Hi all! So a foreword is needed here since I really struggled with this chapter :)
This fanfic doesn't even remotely resemble what I planned out with my naive 10 chapters, hahahah, but it's turned out a lot more fun to write than I imagined! Shinji and his whole plot was an accident and turned out to be so important to the story that a lot of things I had written in advance had to be changed on the fly, this chapter being one of them. So I hope you enjoy this Frankenstein monster, things will happen in this chapter!


Chapter 22

The victory had been costly and Hijikata contemplated if it was a victory at all.
The surprise attack had shown how unprepared the Shinsengumi really were, their men were trained but not practised, the fact that they had left their own flank open, weighing heavily on Hijikata's shoulders.

He would have to speak to Kondo-taicho about his badly made decision.

Hijikata watched the workers clear more monstrous bodies from the compound, the gory task had continued for two days and the compound was finally cleared of the stench of death. A loud sigh escaped his lips and his shoulders slumped.
There was something else he had to discuss with Kondo-taicho.

In the chaos of his return, he had only a few moments to speak to Okita, they would have to discuss his condition with their leader and the thought made Hijikata sick to his stomach. It wouldn't be easy, Kondo was going to be crushed by the news that the man he saw as his own son, was slowly succumbing to a disease that had no cure.

Okita had brushed him off when he broached the subject, claiming that it was not the time to speak to Kondo.
Hijikata understood his friend's hesitance, Okita lived for battle, lived by his sword and after speaking to Kondo, he would most probably not be allowed to use his sword anymore. The thought made even Hijikata's heartache.

He wasn't sure which would be the worst, Okita dying in the fire of battle, bested by a weakling, or Okita slowly withering away to a lifeless husk.
He shook his head to focus on the present.

I have to speak to him again.
Hijikata told himself as he walked towards the common room, which had turned into a field hospital after the battle, filled with the injured and dying, the smell of blood had filled the room's confines.

He thought of the two Yamazaki siblings laying bruised and bleeding in the common room, it was a great relief when the old physician had returned with the second wave of reinforcements, immediately treating his clan's charges, Susumu would surely not be alive if the old man had not come when he did.
Susumu's sister had served the Shinsengumi beyond any logical action that day, if not for her, the compound would have been in ashes, its occupants dead and buried. The Yamazaki woman had ridden like deer in flight, disregarding her own pains and aches to bring warning to Kondo-taicho.
I will have to find a way to thank and honour her service.

Hijikata knew he would find Okita within the field hospital, an oddity in its self, as Okita had never worried himself about the injured in the past.
Hijikata had heard from his men that Okita had saved both the Yamazaki's and eliminated the threat within the compound like a god of war, his men following suit as he led them to victory.
Happiness filled Hijikata knowing that his friend could still fight like a demon and inspire his men to such an extent, this friend's fighting spirit inspired Hijikata to be better himself, train harder, be better.

Hijikata was still puzzled by Okita's actions after the battle, the first division captain had barely left the side of the Yamazaki siblings, shirking off his responsibilities to his second-in-command, spending his time nervously hovering around the two injured spies. Hijikata wasn't even sure if Okita had eaten in the last two days.

He couldn't fathom his friend's actions, the relationship between Okita and Susumu had never been tight and Hijikata wondered what had changed between the two, another thought sprang to mind, a darker one.
Could Okita's illness have made him aware of his mortality? Aware of his impending death?
The thought sent a shiver down Hijikata's spine as he walked up the steps to the common room.


The flutter of her long lashes and slits of eyes opening had his heart thumping in his chest, relief spilling over him and leaving his muscles lax.
Kasumi had been unconscious for nearly two days, his worry growing with each passing second, the reassurances of the Yamazaki's longtime physician did nothing to placate his fears.

"Okita-dono?" She blinked confusedly until she realised where she was and the memories of battle came flooding back. "Oni-san!" she cried and tried to sit upright only to be met by Okita's soft touch pushing her shoulders down to the bedroll.

