, thus confused fighting ensued.
It must have been hilarious, god. Wish I was there.
3. The funerary rituals and customs I researched thoroughly so I believe they are mostly accurate. I'm sorry if they aren't.
Timeline: end of May – early June, 1863.
A fine lady…
…and last-moment conversations.
The day before Eguchi Asahi's funeral, Tokio finally emerged from her room. Escorted by two of Matsudaira's most trusted guards, she jumped in the palanquin and headed for the Yagi residence, otherwise known as the quarters of the Roshigumi men. It was relatively early for a formal visit, but she didn't consider any of that, as she appeared at their threshold with every formality.
Naturally, the lady of the house accepted her with honours and no sign of displeasure; after all, so many people stayed over there, there was no way she'd not be presentable. The only reason she hadn't sent a letter to announce her visit beforehand was because she herself decided on this that same morning. Once she told Matsudaira and her father of her plans, they readily accepted her proposal and gave her the guards. What she wanted was simple and she had convinced both men she was the most suitable person to deliver the offer.
Once the formalities were over with, she respectfully asked the older woman to be escorted to the men's part of the house, for the real reason for her visit lay there. Despite protests of how a lady like her should not visit men's rooms, she reminded her kindly she was escorted by guards thus nothing could happen, as well as she was certain Hijikata-sama must have reserved a room to accept his guests.
That was indeed the case, and the woman guided her to the relatively large room the third in command reserved for such occasions. He was actually there, studying some letters; that was how they found out the room doubled as his personal office.
"Tokio-san, what a surprise to see you here."
"Hijikata-sama," they bowed to each other "I can assure you my visit brings no bad news, do not be alarmed. What I have to say though should be heard by three of your men also."
"Shall I guess the names myself?" She chuckled. "I have a feeling I could, actually; the three names that always crop up every time you or the lord is involved." Her guilty smile was all he needed. "Oojiro-kun, please call Saitou, Okita and Nagakura here; tell them we have a guest. And tell them to be quick about it."
The young servant immediately obeyed the man's order, hurrying to fetch the Roshigumi members…who of course already knew all about their guest, even who that guest was. She was glimpsed by one of the men when lady Yagi received her so of course news of her arrival spread like wildfire. Had Hijikata not been holed up in his office, he too would know. And once Oojiro-kun informed the three they were needed, men piled one on top of the other in hopes to see the lady as she passed by their room once she left or maybe if she decided to take a walk about the premises.
She wasn't all that famous in general, but Harada's praises and Okita's kind words, complimented by Nagakura's silent nods had them all curious to lay eyes on this peculiar creature…how much more, after they heard of Saitou's odd treatment of her.
"You're so lucky," Harada complained yet again, amidst everyone else.
"Not our fault," Okita teased "but certainly our privilege!"
"Don't encourage him," Saitou groaned as he removed his training clothes, changing them for the more formal ones.
"But it's the truth, Saitou-san~."
Harada snorted. "Tch! Wait till you come back; I'll end you."
"You better train hard in our absence then because I'll hold you to that."
The man's eyes widened; Saitou honestly hadn't meant to make it sound like a threat, but Harada took it like that anyway, swallowing hard and immediately turning about to go practise his kata, as his self-preservation instinct kicked in. The three exchanged smiles or smirks and finally, they were free to get ready at their own pace.
"Nagakura-san, Saitou-san, Okita-san." Tokio bowed deeply, urging the rest to follow her example. "Now that all four of you are here, I can explain the reason of my visit. You see, Matsudaira-sama, my esteemed father and most of all I, are indebted to you for all that you did for us this entire past week. Your efforts were decisive in finding out exactly what happened to my late fiancé, and without you, I fear we'd still be looking. Allow us to express our gratitude by inviting you, and of course your leaders Kondou-sama and Kamo-sama, to Asahi-san's wake tonight and his funeral service tomorrow."
Hijikata listened well, surprise hidden, but there all the same. "We'd be honoured, my lady," was all he said. Maybe it wasn't such a bad thing she grew so close to his men after all; they could get something out of it.
"It was our duty," Nagakura all but murmured as he bowed so deeply, his glasses nearly fell from his face.
"Aw, don't mention it! We'd be happy to find any dead fiancé of yours again, Tokio-chan."
Okita received a well-aimed – and earned – karate chop on the top of his head by Saitou, effectively curving Hijikata's seething anger; Tokio tried not to laugh. "What he means is, we are very sorry for your loss, but if need be, we shall readily help you again."
"Exactly," Hijikata ascertained, a pointed glare thrown at Okita, who regretted absolutely nothing "no matter what, please ask us."
