Author's Note

Well, looks like they're starting to get some of the missing reviews up - excellent! Hopefully they've fixed the problem and are just catching up.

Thank you to all those who reviewed - it's amazingly encouraging. Also a good nudge. :)

Guest and 2human (guest), welcome back again!

Yes, finally getting to some good Hijikata lines - heh. Well, he is the Oni Fukuchou.

StariChanx and others - yes, Water of Life/Ochimizu, Ratsetsu/Furies coming... and romance - right, I'm getting there. Hope you can enjoy some of the in-between bits.

I'm also happy to see the new Favourites and Follows. Doumo arigatou!

Finally... yes, I took longer to write this chapter. Partly fatigue (sleep? what's that?), partly life intruding, partly an evening of staring and thinking "but how do I want to get there?" I know Chizuru spends a lot of time sweeping in the anime and the game. I thought there should be more to life than sweeping...

.-.-.-.

Chapter 11: The Garden Party

Following Chizuru's success with Sannan-san, there seemed to be more willingness to take her request to help out more seriously. This translated into being assigned a regular place on the cooking roster and generally being responsible for some chores on her own account. However, she still hadn't been allowed to meet whoever was in charge of medical care, she had been given no opportunity to look for her father, and technically she was only allowed to be out of her room if she was accompanied by one of the leaders or captains.

In practice, as long as she was unobtrusive, and her presence was associated with a particular task, she tended to be given some freedom within the inner courtyard near her own room. This meant easier access to the well and the officers' bathhouse, although she had already had to make arrangements about bathing much earlier, of course.

As long as Harada-san and Saitō-san had consistently split the evening and overnight guard between them, she had been able to stick to a fixed routine so that Harada-san could keep watch for the short time it took her to bathe. There was something about the tall spearman that made her feel less embarrassed about the situation; he just seemed to take such things in stride. More recently, she had been going later in the evening and hoping not to be discovered. She had rarely seen anyone about, and she suspected that the men watched her more closely than she knew and took care not to intrude.

The first stirrings of spring could be seen in early March, and buds formed on the sakura tree in the inner courtyard. The garden started to feel alive again, reminding Chizuru that she would not be able to tend to her own plants this year. She would miss the flowers, of course, and the vegetable patch, but her biggest regret was for her herb garden, which would either die off or run wild while she was trapped in Kyoto.

"Feeling restless, Chizuru-chan?" asked Harada one morning, as he, Nagakura and Heisuke stood chatting nearby while she rinsed dishes in a wooden tub near the well.

"Ah, only a little, Harada-san," she replied with her usual cheerful smile. "But I miss my garden, and it will be time for planting flowers, herbs and grasses soon. I had hoped that my small knowledge of medical plants could be of assistance to your physician here – I would not mind tending an extra garden to spare him the time from such cultivation."

"Huh, you sure know a lot, Chizuru-chan," Heisuke commented. "But I guess you learned stuff from your father, right?"

"Well, I don't think the Vice Commander is ready to have you meeting more people just yet, but maybe there's something we can do in the meanwhile," said Harada thoughtfully.

"What do you have in mind, Sano?" Nagakura grinned at his friend. "And it better not be for tonight because we finally have leave to go out this evening, remember?"

"Don't worry, Shinpachi, nobody's going to make you dig in the dirt when you're planning to go overdo it on sake. Chizuru-chan, do you have something particular in mind?"

"I'll help," Heisuke put in, "but I don't know where Chizuru's going to plant anything."

The four of them looked around, considering the problem.

"I was thinking," Chizuru said hesitantly, "that a simple box would be sufficient for many of the plants I have in mind. And maybe I could ask Hijikata-san if I could have a small patch of earth not too far from the well for the plants and flowers that have longer roots?"

"I'd ask Kondō-san instead," said Heisuke immediately. "I'll bet he'd be fine with it."

"See, Heisuke, that's why you end up in trouble so much," said Nagakura. "You trade in short-term gain for long-term pain."

"It's not an unreasonable request," said a sardonic, baritone voice from the wooden walkway behind them. "Why would I refuse? Especially since Yukimura-kun doesn't have weapons drills to conduct in the mornings after breakfast like some others do."

Four heads turned in unison to stare at the Vice Commander, who wasn't looking at all amused. Chizuru shrank back, and Heisuke tried to look as though he had been on the point of leaving all along. Harada and Nagakura maintained their composure better than the younger pair, but they still looked a lot less relaxed than they had a moment before.

"Yukimura," Hijikata went on, when nobody spoke, "I gather that you want a wooden box or two, a patch of soil within this courtyard, and the means to plant what – flowers?"

