A/N: Heeeeeeeeey! How are you wonderful people?

I hope better than me. My hand still hurts like a bitch, but the doctor said I have to move it, so I decided to indulge in a bit of typing. Which only means, I can write again, yay~! I still can't put enough force into it to pull up my stockings, but hey, I can at least push some buttons. Success. Also, thank you so much for your concern and kind words. You are so sweet!

And no, I didn't write so many words in a few days; half of it was written before I had the surgery. But I hadn't updated in a while, so I figured I should post something, hence, it won't be the last chapter, there'll be another one coming. But that's okay; I have to compromise, I know. Hope you like it, too.

By the way, a note for you, my dear readers: the words witch and wizard that you'll see a little further down, are used as RPG classes, not to describe the sex of the person. A witch can be a man and a wizard can be a woman. Just a heads up.

Final word: enter the Battousai, aaaaaay. Bit different than you might expect but I believe it fits better. Btw, all ages are doctored up a bit, to better fit the story. Sorry, not sorry.

Title: The Priestess and the Grump.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Humour, Romance
Alternative Universe: Fantasy, Pathfinder

This was the who-even-kept-count-anymore time he woke up in the middle of the night, chest heaving, cloths drenched with perspiration as he struggled to calm his heartbeat. It felt like, lately, every single night he went through the same: lie down, close his eyes and sleep almost immediately. But then, he woke up in the middle of the night, aftertaste of a forgettable nightmare bitter on his lips. The worst part of it was that the nightmare should not be forgettable, yet he could never remember what it was. At the same time, he knew, somehow, it was always the same one.

He shrugged off his nightwear, opting for something more formal; he decided he'd take a walk for the first time, in an effort to quiet his thoughts.

He wiped off the excess sweat clinging to his skin and wore the new set of clothes; grabbing only his sword as he left, instinct more than necessity, he found himself aimlessly walking by rows upon rows of tents. It felt so otherworldly when everyone was sleeping—even the lookouts. He clicked his tongue; he'd have a word with them one of these days.

His eyes caught movement.

They followed immediately and the outline of a familiar figure started forming. But if it was who he thought he glimpsed...why was he out this time of night? Something stirred in his chest, for all the wrong reasons. Deciding that the man's sneaking around was shadier than his decision of following a fellow comrade and captain around, he took to haunting the man's steps.

It was easier to stay undetected than he thought. Obviously, his target had taken comfort in the cover of the night a little too much: he wasn't being loud but he wouldn't call him noiseless either. In fact, other than looking over his shoulder once or twice, he appeared relaxed, taking his time at every step, even the ones lanterns illuminated.

With growing horror, Saitou realised the man's destination: Tokio's tent. It was the only tent in the certain remote direction. What with his new-found feelings and his preexisting protective streak, he seethed instinctively; he was either going to attack him right now or wait and see how this would play out. He decided on the latter, for no other reason than maybe she had asked him to meet at that impossible time for some inexplicable reason.

But that was not the case. Although Saitou was spot on and the man now stood in front of her tent rigidly, psyching himself up, there was no light coming out—or cleric, and Saitou was left staring, eyes slits that gleamed in the dark. What was going to happen?

He held his breath.

That's when he saw, no, heard it: the most familiar sound of a weapon being drawn. So common it was to him, he almost dismissed it. But the man bore no visible weapon...it was on his hip; a dagger. Only the shadow could be seen, but he had just unsheathed a dagger, standing in front of Tokio's tent, trying to talk himself into going in.

Alright. Saitou had seen enough; It was time to step in.i

Just as he moved to stop him, the man gathered the courage to lift the fabric and enter. A third thing happened then, one neither saw coming: the would-be attacker stumbled backwards, a most unrefined scream escaping him! It was short-lived thus woke up no one but damn was it loud. Immediately after that, he saw the edge of another weapon, a mace this once, forcing him out, who was, by now, in a mild state of panic. The dagger had long fallen to the ground, stepped on during his fearful retreat.

"I gave you ample time to see the error of your ways," he heard Tokio's voice break the silence and now he saw her whole, too, stepping out of her tent in her nightwear "to repent and admit to your sins; I had hoped you'd act smart and begin anew. Hoped...but now I see you wasted all of it. What's more, you came here with the clear intention of ending my life."

His face contorted into desperation, he started breathing heavily. "N, no, I—"

"Do not take me for a fool, Takeda Kanryuusai," she thundered and the man swallowed his words quicker than Saitou blinked "or do you want me to believe you carried that blade to cut the grass overgrown at my tent's door at this time of night, when no one would be around to see you do it?"

He recoiled as if slapped; Tokio snorted in triumph. Saitou was simply dumbfounded. "So what am I to do about this slithering snake I found? Do tell, Takeda-san; what would you do in my place?"

Saitou could picture his face turning ashen, but he could also notice how the man started walking away, bent nearly in half, hands up in the air."P, please, Tokio-sama...please show mercy."

"I did, once; I never show mercy for the same reason twice. I'm afraid I have to report you. You're coming with me now and we'll have a lengthy chat with Hijikata-sama."

"T, Tokio-sama, no; please. You know he'll have me killed!"

"Death isn't the only punishment one can receive."

Saitou worried; the longer they spent talking, the more Takeda bent forward, trying to appear innocent when he definitely was not. He must have been hiding something and that thought alone put him on full alert. But he still decided not to intervene; she had this under control. But at the same time...did she?

"Move, Takeda-san."

"I beg of you, Tokio-sama" he literally fell to the ground, causing her eyebrow to quirk "don't take me to him." He grabbed her fabrics and shook her. "Allow me to escape tonight."

Saitou felt his blood boiling; he had no idea what he'd done, but for Tokio to be this cold with him, it was nothing he could ever forgive.

"You aren't of this unit; the men here hate you." This asshole! "Why should you do anything for them; why should you care?"

"Stand, Takeda-san; we are going. I won't ask you again."

But he didn't; he only stayed on the ground, hands on his head, desperation coming off of him in waves. Tokio sighed. She hated when they decided to do it the hard way, but what else could be done? She actually bent low, to grab him and make him stand.

It happened in an instant: from within his sleeve, a dart shot out with one sharp movement and lodged itself in Tokio's neck.

Shit; Saitou broke into a sprint; Takeda let out a terrible, victorious laugh, not aware of the captain watching yet, as the woman looked at him shocked, offended beyond belief and paralyzed.

The poison started taking effect! Takeda all but clapped at her reaction while Saitou momentarily stood ramrod straight, immobile. Then he blinked again. Next thing he knew, Tokio was huffing, quite irritated yet at the same time so worn out, grabbing the dart and pulling it out of her skin as if it was a simple thorn.

Saitou stared; Takeda gawked.

She then proceeded to slap the man, still on the ground, who looked exceedingly horrified. "What did we learn?" She brandished the damn dart in his face, making him flinch. "What did we learn?"

"Wh...at did we...?"

"Poisons don't work on me; and this ain't sharp!" She threw it on the ground with a vengeance and grabbed him by the collar! "This could only serve to make me furious!"

Saitou was mildly impressed with her; a little turned on, too he wouldn't lie.

"Try this nonsense again and I will haul your unconscious, bleeding body to the commander all on my own. But if you wish to get there intact, I suggest you stand up right now and move or I swear to all the gods I can think of that could be on my side, I will render you unconscious."

"I don't want to die," came his strangled reply, tears colouring his voice; so pathetic he was, Tokio had to let go of him.

"Then you should not have attempted to kill another to protect your secret. Now the chips will fall however they are meant to." With a look of unrivalled superiority, she crossed her hands. "And you can come out now; I know you're there."

Takeda was caught by surprise at her words; and when they both watched none other than the strictest, most fearsome captain of all walk out into the – relative – light, Takeda all but faded.

"Ah, Hajime. What are you doing here?"

"Couldn't sleep; took a walk. And then all this happened."

"Then you wouldn't mind escorting us to Hijikata-sama, I presume?"

The smirk that graced his lips both people would forever remember as the sadist's ultimate pleasure. "Not by a long shot."

They didn't sleep again that night, not Tokio, not Saitou and certainly not Hijikata. Kondou was woken only after Hijikata was treated to the entire story, which was in the wee hours of the morning anyway, so they decided not to bother him until five, but the vice commander spent all those hours trying to come up with the most appropriate punishment. To both people's surprise, he asked for their opinions. Saitou was training to be a vice commander himself, he'd said, and Tokio's rank was already equal to that, no need to be modest.

"His crime was leaking information to third parties that benefited from our potential dissolving; let him be the milestone for our unity and triumph," Saitou had suggested immediately.

"What do you propose?"

"Send him to the capital; have the Empress pass judgment on him." Tokio was impressed; Hijikata was curious. "We are only thinking of this from the unit's standpoint. But there are more perspectives out there. Who's better than her highness and her people to decide if he was acting against her interests or not? Expel him from the unit, as you should, but his life should be in her Majesty's hands. She will have better informants, too and will be able to know the full extent of his betrayal."

"That's...quite a tempered solution," the vice commander noted, a little proud yet a little suspicious.

"Why should we dirty our hands because of him? We should be famous for our abilities, not internal strife."

"I couldn't agree more," she condoned in relative awe. "How you handle this case will forever serve as an example and lay the foundations of your ethics to the public. So far, you've been slaying monsters and that's great, but you haven't faced a human threat. This will be it. Show them you're better than all those corrupt lords who kill whoever might threaten their sovereignty, for whatever reason."

"I see..." he finally deliberated. "We shall do as you requested." He took a proper look at both after a long time and a crooked smile was seen. "You two have grown in ways I would have never expected." He chuckled. "Who would have thought leaving was the best decision I ever made for this unit?"

