Thank you so much for reviewing, you made my day :) Anyway, I adore that chapter. There's just something about the setting that is really peaceful. Merry christmas to you all :)

I didn't have to reach Hijikata's room to hear the rumble of his voice. Fukuchō was still awake, from the likes of it, sitting upon the engawa in the night.

Was he worried about our patrol? Or unable to sleep altogether? It certainly wouldn't be the first time he wandered the compound aimlessly, seeking appeasement from his ever-running mind. Those shoulders of his held the world, and never faltered.

As I approached, drowning in the shadows to better hear the lilt of his low voice, I spotted a pair of white ears upon the ground. Only thus did I realise that he was actually talking to Neko. My cat friend sat upon the ground, tail swishing gently, facing the Vice Commander with catlike nonchalance.

The night was so silent; winter had chased away insects and birds. The slight breeze that came from upper lands disturbed the few remaining leaves that desperately clung to the trees. Other than that, there was not a sound to be heard, except for his voice.

"Are cat's lives easier than humans?" he asked gently.

I froze in my tracks, allowing the low rumble to soothe me. Like thunder rolling, far away, carrying the hopes of a good rain to wash away the day's dirt. Hijikata's voice was a present to the world, especially in moments like those. Moments of peace.

His dark hair rested upon the purple hakamashita, bangs gently swaying as he observed Neko, the cat who'd made such a mess of things one day prior.

"Meow," she answered, her expression placid, but her eyes twinkling in the night.

The picture of them both under the moonlight, partaking in a conversation only psychics could possibly understand, was mesmerising. I momentarily wondered if I should turn tail; they both seemed so peaceful. I held my breath, frozen under the engawa's shadows in hopes he might not remark me.

Before all this, before being the Keeper of Time, I'd had trouble appreciating the precious moments of life. A student, hellbent on rising up in the world, living at too fast a pace to enjoy her surroundings. The occasional mountain trip with my parents were the only moments I found myself shutting my brain down to enjoy the wonders of nature. And the ocean, of course … watching the ocean was something else altogether. But without its mesmerising waves and hidden power, I found myself trapped in the swirling pace of modern life.

After all this fighting, after facing death, and dealing it, I'd learnt to enjoy the slightest bit of beauty in the world. Legolas and the elves had taught me to look for it; they marvelled at the slightest flower, in the harshest conditions as well. This teaching followed me ever since, and I found that Tristan – as a scout – was attuned to nature like no other.

The Japanese way of life, through meditation and rituals, was just another push. And despite his short temper, Hijikata was a poet at heart. Through his eyes, beauty bloomed in the most down-to-earth situations. I'd remember my whole life how his features relaxed when he took a whiff at that cup of green tea in Kondō's office, the first time he confronted me. Serenity, for only a moment…

"Meow."

Hijikata gently chuckled when Neko gave him her most pleading expression; did she expect him to nourish her?

"Don't give me those eyes," he chastised with a chuckle.

His amusement got me to smile, and I suddenly felt the urge to join him. Would he be amenable to share? The instant I stopped regulating my breath, Hijikata's head whirled around, hand flying to his hip.

"It's just me," I murmured, rounding the engawa with my supple leather boots. The moonlight greeted my face and his features softened. I moved without haste to avoid scaring Neko away, but the cat only watched my approach with a typical feline expression. One that sometimes lingered upon Okita's face when he tried to look careless.

Cheeky brat.

We all knew he was anything but.

Hijikata's eyes didn't leave me as I approached.

"May I?", I asked shyly, gesturing to his side.

He nodded, his expression unreadable as I sat. He watched me for a moment, eyes smouldering ambers in the night; somehow, it felt as if he couldn't quite believe I was here. The violet hues dancing in his gaze always threw me for a loop; they were downright impossible. My heart rate accelerated; the simple proximity of him, so close, wreaked havoc in my body.

Fukuchō or Toshizō this evening? My breaking into his private moment with the cat seemed to puzzle him; did he fear mockery? Pinned by the intensity of his gaze, I waited. Until Neko had had enough, and started crawling to us.