She tried to hide her mirth but it was a lost cause; Hijikata was yet again surprised. This woman had shut herself in her room for four days out of grief and yet, her eyes weren't puffy; there were no black circles underneath her eyes, no sign of excessive crying. If anything she looked…refreshed. Rested. And just now, she almost smiled at such a disrespectful thing. He could be imagining it, but he doubted he made all of it up, too many clues for that. He tried to turn off his brain, thinking it was none of his business, but he couldn't.
He was troubled.
"Please be informed my fiancé's parents will also be present," she spared a knowing look for Okita who had just made that comment "so act accordingly, yes?"
"Of course, Tokio-chan!"
"No calling her Tokio-chan then, yes?"
Surprisingly, it was Saitou who admonished him yet again, even as Hijikata was about to do the same; it was strange, too because there was an edge to his voice that had never been there before. Usually, he'd take pleasure in his friend's antics but it didn't look like it now...Hijikata noticed that, too but decided to brush it aside.
"I'd appreciate it if, for the duration of their visit, you refrained from calling me that, Okita-san; I do not mind, but I think it sounds disrespectful to Eguchi-san's memory."
"Aw, of course, I'm sorry Tokio-chan—Tokio-san."
She smiled good-naturedly, showing she suffered no insult. "And now, I think I should take my leave. Thank you very much gentlemen."
"Tokio-san," they saluted altogether as she left.
.
.
The wake and service was held with the appropriate piety and respect from the parents of the late almost husband, her father, Matsudaira-sama, even Teruhime-sama. Tokio herself was a picture perfect grieving bride: head lowered, eyes adequately downcast, her voice was small when rarely heard, if at all, per proper custom. She had no black kimono to wear to the funeral, so she opted for the darkest she could find—it was beautiful but she feared it was too flashy for this.
After the rites were respectfully given, the cremation followed; when someone offered her a pair of metal picks to sort out the bones from the ashes, she was momentarily terrified! She thought she had done something to offend the family, somehow they found out she didn't want to marry their son. But as she accepted, she looked over at her father and then the Aizu-han and they had both looked so proud, she figured it was a good thing. It was only until later that she was informed only relatives can pick the bones from the ashes to put them in the urn and that, in fact, Asahi's mother had paid her the ultimate compliment, implying she was already family, despite never marrying her son.
The guilt was overwhelming; it was a good thing they'd be leaving immediately, to put their son in the family grave. When she was offered a place there, in case she never got to marry again or died abruptly, she tried very hard not to look as appalled as she felt; no matter one's grief, you simply do not say that to a person! What if she was for some reason in love with him? It would sound like they were urging her to take her own life…how ridiculous.
She'd only tell Teruhime-sama; no reason to upset anyone now that the union was never going to happen and those grief-stricken but tactless people would not be her in-laws.
Then again, for the past twenty minutes Teruhime-sama did nothing but walk amongst the guests and talk to them, so telling her was out of the question this particular moment. What was exceedingly worrisome though was how her ladyship was standing between two very particular men from the Roshigumi. She had figured out Tokio was sneaking out to meet someone—and her intuition and radar were so spot on, she zeroed in on Saitou and Okita on her own. That night that Teruhime-sama arranged the meeting at night, Tokio hadn't asked her to. She simply'd done it on her own and then proceeded to tell Tokio:
"Oh, I ran into those two men from Roshigumi; told them you wanted to see them but no decent lady would ever go out after midnight, so you're at a complete loss of what to do." She smirked. "Now one of them will have to come meet you, yes?"
The look she had given her lady was scolding. "Teruhime-sama, why would you do that?" she had complained.
"Because I know you're dying for some news my dear but they told me nothing but general things and besides…I thought it'd be exciting for you! I'll have Ochako keep watch—you'll be fine! Just go."
She'd shakem her head amused as she said: "My lady, you're a bad influence."
"Then my duty is fulfilled."
Thankfully, she still didn't seem to know which one was the man who gave her the pin for sure, but she had a feeling that was about to change; they had been talking an awfully long time after all.
"Doesn't Tokio-chan look very pretty today?" she asked it a little cheery, earning a raised eyebrow from Saitou but a semi-excited nodding barrage from Okita, who was dying to express some sort of positive emotion. For some reason, Teruhime-sama looked pleased. "Despite the fact this is a funeral…" she added only as an afterthought.
"Tokio-chan is always pretty," Okita countered after a moment "she looked very beautiful when she came over yesterday and asked us to attend the wake and the funeral, too. What do you think Saitou-san?"
Childish Okita, Saitou thought wearily. The only reason he didn't scold him for calling her Tokio-chan was only because it was Teruhime-sama he said it to and up till now he had been calling her as he should. "I haven't seen her all day today, I wouldn't know."
"She's right over there."
They both turned to look at wherever the lady was discreetly pointing at with her eyes and head; Tokio was standing five metres to their right, head almost permanently inclined by receiving condolences from everyone attending, in never ending succession. Come to think of it, they still haven't done that. They should really get to—…it.