"Thank you Hijikata-sama," she shyly accepted his praise. "But now, if you don't mind, I think I shall retire to my tent." The sun hadn't risen yet, but it was very close to the break of dawn. "For as long as I am able."

"Ah, yes, of course; both of you are excused. Meanwhile, Takeda and I are going to have a very nice, long talk."

That forebode troubles for the bound and recently gagged man on the tent's floor; with a last, harsh smirk in his direction, Saitou lifted the tent's door open for Tokio to pass through.

"Quite the wise council," she started the conversation herself, once they were alone. Her eyes travelled to his, eyebrows raised challenging. He simply inclined his head in recognition.

Ah man, it felt it had been too long she addressed him like this; it was almost unfair how much he wanted her to just keep talking, no matter what the topic was. "Quite the little cut you have there, too" he deflected instead and pointed to her bleeding neck with a nod.

"Parting gift from Takeda...but you already knew that." He kept silent. "That's the second wise decision you've made in the span of five minutes." He couldn't help the knowing grin, especially when she mirrored it. "How come you didn't step in?"

"You could handle it." She nodded. "Though it was quite difficult," he admitted in the end and it was worth it because her giggle was music to his ears.

"I can understand; I saw you. Still, I appreciate the fact you ultimately gave me my space and at the same time, thank you for your concern."

"You don't have to be so nice, you know. You can say what's on your mind."

"But that's what's on my mind."

"Can't be the only thing, yes?" He looked at her for a long time, studying her face; his stare was probing as much as appreciative. "Have you reached a decision yet?"

A knowing smile formed, eyes darting away; she was trying to kindly avoid the question but he wouldn't let her. Literally. He grabbed her by the middle, no force behind it, but it more than served its purpose, as it rendered her immobile.

She sighed, a little colour in her cheeks. If he wasn't staring at her so closely, she would have time to think more than just how distracting this all was. "...not yet."

"You're very conflicted about this...I am satisfied."

"Hey!"

A smirk. "I just think you suffer because it means you care."

"I always care," she mumbled, more to herself than him. "And it's getting late; I have to go. Also, don't think the fact you were unable to sleep, thus properly rest, escaped my notice. Once I'm done praying, you and I shall have a talk."

He shrugged. "I won't be sleeping; and what do you mean pray?"

"I always pray to my God at the break of dawn Hajime, how do you think I get my powers?" She asked something between amused and disbelieving. "I'm a cleric, not a wizard." She shook her head, lifting her door. "See you in fifty minutes."

When she said fifty minutes, he didn't realise she meant exactly fifty minutes. He was still meditating, a poor but sufficient supplement to his ruined rest, sitting up in his bed, when she unceremoniously walked into his tent.

An eye popped open. It closed again.

"Why aren't you wearing your armour?" She gave him the look. "We've been over this."

"Know what, this is it; I'm not wearing any kimono of any kind around you again! Just my old adventuring gear, I swear." Something between flabbergasted and defeated she sat down opposite him, though she was mindful enough to be proper about it. "So, talk. Why couldn't you sleep?"

He swallowed. "I've had a nightmare."

"...Hajime, don't take this the wrong way, but I have been noticing a slump in your performance lately." He did tense, but to his credit said nothing. "Could this not be the first time you lost sleep?"

"It's been going on for two weeks now."

"Weeks?" He nodded. "Hajime, that's too long! No warrior can—..." She took a deep breath, honest to god disturbed. "Why didn't you come to me the third time this happened? We've been in the same place for three weeks now, people start to notice us, know our names. A lot of good and bad can come from that, such as curses."

Hold on. "You think I am cursed?"

"Is this a recurring nightmare?"

Wow, wow, wow; how could that be her first question. "Yes." Now he was just as upset as her. It was way too specific of a thing to ask, she must suspect something. "You think I'm cursed?"

"You, the unit, the ground, the camp, the captains, who knows...it could be a number of other things, too but a curse is the first thing that comes to mind."

"Can you make it go away?"

She actually smiled at his concern. "Of course I can, who do you think you're dealing with?"

Her behaviour suddenly changed then and without hesitation she smacked him! "Two weeks! What do you think would happen if you didn't tell me? It's obviously not going away on its own. No matter how self-sufficient you think you are, after four days you should have-..." A long suffering sigh escaped her. "What an idiot. No wonder there's a slump in your performance—you're exhausted! Though I can fix that, too, you know."

His look was challenging.

"Come here, I'll show you."

She brought her fingertips together and muttered an incantation; then she intertwined her fingers and immediately let go, putting one palm beneath the other and joining hands; after a second, she touched him and...poof. That unmistakable feeling of fatigue that had been dragging his feet and eyes down just disappeared.

He looked at himself. "How do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Have an answer for everything?"

She clicked her tongue. "For the umpteenth time, this. Is what. Clerics do!" She could have slapped him again, so furious she was. "This is why I'm saying you're all stupid; this is why I need to stay with you even if I don't want to—you're all children!"

Had she been less disciplined, she would have grabbed him by the arms and shook him. "You're hopeless. And I am going to get to the bottom of this curse tonight."

"Tonight?"

"Doesn't it come every night?"

"Yeah...I'm just surprised you can take care of it so soon."

This once she did slap him—once, upside the head. "What an idiot." She looked around then. "It only happens when you go to sleep?"

"After I sleep, I see the nightmare I can never remember and jolt awake."

"You know it's the same although you can never remember it?" He nodded. "That's a sign; also, I sense no evil auras in here, meaning whatever it is, comes or activates at night—or maybe you falling asleep triggers it. Whatever it is, I promise to take care of it. But."

She faltered; then she looked left, then right; but most importantly, not at him.

"Out with it already."

"You won't like the method."

"How bad can it be?"

.

That morning, the entire unit was in an uproar!

Takeda's arrest and almost instantaneous booting back to the capital, left the unit with one less captain and a govern-less squad. His men hadn't particularly cared for him, nor did anyone else, but this turned out to be a blow to their morale in another way: everyone would look at the other a little more suspiciously now, trying to uncover any hidden agendas. The four commanding figures, that now included Tokio, played peacemaker and managed to keep things under control; the fact Hijikata promptly gave Tokio command of Takeda's unit helped a great deal—to both causes: get the men to calm down and give the cleric a little confidence boost as well as one more reason to stay behind.

All in all, it was quite the eventful day...that did not, could not, hold a candle to the night that followed.

Once Takeda's deal was sorted out, Tokio turned to Saitou's issue: he could not rest properly at night, rendering him weaker every morning, putting him and everyone around him in peril, because he was probably cursed. She asked for permission to fix it, which she was instantaneously granted. Thus, Saitou found himself being escorted to his tent at an earlier than usual time of night, barely nine thirty, by none other than their cleric.

"So, what are you supposed to do here?"

And that was when he nearly had a heart attack.

"I must spend the night." He stared. "All night." He took a step backwards; she huffed. "How will I be able to figure out what's going on otherwise?"

She'd what now? "Does Hijikata know?" She nodded naturally. "And he signed off on it!?"

She had to chuckle at his incredulity; his extreme traditional ethics seemed so amusing, wait until she returns in her sleepwear. She giggled to herself. "Yes, he did; this isn't the terrible situation you make it out to be...though I did say you wouldn't like the method."

"A man and a woman who aren't married should never sleep together for any reason, ever; it isn't proper."

She really wanted to laugh; he was so adorable, with his slightly rising colour and tone of voice as well as exceedingly puritan dogmas. She knew if it was anyone else, they wouldn't have minded; she couldn't picture Toudou, for instance, pitching a fit like this, nearing desperation to get out of it; but Hajime did. It was so in character, she wanted to pat herself on the back.

"I don't want to bombard you with spells and hope one sticks, I won't be able to know what the cause was—and I won't cast a spell per day, just to make sure I got it right. Besides, if it's something random so be it, but if you were specifically targeted, we have to know. And this is the only way."

"But...my bed is so small..." Too small for his current state of mind. Just the thought of—shit.

"I would have loved to do this in the comfort of my tent and bed, but it could be localised. I won't take any chances." She shrugged. "We're only going to sleep, Hajime; you can stand sleeping next to me for one night, yes?"

"That's...I don't...the point..."

"If it makes you feel any better, though I won't be wearing my armour – no one can properly rest in a full plate armour," she had to immediately cut him off, seeing he was about to go off the deep end at the mere mention "I won't be wearing a kimono either." He calmed a little at that. "Those things hitch up and become a mess."

"They do; wise decision."

"When have I made any unwise ones?" she threw back with ease, tossing her hair that she just now had put down. "Now, I shall go change; don't fall asleep until I come back."

She heard him snap "who can fall asleep so fast anyway" as he rolled his eyes and she made her exit. He turned out to be quite the fun person to poke fun at, who would have thought. That was why she was compelled to tease him, she would justify to herself, especially with her dress as she was about to, because he had pleasing, albeit ridiculous reactions. It was nothing as complicated as growing feelings she might have had, no attachments to speak of.

After all, she mused as she hang her armour on the mannequin, he was all but impossible when she first got there. There was no way she was, say, growing fond of him and his protective personality. The way before he even admitted to accepting her as a comrade, he would readily fight a man who tried to poison her; or casually walk her to her room; or begrudgingly respect her. Nah, not her, she decided as she finally put on her boots, ready to go. And it wasn't like she appreciated his overly formal yet surprisingly informal attitude and manners more than anyone else's; nor did she feel attracted to his distinctively non-wandering eyes and respectful approach to her. No, it was just...fun to tease him. Right?

"You haven't slept yet, yes?"

He clicked his tongue, ire evident, thankfully turned the other way. He had barely finished tying his sash, what was she doing? Didn't anyone tell her to warn before walking in? "That is no way to announce your-..."

