A/N: Heeeeeeey! How are you mah lovelies? FAI here, sorry for the absence. Due to bad scheduling at work, the delay was inevitable...but it got me thinking. If for one reason or the other, real life gets in the way and prevents me from updating every week...then why don't I do this a once per two weeks update? That way I too will be less stressed, my goals will be more realistic and I probably won't miss one so you'll be less likely to be annoyed! So, I came to the conclusion twice per month, or once every two weeks, is better. And that will be the new status.
Departing from that, yes, the next chapter is here, get ready. Be ready for some misspellings and such cause I ain't got time to proof this, yo. Also, men are idiots TM for the most part and this chapter shows it. Follow me on a two-chapter epic temper tantrum from the man, Saitou Hajime himself, who is in such denial about certain things, he can't tell left from right. That being said, I pick up exactly where the other one ended and hope you enjoy yourselves with me.
Historical facts:
1. Saitou Hajime became the vice-commander's assistant in June, 1864.
2. The Ikedaya affair took place in June 5thm during the night. Saitou was with Hijikata's group when they stormed the inn, as backup for Kondou's. In that fight, the Shinsengumi stopped the Chousuu from burning Kyoto to the ground and kidnapping Matsudaira-sama - some say even the emperor -. Katsura Kogoro wasn't there due to personal moral differences with the plan of burning down an entire city.
Timeline: End of May - June 14th, 1864.
A fine lady and...
...manoeuvres of a plan.
"Are you serious!?"
Saitou Hajime and Okita Souji sat in seiza next to each other, shoulders almost touching. They stoically looked ahead as well as they could, considering they both had a blackening eye, struggling not to show any emotion. It was difficult though, when the pain was real and their own blood trickled in their mouths.
Hijikata Toushijou was giving them a hard time, lording over them with hands crossed in front of him. Nagakura had found them both, lying on the floor unconscious. He poked them and both stirred…but then he noticed the mess all around them—what the…? They fought? Was there an intruder? Should he sound the alarm? Yet all questions were answered when the moment they fully came to, both proceeded to glare at each other…and groan in pain and fall back down.
That's when he knew: Okita and Saitou had fought, causing this mess. Shaking his head, he left, for what the two men thought was the doctor. But nope, that little traitor had gone straight to the vice commander. Nagakura's disapproving look did absolutely nothing to mute their annoyance, but Hijikata's furious one did lots to their stomachs that flipped and twisted into a knot, climbing at the back of their throats.
So, there they were, looking adequately shamed and guilty, bearing a lecture from their superior. Cherry on top of this embarrassing cake? All these were happening in the examination room, where Tokio had just walked in after leaving to grab a bite.
The moment she laid eyes on them, she gaped. Instinctively, she went for her supplies. "What happened to you!?"
"They fought," Hijikata barked, effectively stopping her dead in her tracks. She turned to the man shocked and then the two on her floor.
"Are you serious!?"
"Funnily enough that was my exact question," Hijikata snubbed but neither spoke yet again; shaking her head, Tokio went to her supplies closet. "What were you thinking even? If anything happened to you, two tenths of the unit's fighting strength is immediately neutralised! And you almost did it to yourselves?"
"We are very sorry Hijikata-san," they chorused…but said nothing else.
Tokio reached them just then and sat from Okita's side. She glared at the short man; "and it happened right after-…" she shook his head. "You're supposed to be taking care of yourself. Remember?"
He imperceptibly nodded but she was so close, of course she saw it. "I swear, if you—…wh, oh dear Buddha! Your nose is broken!" She actually, physically, reached out and slapped Saitou's arm. "You broke his nose!? What's wrong with—…your nose is broken, too!"
She slapped Okita on the chest with the back of her hand! "What's wrong with the both of you? you broke each other's noses, you gave the other a black eye…you have scratches and cuts like animals. What did you do? Why did you even fight?"
Hijikata was about to tell her to keep her nose out of this, but then noticed something: her slaps and accusations did much more damage to the moral of both men than all of his previous shouting put together. No matter what this was, they were ashamed she got to witness it. He smirked in his head but tried to remain expressionless; he'd take a back seat to this and let her grill them for the information.
"No, what was this fight about that made you act like this?"
"They actually knocked each other out for a moment or two," Hijikata fuelled her fire and boy did it work. Her mouth hang from the mere outrage and she started another barrage of well-aimed slaps to both men unforgivingly.
"Why are you being so ridiculous? What did you fight about? Speak!"
Okita cracked first. "…I said his technique was lazy."
Hijikata was the one offended the most at that statement; he actually drew breath, ready to start a tirade…! But never managed to, since Okita continued. "Said it was no wonder he couldn't properly finish it because it wasn't all that good to begin with and he came at me."
"What technique?"
But Tokio's question was all but ignored when Hijikata actually stepped in to defend it. "That technique is more lethal than mine; once practised to perfection it's on par with yours—what are you even talking about?"
"I know…I only wanted to goad him." The vice commander had to take a very deep, calming breath to stay his hand. "But it didn't work that way."
"He trains ten hours a day, of course it didn't work that way!"
"Actually, seven," Okita corrected – Hijikata nearly strangled him – "but yeah…"
"What technique…?"
"Saitou has developed a technique of his own, based on one of mine; he's been slowly perfecting it since December, January, somewhere there."
She seemed impressed.
"But he still hasn't named it!" Okita chipped in, mirth returning. Hijikata thundered him.
"Aha…well, no matter what, violence isn't the solution." She smacked Saitou just as she finished saying it. "You should be less irritable! And you," she whipped her head at Okita "you should be less irritating!"
"Yes, ma'am," they chorused.
"Ah, my nerves…" she lamented, massaging her temples. "Hijikata-sama, is there anything else you'd like to say to them?"
"No," he said it irritable, but decided to let it go. "Take care of them; I'll think of an appropriate punishment later. Oh," he stopped at the door "and I expect you to fix the wall you broke."
She actually stopped her ministrations on Okita's eye and stared unamused. "You broke a wall?"
"His fault, he threw me there," the short man grumbled.
She sighed. "Idiots…I'll set your nose back in place now, so it'll hurt. Ready?" He nodded; she took position with both hands around his face, fingers nimble. "One, two-"
"OW! Hey! There was no three!"
She smirked. "It would hurt more."
"No, it wouldn't!"
"I'll set back your nose now, too," she warned, standing and sitting directly in front of Saitou; ah hell, she hadn't looked at him directly for far too long and now that she did he was bleeding. It did something weird to her. "Ready?"
"I'm not a child, like—…"
She did it without even counting; he tried to glare but the tears in his eyes stopped him. She smirked in challenge again and he simply looked away. "I'll tend to Okita-san first; if you are still angry at each other, please leave. Otherwise, you're free to stay."