His tone was more off-hand than sarcastic now, but Chizuru reddened a little. She kept hoping that something she did would meet with the man's approval… She was also conscious of disappointment; Saitō-san had said that he would talk to the Vice Commander about her idea. But maybe there hadn't been time, or the right opportunity. Somehow, she couldn't bring herself to believe that he had just forgotten or gone back on his word.

"Medical plants, Hijikata-san. Including a few flowers. I thought…" she squared her rather thin shoulders, "I thought they would be useful. I am not a trained doctor or pharmacist but with a proper supply of plants I know I could supplement your stock of basic medicines."

The three captains were watching closely, trying to understand where the Vice Commander was going with this. It might have been wiser to leave, since Hijikata's warning about morning drills had been unmistakable, but they wanted to make sure that the girl would be alright.

Inwardly, Harada laughed ruefully, mostly at himself. It had been what – eight weeks? They still couldn't trust her with their secrets, they still wouldn't let her outside the gates, but they all wanted to protect her, even from each other.

The Vice Commander's lips twisted into a half-smile and gave a short laugh. It echoed Harada's feelings so well that he blinked.

"Nagakura, Harada, Heisuke – get going. I'm not going to hurt her, but the same doesn't apply to you if I don't see you and your men out training in the next five minutes. Go!"

They went. Chizuru felt rather bereft, but Hijikata-san actually looked less intimidating than usual.

"Well, Yukimura-kun, I should have known that Saitō would be right. He said that you meant it and seemed capable. I wasn't convinced you'd follow through. Kōdō-san was an unusual father, it seems – he gave you an heirloom sword to carry and he taught you some medicine."

"My father was usually willing to instruct me as long as I learned quickly and made use of what I learned. To an appropriate point, of course," she added cautiously, feeling her way.

"Appropriate? Hmm. I'm guessing your current situation is hardly 'appropriate'."

He looked at her, face stern and remote again. Almost reflexively, she lowered her eyes.

"Here is the list. I told Saitō that I would give it to you myself if you persisted. I assume that you'll do enough work to make this… enterprise… useful."

Chizuru looked up again quickly. Hijikata-san was holding out a piece of paper.

"Hijikata-san?"

"What we use most, what we need more of, what will grow well here. It's from a reliable source. I'll make sure somebody fetches you what you need. Somehow I don't think you'll have any trouble getting help."

There was a definite edge on the last sentence that made the girl redden again. She knew that she had been a significant drain on his captains' time, and finding three of them nearby just now had probably made it worse. She hurried over to take the list.

"Arigatou gozaimasu!"

She bowed, and when she looked up again the Vice Commander was already walking away, lean form purposeful, long black hair slightly ruffled by the wind. Without quite intending to, she watched him until he turned the corner toward the main courtyard. Then she glanced at the list, saw that she was familiar with most of the names and notations, and hurried back to the well and her dishes.

It was not long before the midday meal when Saitō-san and Okita-san came to the door of her room, where she was working at her small table. Her list of what she needed for the proposed herb and flower garden was almost complete. She had stuck mostly to common plants for fear of getting in over her head. She was determined to make this work, to finally do something useful that not just anyone could do.

"Are you there Chizuru-chan?" Okita called out.

She glanced out the window as she rose and saw that the two men were still wearing their uniforms after the morning's patrol in the city.

"Please enter, Okita-san, Saitō-san."

The green-eyed man slid open the door and looked in.

"Ohayo, Chizuru-chan – at least, I think it's still morning. We heard the Demon Vice Commander was throwing his weight around earlier, so Saitō here wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Hardly," said an expressionless voice from behind him. "Ohayo gozaimasu, Yukimura-kun. I will assist you after we eat, if you wish."

Chizuru looked from the list on her low table to the shadow behind Okita-san in the doorway. She had to assume that Saitō-san was referring to the planting she hoped to do.

"Assist her with what, Hajime-kun? I didn't really hear what you and Sano-san were talking about when we came in."

"Yukimura needs wood, tools, seeds and plants for a garden. Also, the ground will need to be broken."

Okita-san looked from Saitō-san to Chizuru with raised eyebrows.

"Seriously? I mean, we already have a garden. Anyway, Chizuru-chan, I don't think Hajime-kun knows anything about gardening. Of course, Kondō-san could help you, but I suggest you get Hijikata-san's advice. He's really keen in growing things, dirt under the nails, stuff like that."

"Sōji. We will be late for our meal."

"Right, whatever. See you later Chizuru! And don't forget to ask Hijikata-san for gardening tips…"

Bewildered, Chizuru watched as Saitō-san firmly pulled Okita-san out through the door, nodding politely to her as he closed it behind both of them.

At lunch, Harada-san asked her how things had gone with Hijikata-san.

"Um, well, he gave me a list and permission to plant what was needed… But, Harada-san, is everything alright? I didn't want to cause a problem for you or Nagakura-san or Heisuke-kun."