But the words died in his mouth as his eyes fell on her. He blinked, assuring this was real. After moments of internal struggle not to gape, he spoke only when he was sure his voice wouldn't flactuate. "What are you wearing?"

"Oh this? This is my adventuring attire!"

Her smile was sweet, innocent and cute...the exact opposite of her appearance: a corset-like thing, coupled with the loose fabric of the tunic underneath it, complimented her figure a little too much and why did she have to have so many curves? They posed no issue went they went unseen but now they were right there in his face. If he wasn't so sure of himself, he would have legitimately worried about doing or saying anything too forward. Well, he wouldn't but...

...but that didn't mean he had to be constantly tempted.

"Do you jest?" was all he sais instead, as unemotional as he had to be.

Because, he couldn't wrap his mind around this extremely tight outfit that actually had pants, giving shape to her thighs—things he definitely didn't want to think about before going to sleep. Or her waist. And that damn pouch and the utility belt were all attached on the hip, too, gods have mercy.

"No."

Shit. Shit. "Why does everything have to be so...form-fitting?"

"How are they going to stay in place otherwise?"

And she was still maintaining the innocent act, dear Shizuru. "Nothing needs so little room to breathe."

She actually laughed out loud, at the first real display of emotion from the man, who looked a mixture between shy and disapproving. "Don't be too judgmental of this outfit; I'll have you know I walked around in it daily, not half a year ago." He finally gaped and she had to giggle, again. "All of it, plus a pretty cloak."

And then it clicked. "Wait, you walked from your tent all the way here looking like this?"

"Obviously."

Aaaaand he was jealous. He felt it creeping up on him and then blowing up in his face all at once. "Did people see you?"

"Yes."

"...don't wear this again, ever; and don't walk around like this. There are only men here."

"And yet, you're the only one complaining."

So many things threatened to spill from his mouth and none of them would have made things better; still, it felt bitter to saying nothing, so he deemed wiser not to voice those intrusive mine thoughts and instead quip "this is inappropriate."

"I warned you; you didn't listen." Just as he was about to start again, she shook her head, defeated but amused. "Just lie down, you big baby."

She said nothing else until he did as she instructed; how stubborn. "Tell me what I need to do."

"You don't need to do anything out of the ordinary; pretend I'm not here and go through your usual routine. In fact, you must, if I am to figure out what's wrong."

A tentative stare; she nodded again, as reassurance. He shrugged.

So, he sat up and made himself comfortable; eyes closing, he took a pose that told her he either prayed or meditated. When his entire face relaxed and shoulders loosened, it was verified; it looked like he became taller for a second, letting go of an invisible weight. Breath in...and out; on repeat. It hadn't been more than ten minutes, but he felt he had rested for an hour! Rejuvenated, he picked up his candle and blew it out...trying to expel the thought Tokio had laid down in his bed next to him. Actually, she was sitting up, but she was still there, underneath his covers, in arm's reach.

It felt a little too surreal. Considering his awful experience with that geisha, the images it created as well as how close it was to this moment, his skin crawled. "Goodnight Hajime," she wished before he turned his back on her, just to focus on actually sleeping.

And yet, it was also surreal how easily he fell asleep in her presence. He wasn't a trusting individual, but something about her put him at ease. Either due to her chosen profession or the fact he finally decided to embrace his feelings for her, even if he might never act on them, or both, he managed to turn off his brain and just...let go.

He fell asleep.

When his eyes fluttered open again, it was morning.

It hadn't registered at first; nothing did, in fact. He just lay there for a long, satisfying moment, suspended between sleep and alertness; something pleasant tickled his nostrils, a scent familiar but not quite. Something soft lay in his hands, his head snuggled in it; and the oddest sensation of warmth had spread from head to toe. He moved all his extremities and he determined whatever was in his hands extended down to his legs; that was odd. What was it?

He had to open his eyes to find out, but he was too lazy. Mentally complaining to himself, he decided it was high time he did and stirred, eyes cracking open. Oh, it was just hair. Wait; hair? Black hair...and a flowery scent.

He froze.

Finally, he came to face the undeniable facts: he had a firm hold on Tokio, who had her back to his chest, dragged from her spot on the bed in his arms. For half a minute, he stopped breathing completely. Shocked, a little ashamed and certainly in a mild state of panic, he tried letting go, putting her back in place without waking her, but it was no use. The moment he so much as moved his muscles, she stirred. Fuck. What was he going to say now? He didn't even remember doing this.

"Good morning Hajime," she said through yawns "I see you're finally awake."

"Finally?"

"Ah, yes;" she stretched and twisted, turning to face him "I stood, went to the corner and prayed but you didn't wake; then I came back to check on you and you didn't even stir; you just grabbed me."

Unsettled, he almost shot up. "Grabbed you?"

She pushed him on his back gently. "Don't fret, many people act weird when sleeping." She stretched again, slowly rising. She tried to stand, but she fell back down. "Besides, you first did it when I was removing the curse; it worked like muscle memory the second time, I guess." This once she was more determined...so she managed to sit up, legs folded underneath her. Her eyes still wouldn't fully open, head to the side.

"So, I was cursed after all..."

"Indeed; and not at random." Despite the distaste in her voice as well as the antipathy in her curled lip, she didn't manage to sound anything other than adorable with her head wobbling. "We'll talk about this more later, but someone's been targetting you for...weeks now." Another long yawn broke off her speech. "And to think you didn't even come to me...such a child..."

It was clear as day she wanted to scold him again, but couldn't convincingly do it, for she was still sleepy; there was no way she was used to getting up these hours of the day, she overslept because of him and now she couldn't make it go away.

He was watching her the entire time; he watched as she finally gave in, turned to the sun rays and soaked them in, in an effort to properly open her eyes. But the way the light was catching her frame was very unique; he didn't bother looking away.

Still, she felt his eyes on her and turned to him curious.

"You are beautiful," he said after some thought, "but it gets burried under all that armour and dirt." He noticed how her cheeks dusted with pink and he decided to be more forthcoming. "We all expected you different, you know; when the Empress called for you, we were so sure one of those beauties with the silk kimono would step forward, but instead, you walked in wearing a goddamn full plate adamantine armour." He chuckled. "We were all exceedingly jealous. But you were very respectful about it, so most were satisfied, me excluded."

She smacked him; knowing it was long overdue, he just shook his head amused. "I just couldn't accept I could ever be so wrong," he admitted, mirth evident "and you were nothing like the spoiled beauty we feared. You are cute though; that's worse. You can get your way without us feeling like you forced us into it."

She laughed in her hand and the way she shook was so very much like her, he felt like touching her. Some deep, repressed part of him made some kind of promise then, but he wasn't paying attention to anything other than her. "Then again, you are surrounded by men who have no reason or sense to refuse you."

"Why are you telling me all these?"

She spoke through chuckles, but the question was there. He considered.

"I am a traditional man; it's an unwritten rule of tradition of men to divulge secrets to the woman you wake up next to."

"But these aren't secrets per se..."

"Well, we only slept together and it's not a euphemism."

She snorted with laughter. "Are you flirting with me, Hajime? Or are you insinuating something?"

His lips had curled into a small smirk but he decided to close his eyes. "You're lying on a bed next to me, dressed like that; don't expect me to answer your question." Her complete lack of movement tempted him to open his eyes and see her expression, but refrained. "And now, go away, your highness; we both need to change and wake properly."

She still wouldn't move and now he was very tempted to sneak a peak, but he decided to give her time, even if it felt like an eternity later she finally went through the motions of standing. He knew because he could no longer feel her heat next to him and felt a little disappointed. Well, that gave him a little perspective, come to think of it; maybe he shouldn't have said the last three things he did. Maybe he made her feel completely uncomfortable, hence the silence. Damn, he was overthinking everything now, especially since after standing, she wouldn't move at all.

Just open your eyes, he'd tell himself but he wouldn't. The shame prevented him.

"Do you mind if I borrow this?"

Huh; she sounded normal. He finally did open an eye to her general direction and saw her draped in one of his previously misplaced hitatare, the blue one he'd been searching for ages in fact – where the hell was it – looking over herself. "I'm kind of freezing. The weather has gotten worse but for reasons I shall explain later, I hadn't really been feeling the cold till now."

"Sure, use it."

"Thanks. I shall return it as good as new!"

A wide smile later, she was darting out the door...wearing his clothes. Forget what would the men say, should they see her; his own mind came to a screeching halt the moment he saw her in it. What was it with men that found women wearing their clothes so appealing? Was it a big deal only because he was possessive as a person? Was it because this particular woman would never wear something like that? Or was it just the implication?

He didn't know, but shit, it didn't dampen the feeling at all. What did dampen it though was one thought: he had to report to Hijikata.

Tokio rushed to her tent, despite knowing the only ones left behind were Hijikata and a couple of men, guarding the encampment. This time of day, they had all left—she actually heard them departing, when she was just lying there, wide awake, for about fifteen minutes before finally forcing herself to go back to sleep. Two men from Saitou's unit wanted to call on their captain, to tell them if they should also head out, even under Okita's leadership, but they were hesitant going in. So, they resorted to debating right outside his door. The orders from Hijikata were clear: no one was to disturb Saitou before he came out of his tent. He had some health problems that Tokio had to take care of and were serious enough she shouldn't be bothered. And yet, it was morning. It should be okay now, right? The man did say if something was important they could go in.

"This isn't, idiots!" Daichi came out of nowhere, scolding both. "The captain needs his rest and Tokio-sama is working hard to make him better; don't go to him with such stupid an issue. Go to whatever unit you want; I personally chose to go with Toudou-san."

