"OW! KA-SAN!"

"Heisuke, stay still. I'm almost done."

It was a week later and Haruka was cleaning Heisuke's head wound. It was slowly getting better but still in rough condition. Okita was sitting there in the room too, grinning.

Heisuke saw him in the corner of his eye. "What are you so happy about, Souji?"

"Just thinking about how lucky we are that Haruka is taking care of us."

Haruka tilted her head to look at Okita. "Lucky? You were just wincing in pain when I looked at your injury."

"No, I wasn't."

Haruka just sighed. "Whatever." Haruka then started to bandage Heisuke's head. "You two are gonna be fine, so long as you don't get into any fights or go on rounds."

"We really can't go on rounds?" Heisuke asked.

"If you did, and that opened up again, who would you rather be killed by, me or Hijikata-san?"

Both Heisuke and Okita looked at each other and then back at Haruka. "You." They said together. Haruka just looked at them both. "You two wouldn't be alive then."

"You'd go easy on us!" Okita smiled. "I'm a good friend of yours. And Heisuke is like a little brother to you! We'll be fine."

Haruka finished wrapping the bandages. "There. It's not too tight?"

"It's fine, Ka-san."

"Alright, that takes care of both of you."

They then heard laughter coming from the common room. "Huh. Wonder what's going on over there." Okita said as he stood up.

Heisuke followed Okita's lead. "Only one way to find out."

They both left the room while Haruka cleaned things up. "I see. Get treated by me and not even offer to clean up?" She sighed and cleaned up everything, making sure things were in their proper place. "…But now I'm curious about the cheerful mood over there…"

She walked out of the room, closing the door and headed to the common room. She could hear a lot of cheerful commotion. She opened the door and her eyes widened.

"Hachiro..?"

Everyone was in a little group in the middle of the room. They turned to the door and in the middle was a familiar face. His face lit up. "Shinomi-san! So you were here after all!"

"You two know each other?" Nagakura asked.

"Of course they do." Harada said. "They're both Okuzume's, right?"

Hijikata looked over at Haruka. "I didn't know you worked with him, Shinomi."

Haruka walked into the room, crossing her arms, standing next to Chizuru. "I wouldn't say we work together. I did train him though."

Heisuke looked excited about that. "Wait, you trained him!?"

"Not in sword fighting. Pretty sure he had enough of that with the dojo."

"Then what did you teach him?"

Haruka thought for a moment. "How to handle officials. Well, probably people in general."

"Honestly, after a few months, I understood why you looked scary most of the time." Iba said, with a smile.

"…It's comments like that that make me regret ever agreeing to taking you and Motoyama along."

"We did get into some trouble, didn't we?"

Haruka just stared at him, a bit irritated. "We? You two idiots were the ones who disobeyed orders!"

Okita just looked over at Iba. "Ooh? So even Iba-san can disregard orders?"

Iba waved his hands in front of his body. "It's just…we were curious about what she was doing!"

"Did something happen?" Saito asked.

"I might have had a cut on my arm but nothing major." Haruka said. "Otherwise, we'd have a dead Hachiro."

Iba gave a nervous laugh. "So you're still mad about that, Shinomi-san?"

"Still waiting on the Dorayaki you promised."

Iba then had a realization. "Oh yeah. Actually, I have something for you." Iba reached into his kimono and handed Haruka a letter. "This is for you."

"Hm? A letter? Is it from Takeko?" Haruka took it and opened it up. Chizuru looked over Haruka's shoulder to look at the letter with Haruka.

"No, it's from-"

"He didn't really send this with you did he…?"

"W-Well…"

"What's it say, Ka-san?" Heisuke asked.

"Western party..?" Chizuru mumbled out.

"Western party?" Harada repeated.

"I'm going to kill Otori the next time I see him…" Hatuka said.

"Were you called to protect a Western Party, Shinomi-kun?" Sanan asked.

"No. I was invited. I can even bring an escort if I want." Haruka gave a heavy sigh. "How many more of these do I have to reject…"

"Why not just go?" Hijikata asked. "If you go to one, he'd probably then stop inviting you."

Haruka then looked over at him. "One. Otori has a bit of a fascination with westerners. Two. I have to dress up in western clothing. And three. If you suggest it, I'm forcing you to come."

Hijikata jerked back in surprise. "Why me!? Take Souji. Hell, take Iba!"

"I won't be here in Kyoto long I'm afraid." Iba said.

Okita just crossed his arms. "Ka-san has a point. You suggested it, Hijikata-san, might as well be her escort."

"Wait, that means Hijikata would have to dress up too, right?" Harada said.

Chizuru looked over at Hijikata. "Hijikata-san would be wearing western clothes?" Once Chizuru said that, everyone pretty much looked at Hijikata, thinking what their vice commander would look like in those foreign clothes.

That pissed him off though. "Would you quit staring at me!?" He yelled.