"I'm fine…"
Not really, but punching it out helped get rid most of the tension. Besides, something about leaving the two of them alone in the same room didn't sit well with him. Still, he couldn't deny Okita was a good friend, making up a whole other convincing cover story for what they really fought about instead of making a fool out of him in front of Hijikata.
What a horrible day today. He really needed to go get a drink later.
.
It hadn't been three hours after the incident that Tokio had decided to take a bath. Last person to come in was an hour ago, when they returned from patrol; ever since, things had been quiet. So, she went to her room, took towels, spare clothes, Hachiro with her and went to have a bath. She made sure, per usual, to announce her presence and make sure to knock three times before drawing the door open. And, like she had agreed with Hijikata, who in turn informed everyone, whenever she would use the bath, she'd hand her ribbon outside, to make sure no one walked in on her by accident.
Bath uneventfully finished, much faster than back in the Matsudaira compound – too self-conscious about hogging it all to herself – she walked out fully dressed. Only her hair was wet and down, but she couldn't do anything about it; they were long and needed to dry. She did hurry to her room though; it'd be a little vexing, if anyone saw her before she could tame the beast, and she'd forgotten her brush in her room.
Nodding to Hachiro, they started their way back.
As she entered her room, a sense of security washed over her. Wherever she was, she had the uncanny ability to turn her personal space into a sanctuary, made just for her, familiar and comfortable. And this room might have lacked the furnishes she was used to but a desk by the window and a simple nightstand was all she needed. The futon was never in the closet, as she liked, but permanently laid out, because, just like now, all she wanted was to crush in it and brush her hair slowly.
And she was in the middle of doing that, when she heard a knock on her door. Almost panicking, she brushed her hair faster! "Enter," she said a moment too late than appropriate, but whoever was on the other side had exhibited no signs of agitation, never knocking a second time.
The door drew open and in walked, for the third time that day, Okita. Her eyebrow rose as Hachiro stood from where he was lying on the floor, but with a single move the dog was seated again. "Hello," she greeted cautiously "what brings you here?"
Her suspicion only grew when he saw him draw the door closed. "I need to talk to you about the real reason for my fight with Saitou-san."
She knew it! She knew it. There was no way Okita had dissed Saitou's technique, it was too out of character for both of them. He had lied and now he was here to tell her the truth. "Go on; I have some tea if you want."
"No, it's alright." He took a long bracing breath. "The reason he punched me was-…alright, I'll take it from the top. When I walked out of the examination, Saitou saw me; when he approached the room, though…he saw you were miserable. He, um, said I made you cry."
She reddened. "Is it true?"
"…yes, but don't think even for a second that excuses you from your twice a week visits!"
"Hahaha, no, it's alright. It's just…he asked me what the hell did I tell you to make you cry like that." Now it was his turn to blush, actually blush, and look away. "I couldn't tell him the truth of course, I didn't want to. S…so I lied. I said I told you about the birthday note."
"What birthday note?"
"This one."
From the depths of his sleeves, Okita produced a wrinkled, torn in some places, piece of paper. It was obvious it had writing on it but it was also obvious it wasn't meant to be read, for most of the crumpling happened where the ink had been. He slowly gave it to her, scanning her face while doing so. He bet her heart beat faster, he could see it from the way her colour changed again, yet without actually feeling shame.
When she took it in her hands, she ironed it out, careful not to tear it in half.
"Saitou-san wrote it, and then proceeded to throw it away, on the 15th of April."
"On my birthday." Hence birthday note, Tokio, why are you so obvious, her brain scolded her and she all but hit her forehead out of frustration.
"Yeah; I had no idea it was your birthday, but I saw him writing it and he told me." A pause. "I had to dig it out of a pile of trash, but it was worth it. I don't know why, but I felt like…it was precious. But the bastard was smart—he dumped it where Hijikata throws all of his papers and those are a million, took me forever to spot it." A smirk. "But I did; I was patient."
"Why didn't he burn it if he didn't want it found?"
"Why did he write it if he didn't want to send it?"
Touché; she lowered her eyes, feeling silly. "Haven't read it myself; thought you should be the first. So, if there's anything on there that's still readable…it's yours."
He noticed how her hands twitched holding the thing, her eyes kept glancing downwards involuntarily; she wanted to read it…but wouldn't. "So, you lied and said you told me about the note and he punched you." He nodded. "Because he didn't want me to know about it at all." He nodded again. "And now you're only telling me because if he comes to confront me about it, I should at least know what he's talking about."
"You are indeed smart Tokio-chan. Though if you could not mention you actually have it…only that you know of its existence, that would be great."
She chuckled. "At least now it makes sense why he punched you. He's a private person. At first I thought—why didn't he just challenge him to a duel using only your techniques to see who's superior."
"That does sound like him." Okita laughed. "You know him too well, Tokio-chan. It's a shame you won't talk to each other anymore." She had to turn her eyes away. "I mean, I'm not an idiot; it happened at New Year's night, right? When you were left behind alone." Now it was her turn to silently nod. "What exactly happened between you two that caused this rift?"
She wouldn't have realised he came to stand so close if Hachiro hadn't growled at the proximity. Somehow though, it wasn't uncomfortable; it was soothing. She petted the dog, to make him stop. "We…put our cards on the table. And the truth of it was something that shouldn't be. So we decided the best solution would be this."
"Lots of good that did ya! You won't stop sighing and he's moodier than a pregnant woman!" She gave him a look. "He just hides it better." She couldn't help the small laugh. "But no, really; if you both suffer from it, why do it?"
"Because it's the right thing to do." Her look was sad when it reached his eyes. "We stepped over the line, Okita-san."
"Oooh, like kissing and such? How interesting."
"What?" A miserable laugh escaped her. "What kisses? No…! I haven't even held his hand."
"Not even a farewell kiss?" When she nodded yes, a look of appalling offense overtook him. "How cold of you, Tokio-chan!"
She faux-pouted and Okita thought it was the sweetest thing ever. "Neither made a move, thank you very much! Don't try and demonise me…"
"How cowardly of him."
"Okita-san…!"
"No really; at least one kiss to remember him by, to add to your collection."
She shook her head. "What collection? I never kissed or was kissed by anyone before."
"Ah!" His hand flew to his heart. "Say it is not so."
"Of course, it is; who would kiss me, Okita-san? Whom would I kiss?"
"Not even a fling? Maybe when you were younger and things were more innocent." She shook her head no, amused. "How depressing. You can't get married like that. How will you know if he's a bad kisser or not?"
She looked to the side and stared at her dog, in lack of anything else to focus. "That's the least of my concerns, Okita-san."
"It shouldn't be! We need to fix it."
"There's no need—"
"I'll fix it."
Three brief seconds of silence; the taste of dango she never ate on her lips; the scent of metal invaded her nostrils and after a short time, the soft pressure lifted. Frozen, she stared at the man next to her wide-eyed. And then he smiled his usual harmless smile and her rising colour finally peaked and exploded out of her!
"SOUJI!"