"Don't let me interrupt this conversation," I murmured. "I'd hate to break whatever understanding you had."

Toshizō chuckled. "Jealous, Kitsu?"

I scoffed gently, scooting closer until I could feel his warmth seeping through the multiple layers of clothes. "Hardly," was my soft response. I lifted my hand to Neko, and the cat jumped into my lap. Half surprised by the impromptu cuddle, I realised my kitty was probably cold.

Hijikata's eyebrows knitted in confusion as I started caressing the animal's fur. Soft purring broke the silence and I smiled at my temporary companion.

"We're occasional friends, we frequent the same rooftops."

"I should have guessed … you are Kitsuneko after all."

I scratched the animal behind her ears, earning a nudge from her wet muzzle.

"We understand each other, don't we, little lady?"

Meow, purr, purr, purr.

"Jealous, Toshi?"

His features morphed, eyes squinting at the corner in a mock glare that didn't fool me; Toshizō was smiling albeit his lips didn't betray him. His eyes said it all.

"You really are a cat, hanging on rooftops," he mused. "Is that where you meditate?"

Touché, how did he know? I always felt more at ease from the treetops at home; it gave me perspective, and the assurance that no one would sneak up on me. That inner sense of danger only increased as I travelled.

"Yes," I only responded. "I find my peace under the sky."

This, and being confined in the captain's quarters to avoid Shinsengumi members, it also gave another sort of freedom. From the rooftops, I could see Kyōto, watch people come and go, families tend to their business without being in the way.

For a moment, Neko's steady purr was the only noise in the silent night. I felt my body relax, taking in the beauty of this carefree moment, tucked against a man that drew me like a satellite in his orbit. Toshizō's eyes watched the surroundings, his hands hidden within his sleeves, features relaxed.

"Any progress with your sword?" he eventually asked.

Not enough. Not since I carved a hole in the roof by mistake. But I wasn't about to mention that; it would kill the mood, right?

"Slow. I manage fine enough without distractions, but in real combat…"

Given I only managed to fuel the blade whenever I found this happiness within myself, I doubted my ability to keep it flaring under an assault. The more I trained, though, the faster I managed to reach that state of exhilaration that caused it to ignite.

"Perhaps Sanan-san could help you in that regard. He's a very patient teacher, and has more control than any of us."

His low voice betrayed nothing of his thoughts, but I was startled that he would purposefully send me to the Colonel after … well. To say I respected him even more for being able to shed his jealousy aside and see the big picture. Yes, it would actually make sense to train this ability with Sanan-san since we'd have to use real blades, and someone who was privy to this secret of mine.

"Hai. I'll talk to him."

Purr, purr.

Typical catlike, Neko shuffled in my lap to reach for Hijikata's hakama. Stretching wide, the blasted animal decided to use both of us as a pillow. I shook my head, scooting closer to his thighs in hopes to keep Neko from falling in the space between us. The commander's heat engulfed me as I settled and I barely refrained a sigh of contentment. From this close, I could smell the unique fragrance of his hankimono. I closed my eyes and took a deep whiff; the air carried the typical smell of incoming snow, mingled with Hijikata's softer smell.

When the body beside me shifted aside, my heart jumped in fright – please don't go ! - but his hand gently circled my back to settle at my waist. He squeezed gently, fingers splayed on my mantle to tuck me closer.

My mind blanked; I would have purred myself if I could. Here, now, with the clear sky and his warmth engulfing me, I felt at peace. Our hands met over Neko's fur when he started petting the animal absently, earning a satisfied sigh from her. This was a perfect Zen moment, in the purest tradition.

"You know," he murmured. "You bear your nickname well. Kitsuneko."

He was so close that his breath fanned upon my cheek, dark hair caressing my skin.

"How so?", I asked, resting the top of my head against his cheekbone.

"You choose friends wherever you land, and people take you in because you are way too adorable."