The tall man smiled reassuringly at her.

"You didn't do anything wrong, Chizuru-chan, and we're just fine. The Vice Commander's a little on edge is all. Normally he leaves us captains to set our own drills and keep our men in line, but sometimes he gets like this."

"Yeah, really," agreed Nagakura, grimacing. "But it's okay. At least he didn't change his mind about letting us go out tonight."

Harada-san nodded in agreement, but Chizuru knew from the way his eyes flicked sideways at her that he'd seen her involuntary movement, breath catching, fists suddenly clenching on her lap. Nagakura-san was so happy about the planned drinking trip, the chance to get away from duty and relax for a while. But at least he got to see open sky every time he went on patrol.

A pang of sudden longing to go outside had seized her for a moment, and threatened to bring tears to her eyes. She had been confined to her room for weeks, and even now she was confined to just a few rooms and a smallish enclosed courtyard. She drew a deep breath and looked away from her red-haired neighbour. This time, his presence just made it harder not to cry. Even now, he would tell her to be patient, to understand, to wait…

Unnoticed by Chizuru, but not Harada, Saitō had also looked up from his meal at that sudden, silent protest against loneliness and captivity. Both men silently weighed the situation, and possibly each other. Saitō returned to his food. They would do what they could. Whether Harada stayed entirely within the rules was another question.

"So, do you think there's anything I can pick up for you after my patrol today?"

Harada's tone was casual, and Chizuru collected herself and picked up her chopsticks.

"Yes, Harada-san, if I can give you my list before you leave? Some items may not be available, but perhaps the sellers could provide an estimate on times?"

"I will do what I can, Chizuru-chan! Are you cooking the evening meal?"

"Yes, Harada-san. I am cooking with Heisuke-kun tonight."

"Alright then – Shinpachi, dinner here before drinking, ok? Saves money and it's Chizuru's cooking."

"And mine!"

"Yeah, not really a selling point."

Heisuke rolled his eyes at Chizuru, who was quickly pulling herself together. She sympathized with Heisuke, saying that he made great rice when he didn't forget to watch the pot.

Coincidentally, Saitō-san had finished his meal not long before her and was waiting for her when she stood up.

"I will meet you by the well, Yukimura-kun. I spoke with the Commander, and I believe I have a working idea of what is needed. You may wish to wear your darker clothes."

"I will. Arigatou, Saitō-san. Arigatou, Harada-san."

Harada-san nodded amiably. He had leaned backward a little to look up at them, and Chizuru found him strangely unreadable.

"I'll see you at about six then, Chizuru-chan. Maybe Saitō can bring you out to the gate. Of course, it's always a little strange seeing you two side by side when you dress like that, but I'll cope."

Chizuru was becoming inured to the occasional teasing about Saitō-san's old clothes. But she told nobody that she took care to always wash the short black kimono with sandalwood soap. After several weeks of falling asleep to that light scent in her room, it was comforting. Gen-san had been quite understanding when she had asked about the soap, although he had gently pointed out that it was unlikely that Saitō-san would wear the clothes again.

Several days later, Harada-san walked Chizuru back to her room after dinner. They stopped on the wooden walkway while she pointed out the newly turned earth in a plot about six feet on each side and explained which plants were now found in the long low wooden box near the wall.

"Some of the herbs will eventually help keep small animals away," she said, looking with pleasure at the beginnings of her new endeavour, "but Saitō-san told me that the Commander recommended keeping a watch out while the plants become established. So I like to stop by when I can…"

"It's certainly novel to see Saitō turned gardener," Harada told her, eyes watching her more than the garden. "Ironic in some ways."

"Why is that, Harada-san?"

Harada rubbed his right hand briefly on the back of his head and then shrugged.

"Well, I guess there's no real secret in it… But Kondō-san and Hijikata-san both came from farmer families, while Saitō and most of the others came from warrior families."

Chizuru stared at him.

"Kondō-san and Hijikata-san are not of the warrior class, Harada-san?"

"Nope. The Commander's dojo in Edo was always willing to train anyone who wanted to learn as long as they had some talent and determination."

"And you Harada-san?"

"Oh, I'm from the right sort of family, but my father couldn't understand how anyone could prefer a spear to a sword. Spears are for peasants, you see."

He grinned, amber eyes gleaming in the fading light. Chizuru sensed nothing but amusement with his father's prejudice and perfect assurance that he had chosen what was right for himself.

"I can use a sword pretty well, but I've always been most comfortable with a spear. Shinpachi's the one who wanted to join the dojo, in the beginning – I only went along to keep him out of trouble. It surprised me when Kondō-san wanted me to stay on and train just as much as Shinpachi."

