Authors' Note:

Meeshell: Hey, just to let you readers know, this chapter is more of a fun chapter than a serious one; there are a few modern references that are thrown in there to add humor, so just over look them. C:
Emelee: Tch they shouldn't over look them! They're important...
Meeshell: Well... They should...just go along with it, or something...
Emelee: Yes... just go along with it... Anyways, this chapter is mostly for the amusement of us authors; it doesn't really have anything to do with the plot besides subtle relationship advancement.
Meeshell: Subtle? *cough* Yeah...well...I mean, this chapter is kind of funny for the readers, too, ne? ...I hope so...
Emelee: If they do find it amusing, they should review and let us know *wink*. Thanks to all you readers who did review, we hontou appreciate it! It really pushes us to update more often than once a week.
Meeshell: Yeah! Even if we didn't really feel like our writing skills were good enough! I mean...even if we didn't feel like writing that day! I...I mean... uhh... thanks for the reviews! I love the really long ones with guesses as to what is going to happen next! It shows you guys are really getting into it! =D
Emelee: And helps us make quick changes to the plot line... to keep you guessing... just kidding. What else did we need to talk about?
Meeshell: Hmm...Let's see, "Talk about this chapter" - check!, "Thank them for their reviews" - check!, "Write the chapter" ...oh, check! I can't think of anything else, can you?
Emelee: Uhm, oh translation notes! I went through and added a little section to the end of each chapter translating the bits and pieces of Japanese we used. So for those of you who have been lying awake at night thinking "what could that Japanese word possibly mean?" you should go back and peek at the Translation Notes.
Meeshell: ...Do you have Fantasia on VHS?
Emelee: I think so, somewhere, I really should check, huh...
Meeshell: Yeah...I'd feel bad if we asked Sean for a VHS player when we don't even have the VHS… but I'll ask him, anyway!
Emelee: Okay, I'll look tomorrow; all our VHS movies are packed away somewhere... I'm pretty sure I have it though...
Meeshell: Okay, I trust you! C: Sorry! Sean just texted me.
Emelee: I figured. I think we're pretty much finished.
Meeshell: Okay, I'm not sure what else to say...
Emelee: Yeah I dunno... just a conclusion. Thank them for sitting through this long and painful conversation?
Meeshell: Well...thank you for reading through this awesomely-long Authors' Note... we hope you enjoy/enjoyed this chapter/all of the other chapters/future chapters! Keep up those reviews! =D
Emelee: Jyane~!
Meeshell: Matta~!

Disclaimer~ We don't own Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan, or anything relating to it. Zan nen desu ne?

Chapter Eleven
Surprises

Souji stepped around a corner, glancing around curiously, searching for something. When he came up empty, he noticed Sayo in the next room over. "Where's Asaji? I have a… surprise for her," he said, walking up to her casually.

"A surprise, huh? Getting mushy are we?" Sayo replied with a knowing glance.

"You don't even know what the surprise is…how can you say that?" Souji fought back a blush as he spoke.

"Well, for one, you aren't acting like your usual…cocky self," Sayo laughed. "I think she's out back with Yamazaki-san."

"Yama…zaki…" Souji said with a determined look; he rushed past Sayo and opened the door, quickly exiting.

XXX

"Are you sure it goes this way?" Asaji asked, holding up a black robe in her hands.

"Yes, I'm sure. I already showed you…" Yamazaki replied, turning around the robe and wrapping it around Asaji.

"But…I think it goes the other way."

"No, it goes this way."

Suddenly the door burst open, leaving Souji standing in the doorway, his eyes beginning to narrow at what he saw. Asaji turned and looked at him curiously as Yamazaki held her robe, trying to put it back on correctly.

"Asaji! Why aren't you wearing a robe! Yamazaki, get your hands off her!" Souji exclaimed.

Yamazaki put up his hands defensively. "I was only helping her—"

"I don't want to hear it!" Souji rushed over and covered Asaji with the black robe.

"That's the wrong way…" Yamazaki sighed.

"That's enough from you!" Souji spat, pulling Asaji toward the door.

"I have another robe under this Souji-san! Calm down please!" Asaji cried, trying to undo the robe.

"Keep your clothes on!"

"If you want her to be properly dressed, then you should let me fix it…" Yamazaki said.

