A/N: I want to start this off by saying:
I am sorry. I am so SO so incredibly sorry. This is laaaaaaaaaaate. Really late.
BUT
I am a piece of trash. No, just kidding. I really had no time and when I did, I was dead on my feet, tired af. To think I even promised to be a beta reader but I haven't been able to do that as well, because I really had no time. I'm sorry sweetie, you know who you are. I'm getting to it tho. I also had to get in the spirit again, and when I can barely keep my eyes open I can't be bothered with the computer, only paper. But writing the entire thing on paper was lacking because I STILL HAD TO TRANSFER IT, damn idiot. Why didn't I just portion it? Because I'm an idiot. Anyhow, I finally managed to write it! Yay. For those of you who are fed up with my schedule, I know, I'm really sorry. I don't know when the next update will be but I'll try to make it in time. Easter is fast approaching in Greece (8th of April in fact) and it will only get hectic from now on. Still, I love you all, you're the best.
If anyone saw it coming clap their hands.
Historical facts:
1. On August 13, 1864 the First Chousuu expedition took place. It was a retaliatory expedition for daring to attack the capital. Everyone was summoned to the front, Shinsengumi included.
2. No one ever actually battled. The shogun was appeased by the offering of the heads of the instigators from the Chousuu side aka they beheaded the ones responsible. The one who brokered the deal was none other than Satsuma's pride Saigo Takamori, a well-known, honourable samurai. (he'll play a part later in the story somehow but if anyone can guess how please share it with me, I'll die of excitement)
3. At the end of August, upon their return, Saitou was part of a group of six men (including Nagakura and Harada) who petitioned to have Kondou removed from his position as head of the Shinsengumi for being too despotic. Matsudaira Katamori called a meeting to settle the dispute. That is the truth. But seeing I have written Kondou completely differently here, let's just say this never happened. It's just a fun thing, I think, to include and let you know.
Timeline: August 10th to September 2nd - 3rd, 1864.
A fine lady...
...and childhood friends.
"Matsudaira-sama, can I please go to the hot springs?"
An eyebrow lifted; his gaze shifted to her critically. "I don't know. Can you?" she looked away, cheeks rosier than a second ago. "Have you learnt your lesson?"
"I, I can't say that confidently; what if I say yes only to get my way? But what if I say no, trying not to sound too arrogant, yet I do feel I have grown this past month, so…"
"Hmm, you are right; neither of us can be the judge of that. I suppose we will never be able to really tell until an important moment comes again, but for now, let's turn to a third party. Saitou."
"Yes?"
"Do you think she learnt her lesson?"
He tried his best not to look too smug, being addressed directly for such a matter. He could see the way her eyes kept darting to him, pleading yet shy, knowing he wouldn't spare her, not for a moment. He considered.
"I think she should be allowed…"
She beamed! If they were alone, he was certain she'd smile that impolite smile of hers but since they weren't, she could only contain her excitement in a very forced but happy look. And yet, it was him Matsudaira kept looking at, too close for comfort.
"Interesting. You think she learnt her lesson?"
"Not completely, but one cannot change so wholly so soon; she's doing well though."
Matsudaira smirked. "This has nothing to do with you wanting out of this assignment, does it?"
Saitou could have laughed at the man's intuition! That was one reason sure; the other was he really wouldn't mind going there with her, all by themselves. "No, my lord…not completely. The truth is the truth. I was the first to agree she needed to mend her selfish ways, anyway."
The Aizu-han did laugh though, good-natured and amused. "I see, I see; well, Tokio, you heard the man. You are allowed."
Finally, she allowed herself to show her excitement and gave that big lady-like smile of hers to both. "I shall go ask the ladies immediately! If they say I can go even now, I will, so be prepared Saitou-san."
He nodded as she went her merry way and before long, the two men were left alone in silence. But it was an odd thing, for the Aizu-han to remain alone with him; they had no matters to discuss, and he was far below the man's station to have a casual conversation with. And yet, the lord remained, peering at him, a small smirk still playing on his lips.
"Do tell Saitou," he started, surprising the Shinsengumi "what is the true source of your frustration for being cooped up in here with us?"
"Pardon?"
"You say you want to pursue your activities, but in all honesty, other than patrolling the city, you haven't been left too far behind. You receive your reports here, do many of the things Hijikata wants you to and even get to be in the presence of many important people, you wouldn't otherwise meet. Is it so difficult for you not to be able to walk about?"
"Walking about patrolling is one way to put it; if I can't be in the city and feel its pulse, see how things are going, which way the scale tips, I can't really do my job. Plus, I need to find certain people and apprehend them," or kill them, both men naturally thought, but none cared to say it out loud "and in staying by the side of one person, I cannot possibly search for someone else."
Matsudaira seemed to believe him and all, but there was a glint in his eye. One that spoke of mischief and never went away, even if Saitou was perfectly serious…which the younger man noticed it and nonverbally asked for an explanation.
"So, it has nothing to do with the reputation of you Shinsengumi men?" Saitou looked positively flummoxed. "You know the one; you and the red-light district are famous friends…"
Saitou felt a pang of guilt yet amusement. How inappropriate to have caused the lord's concern, yet how funny he was going to speak of such things with him.
"I do remember it being a very controversial topic when you first arrived here, had all the fine ladies in an uproar."
Saitou tried to remain expressionless but the more the lord spoke in his sardonic grin with that second layer of tease in his voice, the harder it was. "I know for a fact Harada-san has had many dealings with beautiful geisha, too; Nagakura-san has Ochako, apparently," he said that one a little more surprised "and Okita is, well, Okita."
The fact the lord was so easily convinced of the truth, nothing happened between Tokio and Okita, was a blessing. The fact he as easily dismissed all charges made by Motoko and their veracity, was a miracle. The fact he remained so blissfully unaware of his charge's feelings though, was near-sighted. Saitou might have acted as formal and indifferent as possible, but Tokio couldn't hide that little extra, that surge of emotion she felt around him, try as she might. It was ridiculous and dangerous—one more of the reasons he was reluctant with his post. He was convinced she would give them away!
