A/N: Miura's protection was given to the Shinsegumi, leading to the Tenma-ya incident. Saito was the one in charge helped by another man whose name I cannot recall. I changed the dates a bit but it did happen! As did the part about the Nijo castle and the Mito clan. I studied the events but stretched history enough to suit my story xD I hope you enjoy this chapter and it builts well the suspense for the next one!

Thank you for the suggeston about the Jdrama, I had no idea! I'll be seeing it in a very short while. Thank you all who reviewed and alerted, too, you keep me going!

I don't own RurouKen.

It was the cold night of November 22 when Saito seriously entertained the thought of revenge for the first time. He was ready to leave on a patrol, dressed in all formality as usual, when Okita who was supposed to leave with him noticed a discarded but neatly folded piece of paper on the ground, right next to the lamp post of their headquarters. He picked it up idly and looked at both sides: one was white. The other bore two words in beautiful handwriting: Saito Hajime.

"It's for you."

Disinterested, Saito accepted it. He had received more than a dozen threats to his life; strange how none managed to deliver. He opened the note and started reading; but the more he read, the more his attention was captivated. In the end he stopped and handed it back to Okita with a very different kind of look in his eyes: his calm was never disturbed but there was something dark about his countenance.

"Can we identify who left this?"

"I'll ask around but I don't think we'll narrow it down; I was the only one who noticed, just now, but it looks like it was stepped on so it must be here a while."

"I see; read the note. Then tell Bando-san I will need something from down there."

"Bando-san—our guard at the holding cells?"

He nodded affirmatively. "Just read."

He did; Okita's eyes grew wide and looked up at the man next to him immediately! "What—?" Saito then took off, making it very clear he didn't want to be followed. Okita understood, allowed him his space and then followed at a safe distance, just to ask: "Where are you going?"

"To the Takagi ryokan; tell a couple of men to follow ten minutes from now," came the swift reply, just before he took a right turn and disappeared into the crowd.

Okita sighed. "I hope everything turns out for the best…"

He folded the note again and put it in his sleeve. The beautiful black letters of the person who wrote it didn't betray the ugliness of his heart at first glance; only when one read it could know:

We have the girl. She's a very good guest we'd hate to see her go.

But if you really want her back, we're willing to part with her if you're willing to part with Tatsugoro Keiichi.

If you accept, be at the northern bridge tomorrow at midnight; if you don't, de sure to come by the bridge sometime later to pick up her pieces.

Saito ran faster than ever; the burning at his lungs didn't bother him—the more it burned, the more the effort, meaning the sooner he'd get there, to verify. He wanted this to be a lie. He even hoped it was a trap and someone was luring him at a place where he'd be alone and strike! He even preferred this to be another sort of trap, like one that lied they kidnapped his important person just so he could run to her and essentially have him show them who the important person was. Even that was preferable because he'd know, and then move her to safety…!

When he reached the inn, he saw the first bad sign: all lights were on and people could be seen coming and going frantically. He entered and behind the stone walls was revealed a large group of people, running around, looking distressed. He immediately recognised Reika, sitting on a bench in the garden; but she wasn't alone. There were two people supporting her, holding her hands. Two of the three older women from the kitchen were standing stoically on either side of the open sliding door. And then, there was Takeru at a far corner, searching for something.

He decided to go to Reika…but it wasn't a matter of choice: the moment they saw him, at least five people ran to him! "Shinsegumi-san, please help us find her!" That was it; now he was certain.

"We have no idea where she is."

"And she's been missing for half a day!"

Despite the bombardment, he had to say this; he tried really hard not to snap at them. "Why didn't you contact us sooner?"

"She was supposed to be out on errands till late! But she didn't come home when she said she would so, after an hour, we went looking for her. She wasn't where her final appointment was, but not just that; she hadn't been there at all! So we retraced her steps from the start of the day and we concluded she's been unaccounted for since three. It's nearly ten now!"

"Please, please find her! The last place she's been at was the lawyer's office."

He considered. "And before that?"

"Arita-sensei for her check-up."

"What's the name of the lawyer?"

"Tanaka Hirota. He's a good man; you should go talk to him."

He didn't know the name but he didn't like how the last place she'd been was a lawyer's practise, especially since she seemed to think too little of them when they spoke; also, somehow the attackers knew her schedule-suspicious. He looked around, trying to think; instead, he spotted the young boy trying to conceal a weapon!

"Takeru, take me to Tanaka Hirota." He saw he heard him by his reaction. "The rest of you get back inside; next time anything happens send for me immediately," he scolded no one and everyone, but Reika felt it was directed to her and started tearing up. "Neverhteless, try to act like nothing is out of the ordinary; instruct the guests to do the same, if they know what has happened and make sure they talk to none."

People nodded and others alerted Takeru and brought him there. It wasn't five minutes later, when they were alone, that he asked the boy: "what's your opinion of the lawyer?"

"M-mine?" He was astounded; none had ever asked for his view on anything before and meant it; and the serious expression on his face left no room to think he was joking. "I don't like him. He smiles too much. He reminds me of our lawyer…"

Saito feared that. "I'll keep it in mind." He saw the boy puff up like a peacock. "Did you partake in the search?"

"I did! We've been around the whole town but we still didn't see her. You think…" he hesitated. "You think the lawyer is guilty?"

