This will be a long chapter. Enjoy.

Beta-read by AL19

Chapter 13: Reminiscing about your past cannot be good as you have expected.

"Tosshi… You know, you can take the day off since you've worked enough! Since it was your birthday!"

Kondo-san offered. At first, I didn't want to take it since there was so much paperwork filling up my desks. But he kept pestering me to go and I decided to take it.

But…

It sucked that it was raining now. The sun was up a while ago, but look at this now. Rain droplets continued to fall as I gave out a grumpy look. I rested upon a tree, I didn't bring an umbrella. So now, what should I do? I'll just wait until the rain stops. Glancing over the tree, I noticed something. There was something that was carved in it. I observed it very deeply.

'A-tan and Toushiro forever!'

Those were the words carved in this tree. Now, I remembered, this tree was our hideout when we were kids. Under this tree, when it was spring, it sprang up Sakura petals. Together with her we'd enjoy this scenery. I took out a cigarette, positioned between my lips and lit it out as I continue to reminisce my childhood with her…

With Sakakibara Satsuki…

No…

Avril Heatherfilla…

It was when I was 9 years old. When I heard the news that the Heatherfilla family would present their daughter, Avril Heatherfilla. Rumors said that she had a stunning beauty that all men could fall in love.

"Is it really real?" I began to wonder. They said it was real. So I accepted this challenge and went to see this young princess. If I wouldn't be captivated by her, then it'd be my win.

That day came and the guards never let me in. So, I decided to sneak upon a gate where the guards wouldn't see me. I was a tactician, that's why. I climbed over the gate slowly. I was sweating really hard. Hopefully to see that girl; I wouldn't ever give up to see that girl no matter what! I was already in the peak of the gate when someone shouted at me.

"Oi! What are you doing in there, brat?"

I rapidly faced the girl. My eyes widened when I saw her; she was beautiful. I could feel myself heating up. Because of this my hand slipped and I fell straight into the bushes. There were leaves in my hair. Noticing this, I immediately brushed it off and gazed upon her.

She was really beautiful but the problem was that she was wearing a t-shirt, black shorts and sneakers. Her appearance was like this; she had short azure hair with a pair of scarlet eyes. But, her beauty was such waste, since she looked like a boyish girl.

"Just what are you doing? Climbing the gate… Are you a robber?" She raised up a brow as I began to stand.

"I am not a robber!" I declined, "By the way, who are you?"

"Huh? Why am I going to give you my name? You're a complete stranger!" She pointed her index finger at me and I felt my back shiver.

"I will tell you my name so you tell yours. I am Hijikata Toushiro! Please be my friend." I introduced myself and offered my hand to her.

Her eyes widened at my offer. I didn't know why but she was…. Shocked? I was wondering about her sudden change of expression. Furthermore, she was blushing! I couldn't describe this feeling; she was cute. Get it?! She was very cute. But that was an only a matter of seconds when her expression changed…

"M-My name? Erm..." She was really nervous now. Glancing left to right, I couldn't get this girl...

"M-Micah will do... I would like to be your friend, Hijikata-kun…" She smiled at me.

Oh man! What was this feeling? She was an angel! An angel made from heaven! It felt like my cheeks were burning! I couldn't hide this!

She shook my hand and smiled again, "Now, what should we do? Hmmm. First, let's race up to that hill! Let's see who will win! The loser will treat the winner a soft drink!"

My expression changed from embarrassed to shocked... Was this really a girl? Did girl loves to race up to that hill and make bets? Fine... I'll just do this… I knew that I'd always win... Well, she was a girl, so she wasn't a problem at all.

"One, two, and three… Start!" After she said those words she dashed out on me.

"What's with this girl? She is fast! Is she really a girl?!" I mumbled under my breath as I raced up to her. Hoping to catch up, but it seemed that it wouldn't really come true; she sped up. What was with Micah?!

It was dawn already, but I manage to climb up the cliff. I was sweating hard and was also very tired. As soon as I reached the hill, I immediately lied down on the grassy field. Panting like it'd never end, she faced me from above while smiling. That made me blush hard and I hid my embarrassed face, "W-What?"

Micah held out a peace sign, "I won. Buy me a soft drink!"

"Jeez, Micah. I'm really panting here! While you are there relaxing yourself, are you a monster or what?" I sat in front of her.