"So Saitō-san and Okita-san are also from warrior families? And Heisuke-kun?"

"Heisuke's a little different, but Saitō and Sōji, yes."

She thought about this, but was puzzled.

"But… they're both very strong swordsmen?"

"Yes. Maybe even among the very best. Why?"

"Well… I know I'm not very knowledgeable about these things, but…"

She paused again, embarrassed. Harada-san studied her for a moment and then understood her dilemma.

"You're wondering how they ended up with a bunch of ronin like the Shinsengumi instead of serving with a reputable lord?"

"Y-yes. Sumimasen, Harada-san," she murmured, bowing her head.

"Don't worry about it, Chizuru-chan. Let's see now… Sōji's here because his father died when he was young and Kondō-san more or less raised him. Saitō's here because samurais don't fight left-handed."

"Ah – I remember, Kondō-san told me about that. Thank you for reminding me."

Chizuru wished she could ask more questions – there was obviously so much Harada-san had left unsaid – but she was trying to follow his advice to be patient. She looked up at the tall man beside her. His short white jacket looked too light for the cool early-spring evening, but he didn't seem to mind, although his muscled upper chest and arms were mostly bare, apart from the flexible white and red bandage-like wrappings that he always seemed to wear around his abdomen and wrists.

The girl shook her head, blinking a little. The clothes would look very odd on most men, in her opinion. On Harada-san they were fine. He could show off without showing off, because he knew himself and was completely unselfconscious. Chizuru thought wistfully of how nice it would be to have that kind of confidence.

"Do you want to get outside for a while?"

"Um – Harada-san?"

"I know it's got to be hard stuck in here all the time. But I don't think you'll try to run away, right? So why don't we go out for a bit, just for a walk."

"Okay!"

The evening stars were just coming out as they crossed the large front courtyard and slipped through the open front gate. She had only seen this area a handful of times, and only from a distance. There were a few soldiers about, but nobody paid much attention to them, or if they did it was only to nod respectfully to Harada-san. She supposed they had heard that there was a page-boy working within the officers' quarters, because her presence didn't seem to cause any interest.

And then they were out on the street… She couldn't help it – she walked a few paces forward and then looked up, just to see a sky unconfined by walls. Despite the slight bustle of the city going about its evening business around her, she felt for the first time in over two months a sense of not being crowded by people – by men – living in close quarters nearby.

In the end, they didn't go very far. After about a quarter of an hour, Harada-san sighed a little and said they should go back.

"Much as I don't think there's anything really wrong with this…" he told her, lightly touching the top of her head, "… well, I'd rather not get into trouble, either."

"Oh no, I understand, Harada-san. Arigatou gozaimasu! "

She would have continued, but he hushed her as they arrived at the gate, seeing two figures approaching quickly from within. A moment later, Saitō-san and Okita-san walked out into the street, stopping when they saw Harada-san. They weren't in uniform, but they were carrying their swords and seemed to be having some kind of argument, if Saitō-san could really be said to argue. Harada-san turned so that Chizuru was behind him and in the shadows of the wall and a nearby tree.

"Sano? You went out somewhere?"

"Nah, just a walk. You two?"

"Saitō's playing nursemaid." Okita-san gave the indigo-haired captain a look between annoyance and amusement. "I just wanted to go… out and about… and suddenly he decides to go for a stroll."

"You are looking for a fight. I am here to make sure you get back."

Saitō-san's deeper tones were unruffled. But somehow, Chizuru knew that he knew – or at least guessed – that she was there. He stepped forward a few inches, just enough so that her position was completely concealed from Okita-san.

"Well, good luck – to both of you," drawled Harada-san, amused. "Let me know if you need back-up."

"As if, spear-boy. Later!"

Okita-san sauntered off, and Chizuru thought that Saitō-san was probably right that he was spoiling for a fight. She hoped they would both be alright. Saitō-san nodded to them – well, technically to Harada-san, but she saw his eyes move past the red-headed man for just an instant before he turned to walk unhurriedly after his companion.

Harada-san watched after them for a short while, and then indicated to Chizuru that it was safe to move again. Once inside, they crossed the large courtyard in silence; this time it was completely deserted. At the door of Chizuru's room, Harada gave her a lopsided grin.

"Well, that was close!"

"Aa."

"You know Saitō saw you, right?"

She nodded, looking at him anxiously.

"Will you get into trouble, Harada-san?"

"No, I don't think so. Saitō doesn't tell tales unless he decides it's necessary to protect the Shinsengumi or somebody's life – and probably in that order. Seriously, it's fine. It was worth it to see you smile, Chizuru-chan."

To himself, Harada added: And I think Saitō thought so too. Which I still need to think about.

A/N At some point Chiziru will get out her sword and go out on patrol. Promise. RSN. In the next chapter...