"I think trying to conceal a weapon from a Shinsegumi is juvenile; give me the dagger." He opened his palm flat.

"What…dagger?"

"The one in your sleeve." Defeated, the boy gave it up…only a little too readily. Hmm? "And the other one," he took a guess.

"No! Why? Don't I deserve to get back at those who took her? Shouldn't I revenge her?"

He knew Takeru was projecting his parents' death onto her but he truly couldn't blame him. "What we deserve and what we get are very different things. But you'll get her back so you won't have to. Now give me the dagger."

"Do you promise she'll be back alive?"

"I do." There wasn't the slightest hint of a lie in his voice; Takeru decided to do as he asked. Just like the previous one, this dagger was out of sight in seconds. "I'll need you to promise me something, too," he said after a long pause, intriguing the boy. "When we get to the lawyer, you'll wait outside and not come in unless your own life in in danger."

"…why?"

"I can be very persuasive, but only when people aren't looking."

He never thought he'd say that but there he was; the boy didn't seem to know what to do with this piece of information but in the end conceded to his terms. That turned out to be key in the interrogation of the man who under the threat of horrible violence and a taste of very little spilled the beans. He actually confessed to being contacted by and receiving a large sum of money from the patriots; in exchange he told them about her scheduled visit, time and day. What they did with that information he'd said was no concern of his…he was tempted to cut that man open; that was the second time the concept of revenge seemed appealing.

After leaving Takeru back at the inn, he headed straight for the doctor. He wasn't too upset, so he must have had no idea what was happening, though he was awake anyway, so he must have suspected something was wrong. When he recounted what happened, Arita-sensei collapsed. After three glasses of water, the man explained how he was also approached by a man who wanted to know things about Tokio, but he had turned him down immediately. Of course, he thought the man was interested in her romantically nothing like this. Also, he gave a description of the man who came to him but Sito was treated to the most ordinary man ever—nothing about him stood out at all.

Saito was far from satisfied. He had too few leads to proceed and the one was more trivial than the other. He even put people to look for anyone who had come at Kyoto recently since he was certain whoever was behind this hasn't been to Kyoto for long, but even that was a dead-end. He sighed; at least he had the lawyer in custody.

The next day, during and after noon, when no further progress had been made, he realised he had no other option but to meet them.

"Saito-san," Okita "I had to notify the higher-ups about the letter. They said you shouldn't under any circumstances go through with the exchange…but they can extend a couple of days off just for you."

"I understand but the leave won't be necessary; I have to bring her back after all."

"How are you going to do that without the condition they mentioned?"

"What is our job, Okita?"

The question baffled him. "To protect Kyoto and fight the patriots…"

"Exactly. Why should I decline a meeting where I know for a fact at least one of them will be there?"

"But, what will you do about the condition?"

"Follow me," he simply said.

They left immediately, haste in each step; Saito was leading him to the holding cells, a level lower than their current position. When he reached there, he opened the door wide open; there was a guard sitting there who immediately stood up! He saluted the two men.

"You don't have to be so formal, Bando-san," Okita assured him waving his hand.

The cells had an unbearable smell of closeness about them, while stale bodily fluids also littered the air. The cells were set apart from one another by the wooden grill-like bars. Only four of them were occupied: the one that had Tatsugoro Keiichi, the one that had the lawyer and two other criminals. One of them was another rapist and the last one was a killer. They were all opposite each other.

Next to the guard were all of the prisoner's personal effects, such as clothes, shoes and wallets - empty wallets -. All swords and any other weapons they had on their persons were given to the Shinsegumi.

"I'll need to borrow that something from you after all, Bando," Saito requested with an odd smile on his face. Okita looked at him concerned. "Don't worry; you'll see what I have in mind. But don't come with me tonight."

"…as you wish."

.

=:=:=:=

.

She's been in the same dark place for more than half a day, not counting the hours she spent unconscious or asleep. Yesterday, around three, someone ran into her, knocking her over by accident. It wasn't till five seconds later she realised it wasn't that accidental: when he pretended to help her up, a man came from behind and…put something on her nose that knocked the wind out of her lungs! Keeping her eyes open suddenly felt too much of a task; her vision had blurred and nothing was right. She knew her knees gave out when she felt the pain, but it didn't feel like a personal experience; it was as if she watched it happen to someone else.

Before long, she was out of it. When she resurfaced, her head throbbed equally to or even more than someone's who had been pounded repeatedly over the skull. She'd been drugged. She massaged her temples till the pain ebbed away and she was finally able to listen to the loud outside noises without closing her eyes.

And then she waited. She expected someone to come in and explain things to her for a long time: why was she taken? Obviously someone kidnapped her but what was their aim? Was it related to the inn or did they just want ransom? She could piece together some sort of story, too: maybe the patriots had done this to her for retaliation—maybe they found out about her role in the incident. Or it could be they just want her ryokan and they didn't want to ask nicely. But why didn't they just kill her then? Well, there were many people still there so she could be the leverage.

Hopefully, she wouldn't be used as a hostage.

"Wake u-…oh I see you're up already. That's great. Then come on; we need to be going."

She didn't have time to be afraid—and quite frankly she really wasn't. They didn't touch her; not even for a slap. The only unkind treatment was her tied hands behind her back! No one roughed her up or threatened her—only one man came to tell her they have to go. She might not know what time it was, due to the lack of windows, but she was certain it was night.

