Trying to Kill Each Other Doesn't Count as Flirting (or Does it?)

Chapter 24

The Yorozuya hadn't come home in days. Periodically, the Mimawarigumi would come by for questioning, asking for the whereabouts of a certain silver-haired samurai. It didn't take long for (F/N) to piece together what must have happened, and she just hoped the Yorozuya weren't in over their heads.

She did her best to push all pessimistic thoughts to the back of her mind, and focus on her job. She memorized the menu several times over, did repairs, and helped Tama with bouncer duty. All in all, the days went by quickly, but even so, (F/N) couldn't help but feel that something was missing—the sight of her friends, safe and happy, and Okita standing there by her side.

One day, she dragged herself out of bed early, and stumbled into the still-closed bar in her pajamas. Otose stood behind the counter, washing out the dirty glasses from the previous night's midnight rush. (F/N) slumped down on a bar stool, and managed to get out a mumbled plea for water before her head hit the counter.

"Long night?" Otose asked, setting a glass down in front of her.

(F/N) nodded, and took a long swig before collapsing again.

"Couldn't sleep."

Otose nodded. Footsteps sounded on the floor, and (F/N) felt something soft tap her head. She looked up, shooting the old woman a weary glare, only to find a folded sheet of paper lying on the counter in front of her.

"Someone left that for you earlier," Otose explained. "Read it. I think you'll find it interesting."

(F/N) frowned, and dubiously unfolded the paper.

What she found was not what she'd expected.

Dear (F/N)-chan,

I wanted to tell you that Gin-chan, Megane and I are definitely not teaming up with the Shinsengumi and Joui to rescue the Gorilla. Sadist is also definitely not with us.

P.S. We are definitely not going to hide out in Akihabara after carrying out the rescue on Kokujo Island.

P.P.S I definitely did not promise to keep this a secret in exchange for seven years' worth of pickled seaweed, and an apology from the Sadist.

-Kagura

(F/N) clenched her fists, nails tearing into the paper.

"That...goddamn...bastard!"

She leapt to her feet. All she wanted was to go right over there, and strangle the life out of him. She wanted to shake him until he'd confess—tell her the reason why he'd snapped at her that night, and why he'd go through so much trouble to get Kagura to keep it a secret, but then she remembered that she was at work, standing right in front of her boss, and she was not doing anything like that anytime soon.

Slowly, she sat down, and resumed sipping her water, wondering how she could possibly punish Okita from all the way at the bar. Meanwhile, Otose watched her silently, and sighed.

"You know, (F/N)-chan," she said, putting the glasses away, "the Yorozuya are still three months behind on their rent."

(F/N)'s head shot up, and she found the old woman looking at her with a conspiratorial smile.

"Go collect it for me, will you?"

(F/N) stared at her, and leapt to her feet, snapping a quick salute.

"Yes, ma'am! I won't let you down!"

Author's Note: Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and if you did, please remember to vote. Thanks!

-Marguerite Partello