I blushed deeply at the compliment. Oni no Fukuchō calling me adorable was a treat I'd relish in fifty years from now. I chuckled gently, pivoting just a notch to find his eyes.

"Even the grumpiest ones," I breathed.

Toshizō smirked this time, a seductive expression that would have stopped hearts in Shimaraba. Who knew the commander could flirt so shamelessly? The effect, though, caused my toes to curl in my boots; he was so damn handsome. The coal of his eyes was molten, a rich hue that promised a decadent night.

"It's the grumpiest ones that are the most smitten. You are very unfair to compete with, Kitsu."

Because you make it fair? I almost screamed. Fortunately, he didn't give me time to respond as his lips brushed over mine in a feather like kiss. Then, I felt his free hand lift up my chin playfully; I focused on the burning coals of his eyes with a little difficulty.

"Don't give me that look, Kitsu, we're not keeping the cat, we can't afford it."

The cat… I'd nearly forgotten Neko was still claiming our lap. Sparing her a look, I smirked.

"You mean it's not keeping us."

That amused chuckle really did something for me, and I blurted it out without a thought.

"Your voice is to die for, Toshi. I'd never heard something more beautiful."

I watched the blush creep up his cheek. My heart stopped when he grinned; it was the most beautiful, carefree smile I'd seen on his face.

Purr, purr. It beats Tristan's blasted bird, I thought.

"Will it ever move?", I wondered aloud.

Toshizō shifted aside, and I mourned the loss of his warmth.

"It will have to. Chizuru is at the window, and I'm not sure what she's seen."

Damn… I had been so lost in the depth of his eyes that I had failed at watching my back. Fortunately, Hijikata wasn't so easily caught off guard. He stood, face blank and commanding, to find the little lady observing us from the window.

"Get back to bed, Yukimura," he ordered.

"Hai!" she responded in her characteristic panicked squeak.

I gave her a reassuring look, but her eyes were glued upon the Vice Commander. Chizuru nodded once, twice, then bowed brusquely.

Blam !

Her head hit the windowsill hard enough to produce a blunt noise. Neko flew from my lap with a yowl. I was too incredulous to chase after the cat; had Chizuru really knocked herself out with an enthusiastic bow?

Given how miserably she clutching her head, it was pretty possible. A grunt of pain came as she closed the panel. Toshizō and I exchanged a look of pure puzzlement before his features softened to amused fondness. The same look one would give an unruly child; he would make a mighty father, that commander.

"I'll check on her," I told him, standing from the engawa. My butt was frozen anyway; our peaceful time was over. He nodded, eyes still wide from the absurdity of it all, then left the courtyard in direction of his room. Before he disappeared in the darkness, his voice called out to me.

"You'll join me?"

The uncertainty underlying his tone contrasted so much with his usual commanding presence that I smiled, searching his proud silhouette inside the shadows.

"As soon as I make sure her heart is still beating."

I felt, more than I saw, the nod he addressed me before silent steps took him away. With a sigh, I went to Chizuru's door and called out. The little lady muffled an expletive; I threw the sōji aside and found her upon her futon, holding her head.

"Will you be alright?", I asked. "Let me see."

She hissed when I prodded the bump upon her forehead. My hands were cold compared to her sleepy warmth, the roundness of her cheeks soft under my skin.

"You've outdone yourself, Chizuru," I whispered. She groaned, sliding inside her futon while I held the cover for her, like a child being tucked in bed by its mother. The darkness covered any flush I Was sure adorned her skin, yet I could hear the embarrassment in her voice just fine.

"It's not my fault he's so damn impressive," she stuttered.

"That he is," I confirmed with a strangled laugh. Impressive, Oni no Fukuchō, and so much more. I had pledged myself to the Shinsengumi and its commander. But more than that, my heart had opened to allow Toshizō in; he was no less beautiful, no less impressive than the Vice Commander.

"What have you seen?", I asked quietly.

A gasp.

"Etoooo."