"Tokio," he met her with a happy tone.
The dog was barking now but his owner was far too embarrassed to remove her hands from her cheeks. "Wh-wh-wh-wh-why did you…?"
"No woman should get married without kissing a man that's not her husband at least once; mother used to say that to my sister all the time."
When Hachiro was about to snarl, she stopped him by putting a hand on his head. "S-s-s-s-s-still…I don't approve of…"
"You won't hit a sick man, will you?"
She was about to but his damn comment made her falter. Instead, she went for his chest and hit there with the back of her hand. "You actually hit a sick man, oh dear!" he said through laughs and stood to move away from her.
"Don't mock me! I c-can't believe you…!"
"Eh, it was nothing; the second and third kisses are the ones that matter, mark my words."
She glared. "Don't you dare-!"
He laughed heartily. "No, no, I'm not saying I'll be the one for that, no." She crossed her hands. "Don't be too mad at me, Tokio-chan, or I'll have to explain to Saitou-san why you won't talk to me."
"Don't tell anyone about this, especially him!" Okita laughed at her panic and she wanted to throttle him. "Or do; he'll probably punch you again and I won't scold him this time."
"Hey!I did say I won't do it again."
Blowing air out of her nose, she stood, too. "You'd better not."
"I promise, I promise."
She narrowed her eyes. "Good."
"Well I'm leaving then. That means you can read the note now." And with his final jab, he was out the door. She fumed, but did nothing to relieve her anger. Instead, she sat down with a vengeance and started trying to make out anything she could from the weathered piece of paper. In the end, she read:
Happy eighteenth birthday.
This is a good age. Father used to say it's the age men start becoming responsible and women start putting up with us, so, I wish you tons of patience in hopes it increases your chances of success in your present and future endeavours.
Make sure to keep in good health and even better spirit. I will know.
Hajime.
Ah, crap; and now she was crying again.
.
.
This could not be happening. It was impossible. Technically, improbable, since there he was, seeing it happen for a second time the same day: Okita came out of Tokio's room. It was her personal room this once, how daring, and despite closing it for the most part, some of the door was left open. Saitou was heading there because he wanted some part of his wrap on the shoulder redone. After following the same self-satisfied Okita with his eyes for less than a second, his perception shifted to the door.
He hesitated at first, but decided it was worth the try and approached. What he saw through the crevice left him speechless. Tokio was crying again! With her face in her hands, she had all but doubled over, with Hachiro trying to lick the sorrow away.
A bolt of electricity ran through him and he almost walked in. He stayed his hand though; this was the last thing either of them needed, better walk away. But if he did, he'd charge straight for that bastard who, for the second time in the same goddamn day, made Tokio cry for some reason!
He stood still again.
If he followed after the little prick, they'd fight again, there was no other option in his mind. And they were just scolded about that, so he'd rather not make the same mistake twice—and so close. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself. He decided the lesser poison was to face her; he could just pretend he never saw it but if he left this unaddressed, it would build up inside him and come out at the worst time possible, he knew, so he decided against it.
He drew the door open, and pulled the picture-perfect surprised face when she looked up with tears in her eyes to find him standing at her door.
"Y, yes?"
She rushed to wipe at her eyes – that still spilled but she didn't seem to register that – and looked away frantically. For some reason, she put her hand under her feet for a moment, but he couldn't understand why.
"I wanted something about my shoulder…are you alright?" She nodded to the best of her ability, struggling to appear something close to convincing. "What did he do this once?"
"Nothing! Nothing, Souji didn't do anything…he was only trying to make things right."
"I see how well that worked."
A strangled snort of laughter left her lips; it was too similar to what Okita had just said. "Don't blame him; he means well." She gave up trying to hide and stared right at him. "Souji is a good friend; cherish him."
That's the second time she called him Souji; so, it was no coincidence. It left a bitter taste in his mouth, but not as bitter as when that same man told him Tokio was crying, basically, because of his birthday note, aka, him, and not Okita. And if, by the looks of it and sounds of her watery voice, this was something similar, he couldn't handle it.
"I'll come back tomorrow," was all he said and left the hell out of there, swearing at himself and feeling less of a man with each step.
.
.
.
"This is the fourth time you are late for your check up," Tokio commented the moment Saitou walked through the door, causing him to stop and stare incredulously for a second "is something the matter?"
Closing the door, he scoffed and sat in front of her; without acknowledging any of her concerns he simply undressed his shoulder.
"Well?"
She persisted; he couldn't ignore it. "It's barely nine in the morning; how am I late?"
"Because in half hour it's Okita's appointment and you always accused him of being a late riser…yet, he always came at half past nine." Alright, she made a point; he still looked away though. "Is something wrong?"
"The late-night shift took its toll on me, I guess."
"But that was last week; and all last week you came around eight. But this is the fourth time you are late in a week."
"Your point?"
"You are always late when you don't work at night…and four times is a little…"
He glanced at her with the edge of his eyes, taking note of her hesitation and obvious discomfort; and yet, she was making this conversation all the same. "Didn't know you kept tabs."
"I don't," she denied immediately! "I really don't, I just…thought about it this morning and realised that was the number." His scowl was impressive. "Why are you late so often?"
She was going to make him say it? How tactless of her; she already knew anyway…! But her downcast eyes kept looking up at him from time to time, just to force it out of him. Alright, if this was how she wanted this to happen, enough sugar-coating.
"We were out drinking till late last night."
"Oh." It was so obvious she knew before he said it, he wanted to flick her forehead. "Is that why you were late all those other times, too?"
It was obvious she knew the answer would be yes before he had to admit it, again, but that didn't stop her from making the question. He felt a vein popping. "Yes. Now will you look at my shoulder?"
"Of course," she squeaked, mortified she had forgotten to tend to it.
But he made a mistake reminding her because once she started her treatment, she wouldn't allow him to leave until she was finished and now she had free reign to ask whatever she felt like. "So…do you go out drinking often?"
"As often as my schedule will allow, given I am officially Hijikata's assistant now."
"And you don't you think that's…unwise?"
There was a beat of silence. "I don't understand what you mean. I do it just as often as any of the other's. I even drink less than they do."
"But you didn't use to go there that much; thus, you still consume more than what you did, say, a year ago; half a year ago even."
"So?"
"Isn't that bad for your health?"
"You mean to tell me you found some problem with me because of my more frequent drinking?"
"No-"
"Then what's it to you?"
He shut her down so quickly, she felt whiplash. More colour rose to her cheeks as she tried to both look away and not stop her treatment at the same time. Only one of those two things happened and she was far too committed to the task at hand, so she ended up staring at his shoulder both incensed yet ashamed. "As your doctor, it is my duty to tell you that if you don't stop, you will be facing problems with your health in three years from now or so."
"Then better tell the others first."
