Author's Note:

This chapter is dedicated to one of my most faithful readers as a birthday present: Happy September 19, 2017! You know who you are. :)

Thank you to all my readers and especially to those who always make me smile with their kind words: Shell-Senji, Eliz1369, DancesWithSeatbelts

Thank you to Kuroki Orya and PoivronRouge for sharing their thoughts and insight—it means a lot to me that you take the time to comment.

A special thanks also to Hachikin1688 for finding this story and reading it despite the increasingly daunting length. It makes me very happy to know that I've created something that others can care about and enjoy. :)

~ ImpracticalOni

Saitou Hajime ~ Quotes and Notes

"He was visibly confused, which for Saito was saying a lot."
- Yukimura Chizuru

Chapter 88—Hearth, Home and Hijikata

Part I—An Attack Too Close to Home

Saitō had fussed. Chizuru hadn't used the term aloud, of course, but in the recesses of her own mind she had been at once touched, relieved and frustrated. Upon their return from Sen's home, he had ignored her protests that she wasn't tired, set out her futon with practised efficiency, made her change out of her hakama, and brought her fresh water with which to refresh herself. Only once he had her arranged to his satisfaction under her summer-weight coverlet—Chizuru felt like a doll—did he kneel beside her futon and agree to answer her questions.

"Hajime…" Chizuru's admittedly mild annoyance faded entirely when he blushed faintly at the name and reached out to take her hand. A sudden rush of love coupled with worry swept over her, and she clutched his hand against her chest, blushing herself when he blinked at her in some surprise. After a moment, Saito's face relaxed. He shifted closer so that he could stroke her hair with his free hand.

"You are more fatigued than you'll admit," he said gently. "I believe that you are underestimating the effect of what you have done in the past few days"—he abruptly turned much redder and cleared his throat—"in terms of healing people."

Chizuru couldn't meet the dark blue gaze fixed slightly reproachfully on her face. Still, she thought stubbornly, it wasn't entirely her fault that her mind preferred to remember some of the best parts of those days—was it? Maybe it was. Saitō hadn't so much as tried to kiss her when they had gotten home, or paid any attention to her while she changed.

"Chizuru?"

"Y-Yes?"

Strong fingers turned her face back towards his. Reluctantly, she looked up.

"I am told that bearing twins can be more of a strain than a usual pregnancy, which seems logical. Moreover, you have been trying to heal others by relying on power, rather than skill, for some time now. I am worried."

"Many pregnant women manage to work quite hard, Hajime. I'm sure they're tired as well—"

"I doubt that they are contending with the same difficulties," her husband told her dryly.

"And what about you? You don't sleep, and I know that you're thinking about a dozen things at once and, and, you don't talk to me about them and now you won't even kiss me!"

"What?" Saitō sat back on his heels, staring at her in obvious confusion.

There was complete silence for several moments. Chizuru was mortified by her outburst; Saitō just looked baffled. But… at least he didn't seem angry.

"Sumimasen, H-Hajime," Chizuru finally said in a small voice. Saitō's hand tightened on hers, and she suddenly realized that although he'd been startled, he hadn't let go.

"Īe. There is no need." Saitō seemed to be working something out. "I know that you have pushed yourself too far, dear one—I can't help it. It just seems to be part of… how things work. Consequently, I do not wish to burden you with other things." A faint, rueful smile appeared on his face. "I try not to underestimate you, Chizuru, but it is… difficult."

"N-No, it's all my fault, I—"

"You blame yourself too much, as usual. Besides, there is a simple solution to at least one problem." He bent down and kissed her lips, softly at first, and then more hungrily, his free hand now cradling the back of her head. I feel guilty for wanting you as much as I do—as often as I do—when you are tired and we both have other things to think about.

Chizuru heard the words in her mind and felt their sincerity. She was still embarrassed, but it paled in comparison to feeling cherished and desired. How could she have missed it? He must have felt it all along and just hidden it well…

Practice, her husband told her. Maybe too much practice. Also, I'd forgotten… how demanding you can be, my wife… He only laughed at Chizuru's indignant—but muffled—protest. Shh. Once I've kissed you properly, will you get some rest? I have to go to this dinner for the new captains…

Breathless and laughing, but still rosy from more than the heat, Chizuru finally pushed him away. You make me feel shameless, she told him, too shy to say the words out loud. "I'll try to rest, Hajime. I wish I could be there with you at the dinner, but I know this is a formal thing so…"

"I would rather spare you the scrutiny of those whom you do not know well, as yet."