"He's here...Ishi-sama says he will recover," Okita's voice was tender: "But he's still unconscious." the murmur in which Okita's words came lulled her fears, she lay back again, her head resting on a soft, small pillow.
"Thank Hachi," she whispered and reached a seeking hand to Okita. He took her nimble fingers in his palm, not sure what to do or say next, instead, he tightened his hold on her fragile grip.

"You're awake!" the old physician's voice rang in her ears. "You and your brother are going to be the death of me!" the wrinkled man smiled, his words not speaking the relief etched on his face.
"The Yamazaki clan has always been reckless." he shook his head in mock dismay. "Even your father used to keep me up at night stitching and cleaning wounds, always getting himself into trouble."

Kasumi let out a weak chuckle.

"I know, you've told me many times Oijchan."
The old man looked at her fondly before touching a warm palm to her forehead and then her neck, feeling little heat and a steady pulse he nodded in satisfaction.
"I have other patients to tend to, so you, Yamazaki Kasumi, stay in best and rest." The old man ordered, glaring at her with squinted eyes. "The captain will keep you company as he has for the last two days."

Kasumi looked at Okita, her mismatched eyes questioning him.
"Why would you be here, surely you have other responsibilities?...and...you are okay? I mean you are not injured?" Kasumi's concerned eyes betrayed the real question that laid there.

Okita felt a blush spreading over his cheeks, he had no answer and he had no way of explaining his feelings to her and why he kept his vigil.
"I am fine...I...the Yamazaki's are very valuable to the Shinsengumi..." he said clumsily, trying to hide his loss for words.
She arched an eyebrow at him.
"And you are here to make sure your assets are cared for?" she chuckled before turning serious again. "You must be worried for Susumu, don't let it get to you, the Yamazaki blood is strong."

She gave him a reassuring smile. "Look I'm a thousand times better already!" she sat up, trying to prove her health, but a long painful groan came from her lips.
"Yamazaki Kasumi!" the old man's voice came from the opposite side of the room. "What did I say not two minutes ago!" a frown creased the man's wrinkled face anymore. "I swear you were born without ears!"

No. No that's not how it was meant to sound. Okita berated himself and how simple-minded he seemed to get around this woman.

He looked at her as she gently laid back again, clearly in pain, her eyes scrunched before they turned to look at him.
Their eyes met and he was captured by the intense fire that burnt in her stare, the flecks in her irises sparkling and wavering, deep pools of emotion rippling under the mismatched surfaces. An unvoiced emotion flickered across her features and it seemed like she wanted to say something, but a moment later she thought better of it and averted her eyes.

The moment lost, Okita wanted to reach out and caress her cheek, turn her eyes back to him so he could be lost in their depths for a moment longer, this was not the place or time and as a consolation, he took her hand again drawing her attention back.
"When...when you are well...I would like to...talk." Okita's grip tightened around her fingers as he felt the blush rise from his throat to his cheeks, nervous, he didn't notice Kasumi's own blush blooming through the bruises on her face.
"Ye...yes Okita-dono." she stammered. "I would like that." her answer was whispered and delivered with a beautiful smile that made Okita's heart jump in his chest, he found himself once again mesmerised by her smile.

"Okita-dono." Hijikata's voice cut their moment short. "Come with me, we have some issues to discuss."
Okita dropped her hand from his own and straightened his back, the tension flowing through his body and face, not going unnoticed by Kasumi.
"Yes Toshi," Okita answered as he got up stiffly and turned to face his superior.

Does Hijikata-dono know? Kasumi asked herself as she watched the two men leave the common room for the courtyard outside.


Panic beat in Okita's heart as he looked sideways at Hijikata's stern, worried face.
"Yes Hijikata-dono?" he asked, knowing that the conversation he had been avoiding for two days was about to start.
"Don't act ignorant Souji, you and I both know why we're here." the irritation was clear in Hijikata's voice.
"You have to speak to Kondo-taicho...we need to understand the way forward, for yourself and the Shinsengumi." the words were hard to speak and Hijikata felt tension tighten his throat.