"Yessir," they enthusiastically saluted and all three voices disappeared after some rustling.

To address him as such, he must be the second in command; made sense. The man was very abrasive and daring, two traits Saitou certainly holds in high regard...Saitou, who was right behind her, his hands firm around her middle. They would move away from time to time, but not for too long; he'd either grab her anew or lay his hand out, beneath her head and the other would hold on to her stomach.

It was so...intimate. She felt her cheeks burn bright as well as her skin crawl. This was probably the least "proper" thing ever happened to her and yet it was the most proper man in the country to do it. Well, he was asleep; he had no control over it. And he used to be married. Last time he ever slept with another woman he was probably much more intimate with her. This was...left over muscle memory. Coupled with the fact removing the curse had been so eventful, and he grabbed her then, too, it made sense.

So, why was her face so hot damn it?

Maybe because it had felt really nice to be held so close, it was snuggly. For the very first time in her life, she felt...protected while sleeping, and not the most vulnerable. Every single time she removed her armour and lay down, she was defenseless; and after some particularly nasty midnight ambushes, she was always, in the back of her mind, a little uncomfortable with lying down to sleep. But not tonight! It was so weird, really, and it didn't feel half bad to have him rest his head on her back, or shoulder, or at the top of her own head while sleeping.

She could feel her cheeks burning right this moment, as she walked back to her tent and kept thinking back to it. She'd been so shameless, and she even told him, too! To admit that after she got up to pray, instead of leaving, as she should have, she went back to him...to check him—as if! He was no longer cursed, she herself stopped it. She just wanted to look at him one more time, though why, she had no idea. Deep down, she wanted to crawl back into his bed, his arms, his warmth...but she didn't dare. She'd simply brushed his hair back, making sure he wasn't running any leftover fevers, and...and...and actually kissed him. On the forehead.

She could make up all the excuses she wanted, there was only one truth: she wanted to comfort him, feel him close; so she did it. Had she, even for a moment, suspected that would lead him to actually grab on to her again? No. Had she minded? Definitely not. And that was the part that drove her insane.

She never experienced anything like this before, it was dumbfounding. Then he went ahead and called her beautiful and her mind was boggled so she had to react some other way than stare blankly at him so she asked something stupid, but his answer...it threw her in a state. Her heartbeat was irregular and she shivered. Was it...desire? It shocked her enough to render her completely defenseless.

Alright, that was too much for her addled thoughts; time to go.

He had asked her to, if she remembered correctly, time to abide by him for once. She wordlessly stood and moved to go. But her legs wouldn't do as she commanded them. Her mind was fixated on how warm he'd kept her and now she had to take something of his with her—oh. That seemed adequate. She reached out and grabbed a dark blue fabric she found wedged between his desk and sitting pillow within arm's reach; she wrapped up in it. Forcing herself into a neutral expression she opened her mouth then and played the good little girl while feeling the exact opposite.

Even now, she wouldn't take it off, standing right in front of her armour stand. She didn't want to. And just like that, Tokio could no longer deny it; what she never thought would happen, especially on this assignment, and she feared would happen too late in her life to actually pursue, happened: she developed non platonic feelings for someone. Not just anyone, too; the most infuriating man in her entire life.

Somehow, this was just like her.

.

"Report," Hijikata demanded.

Both parties involved, stood before him with military discipline, no signs of discomfort between them visible. That satisfied the vice-commander to say the least; this didn't turn out the stupid romance situation Okita predetermined it.

"Someone was actively cursing him as he lay to sleep; it wasn't some sort of one-time curse that activated during the late hours of the night." That was news to both men. "Some witch or wizard, a cleric, an oracle or even a druid, chanted the curse every single night he received the nightmare."

A pause, to look both in the eye, one after another.

"This is high level stuff; it's someone powerful. Also, it's someone who knew your sleeping patterns." Just as the two men present seemed to realise what she was getting at, she all but blurted it out: "I am certain Takeda was directly involved in this and the reason he attempted to kill me was because he knew I was the only one able to save his life, night after night."

Hijikata's chest expanded with anger; Saitou's swelled with fury; hers followed, just to release the breath a second later. "I believe all Takeda wanted was to have Saitou killed, thinking he would be the next to be trained for your spot, Hijikata-sama; but to do it, he unwittingly recruited a very dangerous individual, with completely different objectives in mind. After all, other than knowing your sleeping patterns, this curse gets that much stronger and dangerous, if you have something of your target's in your possession. Such as hair or a worn article of clothing."

"...he did follow me into battle once," Hajime thoughtfully admitted "which was a first; about a month ago. I ended up using a tourniquet that day, per his suggestion; said it would stop the bleeding before Tokio got to me."

Hijikata hummed. "So, that's how he got it."

"Blood is catastrophic in the hands of a skilled caster; no wonder it was that tricky to undo." A hand flew to her mouth, made into a fist. "It is safe to assume Takeda delivered it to the perpetrator around the time the nightmares started; but if we are to figure this out, we need to know who the man or woman is."

She looked up at Hijikata. "We need to speak to the snake." Then turned to Saitou. "Meanwhile, you think really hard if you ever pissed anyone that powerful off; they are as strong as, if not stronger than you now, but they weren't so powerful before. They have to be nocturnal creatures out of habit, too otherwise, they wouldn't be able to pull this off for consecutive weeks."

"I will," he assured.

"I'll contact her Highness, ask her to interrogate Takeda for us about the certain subject and tell us whatever he admits to." She was about to leave, but stopped short, turning to both. "I believe...this is directly linked to Shishio. And we have to move as soon as possible. That's all."

"Wait, Tokio-san!" But she was gone. Hijikata sighed. "Go after her, will you? Ask her how the hell she managed to remove the curse and what type it was; she didn't tell us the basics, damn it! And once you know, come tell me."

"Yessir."

He bowed in a hurry and darted out the tent after her. "Tokio, will you slow down?"

"I need to contact Ameiko."

"Do that, but tell me this first: if this curse was so potent and lethal how the hell am I still alive? And how the hell did you make it go away?"

She sighed. "Come with me," she all but mumbled but said nothing else until they got to her tent. "Get in."

She went in after him. Without delay, she stood over her mirror, speaking two words; she motioned for him to approach, too so he did. After some seconds, their reflections disappeared, and in their place, the Empress Amatatsu Ameiko appeared, beautiful and dignified as ever. Instinctively, the man bowed deeply, causing her highness to crack a very informal smirk.

"We have company today! If you'd told me, I'd have worn my stern expression, Tokio."

"Oh hush; don't tease him, he'll explode."

"Ahem," he cleared his throat, saving a glare for the cleric – only because it was considered a capital offense to glare at the ruler of your land – .

"Remember the man I sent you yesterday?"

"Ah, but of course! He's been signing like a bird."

"What has he been signing about?"

"His ass mostly, and how he was in no way intending to ever betray me or his unit. How asinine."

"Alright; ask him this instead: who was the man or woman he hired to kill Saitou?"

The Empress, in a most uncharacteristic way, allowed her utter surprise to show. "He what?" Tokio shrugged, knowing there was nothing else to be said. "Who is that?" The cleric's head nodded to her right, where Saitou was standing. "Ah, that's why he's joining us. And how did he try to kill him?"

Tokio became a little angry in that moment herself; Ameiko was impressed. "Bastard employed someone to curse him; had to use two different spells to stop it and one to make sure it was gone."

"Curse? So another cleric perhaps?" Ameiko took a shot.

"I'm leaning towards wizard—or witch for this was no simple curse. It was bastardised from another type of curse, which presents itself as a disease; arcane casters have a better affinity for tempering with nature and the unnatural at the same time. But witches...they like curses; and being meddlesome; and stirring their big round cauldrons..."

"I heard that!" the Majesty's treasurer snubbed from somewhere in the background.

"Hush, you witch!" Ameiko wearily snapped. Unwittingly, she put a hand on her stomach. "This is all so annoying...but we'll ask; don't worry, we have the right people for the job." Very unceremoniously, her highness winked to both people. "I'll get back to you in an hour tops."

Tokio was more than happy at that. "I'll be here to receive you."

.

It had barely been half of that time, when the mirror vibrated; two more command words later, the image now showed a snarling Ameiko, head turned half-way back. When she turned to face them, she didn't relax her face, but her hand unconsciously moved to her stomach again, for but a second. "That bastard contracted a wizard that escaped you a year back to do it."

Saitou grew dark. "Hanahomura," he all but spat the word.

"The one and only; the same Hanahomura one of our spies made a note was affiliated with Shishio, over half a year ago."

"I knew it," Tokio bit out "I knew it." Now she shook her head and turned to communicate her indignation to the man who was almost growling at the news. "Shishio feared our approach and asked her to find Takeda."

"You have no idea how right you are." Ameiko's eyes were dangerous. "He admitted she was the one who made contact first; claimed he was worried for his safety so just did as she asked. When I asked him why didn't he just ambush her, he finally admitted he enjoyed the prospect of Saitou leaving the picture."

Saitou snorted.

"So, she tried a couple of times but without the blood, it was too weak against your willpower." He couldn't help feeling smug at that admission. "So, she got Takeda to secure his blood. After that, it should have been a matter of days, if not hours, but for some reason, he never died." She shrugged. "He suspected you were behind it but couldn't do much...until he met with her again and you caught him red-handed."

Tokio's eyes widened significantly. "That striking, red-head beauty I saw him with?"

"Yes," Saitou was the one who ascertained it "that sounds like Hanahomura."

"I caught him in the company of Hanahomura, whom I thought was a courtesan, as well as a renowned politician, whom I know for a fact to be a bastard and a half. I was under the distinct impression Takeda was planning on somehow taking command of the unit...had no idea the true person of interest was the woman."