But that never happened. Either Matsudaira and her father – when he was here – were completely dense…or she had put a little more effort into it than he thought.
"But you, my friend," Matsudaira said after a deliberate pause, "you are notorious for your drinking endurance." The smirk broke through. "They say you always prefer the drink to the women—just ask for one to pour it for you."
"I enjoy the taste of sake," he explained himself "and I have a tolerance for it. No harm in that. But to actually imply I would shirk a duty like this to go drinking, my lord, I believe you do me a disservice."
He didn't sound offended, despite his words, he too was teasing. Matsudaira realised and it caused him to chuckle. "Then there really isn't a geisha whom you only socialise when there, or stare from afar, yes?"
"Yes, my lord, I can assure you; no geisha whatsoever."
"No relationships with women at all?" Saitou shook his head. "I see. How unusual."
He shrugged. "I don't have the time for it; or money. Or patience." They shared a smile. "Not now at least," he added in a fit of honesty "when I need to focus on this war. When everything is over, who knows, maybe I can find myself a wife."
Interest flashed in his eyes. "A wife you say?"
"I am not averse to the idea of having a home of my own and a family to put in it." A pause, to think. "I have many reasons to support the shogun and want this war to end, but one of them is undoubtedly the idea I will be able to pursue someone easier."
"Ahhhh," an understanding exclamation that spoke volumes from the Aizu-han "of course; the war hero." Saitou nodded modestly. "Could land you almost any woman you want; no father would say no to such a fancy title."
"Provided she's willing…"
Matsudaira produced a low, knowing chuckle. "Provided, indeed. But if the perfect woman just happened to fall in your lap? What would you do?"
He resisted the urge to snap "you're half-right" and instead looked pensive. "…if the perfect woman for me just happened to fall in my lap, I'd try marry her anyway."
"Wise answer…"
Saitou couldn't know what sort of thoughts went through the man's head, but it was obvious he was lost in them for a long, real moment; his eyes glazed over as his smile became distant until he focused again. "I wish you all the best, Saitou."
If only he knew. If only any of them did.
.
.
She never would have thought Saitou would get his wish about being reassigned in such a way; if she had, she'd have gone to the temple and prayed first. Certainly, she would have had the luxury to act a little more dignified—after all, she was just informed by her caretaker that Saitou's term with them would come to an abrupt end, as there was a collective call to arms! The shogun issued it, a retaliation for the Chousuu attack on the capital. All were supposed to participate, her own father no doubt – Aizu was a force to be reckoned with – so one of the reasons Matsudaira-sama was so quick to inform her was to be able to write a letter of encouragement back home.
The fact the lord pushed her to write it the moment she received the news was a little sketchy, but she let it slide without question – hoping to earn more favour with the lord and not get saddled with some other guard, once Hajime left –; the fact they send Teruhime-sama to help her with it was right out suspicious, but she still said nothing. But when she found out that all that had been engineered by none other than Saitou Hajime, to avoid a tearful goodbye, she could have killed him! That little sneaky wolf!
It wasn't long after that she found out she could no longer look for him at their headquarters as each and every Shinsengumi membered had been preparing for their march against the Chousuu forces. No one was allowed away, they didn't even patrol anymore.
It was barely two days after she received the news, she found out they had already left.
.
"Tokio has really learnt her lesson," Matsudaira commented to his sister offhandedly, visibly impressed and satisfied "look how she does nothing but study and practise medicine within our walls all day or ardently pray at the temple."
"Indeed, brother," Teruhime was quick to agree, trying to sound as convincing as possible.
"She is truly worried about her father, my dear."
Teruhime's eyes snapped to him. "Kojuuro will be participating, too?"
"Of course; a proud emissary of Aizu! This is the first time in a very long while he shall be taking up arms—no wonder Tokio has been praying so much."
"No doubt…"
Tokio had heard that but didn't feel bad; it wasn't a lie. She was praying to Buddha for her father's safe return even more than she was praying for Hajime's! That is to say, of course she was worried about both, she didn't distinguish. She simply held on to hope that if she prayed for the one, it meant for the other, too, so she didn't bother alternate.
Considering she had left plenty of medicine with Okita and Saitou, too she was sure things would work themselves out, somehow. And should Hajime ever run into her father on the battlefield, there was no doubt in her mind he would keep the older man safe. If not for her sake, for his, because he was proud.
She allowed herself to smile. According to Matsudaira's reports to the Emperor, things were going more than swimmingly for them; there were not many – if any – casualties, only injured in small scuffles. In such a bloodless war, Tokio doubted Saitou would allow himself to come back and deliver her bad news. And for her own mental health, she decided to believe just that and just keep praying. A little help along the way never hurt anyone.
.
.
It was murder to know he had returned to Kyoto and not be able to see him. The expedition was over and their side had the overwhelming victory under its belt. They came back without a single casualty! From what she heard, a very bright man from Satsuma, Saigo Takamori, brokered the bloodless outcome between the two sides: what with Tokugawa's obvious superiority, attacking the civilians who were ordered to march to the capital, as well as the inescapable casualties of women and children, would be in very bad taste. What they should do instead was to order the men who led the attack, the ones responsible, come forward and have their heads instead, leave the people alone.
That way, should they try to enter into a fight, it would be their fault and the people would know.
And so, what Saigo Takamori had suggested, happened; and so, the most expensive trip of the Shogun Tokugawa came to an end. One could call it a glorified head-hunt, too—whatever it was, Tokio was thankful! She wanted to find the man who made it possible and shake his hand or put her arms around her tightly.
She was no simpleton, of course, she was keenly aware of the politics behind this. The man had seen the Shogun's intentions which were simple: after the crushing defeat of the Chousuu province, he would turn on Satsuma. Not to eliminate but weaken it. If its greatest contender, the Chousuu were wiped out military-wise, the Satsuma would undoubtedly gain ground. And the Satsuma weren't as close to the Shogun as the Aizu was; them taking any sort of power was dangerous. Thus, by defeating the Chousuu in battle, he could easily call for disarmament, or some sort of "sacrifice" from Satsuma, to prove they do not wish to prey on the weak, their defeated enemy. And by defanging the Satsuma domain as such, the shogun would sleep easier at nights.