Okita's panic grew in potency and he felt a wave of nausea ripple through him.
His mind grabbed desperately at an answer, something to make Hijikata back-down and let him be, he did not want to lose his position as captain, he did not want to retire his sword, leave his comrades, become useless to Kondo-dono and the world.
His stubborn urge to not surrender came rearing ferociously.

He had to tell Hijikata that there might be a way, the vials that Kasumi had given him clearly offered a kind of relief, possibly a cure...if there was a chance, he couldn't give up now.
"I...not yet Toshi, there might be a cure, I don't want to concern Kondo-taicho with this yet."
"What!" Hijikata's irritation had turned into anger. "We both know that's just a dream, consumption has never had a cure, you're fooling yourself." he shook his head in anger. "Stop it, Okita, admit to what's happening and we can work around it...Kondo-taicho will know how to deal with this."
"NO!" Okita's voice rose and echoed through the courtyard, attracting the attention of the workers milling about. Hijikata's eyes were large in surprise, staring at Okita as he trembled in frustration.

"I won't give up Toshi, I've...had...help lately..."
"Help?" Hijikata's voice rang in its confusion.
"Yes." Okita nodded. "Someone has given me a potion that takes away all the signs of my illness...sometimes it works for days before I need another potion." Hesitantly Okita admitted, his fear of revealing Kasumi's hand in helping him lurking in his mind.
"Who? Who's this person that you trust more than your comrades?" Hijikata's clear mistrust and disappointment showed on his face and his eyes swam with disbelief at Okita's confession.
"A...physician, he's an old man with a lot of experience." Okita lied, the old Yamazaki clan's physician coming to mind instantly.
"Tell me, why has this 'physician' not sold this miracle cure, why is he not the richest man in Kyoto?" Hijikata's voice wavered in its irritation.
"I...I don't know, that is his business, not mine." Okita instantly regretted his lie as he saw it growing exponentially within seconds.
"Right..." Hijikata said with a suspicious tone. "We can hold off speaking to Kondo-taicho until I have met this miracle doctor of yours."

Okita swallowed the lump in his throat, the relief of Hijikata backing down not coming as he was now faced with an even larger problem.
"I...I am meeting him in a fortnight...he travels."
Hijikata raised a questioning eyebrow but nodded still. "Two weeks then Souji, I will not forget."

Hijikata turned and walked off in frustration, he was convinced that Okita had lied, but got himself trapped in his friend's words.
Two weeks Okita. His mind echoed as he walked hurriedly to nowhere.


Her hand held Susumu's tightly as he woke, his eyes slowly opening and squinting at the bright light in the common room. Four days had passed since the battle and her brother finally showed some life.

"Oni-san," she whispered as she moved closer, her own body protesting in lancing pain.
"Sumi-chan?" his voice was weak, but his eyes sprung open immediately, taking in his sisters' injuries. "You're okay?" he asked worriedly, looking at the bruises and cuts marring her face.
"Yes, a few bruises..." she lied, hoping to dissuade her brother's worried eyes. "Oijchan!" she called for the old physician scurrying on the other side of the room. "Susumu-san is awake."

The old man wasted no time in hurrying over, motioning Chizuru to follow him. They both kneeled by Susumu's side, shooing Kasumi away as they started prodding and assessing her brother.

A noise at the entrance attracted her attention, her heart leaping in hope that it would be Okita.

He had visited them often and she had grown used to his silent, calming presence, feeling alone and wanting when he was not there, he had not held her hand since that first day she woke, but with every visit, she hoped that he would take her yearning palm into his strong grip. To her greatest joy, the tall, red-haired captain came through the door, his emerald eyes instantly finding hers in the busy room, he smiled a beautiful cupid's bow and, not for the first time in the last few days, she wondered what those lips would feel like against her own.

She blushed and quickly averted her eyes to hide the soft pink bloom on her cheeks.