Saitou stopped and stared for a second.
He wasn't lying when he had said he didn't get to see her at all, because if he had…well, he'd have seen her wear it before now and would have prepared himself.
It was only a second but somehow he knew Teruhime was always watching. He also knew he should have kept his cool better than this but he was just too surprised; and pleased. He couldn't help the small smirk that came to his face immediately, no matter how much he fought against it. Because that feeling of something going unaddressed finally disappeared and something much different replaced it: acceptance; the rush of a secret shared…and of course pride. Pride in his ability to know how to pick the right thing, even if he wasn't much of a gift giver. His judgement was excellent.
"Aw, she really looks beautiful; black and purple suit her!"
"Indeed," Teruhime agreed, ever watchful…
She was looking between the two of them constantly, as if trying to figure something out. Saitou had noticed but well, what could he really do about it? Only keep a straight face but that was out of the question now; he was doing his best to wipe that damn smirk off his face yet the efforts proved fruitless for every time he managed to be serious he'd turn to look at her again and smirk all over.
But when she asked, supposedly casual, "see that hairpin she's wearing?" he knew he was in trouble. Teruhime knew about that pin; the pin he bought her on a whim, as an inside joke; that same pin she now wore in her almost-husband's funeral.
"Ah yes; it looks impressive from here but I don't think I can see more of it."
Teruhime gave Okita a look. "It's a very special hairpin, too…"
"Hmmm, how so?"
Teruhime gave him a second look as she replied "it was given to her as a wedding gift."
"Oh, how nice of her to wear it at his funeral, since he'll never get to see it; Tokio-chan is so thoughtful."
"Indeed she is; though, to my understanding, she wore it because she liked it, but had nowhere to wear it before this." She leaned in close. "I think she was saving it for her wedding night."
Okita blushed a hundred shades. "That's inappropriate, Teruhime-sama…!"
She covered her mouth with a long sleeve and effectively covered her giggle. "Is it now? Do forgive me then…"
Despite her acting coy and offering innuendo, Teruhime was in reality shocked, but finally able to tell she was mistaken in her assessment: This Okita person reacted in a way that was expected from anyone who didn't know the pin's significance; yet Saitou kept tactfully quiet, forcing his face into a straight line, avoiding to implicate himself in this conversation.
Her eyes shone with understanding; Saitou picked up on it. "I forgot to ask; what are your first names, if I may?"
"Souji my lady!"
And now he was certain; ugh, if only he didn't have to answer. "…Haijme."
The smile was too much for her to resist; Hajime, meaning first or…one. Like the kanji Tokio mentioned signed at the bottom of the Spartan letter that was sent to her along with the gift. And Saitou could surely be labelled as a man of few words…or taciturn, if one was being rude; and he was so serious, too—barely ever smiled. She heard he was very headstrong and proper, too, certainly not one you'd pick for such affairs, on the complete opposite of Okita, who was the first person that would come to your mind. Yet once more, it was proven to her that she was wrong to judge a book by its cover.
She turned to him. "Hajime is a nice name; first child?"
"…first son; a sister preceded me."
"I see…Hajime-san, Souji-san, a pleasure," she bowed her head a little and they followed her example.
But Saitou had to speak with her alone, see how much she really knew about this. "Okita, go offer your condolences with Nagakura; he's been circling forever but he'll never do it alone."
"Aw, you're right; excuse me Teruhime-sama, have to go help our shy friend!"
He was gone in an instant; so easily distracted that man…which was good, given the current situation. "You're a smart man Saitou-san; also heard you are actually married."
"…I am, your ladyship."
She tried to remain as serious as she could, because giggling at a funeral would be unacceptable. "No wonder you made such a fitting gift then."
"My lady, I have no—"
"She tells me everything, Saitou-san. Although she refrained from revealing the identity of the sender, I am no simpleton, I can put two and two together. Besides, as I told her, too, the sender could only be a man if she refrained from revealing said identity."
He bit his tongue and looked away; she gave a smile.
"This is not a warning." His eyes snapped back to her. "I sincerely do not mind you did that; if I did, I wouldn't have delivered her message for her. If anything, I appreciate it. She needs the distraction—and that hairpin."
"Given where we are today, I think the hairpin is no longer needed."
But the way she shook her head, took him by surprise. "Do not be naïve; just because one suitor died, you think there aren't ten to take his place?" Hell. He hadn't thought of that. "Once the proper mourning period is over, she is getting engaged again. I heard them say it just last night."
Aw shit; and she had looked so carefree yesterday. This was going to hurt. "Does she know?"
"Of course not; they didn't inform her of the marriage before it was finalised, you think they'd tell her this? She could assume, but no, she hasn't been explicitly told."