But none of that happened. Saigo was too bright, saw through it, and offered a settlement the quickly-losing-popularity-with-the-common-folk shogun could not refuse. Despite all that, Tokio still wanted to shake his hand. It meant the men who were important to her returned unharmed.
.
"Matsudaira-sama, I would like to go to the city and buy something for my father; I wrote him a letter and I would love to mail both at the same time to him."
"Of course, you may go; pick a guard that is otherwise unengaged."
"Thank you, my lord; I shall depart immediately."
That was when the man finally looked up from the letter he was reading, just as she was about to make an exit, and he snorted with laughter. "What are you wearing dear?"
"…a kimono."
"Isn't it a little too much for this time of day…and such a mundane task?" he kept biting the inside of his cheek not to laugh.
"…all women my age dress like this when they visit the heart of the city, regardless of time or purpose…" she answered with great effort not to sound as shy as she looked.
"Indeed, but you are unlike other women your age."
"My lord…!"
Her tone was warning; he chuckled. "No need to scold me, I understand; you want to play dress up, you are allowed. Just make sure to take a fan with you, swat all the suitors away."
"Matsudaira-sama!"
"What else do you expect me to say? Men will flock."
She laughed, too, shaking her head, as she walked away.
The man wasn't wrong. But it wasn't the attention of a flock she was aiming for…just the one wolf. Who, according to her sources, was meant to be in the city for almost the entire day—or at least the sun set. After that, he was to patrol the streets. The reason for his prolonged presence her source hadn't explained but did elude to finding out once she went there. And she hadn't seen him for such a long time, too; the fancy kimono was all to attract his attention and good mood, her dress being an old inside joke by now.
So, she donned something exaggerated, put on her biggest smile, grabbed the fan and put it in her obi; she found a guard and headed for the heart of the city. She decided to take care of business first and then look for him, too for she had no idea where he could be. She thought it would be difficult to do so in fact…but it turned out to be too easy. And a little unexpected.
She found him standing next to a flower stall, wearing an everyday ensemble, a far cry from his usual Shinsengumi uniform. It suited him, too—dark blues and black complimented him. and he was so tall, so she could easily spot him from far away. Abandoning her task at hand – pick something for her father –, a little curious as to why he'd be at that particular stall, she wore her brightest and most teasing smile and she approached.
She made quite the effort to go unnoticed, to surprise him, but he still saw her; she pouted about it…but he didn't play along. Instead, he bowed at her, even from the distance of four metres, and it made her stare in incredulity. But then she saw the second thing she did not expect that day: there was a young woman at his side, looking at the flowers, that she didn't happen to be close to him; they were together.
Once that registered in her brain, all signs of good mood vanished. She stood a little straighter; her shoulders squared. Her eyes kept alternating between him…and her: her face, her figure, their body language. She was, objectively, very pleasant to look at, easily earning the "beautiful" compliment every man most probably gave her; her skin was porcelain white and unblemished; her eyes and hair raven black, making the contrast even more pronounced. They were up in an elaborate bun, too, the most exquisite pin hanging. Her lips were painted red, matching said pin, as well and the hemming and the cherry blossoms on her kimono. The rest of her garment was the same white as her skin, black branches with said red designs all over it.
She was elegant and lean, classy. Her movements were fluid, like water; and the way she unconsciously leaned towards Hajime, without entering his personal space but hovering right outside respectfully, spoke of familiarity.
Her heart stopped for a second. Who was this woman? Why was she with him? Why was he humouring her? And why the hell did this look so much like a date!? She needed the answers right now. Time to confront them.
With long strides and the fakest, yet politest smile she ever remembered gracing her lips, she took steps to reach them. The fact Saitou had seen her and kept glancing at her to ascertain her distance did nothing for her suddenly sour mood.
"Hajime-san, miss, hello."
She made her presence known to the woman, who was the one who hadn't noticed her anyway, and took a deep bow. The woman took an equally deep bow, per custom, and her politeness for some reason only angered Tokio more. "My name is Takagi Tokio, pleased to meet you."
At the mention of the name, the woman smiled involuntarily wide. "I am Higurashi Ayame, I am so excited to meet you! I had never expected to run into you, Takagi Tokio-san, so early in my visit."
Wait, why was she so happy to hear her name?
"I owe your father a great debt."
She does?
That appeared to be news to both Tokio and Saitou, who looked at her wondered. "Oh, indeed; I happed upon your father while he came by Edo, where I live, after the Chousuu expedition ended."
"Oh, did you? He did inform me he passed from there indeed, but never mentioned meeting such a local beauty. Maybe he feared I'd tell my mother?"
The women laughed politely but Saitou was now less expressive than before. "Ah, no, it wasn't an important meeting; we simply ran into one another as we picked up our mail. You see, I had just received Yami-san's wedding invitation—he's getting married here, in two weeks from now, while your father, I believe was picking up a letter from you."
"Indeed, I wrote to him and sent it there."
"By some divine intervention or whatnot, we realised both your letter and mine had the same content: you wrote to him about a big wedding you were invited to and I had received the invitation to the same one!"
Tokio blinked; but then realisation hit her. "Oh, you mean Kobayashi-san's son's marriage!"
"The very same! Ah, you know the father; I know the son." Ayame giggled. "Actually, we both know the son." She gestured to Hajime and her and when she actually touched his shoulder Tokio felt anger bubbling within her anew. "Hajime is from Edo, I'm from Edo; we are childhood friends."
Oh.
"We've known each other since we were five."
Oh.
"We are very close."
He shook his head nonchalant. "You are childhood friends with my sister, not me; I was just there. And I haven't seen you in three years."
"Nonsense," she easily dismissed him and Tokio could hear her heart cracking with each piece of information she received "we are together since you were shorter than Tokio-san. No matter," she turned to the barely-hanging on Tokio "your father sees that and immediately goes on about how it would be lovely if we two met and went gift-shopping together. I kindly informed him I could not afford the trip, seeing we have some dire family expenses at the moment, and he simply refuses! He actually gave me money and promised to arrange a carriage for me."