"Him, she used some sort of spell or potion to control; he's her facade, posing as his mistress. We've been trying to track him down for months," Ameiko admitted.

Saitou nodded. "She's always used both her brain and her charms to do things; at first, she tried seducing us. Only when that proved fruitless did she resort to violence."

"She's a formidable opponent."

"We'll face her when the time comes," the man next to her promised, with a hand on her shoulder and death in his eyes "and she won't escape me a second time."

"You? Personally?"

"Long story," he turned to the Empress "anything else of interest?"

"You were the only target whose blood she acquired and none else was openly targeted. That is all he said. He also emphasised how he was only trying to take a rival out and nothing else; the only reason he turned on Tokio was because the woman implied you had to be taken care of. Coupled with the fact you witnessed his misdeeds, it didn't take long for him to move." Ameiko snorted. "What an idiot; to not even realise how severely outclassed he was."

"Meh," Tokio made a face "all men are."

"True," Ameiko agreed easily, a hand lazily patting her stomach.

"Ahem," Saitou cleared his throat once more.

"You are the worst offender, so hush," Tokio teased, but the smile was enough for him to drop it. But then it transitioned from a grin to a frown and looked at her highness very solemn. "Ameiko, are you pregnant?"

Both Empress and Captain looked at her dumbfounded, reeling from the sudden change of subject. "Tokio, what in—...?"

Saitou was about to call her crazy, but noticed how expertly the other woman avoided eye contact to call her just the same: a crazy, highly imaginative person, who jumped to the most disconnected conclusions...

"Hajime won't tell; he's trustworthy."

"What makes you think-?"

"You mentioned how you, you of all people, haven't had a drink for a long time when I contacted once and now I see you've put on a little weight; you seem tired but it's too early in the day and yet, it's as if you have gotten even prettier, despite the black circles. Plus, Damien won't leave your side; he's a witch with highly advanced healing powers, in case anything happens to you, I should guess. Thus, noting how your hands keep brushing over your stomach, I concluded you must be with child."

"..." Her eyes darted to the man of the company, glaring with absolute superiority. "Don't you dare repeat this to anyone else," she hissed and then turned to Tokio "but yes, I am." A sigh. "You got the information you needed, I'm concluding this meeting. Stay safe—no, Tokio, I'm fine; Damien is taking great care of me."

"So, don't you dare suggest it," he was heard from behind Ameiko again and now all three had to chuckle.

Thusly, the mirror went back to showing the two people's faces, slightly amused yet slightly amazed.

"That just happened."

"Qi Zhong help the poor bastard who put that child in her belly; he'll need it." She shook her head. "Now, let's talk business."

She sat on her settee, quite comfortable and informal for "business talk" as shye idly gestued for him to drag the chair from the desk next to her. Once he did, she took a deep breath. "You are one lucky bastard." There was disapproval in his face. "No, really; the only reason you're still alive—this." She showed herself with her finger, and her tattoo appeared, curling around it and her entire hand. "I told you this thing benefits the one who sees it, did't I; kept you alive long enough to come to me."

"Y...our tattoo kept me alive?"

"It definitely did." An eyebrow quirked knowingly. "While I was waiting for something to happen, the moment I saw you toss and turn, it lit up! Blinding light from beneath my tunic in the shape of the dragon and just like that, I knew why I was always sweating and feeling warm in the middle of the night despite the weather getting colder."

"So, basically, you saved my life. Again."

"Don't, this isn't..." she sighed. "This is what clerics are for," she nearly cried it, disappointed and defeated.

He couldn't help the smile at her antics. "And how did it help?"

"With the end of the nightmare, the end of your life was supposed to follow; though you had failed to ward off the evil at first, allowing it to circle your heart, the tattoo helped you expel it when you needed it the most, keeping the darkness from piercing you. Thankfully, I managed to prevent it from happening again by dispelling the curse—it was no walk in the park, but, yeah, not that challenging to me." She shrugged. "Once you've seen enough, your mind goes to certain things immediately."

"What type of curse was it?"

"Unique," came her swift answer "and tailor-made by the certain wizard to kill people in their sleep. Was she always nocturnal?"

"She worked nights." At her inquiring stare, he snorted. "You weren't that far off; she used to be a courtesan who dabbled in witchcraft. Now she's a wizard who happens to know how to seduce men."

"That's...never a good thing. But let's hope she's a blood mage; if so, that limits her powers some and we could be in less trouble than I thought, when facing Shishio."

"I have no idea what she is, other than a wizard with a grudge."

"Is it against you in particular, or the unit as a whole?"

"...me." Tokio shook her head, but he smirked, edging closer. "In case you haven't noticed, I am not easily won over by a pretty face;" her expression had been priceless, all blushes but unwavering "I exposed her to Hijikata and she was nearly killed. Now, she holds it against me."

The woman laughed. "That does sound like you."

Now he leaned on the settee, too, sitting at the edge her feet touched. "Don't tell me you never wondered why none of the other captains never went against my wishes when you first arrived?"

"The thought did cross my mind."

"When it comes to women, I am the most reliable judge of character." Her oh, please, went unaddressed and he just kept talking. "And the Hanahomura incident was still fresh in our minds."

"I see...well, this concludes today's briefing; go tell Hijikata of what we learned, minus her highness is pregnant bit." She decided she sat around long enough, time to tend to her duties. "Also, inform him I shall ride out both to the village and the city near us. I need to finish up with my charges."

His lips quirked. "How thorough of you," alluding to the fact they were going to move out tomorrow and she wanted to leave no one unattended.

"Always am." She flashed him a knowing smirk. "If Hijikata asks you my opinion on the matter, tell him I said let's leave tomorrow." She moved to the door, he was still unmoving. "Bye for now, vice-commander in training. And when I see you tomorrow morning, better find out you slept well."

He folded his arms, confidence radiating off of him. "Is that a threat?"

She stood and watched him from underneath the threshold, cloth door over her head. "That is a warning: stay away from the red light district, Hajime."

"Or what?" A challenge. "You'll wear strange clothes and take over my tent again?"

She wanted to leave, she really did; disregard him completely and be on her merry way. But the absolutely calm but fierce way he was looking at her, in such a casual posture drove her mad. For some reason, she wanted to goad, tease him, elicit any sort of reaction out of him.

Almost bouncing on her feet, she grabbed the fabric a little tighter. "I just might."

And with that, she left him behind. Saitou lingered, a smug look on his face...only to realise half a minute later, this was in fact, her tent; he should be going.

.

.

"I would never disagree with Hijikata's excellent decision-making, you know that," Toudou begun cautious, looking at all five riders around him "but what possessed him to uproot us so suddenly? I didn't even manage to say goodbye to Umi-chan!"

"It wasn't sudden, Toudou-san" Okita assured him through chuckles "he'd announced it half a week ago."

"As he did the rest of the times we ended up stayed," he countered, pouting.

"Umi-chan's heart will go on," Nagakura teased him "even without your goodbye."

"If it makes you feel better, I ran into her yesterday and bid your farewells for you," Tokio tried to comfort him, a wide smile on her face. She even went as far as to pity-pat his back, moving her horse near his.

"It's not the same..."

"Stop sulking, will you," Harada snapped "we have more serious things to concern ourselves with, such as the fact we are heading towards the Ronin's camp where we're supposed to make camp ourselves?"

"The trading post of Seinaru Heikiko makes much more sense strategically, truth be told," Nagakura added thoughtfully "it's closer to the mountain, hence first line of defense. We have enough resources, too so we won't need too much from the nearby the city itself, but they will still be there in case replenishment is needed."

"Not to mention it's already fortified," Okita threw his two cents.

A second passed and everyone looked between themselves suspicious; Saitou was sorely tempted to join, but he knew he had to appear as indifferent as possible, what with his training and new position. Thankfully, it was Okita who spoke again. "It's almost as if...he wants them to lend us their strength."

Damn; that was exactly what Saitou feared. He hated hearing it spoken because it only solidified it now...but Tokio's weary sigh caught everyone's attention.

"Shishio is rumoured to have deep reaches in Seinaru Heikiko that have made certain the trading post is empty and abandoned at all times, for his occasional, personal use."

"What!?" Toudou.

"Impossible!" Harada was just as shocked.

"If that is true, we have quite the scandal on our hands," Nagakura lamented.

"One that we sadly need to deal with discretion," Tokio supplemented, a little annoyed by the fact herself.

"Are we to clean up Seinaru as well as the Kamifushi mountains?"

"From what I gather, dealing with the latter will help the former; her highness simply advised us against that place," Tokio shrugged "said nothing about taking direct action."

"Thus," Okita tried to sum it all up "if we are to face Shishio of the mountains and his lackeys in Seinaru, we need the Ronin's help."

"Precisely."

"This just got a hundred times more complicated," Toudou stated, defeated. "The Ronin are infamous for their dislike of any authority—hence them becoming ronin on the first place."

Saitou snorted. "Bet they've had more than a hard time dealing with Shishio's rising power and influence; bet they'll be as welcoming as their egos will allow."

"I have a sneaking suspicion her highness contacted them and promised them one or two things for their help; they won't pose a problem..." Her stare swept the men, only to fixate on the tallest, most stubborn captain, "so long as we pose no problems of our own."

Yes, he was difficult; he knew. Rolling his eyes, he managed a bored "we'll try."

Easier said than done.

They should have known this two-weeks trip to the Ronin's camp of theirs would end in the worst note possible, seeing their entire journey was riddled with misfortune and setbacks. In fact, it took an extra week, numbering three after all, as well as plenty of wild creatures and monsters attacking. One band of particularly nasty oni Tokio was certain they were affiliated with the fearsome evil man they were climbing to take out.