"This is the right way!" Asaji protested.

Suddenly Yamazaki was in front of the two, blocking their exit.

"Get away! We have important matters to discuss," Souji glared.

"You're acting like a child. Didn't your parents teach you how to share?" Yamazaki retorted.

"Didn't your parents ever teach you how to—you know what? Shouldn't you be off spying on someone!"

"No, today's my day off," Yamazaki pointed out. "That's why I asked Asaji to come in here and see if she wanted a spy outfit. She and Heisuke were talking about them."

Asaji jumped in between the two, holding out her hands. "I'm sure everyone can get what they want here…" she said, trying to prevent the situation from getting violent.

"Well, that's very nice and everything, but she's got other places to be," Souji replied.

Sayo peeked her head out the still open door, "I heard kids yelling, is everyone okay? Does anyone need a Band-Aid™?" she asked, holding up a small box and shaking it.

"Someone's about to," Souji said narrowing his eyes.

"I dare you," Yamazaki shot him a challenging glare.

"No please! Keep the swords away!" Asaji begged.

Sayo sighed. "Why did Hijikata have to choose to go on a mission today…? I need my men; I can't handle this on my own!"

"You don't need to handle anything, I got this," Souji said, picking Asaji up and taking her inside the house.

Yamazaki pulled out a shuriken and looked for his moment to strike.

"If you throw that, no supper for a week," Sayo warned.

"But moooom," Yamazaki whined, and then frowned. "Wait, you're not my mom!" He threw the small knife, but to his dismay, it missed the door and became stuck in the wood frame.

Sayo smiled and took out the knife before walking inside.

Asaji blushed as Souji carried her through the house. "Umm…Souji… can you please put me down? I'm scared of heights…"

"I'm not that tall…"

"But you're taller than me…" Asaji said, looking behind him. "Is Yama-sama okay?"

"He's fine," Souji sighed as he set her down. "I have…something for you. But…if you tell anyone about this…I'll kill you! So you have to promise not to."

As he spoke, he fiddled with something in his pocket.

Asaji looked at his pocket before looking back up at him. "That…depends on what it is," she said with a suspicious gaze. "It's not something that you could be killed over, is it? Because I don't want the Shinsengumi after you if they somehow find it…"

"No, it's nothing like that. Just promise that you won't tell anyone."

"I promise," Asaji said with a smile. "Now what is it?"

Souji reached into his pocket and pulled out a box, flinching at the sound of footsteps approaching from down the hallway.

"Ah, Asaji-chan, Okita-san, what are you two doing inside on a day like this?" Kondou asked as he joined them.

"This is none of your concern, Commander," Souji replied, trying to hide the box at his side.

Sayo walked in, and spotted Kondou. "Ah, Commander, I have…a surprise for you," she said, smiling at Souji as she pulled out an identical box from her pocket.

"What is this?" Kondou said with a hearty laugh.

"What is this?" Souji yelled.

Sayo handed Kondou the box. "But you have to promise not to tell anyone!"

"Hi-mi-tsu," Kondou agreed, carefully opening the box.

Asaji leaned to Souji. "Do they have this kind of secret thing going on, too?" she asked.

Souji didn't respond; he was too busy glaring at Sayo.

"Ah, this is fabulous!" Kondou exclaimed; he held out a little Calligraphy and ink set for them to see. "How did you know I wanted one of these?"

"I just…had a feeling," Sayo said, continuing to smile at Souji.

As Kondou closely examined his new present, Souji roughly grabbed Sayo's arm. "How, why? Did you follow me? Did you know? Why?" he whispered angrily.

Sayo shrugged. "I had some help… Someone doesn't like you, and wanted to ruin your surprise," she said, nodding her head in the direction of the nearby window.

Souji turned and saw Yamazaki sitting on the other side of the window, an evil smile playing on his lips.

"Look at these Asaji-chan! Aren't they beautiful?" Kondou asked, showing her them more closely. "Hijikata-san made a lovely choice in keeping you two fine young ladies around."

"Yes, they're very lovely, Kondou-sama!" Asaji called out waving to Kondou as he walked away; she glanced down at the box in her own hands. "Oh, is this a Calligraphy set? That's so nice of you…but since Kondou-san and Sayo-sama know about it…does that mean you have to kill me now?" she asked Souji, flinching.