Shota then popped his head in the door. "Something happened?"

"Oh, Shota." Haruka said as she turned over to him. "Asleep on the roof again?"

"Yeah. I can usually sleep through Hijikata's yelling but I felt this time was different." Shota then met with Iba's eyes. "Oh! Iba-san is here!"

"It's been a long time, Sasaki-san." Then he tilted his head a little. "But you're usually in the shadows, are you not?"

Shota scratches the back of his head."Ah ha..Well, things happened and I had to reveal myself."

"Shota."

"Yeah, Haruka-nee?"

"Come with me for a second."

Haruka dragged Shota out of the room by his arm. "S-sure!?" When they were out of earshot, Haruka spoke to him quietly. "Can you find a "Western Fashion" tailor?"

"Huh? What for?" Haruka just handed him the letter for him to read. "Oooh. I see. That type, huh? Wait, are you going alone?"

"A certain vice commander decided I should go so Keisuke would stop sending me invitations."

Shota blinked and then tried to imagine Hijikata in a western outfit. "He actually might look nice…? But don't worry, Haruka-nee! I know just the person."

"Good. Setup measurements for tomorrow, would you?"

"On it!" Shota then went on his way. Haruka made her way back to the common room. "Hijikata-san?"

"Hm?"

She just shot him a smile. "Tomorrow we are set for measurements."

There was silence in the room.

"WHAT!?"

Evening had come and it was time for Iba to leave. Iba, Haruka, Hijikata and Chizuru were walking towards the entrance. Iba looked over at Haruka curiously. "Why didn't you tell me she was here?" He asked.

She tilted her head over to him. "You would have come running."

"Ah..I wouldn't…"

"Hmm..Really? So if I sent a letter saying I'm protecting Chizuru in Kyoto, would you not have dropped your assignment and come here?" Haruka smirked at him.

Iba just gave a nervous laugh. "Well…I suppose I would if I didn't already know she was here."

I nod. "I know."

Hijikata looked back. "Wait, you knew that he was the one that helped Yukimura and didn't say anything?"

"Shota told me what happened. Besides, I didn't know you guys knew Hachiro, so what would have been the point in telling you."

Hijikata sighed as they all exited the building to the entrance. "Guess you have a point."

"When I return to Edo, I'll ask around about Kodo-san." Iba said.

"Just make sure the wrong people don't hear about it."

Haruka just looked at them both. "I'm sure Hachiro is capable of keeping things secret." Iba smiled at her, knowing that she had put faith in him. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone." He said.

They then heard barking heading their way. It was Shimu who was coming back from rounds with the division he left with for the day. The division on the day rounds was the 5th division and Shimu had picked Takeda as the person he would spend the day with. It surprised everyone that Shimu would pick him but Takeda had been seen being nice to the dog from time to time with pets and snacks.

Shimu ran up to Iba and barked at him. Iba bent down to pat his head. "Seems I do get to see you before I leave after all, Shimu." Shimu just wagged his tail excitedly. As the soldiers of the 5th division passed them and went inside, Takeda came over looking ever so more upset than usual.

"You…" He said, staring at Iba. "You're that bastard from the other day. What the hell are you doing here?"

Iba stood back up with a neutral expression. "I'm not sure what you are talking about. I don't believe we've ever met."

Takeda's face turned more upset. "Do not mock me! Name yourself!"

Iba sighed. "I'm an Okuzume, protector of the Shogun and his allies: Hachiro Iba."

"Iba…As in Iba dojo? And on top of that…an Okuzume…" Takeda said a bit nervously.

"I came to Kyoto on official business. I came here to stop by and visit my friends from Shiei hall."

Takeda gritted his teeth. "I don't believe you! You came here to spread lies about the other day!"

Haruka crossed her arms and glared at the tall man. "Takeda! Enough! I'm not letting you talk like that to a subordinate of mine!"

Takeda looked a little stunned. "Then he.."

Haruka stepped closer to him. "Yes. He is an Okuzume just like me. I trained him personally." Her eyes narrowed at him. "Now…What was that about spreading lies?"

Takeda looked at the group in front of him. Hijikata looked disinterested as this wasn't something he should deal with. Chizuru had backed away in case something happened. He tried to recompose himself and straightened up.

"It doesn't matter." He said. "It's over with. If you'll excuse me…I have a daily report to write.." Takeda walked past Iba and Haruka into Yagi. The four of them watched as he disappeared from sight.

Iba looked over at Haruka. "Subordinate?"

Haruka grinned. "It's not a lie if I've been doing this longer and trained you."

Iba chuckled. "At least I know you have my back."

Hijikata looked at them both with a smirk. "Seems you've become best friends already. I'm a little hurt."

Haruka looked at him deadpanned. "What the hell is that supposed to mean…"

Iba just smiled. "I don't think we're best friends, Toshi. But we are at least good friends, right?"

