Warrior Wife

《~》   《~》   《~》
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Hakuouki. I do, however, own Aki and Kaien.
《~》   《~》   《~》

"She was the only female to ever be a member of the Shinsengumi," a hoarse voice spoke. He then choked back a guzzle of sake, his lips smacking loudly. "They say that she was kinder and wiser than commander Kondou. And her strategic mind and fierceness in battle rivaled that of vice-commander Hijikata." 

Members, new and old, of the Shinsengumi resided on the front steps of the compound. Several of the older members had taken to telling tales to the younger men. They had all been drinking heavily, guzzling sake as if their lives depended upon it. It was with one memory, shared amongst the older men, that the legendary female swordsman had been brought up. 

"Her name was Shiba Aki," another spoke, continuing on. "They say that she was seen killing ronin who raped another woman. Commander Kondou was so impressed, that he allowed her to join the ranks." 

Another man choked back a drink. "She was said to beautiful, as well," he cackled. 

One of the younger men leaned forward, eyes wide. "What happened to her?" he asked, genuinely curious. 

"She married me," another voice spoke from behind them all. 

The men jumped, the sake and stories forgotten. They all turned around quickly, standing at attention. Before them stood their captain, Harada Sanosuke. His intimidating figure towered above them, spear in hand. His amber eyes were dark, the sun set reflecting in them only the slightest bit. His auburn hair was pulled back, like always. But he was not smiling as he usually did. He wore a frown on his face, angled jaw clenched tightly. 

"Harada-san!" the men all exclaimed. They then proceeded to bow, asking forgiveness. "We apologize, sir," they said. 

"Gossiping like a bunch of fishwives. Tch," he spat out. "And about something you know nothing of. Get back to work." 

"Hai!" And with that, the men dispersed. Sake forgotten and stories put to rest. 

Sanosuke could hear footsteps behind him before a large, calloused hand was placed on his shoulder. He looked to his right, his amber eyes meeting the blue of his best friend's. 

"No need to be so hard on 'em, Sano," Nagakura Shinpachi grinned. "Aki-chan's a legend around here. Everyone wants to know all about the only female Shinsengumi."

"I know," Sanosuke replied with a heavy sigh. "But it still irks me that she's spoken about like she's dead."

Walking down the halls of the compound, Shinpachi nodded. "Well, she's not, Sano," he assured his best friend. "She's at home ready to give birth any day now!" 

The redhead smiled at the thought. His dear flower would be ready to give birth to their first child within the next few days. He could see her in his mind's eye, all dark hair and blue eyes with her swollen belly and a wide smile on her face. There were many nights when he would lay with her, head resting on her chest as he caressed her stomach. He would light up each time he felt his child move within her womb, leaning down and kissing her belly as he whispered loving words to their baby. 

"Yeah," he finally replied to Shinpachi. "Kondou-san has granted me the next few weeks to spend at home with her. He wants to make sure I'm there when she gives birth, and be with them after." 

Just as Shinpachi was about to respond, Heisuke could be seen running toward them. His blue eyes were wide in horror, long hair billowing behind him as he ran. "Sano! Shin!" he bellowed, voice filled with fear. "There's a riot in the streets! Aki's there!"