"I"—a sudden yawn caught Chizuru off-guard—"I'm sorry I didn't help with the meal. Please t-tell Kondō-san…" All at once she realized that she couldn't keep her eyes open. "Hajime?"

"I'll leave as early as I can," he said softly. "And, no, I didn't just make you tired. You were just pushing yourself too hard and finally relaxed." If Chizuru had looked up she would have seen an odd expression on Saitō's face—it had just occurred to him that maybe she had needed him to relax before she could do the same. There was still far too much to learn about how they affected each other without meaning to. I need to learn Yamazaki's trick for knowing when people are using Oni magic.

Saitō didn't move until Chizuru's hand was completely slack in his. Then he tidied himself, conscious that kissing his wife so… enthusiastically… had left his collar and hair almost as disarrayed as his thoughts. That reminded him of Sen-hime and Harada, but only for a moment; there were more pressing matters to consider. He wanted to report to the Vice Commander before dinner, if possible, but he suspected that it would be difficult to find him alone. He assumed that Sōji, Heisuke, and Yamazaki, and then Harada, had already conveyed the important points and the plans for that evening.

As quiet as a shadow, he slipped out of the room onto the engawa to meditate, as at ease in seiza as most men were cross-legged. Deliberately, he cleared his mind and slowed his breathing, acknowledging the many tasks that lay ahead, but not attempting to resolve any problems or make any decisions. He was not surprised to feel a light touch on his mind about fifteen minutes later, polite and by now almost familiar.

I can watch Yukimura-sama while she sleeps, if you like, Hajime-kun.

I would appreciate that, Kyūjyu-san. I had been wondering what to do.

I will teach you proper warding magic as soon as there is time. That commodity seems to be in short supply just now.

It often is.

It would be better if I could guard Yukimura-sama in person, but you will have to decide whether it is worth speaking to your Commander or Vice Commander.

Saitō agreed completely with Amagiri on the first point. He would be far more comfortable if Chizuru were within arm's reach of somebody he trusted, and he was much happier entrusting her to Amagiri than to anybody else just now, outside of people who would be attending the dinner with him. It was a very strange world.

We are family, Hajime-kun. The Oni's voice sounded patient, but firm, matching his expression as Saitō perceived it in his mind's-eye. At some point you will accept that.

You have been better family to me than—Saitō broke off, his mind automatically guarding itself from those particular thoughts. Besides, he couldn't afford to be sentimental. Are you well enough to keep watch?

Yes. My injuries have healed significantly. Yamazaki-san did more than he knew when he examined my wounds and Chiharu-sama's shoulder. I think that his ability to perceive magic may have guided him to undo some of the magic preventing our wounds from regenerating. I do not know how and I am certain that he does not know either. Chizuru-sama repaired the worst of it, and started the process, but in my opinion, he removed a great deal of what was impeding natural regeneration—or did something that caused the blocking magic to dissipate more quickly.

Saitō listened in silence. It was reassuring to know that Amagiri was substantially recovered from the worst of his wounds—with the exception of the missing hand, of course. However, it meant that Yamazaki might be in more danger than they'd thought in terms of overuse of his Oni Gifts. The ones that Chiharu-sama said that he couldn't have, Saitō thought to himself—although not quietly enough, as Amagiri managed to convey a certain wry amusement.

You are all very… surprising… murmured the red-haired Oni.

So you keep saying, responded Saitō. Then he shook himself. But I understand that better now.

If you wish, Yamazaki-san could join you now. I could explain a basic ward to you both.

Saitō considered the offer—he could sense Yamazaki approaching—but he declined politely. He needed more time to prepare for the upcoming meal. Also, as paranoid as he felt at present, he didn't think Chizuru was in serious danger as long as somebody with Amagiri's abilities was watching over her.

Good evening, then Hajime-kun. We'll speak later.

Aa.