Hijikata's smirk turned into a playful smile. "I'm not sure about that. Yukimura, what do you think?"

"H-huh?" Chizuru blinked and looked at the two Okuzume. "I..think they are good friends."

Hijikata heard her response and chuckled. "Hm. If that's how you see it, then it's probably true."

"By the way, Toshi, who was that?"

Hijikata sighed. "That was Kanryuusai Takeda, Captain of the 5th division. I guess he seems to make trouble with all Okuzumes." His eyes looked over at Haruka.

"He starts most of those fights." Haruka said. "He doesn't know when to keep his damn mouth shut."

"I'll be sure he doesn't bother you anymore." Hijikata told Iba. Haruka just gave him a look as he didn't promise her that. Seems the Vice commander is playing favorites.

Iba shook his head. "It's fine but…" He glanced over at Chizuru. "He didn't know she was there. If he finds out, it won't end well.."

"Don't worry, Hachiro." Haruka said. "She's under my protection. Takeda won't do anything to her."

Iba nodded. "Then I'm counting on you and Toshi to protect her." Haruka nodded her head in agreement. Iba's attention then fell on Chizuru. "I have to get going now, but I promise I'll drop by again soon."

"Oh..Alright." Chizuru said.

"Hachiro, I'll walk you out." Haruka said. Iba nodded and the two of them left the Yagi residence together, making their way to the main street of Kyoto.

"So, he's really missing?" Iba asked.

"Yes…but that's probably the least of my problems at the moment."

Iba raised an eyebrow. "What don't I know?"

"You know Souji and Heisuke both got hurt by strong opponents, right?"

"Yes. It's really odd…Especially with Okita being defeated like that.."

"It's not that odd.."

"What are you saying, Shinomi-san?"

Haruka glanced over. "I think my kind were involved. I'm not sure in what capacity though…"

Iba stopped in his tracks. "Is it connected to Kodo?"

"Honestly, from the description Heisuke gave me of who he faced, and the one I saw that night…I'm not sure..I know who they are but their reason for being there is just a guess."

Iba frowned, worried. "Will she be alright?"

Haruka gave him a small smile. "Don't worry. Even if I'm not there, Shota is. Even vice versa. I promise." Iba nodded his head as they continued towards one of the roads that lead out of Kyoto.

"Why the hell do I have to go with you…"

Hijikata and Haruka were walking down a Kyoto street to reach the store where they were to meet a tailor. Haruka was walking slightly ahead of him as she knew where to go.

"Then you shouldn't have suggested it."

Hijikata sighed. "I wasn't being serious. Can't you just go alone?"

Haruka stopped and looked back at him. "I…would feel better if you did come with me."

"Huh?"

Haruka turned to look at him and gave him a sort of nervous smile. "I don't usually go to these things because opinions about foreigners and their placement here are brought up."

Haruka then held her hands behind her back and looked to her side. "My opinion…is probably controversial. And yet, if I'm there, people keep asking for my opinion. Resulting in a fight most of the time."

Hijikata tilted his head a bit. "And you're saying if you go alone, things might escalate."

"I think Otori wanted me to bring an escort for protection. Or have fun somehow with them. He did usually say "You should have more fun, Haruka-chan!"" Haruka sighed, lowering her hands. "I'm now starting to regret this. Maybe we should go back."

Hijikata then moved towards her and grabbed her hand, taking her with him as they continued down the Kyoto street. "H-Hey! Hijikata-san!"

"We're going."

"Huh!? Weren't you just completely against this?"

"Maybe I had a change of heart."

"Change of heart!?"

Hijikata looked back at her a little before looking back towards where he was headed. "Just keep walking." Haruka just blinked. She was confused on how Hijikata was acting, as she's never seen him act like this before.

They stopped at the shot they were looking for. "This it?" Hijikata asked. Haruka just moved her hand away from his. "Yeah this is it. Come on."

As they entered, they heard a friendly female voice. "Ah! Welcome!" She had long dark blueish black hair in a braid and blueish purple eyes. Her kimono was a dark pink with a cloud pattern. "Ah, Haruka-sama, so it was you who scheduled a measurement!"

"You know them?" Hijikata looked at Haruka.

"It's not like it's my first time in Kyoto. It's been a couple years but the last time I was here my kimono sleeve ripped and it was the only one opened at the time."

The woman nodded her head. "Yes, and then I sold you that green kimono you had your eye on."

"I can't deny that it was beautiful, Zuika-san."

"So, I'm guessing I am going to measure this handsome man then?"

Haruka looked over at him for a second before nodding. "Yes. This is Toshizou Hijikata. Vice commander of the Shinsengumi."

"Oh? Going with such a high ranking man to a western party? This is surprising, Haruka-sama. Just as surprising as you going to one."

"I…Just wanted to accept my friend's invitation for once.."

Zuika nodded her head. "Well then, Hijikata-san, if you will please come with me, I can start measuring you."