Who, Tokio, really worked up a sweat! Going from a simple healer to sub-unit Captain and head healer, she had at least ten more things she needed to do in each and every fight. Thankfully, she was the provident type of person and had instructed her men how to operate in her absence, thus she only had to give a few sparse commands before leaving them headless, to jump into the fray next to the ever-reckless Saitou, who cared little for the grief he was causing her.

Despite of it all, they made it to the Ronin's camp battered but whole. Their arrival wasn't the issue. Their receiving was.

Because none other than a short, bony and angular man led the party of welcome, with his wild mane of red hair in a ponytail at the back of his head. That pale lavender of his eyes grew darker than the sun allowed it upon seeing them, thoughts swirling, gears turning fast in his head.

At the same time, all seven men of importance of the unit, seemed to falter in their step, almost bringing their horses to a stop.

Tokio misinterpreted everything, not privy to the issue abruptly presented in front of her, and stopped her horse completely. The men followed her example. Then, she distinctly got off her trusted steed, catching the reins...and urged it forward. Apparently, she was under the impression the ronin stopped heading their way because they perceived this as some sort of offense, instead of simply encountering the Shinsengumi, a band of men they never thought they'd ever see again.

Still, her presence or her action urged the red-haired man forward, an unreadable calm emerging on his face. Hands in his sleeves, he headed straight for her.

Unsettled, the Shinsengumi men looked between themselves; Tokio was heading their way, unknowing, unaffected...and they seemed not to mind for the most part but that man...that red-haired man with the scar on his face...

Something kicked in Saitou's chest. Hitokiri be damned, he wouldn't let her go alone! Something about her confronting a party of ten men all on her own felt too wrong to put in words—he only nodded to Okita once, shot a look Hijikata's direction and he jumped off of his horse after her. One by one, all of the captains followed his example, even Hijikata did, save for Kondou. Even after they reached their cleric and until she spoke, they kept exchanging glances.

But then she did and they all turned to stare at the begrudgingly familiar face of an old enemy.

"Ronin of Minkai, I salute you."

A formal bow followed and Saitou's hand twitched to put her back straight; to think she lowered her head in front of these people...!

"My name is Takagi Tokio; my comrades and I are sent here by her Highness, our Empress Amatatsu Ameiko the second, of the Jade throne. Please allow us in your territory."

Then, the most peculiar thing happened: while his eyes were still scanning everyone – but mostly Saitou – and his face was just as unreadable, the short man bowed back, mirroring her kind smile. "I am Himura Kenshin, very pleased to meet you, emissary of her Majesty; we welcome you and your comrades into our camp."

Her entire face lit up and, like an accomplished child, she turned to the rest, as if to show them her achievement; she must have paid no attention at their terse smiles for she immediately turned back to Kenshin. "We are thankful! The trip has been long and rather eventful. Could you please direct us to a place large enough to set up our tents? Or would you rather we talked terms first?"

"The sun is setting as we speak, please set up camp while some light still holds." Finally, his eyes turned to the men, sharp as ever, but surprisingly nearly as threatening. "That is, if the Shinsengumi Captains behind you don't attack me first."

"Nonsense! What are-...?"

Oh shit; he was right. Her men were glaring at the short man before her, while the Ronin on Kenshin's side were glaring right back. What was going on...? "Is there" she drawled the words, studying everyone on both ends carefully "a history here I do not know about?"

"Too true, Tokio-san."

"Must have been a ronin a little too long, Hitokiri Battousai," Saitou's tone was laced with poison "to address an emissary of her Majesty so lightly."

"Must have been a Captain a little too long, Saitou Hajime," Kenshin retorted almost humorously "to think everyone must follow some sort of hierarchy."

"I am Kondou Isami, commander of this unit; you must remember my name, Himura Kenshin, yes?" The man nodded kindly to the man's strict tone. "Are you the commander of these men, too or is there someone else we should be speaking to?"

Kenshin smiled. "Ah, there is no such thing here! No titles or ranks to speak of. That is why we became ronin on the first place, didn't we?"

The men behind him agreed, making a big show of their displeasure of Kondou's tone.

"But even you, no matter how lawless you appear to be, have some semblance of order; otherwise you wouldn't have been able to drive away any threats to your...relative sovereignty," Hijikata intervened, trying to calm his commander down "we simply wish to speak to the man the rest of the warriors here turn to in a time of crisis or need for advice or help."

"Oh, I see! Then that would be me, indeed."

Why was he so cheerful? It was grating on everyone's nerves...but one's, who could be as cheerful and annoying as their former nemesis, the other short man, Okita Souji. "Then may I propose this, Kondou-sama, Hijikata-sama:" both nodded, morbidly curious "for as long as we'll be staying here, Tokio-chan shall be our go-between! She's neutral and sent by her highness anyway—but she also helped us before, so she shall protect our interests...without trampling the Ronin's of course, for that is her character."

"...that is a good proposal," Hijikata ascended and looked to their leader. Only once Kondou nodded did he formally agree. "So be it then; I accept."

"I would be more than glad to accommodate Tokio-san," Kenshin readily answered, too, and just like that, it was decided: Tokio was to be the cohesive agent of these two disparate factions. But there was one who didn't like this development at all, silently stewing next to the cleric, alternating between shooting glares at Okita and Himura.

"L, let's go set up camp, then; once we're finished, I shall come found you. I think there's no need for further introductions from our part, but if you'd agree to it, I would like to meet your warriors and anyone who you perceive as important for the existence of this camp."

The red-haired ronin gave her a warm but playful smile. "You keep calling it camp, but I fear you don't fully grasp its size: come, let me show you."

He waved for everyone to follow him uphill. Due to the height of said green, grassy hill, all they could see was the expected smoke from fires. But as they found themselves at the edge, all looked on surprised.

"This is the Ronin's camp," he happily quipped, hands still in the sleeves "aptly named as such, so she won't be besotted by more attacks than necessary."

A full-scale city, albeit a small one, sprawled in front of them, right at the foot of the hill. There was a stream of perfect blue, parting it right in the middle. The setting sun painted the entire picture in the colours of idealism and melancholy, giving the wooden structures that constituted the bases of their viable community an otherworldly feeling. They could see and hear the bustle of people from up there, too, a thriving little city in the middle of the fields.

Scratch that; the fields were to the sides and back, rice and vegetables planted all over.

"How incredible," Tokio spoke through a lopsided grin "you must be very proud."

"We do our best," Kenshin proudly declared, a serene smile etched on his face.

"Although this existed before Himura-san got here," one of the ronin began, middle-aged but wild-looking "our community took a life of its own because of him."

"Indeed," a beautiful, almost effeminate young man corroborated, black hair in a high ponytail "he gave us a breath of fresh air."

"Fresh air is hard to come by in the openness of the Osogen Grasslands, indeed," Saitou mocked the two people, as he bypassed them. And just as he'd reached the cleric she elbowed him in the gut for his comment, as well as the chuckles and snorts it earned from the men – not all theirs, to be honest – , making him roll his eyes.

She failed to notice Himura's sudden interest in her gesture.

"If you could, I'd rather we set up camp east, right outside of your city," Tokio turned to the former samurai "for proximity is important and I'd rather we stayed out of your hair as much as possible."

A young man, barely an adult but already built like a warrior, snorted. "We don't mind if you camp inside, even if you are the Shinsegumi." He was wearing western-like clothes, strangely, and despite his face, he was tall and imposing.

"Our tents are many and some are large; you don't have enough open space within your confines. But it truly is fine, we just need that patch on the right."

"As you wish," Kenshin consented, patting the hand of the young boy with the wild brown hair and immediately Tokio nodded to the captains, to get things ready.

"Thank you, Himura-san; we shall meet again in a few hours." Just like that, the ronin were dismissed. Instantly, she turned to the captains, all thunder and storm. "Do not antagonise the ronin; we need their help. Also, warn the men of Himura-san. I have a feeling none will be pleased by his presence; and can please someone tell me of the story between you? He looks harmless but I am no idiot."

"He's killed some of our older captains, as well as many of our men;" Hijikata stepped forward, explaining the situation "he was opposed to the Regent, but us as well. There was a lot of chaos back then." He shook his head. "A faction used him to their benefit, taking advantage of his free-spirited attitude. He was and still is, an anarchist. We tried to arrest him many a time, resulting to aforementioned deaths. We really wanted to get him...but then one day, once the Regent fell, he disappeared." He shrugged. "Try as we might, we could never find him in any of his old places."

"So, this is where he went," Okita added in the end, a little cheery.

Tokio seemed confused. "He retired?"

"It seems so," Harada spoke honestly.

"But why?"

"Who cares?" Saitou glared at his retreating back. "Retired or not, once a hitokiri, always a hitokiri." The smack that came his way was expected. "I don't care how much you believe in second chances; I've had too many close calls because of that dwarf, I won't turn around and befriend him now. And I bet he feels the same."

"We are going to fight side by side with him and his men in the upcoming battle against Shishio." She spelled it out for him, as if speaking to a child. "We can't afford any more grudges." He looked away. "We have to trust him!"

"Look, if you tell me to put up with him, I'll put up with him; you tell me to cooperate, I'll cooperate. But just so we're clear, that won't make me trust, like or forgive him. He's still the Battousai."

She clicked her tongue. "Whatever this is, he seems willing to put it behind him. Just do the same."

"...for the time being, at least," Hijikata spoke in his stead and it was final. If the vice-commander implicated himself, the argument was over. "Now, let's do what we need to; then Tokio will talk with Himura and reach an understanding we are all happy with."

"I'm going with you," Saitou more warned, than offered and he turned to the rest. "I'm escorting her." He made it perfectly clear to all, dragging a laugh out of Okita in the process.