Even as Amagiri's presence faded from his mind, Yamazaki greeted him and bowed, apologizing for interrupting the captain's meditation. He looked unusually concerned, rather than simply serious.

"You are not disturbing me," Saitō told him. "Are you here to see Chizuru?" When Yamazaki confirmed that he was, Saitō continued: "She is asleep, but seems well otherwise. Also, she will be looked after during dinner."

"Ah," responded Yamazaki, "I see. That is well, then." His slight anxiety disappeared, and Saitō suddenly realized that the shinobi-medic—his half-brother—had been genuinely worried about leaving Chizuru unguarded. As with Amagiri, Saitō was grateful for the concern, but uncomfortable.

"You reported to the Vice Commander earlier?" he asked, changing the subject.

"Hai." Yamazaki appeared to be collecting his thoughts, so Saitō waited patiently. "Okita-san said that the training might be helpful, but that he wasn't sure it outweighed the annoyance."

"And I'm still not convinced," drawled a familiar voice. Okita looked at Yamazaki with irritation. "Now you make sure to report to Hajime-kun as well as Hijikata-san? You're a busy guy."

"Yamazaki came to see Chizuru," Saitō told him calmly. "She wasn't well this morning. I asked him whether there had been time to report to the Vice Commander."

"Boy, only a few days married and she's already sick of—" Okita abruptly stopped what he was going to say. A thoughtful look came into his eyes and he cocked a mischievous eyebrow at the other two men. "Unless she isn't exactly sick at all? Is that it? Only, that would be awfully fast work, even for you, Hajime-kun…"

Saitō waited for Okita to either ask the question directly or to give up. He had honestly expected to have longer than this before people found out.

"Well? You two look way too much alike right now, you know? But seriously? Are you telling me that Hajime had to marry Chizuru-chan? I assumed Hijikata-san just said that to get Kondō-san to agree to things…"

Saitō heard himself sigh audibly. At the same time, he felt slightly relieved to be able to get this particular discussion out of the way. Regardless of what others thought of Sōji, Saitō felt that they understood each other better than most, and had each other's backs—quite literally—when it counted. He disliked the way that they had seemed at odds for several weeks now.

"Chizuru is with child. Yes, it should be too soon to tell, but Sen-hime and Satoshi-sama are quite certain." Saitō had intended to explain more, but he sensed a change in the other man's demeanor that shot him to his feet with his hand hovering over his katana. A moment later, Okita had his hands pressed to his temples and his head bowed.

"You know… Hajime-kun…" he ground out between clenched teeth, "whoever this guy is, he really hates your guts. Lucky for you that I personally find it kind of funny that you've gone from being a badass to an anxious dad—godsdammit come on Yamazaki! You were their prize pupil—do something!"

"I'm trying Okita-san!"

In fact, Saitō could tell that Yamazaki had somehow managed to build a clumsy but serviceable focus—an impressive achievement. The shinobi was on his feet warily studying Okita, but he was clearly unsure what to do next. Saitō clamped down hard on his own uncertainty and focussed on Yamazaki.

"Yamazaki. Do you think that Okita is in contact with anyone by way of magic—can you tell?"

He saw Yamazaki frown, but there wasn't an immediate 'no'."

"I think… that Okita-san is somehow keeping everything inside him? I don't know how to describe it. But if he were not—"

"—the stubborn asshole that I am—"

"—then I think that he would be projecting his thoughts quite clearly and—"

"—and I'd be trying to kill Hajime, yes, okay, I've think we've got that part, thanks—shit!"

In the blink of an eye, Okita's sword was in his hand. Saitō blocked the strike with ease; apart from anything else, Sōji was clearly still fighting his compulsion to injure his comrade.

Saitō pushed Okita off the porch and into the sparse grass of the inner courtyard. They circled each other warily, each aware that they were wielding blades, not wooden bokken. Saitō prayed that either the first clash of metal hadn't woken Chizuru (improbable), or that she would have enough sense not to leave her room (possible but unlikely).