Souji sighed. "No…it's not you I'll be killing," he glared at Sayo once again.

"Hey, don't shoot the messenger! I was just doing something nice for the Commander," Sayo defended.

"Why don't you open your surprise Asaji, even though it isn't really a surprise any longer?" Souji asked, folding her fingers around the box.

"Okay!" Asaji said with a smile; she opened the box, containing the same Calligraphy set. "Oh wow…it's so beautiful…don't tell Kondou-san, but I think this one is better!"

Souji allowed a smile to form on his face. "I hope you'll be able to practice cursive kanji now."

"That's so thoughtful…thank you very much," Asaji said as she bowed low.

"Well, lunch is ready. Shall I go serve it?" Sayo asked.

"That sounds like a good idea," Souji said. "I was thinking…since Hijikata and the others are gone, maybe you two could join us?"

"In the main room? Eat with the members? Really?" Sayo asked, shocked.

Souji nodded and smiled at Asaji.

"Are we allowed to do that?" Asaji questioned.

"Sure," he said. "I'm sure Kondou wouldn't mind."

"Okay, let's go make lunch!" Asaji grabbed her sister's hand and ran toward the kitchen.

"But I'm already finished," Sayo pointed out as the two ran. "We just have to put the rice into bowls and the tea into cups."

"Sorry, I was just excited," Asaji panted; she stopped running and rubbed the back of her head, embarrassed. "Well…we're already here. I'll get the rice, you can get the tea?"

Sayo nodded and slid open the door to the kitchen. She poured the tea into bowls and helped Asaji put the rice into cups before walking into the room to serve.

Kondou smiled as he saw the two girls. "Ah, what a pleasant surprise, my new favorite person," he said as Sayo set his tray in front of him; she blushed as she made her way to Hajime.

"Please, hold yourself back Commander," Hajime advised.

Kondou laughed and waved his hand as Asaji placed food in front of Souji and Heisuke.

"Looks good, Asa-chan!" Heisuke complimented with a smile.

"Sayo-sama is an excellent cook," Asaji replied with a knowing nod.

Sayo stood nervously in the corner for a moment before spotting an empty pillow next to Kondou. She walked over and took a seat. Kondou smiled at her as he ate his rice; Hajime looked slightly annoyed as he ate his own.

"Oh…I'll be back, I have to get an extra pillow," Asaji said with a bow before shuffling out.

"Why the long face, Saito-san?" Souji asked with a smile.

"What long face?" Hajime demanded.

Souji continued to smile at him.

"I do not have a long face."

Out of the corner of his eye, Souji saw Yamazaki come into the room, moving his cushion into their circle.

"What are you doing?" Souji asked.

"…nothing, why do you ask?" Yamazaki said.

"What are you even doing here? You're not even a member of the Shinsengumi!"

"And yet they let me go on more missions than you."

"That's not true! I'm one of the founding members!"

"Then why aren't you sitting over there?" Yamazaki asked, motioning toward Kondou and Sayo.

"Why aren't you sitting outside the window?"

"Because I'm allowed to eat in here."

"By Hijikata-san, I assume?"

"And every other Shinsengumi member."

"Minus one…"

"Thankfully that one doesn't get to make the decisions for me."

The two turned and locked in a glare as Asaji walked back into the room.

She held up a pillow proudly. "I found one!"

Souji and Yamazaki turned to her, still glaring. Asaji stopped in her tracks. "Did…I pick the wrong kind of pillow…?" she asked worried.

"These pillows are pretty boring…" Sayo said picking at the corner of the cushion she sat on. "Whose pillow is this, anyway? It's so ugly…"

"That's Hijikata-san's pillow," Kondou replied with a laugh.

"Oh really…?" Sayo said, a smile creeping on her face. "That means I'm…kind of in charge."

As Sayo finished her sentence, Hajime stopped chewing his rice.

"Why does that seem so familiar…?" Asaji said thoughtfully before holding up the pillow once more. "So…do I just…put it anywhere?"

"Of course," Souji replied with a softened smile.

"Okay!" Asaji set it on the floor on the other side of the room.

"Well…you can put it a little closer to us…we don't bite," Souji said.

"There's room right here," Yamazaki added as he pat the empty space next to him.

"So, Sayo-chan, as Vice President, what is your first order of business?" Kondou asked.