"Why did you take me?"

"If the boss wants to answer you, he will. Now move," he snapped, trying to push her forward; offended beyond words he'd try to touch her, she retracted herself and moved on her own.

She was led to a well-lit room through a corridor where two men waited: the one seemed just as primitive as the one with her but the other...had an air of elegance about him. He was wearing a very nice kimono and his hair was long and loose. She had to admit he was a handsome man, but oddly, all she wanted to do was punch his pretty face in. But she also noticed he had the most polished sword of the three.

He stood up with slow movements. "Shall we?"

Even his voice was sleek; that annoying bastard. "Where are we going?"

"You want information? Fair enough. Let us start walking and I'll answer some of your questions."

She obeyed. "What are you going to do with me?"

"We will exchange you for one of our own. You're a traitor to our cause anyway."

"Who is "your comrade"? And who'll be making the exchange?"

"His name is Tatsugoro Keiichi," the leader answered after a long pause during which none of the other two dared speak. "He is in prison, captured at the bloodbath not a month ago. We want him back. He was apprehended by none other than Saito Hajime."

"Will be making the exchange as well?"

At her doubtful tone, he turned and looked at her, sly and all-knowing. "But of course…know him?"

Ah, she saw exactly where this was going. And damn it, she was being a burden again! Very superiorly, like he was dirt on her shoes that just had to be expelled, she stared. She now knew two things: one, Tatsugoro was an important person for this man or the patriots in general and two, they chose the worst person to blackmail. "I do know him; he stayed at the inn while hatching his plan against you. And I believe I know him well enough to tell you with certainty he'd never agree to such a thing," came her disdainful answer. "That man would rather see half Kyoto dead before giving up his prisoner."

"That may be so…but do I look like a fool? You think I'd take a useless hostage?" her expression answered "no". "Precisely; if I had to take all of Kyoto hostage to get Tatsugoro back, I would. I am a man who does whatever's necessary…And I did just that."

She narrowed her eyes, as if mistaking his words; at the same time, they stopped in front of a bridge, not crossing it. The two goons got behind her while the leader stayed at the front. "Wait, me? I'm the perfect hostage?" She rolled her eyes, trying to make light of a situation she knew it wasn't. "I think you don't know him at all."

"I think you know him less than you think…how amusing."

"I never claimed to know him well," she retorted, a little miffed; it annoyed her how she couldn't cross her hands in front of her chest. "Simply more than you."

"I took extra care to get to know him because he's my enemy."

"I disagree; he won't come. And at the absurd chance he does, he certainly won't show with your comrade," she insisted.

"I disagree with your disagreement."

"Too bad it will be me that is going to be proven right," she continued impetuously.

"You're very stubborn," he observed rather than complained.

She snorted. "Tell me something I don't know."

"…he's coming."

"I told you he won't."

"No, I mean he's coming; I see him." She immediately turned to where he was looking and true enough, there he was! Coming closer and closer to the bridge was Saito and another silhouette next to him, a man. "And there I can see my friend Tatsugoro as well; looks like you were wrong on both fronts, Tokio-chan."

Had it been proper, she'd drop her chin. He actually came; and not just that—he was meeting their terms. Why!? This was ridiculous. Just as she was saying how Saito would never betray his ethics, this happens. And he even stopped right in front of the bridge, just like they had. She could see him a little clearer, but the night still obscured his expression. But the man's next to her wasn't and the satisfaction was far too pronounced to misread. Tokio felt guilty. He knew something like this was the reason Saito had carefully steered away from her—he felt indebted because of the help she provided and now she became means of pressure. She hated this. She would rather…die even, than be used like this!

"Is she harmed?"

That was the first sentence that came out of his mouth. She felt even worse. Especially when he said it with such threat in his tone, as if daring them to answer yes.

"Not a single hair on her hair was touched; let's hear it from her, too."

Oh she had to speak now. "Nothing was done to me," she admitted hastily.

"Very well," Saito sounded pleased "I'll send Tatsugoro Keiichi over as soon as you send her, too. It will happen simultaneously."

"No, he comes first."

"He's faster than her; I just want her the farthest away from you as possible before that happens. I cannot be sure you won't launch a surprise attack as soon as he crosses."

A sinister laugh escaped the man; it wasn't sinister in its own right, but something about the way it was so ordinary yet this man wasn't, made her skin crawl. Still, this was her chance.

"Aahaha, you a-!"

He never finished; Tokio was bored of feeling useless for so long—she'd strike back! Now that the leader was laughing and the flunkies would either follow suit or be less attentive she'd launch her counter-attack and buy Saito some time. She'd been wanting to do something like this ever since they led her outside, but she knew they would catch up to her. But this was perfect! With nothing to indicate she was about to do anything, she lunged forward and onto the leader! All of her weight went into it and he was dragged down with her!

She took everyone by surprise, not just the man she knocked over; the ones behind her were too stunned too react. Saito was the first to recover though; he knew her capabilities. He cut the ties of the prisoner loose and lunged forward.

"Follow me," he commanded!

He crossed the bridge so fast, by the time the man was making efforts to shake off Tokio, he decided he shouldn't—the Shinsegumi captain was right above him and he needed a shield! He watched one of his men fall bleeding to the ground, not dead but not all that alive. When his second man moved to attack Saito's exposed side, he managed a cut…but didn't connect wholly—their own comrade, Tatsugoro Keiichi cut him down!