Ah, but now she had the perfect rebuttal; she had to look at him to deliver this line. "Who says I didn't?" oh yes; it had the right sort of impact: he swallowed his words and grew sour. "I doubt they'd tell you or the rest of their friends I told them to tone it down, it wouldn't suit them."
Exceedingly uncomfortable, he turned his eyes to the dog that was happily napping at the very end of the room, apparently way too early for him to be up and about.
"So, I'm telling you, too, who seem to be more prudent than the rest: drink less, live more. That's all."
He shook his head wryly amused, as if she had said something ignorant, just as he had expected. "Oh yes, drink less, live more; until next week, or next month, or next year. Sure, we might die at any moment, but gods forbid it is something unexpected."
Oh, wow; she was literally offended to her core while at the same time felt attacked for no reason. Plus, with news of Okita's condition not too long ago – even if Saitou wasn't aware –, the topic hit a little too close to home and she literally choked back tears of anger and pain. Coupled with a talk she recently had with the vice commander she almost sobbed.
"I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen, don't say that to me! I do all I can to help, but all I can do is help. And when it comes to the one thing I can prevent, no one listens? And what's this nihilistic attitude all of the sudden? If you really believe all you just said, why are you getting your shoulder looked at then?"
She actually stopped wrapping the bandage, throwing it in his face. it missed and hit his chest, but it didn't matter; the impact was the same. "There, now you're one step closer to your beliefs; leave unattended and suffer chronic pain, you don't seem to care. In fact, why don't you all stop getting treated? Go stay in whorehouses and live off opium for the rest of your lives, that sound good?"
Tears were there but there was something very wild and dangerous about her, as if the moisture was a way to relieve the tension without outright attacking him. "I'll just go back to my room, right now, pack up and tell Hijikata-sama his unit is fine; it's great! It doesn't need me. It's made up from people who fear death so little, they would willingly forgo important medical procedures and easily shrug off advice for better living!"
She stood with ferocity and all but stomped to the supplies closet. She started taking out vials and small containers that she had put there herself and threw them around without a care. "That was for blood-replenishing, useless; that was for common colds, how inane; one for burns? I'm such an idiot, why would you get burned? Who needs to cover all their bases anyway? And ah, this one," she held out a rather large one, looking relatively new "this one I was saving for special occasions, only just finished brewing it. Remember that irrelevant, sad-looking flower I once saw at a booth? Yeah, I used that one, how silly of me. Here I was, thinking you didn't want to die; how could I have ever known."
She stood in front of the closet, unable to throw that one; she simply stared at the cupboards, as if they had all the answers. "All of you, proud, egotistical men; you'd rather die than listen to unpleasant advice or modify your standard of living, even a fraction."
She shoved the last container back in the cabinet and put her fists on her middle, taking a deep breath. Involuntarily, her foot tapped the floor. "They bring me here to help—help whom? None of you are willing to accept it; you prefer being stubborn and keeping your ego intact than seeing to the future; your ego and your most basic desires." She exhaled. "So be it: don't care about your own health."
She turned to look at him, after such a long time, and she was somewhat pleased to find him concerned and almost panicked. "But don't you dare try to give me a hard time for doing the exact opposite. That's my job; and it's my job because that's my nature."
She shut the doors to the cabinet with more force than necessary and strutted back to the slightly frightened man and took back the wrap of bandages from his lap. "So, what's it gonna be?"
He nodded for her to go on; only then did she start treating him again.
"…all I was trying to say was, drinking a little more than usual is the least of our problems, but, boy, you really ran with it."
"No, it wasn't; and if it was, you really meant to piss me off, thank you." She shook her head. "All I said was: drink in moderation. But Okita won't listen; Harada definitely doesn't listen; even Nagakura ignored me. You are supposed to be the responsible one, too, come on, what changed?"
He looked at her dumbfounded. "Really? You're asking me? You don't know?"
His implication made her feel like an idiot. But still, this wasn't something she could afford to back down from. "Don't try to guilt me out of this conversation."
"Right; that would mean you have some decency left."
"As opposed to being a self-destructive immature man-child…?"
Irritation started getting the better of him. "Are you done?"
"With the shoulder, yes."
"Good; I'm going."
"Fine; leave. But don't you dare skip tomorrow's session."
"Do I look like a coward?" She didn't back down though, despite his stern look. "Tomorrow," he simply said and walked out.
Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough…but it was the rest of the week that was a lesson for Tokio: and what she learned that week was something very important about Saitou; he was the most stubborn man on the face of the earth.
.
It was the wee hours of the morning of Tuesday, June 5th, that the patrol had come back with Furutaka Shuntaro, an imperialist Chousuu spy in their custody. After long hours of interrogation, he finally coughed up something useful to Hijikata, leading to the most important accomplishment in their career as a unit: on the night of the same day, they stormed the Ikedaya Inn that led to the arrest of many prominent Chousuu figures and the foil of their no doubt evil schemes.
All Tokio was informed of was that they had just missed Katsura Kogoro, the leader of the imperialists and that they stopped a serious crime from happening and that she had to make sure the one providing them with the info, stayed alive. And she could call Hijikata many things, but merciful wasn't one of them. The state of the man was deplorable, at least when he came to her. Beaten, burnt, slashed…you name it, he had it. It was a little scary to think about it, seeing she only knew him as the surly, uptight shadow commander of the Shinsengumi.
But the rest of the men, other than Hijikata and his prisoner, hadn't returned until dawn of Wednesday, 7th of June in fact, so she had no clue of what had transpired, as neither word nor letter came her way from Matsudaira while her usual sources of information – Harada and Okita – were still missing.
What she found out though, she did all in one sitting.
She'd never forget the look in Okita's eyes as he had to be carried into Mibu headquarters on Saitou's back. It had taken a toll on everyone though; there were no smiles to be given, despite their clear victory. Knowing he was the cause of that, it caused even Okita's smile to disappear.
"Take care of Okita-san, Tokio-san," Harada and Nagakura had pleaded at the same time, as Saitou lay him on the futon of the examination room – reserved only for situations like this –.
"That's why I'm here," she assured them, taking out supplies in a heartbeat, before Harada had even explained the situation a second later.
"Okita fainted while fighting," he started, grim. "We thought nothing of it at first and promptly went to celebrate after, but then he fainted again. That's when we all realised this wasn't something that could be overlooked and all but carried him to you."
"I see." It was said with importance; it was said calmly. "I'll do all I can, I promise you."
But the momentarily scolding look she shot Okita's way was noticed by the tallest swordsman, whose eyes became even smaller and sharp. While the other two kept spouting typical lines one did in such occasions, Saitou tried to piece together what felt wrong about this picture.
Okita fainted; the same Okita she kept referring to as Souji. If she referred to him with more familiarity, it meant she was more invested in him…thus, she would have all but freaked out when they brought him back in that state, shouting at them about how in earth could they have taken him drinking when something like that had happened. Especially since she was so up in arms about that topic for a week now. Instead, she silently bore all of the moral outrage and simply looked at Okita as if it was his fault?