"Ah, right." He looked over at Haruka. "Guess you'll stay here."

"Don't worry. She already has my measurements. Though please don't make my dress ridiculously puffy.."

Zuika smiled. "Yes, yes. It will suit you to your tastes." Zuika then led Hijikata to a room in the back. Haruka sat down on a bench inside and sighed.

"Don't go overboard, Zuika…" She said to herself as she looked at the door that led to the back room. In that room, Zuika was gathering things like paper and ink, along with tools for measurements.

"May I ask how you and Haruka-sama met?"

"We're just…Working together."

"Oh? Just working together?"

Hijikata crossed his arms. "There's nothing more there. I'm just going as an escort."

"Ah, protecting our fair Okuzume then?"

"She brought up that there's been problems before when she attends parties. And since she's helped us..What kind of Vice Commander would I be if I didn't repay her?"

Zuika smiled. "I see." She then turned to him. "Alright, I'll just take your measurements and you can be on your way."

Haruka gazed out the door outside as people passed by. She was leaning on her hand that was propped on her knee. "She sure is taking her sweet time…" Haruka then heard some commotion going on outside. "Huh.." She got up and took a look outside.

There was a group of Shinsengumi and a group of ronin. "Oh..So a fight..Who was on rounds today..? Actually, I think Hijikata-san was supposed to be but switched with Tani..But he's on the north side and I think Matsubara was able to switch today's day shift with…"

A ronin was pushed to the ground by a large figure. "Takeda.." Haruka said. Takeda was known for being tall and brudish at times. His hair was unmistakable with how long it is. She was surprised he was able to maintain it all. A couple of his men went to arrest the one that fell but the rest of the ronin were putting up a fight.

"One of you, keep him to the side!" He ordered. One stayed and the other rejoined the fight. She was a little impressed, despite his usual demeanor, he was good at coordinating and strategy. Guess his skills are actually useful for something. It didn't take long , however, for the leader of that group to break away and run straight at her.

Haruka, caught a little off guard, was now held hostage. "Release them and she won't have a slit throat!" Takeda had looked up and saw who the leader ronin had in his hands. "Shinomi!"

"This really isn't how I saw my day going.." Haruka said.

"Shut up!" The ronin shouted.

Haruka was starting to get pissed off. "Okay, you picked the wrong woman as a captive…"

"What are you- OW!" Haruka stepped on his foot with force before elbowing him and escaping his grasp. She then got behind him and kicked him in the back so he fell on the ground. She looked over at Takeda.

"Gonna arrest him or what?" Haruka asked him, letting her Ezo accent come through. Takeda was taken aback as he heard her. Haruka though wasn't having it. "Did ya hear me? Takeda!"

Takeda snapped out of his thoughts and looked over at a nearby member. "You! Arrest him!"

"Y-Yes, captain!" The soldier quickly went over and arrested the lead ronin. People around them were talking more about Haruka than the Shinsengumi taking care of the got under Takeda's skin.

"What's going on?" Takeda heard Hijikata's voice from the shop and saw him appear next to Haruka the next.

"Just some ronin causing trouble." Haruka motioned to Takeda. "They handled it."

Hijikata looked over at Takeda. He was skeptical that Takeda actually made the arrest, having heard Haruka shout moments before. Besides that, there was the earlier event that happened at the teashop he left Chizuru at when he had to attend something. But for now, he'd have to take Haruka's word for it.

"Takeda. Good job, take them back to headquarters." Hijikata said.

"Right. You all heard him. Let's head back!" Takeda ordered. The men started to march away, Takeda followed them at the back after he gave a pissed look at Haruka. She just handed that arrest to him, getting under his skin even more.

When they left, Hijikata turned to Haruka. "Was that really you yelling?"

Haruka raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Why?"

"You sounded like you had an accent."

Haruka blinked, realizing what she did. "Ah…I guess it slipped out."

Hijikata smirked. "Can't keep your regalness in check when you're pissed, huh? I thought you were the best at that."

Haruka just rolled her eyes. "Did you finish getting measured?"

"Yeah. That friend of yours is really chatty, you know that?"

"Oh, believe me, I know. But you're going to meet someone more chatty." Haruka then started to move in the direction of Yagi. "Come on, let's go."

Hijikata looked surprised. "More..chatty?" He then followed her. "Hey, what do you mean more chatty?"

"You'll see."

"Hey! Shinomi!"

"You'll see!"

The day of the party arrived as the sky barely turned into evening, Hijikata was looking at himself in the mirror. It felt a bit off to tie his hair lower but he figured it would look better with his attire. A white shirt with a dark amethyst purple waistcoat, black tailcoat, black pants and shoes. He went to adjust the cuff of his tailcoat when he noticed something on them. It was his family crest sewn into them.