"Here Okita-san?" she heard a female voice chiming, Asuka's sweetly spoken words following close on Okita's heels.
"That's perfect Asuka-chan," he answered, the smile clear in his voice.
The pull at her heart was painful and she looked up to see Okita and Asuka talking animatedly in the doorway, their words falling on her deaf ears.
Yes...I forgot. Kasumi smiled at herself, reminded of her predicament.

"...-chan? Sumi?" Susumu's voice rang from beside her, she looked at her brother perplexed.
"Sorry oni-san, I was thinking."
"I noticed." her brother teased. "That smile was...different, are you okay imouto?"
"I'm fine," she said, her eyes betraying her to her brother. "The last two weeks have just been...difficult."
Her brother gave her a worried look, "If you say so Sumi, just remember I'm always here for you, I'll always listen to whatever you have to say."

Yea right. Kasumi smirked inwardly.

Brother, you know how you told me never to get involved with men who go by the sword, especially those of the Shinsengumi? Well, I've hopelessly fallen for one of them, and even though he already has a woman, all I want is to be in his arms. Oh! And he has the same disease that took our mother away from us.

She sighed loudly. No chance of that conversation going anywhere but a shouting match.

She looked at her brother's now resting form, his arms lightly folded across his chest.
She loved him, held him dearer than she could ever express. When they were left orphans, he took her under his wing, never once complaining about the burden and responsibility. Memories of their childhood flooded her mind and she recalled the numerous times that her brother had helped or saved her in some way or another, his broad smile came to mind and she felt great relief that he was still with her.

Was he overprotective? Yes, but she could not fault him, she was the only family he had and a Yamazaki protected their family. She could not disappoint him.
"I know oni-san." she smiled, "I'll tell you if anything is on my mind."


Her mere presence made a fire burn within him, every glance of her he caught, made his heart beat a stronger rhythm. I will survive, I will be by your side.

With his heart aflame, he walked into the common room, excited to once again see Kasumi. His mind raced for a topic to talk start a conversation with, the things he wanted to say and what he could say in a full common room were very far removed from one another.
He came through a door with a spring in his step, a very un-Okita-like action in itself, Kasumi had the power to take away the suavity he was so well known for and turned him into a bumbling, clumsy boy that stuttered and fought his heart jumping from his chest.
His eyes immediately went to where Kasumi had been confined for the last few days but found her spot empty. Panic rose as he searched for her within the room and found...nothing.

"Sumi-chan woke up this morning with that annoying Yamazaki stubbornness of hers." the old physician commented as he noticed the searching Okita, "She made a big show of how well she's recovered and then demanded to leave." the old man sighed, but a smirk painted his face as he saw the tension in Okita's shoulders dissipate.
"The death of me I tell you," he commented offhandedly.

You and me both Ishi-sama. Okita thought to himself.

"Right..." Okita answered the old man out aloud, a small frown of disapproval between his eyes.
"You can't tell that one what to do, once her mind is set, nothing will change it." he chuckled, "She's outside somewhere with Nagakura-dono, he was unlucky enough to be here when she woke up."

The old man watched with amusement as Okita's face flashed a myriad of emotions, concern and jealousy amongst the more prominent, he smiled at himself as he recognised a man who had lost his heart to a woman.
"Maybe you should look by the gate and the repaired walls, I am sure Kasumi-chan would have a great interest in the repairs and reinforcements."
"Yes..." Okita nodded slowly, "But I have other matters to attend to, I just came by to check up on Susumu." he lied very badly and the old man's smile grew even broader.

"Susumu-dono is resting." he pointed at the sleeping man, "So your other matters can be taken care of."

"Thank you Ishi-sama." Okita bowed before turning, adamant to go to the training grounds and not look for Kasumi, but his feet had a different plan and he soon spotted Kasumi and Nagakura walking along the perimeter of the compound, Kasumi holding on to Nagakura's arm for support. Her voice chimed as she laughed at some quip that Nagakura made, and the sound drifted towards him, playing in his ears like a sweet song.

His hand involuntarily tightened into a fist, annoyance seething through his skin.