That doesn't make any sense, unless—…Saitou turned to the both of them astounded. Tokio didn't even see him though and Okita simply looked away as if he hadn't despite their eyes meeting; and that was what cemented the theory for Saitou. A little irritated, he waited until the other two were gone, for he would be damned if he allowed more people in this affair, and once he made sure the door was properly closed, he zeroed in on both.
"Why were you so ready about this? Did you know there'd be something wrong with him?"
"Of course she not, Saitou-san; she can't see the future."
"I asked her, not you," he shut him down and kept staring at the now casually uncomfortable woman. "Did you?"
She shook her head to deny his claims, but wasn't very convincing. Well, she hadn't cared to be actually, as she had already taken out the things she needed, fully occupied with her patient. "Souji said it best; can't see the future."
"There could be something wrong with him in general that simply manifested like this."
She shook her head again, even more casual to his dismay. "No, I didn't; but even if I did, so what?"
"Did you or did you not? It's a simple question."
"Hmm, how was it that you put it—what's it to you?"
Offended beyond belief, but too stubborn to show it, he exhaled as if his life depended on it.
Tokio was a doctor and Okita her patient; he had no right to intervene or demand to know the particulars they shared…yet that only put him in a worse mood! He did want to know damn it because if there was something wrong with Okita, he wanted to be prepared; Okita was his closest friend. And yet, if his closest friend didn't want to share it, she had no right to tell. But then again, why wouldn't he tell him? Okita knew he was trustworthy. And to prefer to confide in Tokio instead of him, no matter her official title, it upset him beyond belief!
Besides, he was supposed to be the one people told their secrets to, especially her. To feel left out and actually be worried about his friend's health…! It was nerve-wracking. But he knew one thing: he couldn't do a thing about it. Without a second's delay, he turned his back to leave.
"As you go," he turned to look at her with some expectancy "make sure you close the door behind you."
If looks could kill…! Okita laughed though, and that stopped him from saying anything further, just slammed the door on his way out.
She sighed shakily; Okita frowned.
"You know Tokio-chan, I gave you the note so things could get better, not worse…"
"Shut up; you just got yourself so drunk and tired, you literally fainted. How do you plan on keeping this secret now?"
"I won't, not entirely; I just won't tell them the truth of my condition." He winked. "It's going to be our little secret again. Only this once Hijikata-san and Kondou-san will be in on it, too."
She sighed heavier. "You're an imbecile."
"An imbecile with a heart of gold who will now be telling you that we just saved Matsudaira Katamori from a kidnap attempt and Kyoto from flames!"
That was sudden. "Pardon?"
"That's what we did! We stopped the patriots from turning the entire capital into an inferno as a distraction to abduct Matsudaira-sama."
Her chin fell. "Is Matsudaira-sama alright!?"
At least that explained the radio silence.
"I just said we saved him, didn't I—him and all of Kyoto?" Smug little prick; even the small cough of blood didn't deter him. "One of the reasons we went out drinking to begin with: we were so very pleased with ourselves, even Hijikata endorsed it. But we overdid it."
"You think?"
"It's Saitou-san's fault, too, alright?" he whined, pouty, looking away. "He was too happy for some reason…I suspect he got a glimpse of the man he's been looking for all this time, the Battousai."
Tokio stopped whatever she was doing, to concentrate. She put her fist on her chin. "The Battousai? He's been looking into the murders?"
Okita nodded. "He's been driving himself crazy, trying to find out his real identity and arrest him! So far, there was no luck…until yesterday night."
"I see…"
"If you're thinking asking around about him, I suggest you didn't; he'd hate that," the man advised from his spot on the floor, feeling a little bit neglected at her sudden cease of activities. "Besides, what could you possibly find out about him?"
You'd be surprised, she was about to say, but decided not to voice her thoughts. He wasn't wrong after all; Saitou would absolutely hate her being involved in his affairs. She couldn't help but wanting to be involved though. What a state to be.
"Alright; but you must promise me: no more drinking."
"Tokio-chan, I just fainted because of exertion and I'm only twenty years old; how much time do you think I will scrape together if I don't drink?"
"Souji-!"
"I know. But can you honestly tell me not drinking at all will help me?"
"Of course it will!"
"And will buy me, what—a month? What's a month, Tokio-chan?"
"It's thirty days," she almost spat at his face.
"So? I'll live a mere month more, but if I don't drink and fight with my friends, then it's a month wasted."
She started having flashbacks of her intense conversation with Saitou. Ugh, not this again…! "Souji, listen-,"
"No, you listen. I understand; I know the consequences. Now you must understand, I am prepared for them, even if you aren't."
She wanted to shout in his face, shake him by the shoulders; she felt like slapping the stupid out of him, too but…she couldn't bring herself to do it. The fight left her in seconds. Something about the way he smiled at her, the sadness, the realisation, it wasn't worth another fight with a friend.
"Just make sure to come to me the moment you notice it getting worse quicker than you expected, on top of the twice-a-week meetings; don't be shy."
"I promise!"
Shaking her head, she went back to her patient; but only one thing was for sure: Tokio was about to have a very lengthy discussion with the vice commander about Okita's health and his men's drinking.
.
It was a week after that she finally had enough with their drinking.
She felt like she couldn't say anything before because of all the events and revelations, but now was another matter, especially since everyone kept dragging poor Okita to the red-light district with them, pumping him full of sake, contrary to her express demands. The bastard had managed to convince them it was nothing serious, just a bad case of a cold that she took care of.
But Saitou wasn't an idiot, neither was Nagakura; and even if the latter took him at his word, Saitou was suspicious since he brought him in, he should have known better. But maybe he hadn't cared. He too seemed to unwittingly share the same creed, so who was to say he didn't agree with his self-destructive ways after all? But she didn't; but she didn't want to fight with Okita. But Saitou, she was already fighting with so, she intervened. Besides, if there was one person who could lead the others one way or the other it was him.
If she was entirely honest though, this wasn't only for Okita or the rest men's sake…
So, she figuratively put her foot down as she actually did the same with her supplies.
"This has gone on for far too long." She had just finished tending to his shoulder, levelling a good stare his way. He didn't even flinch. "Time to stop."
"And here I thought you had decided to drop it."
"As if." He rolled his eyes. "Stop with the excessive drinking otherwise I'll be forced to take measures."
"Like telling Hijikata? You think he doesn't already know? If this was in any way affecting my performance, or anyone's for that matter, he'd have mentioned something long before you dud, hime-sama." She gritted her teeth. "These are all empty threats."
He was too arrogant for her tastes. "Do not test me; and do not take me lightly."
"Or what? We just established the vice commander doesn't care."
She was positively boiling now. He could see it in the rise and fall of her chest from the arduous effort to control her emotions. In the end, she simply stuck her nose up and looked down on him, even if he was effectively taller.