A moment later, several things seemed to happen at once: first, Saitō blocked another manic swing from Okita, and then managed to lock their blades, so that the sword fight turned into something closer to a test of brute strength; second, Yamazaki gave a low cry of triumph while at the same time stepping directly into the path of Takeda Kanryusai, who had come from around the corner at a run. The latter gaped at Saitō and Okita, who turned as one to regard him, and then stumbled over Yamazaki. Miraculously (in Saitō's opinion), Chizuru didn't so much as appear at a window.

"What—" began Takeda, getting to his feet with reasonable agility for a tall man who had just fallen (more or less) on his face.

"Yes, what are you doing here?" put in Okita, with an edge to his voice that verged on murderous.

"Is there a problem?" asked Saitō calmly.

"Fights between captains aren't allowed," muttered Takeda, who appeared to be trying to make sense of the situation. "I heard the clash of swords…"

"Hajime-kun and I spar all the time—might want to try it yourself someday. Who knows, maybe you'd learn how to use a sword."

"Merely a demonstration of blocking compared to binding," affirmed Saitō. His face was polite and as unrevealing as usual.

"Strange timing—aren't you coming to dinner?"

This time both captains stared at him in silence, one impassive and the other openly contemptuous. From behind him, Yamazaki cleared his throat.

"Takeda-san." When the soon-to-be-captain glanced over at him, Yamazaki bowed politely. "In case you are too busy speaking with the Commander after dinner, please allow me to congratulate you now."

The other man visibly relaxed and inclined his head gravely.

"Thank you, Yamazaki-kun." He hesitated a moment, then nodded to Saitō and Okita and hurried away, as if the reference to Kondō-san had reminded him that it would not do to be late for dinner himself.

"Sōji?"

"I don't know—sorry. Seems better now though. Yamazaki?"

"I'm not sure, Okita-san. Something I did… worked. However, there was an instant where my interference may have hindered what you were doing." Yamazaki glanced uneasily in the direction Takeda had taken. "Or maybe what I was doing was helping and I became momentarily distracted by Takeda-san's approach."

Saitō had already vanished into his room to check on Chizuru. To his surprise, she was fast asleep and smiling slightly.

I have been watching over Yukimura-sama, Amagiri told him calmly, after the usual polite "mental knock". It seemed best that she rest uninterrupted.

What happened with Sōji? Saitō found that his 'mental voice' sounded far less calm than he wished.

I do not know, Hajime-kun. A long watch by farsight alone requires a certain amount of discipline; I deemed it to be more important to ensure the security of your wife than to focus directly on your conflict with Okita-san.

Saitō acknowledged the point and tried not to allow frustration to cloud his judgment. He thanked Amagiri for his care, doing his best not to mind that he needed somebody else to guard her while he dealt with other matters.

When he returned to Okita and Yamazaki, he found them talking quietly about what might have happened. It was the least confrontational discussion he had seen between them in some time.

"Ready to go, Hajime-kun?"

"Is Yukimura-san well?"

"Chizuru is well," Saitō said briefly. "Sōji, are you sure—"

"We'll know better later this evening how I'm doing, won't we?" Okita gave Saitō a mocking smile. "But whether it was Yamazaki's mumbo jumbo or remembering just how much I hate having to hold back in a fight—especially against you!—I feel like something's gone. Gone in a good way." He shrugged, clearly unwilling to discuss the subject further.

"Then—"

"And don't think I've forgotten what you were saying just before things went sideways," Okita added. "Because, I have the weirdest idea that it was that little nugget of information that set things off. However… right now I suppose we have to go see Takeda crowned and all that."

Yamazaki blinked at the description and Saitō smiled faintly. "Please go on ahead, Yamazaki," he told the shinobi.

"Hai. Shitsurei."

Saitō and Okita waited for Yamazaki to disappear from view before starting out along a different route to the larger common room where dinner would be served. They were both thoughtful—about what had just happened and the internal politics to come with the naming of new captains and changes to the roster.

"We were neck-deep even before we knew there was something to be neck deep in," grumbled Okita softly.

"Aa."

"You know what I think?"

Saitō stopped and looked at his companion, waiting. They could hear the noise from the hall by now, but the corridor they were in was quiet.

"I think you're going to be very, very busy trying to do two jobs at once. I don't like it."

There was no hostility in Okita's voice—it was a statement, not an accusation.