Her father was a traitor; a filthy traitor.
"I was mortified! I couldn't possibly pay him back. And I told him so. He just shrugged me away and said that his friend, Matsudaira-sama, would easily find accommodations for me and I was not to worry about the finances, for it would be his way to give his daughter a new friend." She smiled as she shook her head. "I tried to refuse, saying I would be a woman alone in a big city and how my father would not allow it, so what does he say? No problem! The Shinsengumi will undoubtedly protect you. They did so with you, so if I'm your friend then it extends to me, too. But the luckiest bit of all, was how your father, Kojuuro-sama, naturally said that there's a man in the unit who will keep me safe no matter what: Saitou Hajime to assure me!"
That was it; she'd disown her father. She would.
"I got excited then and told him Hajime is a good friend of mine and how I hadn't seen him in ages and I'd love to see him again! Then he too got excited – her father really likes you, Hajime – and one thing led to another and the very next day I departed for Kyoto with your father's blessings."
She giggled too lady-like and Tokio could feel her entire being seethe at her.
"I felt like I used him a little because it was neither the marriage nor the idea of making a new friend that convinced me to come, but to meet you on the first day of my arrival, truly puts my heart at ease, Tokio-san. I am honoured to meet you."
"I don't think you used him, Ayame-san," Tokio tried to be nice to this intruding but completely kind stranger that she knew she had no reason to dislike other than jealousy "I think father used you. He knew Hajime was from Edo, after all, I bet he mentioned him in case you knew him." She smiled; Tokio really wanted to say how she'd too be tempted to go somewhere if she knew Hajime would be there but refrained. "I believe father thinks I don't have enough friends and tries to help, poor soul."
"That's a cute dad, if I may."
"He is." And a meddling one. "In fact, I am in search of a small gift for him, to accompany his letter; but given the circumstances, I am unwilling to mail it after all the new developments." She considered. "I know! How about, we look for a trinket for him and I go back and write a second letter; then we meet here tomorrow, so I can mail both at the same time; we can easily go wedding-shopping, too."
"That is an excellent idea! Hear that, Hajime?" She turned to the man, who in turn turned a little sour, in triumph. "She too will be going to the wedding."
He rolled his eyes. "That does not mean I should be forced to go, too."
Tokio had a bad feeling about this, without even knowing the details. Yet, she decided to ask all the same. "Pardon?"
"In the invitation I received, Yami wrote it himself, it included a request: to get him, of all people, to the wedding."
Hajime was annoyed. "And I still don't understand why."
"He always competed with you at everything, when you were young."
"You both know Tokoyami-san, then…"
"Yes, we do; grew up close to each other. Anyway," she turned to Hajime again "he feels like he lost because you left Edo before him, but he says he finally beat you at one thing: marriage. So, he wants to rub it in your face."
Tokio felt like she could finally have her "revenge" – on this person who had done nothing wrong – by showing she knew something about the man she didn't. "But Hajime has already married…and divorced."
"Exactly," she said as if natural.
Wait a minute. She knew that too?
"Said he wanted to show him what a real marriage is like, a successful one."
"That is just mean," Tokio couldn't help but defend him.
"I know, right? Thank you! But he doesn't get it." When she flicked his nose Tokio almost reached out to stop her. "He has to show up with a girl at his arm, to show him he's not deterred. But not just any girl; the girl. The one that would cause the biggest stir…me."
Tokio was not going to lie, for a moment there she thought Ayame meant her and almost smiled.
"The groom used to harbour intense feelings for me," she explained shrugging. "And who knows maybe he still does."
"He's getting married, Ayame, and not to you."
"That's because I refused him before he left."
Tokio was impressed. "Did you? How come?"
"I do not like men of his type."
"Stupid?" Hajime asked.
"Conceited?" Tokio offered.
"Self-centred?" he continued.
Ayame chuckled. "No; feminine. He has woman-like features, I don't like it; also, he talks too much. I don't like men who won't shut up. I prefer my men silent, for the most part. Besides, he's too short, almost as tall as I am! How do you even…ridiculous."
Tokio stole a glance at tall, taciturn, manly Saitou and had a sneaking suspicion she knew exactly who her type was, judging by the furtive glances Ayame, too sent his way…ah shit.
Still, Saitou seemed oblivious to all of that. "But that was two years ago." When Ayame simply kept staring, flabbergasted, he shook his head. "Things happen in two years; or even one." He spared a meaningful look for Tokio and she tried not to blush – or feel too satisfied –. "Besides, he's too proud and not very insistent; he found another to strike his fancy, and this one said yes, evidently."
"He'll still feel like he lost to you if I go with you."
"I'll still be forced to attend a boring social function."
"But you must!" Desperate, Ayame turned to Tokio. "You tell him, too!"
"You must attend, Hajime-san," Tokio agreed "for if a man like him took the time to invite you, you can be sure he'll take the time to see if you honoured his wishes. And a man like him is nobility; his father is close to the emperor. You do not want to refuse such men."
Ah shit, she knew him too well, knew exactly where to strike. It was all his fault for being vulnerable.
"Besides, how many other Shinsengumi men have been personally invited?" He remained tactfully silent. "Exactly. It is your duty to represent your unit, too, yes?"
"Yes…"
"So, you must go. I must go, too, to be honest, and it is a nightmare. I have men asking left and right yet I can't go with anyone lest they get the wrong impression; yet I can't go alone thus I am at a loss. What do you think I should do, Ayame-san?"
Tokio might have asked Ayame, but it was Saitou she stared at; he pretended not to notice while Ayame really must not have, for she was in deep thought. Then, an idea. "…go with a female friend!"
"One does not go to weddings with a female friend."
"Don't go then; pretend to be sick and just send the present in your stead. They won't mind so long they receive it."
"Hajime…! That's not very proper."
"Hajime has never been very proper, truth be told."
The man felt blood rush to his cheeks; Tokio looked at her too shocked. "Hajime? This Hajime?" the Are you daft, was silent. But he coughed.