"Ehehehe…" She chuckled and stood up. Touching the trunk of the tree, she decided on something, "Hijikata-kun, this will be our meeting place! Remember it! I will be going home so just bring my soft drink tomorrow!" She smiled gently and left me on the cliff alone.

"Man, she is really cute, even though she is a barbaric girl... Erm. Wait! I was forgetting something… I didn't see Avril Heatherfilla today! Damn it! I failed and I lost!" I complained.

We always met up by that tree and do fun things together… Until, I decided to visit her school. It was very big...I wonder what kind of family she had? I sneaked on the gate and heard something hideous.

"What's with that girl acting so great? So what if she got high grades!"

"I can't get enough of her! I did make her my friend; hopefully, my grades will go high!"

"She is rich, right?"

"Yeah, that's also the reason why I made her my friend."

As those words rang upon my ears, I felt anger surround me. But then, I noticed a familiar figure hiding in a wall. My eyes widened by this as I saw her with a long face. She wasn't crying; instead, her face was very emotionless. I watched as she pick up a stone and threw it to the people who are gossiping about her.

"Fuck you bitches! So your true colors went out! Like I care for all of you! I never treated you like friends! Fuck you!" She shouted with all of her might and left, running as fast as she could. Noticing this, I climbed down the gate and immediately followed her.

There I waited by the tree where we'd will meet. I was kind of worried about her since it must've hurt, being betrayed by your friends. After a few minutes, she arrived with a cute kimono and a red ribbon tied around her head. She was panting really hard. I felt my cheeks started to burn when I saw her. Really, the tomboy princess became a real princess?!

"W-What do you think H-Hijikata-kun?!"

Blood rushed over my nose, damn it! She was very cute! I coughed hard as I felt blood dripping from my nose.

She rushed over me, "O-Oi! Are you okay?!"

I held out a thumbs up to her while wiping my bloody nose.

"Fine! Let's play hide and seek!" She smiled with a peace sign to me. I instantly followed her request and played rock-paper-scissors with her. Thinking about the incident a while ago, did she wanted to forget it by playing with me or was she playing with me because she was sad about that. Ahh! I couldn't get this; I decided to ask her on about the incident.

"Micah, are you sad about the incident a while ago?" I asked nervously, hoping that she wouldn't get mad at me. I was ready about the result.

As I sweated hard, she stared at me, dumbfounded. It took her a few seconds to respond. Well, it wasn't a response! Moreover, she laughed at me! Jeez, what's with this girl?

"What incident?"

I flinched when hearing that, "A-About those girls in your school..."

"Like I will be sad about that! I am used to it! I am always being betrayed by others so it is okay!" She answered.

Seemed like her life was a mess. People get along with her because of her popularity; they didn't care about the bond they shared. I continued to play rock-paper-scissors to her until it was decided. She'd be 'it' and I'd be the one to hide.

"Arrrgh! Damn it!" She cursed under her breath and started to count.

I ran as fast as I could, finding a place where I could hide. Hearing her complain like forever made me thought that she really was a barbaric girl. I continued to run as I glanced over the whole place. There, I saw an abandoned building. I smirked like an idiot and hid there.

"Now you won't find me, barbaric princess!"

I climbed upon the highest part of the building and rested there. Grinning like an idiot, I knew she wouldn't ever find me in this place! I laughed harder, then I felt someone tap my shoulder.

"Hijikata-kun, found ya!"

I was surprised by this and didn't notice that I stepped the wrong way. I fell slowly off of the building while screaming like hell!

"Toushiro!" She screamed my name while holding my hand. Soon, she threw me back in the building. Causing her to fall instead of me. I was shocked by this and hurriedly climb down the building hoping to catch her. Still, I could see her fall right in front of me. I failed as a man because I let a girl save me! It should be me!

When I reached the lower part of the building, there, I saw her lying on the ground with white flowers. I was panting hard; thank goodness! She wasn't in a difficult situation! I rushed over her and saw something horrible.

Her eyes were widened and was teary eyed. Like, she was traumatized by this. Damn it! I sat over her and started to punch the ground. While I was punching the ground, my body was drawn nearer to her. When I noticed this, she hugged me. I was surprised by this and blushed harder. Stuttering, she tightened her grip on me.

"I'm so glad you're safe…" She whispered softly. I felt my face burn. At the same time, her hug was warm, like a bear.

She retreated her hands over me and I said, "Done already? Damn it!"