"What!?"

She was trying to escape; when she saw the patriot's comrade stabbing him, she knew she had to get away! No matter their shock they were meant to recover at any second—especially the man underneath her! She tried to roll away. She heard his sword unsheathe but managed to steer clear in the nick of time! The blade was thrust forward, ripping her kimono, but barely scratching her skin. Thank Buddha for layers! She didn't stop until she was certain she was a safe distance away.

She missed the action though. When she looked up, Saito and their – former – comrade were standing over all three, swords dripping blood. The two appeared to be dead; the one who was leading them was simply unconscious.

"Shinji, take this man back at the headquarters; I'll take Tokio back. Also, wait for Tori who'll be here coming shortly."

"Yes, Saito-taichou."

"I'll be back as soon as I'm able; make sure he's awake when I return."

"As you wish."

The man addressed as Shinji bowed to Saito who in return gave a curt bow. He then turned to a very stricken Tokio – something about the way he was so authoritative and professional made her stare – who looked to be mesmerised by the developments. He gestured for her to move; she straightened her kimono, made sure her hair was somewhat presentable and then started walking towards the direction of the inn.

They walked in silence for a long time. Saito was using that time to think and make up his final mind about Tokio, while she just felt extremely relieved and embarrassed at the same time. Also, that comment about keeping their new prisoner awake till he got there, made her skin crawl. He was surprisingly brutal, or at least very direct. She was struggling to find out if she liked or hated it. Surprisingly, the scales were leaning towards the first.

"You dressed a man as their comrade and pretended to make the exchange; that was brilliant," she finally spoke, trying to shake off a strange feeling.

"I know."

She cracked a smile at his confidence. "You took a risk though."

"Not at all; the darkness of the night hid him and I made sure to use one of my men who matched his height and weight—even the hairstyle. What was risky was what you did. You could have been impaled."

She noticed how his eyes lingered on her torn fabric; she waved his worries away. "I knew what I was doing. The previous time Yato stabbed me I actually managed to avoid damage to any internal organs. I've been taught how to avoid lethal blows by dad."

"That's a very useful skill."

She giggled, trying to somehow take the tension off. "You would know. So anyhow, do you have any idea how Arita-sensei, Takeru and the—?"

"I'm sorry," he said abruptly, stopping her line of thought. She looked at him at the completely unexpected comment. "I put you in danger; forgive me."

He stopped walking, making her follow his example. Then he actually bowed. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words died at her throat, blood rushing to her cheeks. The shock and shame was too big…!

"No, please don't lower your head. If anything, I should be the one apologising. I mixed you up in all of this. They found out I was involved in the incident somehow so they took me hostage because they knew you'd respond." He was about to say something, but she continued, not paying too much attention at him. "You feel responsible because we worked together and you think you made me vulnerable. But it's the other way round and I'm really sorry, too."

She made a deep bow herself and straightened immediately. "I'm really sorry I put you and the Shinsegumi in such a position."

"Tokio…you're wrong."

She looked at him sceptical at that statement.

"I'm not here on Shinsegumi business because this wasn't even sanctioned; we don't negotiate with patriots. You weren't taken because of your involvement, or at least that wasn't the main motive behind their actions but you did nothing to be ashamed of. The fault's mine; this is why they took you."

He produced the note that was left for him at the headquarters. She saw the folded piece of paper and how it read "Saito Hajime" only from one side; she saw there was writing in it; but when she read the note, she could finally understand what he was trying to say. He meant she was taken because of her connection with him, alone. He wanted to say he was the reason she was kidnapped. Holding on to the note, she turned her eyes upwards.

She looked at him for a long time, trying to discern his feelings or even his thoughts. But his poker face was so good she caught nothing but a general feeling of worry. "I don't blame you, Saito-san. But I don't understand…why."

She was so naive; she didn't realise. He graced her with his crooked smile; he couldn't call her humble, yet despite her self-esteem she had low awareness for anything concerning her.

"I'm here tonight for the same reason they took you yesterday. It's the same one Yato chose to target you…you are my weak spot." He let it sink in for a moment before he went on. "And they noticed. If you ask Okita, he'll tell you it wouldn't be hard to spot. He says I've been acting too obvious lately but the most annoying part is I tried very hard to stay away from you, to keep you safe. But I couldn't; I may not have come directly to you but…I was always involved with something concerning you. I suppose I'm not as disciplined as I thought."

The casualty of his voice, the matter-of-factly tone, the natural way he described all of this as if it were a phenomenon instead of his feelings…it left her unable to react. Oh how she wanted to scream at him or plainly interrogate him about all the unbelievable things he just said, shake him by the shoulders! Instead, all she managed to do were stare and say: "I guess Arita-sensei was right."

The most important thing was she didn't feel well about this revelation at all. She liked him, yes, she could admit that to herself now, but instead of joy at hearing him say it, too all she felt was "no". She didn't know why…! There was just this feeling like someone was gripping her heart, stopping its expansion for air and she forgot how to breathe properly. She tried to speak, but nothing. She was troubled.

Saito knew she was probably less serious about this than he was; she could see it in her eyes as they reflected an inextricable knot of feelings and protests. Yet he didn't feel ashamed for admitting this to her; he didn't even feel hurt at the rejection he was about to receive. He was simply satisfied to tell her, relieved! And he'd be even more of that once he got it all out of his chest.