I feel the same way, Sōji," he thought to himself.

"Yeah, I get that." Okita laughed when Saitō's eyes widened at having been 'overheard'. "I'm not reading your mind! I just know how to read your lack of expression." Still grinning, he gestured ahead.

"Come on, we don't want to miss anything. Takeda'll be boring as hell, but Shinpachi's going to be fuming. Can't blame him, of course, but it's fun to watch."

Part II—Kichiro Takes a Stand

The first meeting between Sen and her newest Shinsengumi protégés had been at best a mixed success; in comparison, the follow-up training that evening at the Sumi in Shimabara went fairly smoothly. There were several surprises, however. The greatest of these was a last-minute change to the guest list, although if Chiharu hadn't been distracted by her own concerns—and her meddling cousin—it wouldn't have caught her so much off-guard.

Earlier in the evening, Chiharu had finally decided that she wouldn't wait to speak with Chikage before talking to Kichirō about the possibility that they might have part-Oni siblings of whom they'd known nothing before. After dinner, but well before the ten o'clock appointment with the Shinsengumi, she'd taken her increasingly sulky younger brother out into the gardens to chat. He'd immediately perked up, correctly sensing capitulation.

"So now I get to find out why all the captains were in the house today? And why I'm not allowed to come tonight?"

"You can't come tonight because I'd rather not take you into Shimabara. It's… inappropriate." Chiharu had been embarrassed, and Kichirō had immediately smirked.

"Seems to me that it would be far more inappropriate for you than for me," he'd countered, with the brazen triumph of one who knows he's in the right.

"I'm going to chaperone and guard Sen-hime," she'd told him firmly, suppressing her qualms with an effort. "It's not the same."

"Not the same in what way?" Kichirō had stopped and put his hands on his hips, looking simultaneously ridiculous and… not.

He was as tall as his older brother, and it seemed as though he was gaining breadth in his shoulders every day. As somebody—probably Prince Satoshi—had mentioned, he took more after their more distant ancestors in build and temperament than Chikage, for all that the two looked so much alike. At fifteen, approaching sixteen, he was practically a man grown by human standards—although men like Harada-san and Hijikata-san would undoubtedly see him as a boy for a long time to come. As an Oni, he would technically become an adult once he passed his Trial of Mind, and Chiharu couldn't deny that he'd shown greater overall maturity than she'd expected over the past week. Frankly, it was unsettling.

"I'm not exactly sure," she'd finally said, thinking through her words. "I suppose… it's not the same for the obvious reasons, really. I have no business there except to accompany the Princess. You are—nominally—of an age to go for other reasons."

Having won his initial point, Kichirō had naturally become completely flustered at Chiharu's implication.

"Onee-san! That's—I wouldn't—and you—" He'd come to a choking halt at that point.

"Well, you asked why it was different," she'd told him, sounding tired even to her own ears. "Besides, even Chikage-san visits there and prefers to have pretty women pour his drinks, despite his disdain for all humans, including human women."

Kichirō had given up his theatrical pose, his face visibly red even in the uncertain light of evening. He'd persevered, though.

"You should let me come, Haru-chan," he'd said seriously. "I know you don't take me very seriously, but I can protect you, you know. It's one thing for you to meet with men—with people!—here, but Onii-sama would not want you going out at night without me."

He'd left it at that, which had impressed Chiharu more than anything else. They'd both known that he was right, and he hadn't tried to push matters by pointing out that Chikage would be especially unhappy with the company she would be keeping. Maybe that's why she'd finally just told him everything—other than the news about Chizuru-chan, which wasn't any of their business to know, really.

Predictably, he'd been simultaneously horrified and ecstatic to find out he had half-brothers (Chiharu's comment about it being 'probably' true had slid right off him). He'd said all that one would expect about the news that his father had apparently deceived their mother at some point in the years just before Chiharu's own birth, but hadn't seen the implication—as Chiharu had—that his behaviour might have affected his wife's and her babies' health. Had her sister died in order for Okita Sōji and Heisuke Tōdō to be born? It was very troubling. Especially since her father's actions seemed inconsistent with she and her sister being conceived at all. In any event, her personal views about the 'mythical' Trial of Heart had changed drastically over the past week with Osen-chan—and the Shisengumi.