"Even if he's indifferent, I'm not, so, I'm warning you: if you keep drinking like that, I promise I'll do something you won't like."
"Is that so?"
He was mocking her alright…but there was a small part of him that was slightly concerned. She could be very imaginative when it came to making his life difficult, he didn't really want to know what her mind would cook up. And yet, it was a challenge; what could she possibly come up with? He was not the type of man to be scared by, like he himself had put it, empty threats of a woman scorned. Not scorned even, he simply decided not to pay too much attention to her because doing so proved too painful. That was the very reason he started drinking on the first place—to put his mind at ease! He wasn't consuming all that much alcohol anyway, why did he have to hear it like this?
Fuelled by the negative emotions, he simply stood, ignoring her dead-serious, determined expression. "Let's see you try it."
"As you wish…"
She said it quietly, after he had left. So that was how he wanted to play this? Very well, she would meet him halfway. It was time to have a real word with Hijikata-sama, no dancing around any subjects today. They would talk and she'd make her decisions.
.
.
It was a beautiful night tonight. The brilliant full moon was casting just the right amount of light to make things interesting. Shades on people's faces obscured their true interests or painted hallways and gardens in mystery, while keeping them visible enough to remain enticing. Everything was a bit more magical, accompanied by the sound of running water. There was a stillness to this night, like no other before it, signalling summer had finally come to stay.
It was on that night the men decided to stretch their legs and go drinking to Gion. Saitou suggested it; full moons he disliked—he disliked too clear skies on a moon this bright in general. And for some reason, Tokio was still up and about, despite the late of the hour, and he felt compelled to leave that place at once. And the moment he proposed the idea, everyone was on board! The problem remained that Harada and Okita had just come back from a patrol and Saitou could not wait to get out…so he simply said, he was going with Nagakura before them, leaving them to get ready.
True to his word, they departed before their two friends…and Tokio was there to exploit the moment.
"Harada-san, Souji-kun…what are you doing?"
She made them jump, partly scaring, partly guilting them. Knowing they would inevitably pass through this certain place, the one closest to both men's bedrooms and the exit, she ambushed them by hiding behind the wall of a sharp turn and simply popped out when she heard them approaching.
"Ah, Tokio-chan," Okita put on his best smile "we didn't see you over there!"
She smiled back, just as cheery. "Yet here I am."
"Why, Tokio-san?" Harada was complaining more than being happy about her presence. "You should be sleeping by now."
"But I couldn't. Instead, I came here." A look. "To see you heading off to drink, again. Despite me strictly advising against it."
"Well…you see…"
Harada couldn't string a single sentence together, nudging Okita to continue.
"We, um, were asked by, err—"
But she giggled; it attracted both men's attention and all excuses stopped. She levelled another look at them, only this once her lips were slightly tugged upwards, eyebrows high. "I know, men will be men." A sigh of relief escaped them. "But I feel if I don't at least teach you how to drink properly, I'm irresponsible."
Eyes narrowed, curiosity peaked…just like she wanted. "So, I decided, to drink with you!" Alright, she hadn't expected that much of an impact. "I do not imply I shall be consuming drink along with you, no; I shall be pouring the drink for you."
Harada's chin dropped; Okita's eyes grew too wide. A small smile started forming slowly. "Of course, as you can imagine, for that to happen, you need to stay here, in this building. I cannot possibly escort you to wherever it is you want to go."
"T-Tokio-san, are you…messing with us?"
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Is…isn't it against etiquette or what not to…for you to…?"
"Ah," she waved his worries away "don't be concerned over that; I am the sole woman in this place. No matter my station, it is a custom for the woman to pour the drink, yes? So, it's not important." Then a smirk; she'd hit them right where she knew it counted. "Weren't you the one who had asked me to do it once anyway?"
Blushing beyond her belief of what he was capable, he both grew deathly shy and yet, hopeful. "I did, I certainly asked you, I just…I never thought you'd say yes and…I mean, if you want to, I couldn't possibly say no and…"
"And all that's well and great but Harada-san, aren't you forgetting something? Nagakura-san and Saitou-san will be waiting for us."
"O-oh…right…"
She tried not to smirk too much; Harada was already despondent from Okita's reminder and Okita himself seemed to say it as if fighting against his nature, trying to follow what's right, without really wanting it. She was right to choose these ones.
"Indeed, but think of this: I am doing this as your doctor, not as a woman. You, Souji-kun, are still recovering; you, Harada-san are the one most in need of this lesson on how to drink responsibly and to know where to stop. If anyone, I should be having misgivings about this, but I am the one determined. Besides, they have each other's company yes? They won't be too lonely without you…and, not to mention, Saitou-san and Nagakura-san don't drink as much as you do."
"She's right, Okita," Harada immediately took her side.
"Alright, say I agree with that logic; what about Hijikata-san? Won't he have an issue with this?"
Damn that Okita and his last-minute observations! Time to improvise. "Ah, no, not at all," she actually turned her back on them and started walking to her new destination, in an effort to hide her reddening cheeks, knowing they would follow "I already asked him whether I am allowed to do this or not and he has given me his blessings."
She only prayed they never tried to verify it with him, for she'd be caught in a lie. "He doesn't like yet neither minds your drinking expeditions too much, thus he can't intervene; but if I, as your examiner, think this is essential, he said I could do as I wished. I told him of my plan then, and he said I can proceed."
She purposefully looked over her shoulder and back at them, eyes full of promise. "So, will you come and allow me to be a proper hostess for you? I have even prepared snacks and the like for you."
Hooked and about to be reeled in, Okita's eyes all but shone at the mention of food; Harada kept repeatedly elbowing his shorter friend with excitement. Just then, Tokio turned her head to her destination and reached the room she was aiming for, not three metres away from them. She put her hand on the door and drew it open. Like a proper lady, she sat on her knees very gracefully, and with her hand, she urged them inside.
"What do you say?"
"Alright, yes," he begrudgingly gave up, but then the thrill took over and she could see him bounce "I wanna eat food made by Tokio-chan!"
.
.
"They're late."
It didn't take a genius to figure it out, yet none would admit it out loud. They had already sat and been served their first round of sake; they were very close to the second, when Saitou finally had enough pretending everything was alright. Something ate at him ever since they arrived in fact, but he chose to disregard it, in favour of a pleasant evening. But that choice itself made the evening unpleasant.
So, he spoke up.
"I know; they should have been long here by now," Nagakura agreed, looking out the window. "They usually take, what, five minutes to change and be out the door?" Saitou nodded solemn. "They should have caught up with us on our way here in fact…do you think something might have happened to them and we should go look for them?"
They exchanged looks, worry seeping through them. And yet, it was another kind of gut-feeling Saitou was getting about this night—something that would undoubtedly enrage him, yes, but differently than finding out his friends were harmed. Nagakura seemed to be having the same thought so he asked "maybe they fell asleep?"