She grinned lightly while scratching the back of her head, "Erm. Sorry for calling your first name, Hijikata-kun…"

I liked to hear my first name being called by her… I wanted to hear it again….

Without realizing, I stated those words to her, "No! It's alright… Call me by my first name! Call me Toushiro!"

Just, what did I just say to her?! She was really surprised by this. Please dig a hole for me! I want to hide my face under the sand!

"Is it really okay… To trust me like that? I mean… I… lied to you…you know…" She said with a long face.

"What? Lie? I don't get what you're saying but… Each and every one of us has a dark side, you cannot help but lie to others. People might reject you but as for me, I won't ever! Because I am your friend and I always will be!" I blurted out. Wait, What? Did I just say something cool?!

She exhaled deeply and blurted something, "The truth is… Micah's not my real name. In fact, I lied about my name. I was known for doing these kind of things; lying about my name. It's because I want know if they're my true friends. So, I won't hesitate, I am not Micah or the tomboy princess that the town speaks off…I am Avril Heatherfilla!"

This declaration made me surprised. A while ago, I already failed the challenge. I didn't know or even expect that one day I'd be friends with the famous heir of the Heatherfilla family. But I realized one thing…

"No matter what kind of person you are… You may be the princess of the world… The poorest girl in this world… A geek…. The tomboy princess… I will always be your friend… A-tan…" I said. Wait, did I just call her A-tan? What kind of sorcery was this?!

I was very embarrassed, calling her that nickname… I knew that my cheeks were going to blow, but she just laughed at me. Stop it, please!

"Who'd call me a lame nickname?! Ahahahaha. Sorry I can't stop laughing!" She laughed her gut out, but for me, it was really embarrassing. Finally, she stopped teasing me, and continued, "Thank you! Let's race who will be first in that tree!"

After saying those words, she dashed out of the place, leaving me alone.

"Hey! Wait for me!" I exclaimed as I followed her.

Again, Avril was the first one to reach the tree and, as expected, I lost. It was dawn when I reached the hill. Seriously, she was really fast. Panting hard as hell, she offered her hand to me. Of course, I accepted it and stood up.

"Toushiro! If you're sad, look at the sky. Whether it's raining cats and dogs, a burning meteor striking, even if the volcano erupts, even the world ends. I'll definitely come and pull you out from this cruel world. It's a promise!" She held her fist towards me. I sighed and bumped fist with her.

"Yeah. It's a promise."

"You know, this tree sprang cherry blossoms. That's why I chose this place to be our meeting place! Ah! Let's carve our names here proving that we own this one!" She offered. I gave her a nod and we both carved our names in the tree.

'A-tan and Toushiro forever'

When we had that promise, I felt that our relationship was growing. I also learned a few things about her like she didn't know how to bake, she had a good singing voice but sucks at instruments; lastly she was really a good person.

One day, it was my birthday, May 5. As expected, I was here in the tree waiting for her class to over. The sky grew darker and I felt lonely. I remembered the promise we made a few days ago. Man, this sucked... I was in deep thoughts when someone spoke up.

"Man, are you already lonely?"

As I heard that voice, I knew it was her. I glanced upon the tree and saw her there with her legs hooked in the branch. 'Is she really a girl?!' I thought as I mesmerized this scene. She was in her skirt, but climbed the tree and her position was in an upside down one. Face palming to this, she landed on her two feet.

"O-Oi. Your classes are still going right? What are you doing here?" I asked her.

She held out a peace sign, "I tell you, right. When you are feeling sad, I will be always here with you. No matter what the condition is. Ah! By the way, I skipped classes!"

"Ehhhhhh?!" I was shocked by this. Really, did she skipped classes in order to see me?!

"Oh! By the way, Happy Birthday Toushiro! I have present to you! Here." She handed a piece of paper to me.

To my surprise, I jumped out of happiness. She gave me a scholarship in a certain school. Yes! I could study now. I was really happy.

"Do you like it?" She grinned.

"Of course!"

This was the best birthday present ever. She never failed to give me happiness. I never expected this to happen but… One time, there was an incident. I was waiting in the usual spot. A few hours had past, but she hadn't arrived yet. I began to wonder that maybe there was something happening to her, so I decided to visit her school. There, I saw A-tan fighting with some boys and girls.

"It is true! You're becoming friends with that beggar! Just how-"

That girl didn't have the chance to speak when A-tan punched her in the face. Many people were cheering, but at the same time, trying to stop it.