Nagakura...his annoyance turned to anger and he turned away, not willing to see his comrades' advances towards Kasumi, he knew Nagakura well enough to know what was running through his mind, even if he had Asuka pining after him on a daily basis.
Afraid of the words that might spill from his mouth in anger, Okita turned away and headed towards his original destination, his urge to hit something driving him towards the training grounds.


Three days later and Okita was brimming at the seams with frustration, he had not had a chance to speak with Kasumi without Nagakura, Harada or Sumumu lurking about, they had made light conversation and banter, but nothing in any way to advance the words that he needed to say.

After Susumu had healed enough to find some mobility, he was inseparable from her, his overprotectiveness clearly reaching beyond the common man to include all of the Shinsengumi forces and on occasion, Chizuru and Asuka as well. Okita silently cursed the Yamazaki blood and its ability to heal it's carrier so speedily, robbing him of any time he could have spent with Kasumi alone.

Dinner had become the time he hated and loved at once.

The Yamazaki's had both taken to join the captains for their evening meal and seeing Kasumi interacting with the rest of his comrades made his emotions swing like an off-centre pendulum. She was charming and amusing beyond belief and it seemed that all the Shinsengumi captains had taken to her.

That time had come again and Okita waited with bated breath for Kasumi to join them for dinner.
She announced herself dramatically as she entered, a chuckle following her theatrics and the men welcomed her with open arms, she was already part of the group of men gathered around the table.
She smiled that dazzling smile, softening the masculine room in an instant, and Okita's heart flipped and tumbled in joy.

He watched as her mismatched eyes surveyed the room, looking for a seat at the low table. Her eyes gave a mischievous twinkle when she noticed the space open next to him.
"Do you mind Okita-dono?" he looked up as she asked, her beautiful lips parted in an honest, entrancing smile as their eyes connected.
"Rather sit next to me Sumi-chan," Nagakura called all teeth and grins.

Okita felt his hair prick up in agitation. Don't be so familiar Shinpachi, Okita growled in his mind.

"I'd rather sit next to Okita-dono, thank you." Her answer came short, laced with cheek. "At least Okita-dono won't try and feel me up under the table." She giggled, making Nagakura blush a furious red.

"Sumi-chan!" Her brother's shocked voice came, his eyes round and embarrassment etched on his face.
"But Onii-chaaaannnnnn!" She complained childishly, her face splitting in a grin as she stuck out her tongue at her older brother.
Susumu wanted to vanish, shrinking in on himself as his face burned a fiery red. His little sister had a knack at embarrassing him since childhood, old memories flooding his mind, he tried his best to not attract any more attention.

Within seconds she had the whole force of Shinsengumi captains in stitches, even Sannan-san quirking his lips in amusement. The banter continued throughout dinner, Nagakura giving her suggestive smiles and Harada vying for her attention.

Okita felt his annoyance rise, his own lack of witty comments and interaction a frustration. Kasumi had been at the Shinsengumi base for more than a week and he had still to speak to her alone, his words always getting caught in his throat the moment she came near.

"How are your injuries Yamakazi-chan?" Hijikata's voice broke through the loud conversation and laughter around the table.
"I am mostly healed Hijikata-dono." She smiled softly. "I will be leaving within the next week on a mission." Her head drooped slightly in what seemed to be regret as her voice dropped.
"What!" Her news caused an uproar around the table, the men all sad to hear she would be leaving soon.

Her words struck Okita like a pail of ice-cold water, his shock amplified with the knowledge of her dangerous pursuit.

"That is quite soon for someone only recently healed, that is if you are fully healed," Sannan stated with a raised, questioning eyebrow.
"I know Sannan-dono, but this mission is of the utmost importance," Kasumi answered earnestly.
"My little sister is quite talented, this mission can only be given to her," Susumu interjected to relieve his sister from Sannan's questioning.
"I see," Sannan said, staring curiously between the two siblings. "You must be proud to have such a skilled little sister Susumu-san."
"I am indeed." Susumu smiled a broad, honest smile, looking at his sister with clear pride.
"Wouldn't hurt saying that to me once in a while." She chirped him, a naughty smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Hoooooo!" Nagakura piped up "Are we going to witness another fight? My money is on Kasumi-chan!" The whole room once again burst into cheerful laughter, Harada patting Susumu on the back sympathetically. "Unfortunately I have to agree with Nagakura."