"But you're telling me…and not her…" Teruhime nodded. "Am I to assume your ladyship wishes me to deliver the bad news instead?" Her guilt was apparent; he sighed. "You should really not enforce this bad behaviour of hers my lady."
"Begging your pardon?"
"You are smart; you know I cannot casually talk to her outside of formal or accidental meetings and telling her now is out of the question. I cannot run into her anywhere and I have no reason to simply visit the Matsudaira compound…so you're asking me to come by late again, and have her leave her room."
Once more, guilt mixed with pride showed on the woman's face; once more, he sighed. "My lady, something bad could eventually happen to her; and then there are the guards and the fact we might be seen by virtually anyone else…it isn't proper."
"Aw, come now Saitou-san, do not deny me this service. After all, if it's from you, I think she'll take the news better. I'll be able to comfort her better, too."
"I shall not deny you the service but I do urge you to not to encourage her anymore, turning a blind eye to it, included."
"My, my, you're indeed as proper as the rumours say…I find it too difficult to imagine how you ended up giving her that gift."
He felt shame rise to his cheeks. "That was for her own protection."
"I see. How considerate then."
Looking back on it, he wasn't being entirely honest; that day, he simply felt like buying it for her. She had looked too miserable walking away. It was very nice, too, it would suit her—purple suited her well. So it was impulsive and shopping gifts for an unrelated woman was very out of character for him, but he wanted to give it to her; he wanted to give her at least one thing to smile about.
So the next day he went back to the shop and asked for it. The pin was right there, it was very nice; but then his mind went back to that conversation they had; he remembered how there were hairpins that could be turned into weapons. He asked if they had something like that. When the woman serving him responded with nothing but an almost feral grin, and assured him they had one that was very similar to the purple pin he was only just looking at, he knew he had to get it; it was too good a chance to pass it up.
He tried to suppress the memory.
"Tis a shame you are married though." His look was quizzical. "Wonder what you'd do if you weren't…"
"A cheer." Crap, he said it out loud; he could tell by Teruhime-sama's suggestive look. "If you'll excuse me now, my lady, I have to offer my condolences, too."
He dug himself out of the hole he dug himself into and skilfully avoided the questions that instantly gathered in her mind by walking towards Tokio. He hadn't talked to her all day – he hadn't seen her till five minutes ago even – and it was about time; he had to set up a meeting, too, per Teruhime's request, as if he hadn't anything better to do. But now he was bound to it.
He went to the back of the relatively short line and he must have been the very last person, seeing no one came behind him. He kept glancing back; Okita winked and smiled, which meant he carried out his mission successfully, while Nagakura offered him a watery smile, corroborating their friend's enthusiasm.
At least one good thing happened today.
Finally his turn came and he bowed deeply in front of Tokio...and the parents of the late groom. Damn.
"I'm very sorry for your loss."
"You are one of the men who found him…and brought the ring back to us! Saitou-san, yes?"
"…yes, my lady."
Her voice was breaking and tears pooled in her eyes in an instant. "Thank you so much…thank you…"
"Thank you very much," the father repeated it and they bowed together with his wife; Tokio followed their example.
"No such displays are needed my lords; it was my duty."
But if their son was as well-mannered as his parents, maybe Tokio missed out on a very bearable wedding. He only hoped the next man her father would pick, would be just as much, if not more.
"Tokio-sama, my condolences to you, too." He simply nodded this once. "I have seen the effects the developments have had on you."
"Tokio-chan has been an angel," the mother rushed to assure "she is so kind and understanding; I wish we were allowed to be mother and daughter…"
"She would be ideal, indeed," the father agreed "alas, now we are one son less instead of one child more."
"I'm deeply sorry for your loss, again."
"Thank you, Saitou-san."
"Ah, father!"
Saitou turned around to see Tokio's father approaching; he repeated the whole process with him, too but the older man easily dismissed him, focusing on the bereaved. He explained how they needed to arrange a few things about registries, the urn and the grave; but before they left, he had to speak with Saitou.
"Please come with me for a moment," was all he'd said and led him three metres away. "I would like you to keep an eye on my daughter."
"My lord?"
"Matsudaira caused me to worry…she's been too melancholic these past four days, barely leaving her room and almost never looking up at all." Yeah, she feared they'd see she wasn't sad at all. "I worry what she might do when we aren't watching her."
"You fear…" Saitou came closer "she might take her own life?" Kojuuro didn't even look at him as he nodded yes. "Kojuuro-sama, I believe your daughter too strong for that." What a hypocrite; three weeks ago he feared she might do it himself. "But I will keep my eye on her all the same."
"No, don't just watch, engage her, ask her about her studies; anything."
"…as you wish."
Well, they were offering him a chance to tell her what Teruhime wanted without meeting up in the middle of the night that was something. "Most of the guests will leave with us, so please stay until we come back; it shall be less than an hour."
