Chapter 9

The first thing I thought of when I came too was, "Great, this is going to scar." I found myself back in my room as I sat up. I winced as pain shot through my spine and I looked down to find my wounds tended to. I guess it was to be expected. I had lived there for almost three weeks and someone was bound to give a damn about me in that span of time. I already knew Okita did. I sighed and stood up, using my katana to help me regain my balance. Moonlight forced its way into the room as I opened the door. It was high in the night sky so I assumed it was fairly late. I put my katana in my sash and put one hand gently on my wound.

"Where are you going?" I nearly jumped in surprise, but instead I just turned to see Saito leaning against the wall.

"Away. I have stayed her far longer than intended," I replied plainly.

"You're wounded," he said. I couldn't tell what he was doing. His face gave nothing away and his tone was flat.

"A very astute observation," I commented. I started to walk past him, but he grabbed my wrist. "Let go of me." He didn't loosen his grip. I met his eyes and was greeted by a determined gaze. What was he doing? I drew my katana and slashed at his arm. He merely let go and moved out of the blade's path. "I will not miss twice." I kept my katana out for emphasis as I began to walk again. He stood in front of me and stopped me with his own blade.

"If you wish to leave, you must get past me first," he said. I growled in annoyance and backed up a pace or too, readying my stance. He made the first move and I reacted, but my movements were so much slower than usual. The pain that came from each movement caused me to remain on the defensive. I hated the defensive. I was given an opening and I took it, but my timing was off. He moved out of the way and I felt the sting of his blade across my shoulders. I gasped and lost my balance, falling. I managed to catch myself with my arms, but the pain was too intense. I coughed and fell to my side with my hand on my wound. A sad sight I must have been.

I heard Saito sheath his blade and kneel next to me. He put his hand on my arm, but I could no longer move. The pain was turning the world red. I looked up to him and his face was still giving me nothing, but his eyes held compassion. This caused me great confusion. I had not even spoken to Saito since the night I met him. He lifted me up gently after it was apparent I was not going to get up myself.

"Why are you helping me?" I asked. My voice remained strong even through the pain. I was tired of having weak moments in front of these warriors.

"I have been watching you since you first arrived here. I was captivated by your strength and even your weaknesses." He paused and looked at me while he continued to walk. "Do you realize what I'm saying?"

"Of course I realize," I replied, hiding my shock. I wasn't sure whether to be concerned or flattered. He walked into my room and set me down on the bed. I sat up as he knelt next to me, leaning against the wall.

"The days you spent with Okita were difficult to watch and after a few I began to stop watching you. When I saw you run out I followed you. And then I saw what that man did. It was difficult to allow him to just walk away, but you needed to be treated." I took this man's words in and felt my chest tighten. His sincerity caught me like a fish to a line. It was then I realized my only true weakness; my adoration for these men with whom I shared a home with. I reached over and took his hand in mine and wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

We sat there for what seemed like hours. His hand was warm and gentle against my bare arm. I felt secure for the first time since my mother died. Okita didn't even make me feel this way. I glanced up at him and saw him looking at me. He bent his head down towards mine slowly and our lips met. He was gentle and passionate, but it seemed different than kissing Okita. It was like the kiss was actually meant for me and me alone. When it ended I felt a strange sensation of disappointment, another feeling I didn't get with Okita. Despite that fact, I smiled at him.

"That's the first time I've seen you smile," he said with a little smirk. I lost my smile for a moment as I realized he was correct. I hadn't smiled, even with Okita. I looked out the small window at the stars and tried to think of the last time I smiled. The time I could think of was the fall of my fifteenth year. The last day I was allowed with Mother. I looked back at Saito and couldn't help but smile. His head was against the wall and he was fast asleep. It was then I realized I was truly happy. The ache in my torso reminded me that, if I wanted to remain happy, my father would have to be dealt with. Permanently.

A/N: Next chapter will be the final chapter of Crossing Swords! I plan on starting another story after this one, but with a different anime. Any animes you guys would really like to see me use?