"I figured he'd be the first one to notice." He chuckled self-depreciatingly. "Anyway, it seems there's no difference to what may happen to you either I'm close or try to stay away, so, Tokio," the abandon in his voice was overwhelming; something big was coming "I formally ask you to be my wife."

The moment she heard him say it, her heartbeat calmed. She started thinking clearly and a lot more like her. She knew exactly what she felt, what he felt and what was left in between: she liked him; he...loved her apparently. He even asked her to marry him—he was willing to make that commitment. Was she? He was prepared to face the anxiety of coming home and finding your loved one dead or taken; he came to terms with her mortality-and he sure as hell was okay with his. But she wasn't. She wasn't prepared to love a man who would be going away most of the time yet every time walking out could be the last she ever saw him again. She didn't love Saito this very moment anyway-she liked him, but she didn't love him. She cared for him but she wasn't prepared to invest herself comletely in a man who could die at a moment's notice. She didn't want to.

Her smile was rueful, giving him a taste of the answer before it escaped her lips.

"I am of ways and means; I uphold a small community of people all by myself," she started, sounding sombre. "I don't I need financial support or connections thus, should I marry, it'll be out of love. If that's the case, then how could I be expected to marry you? You'll probably die and then I'll be left alone. A young wife and a widow, doesn't seem like a good combination. A dead husband is a no-good husband. Besides, when you marry out of love you don't really want them dead, do you?" She stopped for a moment to catch her breath and allow him some time to think.

"I'm sorry, but I have to decline your offer. Better luck next time Saito-san."

"…your arguments make sense," in one way, and even though he'd thought of three different counter-arguments he didn't voice them. He started walking again "even if I didn't expect a debate. But, I accept my defeat. If you'd said yes I'd probably be the first to be married in the whole Shinsegumi anyway; a true miracle."

"How so?"

"For the same reasons I stayed away and you rejected me. They don't make the trouble of attaching themselves to a woman."

"…but you did?"

"I am more selfish than them. I guess I'm also less lucky; I know at least three women willing to marry Hijikata."

She turned red! "Please don't look so sad when saying it!"

"You were extra hard with me tonight, I can't help it. Even after I did my best to rid you of that nickname you so much hate, you still spurned me."

She rolled her eyes; if he was teasing her about something like that she wouldn't have to worry. "I didn't spurn you, Saito."

"No, you just broke my heart with your immediate rejection and even told me I'd be dying soon, very nice of you."

They looked at each other with the edge of their eyes. His stare was telling her he was fine with this, no matter the teasing. "What an uncouth behaviour, I should make amends…so how about I offer you free lodging at my ryokan, with all that that entails, for whenever you feel like it. I've learnt how to take care of orphans, so you won't be too much trouble."

"Oh? Will you pour my sake, too?"

"Should you ask nicely…"

"How about: dear owner of the ryokan who rejected my wedding proposal and called me dead man walking, Takagi Tokio, will you pour my sake whenever I am around?"

She chuckled. "That was very nice; you didn't even call me spinster-girl. So I gladly accept."

"Good to know…I'll be stopping by at my earliest convenience."

"Oh right; you said you'd be going back as soon as you were able."

"Yes; I have many things to take care of."

They walked in complete silence for a little while, but she felt uneasy. His eyes weren't wandering and his gait was relaxed, so it wasn't because of him. He was starting to get curious when she said: "…can I ask you something personal?"

"You may."

"Do you get scared when people hurt you?"

"…" He had no idea where that came from but she wanted an honest answer; he had to think about it. "I used to, at first; but that helped me develop my analytical skills even more, so now I immediately start assessing my opponent and ways to stop him that I don't have any time for it."

"Oh. But I…was very scared when Yato stabbed me. I might have reacted fast and everything but that's because I was taught how to do it by father. Still, I thought, I thought I could die. And all that blood—it reminded me the time when mom was ill and I completely lost touch with reality. I wasn't panicking exactly but I felt like I was gone for a moment. I never felt so weak my entire life."

She swallowed and, looking away, she wiped at her cheek as if she was crying. She must have been, even if it didn't translate to her voice. "But you helped," she concluded in the end, when she was sure her voice wouldn't tremble "you took me to Arita-sensei before I bled too much and he says that was paramount. I'm very grateful, even if…I never properly thanked you for that. You are very reliable."

"Is this the first time you talk about this to anyone?"

"…yes."

"I'm honoured." When she realised he wasn't joking, she felt an odd pride. "I was scared when you were stabbed, too, so don't feel too bad."

Her heart did something weird at hearing those words. "…I'm sorry I acted so foolishly," she could only say at his honesty.

"I'm sorry I put you in danger. It won't happen again."

The rest of their trip passed with some banter and jokes, but it came to an end all too soon, as far as Saito was concerned. He didn't think even for a moment she'd say yes but there was nothing wrong with hope and even after the rejection, he enjoyed spending time with her. Still, he left her at the entrance of the inn, behind the walls, instructing her how to handle this. No one should ever speak about this; if any of the guests heard, she should act like they are crazy. She could say whatever lie she could come up with and circulate it—but it'd be best to officially stick to one version and let the rest be rumours. And of course, she should tell her version to the Shinsegumi, to get their stories straight.