"As you wish my lord; I am in no hurry."
"Thank you, Saitou-san; somehow it's you we always rope into these situations, I am deeply sorry about that."
"It's an honour to serve you."
True to the man's word, as soon as the four key people left the premises, the rest followed; he explained to his friends – Hijikata heard from Kojuuro and proceeded to glare at him for the rest of his visit – and in ten minutes flat, the two of them were left alone. Servants and maids walked around them, carrying and cleaning.
"We are in the way here; we should move to the garden."
"Where it's easier to be attacked."
"Who? Who would? On a day like this?"
Fair enough, his shrug could be translated as, and he followed her outside. They started walking; he was looking all around, enjoying the fresh air; the stars were brighter tonight; the moon was almost full.
"Go any slower, hime-sama, and you'll slow down time itself," he commented when he almost ran into her.
She was displeased at his tone. "…and why are you still here?"
A smirk. "Should I be honest?"
She took pause. "Yes."
"Your father thinks you run the risk of killing yourself."
She laughed and drew breath in from shock at the same time; she started coughing! She halted their walk altogether, supporting herself on her knees, making a huge effort to simply breathe again. "Wh, haha, why?"
"Apparently you've been playing the sad widow a little too successfully and how is the man to know you didn't want this marriage."
"I am not a widow though."
"Details."
She chuckled. "So you're here to make sure I do not harm myself, is that it? Interesting. Poor father, though, to think something like that…then again, he wasn't the only one who made that assumption."
Her pointed look was not overlooked and he grew defensive. "What did you expect me to think? You were…crying! Then you started talking of rivers and nearly fell in one."
"I lost my balance; that was all. And so what that I cried?"
"…you didn't even cry when people tried to kidnap you repeatedly, so that night, I considered it a cry for help I suppose."
And helped her he did; stayed with her all night, kept her from doing anything stupid, shared his own secret, tried to cheer her up…her smile was sweet. "You're a good man, Hajime," she decided in the end "even if you try to hide it under layers of rudeness and anti-social behaviour."
"Stop, you'll make me blush," he said without a shred of actual shame, causing both to chuckle.
She sighed then and looked up in the stars. "I guess this is one hurdle overcome; I shall not have to worry about it again."
"For some time, at least."
A shared look. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Well…one suitor is dead; you aren't. Your father will still want to marry you off."
She was about to protest but she froze; she thought fast. "Shit; I hadn't thought of that."
Actual laughter was suppressed by the man and Tokio looked at him amused but taken aback.
"What kind of language is that, hime-sama?" He was so shocked yet entertained, there was no teasing when he spoke the nickname. "Is that any way for a lady to speak?" She became that interesting shade of red again, only adding fuel to his fire and for the life of him he couldn't decisively stop the urge to laugh.
"I was shocked is all…you don't seem all that offended anyway.
Saitou felt fulfilled for he had performed the service to the lady and yet Tokio hadn't seemed too broken up about it at the same time. For some reason he was invested in how she'd receive the news, so maybe that was why he was laughing now, as tension finally left his body. And he kept up this very uncharacteristic behaviour for a moment longer and she couldn't help but shove him. "You laugh but you still reminded me something like that; now my day is a little less bright."
"It wasn't dim already? You're burying your fiancé young lady."
"Stop!"
What was it with him? He was laughing, actually laughing, loud and sincerely right in her face, making bad jokes to match. He was contagious, too, making her want to burst out laughing, too. What he had just told her wasn't funny, and yet…soon enough they were both laughing in their own way, prompted simply by each other's mirth.
He harrumphed when he managed to cool down. "Someone still died though; we should be a little more respectful."
"Indeed…"
Silence spread between them, but they both found it wasn't awkward; in fact, they were never awkward between them, the calm moments. It gave both a chance to relax, mull over what's been said or experienced that day. They listened to the sounds of nature; they looked at the moon and its magnificent shape, ever-changing to human eyes. They breathed in the air of the night that always seemed to be somehow more special. They stood there for a long time, shoulders barely touching. Sounds of the servants inside had all but died out; nothing but insects could be heard, sounds of running water. There were no voices, no bustle or hustle; just the two of them, existing. All was quiet.
All was…serene.
She took a deep breath after what felt like hours.
His eyes darted to his gift; he noticed how her hand touched it just for a second as she made sure her hair were secured. She had said nothing, knowing she'd be causing him more trouble than it was worth. Yet she wore it all the same, and on a day like this, too. He also noticed she caught a glimpse of him, too yet decided to say nothing, only turn away to smile shyly and he returned the gesture, but complacently.
Something between them sparked.
"I wish I never have to get married."
"I wish I never had to get married to Yaso."
They both exhaled at the same time; the synchronization caused them to look at each other startled! A shared feeling wafted in the air and their understanding grew.