"Ayame remembers only the embarrassing moments as one is used to do, when they know you from a young age."
But Ayame laughed and even her laughter was like gurgling water and Tokio wanted to smack her! "You had plenty of those, too…"
"You are biased for you ran around with sister."
"I'd like to—!"
"She won't be telling you any if she values the status-quo of her visit so far."
Just as Ayame was about to share one with Tokio, she immediately closed her mouth. "No, thank you."
"I thought so," he gloated.
Tokio pouted. "But I wanted to know at least one embarrassing story…! You see, Ayame-san, your friend has been nothing but serious ever since he came to the capital and everyone's dying to get dirt on him."
She giggled. "I bet."
"Let her tell us at least one thing, Hajime."
"No, and that's final. And you," he snubbed Ayame "go buy whatever it is that you want so we can finally go."
"Promise me you'll come to the wedding with me first."
Ow; Tokio's heart hurt just by the way she looked at him. It was there, she could see it: the adoration, the wistfulness, the hope…
"You heard her," he nearly accused, glaring "can't say no. Now go."
Like the cat that ate the canary, she disappeared from their field of vision. The guard still remained a little ways away – who would dare go close when she was speaking with the Saitou Hajime and imply he wasn't able to protect her – so Tokio finally had the opportunity to act as she wanted.
"You don't have to go with her you know!" She slapped his arm three times. "Or was I complaining about having no one to take me for no reason?"
"I can't take you and not her; I'm the only one she knows in the entire city."
"Okita would have made a fine date in your stead!"
"…she wouldn't have wanted him and she'd only make my life miserable. Don't you know? Hijikata basically outsourced me to her." Her expression told him it was all news to her. "Matsudaira was the one who asked him to tell me to keep an eye on her specifically." Her chin hang; he was taken aback. "She'll be staying with you."
"She'll what!?"
"At the Matsudaira compound; I have to escort her there whence she decides she's had enough." A smirk. "You mean to tell me there's something you don't know? How interesting."
She fought back the biggest blush ever. "Will you stop? I wouldn't have been so shocked if I knew-…! And to think father…I mean…" she shook her head. "At least I'll be able to see you again. Haven't seen you in ages."
"It was only a month; remember that trip to Aizu you had?"
"At least I wrote to you."
He snorted. "Don't ever expect me to do that, ever."
"So," she tried to sum up "you'll be back in the Matsudaira compound I take it? To babysit her?"
"Pretty much."
"I don't see you too torn up about it though…" And yet, he'd made such a big deal out of babysitting her.
"That's because I'll still patrol during the nights. It isn't the famous and invaluable Takagi Tokio whose life needs protecting, so they don't care what happens to her during the night." The way she glared at him, gave him life! "She never ran away from home to take care of strangers, or even left home for more than two months at a time, too so there's that."
"Hajime…!"
"Whatever; she'll be going back to Edo once the wedding is over. Suffer in silence until then, hime-sama." She smacked him again. "And try to make her feel welcome, or else I'll hear it."
"I'm a very accommodating hostess."
He gave her a look. "I saw the way you were looking at her." She dared not say a word, simply grew red out of anger and shame. "I guess I shouldn't act too smart about it though, all things considered."
"If you're implying you're the reason of my supposed ire…you are correct. You are always the reason I am irritable." She shook her head. "Just make sure to be clear with her."
"About what?"
Tokio became serious. "Your intentions."
He blinked. "My what?"
"Your intentions…about her."
"I have no intentions."
"Well, she has. I saw the way she looked at you, too, you're not the only one with eyes. She came all the way here to see you again, uncaring for one of the most talked-of weddings of the capital; she refused the same man two years ago. Don't take me for a fool. She certainly has intentions."
She grew worried then for no other reason than not only did it seem this notion was all news to him, but he also did not appear to agree with her. "Not in a million years."
"Am I a woman or not? And didn't you hear her description of the ideal man?"
"Don't be ridiculous."
"What is she being ridiculous about?"
Ayame just returned, holding an extravagant bouquet of beautiful flowers; they were nicely matched, but a little too much. Still, her arrival caught no one by surprise; Hajime had heard her approach while Tokio had seen her. So, she knew exactly what to say.
"I finally found the perfect solution to my problem but he scorns it, calling it ridiculous."
His eyes became sharp while Ayame's became even brighter. "Oh, do share; whom will you take with you after all?"
"I'll ask if Hijikata-sama can escort me;" the moment she spoke the name, he started puffing up, ready to blow "that way Hajime can have a familiar face in the crowd and the ladies of the court a pretty one to look at. So, no one will mind."
"That is quite ridiculous," he snubbed immediately, a familiar yet rare sharpness to his tone "won't people talk? You are better off asking the Aizu-han to accompany you."
"But he has three wives…and they won't, not really; I'll have him as more of a guard than anything. I guess Souji-san works just the same, despite being a little free spirited."
"Souji-san" he accentuated almost in a snarl, as if daring her to call him that again "is entirely out of the question, your highness."
But Ayame thought different. "Nonsense, Hajime! If she found a good solution to her problem, what's it to you?" Tokio smirked ever so slightly. "You know, Tokio-san, if I may, you should take both. That way it will really feel like they are on guard duty and no one will talk."
Oh, she wanted to laugh! Ayame was so precious, saying the exact thing Tokio wanted her without even realising. Watching him burn and boil right underneath the surface was so very satisfying, too. Even if, admittedly, Hijikata would not be very happy with the arrangement she just came up with. Oh well; just because she said it, didn't mean it'd happen.
"What a wonderful suggestion, Ayame-san," she goaded anyway and grabbed the woman by the arm "and what a beautiful selection of flowers! Now I trust your taste all the more. Let us walk about to find something for my father, too and then we can go home. Who is it for, this bouquet if you don't mind my asking?"
"Matsudaira-sama."
"Ah, how thoughtful. I am sure he'll love it."
The rest of their shopping experience was fairly normal and standard: Tokio purposefully never let go of the woman, held on to her arm firmly. Saitou would be just one step behind both, performing his usual duties. Tokio didn't miss the "secret" glances full of yearning Ayame sent him, so she was certain Saitou had seen it by now, too. If she noticed, a man like him, ever-watchful, had to have seen it. But if he had, he'd made no indication.