"Goodnight Saito; I hope I serve you soon."

"It's going to be a while till that happens, but I'm looking forward to it. Goodnight."

She felt tugging at heart at that comment but not because of what he said; it was the unspoken things that made her feel anxious. Such as: I'll be going away for some time and I don't know exactly when I'll be back but I hope to get to be back…as if there was another, very real alternative that he'd never return. She knew she had just rejected him on those same grounds but when he said it like that it felt like he was slipping away. And she didn't want him to stop coming by, he liked his presence, no matter how selfish that was…she watched him go with a lingering feeling of bitterness.

Did she make the right choice, turning him down? Yes. Her feelings weren't as deep as his so what sort of marriage would that be but…she stopped think then, on purpose. She sighed, walking inside, when she lost sight of him.

.

.

.

"Saito-san, this came for you from the top; you're reassigned immediately."

The moment he walked in, Okita handed him a piece of paper with Hijikata's handwriting, even if it expressed strictly Kondo's will. The new orders he received were absolute: he had go to Miura Yasushi, here in Kyoto, and guard him. But he couldn't leave his side for an attack was imminent. Also, he would have to act like he'd been there since the beginning of this guard-duty, along with the rest of the Shinsegumi members there, since November 18. He would remain to his new duties till further notice.

"At least I get to stay in Kyoto; I won't be making trips back and forth."

"Hmm? Are you referring to the fact our headquarters are here or are you maybe referring to a certain resident of our lovely capital?"

The men smiled. "Both."

Exchanging looks full of meaning the young man realised there was something Saito needed to get off his chest; he may have spoken one word but there was more air in his lungs. Also, he had that expression which he took only when he wanted to share a secret. "You can tell me, whatever it is."

"I was rejected tonight."

"Eh?"

"I made her an offer of marriage; she declined."

"Saito-san, I don't believe you actually…! How brave of you! Did she tell you why?"

"Yes. It didn't help." Okita tried not to laugh at his tone. "But I am glad I did it. She now knows how I see her. I hope she gets to see me that way, too."

"You better start getting ready for your next assignment then; nothing like work to get your mind off of it. And don't worry about the prisoner; Hijikata says he'll handle him himself! They may be reassigning you so hastily because you acted alone, but at least they appreciate the fact you gave them a new source of information and they actually sympathise with you about the girl."

He bowed at his friend. "I'll be going; keep up the good work."

. .

.

It'd been thirty two days since she last laid eyes on him. On that eventful night he'd left with the promise to return for sake. He had warned her it would be a while till then, but she never thought it would take that long; she figured a week or maybe two, three at most; but it was officially a month later!

Admittedly, the Shinsegumi was having a very difficult time, what with it being abolished and reformed as a renamed unit with the exact same people, then having some problems with a renounced clan, so she didn't expect that certain day for him to show up under her threshold, twenty five days into December. She really had no idea why, but at this particular day something kept drawing her to the entrance every other hour, or less. The nineteenth time she went to check, there he was, walking through the gates.

"Saito-san," she spoke and bowed her head at the same time "how nice of you to visit us." She hadn't realised how much she missed having him around till she saw him again—just like that time at the restaurant.

"My pleasure."

He walked behind her, as she led him through corridors.

"You are a special guest, so your room will be separated from most; unless of course you prefer another in which case you can tell me but after I show this one to you. It will be yours alone as you'll always use that one, so be sure it is to your liking."

"So long there's a bed in it, I'm satisfied."

"Ever the Spartan I see," she commented amused. "This is the room," she announced after sliding a door open "you may step inside and see it."

It was fairly simple, but the little touches were precious; the scent of lavender reached his nostrils pleasantly. "I like it." What he liked even more was how this room that was kept up to snuff even if he hadn't been around for so long. She must have been maintaining it every other day.

"Very well; do you want to change or maybe go to sleep or should I prepare a meal for you?"

"Don't be so formal with me, Tokio, it feels unnatural."

"Ah, I'm sorry. I've been greeting newcomers for three days straight this past week and I developed a habit apparently; Takeru keeps complaining, too…"

He was glad to hear that was her reason. "How is he doing?"

"He's much attuned with the schedule and hasn't left for a long time; I give him a good allowance so he only leaves to go buy something he likes or meet with kids his age whenever he can. Your idea proved most useful."

"Good to hear."

"He's been asking an awful lot about you, too. I keep trying to explain but I think he doesn't want to believe me." She chuckled and waved her hand. "Anyhow, what will it be? Food, drink or sleep?"

"The first one; and I'd like a bath after that, if it's still available."

"Everything is available at all times, which is why the living quarters are positioned far from anything else; there are bathrobes in your room, too. Is there anything you want to eat in particular?"

He smirked. "Chicken would be great; will you cook it for me, Tokio?"

She recalled that conversation fondly; a smile spread to her lips. "Why not; follow me."

At that time of the night, there weren't many walking around and even fewer who'd want a meal, so the big dining room that was usually full of guests was now bear. That only made his mood even better. They'd be alone, without people's stares and comments; he'd learnt to be wary of "people" and their cruel anonymity that many times in his life he'd seen that anonymity destroy respectable individuals. And when she cooked his food, sat next to him and started pouring sake per his request, he was relieved there was no one around to see it. She'd been unhurt till now since he was gone, no need to break that streak now.