"What would you do, if you weren't married?"
"You are not the first person to ask me that tonight." She was confused, but he waved her off because apparently she knew nothing about what Teruhime was telling him. "I'd probably be doing the same things as now, but it'd be different in a sense. I might have been looking for a wife…or maybe not; there are still many things left to do with the Roshigumi."
"I do envy your attitude; you sound like you still haven't given up on the concept of marriage."
"There's nothing wrong with getting married, so long as the person you choose is suitable."
"I don't get to choose—you would have if you hadn't…what was it that you did again?"
Alright, oversharing was over; he blamed his lack of sleep for it. "…you wouldn't like it," was all he said, suddenly turning to the left; he started walking then.
Surprised, she rushed to catch up. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
He stopped just to look at her; it was but a second, a fragment of a moment, but she could feel his gaze probing, looking deep into her mind. "Then I won't." He slowed his pace, but kept walking; she came to walk next to him. "Not that you can't find out on your own if you wanted."
She rolled her eyes, but tried to keep a civil tone. "I don't want to know because I want to know; I would like you to want to tell me."
"That sounds like a rehearsed answer, your highness."
"Nonsense—" He held out a flat palm then and she knew he wanted her to be silent. She looked expectant.
"Your father's back with Matsudaira-sama."
"You heard them?"
"Yes; come on, look a little gloomy, but not too much. Wouldn't want your father to think I sucked at keeping you company."
"Aw, but you didn't, you made me smile."
"Smiling is not fit for today." She smiled only to antagonise him; he shook his head. "Just like a child."
She disregarded him. "My eyes hurt; I've been up for more than twenty four hours damn it."
"You're sleepy again; that explains the language."
"Oh hush." She looked at him with the edge of her eyes. "But thank you…for keeping this a secret. For keeping everything a secret actually."
"If you want it to stay that way, shut up, they are coming."
.
.
May came and went; June arrived and it felt a little too soon for everyone at the Roshigumi headquarters. Despite feeling like nothing significant happened, at the same time they all felt they were running out of time…time needed to prove themselves collectively, as a unit, and not as individually gifted men, as was the case with Saitou, Okita and Nagakura. Saitou was, to everyone's annoyance, a frontrunner with the Aizu-han hence he was even mentioned to the shogun himself; on one hand, it was a good thing for it sparked the competitive streak in his peers. On the other hand, he was easily recognised within the units and men who usually left him alone, now tried to make him drink with them and share stories.
Even Serizawa had taken to him!
Overall, he was the most interesting and talked-about man of the unit, right after Hijikata; and yet, it was another sort of success that sincerely irked his three friends.
"Tokio-chan!" Okita's lips were graced by his widest smile yet. "Teruhime-sama;" he gave a small bow "how unusual of you to come by."
The short man wiped the sweat from his forehead using the towel on his shoulder. "Did you need us for something? Oooh, is it about an assignment?"
"Tokio-chan! Teruhime-sama!"
Harada had just slid the door open, for no other reason than he thought he heard Okita speak those names; when he saw he was right, his suspicion turned into excitement and came rushing out, bowing as he went. He never closed the dojo's door behind him, thus more people gathered at the threshold just to eavesdrop. One out of all was too shy to approach…so Okita all but grabbed him by the shoulders and in front of the two women.
"Tokio-san…Teruhime-sama…"
"Nagakura-san, Okita-san, Harada-san; it's lovely to see you again." Teruhime simply nodded as Tokio made the salutations. "Training I see."
"Ah yes! Every good warrior should train daily—or at least three times a week. Otherwise, we lose our edge."
She smiled. "I see."
"So what are you here for? An assignment?"
"Oh, nothing as trite as that, no;" Teruhime took the lead "we had just finished talking with your superiors; we are here to invite you to the Matsudaira compound for a feast. Well, you three personally and your leaders actually."
"What?"
"Really!?"
"Ah, great!"
All three men reacted differently, but it was Nagakura who made the right questions. "How come, my lady, if I may ask? And when is it being held?"
"Ah yes; we decided the fourth of the June is a suitable date."
So, tomorrow, all men thought simultaneously, why couldn't she just say tomorrow?
"As to why," Teruhime chuckled "ask your friend Okita. It seems he was the one who suggested it."
Said man simply laughed. "I did no such thing your ladyship; Matsudaira-sama said something I said something else, it was halfway arranged."
"Isn't that how all such things usually go?"
"Indeed!"
All the while, Tokio didn't speak a word; in fact, she kept looking all around, stealing glances at the door where everyone that trained inside had gathered at, hoping but failing to see something…or someone. And she couldn't find them from the looks of it, everyone noticed.
"What seems to be the problem Tokio-chan?"
"Um…where is Saitou-san?"