"But it's no wonder that Heisuke-kun and I are so much alike, then!" Kichirō had told her, distress over his father—of whom he had only hazy recollections—set aside in favour of immediate possibilities. Chiharu had been rather daunted, in fact—Chikage would not be pleased to know that Kichirō could set aside his father's supposed infidelity with a part-blood so lightly.

"And what do you think of Okita-san?" she'd asked him, genuinely curious to know if he'd found the man as irritating as she had.

"Okita-san is… different than I expected," Kichirō had responded slowly. "I think that he's probably very strong and—this will sound odd—but he's a little like Onii-sama. He also reminds me a bit of Saitō-sama. It's difficult to explain. He teases a little like Onii-sama, though… maybe?"

They'd looked at each other for a few moments, and then tacitly left it at that. Chiharu had realized that Kichirō was quite right: Okita-san was strong, arrogant, and more than a little scary; and he constantly tested people. What Kichirō hadn't had time—or experience—to see was Okita-san's deep streak of loyalty and vulnerability, the latter so well hidden that Chiharu had only realized the truth because she'd been determined to overcome her initial dislike for the man who was probably her half-brother. Of course, Okita-san would be furious if he'd known what she'd found out, so she would just have to keep it to herself.

"So, now that you've told me about them, is it okay for me to speak with them more? Heisuke-kun and Okita-san I mean?" Kichirō had recalled her from her thoughts by raising the next issue.

She'd reminded him that only Chikage could decide whether or not to acknowledge them, but Kichirō had stubbornly refused to accept that decision. Much like Heisuke-kun, he'd insisted that there was no reason not to acknowledge each other on an informal basis. He was wrong, of course—they both were. Kazama Chikage would be angry if his siblings chose to have even an 'informal' familial relationship with a member of the Shinsengumi, and he would be in the right… probably. Chiharu couldn't forget the way that Saitō-sama had fought the Yukishima siblings for Sen-chan's sake. He had undoubtedly saved Chiharu from the rasetsu, and although his ability to kill appalled her, she had never seen him behave otherwise than honourably. Amagiri had judged him worthy of trust, and that was no small thing. Moreover, Saitō-sama's comrades had saved him in turn—the outcome had hung in the balance until Harada-san and Nagakura-san arrived. Could such men really just be set aside and ignored?

In the end, she'd told Kichirō that she wouldn't stop him from doing as he chose, but that he had to know that Chikage-san would be unhappy about his dealing with the Shinsengumi. Kichirō had nodded, but he'd been unusually tight-lipped and thoughtful after their discussion. He'd asked one other question that had surprised her.

"Osen-chan likes Harada-san doesn't she? I mean"—he'd swallowed in obvious embarrassment—"not just as, as an acquaintance… you know?"

"Since when do you notice—or care about—such things, Kirō-kun?" she'd asked in return.

"Well… it seems to me… that things will be complicated if Onii-sama says that Okita-san and Heisuke-kun aren't proper relatives, but Osen-chan marries a man who is their comrade and presumably no better-born."

Chiharu had felt unequal to explaining everything she had learned or guessed about Suzuka Gozen, First Princess of Yase and likely mother of Harada Sanosuke-san. She had her own qualms about her cousin's obvious attraction to the spearman, who somehow managed to be both human and strangely Oni at the same time. In any event, she'd agreed with Kichirō that it would be—already was—complicated, and then given in to his repeated demand to accompany her to Shimabara.

Osen-chan hadn't been overly troubled by Kichirō's decision to join them. She had been very clear with him that he was to follow her order implicitly, however. He had promised to look after Osen-chan and Chiharu so solemnly that the young women hadn't been able to look at each other for fear of laughing. Then he had informed them that he knew perfectly well that they didn't take him seriously, but that it was the still the right thing to do—which had effectively silenced them.

Kimiko-sama's rooms at the Sumi in Shimabara were commodious and well-appointed. Osen-chan was clearly known to the senior staff, and serving women prepared drinks and small trays of snacks at her request. Chiharu watched in amusement as a very pretty young geisha 'looked after' Kichirō, insisting on pouring his sake and personally arranging his tray of food. Kichirō was not yet as fond of sake as his older brother, but he was clearly determined to pretend to be at ease, red cheeks notwithstanding. His older sister was relieved when Osen-chan politely dismissed the girl, who appeared to be genuinely smitten with the handsome and courteous young lord.

