Among the Wolves [Hakuouki]

Chapter 27

By the time everyone left for the Shimabara, nighttime had fallen upon the city of Kyoto. It remained as lively as ever as people bustled about, enjoying dangos and snacks or going on about their own business.

The Roshigumi made their way into the Shimabara. Beautiful Geishas and Maikos walked around elegantly, dressed up in the richest of silks to draw in men and customers.

Rin walked close to Souji and Saito, dragging herself along. Her body remained stiff and alert as she kept glancing around uneasily.

Every time a Geisha or a Maiko walked by, Rin would edge away from them and walk closer to Souji or Saito, instinctively grabbing their arm every now and then. The girl's discomfort didn't go unnoticed by the two men.

"What's wrong, Rin?" Saito finally asked as Rin scuttled forward, away from a Geisha, and latched onto his arm [much to Souji's dismay].

"Nothing," Rin mumbled as her face fell slightly.

"It can't be nothing, Kitten. You've been acting all jumpy ever since we entered this place and you've been avoiding the Maikos and Geishas like they have Tuberculosis or something..." Souji commented as Rin reluctantly let go of Saito's arm.

"It's...nothing," Rin said, her voice wavering slightly. Souji and Saito exchanged confused glances as they looked back down at the small girl, who seemed to shrink even more as they went deeper into the Shimabara.

"I'm guessing it's because you've never been to a red-light district before?" Souji suggested.

Rin nodded slowly.

"Why are you so afraid of the Geishas?" he asked. "It's not like it's the first time you're seeing them-"

"Just drop it...I don't really want to talk about it," Rin grumbled.

Saito and Souji exchanged glances once again, but let the subject drop.

The Roshigumi were welcomed by a beautiful looking Geisha and were shown their room.

It didn't take long for the festivities to begin; Serizawa was feeling particularly generous and ordered dinner and a whole lot of sake, and soon, he was laughing around as two Geisha's served him his 6th cup of sake.

However, not everyone seemed to be enjoying as much as Serizawa.

Souji's mood had turned foul once more as he drank his sake. Rin caught him constantly glaring at Saito on his left, who indulged in his own drink, ignoring Souji's accusatory glare. She merely held her own cup of sake and refused to drink any since her alcohol tolerance was zero and watched Souji with mild curiosity as he glared daggers at Saito.

She could sense a fight coming.

Cue Serizawa: "Hey, Okita! You've got an odd sense of taste to stare at a man after coming to the red-light district."

Souji's expression morphed like water and changed immediately, going from sour to cold, sarcastic mischievousness. "Not really. I'm not all that interested in places like these," he stated in a matter-of-fact voice.

"Hmmm? Then what are you doing here?" Serizawa asked.

"Isn't it obvious? I thought I might catch an opportunity to cut you down if I tagged along," Souji answered with a smirk.

Rin internally face palmed. Yep...a fight was about to break out for sure...Her hand moved to her katana, just in case things got messy.

Instead, Serizawa burst out laughing, catching everyone by surprise. "Cut me down?" he chuckled. "A snot nosed brat like you? What a great joke."