"…both? Long shot."
The bespectacled man had to agree. "Then maybe something kept them?" It was Saitou's turn to nod mutely. "We should go look for them anyway, I think. It would be the wisest."
That was it; they both stood from their very comfortable positions, women complaining for the sudden departure. They had ignored their comments all this time, about their friends' luck, and they were about to do the same for their protests. Paying in a hurry, knowing they'd probably not return tonight, they made their way back to Headquarters.
While on the horses, they made pain-staking efforts to keep their eyes open for any figures, yet still nothing. They had hoped maybe they'd see some bloody scene that led somewhere, or even an ongoing fight, but after the Ikedaya incident…none of the Chousuu men walked the streets. That was both a blessing and a curse; there was peace yet at the same time it foretold of the calm before the storm, the spies gathering their forces for one decisive strike.
But there was no way that happened this night, so their friends were probably safe. Still, they couldn't help but turn at every sound. Damn.
It took them at least twenty minutes to finally come to terms with the facts: Okita and Harada never left headquarters. Either they were apprehended by an extremely malcontent Hijikata and were driven back into their rooms, or they ran into Kondou and they were forced to drink with him, they were nearly certain at this point. They still rode with a small doubt in their hearts that they could have been legitimately in need of assistance, but otherwise rode straight back.
"Akira, Sogou," the moment they were off their horses, Saitou approached the two Shinsengumi men standing at the door, Nagakura after him "did Harada or Okita pass through here after we left?"
"No, sir;" they chorused but the one named Akira, the taller of the two continued with "the only ones to leave after ten were you."
"I see."
The men exchanged looks; with but a nod, they both grabbed the reigns and walked away to the back, towards the barn. They knew if they weren't seen leaving, they hadn't left at all. There was no reason for them to sneak about since Hijikata was silently compliant to their drinking, thus they had no reason to worry. They had every reason to give them hell once they found them, though! Unless it was a real inescapable encounter, they had no excuse as to why they left them there all by themselves. They should expect consequences.
The first places they visited was their bedrooms.
Nothing.
A little irritated, the men started looking for them in all sorts of places; kitchens, no; exam room, no; strategy room, no. They huffed. Where were they? They even looked in the private room their commander held for his special entertainment but found it actually empty. Exasperated, they decided to look into the second commonly used entertainment room, the one they had for single units to drink and make merry, that needed less space than the entire body of their men.
As they approached, they heard voices. Ah huh. The closer they came, the more distinguishable they became, being able to tell even who is talking when and what they were saying to each other. And sure enough, it was Harada and Okita…only. No third person to be heard.
Shaking his head, Saitou unceremoniously drew the shoji door wide open…!
Nagakura gaped behind him while he just stood there, staring blankly at the lot of them. For a very brief moment, time stopped; Saitou felt suspended between reality and a bad dream as he walked in on his two friends laughing away, sharing stories and happily commenting on topics while eating and drinking the night away…in the company of Tokio.
Every soul in the room turned to them in surprise; Harada's turned into the pleasant kind, Okita's into the guilty kind while Tokio's…the shameless kind.
"Oh! Hey guys! You're back already? Come join us for-"
It finally sunk in that this was reality and Saitou went into overdrive. "What the hell is going on here?"
"We're having a drink," Harada explained as if it was obvious, why was he even asking "would you like to join us?"
But Okita wouldn't look at Saitou in the eye; because Okita knew. "Then what is she doing here? It's inappropriate for her to be drinking with you." He might have taken extra care not to mention her name, but his eyes betrayed him, returning to her every other word.
And how she didn't even look like this affected her at all, was enough to make him furious. "She isn't Saitou-san! She really isn't," the short man rushed to explain "I swear. We're the only ones who drink; and eat; she just made the food."
"Oh, you cooked for them?"
He couldn't help it damn it! And he couldn't help the amount of incredulity and offense that coloured it.
"I did; that's what a hostess of a good home does. She doesn't participate in the consumption of course," she assured "I'm perfectly sober."
A chuckle from the red-haired man. "We aren't, not completely; but Tokio-san sure knows how to portion the drink! I've drunk half as much as I usually do while she kept pouring the same amount of times as those geishas."
Saitou's hand twitched; involuntarily, instinctively, it tried to move for his sword. "She poured for you!?"
His death glare first went to Okita; when he looked away too red for words, his glare moved to Tokio. When she returned it with a haughty smirk, he almost advanced towards the lot of them. Almost. He took a deep breath, as Harada said "yeah, can you believe it? I never thought she would!" and did his best to block his stupid friend out because in this certain moment, all he wanted to do was repeatedly smack him against a rock, preferably a large one that made him bleed.
The betrayal in his eyes, that she dared do something she hated so much for them, was only matched by the realisation…this was it, the thing she thought of that she'd do he wouldn't like. This was her countermeasure. Incensed yet with new found clarity, he looked at her self-satisfied face. But no; he wouldn't have it. His face became harsh and looked back to Nagakura who parted immediately from the door to make way for him.
"Let's see what Hijikata has to say about all of this."
And he was gone.
"Hijikata-san said she was in the clear," Harada shouted after him, but Saitou didn't hear it; or if he had, he hadn't cared.
And that was when Tokio's colour was drained from her face and she felt her stomach drop to the floor. Oh no; she took off after him in a flash!
"Tokio-san!"
Harada tried to stop her; Nagakura had half a mind to go after her. But Okita coughed to garner attention and when he did, he gave both a look. "Let them confront Hijikata. It will be the fastest way to resolve this."
"Oh man! And I was having such a great time!" Harada complained instantly. "He came in and ruined it. Why? What's his issue? Instead of joining us, he does that."
"We were worried when you didn't show, you know," Nagakura defended Saitou, thinking his bad mood stemmed from that "I'd be upset, too. Especially since he's very formal and proper about these things, too."
"Still…that's a bit too much…"
Okita patted his back. "It happened now. Let's finish our food and leave, okay? We'll talk to them tomorrow."
Silently agreeing, the three men ate the remainder of the delicious food and went their ways.
Meanwhile, Tokio was frantically running to catch up with an even more frantic Saitou who scaled hallways in alarming speed. "Will you slow down!? I can't make such big steps in this kimono."
"You knew to wear it though." He scoffed. "Too flashy for two simple men, hime-sama, don't you think?" he shot her a venomous look. "Then again, you always enjoyed impressing people with your dress."
He stopped for a split second when he felt something collide with his back; he turned to look at the offender and was stunned to discover a shoe. Tokio's shoe; she threw him her geta! She limped closer and closer, obviously trying to scoop it up, but he felt petty. He grabbed it off from the floor and took off again.
"HAJIIME!"
But her stern shout fell on deaf ears. "Think before you act next time," he snubbed without even turning to look at her.
She let out a small scream of exasperation; it was followed by another hit, this once on his head, by her second geta. Aghast, he turned to make sure that really just happened, only to find her triumphantly not limping anymore but running with her little feet on even ground now. "You little…!"