In the end, their shopping excursion ended with the purchase of an intricate pocket watch for her father, plated with silver. It was something her father had been lamenting not having – or having an opportunity to buy one – and she thought it best. He wanted a new pipe, too but Tokio decided against it. She was involved in medicine after all, she wouldn't buy him something that helped his bad habit.
After all was said and done, it was time for Ayame to go to her temporary residence. Given that was the very first day of her arrival – and sneaky Okita had refrained from sharing the details – one of the Shinsengumi men took the newcomer's things to the Matsudaira compound while the servants would choose a room to settle her in, as she went to the market. Thus, Ayame herself had no idea where she'd be staying! When she found out Matsudaira was the Aizu-han and that Tokio would be a roommate, she was all but thrilled!
There was also a sign of some disappointment in Ayame's face that Tokio couldn't help but notice, but she attributed that to the fact Ayame probably wanted Saitou all to herself and not share him with another woman.
She could relate; she actually made a promise to herself to let them go somewhere alone for a day. But just the one.
Still, it was expected. What wasn't though, was the fact Hijikata was at the Matsudaira compound when they arrived! He was very informal in fact, sitting in not-seiza and chatting away. It was the first time she saw him so relaxed around anyone, especially around the Aizu-han.
And as if to take her down a notch, seeing everything worked out in Tokio's favour so far, Saitou decided to share Tokio's decision with both men at the same time, the moment the formalities were spent—but before Ayame could be presented to them.
The second unexpected instance of the night took place then: an impressed Hijikata nodded his gratitude to the woman and stated: "if my lord permits, I find it a splendid idea."
The couple remained looking dumbfounded. "It'll help me be around people I would normally never be close to and actually get to hear their opinions about our unit and myself. There's nothing more valuable than first-hand information after all."
"Hijikata, it is unwise to talk of politics around women…" Matsudaira tried to stop him, gesturing towards his favourite ward.
But the man simply shook his head. "There's no reason to pretend Tokio-san is less than she is; she most probably thought the exact same thing and made this offer anyway, other than the very intuitive evasion of her suitors."
Everyone had to stare at the man's sudden good mood and appetite for teasing, in varying degrees of amusement – with Saitou being on the low and Tokio on the high scale – . also, Tokio had to wonder, how much Hijikata had to drink? "After all, for some reason, Tokio-san had been very invested in our success; it would be a disservice to her not to give credit where credit is due."
The lord laughed good-naturedly but boisterously, causing her to blush. "That savours a little too much of truth to deny. Well then, it is arranged! Hijikata, you may escort my beautiful protégé to the wedding of the year. I will allow it."
"Perfect! But who will take the new arrival?"
All eyes turned to Saitou who fought hard not to roll his in front of the lord. "I will; that has also been arranged."
"Ah, I feel much better knowing that," Matsudaira exclaimed, finally standing up. "I was worried about that."
"Bringing that up, my lord, how come I was unaware of our guest that's currently waiting for you one corridor away?"
There was edge in her voice and a sombre attitude all about her; the two Shinsengumi men looked at one another with a half-smile. No matter their personal views and knowledge on this fact, it was always fun watching a man with the prestige and authority of the Aizu-han get a scolding.
"I know you know of her now, if you're here with Saitou, so I shall leave my explanation for tomorrow, yes? I promise you, it's well worth the wait, so don't be angry with me…"
She put her nose up, looking away in a very strict manner; Matsudaira appeared nervous. Hijikata tried not to elbow Saitou to signify the rarity of the moment. "Alright. I concede." The lord sighed in relief. "But you must go welcome her right now; she's been waiting long enough."
"Certainly! Let us all go."
"You and I will talk later…" Saitou whispered to her in passing, incensed beyond belief, teeth clenched.
"Won't you be patrolling later?" she whispered back, as soon as she caught up to him.
"Same place, same time and you better show," he said with finality and made a show out of standing between Hijikata and Matsudaira.
Giggling, she followed last but not least. This day was getting better in ways she would have never imagined. How lovely.
.
"What were you thinking?"
She hadn't barely made it past the second fence – much harder to sneak out this once, thanks for asking – but he wasted no time in meaningless formalities. Heh, he must have been pretty pissed.
"Meaning?"
"Why would you ask Hijikata to escort you?"
"I said that as an excuse but if I hadn't followed through, it'd be suspicious. Say it slipped from Ayame during dinner. What would I say?"
"The truth: it was an utterly ridiculous idea thus it remained just that."
Her eyebrows shot high. "Oh, I don't know; Hijikata-sama sounded very pleased."
"That's because he'd kill to get that information he's otherwise unable to be the direct recipient of. Not that he had any business being that happy about it, something else is going on here and I don't like it one bit. And you played right into it."
She chuckled, waving him away. "Don't be absurd. Nothing's going on."
"We'll see when Matsudaira explains the situation to you."
"Yeah, he could never really keep a secret from me, how could he not tell me? Or Teruhime-sama? Did you know, she too only found out when Ayame arrived."
His eyes became too small. "Something stinks about this; keep a sharp eye."
Shrugging, she replied "I will."
Why was she being so compliant? Now he couldn't complain properly. Looking away, he crossed his arms, dejected he couldn't be sour for any other reason than ones already stated. He sighed. "You really shouldn't have asked Hijikata to the wedding."
"Then you shouldn't take Ayame-san."
"I don't want to…I have to, because of you no less."
"I never told you to take her, I said you had to go. You could have offered to take me, given I'm the lord's charge and you've been viewed as my bodyguard for half a year now!"
"She asked first; I couldn't refuse her to go with you in the end."
She deflated. "I know, it's just…she has no reason not to be around you at any time of day; and if you take her, people will speak of more weddings, being childhood friends, too so…" she sighed. "I'm really jealous, I suppose." Shrugging, she intertwined her fingers in front of her, shoulders tense. "Not because you may harbour feelings for her but she can do something I never could: be seen in public with you, without an explanation needed."