"So what?! Don't mess with other people!" She shouted at her, trying to struggle from the kid's arms. I saw her agitated face and I knew it was rare for her, since I knew she was always smiling like a sun. But today wasn't the same, she was like a devil…

"It is obvious! He became your friend because he is after your popularity and money!"

"Just what the heck do you know about me?! Just what fuckin' hell do you know about Toushiro!? Answer me, you bitch! Don't act like you know me! Don't pretend to be my friend when you don't actually care about me!" Again, another punch was received by that girl. My eyes widened from this, she wasn't just bickering for herself… But she was fighting for me, for the sake of our friendship.

I couldn't take this anymore. I didn't want to just stand here and do nothing. I didn't want to be the burden. I didn't want the guy who needs protection from A-tan. I clenched my fist, and decided to jump into the battle.

"I didn't become friends with her because of her popularity or money… Rather, I don't really care about those. Don't ever question our friendship… Let's go.." I dragged A-tan out of this mess and we ran as fast as we could.

We reached the tree; there, we rested while panting. I turned around and scolded her, "What are you doing?! Fighting with those guys because of me…"

She smiled at me, "Well, it can't be helped since… They said some bad stuff about you…"

Hearing this made me feel warm inside. She'd always fight for me, even though she knew that she could be hurt… I…wanted to protect her..

July 2.

We met in the same spot where we usually hang out. This time, this day was special because it was A-tan's birthday. Today, she invited me to their house; it was my first time. When I reached their house all I could say was 'Wow!' because their mansion was big...as in very big!

"Look! Mother! Father! He is my best friend!" A-tan pointed at me.

I was very nervous to this and immediately bowed, "H-Hi! I am H-Hijikata Toushiro!"

"No need for formalities… I am Vachel... The father of Avril." Vachel-san introduced himself.

"I am Rilliah… The mother of Avril. By the way, thank you for taking care of her!" Rilliah-san said with a smile.

"Ahh! Toushiro! How about school?!" A-tan reminded me.

"Ah! I am late!" I stuttered.

"Toushiro! 8:00 pm in my house okay?"

"Yeah!" Then, I bid a farewell. I dashed out of the mansion.

12:05 pm.

"Damn that teacher! He didn't even wake me up! I'm already late! Moreover it's already July 3rd!" I cursed under my breath as I to ran. Finally, I was getting nearer until I saw something horrible. The mansion was completely ruined. I was shocked by this and was worried about A-tan's condition. Running past the gate, I saw something terrible. Blood was all around the place; corpses were around the mansion. There, I saw A-tan lying with her parents, covered with blood. I hurriedly tried to rescue A-tan but failed… She was frozen by this shock and she couldn't move. I felt sorry for her…

The next day, the whole village were talking about this 'Vendetta'. They said that this Vendetta destroyed and killed many people including the parents of Avril. Hearing this made me surprised. I didn't hesitate to go to our meeting place.

I was panting very hard when I saw her in the tree…crying… It hurt to see her like this… The usual A-tan would greet me with a tomboyish tone. Now, she was crying. I walked towards her.

"Stop… Don't come here… please… don't look…" She said, her voice shaking.

I couldn't take this anymore; I continued to walk. I held her wrist and pull her towards me. That's when, I realized that I was doing this humiliating thing and was about to retreat my hands over her. But, she tightened her grasp all over me and cried silently.

Later at night, A-tan explained all of this. She said that it was 11:59 pm when all clocks stopped. They wondered, why did the clock stopped exactly 11:59? A matter of seconds past, the wall and the ground began to shake. All of the things around them were falling; her parents saw an unfamiliar figure. The two went outside only to find out that the unfamiliar figure was none other than Vendetta. With her stunning crimson eyes and her hands soaked with blood. She didn't hesitate to charge over her father. Her father protected her, causing him to be killed. So her mother had no choice but to seal Vendetta in a cross-shaped necklace. Rilliah-san was a great onymoji; she could seal different kinds of monsters. But this one was a tough one since it costed her life to seal this great Vampire. But before she could seal her, Vendetta killed a lot of villagers and people around her just to protect A-tan.

I was walking A-tan home when she said something.

"Toushiro, can you stop calling me by my first name? Rather, call me Micah…"

I felt very confused by this and asked, "W-Why?"