"Saitou-san is off hunting!" The two women looked at him interested. "No, don't look at me like that, you know I can't really elaborate; but he's been away for a couple of days now."
"So…he isn't here?"
"He's not even in Kyoto!" Harada waved his hand dismissively. "He's expected to arrive on the sixth, actually."
Both women's head snapped up at the same time.
"Come to think of it, doesn't this mean he'll miss the feast?" Nagakura inquired.
"W, well…he can't miss it…maybe…if we were to—um, I mean…"
"I think we should urge Matsudaira-sama to postpone it until the seventh, what do you think Tokio-chan?"
"Yes." She jumped on that way too fast, causing her cheeks to gain colour. She coughed to cover her enthusiasm. "That would be best, I believe." She tried to save as much face as possible, by pretending to be only mildly interested in the conversation but no one bought it. "Father did want to thank him in person…"
"It would be a shame if he missed it after all he did anyway," Okita threw her a bone, to save her from the embarrassment.
"Of course; he did work hard." Teruhime agreed. But one look at Tokio and she could see the girl was about to burn out! "Ahem, we must be going now, if you will allow us, to inform Hijikata-san of this new development."
"Yes of course!"
"Ladies, it was an honour having you."
"It's a shame you leave so soon, but goodbye!"
As the two women made their exit in a hurry, all three men present looked at each other meaningfully. This was it; this was the reason Saitou irked them. Women somehow seemed to care about him left and right! From the humble geisha to the important Teruhime-sama, every woman spoke his name; and now, a feast was to be postponed for his sake! What a greedy bastard…
And to think he was the married one.
.
.
"Tokio-chan, you knew we couldn't take a part in the feast, it's common sense."
"Yes, but…but…it is being held for helping with my fiancé—shouldn't I be allowed to make a guest appearance at least?"
Teruhime chuckled in her hand, from her spot on the floor. She had wisely called Tokio to her room about an hour before the feast started, trying to break it to her as nicely as she could. It was a good call, too because Tokio was half-way ready to attend the celebration. And now, two and a half hours later, Tokio was still complaining about it, quite amusingly, even if all fight had gone out of her.
"You know you can't; that's the custom. Besides, the men will talk of things we shouldn't have to suffer through. Anything important we'll hear from Katamori anyway."
"That's true." She pouted. "But I even wore Matsudaira-sama's gifts for tonight."
"Ah, so this is the kimono you were talking about? Tis very beautiful! Let me see it better."
Tokio held her hands out, and slowly made a turn, to allow the woman full view of the blue wave patterns and the way the white turned into froth, as if it was really the spray of the sea captured on her clothes. "The pattern is so unusual, I love it;" a giggle "I bet it was my sister who chose it."
"Matsudaira-sama did allude to it…"
"Hahaha, of course he did; he's very honest about these things. What else did he buy though? You said gifts—plural."
"Oh, the pin!"
"Really!?" Tokio immediately knelt for her lady to inspect it. "It's very pretty! I approve of both. Though I can understand why you want to show yourself;" she said in the end, regarding her "you are too dolled up to not have an audience. So how about we take a walk about the compound?"
The younger woman's face lit up "I'd love to, my lady!"
"It is getting late, otherwise I would have suggested we go into town."
"No, this is fine; I simply want to stretch my legs! I had been sitting all morning, having a lecture with the doctor and I felt very claustrophobic…"
"My child, you don't have to excuse yourself to me; it is wonderful to be curious. Not to mention, you went into all that trouble to make sure the feast was moved from the fourth to today. I am certain you wish to see your efforts come to fruition first hand."
"W-well…that, too."
She did have to work hard for it that was the truth; she forced her father to leave three days later than he had planned, made the Aizu-han send new invitations to everyone all over again and made sure the food was properly preserved until then, for they had already bought the supplies. In fact, despite both her father and the Aizu-han being visibly upset at Saitou's absence, they both felt they would just have to have it without him so if it wasn't for her absolute insistence, he would have missed it.
But after all he had done for her, after everything said between them…she wanted to somehow pay him back. Allowing him to be part of this was only step one; for step two, she first needed to see him, which she had hoped she'd do today, but apparently she was wrong. The chance to stretch her legs was much appreciated though! Her lady knew her well.
They walked around for a long time, finally ending their little stroll in the garden; they paid heed not to find themselves from the side of the house that their guests were currently being received, exhibiting good faith to Matsudaira. She saw two guards come and go as well as one that always carefully followed them, to make sure they were protected at all times. Tokio sighed; the one and only reason she would hesitate spending time with Teruhime-sama out of their rooms was this: a guard was always hot on their trail. It was suffocating. Of course she loved the time spent with her, no matter where, but the problem remained.