"You look thoughtful," she noticed, pouring his second cup "what's on your mind?"

"…never mind that; tell me how you have been this past month."

"Oh, fairly well; we have our work cut out for us but that's only a good thing. We grow tired and compalin but it's all in the moment. Reika-chan has been a little too attached lately though. And so has Arita-sensei! He's been coming over to check on me every. Day. He lost his girlfriend like that; she thought he had found another one here and cheated on her." she first chuckled and then sighed. "Some people are so easy to feel jealous; I could swear they were doing it on purpose."

"Not every woman or man is confident in their significant other, which only reveals it's their own characters or virtues they have no confidence in. Not everyone can be confident. There are those, of course, who have multiple affairs because they feel like it, but they are far less than those who are suspected of doing it."

"Love is weird; I used to see it in my parents when I was a child, I see it now in couples that come here or Arita-sensei. But I've come to understand we are all particular or strange; it just comes down to finding someone equally particular or strange to be willing to put up with us so that we put up with them. Well, that would be the ideal—there are many who aren't well-balance and end up unhappy."

"You have a very unique way of seeing it."

"It's true though, isn't it? Sure, love isn't just that but…a big, everyday part of it is. If a couple can't stand each other about the small things, then it's hopeless because the big things are nothing but small things stacked one after another."

"So if every little thing matters then what about those pet peeves you can't help but hate?"

"That's why you have to make a choice! You can't just marry the first…person to ask you." She suddenly realised the conversation was going to turn awkward; she could be really heartless when she stopped paying attention to what she had to say, and for the oddest reasons she always felt comfortable in saying whatever the hell she thought about to him.

She coughed to cover up the awkward stretch of silence, but it didn't work.

"Who was that asked you to marry him first," he asked out of the blue, truly curious. He could distinguish a general feeling of disdain coming from her on the concept of marriage, even before he'd asked her. So who was it that gave her such a bad impression or experience? He noticed she was looking away but was neither shame nor shyness. She was…angry. It was the sort of anger one feels no matter what, that comes from a powerful memory, from something one can't change. Apparently, it was a self-control method because she nearly broke the bottle she was pouring him sake with, out of nerves alone.

"There was this man when I had just inherited the ryokan. His name was—is Makoto Asahi; he lives in Osaka now. He was close with my father but much younger, only twenty five when he died. He made me an offer of marriage about a year later to which I replied I had to think about it and of course he was willing to give me all the time I needed; Reika-chan was very excited. But Arita-sensei kept telling me to say no. Then one day Asahi started accusing Arita-sensei of wanting me for himself and whatnot but he did it very subtly, like I was a fool for not noticing.

I kept thinking about it for three months till I finally decided to reject him when I realised it'd been two weeks since I last saw Arita-sensei, the one person who I considered family, and it was all because of him. To this day, I've never seen a man go off like that! He tried to beat me into saying yes but when he saw that wasn't an option, he swore and made threats that he actually realised later on…! But it was nothing I couldn't handle. Still, I thanked Arita-sensei and Buddha I didn't end up married to that person!"

"He sounds horrible…" At the back of his mind, he was already cataloguing him. "But three months? It only took you five seconds to turn me down; have you been practising or does that mean your answer wasn't final? Do I still have a chance? In that case, I'll ask you again—."

"Saito, don't tease me like that; and when I said better luck next time I didn't mean next time you ask me, but another woman! Please ask another woman…"

"I don't want another woman." Good gos, he said that very sexily. "And I never said I'd quit just because you said no. Marry me."

He was smirking but she could see he was honest; she huffed. "You make it increasingly difficult to keep this from people, you know. Someone might hear you. And no; better luck next time."

"I'm sure Arita-sensei would be rooting for me if he heard."

"He knows, he's the only one I've told; he's on your side, regrettably," she murmured.

He would thank him for that one day in a very grand manner. But there was this question he wanted to pose. "You keep mentioning him so I have to ask: what is Arita-sensei to you other than your family doctor?"

"We aren't blood related, but we are family. Ever since dad died he's been the only one left to take care of me, even when I don't need it. I used to call him "uncle" when I was a kid but he told me to stop because it made him look older to the ladies and call him "sensei"; so it stuck and I call him sensei. But he's like a godfather…he's very concerned." She giggled. "He also had a major crush on my mum, but he was twenty then and she was about fourteen years older. We all knew in the family; we pretended not to notice for his sake."

"I have to be honest; I too thought he might be interested in you, but then I came to the conclusion he acted more like an overly protective father than a lover."

"Please! Arita-sensei changed my diapers…anyway, what about you? You're undoubtedly the interesting one of the two of us. How have you been doing—and how come you didn't come earlier?"

"I couldn't come before the ninth and then I was stationed at Nijo castle; things took a turn for the worse, there was an argument, we ended up from Kyoto in Osaka and then Fushimi, patrolling every day." He took a sip. "But today was very productive; I allowed myself to indulge."

"I heard about the shogun going to Osaka and leaving the Nijo castle; there was a big falling out between you – the Shinsegumi – and the Mito clan, correct? Is that why you went to Osaka, too?" she glossed over the fact he referred to her as indulgence.

"How come you know these facts so well? Not many things got out…are you keeping an eye on me?"