"I adapt easier than you," she threw at him and had nearly caught up.
"We'll see how you adapt to Hijikata's lectures."
She sighed, still running. "You really don't have to do this!"
She was starting to get left behind, Saitou in the lead with a vengeance.
"You didn't have to do this, either."
"I warned you!"
He scoffed, again. "This isn't an appropriate way to respond."
"Says you."
"Which is why we'll let Hijikata decide."
If she had a spare pair of shoes, she'd have thrown him both. The fact of the matter remained though and now they were both rushing to the vice commander's personal room. The door was closed, as expected, and Saitou had no qualms about knocking on it. When he heard the bamboozled "enter" he slid the door open without hesitation.
"Hijikata."
"Hijikata-sama."
He stood from the bed, a little sleepy. "What are both of you doing here?"
"We need you to resolve something."
He glared. "If this a damn lovers' quarrel I will end you."
The effect that had on both people's moral was devastating; but it wasn't ultimately the case, so Saitou pressed on. "Tokio was pouring drinks for Okita and Harada while in the presence of no third party in the small room," he summarily made his accusation "and had the nerve to say this was sanctioned by you."
Hijikata looked at the woman, expressionless, taking in her own expression of feigned superiority yet covert panic. Then his eyes slid to the furious Saitou, damning words at the tip of his tongue. She tried to plead with him. Her eyes told Hijikata so, when they returned to her and held her gaze. She was desperate.
Also, Saitou was for some reason holding her geta that she must have been wearing and that was a whole other type of thing. Or maybe he was seeing things because they woke him up like this. "Alright, I am still a little groggy, so walk me through what happened."
"What I just said."
"And why did you only now found out about this and came here like you declared war on some poor soul?"
He hesitated. "Because, Hijikata-sama," Tokio didn't "he was out drinking with Nagakura-san. They were all supposed to go, but I decided to implement the program I told you about, to help them drink less. I was in the middle of doing that, when he," she spoke with disdain, putting her nose up "burst in, ruining the night and my efforts."
"Is that so."
"Ruining your—it was highly inappropriate! You can't pour those people's drink, they are far too below your station. If anything, you should be thanking me because I just saved your reputation."
"From whom, them? Or maybe you? You're the only one who made a big deal about this after all."
Flabbergasted, the man turned to his superior. "Hijikata, tell her she's not allowed to do this ever again."
So did she. "Hijikata-sama, I demand an apology from this man."
They both stared; Hijikata assessed the situation. If he was being honest with himself, this was very fun; he hadn't internally laughed this much in ages; what with news of Okita's condition reaching him, he really needed it. And when Tokio had told him about it, as well as she was to take drastic measures about the men's drinking—but especially Saitou's, he would have never thought it would take this form.
But, good thing it did. Once they left, it would put a smile on his face.
"I see how this is. One feels decorum was cast aside, the other feels their efforts went to waste." Of course, that wasn't it, he very well knew, but it was amusing to watch Saitou struggle so much. "But her intentions were made clear to me before this, so her actions were expected and dare I say, perfectly reputable." Saitou couldn't believe it; Tokio swelled! "I will have to conclude that your concerns, though substantiated, are needless after all. Thus, I will not be telling her not to do something like this again, but there is no reason for apologies either as I conclude Saitou acted in good faith. Now, is that all?"
Tokio smirked. "Yes."
"But, Hijikata! How can you side with her on-?"
"Is that all," he repeated and it felt more like a warning than anything; Saitou zipped it.
"That will be all." He gave up and bowed his head.
"You can go now. I'll talk individually with you tomorrow."
Inclining their heads, they both made their exit.
They walked a very long distance away from the vice commander's chambers until either one addressed the other. But where Saitou was seething and boiling and could blow up at any moment, Tokio was casually, arrogantly, strutting beside him, even without the shoes that he still held onto out of spite.
When they came upon the intersection that they had to go their separate ways, she finally spoke. "Have a good night's sleep-"
He threw the geta to the floor so hard, they bounced once! She jumped at the sudden notion and then proceeded to stare at him shocked. "Hajime, what-?"
"Don't you Hajime me; you know very well what you're doing!"
"I have no idea what you're-"
But this night he wasn't one to dance around subjects delicately as he always did. Instead, he kept interrupting her with absolute questions and hard facts. "Yeah you do, unless you think I'm stupid all of the sudden or you claim you suddenly are." She relented at the same time she started walking away, geta long forgotten.
He doggedly went after her, step for step. "What were you thinking? If you made me jealous enough I'd do what you wanted, is that it?"
"No," she emphatically denied. "But I knew I needed to do something you wouldn't like and this was the only thing I came up with."
"The only thing?"
"Yes. If you don't like it, stop drinking so much. If you hadn't suggested you do it, the others wouldn't have either, they were too tired. In the end, you're the only one to blame."
"Oh please! You've been planning this all day; waking up late, loitering around till after ten—you've never done that before." She shrugged. But in his mind, it all made sense now! That's why she was up and about, to make him feel uncomfortable enough to suggest this just so he didn't have to be around her. "You even cooked for them, because you knew Okita would not be swayed to join you just with alcohol, you needed food."
She smirked. "You give me too much credit; I don't think that far ahead."
"I know you, Tokio, don't try to downplay yourself like I'm going to fall for it." She shrugged in that same nonchalant way again and he felt his blood pressure reach dangerous heights. "What you did was wrong and I don't know how the hell you managed to get Hijikata on your side, but you won't. Be doing it again. Not if you know what's best for all."
They reached her room; she opened the door but made no signs to get in. "But didn't you hear, Hijikata-sama?" Her coyness drove him insane! "He can't tell me not to do it again; what I did was deemed perfectly reputable."
"I don't care if Kondou asks you to do the same for him next time, you won't be doing this again."
"I beg to differ."
"Ever."
Her satisfaction was too much to hide; on the other side of the door now, inside her room, she stood with her face next to the wood. "Or what?"
"You'll see."
"Well, if you really don't want me to do it again, it's simple; don't drink more than twice a week."
But he didn't give in. Instead, her mirth mixed with his foul mood and the combination was explosive. "I warned you, Tokio."
"I warned you, too."
With a final nod to each other, a declaration of war rather than a salute, he turned around and stomped away. She, on the other hand, closed the door behind her with a genuine smile reaching her lips. No matter how much he ignored her, how indifferent he acted while she'd been in this place, he still cared for her. He cared enough to be so indignant about her little stunt.
She giggled, causing Hachiro to wake up and nuzzle her. She scratched behind his ears happily and started undressing, ready to go to sleep. This had been a far better plan that expected after all.
A/N: Stay tuned for more shenanigans! And death and blood because we're getting to tumultuous times, people, very dangerous, too. Drop a line or two, don't you? See you next time!
Kisses,
FAI