Sen's only comment to Kichirō afterward had been an unsympathetic "… and is that really how you want the others to find you? Half drunk and in the company of a geisha?" Chiharu had appreciated her cousin's intervention, which would not have come as well from an older sister.

In fact, Sen's action had been just in time, as Heisuke-kun and Harada-san had come in a very short time afterward. Chiharu, who had sat demurely in a corner while her cousin and Kimiko-sama's women had organized the room, kept her eyes lowered when they entered, suddenly unsure how to greet Heisuke-kun. Her brother had shown no such uncertainty. Chiharu stifled a small sigh for the storm to come with Chikage.

"Heisuke-kun! Harada-san!" Kichirō jumped to his feet with a pleased smile. From under her eyelashes, Chiharu saw him speak briefly with Harada-san before the latter moved away. Then he turned to Heisuke and bowed slightly. "Heisuke-kun, I am only allowed to speak for myself, but it seems that we have more in common than I knew. I hope we can be friends."

Heisuke-kun's face lit up and he grinned. "You bet! Besides, I still owe you for my mistake the other day, right? Although I've been told over and over again that we aren't allowed to do any training here—so we'll have to spar another time."

Kichirō's shoulders relaxed a fraction. He'd made his choice and acted on it, but he'd been nervous about rejection—Chiharu hadn't realized that. She sensed a presence at her side and looked up in surprise to see Harada-san.

"Konbanwa, Haru-chan—or would you prefer Chiharu-sama this evening? I'd understand if you did." Harada spoke with his usual direct charm, but Chiharu could sense his wariness. It seemed general, not directed at her or anything in particular; this was a captain of the Shinsengumi out on business, rather than Harada-san at ease in Shimabara—or even at her cousin's home.

"Konbanwa, Harada-san. Either form of address is fine when there are no strangers present."

Harada sat down beside her and nodded slightly at Heisuke and Kichirō. "I see you decided to allow your brother to come with you. He seems like a good kid."

"He told me that it was far more improper for me to be here than him; consequently, he is here as my bodyguard and chaperone." Chiharu met Harada's quizzical amber eyes—such Oni eyes the man had!—and couldn't help but smile. "And, of course, I'm here as Osen-chan's body-guard and chaperone, since she decided that it would be best to be here rather than leave me to fend for myself."

The tall man beside her grinned. "Osen-chan told me to come over and talk to you so that you wouldn't make Kirō-kun more nervous than he already is."

Chiharu couldn't help an indignant glare at her cousin who waved at her and then went to the door to greet Okita-san and Yamazaki-san. And—Hijikata-san? For just an instant, Chiharu registered surprise and something almost like interest. Then she stiffened, feeling betrayed. Her cousin had sent Harada-san over to distract her and it had worked! She hadn't registered who it was until he stood in the doorway, as dark and uncompromising as ever.

And handsome.

Don't put thoughts into my mind! she snapped at Sen. Just because you have a mind full of romance and tall spearmen—

Just the one, her cousin told her, smirking—at least from Chiharu's mental point of view.

"Konbanwa, Hijikata-san, Okita-san, Yamazaki-san." Sen greeted her new guests in strict order of rank, her expression carefully polite.

Harada-san bowed slightly to Chiharu, and then rose to greet his commanding officer. Heisuke-kun also jumped up, but with less grace and more… concern.

"Hijikata-san! Um—wasn't expecting you here—not that it's a problem! But where's Hajime-kun? And Chizuru-chan?"

"Hi Heisuke! Nice to see you too—and Kichirō, right?" Okita bowed to Sen, flicked his eyes over to Chiharu and nodded, and walked over to clap Kichirō on the shoulder. "Did Heisuke already tell you that we're not allowed to get to any trouble tonight?" His eyebrows quirked, eliciting a slight smile from Kichirō. "Although now that Hijikata-san's with us it's more like a real party."