"Because you could be involved by this mess, now that Vendetta was sealed to me. Maybe, many people will find me, and catch me for this. In order to do that, please act like a stranger towards me. Rather, I am cutting our relationship as friends… I want you to distance yourself to me… In case that I get caught… I will continue to change my name so that the people around me won't get hurt… So, in case that I get to see you in the near future… Please don't call me Avril…"

Hearing these words, it felt like my world shuttered. I couldn't believe what was happening. Tightening my fist, I answered, "No… I won't ever do that… I will protect you so-"

I was interrupted when A-tan pushed me to the side. She received a bullet coming from a certain man in a black suit.

"Avril!" I stood up and rushed towards her. She was hit in the shoulder and it was bleeding like hell. Her t-shirt were already covered by blood. I didn't know what to do, because we were already surrounded by the men.

"Shit…" I muttered under my breath as I gazed at her. Glancing all over the place, I couldn't find any way to save her. Thinking about this, A-tan stood up while holding her wound.

"W-What do you want?" She said.

One of the men grinned and stated, "Come with us, Avril Heatherfilla… No… Vendetta."

A-tan grabbed my wrist and ran as fast as she could, but she failed when another bullet stroked her leg. Causing her to stumble with me, the men surrounded us and held me back. Two of the men started to carry her. As I continued to struggle and shout out her name, the men pressed and fired a gun at my shoulder. Damn it! It hurt!

"Toushiro!" She shouted my name as she continued to struggle in that man's grip.

The men continued to beat me up and I felt like my vision was fading… I couldn't even reach her… Just then, I noticed something in Avril. Something was wrong in her eyes… Was she crying blood?

She removed the cross from the necklace and told me, "Run."

And there… I saw a horrible sight that I couldn't erase from my memories… I saw Vendetta for the first time… Killing people….

The next thing I knew, I woke up in an unfamiliar white room. Tamagoro-san said that I didn't wake up for days; they found me under a….cherry blossom tree... I started to ask where Avril was, but they didn't answer me… Again… I failed again to protect her… I failed again… She saved me again...

Few days past, I was discharge in the hospital. Every day, I went to the tree wherein we always meet. As expected, the tomboy princess who was waiting for me were gone. The one who is willing to skip classes in order to see me were gone. The one who is there to play hide and seek with me and the one who is always first in terms of racing in here.. She is gone… Avril is gone…

"I am always waiting for you. Always remembering the promise we make with each other… Please hurry and come back... I kept looking at the sky, but you weren't there… I'm becoming lonely so hurry up and get here…"

The rain hadn't stop and my cigarette was at its limit..

I tried to recall the promise we made to each other, "If you're sad, look at the sky. Whether it's raining cats and dogs, a burning meteor striking, even if the volcano erupts, even the world ends. I would—"

I was interrupted by a familiar voice, "Definitely come and pull you out from this cruel world. It's a promise!" Satsuki held out a grin and thumbs up.

As for me, I was pretty shocked about this. My cigarette fell on the ground.

"You remembered the promise correctly! As expected from the Vice Commander of the Shinsengumi!" Satsuki cheered.

I couldn't help but blurt out, "A…Avril."

Hearing this alarmed her; she replied, "Hey! Don't say my name out loud! What if someone heard it?! By the way, Happy Birthday Toushiro! I do have money today, because that idiot perm head paid me a lot! Man, it's too easy to beat that guy! Where do you want to go today? What do you want to do today? It's definitely my treat today!"

I lit another cigarette and smiled, "Then... I want you to be with me this whole day…. Avril."

"Hey! I told you to stop calling me by my whole name! Come on, let's go. I'll let you share my umbrella so go under it already!" She replied.

I went under her umbrella and we began walking in the wet road. Spending time with her made me really happy. It was really one of the best birthday ever…

This must be a birthday fic for Toushiro! But I didn't made it in time, *cries a river* I'm sorry that this chapter is very long. That's it! Sakakibara Satsuki's true identity is Avril Heatherilla which is the daughter of Vachel and Rilliah Heatherfilla. Who is the owner of some business and currently known world-wide. So, Satsuki is a rich kid but chose to work in the Yorozuya, huh.. I wonder about that. So that's the past between them, seriously had a hard time thinking about this. By the way, I really appreciate the reviews, favorites and follows! Look forward for the next chapter as a new arc will come! Hoho. Thank you for the support!