"Hm. She doesn't miss a detail does she?"He looked back at the mirror and tilted his head. "It's a little tight, but I'll just have to deal with it for one night." Making his way over to the door of his room, he exited and started to make his way to the entrance of Yagi.

But it wasn't long till he saw the others there waiting for him. There were faces with smirks or smiles when they saw him. "Hijikata-san actually looks nice for once." Okita said.

Hijikata's eye twitched. "That's the first thing you say?"

Okita just smiled and crossed his arms. "What? It's a genuine compliment."

Kondou just nodded his head. "You do look nice, Toshi."

"How does it feel?" Heisuke asked. "Is it hard to move in?"

"Actually, it's fine. Just a little tight."

Harada spoke up. "Still…western fashion is like that in general isn't it?"

Shota nodded. "Pretty much. Well, at least for men I think. What Hijikata-san is wearing is a formal version of it. Though, I think if one was to wear all black it's more of a wedding attire?"

"Eh? Wedding? Then why don't we just marry Haruka-chan and Hijikata-san then?" Nagakura joked.

"Watch it, Shinpachi." Hijikata warned.

Shota gave a nervous laugh. "I don't think that would be easy."

"I believe the bride would have been wearing a white dress, no, Sasaki-kun?" Sanan said.

Shota looked surprised. "Yeah, actually. Did you read that somewhere?"

Sanan just gave a small smile. "I was curious ever since the party was brought up. I thought it wouldn't hurt to learn a little bit."

Hijikata then noticed someone was missing. "Where's Yukimura?"

"Ah, she's helping Shinomi-kun." Gen said.

"I guess her's was more complicated than mine."

"What's more complicated?" They all turned to the voice they heard. Haruka had appeared with Chizuru following behind her with Shimu. Haruka was wearing a cerulean blue evening dress, a fitted bodice with off the shoulders sleeves, and a long skirt almost reaching the ground if not for the white slippers she was wearing with a slight heel.

Her hair was in a bun, an old wooden comb in her hair etched with drawings of Lilies of the valley, and a hairpin with a Cherry Blossom design on one end and strands of jeweled Wisteria on the other. Wisps of hair not in the bun framed her face which had her usual blue eye makeup and now red lips and blushed cheeks.

The men look taken aback at her appearance. They were silent which made Haruka a bit nervous. "Hey…Are you all alright?" They all snapped out of it by either looking away or coughing. Heisuke was the first one to respond. "Ka-san..You look really pretty."

"Pretty?" Harada said. "She's beautiful."

"Hijikata-san, wanna switch places?" Nagakura said.

Hijikata just sighed. "First, you didn't offer to go with her. Now, just because Shinomi is dressed up, you want to? Give me a break…"

Haruka smiled. "I appreciate the comments but…Hijikata-san, should we get going?"

Hijikata looked at her and nodded. "Yeah. Let's go." Haruka walked past him, exiting the Yagi residence. Shota tapped Hijikata on the shoulder and whispered something to him. He nodded and followed Haruka. They made their way to where the party was being held, close to the outskirts of Kyoto. Hijikata cleared his throat, making Haruka look over at him. He held his arm out at her, making her question him for a second, before accepting and taking his arm in hers.

"Surprised you knew this." Haruka said.

"Might have had a little help." Hijikata said.

"At least you learned a little bit."

They walked in silence for a little bit before Hijikata spoke up. "Look, if you start feeling uncomfortable, tell me."

"Hm?"

"You said you hate going to these things. So I'm willing to leave early if you feel that way."

"How gentlemanly of you, Hijikata-san."

"Hmph." Hijikata grinned. "I have manners, you know."

"Then don't let that temper of yours rise up tonight."

"We'll see."

They look good as a couple to my eyes. I wonder where this will go? As they arrived at the building, someone was greeting a guest as they went inside. The greeter noticed them and his eyes lit up.

"Haruka-chan! You actually came!" He said.

Haruka just gave a strained smile. "I was convinced, Keisuke. But please don't send any more invites after this."

"I promise not to!" He then looked over at Hijikata. "And you are..?"

Haruka glanced over at Hijikata. "This is Toshizou Hijikata, vice commander of the Shinsengumi. And this is Keisuke Otori, an expert on western military strategy and I believe the commander of Denshu Company now, right?"

"Yes. That's right. I suppose you've been keeping an eye on me, Haruka-chan?"

"If I don't, I don't know who will, Keisuke."

Otori smiled and extended his hand towards Hijikata. Hijikata just raised an eyebrow. "Ah.." Otori realized his mistake. "I got ahead of myself didn't I?"

"No..I just forgot to teach him."

"Teach me what?"

"Basic western customs. For instance.." Haruka took Otori's hand into hers and shook it. "This is a hand shake, a greeting when you meet with someone. It can also be used as goodbye in some cases."

Haruka let go of Otori's hand and held it out for Hijikata still. Reluctantly, Hijikata followed Haruka's lead and shook his hand. Otori looked happy. "It's nice to meet you, Hijikata-kun."