"Maybe leave your sword with us, Saitou-san."

"We'll be fine," Tokio placated them, a small smile playing on her lips "he knows what's best for him."

A groan and a begrudging nod later, they got themselves started. Per usual, Tokio was right about timetables and in one hour and a half, everything was set up, the men briefed and the fires going. Some minutes after the fires were lit, women and older children of all genders approached, bearing gifts of food. They took over the cauldrons and soon enough deliciously enticing smells flooded the Shinsengumi camp.

Just about then, Tokio knew it was time to go find Himura-san and talk business. She headed for the small city, fully prepared to ask around, but to her pleasant surprise, the red-haired man was waiting for them at the square. Saitou rolled his eyes, but silently followed the two smiling people to wherever the Battousai led them.

Traversing through half of their city, taking the bridge over the river – that was shallow enough to walk through, but why get themselves wet – they found themselves in a cluster of simpler but bigger houses. Himura stopped in front of one of them, not the biggest, and took off his shoes. "I'm back," he announced as he climbed the two steps.

"Welcome back," a man and a woman, a set of identical twins, saluted, standing on either side of the shoji door. The man drew it open; two set of coal eyes bore holes in their guests as they too took off their shoes and ascended the steps.

"Don't look so severe," Himura asked kindly "they are here to help."

The inside was just as simple as the outside: a small hall to leave one's weapons and a corridor that led to four different doors. And a little on the left, there was a large room. "Please follow me," Himura spoke and led them forward; they passed by all the doors and found themselves in front of the last one, which he drew open.

"Sagara-san, we are here, don't be too alarmed."

They saw the man Himura addressed only after they entered the square, mostly bare room, standing over a desk, pouring over a map he had in his hands. He seemed to be in a heated internal debate whether this map or another was the best choice for his purpose. His clothes were the same odd, western style the tall kid from before wore, with fitted black pants, a snuggly black shirt and a red long vest made out of leather or another hard material. He didn't look up immediately, too immersed in his thoughts.

Saitou greatly disapproved of his attire, as well as the short hair style this man sported, too short for a Minkaian indeed.

"Ah, the Empress's emissary! How..." Upon looking up, two things happened: his features altered by surprise of the pleasant kind and then he proceeded to put his map down. "How delightful," he finished, standing to his full height. With two steps, he was in front of Tokio, bowing respectfully. "I have never met a female emissary before." His smirk became wider. "My name is Sagara Souzou, a pleasure to meet you."

Saitou raised an eyebrow; Tokio tried not to stiffen...too much.

"I am Takagi Tokio and this is Saitou Hajime, a captain of the unit. Will there be anyone else joining us?" After both nodded no, she seemed pleased. "Then let's get right down to business. We are sent by her Highness, in an effort to help each other. Shishio has been growing too large too quickly; the palace cannot ignore him anymore." Even if they had said no, they watched the kid from before enter the room. Tokio continued, a little perplexed. "You, who have faced him all this time, are the perfect people to inform us of his tactics; we, with our experience in battling armies of this magnitude, are the perfect people to lead the expedition against him."

Sagara snorted, but it was the young brown-haired boy that spoke. "Now that the threat looms too great, you remember us? Is her highness so afraid of losing her throne?"

"Her highness rules by god-given right. She has already received Shizuru's blessing, Shishio can't change that," Saitou snapped, unable to hold himself back "she's dealing with this is because she must. That's what good rulers do, kid, strike down their enemies."

"I'm not a kid!"

"Be quiet for a moment Sano; and what will we gain by such an alliance?" the question readily slipped off Sagara's tongue.

Tokio took the lead. "Your formal freedom, as well as a right to call this city the head city of a new, ninth province: the Ronin province." She produced a document from her bad of holding and rolled the scroll open for the two men to see. "All is written in extreme detail on here. Take it and read it; if it finds you agreeable, we have a deal."

Saitou disapproved, if his expression was any indication; also, this was he first time he heard any of this. Still, he had hoped they'd refuse, those bastards.

"And what will the deal contain?"

"For as long as we're here, fighting against Shishio, you shall provide us with all the help we need, be it information or manpower. She shall abide by your rules, of course, we are guests in your house, and we should try to stay out of your way for the day to day activities, unless asked to engage. How does that sound?"

"You must promise to allow us in on the strategy meetings."

Tokio looked at Saitou; he nodded, begrudgingly. "Three of you may join us."

"Then, give us a moment to read this."

Ten minutes later, the two men in front of them were smiling like idiots; Sano was not allowed to read yet and he was pouting in a corner. Still, it was safe to assume their answer would be "we have a deal!"

Tokio mirrored their enthusiasm in a warm smile. "I am delighted! Please, keep that document safe; her majesty will personally sign it, once Shishio is defeated." They both nodded. "And now, if you don't find it presumptuous of me, I would love to help you. I am a cleric, you see, and I barely used any of my skills today, so I'd love to take a look at your sick and wounded."

"Tokio..." His low, near-growl served its purpose and Souzou stopped dead in his tracks, just as he was about to reach for her.

"Hajime," she met him evenly.

A silent but intense staring contest, neither side willing to take that necessary step back, leaving the room suddenly full of tension. The three strangers soaked up the vibes and took a defensive step back themselves, hands raised in a peaceful manner, trying to sooth any ruffled feathers. And just as Himura opened his mouth to relieve Tokio of her offer, knowing full well how stubborn the certain man was, Saitou sighed. Kenshin openly stared as Saitou crossed his hands, less irritable than ten seconds ago, rolling his eyes.

Do what you want, his posture betrayed "but you're not getting rid of me."

A giggle. "Wouldn't dream of it."

"If that is the case," Kenshin started then, a shy smile emerging "I believe you won't mind I asked my wife to join us here, just before I came to get you."

"Wife...are you married?" The woman seemed shocked. "But...you're so young!"

Himura chuckled good-naturedly. "Have been, for the past two years; I am eighteen years of age, Tokio-san."

Saitou's eye twitched. "What did I tell you about calling her that?"

They ignored Saitou. "You married at sixteen? Dear Qi Zhong..."

"I married at sixteen," Saitou retorted then, a little annoyed "what's wrong with that? Sixteen you're already an adult."

"Yes, but for barely a year! How can you know—...?" She shook her head. "So odd, honestly. And you, I understan," she went on with renewed vigour, pocking Saitou's chest "you're the most traditional man in the face of the planet! You?" She turned to Himura. "You are supposed to be against tradition and meaningless rules and formality."

"I fell in love." It was spoken so simply, it made her stop. But then it was Kenshin's turn to be shocked, staring at Saitou. "And you're married!?"

"Was; she's dead."

"Oh. Sorry."

He rolled his eyes. "It's been a long time, don't be."

"She's coming!" Sano exclaimed then, brown eyes looking behind the two newcomers.

"Be nice you lot," Souzou advised "she's pregnant."

Immediately, Saitou lowered his head in a respectful manner and made way for the Battousai to go fetch her, which he did instantly. Some moments later, the couple walked through the door, the stupidest smile on the short man's face. The other two turned around to face them.

Tokio froze completely at the sight of her; the other woman seemed a little rigid, too—though she was very serious and rigid anyway.

"This is my lovely wife," he announced, pointing to the taller, black-haired woman on his arm, her white kimono a little wrinkled where her belly was protruding. He walked her inside and got her in front of the desk. "My kind, sweet—"

"Tomo-chan," Tokio uttered breathless, but every person in the room caught it, causing a new wave of surprise – and maybe suspicion – in the men. "Tomo-chan," she repeated, just as mystified as before, but firmer. Slowly but certainly, Tokio reached out to her. "Tomo-chan...!"

And just like that, the wife let go of her husband and quietly, but with purpose, took a step forward and wrapped her arms around Tokio firmly. "Tokio-sama...!"

It should have been awkward; the wife was taller than Tokio but she still hugged the woman's middle, burring her head in the crook of her neck. And yet, it wasn't, they could tell; Tomo-chan was crying with abandon but dignity, as no sound other than speaking that name escaped her, while Tokio was affectionately patting her head, caressing the hair wrapped up in a low ponytail.

"You...know each other," Sano lamely commented after a long moment; right around there, Tomo-chan let go of the cleric, a small smile playing on her lips. That display seemed to take Kenshin by surprise and caused him to look at Tokio anew, as if she was some amazing creature.

"Tokio-sama and I were raised together at the temple; we know each other since we were small children." That was news to everyone. "Tokio-sama left when she turned fourteen; I followed a year later, when I too reached that age."

"You did tell me of your sempai at the temple; so this is her." Kenshin bowed again to Tokio. "How fortunate you managed to see each other again."

Tokio's eyes became teasing then and a little scolding ."Especially since I was under the impression I would never see her again." A breath and two sets of guilty eyes later, Tokio explained "Tomoe faked her death two years ago...all so she could marry a man her father would not approve of, from what I gather."

Tomoe nodded shyly. Tokio shook her head amused, both at the couple's shame and the affront on Saitou's face. "And to think I tried bringing you back to life...what about your poor brother though? He must have been devestated."

"Oh, Enishi is here, with me," she spoke and Saitou realised that soft whisper must have been her standard volume, or she was still too emotional. "In fact I have asked him to follow me, to meet the emissary..."

The cleric laughed unreserved, her head thrown back. "You are about to meet the world's most attached little brother! He used to resent me, back at the temple, for stealing his sister's time. To think he followed you here."

"There was no stopping him," Kenshin said in a cryptic tone.

"You idiot," Tokio snapped then, a little exasperated "why didn't you say anything? I mourned for you!"

"Forgive me, Tokio-sama."

"Idiot," her insult was softer this once "I was so upset with myself, too...idiot..."