He could relate.
In fact, if she thought he didn't feel like shit every second they spent together and he couldn't even touch her hand, she was crazy. It was all her fault, too, being so physical with him when no one looked. He wanted to grab her by the waist, squeeze, breathe in her scent—it was so pleasant and addicting, he couldn't not want to put his face in the crook of her neck and stay there for an hour, kiss it, feel it.
Even if she was off limits.
Usually, that was a deterrent, he was never much of a rule-breaker, he liked the rules; they existed for a reason. The forbidden fruit never lured him into action. So, what's different now? Her, if he had to be honest. She was worth the trouble. So, it was such a shame he shouldn't even look at her. He was, too for actually looking at her.
"I'm sorry about Hijikata-sama, I couldn't help it, I just said the most ridiculous thing that came to mind." She snorted. "I hadn't expected him to be so willing, also; it threw me off."
A heavy sigh from both later, he turned to look at her, just as she almost retreated into herself. "I know I have no right to be jealous, or act this way, but I do. And I won't ask you to forgive me, because I know I'll probably do it again," a defeated shrug "I'm that kind of person. Just, please understand, I know I am wrong. I just can't help myself."
He couldn't fault her for that. After all, "I am the jealous type, too."
Finally, she smiled; it was teasing and knowing. Well, he wasn't delivering any news, after all; it's just that he finally admitted it. "So, when you guys attend, don't stand too close. I still remember how you were so quick to accept his offer to carry you, back in Aizu."
Her good mood returned now fully and she had to reign in a laugh. "And are you still holding a grudge?"
"What a typical move, though;" he deflected the question "just as that had happened you literally jumped in the arms of another man."
"Crying, no less" she emphasised with a hit "because of you."
"Details." He didn't have to look so smug for making her cry though, yet he did.
"I could say the exact same thing you know," she continued a line of thought he thought they had abandoned "don't stand too close…though she already grabbed your hand today. Can't imagine what she'll do at the wedding. She does like you after all."
That, he still did not accept. "Don't be stupid, she doesn't. Not in the way you imply at least. She knows and likes me as a friend. It is not romantic."
"Pffff, as if!"
"But she's always acted like this, it isn't new. It's a little more pronounced now that she hadn't seen me in a while I suppose, but-…what's that look for?"
The are-you-joking no nonsense raised eyebrow was in full display. "If that doesn't read like a woman who's missed a loved one, I don't know what does."
"She considers me a friend."
"Aren't you?"
"We are friends," he corrected annoyed "and she thinks of me like one; that's it."
She shook her head. "You dense, dense man." She sighed. "No matter, just behave. I'll be there, watching."
"Wasn't it you that was almost married once and almost engaged another?" She pouted. "Now go home; I'll wait here till you do."
"But I wanted to talk to you more."
"We were almost found once, no need to risk it again."
"And yet, you brought me here." He discreetly turned his eyes away. "Simply because you were jealous." He ignored her. "And you thought some scheme is afoot."
"Goodnight Tokio."
"Oh no, Hijikata-sama said yes to my offer—"
"Go to sleep." He grabbed her shoulders and turned her to the direction of the estate.
"—and that immediately classifies everything as an emergency. What will—"
He started pushing her, effectively getting her closer to his goal. "Enough, go back inside."
"—unfold in the wake of such horrors?"
"Tokio."
After messing with him enough, she decided to stop and looked over her shoulder. "Yes?"
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight Hajime."
She squeezed his hand for the first and last time that night; it was time to leave. She spared a last look for him as she was climbing up and down the fences, taking in his image. He had, per usual, his hands in his sleeves, a set expression on his face, as he stood straight and watched her make her way back. only this once, the expression wasn't stern or indifferent. It was decidedly invested, a small would-be-smile mixed with scolding.
He cared.
Winking, earning her some very high rising eyebrows, she scampered off. she decided she too cared, more than she would have realised or wanted. She cared for him; she…loved him. a little overwhelmed by the realisation, she lost her footing. She dived and fell right onto her butt from nearly two metres distance!
"I'm fine," she whispered with urgency just as Saitou was about to come for her. "I'm well, didn't break anything."
Saitou shook his head and waited until she made it safely inside. Well, with her character, he was surprised it didn't happen earlier to be honest. At least there were no more incidents that night.
Mainly because an abundance of them kept happening during their shopping spree the next day. He came to pick Ayame up at ten, per their agreement; she was ready half an hour later. Tokio, who was all ready to go since half past nine, stayed with him, to be a good hostess. But for some reason, she was highly…nervous. Very uncharacteristically, she failed at making small talk in front of other people, kept looking outside the window or at passing servants as if her life depended on it and tried but failed to stand on her own three times.
Then, when they finally went outside and took the carriage to the shopping district, she tripped on her way out. She nearly ran into a pole that held up one part of the large white sheet that protected one vendor's merchandise from the weather. At another instance, she hit her head on a low hanging lantern that was part of a store front's decoration. And when they went into a ceramics' workshop and struggled to decide whether they wanted two expensive things – one set of tea and a beautiful crockery collection – or three little more cost-efficient ones – another tea set, another crockery and a cutlery collection. That was when she tried to turn and nearly knocked over an entire display worth of pots!
Thankfully, he was there to stop the disaster. The owner was very understanding, too as well as, Tokio ended up buying one of the pots she almost destroyed, to prove it was not intentional. Ayame had found it hilarious and that didn't help with the woman's mood, for just as they had started debating about the utility of the present they should get – Ayame was dead-set on art but Tokio thought it was of no use to a couple they didn't know and were only just starting their life together – she actually crashed into the person who was walking in front of her.
And it wasn't Saitou, he was behind both. It was a man who saw someone shorter and more fragile than him and felt like making their life miserable, wanting to intimidate them. Apparently, he was from the side of the town that didn't get as burnt, otherwise he'd know her, considering she galivanted off to help in the relief as a medic. No matter, the man snarled at her and clearly wanted to make a scene.