"Kun..?" Hijikata repeated.

"Keisuke is older than you despite how he looks."

"What?" Hijikata looked at the smiling shorter man, feeling a bit unnerved.

"Still.." Otori started as he let go of Hijikata's hand. "A member of the Shinsengumi here! I've heard of your victory at Ikeda! I was quite impressed for a small group."

Haruka cleared her throat. "Keisuke? Shouldn't we go inside?"

Otori jumped a little bit. "Ah! Yes! Please follow me!" He led the two into the building. It was decorated brightly inside, with lit oil lamps on the walls and a candle chandelier. The room was filled with men and women, holding glasses filled with wine. Music being played on a piano. Hijikata looked around, he felt out of place but when he looked at Haruka, she looked like she belonged.

Haruka caught wind of his stare and tilted her head. "Feeling out of place?"

"What? No.." Hijikata sighed. "It's just a lot to take in."

Haruka grinned. "My, even the vice commander, can get unnerved."

"Don't push it.."

They followed Otori who handed them wine glasses. "Here. Enjoy yourselves." He gave them both a friendly smile. "You don't have to talk with anyone. I just want you to relax. Okay?"

"I'll try, Keisuke. Doesn't mean I will."

He nodded his head at her and then left to check on the other guests. Haruka had caught the attention of a passing man who bowed at her. In return, she curtsied. The man then went on his way and she returned to her normal position.

"Let me guess, another kind of greeting?"

"You catch on quick." Haruka took a sip of her wine. "Well, if we are going to be by ourselves in the corner, why don't you ask me something."

Hijikata just looked on into the crowd of people. "Do I have limits on that?"

"Hm…No. Otori did say to enjoy ourselves, so I won't put any restrictions."

"Okay, then how long have you known Otori-san?"

"Hmm. Probably since I was 10. He would have been…15."

"Really?"

"My father had some business in Edo, and I may have begged him to take me along instead of staying home. That's when I met him. My father asked him to look after me while he went into a meeting. And he taught me some western things he learned at the time. Apparently, he was just visiting Edo while on break from studying."

"So he isn't just some kid then."

She smiled. "He may look and act like it but he's certainly clever. Though sometimes I think he lacks confidence."

Hijikata nodded and They sat in silence for a while. "The other day you were playing with a woman. Just after you arrived here. Was she a friend?"

"Yes, she's a friend. She actually works in Shimabara."

"Eh? You have friends like that?"

I looked at him deadpanned. "Most of those officials think I'm male. So guess where they often have their meetings."

Hijikata just cleared his throat. "Ah…I guess you're right. Your family name doesn't exactly reveal you're a woman."

"Right. Well, I've made friends with one here in Kyoto. Mostly because the last time I was here it was…troublesome. So I paid for the damages and gave money to her for the trouble I caused."

"And the official?"

"I think he's dead." She smirked.

Hijikata chuckled and took a sip of his wine. "You don't keep track, huh? A bit harsh, isn't it?"

"Their souls are released back into life anyway, all I can do is wish for them to live a better life in the future."

"You do the same for Serizawa-san?"

Haruka was silent for a bit before shaking her head. "I've seen many men like him. Doesn't mean they don't deserve something better."

Hijikata looked over at her. "Suppose that is true.."

"What about you, Hijikata-san? You were a peddler and joined Shiei. Anything else I should know?"

"I have a worrisome older sister."

"Ooh. So you're a younger brother."

"The youngest of 10 to a farming family."

Haruka blinked. "T-Ten?"

"Surprised?"

"Ten is a lot of children…I don't think any families in my clan have had more than four in recorded history…" Haruka said as she pondered.

Hijikata raised an eyebrow. "Is having that many children actually impressive?"

Ah, Hijikata-san, if only you knew. Of course having 10 children as a human family is impressive. I only managed three, and this one here has none yet. Haruka took another sip of her wine.

"Honestly, yes. Did you all get along?"

Hijikata looked down at his drink. "Things get complicated with a family that big."

"…Sorry. You don't have to talk about it. Ah, what about how you learned to fight? Did you learn it at Shiei?"

Hijikata looked over at her. "Hey, I'm not a kid. I can talk about anything."

She looked at him with a small smile. "..You say that. But you have a look in your eyes that says otherwise." She then sighed. "So, did you start training at Shiei or..?"

Hijikata then gave a small smirk. "I trained by myself for a long time. One day, I just decided to practice it when I wasn't peddling. Eventually, I met Kondou-san. And every now and again, I'd practice at the Dojo."

"And then you joined them?"

"Kondou-san had a dream I wanted to make come true. And I guess we've come farther than we thought all those years ago."

She nodded her head a bit before drinking again. "A simple dream on paper but a giant pain to reach. I say…You're doing fine so far."

"Coming from you, I don't know if that's a compliment or an insult." He joked.