A light kiss on the top of her head followed and Saitou could swear he saw Tokio wiping away something resembling moisture. "I am so happy you are alive and well...and pregnant." Her smile turned watery and they were surprised again to see Tomoe reflecting her. "I will take great care of you, I promise."

"Thank you, Tokio-sama."

"Stop calling me that!" she exclaimed between chuckles and tears. "Tokio is more than enough."

"...Tokio-san?"

A new voice was heard at the threshold and they all turned to see a tall, muscular young man, no older than sixteen, with thick black hair, stand there, disbelieving. His bright blue eyes had changed two shades in the span of three seconds and he still wouldn't move a muscle.

"Enishi!" the woman smiled widely at him and turned to her companion. "This is him, Tomo-chan's bro-...ther."

Enishi covered the distance in the blink of an eye; so fast did he move, Saitou reached for his sword by force of habit! But when nothing other than him hugging Tokio happened, Saitou relented...though never let go. Even if Tokio was patting his back, too, smothered by the man's very tight embrace. "I am happy to see you again, too," she cooed and the man only tightened his hold. "It's been such a long time..."

When Enishi would not let her go though, Saitou felt his temper rising. Sensitive to the subtle changes of mood around him, Kenshin moved to untangle his brother in law from his old friend. When the boy growled, Saitou almost unsheathed. Tokio caught the movement and chuckled.

"What is it with you, siblings? Both grew so much taller than me...!" She untangled herself and measured their heights. "Look at this; a whole head taller! Your sister I accept, but you barely reached my middle back then."

"I am a man, now, Tokio-san," he stated in an incomprehensible tone "not the small boy you once knew."

"But you're still running after your sister," she commented shrewdly.

"If only she listened to you more and stayed away from men," Enishi turned to glare at Kenshin momentarily "I wouldn't have to."

Souzou couldn't help the smirk. "You warned your friend away from men? But why? We are many uses and merits..." He leaned closer, trying to be seductive; Saitou's hilt touched his cheek and shoulder, pushing him back. Sano tried not to laugh.

"I did no such thing; I simply told her that if she had something she really wanted to do, to ignore men; men are distractions."

"If only she listened." Enishi lamented once more.

"So, you are still unwed?" Sano asked offhandedly.

"Yes," the red on her cheeks was bold but her attitude neutral "but that is irrelevant."

"No, it isn't," Enishi complained. "You are unwed, thus able to carry out these important missions for her highness." This is what you gave up on, his glare told his sister. "But she ran away here and I had to follow her in the middle of nowhere."

"Why?" Saitou spoke for the first time, incredulous.

"To keep her safe of course."

Saitou seemed not to get it. "But she's married."

Enishi didn't appreciate his intervention. "So?"

"So, her husband takes care of her now. They are married," he repeated, as if he was a toddler.

"Don't go there..." Souzou tried to stop the conversation from happening but Sano kept nodding for him to go on.

"But I am her brother."

"Your duty to her ended once she got married. Now, you may visit her once or twice a month, but not look after her. That's her husband's duty."

"Not every family is the same," Enishi bit out.

"Are you defending Kenshin?"

Souzou was shocked by the very notion he proposed; Saitou grew sour too. "That's just how it is. Even Battousai has to be good for something if he has managed to convince a woman to fake her own death and follow him to the middle of nowhere, anyway."

"Stay out of my business," Enishi warned him with no amount of love in his voice.

"I don't care about your business; but when I hear something ridiculous, I have to make note of it."

"Alright, that's enough from the both of you. Enishi, you can't fault him for having an opinion different to yours; and you. Don't butt in other people's family issues."

"I don't see Himura complaining though."

Sano laughed; Kenshin turned bright red from the sudden attention. "E, enough is enough, ha ha, let's, let's just go and help Tokio-san find the wounded...!"

"I am wounded," Enishi reminded casually, pointing at a gauze circling his gut "she can start with me."

"Kid," Saitou really couldn't put up with him "if you don't wanna add to that wound, I suggest you keep your trap shut, your hands to yourself and your eyes on the ground." As if to cement his position, he put his hand on Tokio's middle and pushed her forward and out of the room. "Let's go now or I'm calling it off entirely."

"We're going, we're going!" Kenshin rushed to reassure him and shot a pleading look at his wife, as the Shinsengumi started walking.

"Be nice, Enishi; these people are here to rid us of the Shishio faction."

Enishi snorted. "I'll believe that only when I see it."

Saitou's head snapped back. "Kid—"

"This way, please," Souzou broke it off, stepping between the two. Effectively distracting them by taking the lead, he kept everyone quiet by playing the tour guide.

It was late when Tokio finished tending to their sick and wounded, but not too late; in fact, it was just the perfect time for a drink, as Enishi reminded the moment she was done casting her last spell. Suddenly, his willingness to be the last one made much more sense and Saitou nearly growled.

"My sister and I would love to catch up with our childhood friend," Enishi triumphed over his perfect excuse "and no outsiders are allowed."

Damn it, it really was a perfect excuse. "Your sister's pregnant."

"She won't consume any alcohol, we will."

"I'm down," Sano mused.

"Tokio isn't allowed in your city without me," Saitou snubbed "unit's orders."

"Screw your unit."

"Enishi," Tokio stepped in, just in time to catch Saitou from physically attacking him "I would love to catch up, too but I am quite tired tonight; maybe tomorrow, or another day, when my comrades will have grown accustomed to your presence. Don't forget, we are the ones in a foreign place."

"...as you wish, Tokio-san."

A wide smile later, she hugged Tomoe and put a hand on her belly. "This will be one healthy child."

"Thank you, Tokio-sama."

"In light of these events, I will ask her highness if she can do anything about your status, without damaging your marriage. Goodnight for now."

The moment they were out of earshot and eyesight, Saitou glared at her general direction. "Tell that kid to keep his hands to himself and calm down; if I see him trying to invade your personal space once more, I'll stab him." She giggled in her hand. "I'm not joking."

"My, oh my, how possessive of you; and to think we only slept together once so far."

Something ridiculous happened; all good sense in him went out the window and instead of chiding her for saying something so highly inappropriate, instead, he only smirked and angled his head to look at her better, memories of that morning as fresh as ever. "So far? Are you planning to make a habit out of it—should I be worried?"

"Worried?" She took faux-offense. "Is the prospect of me helping you sleep so disconcerting or was there something else on your mind?"

Maybe it was because of that kid that kept getting his paws all over her, or the fact Souzou was looking at her like she was a dessert and he had the sweetest tooth in the world, but suddenly he didn't feel like editing himself.

The smirk only widened, eye catching her with the edge. "Like what?"

"How would I know?" She challenged, matching him tit for tat. "You were the one who spoke of euphemisms last time..."

It should be impossible to feel that much attraction to one person, or at least illegal; that stir in his gut foretold of implications, urging him in all the wrong – but right – directions.

He was possessive, she was right; he was also easy to feel jealous, since he couldn't properly express his intentions for her—or had them sorted out in his head on the first place, but the facts remained. All he wanted to do was touch her, too. His fingers itched for contact in fact and having her so close, imply all sorts of things to his face, made it none the easier.

"And you want me to speak of them again, is that why you mentioned it?"

Oh no; something must have showed in his face.

He found no other reason she would come to a slow stop with no warning, and peer at him so. He stopped next to her, faking composure. "Well?" He really hoped she wouldn't call his bluff, but he couldn't help himself when she simply kept studying him, with that enigmatic look on her face.

"No, I don't want you to speak of them again," she drawled, detached "for I dislike men who are all talk but no action..."

He blinked, trying to process what was said, but in the span of that short time, she had already turned away.

But wait. Did she just...?

His hand shot out and grabbed hers instinctively. He couldn't help that stupid smirk showing up on its own. "Tokio, do you know what you're saying?"

As if something shifted, or more accurately, was put back into place, her expression became her usual one, shrugging. "My opinion about people who run their mouths without any follow-up?"

"But I was-"

"No, forgive me; you aren't like that. I just...stated an opinion." Her cheeks tainted with red, that unmistakable I-bit-more-than-I-can-chew hue. "An, um, unrelated opinion."

"Didn't sound too unrelated," he goaded with seriousness and a wider smirk "not from where I'm standing."

"Which is a little close," she looked down, suddenly bashful "if you don't mind taking a step back..."

"You are not fair." His voice was coarse, low, but most importantly, too close. "You can't say that and expect me to let you walk away so easily."

"Then forget I said it."

"That's not fair either," he remarked and he didn't know what he was feeling in that moment, only that it was overwhelming. He even sounded like a petulant child, demanding what was his. Her. She should be his.

Almost breathless, she asked "what is fair then? Tell me and I shall oblige."

Many thoughts went through his head in that moment, not a single one appropriate to be uttered out in the open. His chest heaved, desire too potent. But he shouldn't, he couldn't; if he gave voice to them now, it would be catastrophic.

So, he said nothing.

Sensing her eminent victory, she cracked a smile. "We can't stand here forever, Hajime..."

"Hn," he acknowledged "so we can't."

Her smile became bigger. "Then let us move?"

A pause. "Let's."

Without another word, she turned back to their path...and he moved right alongside her. It took him an entire minute to realise he was still holding onto her; his hand had left hers in favour of her middle, just as he'd done to warn that infuriating kid away.

He thought up a quick prayer then because, good Shizuru, this woman would be his undoing.

A/N: So sorry for the yet unfinished story but, oh well, I wanted to post something, I felt I have been inactive for far too long. And this stops in a nice place, I think, yes? Cute, little, sexy confrontation. Heeeeeeh, no regrets. I love you, stay tuned. Please, leave a review on your way out, my dears.

Kisses,
FAI~!