Sayo tapped her chopsticks on her lips as she pondered. "Hmm…my first order of business… All male Shinsengumi members must go topless."

Hajime dropped his cup of tea, spilling it on the floor.

"Oh dear! Hajime, please be more careful!" Sayo exclaimed. "Heisuke, grab a rag and clean that up!"

"Yes Vice President," Heisuke bowed and rushed off to find a rag.

"I like this…" Sayo smiled.

Yamazaki raised his chopsticks to address Sayo. "Sayo-san, as Souji pointed out earlier, I am not a Shinsengumi member, so I am exempt from this law, correct?"

Souji smirked. "Scared of showing what you have? Or, excuse me, what you don't have, huh? It's okay, no one here is judging you," he goaded with a smile.

"Actually, I like to consider myself part of the Shinsengumi, so I will take part in this," Yamazaki said.

"Is this some kind of training thing, Sayo-sama?" Asaji asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Yes…I'm training my willpower. I want to see how long I can go before I jump one of these boys," Sayo explained.

Before anyone could say anything, Hajime's nose squirted out blood.

"Hajime! Are you okay? Oh my goodness! Someone get him another rag!" Sayo gasped.

"Jump…them?" Asaji repeated, turning to Souji. "Is that some kind of game…?"

Souji's eyes widened as he tried to smile. "Well…you see, Asa-chan…" Souji started, looking at Yamazaki for help.

Yamazaki smiled. "Please, continue, Souji," he prompted.

"I'll…tell you later."

"Okay," Asaji smiled, then turned to Sayo. "Am I going to jump one of them, too?"

"I hope not! You're awfully young…" Sayo said. "Though I think there are a few men in this room who would feel differently."

Asaji glanced curiously at everyone, Souji and Yamazaki turned their heads away, hiding a blush and Heisuke nonchalantly raised his hand.

"Oh, okay…I guess I'll wait a little bit longer before I take part in the game…" Asaji finally said, picking up her chopsticks.

Kondou laughed as he ate his food. "This is all good fun…and this food is delicious."

"You're sure in a good mood, Commander," Souji pointed out.

"When you get presents as lovely as that Calligraphy set, it's hard not to be happy," Kondou replied with a smile.

Sayo turned her attention back to the pillow she sat on. "About that…I have another idea. If you would do me the honor of letting me borrow that gift…I think these pillows could use a little spicing up…"

"Why of course, I'd be happy to lend them to you."

Hajime finished cleaning up and sighed with relief. "Finally, a comment that is not out of line…"

"And after I'm done with the pillows, maybe I can paint you Hajime!" Sayo giggled.

Hajime tore the rag in his hands in half as he stared at Sayo.

Asaji frowned and leaned to Souji. "Why is Hajime acting so weird…? First he drops his tea cup, then he gets a bloody nose, and now he's ripping rags…"

"It's his…allergies…"

"What's he allergic to?"

"The comments your sister keeps making."

XXX

Later on that night, the same group met for dinner; the rest of the Shinsengumi was still out on their mission.

Sayo sat on Hijikata's pillow with a smile, eating a piece of fish. "This feels much better…"

"I feel so much more…entitled to this seat since it has my name on it," Kondou said happily, referring to the Kanji Sayo had written on his pillow.

"I feel…cold," Hajime shivered, grudgingly.

"But you look great!" Sayo beamed.

"Don't you think Hijikata will be upset when he sees—" Souji started.

"When I see what?" a voice finished.

The group turned and saw Hijikata standing in the doorway.

Sayo jumped. "Ah, Hi-Hijikata-san, you're not supposed to be home until tomorrow…"

Shinpachi dragged himself into the room behind Hijikata, "The fight went better than expected," he yawned. "And I was dying for some of your home cookin'."

"That's sweet…" Sayo tried to smile.

"Why are you on my pillow?" Hijikata demanded.

"I was…"

"It's all in good fun Toshi, no need to take that tone with the girl." Kondou furrowed his brow.

Hijikata raised an eyebrow.

"I was right." Souji pointed at Hijikata's half angry half confused expression.

"I'm glad I grabbed my own pillow… I wouldn't want to be accused of taking someone else's," Asaji said.

Sano glanced at her from next to Shinpachi.

"This is another pillow from outside this room, I swear!"

