Shinsengumi and Me (COMPLETED)

War

Ekō POV

"Souji?" I asked quietly behind the screen. I could hear him rustling about furiously, running back and forth between the kitchen and his room with food, tea and any money we had to spare. Sliding the screen back I stood quietly watching him.

He had changed into western garb, his swords lay polished and sparkling on the ground beside him and the water of life sat by them. "Where are you going?" I asked, feeling more like a child than I have in years. The look on his face scared me, he looked wild and deranged.

"Why did he get to live." He hissed.

"What?" I squeaked and he turn sharply to me. "Why did Toshizo Hijikata get to live and Kondo San didnt? I'm leaving." He pulled the strings on his small bag and sling it over his shoulder, replacing his swords and picking up the water of life.

"Your going to drink it aren't you."

I didn't ask, I knew he was. He is as readable as a book, "Just promise me one thing Souji?" I pulled on his sleeve as he passed me.

"Don't rush to your death okay?" I pleaded with him. My eyes welled with tears as I looked at him, knowing I'd probably never see him again. He pulled me close, leaning his chin on my head. Wrapping my arms around him, I squeezed him and he chuckled.

"Don't cry little one, I'll see you soon." He kissed my forehead and began walking away. "Goodbye Souji Okita..."

***

I sat on the decking, rolling the vial between my hands watching the red liquid slosh back and forth. I was always so terrified of furys. Yet now I want to be one. Not for me but for him.

Looking into the night sky, the colour matched Saito's hair and I sighed. "You'd never let me take this. But it's different now, your so far away and in danger all the time. If I was there and had this I could protect you. Like you protected me Saito. I may have been young but I will never forget the night you found me."

I have loved him as long as I can remember, though never as a brother or fatherly figure. He didn't seem like either of them to me. Toshi was like a father to me, Kondo San too. And then Harada, Shinpatchi and Souji were like brother and Heisuke, well he was like a brother my age. I laughed.

But Saito....I don't know. I care about him so much, I know I love him but I don't know which kind of love.

"Ekō chan?" A woman who worked at this inn said by my door. I covered the medicine quickly. "Y-yes?"

"That man you were staying with left these for you. He left a note as well."
She handed me three things and I thanked her.

Last anyone heard of Saito he was in Aizu, this is some money to get you there and for food. Die happy Ekō chan.

Souji

Crumpling the note in my hand, I prepared to leave in the morning. I'm going to Aizu.

****
"Thank you for your hospitality." I bowed at the older couple who had let me stay here. The old woman cooed at me. "Oh no problem at all dear, if you ever need anything just send word alright? Your a lovely young lady and we hope to see you again soon." The silver haired, brown eyed woman pinched my cheek, reminding me of a loving grandparent.