A kiss, perhaps. Or at least, our closeness. That she might come to the right conclusion of our involvement didn't sit so well with me; could I trust her to keep the secret? Things were rapidly tearing at the seams at the moment. Would this create a greater wedge between the captains, or, on the contrary, drive them together? Make Hijikata seem more approachable?

Ugh, I suck at politics.

"Chizuru," I pressed, finding her wide, doe eyes fixed upon me in the scarce moonlight. "Hijikata-san and I have an understanding. This need to remain strictly under wraps, do you get it?"

My voice was stern, but much kinder than Hijikata's might have been in the same situation.

"Hai," she nodded warily. I stood with one last pat to her head.

"Sleep it off, Chizuru." The little lady was already dozing off, and I added in English. "Night night, see you in the morning light."

I slipped off her room an instant later, sticking to the shadows to avoid witnesses. There were no fires dancing across the rice paper walls; no lanterns to guide my steps to Toshizō's room. As per our mutual agreement to keep discreet – even though Yamazaki probably knew about us - I didn't announce my presence vocally, choosing to tap upon the shōji instead. It slid open, revealing the dark room of the Vice commander, futon laid out.

I closed the panel behind me, standing tall in front of Hijikata. He was but a breath away, still fully clothed, swords discarded for the night. In the very faint light, I barely discerned his features.

"She's alive, but she'll have a nasty bump. And she's terrified enough of you to avoid asking questions."

Toshizō pinched the bridge of his nose; I could understand his ambivalence. For years, he'd played with the Fukuchō persona to keep his men on their toes. The respect of the Shinsengumi's harsh code depended on it; some of his men had died for it. Yet, the man I knew didn't enjoy being regarded as such; he just bore it out of necessity.

"She's so young," he breathed.

I reached for his sleeves in the darkness and, upon finding the heavy cloth, grabbed his hands to gather them between mine. So cold! Dragging his hands up to tuck them between us both, I wondered aloud:

"How old are you?"

"Thirty-two."

Wow. He'd been Vice Commander for three years already, meaning he wasn't even thirty at the time he set up the code. In comparison, Aragorn had been eighty-eight at the time he became King. And Arthur more than forty, if I recalled correctly.

"That's an insane amount of responsibility for one so young," I whispered in the darkness.

"Says the Keeper of Time," he retorted with amusement.

Wait, what? Perhaps he had a point, but I wasn't about to delve into the intricacies of my part, as the Keeper of Time, compared to being a commander. Our roles were just too different.

"Right," I huffed. "Let's get to bed. You're a nice change from my old men, after all."

I was barely joking, with Legolas being five hundred something, and Stephen more than forty-five at the time I married him. Thirty-two was way younger than my usual age of interest. Actually, Fukuchō was less than five years older than me; a premiere! I heard the rustling of clothes before his arms circled me. His chest rumbled with a chuckle when he pulled me further inside the room.

"Good. You'll keep me warm."

"I've got plenty of ideas to warm you up, none of them involving alcohol."

Another rumble, then he dragged me down to the futon. It was late, too late even. But patrols always kept my adrenalin running high; time to share the leftover energy with that special someone.

I took my time, in the darkness, to undress him thoroughly. Enjoyed every second of my lips trailing upon his skin, bundling him up under the covers in an attempt to infuse some warmth into his bones. There was so little fat upon those efficient muscles; high metabolism, lots of stress and intense training would do that to a man.

I allowed my plush curves to engulf him, to share some of that insulation. Our breath mingled, followed by both of our manes before our bodies joined in bliss. I kept my mouth stubbornly shut to avoid anyone hearing us, but damn, the man could work me to completion. His shoulder would bear a bite mark for the next few days; it kept me from howling when we both tumbled over the edge.

As we lay, tangled in a mess within the warmth of his futon, I snuggled in his embrace with a sigh.

"Still cold, darling?"

If the term of endearment surprised him, he was too far gone to care.

"S'alright now," he slurred. "Arigatō, Kitsu."

I fell asleep with a foolish smile plastered upon my face.

Aren't they cute ?