"I keep my pillow outside so no one will steal it…" Sano sighed.

"So… does that mean I have to take over for Sano? But I don't want to take off my top constantly and flex… can someone trade pillows with me, please?

"I'd make Hajime do it, but he's already top less." Sayo smiled and waved at him.

Hajime hung his head, ashamed.

"You're not going to make anyone do anything, please remove yourself from my seat, I've had… a long day," Hijikata said.

"You can share my pillow," Shinpachi offered.

"No… I really should get back to the kitchen, come along Asaji, we're clearly not wanted in here now that the boss is back."

Asaji sighed with relief. "Coming Onee-san~!"

"Now look what you did, Toshi… they were just having some fun…" Kondou shook his head.

Hijikata walked over to his pillow, examining it. "What. Is. This? Why are there flowers all over my pillow?"

"It's pretty now." Sayo called out from the kitchen.

Kondou snickered into his hand.

Sano walked over to his pillow, picking it up and reading the black ink. "How did she know…?" He held up the cushion with teary eyes. "Boo-yah."

Shinpachi looked down at his pillow. "Ah, what the heck? Why does mine say bakayaro!

"It was Heisuke!" Sayo shouted from the kitchen.

Heisuke shook his head.

"I'm… not really sure who to believe… but I know I'm mad at someone!"

"Keeping your hate to a general audience is always better then selecting one person to target," Souji said, glancing at Yamazaki.

"Though if you're giving advice you should do it yourself. Practice what you preach," Yamazaki pointed out.

"I will kill you."

"With what, your chopsticks?"

"…yes!"

"Enough! I will not tolerate this at the dinner table!" Hijikata shouted, picking up his bowl of rice. "How come this is half gone?"

"Sayo was eating it," Kondou pointed out.

Hijikata set the rice down. "I'm going to bed." He stood up.

Everyone began to snicker as he turned around to leave.

"What is so funny?" Hijikata glanced back at them angrily.

"Toshi… you have a flower print on your behind." Kondou snickered.

Hijikata sighed and walked out of the room, shutting the door harshly behind him.

Kondou continued laughing. "Sometimes he's funny when he doesn't even mean to be…"

"I'm sure he'll look back on his and laugh." Souji took a sip of his tea.

Asaji pulled her head back into the kitchen from peeking in at Hijikata's unfortunate event. "I feel kind of bad for Hijikata-san…"

"I don't… He deserved it, for kicking me out of my spot! Maybe he should learn to loosen up… the other two superiors have, why can't he?" Sayo dismissed.

"Maybe he has to be the iron fist to make up for the other two…" Asaji paused. "Wait, if Hijikata-san had flowers on the back of his robe from the pillow wouldn't that mean that you…?"

Sayo laughed. "No, no my robes are scotch guarded!" She twirled around revealing a flowerless behind.

"Oh, okay." Asaji nodded in approval. "But anyway… About Hijikata-san he's the one who let us stay here… maybe we should try to avoid making his life harder than it already is…?"

"You're right… I suppose I should go apologize?"

"That would probably be best." Asaji nodded. "I can take care of the dishes!"

Sayo slipped out of the room, and quietly down the hall to Hijikata's bed room. She sighed as she held up a hand to the door, she hated apologizing; it was as if she were admitting she was wrong.

With a quick knock she slid open the door, sticking her head in side. "Hijikata-san…" She put a hand to her mouth.

Hijikata stood in front of a mirror, twisting his body to get a good look at the flowers. He flipped his hair and glanced at his reflection. "You know… this really isn't so bad…"

"Sumimasen! I didn't mean to interrupt…" She held back a laugh.

Hijikata jumped at the sound of her voice and quickly composed himself. "What are you doing in here? Without knocking? How disrespectful."

"But I did…"

"Please, what have you come to say? I'm very tired; I would like to get some rest."

"I just thought I would… apologize for causing you the embarrassment… But clearly my artwork hasn't affected you as negatively as I thought."

"Apology accepted." Hijikata said, and shooed her out of the room.

Translation Notes:

Shuriken - A small Japanese throwing knife
Himitsu – Secret
Kanji – Chinese written characters
Onee-san – Elder sister
Bakayaro – Moron; idiot
Sumimasen – Sorry
Matta, Jyane – Later!
Hontou—Really; truly