Kichirō, no fool, bowed slightly and let Heisuke respond to Okita-san. Chiharu applauded his restraint, although she still wished that he weren't there at all.

"I decided that I should look in on things tonight," Hijikata said calmly. He nodded to Heisuke and Harada by way of greeting and bowed politely to Chiharu. "Good evening, Chiharu-sama. As I don't wish to renege on our bargain, I will provide your training this evening. Kichirō-kun too, since he's here."

"Ah—Hijikata-san," Sen started to protest.

"Training doesn't always mean melee, Sen-hime. Your guests—especially Kichirō-kun—need time to work on their stance, footwork and grip."

Chiharu saw the challenge in his gaze and tilted her head slightly. She was dressed for an evening out—although not as a geisha, of course!—and she knew that she looked just as she ought for a high-born lady of the Oni. Her kimono was not designed for swordwork.

"Your pardon, Hijikata-san, but while you are no doubt correct, you will have to train Kichirō-kun without me. I am not dressed for the occasion." As you can clearly see, said her slightly disapproving expression.

"I understand the difficulty, Chiharu-sama. Fortunately, I suspect that Sen-hime has suitable garments for you in her dressing room—as long as we choose a time toward the end of the night, it should be fine." He gave her a level look. "I prefer to discharge my obligations, my lady, and that means making the best of situations as they arise. There was an unexpected opportunity tonight."

"You mean you ended up here?" demanded Heisuke, obviously less than pleased.

"The Shinsengumi appointed new officers today, Chiharu-sama. Consequently, many of the Shinsengumi leaders are here to celebrate along with several of our men." His gaze swept the room. "I have made arrangements so that this evening's plans would not be entirely overset. However, it will mean that we need to be watchful of the time, and I will expect everyone to spend some time elsewhere. Okita and Yamazaki know where the other officers are located."

Sen-hime smiled at Chiharu and her guests. "Well, now that Hijikata-san has arranged things, we should make the best of our time." She turned her attention to Okita. "Shall we begin, Okita-san?"

"Great idea, Princess." Ignoring Sen's look of surprise at his cheerful response, Okita nodded pleasantly at Kichirō and went to take a seat in one corner. "There's something I want to ask you about."

Part III—To Give What is Truly Wanted

Saitō stepped into his room carrying a tray of food. He'd completed a full round of the compounds and found everything in order. He was very grateful to the Vice Commander for assigning him to watch over Headquarters while everyone went out to celebrate with the newly promoted officers. It had seemed quite logical, as well. The First and Second Division Captains should attend along with the commanders, and of course Hijikata-san would ensure that those who needed to train with Sen-hime and Chiharu-sama could spend some time doing so.

He set down the tray and lit one of the lamps. Chizuru shifted in her sleep and then her eyes blinked open. Her expression changed from pleasure at seeing him to dismay at the realization of how late it was.

"Oh no! Hajime, why did you let me sleep so long?"

Saitō moved swiftly over to the bed and knelt beside her. "Is that really an appropriate greeting for your husband?" he asked solemnly.

Chizuru scrubbed hurriedly at her eyes and then smiled a little. "No?" A few minutes passed pleasantly in assuring each other of their mutual affection, and then Saitō sat back on his heels.

"I brought you dinner," he said, more reluctant to return to his duty than he could have ever believed possible. Embarrassed by rather vivid thoughts of what he could be doing instead, he hurried to bring over the tray. "Everyone is out, so I can't stay long. But I will check in with you from time to time."

"Oh… I see. Couldn't I come with you?"

"No. That is not possible this evening." Not when his rounds included the rasetsu caged in Maekwa House.

Chizuru heard the finality in his tone and nodded. "Alright, Hajime. Is there anything I can do to help this evening?"

"Yes. I knew that you would ask, so Gen-san gave me today's mending for you to look after—if you were feeling better and up to doing such work by lantern-light. I've brought extra candles."

His wife seemed to be blinking tears out of her eyes, and Saitō tensed slightly. Apparently there was nothing wrong, however; rather, Chizuru flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you so much, Hajime. You are so very kind to me!"

Startled, but pleased, her husband returned her fond embrace—after moving the soup carefully out of the way. Yamazaki had told him that it was important for her to eat well, after all.

[END]