She looked at him deadpanned. "Hey, Hey…Take it as a compliment, I'm not after the Shinsengumi."

They seem to be getting along as they chat for a few more minutes. Otori made his way back to them. "Oh! It seems you two are enjoying yourselves."

"Oh, Keisuke."

"Haruka-chan, I have a question for you."

She tilted her head. "Eh?"

He smiled and held his hand out. "May you dance with me?" Hijikata and Haruka stared at him for a second. She just sighed and took his hand. "One dance. Because you are never sending me an invitation again. Got it?"

Otori's eyes lit up and he had a grin. "I promise!" He took the wine glass from her and set it down nearby before leading her into a clearing. Hijikata just watched them walk away. Music had started playing and people started to dance together in pairs. Most of them were couples, few friends. The dance was specific, I couldn't tell what it was but with the beautiful dresses it looked wonderful.

Otori's eyes looked bright, his face was absolutely delighted. My dear child however wasn't showing her emotions much. She was slightly smiling but maybe she was disinterested or concentrating on the dance. And I wasn't the only one to notice. Hijikata was watching them dance as well. Surely, he noticed the difference between the two.

The music ended along with the dance. The pairs bowed at one another as they separated. Haruka and Otori came back over to Hijikata. "Had fun?" He asked.

"It wasn't bad. It had been a while since I danced." Haruka said.

Otori just shook his head. "You did just fine, Haruka-chan." He then looked over at Hijikata. "Would you like to try with her?"

"I think I'm fine."

"Ah. That's alright. Oh! But I do have some questions for you!"

"Here he goes." Haruka said as she walked away. "Have fun, Hijikata-san."

"Hey! Don't leave me!" He shouted at Haruka as she left him with Otori. "Shinomi!"

At some point, the topic of foreigners started to spread among the guests. A topic Haruka dreaded most at these things. She had returned back to Hijikata's side with a dreadful look.

"What's with that look?" He asked.

"They started talking about foreigners…"

"Ah. We can leave if you want?"

"..I can stay a bit longer. For Otori."

Hijikata was a bit surprised at her response but he didn't argue it. People kept talking about the subject, louder and louder. Sooner or later, a fight might break out. I wasn't sure if it was due to tight tensions or drunken rage.

"Enough!" One man said. "Why don't we ask someone who was there when the black ships came!"

"Hm." Another man nodded his head. They looked around the room before landing eyes on Haruka. "Shinomi-sama. Can you please tell us your opinion?"

"Mine? That's..not really necessary." She said, Otori hearing Haruka call on, from across the room, started to make his way over.

"Please. You witnessed it, didn't you? Surely, you must have some opinions on this." A woman said.

Hijikata looked over at Haruka. "You don't have to answer them you know.."

Haruka looked at him for a second before more people started to ask her again for her opinion. She sighed. "Okay..Well.." She took a second to form her answer.

"What happened after that day I think was the right choice to make. I can only imagine the other outcome if we did not open. This land would have probably been razed to the ground. I don't think it would be that bad working together with them."

Many of the people murmured amongst themselves. Some agreed. Some disagree. But it didn't seem like there was going to be anymore of a ruckus about it. Until..

"What the hell do you know!" Was shouted from one man who made himself into the center of the room. "Even if you are the Shogun's Demon, you can't predict what they will do!"

Haruka's eyes narrowed a bit. "Predicting something obvious will do nothing. But the outcomes were clear that day. We either make a treaty with them or face a war we cannot win. We already trade with the Dutch. I see no difference."

"And you think a flimsy treaty will work? Ha!"

"A treaty has worked for my people for well over 200 years. Maybe even longer than that. And for breaking that treaty, there are reasonable punishments. It makes things fair."

"Enough!" The man suddenly threw the glass he held at Haruka. Her eyes widened as it happened suddenly but it didn't hit her. There was the sound of glass breaking, but in front of her was a hand, bleeding.

She looked up and saw Hijikata in front of her. He had that cold pissed off look on his face. "Hey. You all asked for her opinion. But I don't remember throwing things at people being a part of that."

"Who the hell are you!"

"Shinsengumi Vice Commander, Hijikata Toshizou."

The room got a little tense at that.

"A Mibu Wolf? Here?"

"What the hell is he doing here?"

"Is he her protector?"

"Why choose a Mibu wolf? Surely, there were others more qualified…"

Hijikata just left out a huff of air before grabbing Haruka's wrist with his left hand. "We're going." Haruka didn't say a word as he dragged her towards the exit.

"Hijikata-san.." She said, with no reply with him as they exited.

"Hijikata-san."

"…"

"Hijikata!"

He stopped when they were a ways down the street and looked back at her. Haruka pulled her arm away from his hand and took out a handkerchief. "Give me your hand."

"My hand?"

"You're bleeding."