Okita clenched his fists under the table, his frustration reaching a boiling point as he watched her with hooded eyes, his resolution came as he realized that he had run out of time. He had to speak with her...tonight.

The evening turned to night as they talked, recounted adventures and drank sake, they laughed, argued and laughed some more. Sannan was the first to leave, not one to spend long nights riddled with alcohol.
Okita waited, nervous and agitated.

Finally, he could see Kasumi readying to leave, her hands fidgeting as she stretched her legs in front of her.
He got up, sure to leave before she did, not wanting to make his intentions obvious to his friends still present.
"I'll be off to rest then…Harada, training tomorrow morning, remember."
"Hai!" Harada agreed slurringly, the sake flowing thick in his veins.

Okita smirked to himself, training was going to be interesting.

"Good night Nagakura, Harada, Kasumi-san." He bowed politely to Kasumi before he slipped through the door, his plan taking action from that moment.


Kasumi left the dinner table shortly after Okita, secretly hoping she could find him before he retired for the night. They had still not spoken, but the tension between them was palpable. The nervous silence they shared when close made the situation even worse, she did not know how to start the conversation, how to tell a man she loved him, even though he did not know her and already had a woman of his own.

Okita had been acting strange since the Mori incident, she had spied on him for long enough to notice how reserved he had been lately, that very evening she had watched him closely as his leg twitched and his hands fidgeted at the edge of the table. It worried her, he was not acting himself.

As she left the room and walked into the darkness, she took a route, to the room she shared with Chizuru, that would take her past Okita's room. As she passed the first row of buildings towards the inner compound she noticed a shift in the air, there was someone in the dark, waiting. Her eyes had not adjusted to the black sky yet and she stared into the night, blinded, an uneasiness settled on her as she readied herself for an attack.

Strong fingers wrapped around her wrist and pulled her away from the path, in one swift motion she found her back against the cold outer wall of the kitchen, her body pinned by a warm, muscular chest. Her instincts kicked in and she immediately tried to drop to the ground, ready to sweep her assailant's feet from under him, her mind already calculating her next move.

"Don't"
Okita whispered close to her ear, his breath warm on her neck. Her skin pricked immediately, sending a delicious shiver down her spine. His husky voice all but melting her resistance.

Her heart stopped and pounded at the same time, blood shooting to her cheeks and neck, trailing hot lava as it flowed. Realizing that he meant no harm, she allowed her muscles to relax.

Noticing her surrender, Okita released her captured wrist, gently moving her arm to her side, his hand brushing softly up her kimono's sleeve to her cheek, intending to test her response. The words he had practised, formulated for days, did not come, they were lost somewhere in the sensation of her warmth against his body, her heat stirring a flame in his own chest.

He could not stop, his body moving on its own now that he was so close to her. As his hand grazed her cheek softly and stopped to rest against her soft, warm skin, she leaned into his palm, closing her eyes at his touch.

That was all confirmation he needed.

In a moment his lips crushed against hers, hot and hungry, searching with longing for relief to his long-lived frustration. His chest bloomed with warmth and joy when she answered with her own eager lips, soft yet firm against his, her tongue begged for entrance and his lips gave it without hesitance. They danced, explored each other's mouths with a fervour unknown to either of them, both bodies reacting to the sensation nearly violently.

Okita could not control the way he pushed her against the wall, and when a soft moan escaped her lips from the added pressure, he thought his body might explode. He felt blood flow to his groin, growing harder with each touch, each swirl of their tongues. He was overcome by a madness that centred around her.