So it was no surprise that the moment Teruhime left her side, the guard magically disappeared; Tokio offered to walk her back to her room, but the older woman was adamant in her refusal. Tokio didn't mind; she wanted to bask in the moonlight a little longer. Sitting on one of the stone benches that riddled the compound, she simply turned her face to the shine of the night, eyes closed. It was oddly relaxing…
"Hime-sama."
A rush of emotion snapped her eyes open! There Saitou was, back against the moonlight, face dark from the shadows created. Still, his eyes could easily be seen, their peculiar hue popping. And for a man with such narrow eyes, it was amazing how much they stood out.
"Hajime."
"What are you doing here in all your overdressed glory? Back from a visit?"
"…I am not overdressed," she decidedly stated. "I was simply walking with Teruhime-sama."
His lips curled. "Do you always wear your most expensive—?"
"I am not overdressed." There was no disputing her; he chuckled. "What about you? Why are you here? The feast is elsewhere."
He shrugged. "My feet carried me here. It was too crowded," he explained at her inquiring gaze. "I dislike gatherings with more than five people," he explained yet again.
But his final explanation caused her to giggle. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Shut up; it's late for fine ladies to wander about anyway—go to sleep."
"Do not deflect! Besides, tonight is a perfect night for a stroll and some company. Look at the beautiful stars; the clear night skies; and the moon…it feels so close…!" She remembered a conversation and shook her head. "I wouldn't mind even pouring a man's drink on a night like this."
So did he apparently because he gave her a look. "Are you trying to explain why you won't go to your room or court me?"
She pursed her lips displeased. "I think Sa-chan's shamelessness got to your head; I was only making typical conversation."
He snorted. "Typical to you women maybe; to me, it's confusing and unnecessary."
"If you must know, this is the way we are advised to talk to all, women and men included. So now you can appreciate how kind I truly am to spare you of such things."
"Till now."
But he forgot himself and turned to the light; Tokio's breath was caught! On the right side of his face, there was a huge bruise, as well as his left eye! His lip was cut, and his chest, what little was visible, seemed to sport a shallow but long cut that got lost into the fabrics.
"Hajime, what happened to you?"
"…nothing serious, just a couple of bruises."
Her look was scolding. "Did you at least get it properly looked at?"
"I existed in this world before you came along, hime-sama." He sighed. "It means yes," he wearily added, seeing she wouldn't let it go. Then, she went the exact opposite route and stood up, going close enough to inspecting him! He clicked his tongue. "It's only a couple of bruises; and someone tried to slash me really unsuccessfully."
"That's good." Finally one thing they could agree on. "Does it hurt if I do this?"
She pressed her finger on his cheek; he flinched. "What are you doing?"
"I'm checking it."
"The bruise is still that colour so yes it'll hurt; stop that." When she didn't, he swatted her hand. "Stop."
"If it hurts so much then next time don't get hurt on the first place," she challenged, mobilizing her other hand now.
"I am not getting hurt on purpose."
"Doesn't look like it."
She - infuriatingly - kept poking, making him slap her hands away at each strike. "Stop it."
"Aw, poor Hajime, hurting."
"It doesn't hurt that much," he tried to smother an incredulous laugh "but this is too unusual; and probably violates a thousand ceremonies of how to interact with people above or below your station."
"Poor proper Hajime…!"
"Alright, enough; it seems the sake got to you, even if we are the ones drinking it." He caught both of her wrists and turned her around in the same fluid motion. "Time for bed, off you go, come on." He pushed her from the shoulders, leading her to take the path that led to her room.
She giggled again and Saitou realised with a start he didn't mind that sound anymore, not when it came from her; and could it be, he wasn't actually annoyed by her antics also.
"Hajime, this isn't proper."
"Neither are you, shut up; go sleep and rid us of your obnoxious persistence."
"Obnoxious, eh?"
He snorted. "Yes." He stopped pushing only once he actually got her inside the house. "Half-way there already. Goodnight, hime-sama."
"Goodnight!"
She watched him go and she couldn't help but smile at how flustered he got just by poking him once or twice. But before she could laugh at his expense, there was a flash of memory and she physically slapped her forehead! Ah damn it! She forgot to tell him to meet her tonight after hours, so there was no way he'd know and come; it was a no-go; well, she would simply have to find another way for another day. It wasn't like the week ran out.
Smiling to herself, she trotted back to her room. She slept as soon as her eyes closed.
A/N: I mean, just because one suitor is dead doesn't mean another won't take his place. Rich girl like her has many chasing her, you know? How much more since she's her father's oldest child, if you catch my drift.
Anyway, hope you liked it! Will be leaving it here for now. If it feels lacklustre so sorry, but I had the roughest week at work and my inspiration well gave little compared to other days. Hope you enjoyed it all the same anyway! Have a lovely week and why don't you leave a review on your way out?
Kisses, FAI