"I just hear these things randomly," she lied not too dexterously, with her cheeks being so flushed "I work with a lot of people!"

"Are those people the shogun and Tokugawa Noriaki?"

"Why would the head of the Mito clan or the shogunate visit me?"

"Amazing how well you know that name belongs to that man;" he "complimented" "I know people from my unit that take more time to recognise him."

"I'm just good with names," she kept lying, blushing furiously. How could she admit Arita-sensei was providing her with the information that he took form the men he treated as well as one certain Okita who happed upon her once or twice…?

The conversation came to a standstill but it was relaxing. None said anything yet both knew when to look at each other so he could signal her for more sake and she'd do it eagerly. In the end, he put cup and chopsticks down, satisfied.

"Thanks for the meal." It was eleven. "I won't keep you; I'll go for thaa bath now."

"Alright. Goodnight Saito; don't leave before I see you tomorrow."

"But I have to leave early and I know first-hand you tend to oversleep."

"I'll manage for one day;" she snapped, walking out of the trap he set for her "just don't go before I see you. Promise me."

"…fine. But not after half-past seven; I have to be gone by then."

"Great! Goodnight," she wished a final time, bowed and took the dishes to be washed.

When he was left alone, he sighed to himself, combed his hair with his fingers and grunted: "I really have developed a bad habit."

. . .

"Good luck Saito-san; be well." silence. "Best of luck Saito; here, have this." More silence. "There's a charm I acquired for you from the temple; it's protection from harm. Here it is. Good luck Saito-san."

After half a minute, she started running her hands all over her face in desperation. "Nothing comes out right!" her frustration apparent in the slightest move and high pitch, she scratched the sides of her face violently. "How am I supposed to give this to him?"

She'd been up half an hour now, trying on various kimonos to see which one fit better and rehearsing her words; she had put her hair up on some weird tangle and she thought she looked very pretty with her bangs framing her face and the colours of red, orange and yellow enveloping her.

"Mm maybe I should say nothing, just offer it. Yes, that's best." She looked outside. "I have to be going!"

Correctly guessing he'd be in the garden, she saw him sitting on a bench; surprisingly, Takeru was there next to him, talking. He was listening intensely.

"Good morning gentlemen," she said cheerfully "I see you're up and about early."

"I always wake up at half past six; you don't know because you sleep till eight!"

"Don't forget who pays your salary kid," she threatened "now go inside and make breakfast for the early risers."

He glared at her; she raised an eyebrow, daring him to oppose her. "Fine," Takeru snubbed, getting up from the bench "say your grown-up things then. I'm going inside. Goodbye Saito-san."

"Bye kid," he managed to say his farewell before he was gone. "Why did you send him away?"

"He's been getting lippy; he should try a little humility."

"You're keeping him in order I see," he chuckled out.

"Him, the girls, Arita-sensei; I'm burdened with the task of keeping everyone in line. You, too! Going off to dangerous places every other day, brushing with death casually…pf, each and every one of you, giving me more work to do all the time. Here; have this." She fished the omamori out of her sleeve and shoved it into his palm. "It's supposed to keep you safe—well, as safe as it can; it's only one charm. You probably need ten, but the monk at the temple said only one at a time for the same thing so regrettably you only get one."

She wasn't planning on giving it like this, she wanted to sound kind and considerate; she seemed hysterical or cranky at best…but her good feelings reached him anyway; she watched him inspect it for a long time – the shape was familiar, but it was so foreign that anyone would give it to him – and then tuck it safely into his robes.

"One is more than enough when it expresses your wishes. Thanks, Tokio." He gave a small nod. "If I knew you were so worried I'd be making an effort to keep you updated; but, those sort of services are only reserved for the wives, sorry, I forgot."

She wanted to hit him! Did she just imply she was acting too familiar with him or did he just make fun of her worrying about his safety? She'd swear if it was both she would murder him herself just so she'd know exactly where he was at and then she wouldn't have to worry. As he tried to hide his mirth, she tried to stop her fuming.

"Thanks for the meal. Bye Tokio, I'll see you again."

"I hope!"

She watched him go once more; why did that always hurt a little, no matter her anger? She was frustrated. She was getting more and more invested in his well-being without even wanting to. She tried to pass it off as unimportant but no luck. He was somehow dragging her into this besides her will. She didn't want to be put in this position and care for a man who was always next in someone's line to die! She had barely thought about him this past month – she just went to the temple for the omamori, found a room for him and kept it clean and asked Arita-sensei for any news about the Shinsegumi – but the moment she saw him, all the repressed feelings came up! How was he? Where had he been? Where will he go next? What if something too dangerous even for him happens? She turned around. She shouldn't think like that; after all, this was why she turned him down. She would put him out of her thoughts for good…or at least till he returned again, just like the previous time.

Yet somehow, she knew this once it'd take much longer to see him again.

A/N: The end is near.

Lol, that seemed too grave, sorry; but next chapter is practically the end of their journey to actually being together. I may(read: most definitely will) post a fluff family-centred ninth chapter. Anyway, I just wanted to make this note: I see Tokio as a selfish, kind woman. Also, a practical one. That being said, is she in denial...? Eeeh, yes and no. Saito has always been serious but never really showed it to her till now so it was a big reveal. She also has to come to terms with her feelings in her own time. Anyway! Please leave a review and tell me what you liked or didn't like!