His hands followed his lips' example and tentatively explored her curves, slowly making their way from her shoulders down to her waist, there they stopped, his mind distracted as he felt Kasumi embrace him, her soft breasts touching the planes of his chest, searing his skin through his clothes, her long fingers entangling themselves around his neck, twining in the hair at the nape of his neck.

She stopped abruptly.

With a single strong shove, she broke their connection, her eyes glittering with shock in the moonlight. Okita looked at her in confusion as he stumbled a few steps back, his body reeling coldly from its loss.
"Asuka" the name came from her lips, questioning and accusing, her bewildered expression nearly ghostly in the night.
"Asuka?" Okita repeated, not sure who or what Kasumi meant.
"You…Asuka…she's your…" she stuttered
"My?" Okita was more confused than ever.
"You kissed…" Kasumi could not say more, her heart aching as the image came to mind again.
"What?" Okita's thoughts raced at lightning speed until his mind made the connection, he understood.
"NO" he stepped closer, regaining some the space he had lost. "It was never her…you, you're the one on my mind...always."

He was close enough to see her pupils dilate as the words left his mouth.
"She…she had planned it, I never meant to, never wanted to…" his words were clumsy as he desperately tried to make her understand. His eyes pleaded, the moonlight highlighting the desperation in his heart.

Kasumi hesitantly raised her hand to his cheek, softly tracing the sharp line before resting her palm on his chiselled jaw. His words took seat in her mind and a small, unsure smile graced her lips.

He closed the remaining space between them, his lips brushing against hers as he whispered.
"I know…" his hand gently drew along her injured wrist "You're Yuki Ona". The name tapered off into nothingness as their lips met again, this time filled with much more than lust.

Unspoken words fell away, not needed as he now tasted the sweet orange blossom that he had noticed so many times before, sweet, a faint trace of citrus, her lips burnt like a flame against his own.

It was his turn to ask for their lips to part as her mouth moulded to his, his tongue sliding, meeting hot eagerness from hers. He pressed against the wall again, not as harshly as before and her arms naturally encircled his waist, their embrace, their slow-burning kiss spoke of longing and relief, desperation and mystery banished with their lips' union. His arms enfolded her, his hand moving up her spine and finding rest in her long tresses, her hair soft and tangling in his fingers.

The world fell away as they lost themselves in a confession that had no words.
An understanding that need not be confirmed.
Time stopped for a few short moments.

They hesitantly parted, still tangled in their embrace, as Nagakura's drunken voice came from a short distance. Hiding in the dark of the kitchen building's shadow, foreheads resting against each other, they both smiled, their hearts fluttering in unison.

Nagakura and Harada ambled their inebriated steps towards the inner compound and to their beds. Their voices slurring in the attempt to speak. Nagakura stopped abruptly, only a few meters from the hidden lovers. They froze.
"Hari?…D..dooooooo y..y..yous thinks t…thattttt Summiii-channn woulllddd go on a datttttte with me?" Nagakura stared at his friend bleary-eyed and unbalanced.
"You arrreee greedyyy! Youuuu!" Harada pointed a shaky finger at Nagakura."You… have Asssukass-chan!" Harada slurred. Nagakura stumbled backwards, his own feet nearly tripping him up.
"Right!" He announced, trembling arm held up high in the air. "I forgot!"

Okita felt Kasumi twitch uncontrollably in his arms, he worriedly looked down to find her desperately trying to hide her laughter, soft giggles echoing through her chest and muffled in his hoari as she gripped it tightly. His smile broadened at her childlike reaction, she was cute.

Waiting for the two drunken shinshengumi to leave, he pulled her closer, pressing her against his chest. As they connected Kasumi felt his heart race, thumping just like her own. She sighed, tightening her hold on him, her giggles replaced with a toothy smile as she looked up, his own smile meeting hers.
His eyes still held the lust of their kiss, but they also said so much more, the tenderness of his feelings clear in his gaze. They were quiet for long moments, neither sure what to say or where to go from here.

"Susumu-san is going to kill me." Okita finally uttered with a grin.