Seeing Tokio in a bad mood was rare. She felt a fire rise in the pit of her stomach, pumping up the rest of her that welled with righteousness. Disregarding Saitou completely, who would undoubtedly have come to her aid if she so much as indicated discomfort, she literally blew up in the guy's face!
He treated people horribly; since she had already apologised and it was obvious there was no intention of doing it, how could he say such things? Unmannered, uncouth, boorish and beast were just few of the things she called him. Saitou had no clue what had made her so distracted the entire day, but he had a feeling whatever it was, it was also causing her to react so strongly now.
Sadly, the man didn't take all that well to a woman scolding him in the middle of the street even when he was at fault, so he actually moved to strike her…!
Ayame saw just a blur; Tokio never bothered to move or shield herself because she knew what was coming: Saitou caught the man's hand in his and squeezed before he even managed to bring it down. Either he never realised Saitou was their guard or the guard was underestimated, it didn't matter; Saitou started bending the hand in an unnatural way in an effort to subdue him.
Ayame gasped for two reasons: she registered someone tried to hit Tokio; she noticed the man trying to retaliate by attempting a punch. Laughable! Saitou caught the entirety of his fist with his palm and twisted that arm, too. Then a quick knee thrust to the gut and the man doubled over in pain.
Only then did he let go.
"Apologise to the lady."
"There's no way—!"
He grabbed the back of his neck, like a kitten, and squeezed. "Apologise to the lady now."
"Shit, that hurts man!" He squeezed harder, bringing him into the perfect deep bow. He flinched but got the idea. "I'm sorry for trying to hit you, lady!"
"She has a name."
"I don't know her name!"
Just as he had looked up, he brought him down again. "Then ask her."
She was so angered, he had to ask her in a clipped tone "what's your name?" for her to actually share it's "Takagi Tokio" rather than offer it herself, as she would have, otherwise.
"I'm sorry I tried to hit you, Takagi Tokio-san. That was rude—"
"Stupid," Saitou corrected.
"—stupid of me. Please forgive me."
"Then don't do it again; I have him here, but what if someone else didn't? you'd just beat them up because you felt like it? Ridiculous! I don't care to forgive you but remember this: if we ever see you or—what's your name?"
He hesitated, but when Saitou resumed the pressure, he quickly admitted it. "If we ever see or hear of you again, Takeru Toudou-san, involved in something similar, you won't get off so easy. Be warned and change your ways."
Saitou thought he had enough, so he let go; the man clenched his jaw and tried not to do anything foolish, redirecting his energy to put his clothes right. But given he had clearly not learnt his lesson, Saitou knew how to whip him into shape.
"And in case you're wondering how we will know or hear, I may not wear the colours now, but I'm Shinsengumi."
Ah, there it is, the recognition; his face blanched in a matter of milliseconds. "I'll know."
"S, sorry sir, ladies; I have to go now."
And yet, the source of her despondency wasn't found; it simply diffused along with the situation but remained there, right behind her eyes. For every time she looked at him, there was something desperate, trying to claw its way out, to be seen. Each time she looked at him, he felt like it would be her last. Suddenly, something gnawed at her and it must have been pretty deep.
What was it?
They parted in good terms. She and Ayame did not meet or speak to one another before he arrived – seeing the second one was barely awake then – and she even had a meeting with the doctor around half past eight, or so she said. There was no reason for her to be upset, as far as he was concerned. It perplexed as much as it scared him, for, at the end of the day, they were no closer to picking a gift for the wedding and it was about time they left—or at least went to lunch.
And no one wanted to go shopping after lunch.
So, with the promise they'd meet again tomorrow, at the same time – this once Ayame promised to be ready on time – they parted ways at their door. The guest, who had no idea of Tokio's standard behaviour and who saw her outburst as just and well-founded in reason, had a mind to spend the evening with her at the hot springs. Being a good hostess, Tokio took her there and pretended to enjoy her company.
And the reason she had to pretend, although she had made herself promise to try and like her, because it wasn't Ayame's fault she liked Hajime, after all Tokio herself could see why and understand her was because she wasn't ready. She wasn't to do the one thing her father asked of her in his letter. One of the two letters Matsudaira had received two days ago, just a day prior to Ayame's arrival; one for him, one for her. His father had instructed him to give the letter to his daughter only after Ayame arrived, as well as to keep it secret from everyone and so the Aizu-han did.
That was why he'd said nothing to them, it was finally revealed. She appreciated that. what she didn't, was what her father wrote in it. Not all of it, but a couple of paragraphs in particular:
Once I left for Aizu again, before we were called to the front at the Chousuu province, I decided I really like Saitou Hajime. I wanted to do something good for him, even great if I could. So, I asked around a little, Katamori included – and he asked Hijikata-san before writing back – I found out the man was divorced. Not out of his own will, rather, his wife left him with another man, because he was there, in Kyoto, and not in Edo with her.
It broke my heart. A man like that, married and divorced so young, it would surely harden his heart. But when Katamori asked him about it, it seemed I was wrong. He was looking forward to a new, healthier relationship, one that too ended in marriage. He hadn't lost hope. Thus, I made myself promise to find him a wife.
And when we returned from Chousuu I thought it would be a great chance to go by Edo, maybe meet his family and see if any proper young woman was there for him. As luck would have it, I ran right into Ayame. She was young, sweet and clearly infatuated with him; she told me herself she missed him a great deal and was only convinced to go to the wedding only after I mentioned him. Later she even confessed it to me; she said she regarded me as a father figure and couldn't lie. I assured her, her secret was safe with me…and some more: I would help her capture his heart. I appreciated the man and only want what's best for him.
But the problem is, I don't know her or her character. So, my dear daughter, you who also thinks the world of him, I task you with this important deed: I need you to evaluate this lovely young woman and see if she's really worthy of being Saitou's bride or not.
I trust you and your judgement completely. Don't let me, but most importantly, Saitou down.
Lots of love,
Your beloved father.
A/N: That marks the end of another chapter my lovelies. Thank you for sticking by me, thank you for being awesome. I am truly thankful to have this outlet in my life and see people actively support it. You make my week sometimes even more. Love you all.
Leave a review on your way out!
Kisses, FAI~