He looked down at his right hand and back at her. "This is nothing. Let's go." He turned to walk away when Haruka grabbed his arm and turned him around. He had a surprised look on his face as she started to clean and bandaged his hand with the handkerchief.

"Nothing, huh? Don't be an idiot after blocking something from hitting me." She scolded him without looking at him, tying up the now bloodied handkerchief tight.

Hijikata just watched her in silence as she did. When she was finished she looked up at him. "…Thanks. For doing that, and getting me out of there.." Haruka said before moving ahead of him before stopping and looking back at him.

Hijikata just followed her with his eyes before sighing a bit before catching up with her and headed back to Yagi. "Did you really thank me like that?"

"Hm? Would you rather I didn't?"

Hijikata smirked. "No. But I didn't think I'd get such a sincere thanks from you."

"H-Hey! Why are you making this weird!"

"Weird? You started it."

"Ahh..Whatever. Just take it and stop teasing me."

"Oh? So you think I'm teasing you."

Haruka just shot him an annoying glance. "Quit it or I will take my handkerchief back and you can bleed!"

Near the Yagi entrance was Shota and Chizuru. Shimu was at Chizuru's feet laying down as they talked. They heard footsteps heading their way and when they turned they saw Haruka and Hijikata.

"Ane-san! Hijikata-san! You're back!" Chizuru said.

Shota tilted his head. "You two are back early. Did something happen?"

"Well.." Haruka started.

"Things got heated. So we left." Hijikata said.

Haruka looked over at Chizuru. "Chizuru? Do you think you could look at Hijikata's hand?"

"His hand?" Both Chizuru and Shota looked down at his right hand and saw it was bloodied. Their eyes widened and then looked up at Hijikata. "Did a fight happen?" Shota asked.

"Someone threw a glass at Shinomi. I blocked it but it broke and cut my hand. It's really nothing more than that."

Haruka gave him an annoyed look. "Just let her take care of it. I'm not a doctor in anysense." Haruka then walked into the headquarters with Shota quickly following her. Shimu lifted his head up before following as well.

Hijikata just sighed. "She's stubborn…"

"U-Um…I think Ane-san is just worried about you." Chizuru said.

He looked over at her, giving into a small smile. "I know. But I can take care of myself."

"Can I..still look at it? I-I want to make sure it's not going to get infected."

Hijikata just nodded his head. "Fine. I don't want to deal with Shinomi's page scolding me too."

"I wouldn't-"

"Relax, Yukimura. I know you're also worried."

Chizuru slowly nodded her head. "I will do my best to make sure it doesn't get infected."

"Haruka-chan. I have to apologize for last night..I couldn't stop that man or the argument."

Otori was bowing to Haruka at the entrance to Yagi as he came by early in the morning. Chizuru was looking from the doorway as she was asked to bring her to the entrance. She was curious about the man in the western outfit.

Haruka sighed. "Keisuke. Enough."

Otori straightened himself up. "No. It's not enough. I was the host and I didn't do enough that tensions got too high. And it was a topic I was trying to stop from being spoken about in your presence."

"Keisuke, I doubt you could have stopped everything from happening. I'm not hurt or anything."

"Then…Is Hijikata-kun around? I would like to apologize to him as well."

"Sorry, but he left on business and won't be back till the afternoon. He left me with all his paperwork…"

"I-I see…Wait, paperwork?"

Haruka shrugged. "I have more power to deny things than him. Plus…it's a giant pile of requests and orders. He rarely goes to bed at night."

"Ah. I see. That's nice of you, Haruka-san."

"It's just a way to waste some time for me when I don't have a lead."

Otori nodded his head and then handed Haruka a bundle. "Here. They're some Dango. I thought you could share some with everybody."

Haruka took the bundle in her hands. "Thanks, Keisuke. I'm sure everyone will enjoy these."

Otori then took a glance at the doorway. "Hm? Is she part of the Shinsengumi?" Chizuru froze in place when she was called out. Hell, he even got her gender correct. Haruka motioned for Chizuru to come to her side.

"Shh. Their gender is hidden, Keisuke."

"Oh! I'm sorry!"

Chizuru shook her head. "It's alright..um.."

"Keisuke Otori."

"Ah, I'm Chizuru Yukimura. It's nice to meet you, Otori-san."

Otori's eyes widened a bit as Haruka cleared her throat and spoke up. "He is my page and under my protection. So I would appreciate it if you didn't go telling about their whereabouts."

Otori nodded his head. "Ah, I understand. Don't worry, their secret is safe with me." He then turned to Chizuru. "Please enjoy the Dango as well. There's plenty in there for a few people."

Haruka grinned. "Well, I appreciate this, Keisuke. I'll make sure to save some for Hijikata-san and pass your message along."

"Thank you, Haruka-chan. Well, I best be on my way. I'll see you another day." Otori made his way out of Yagi as Haruka and Chizuru watched him leave before entering back into the compound.