Botan -Peony- Vol.2

2

"Hajime-san..."

"It's 'Saitou' here." Saitou reminded that our relationship must not be exposed even the slightest. He was the man which Katamori-sama, my cousin, trusted. Of course, he must have been entrusted to protect me even in Shinsengumi. We are of the same age and I had known him for quite some time when I had to attend important family meeting in Aizu Castle. Despite his monotonous speech and stoic look, he was actually a loyal kind man. However, he was so reserved to himself that it made me wonder if he had someone he could entrust his feelings.

"Ah! I'm sorry!" I apologized immediately. "Are you done with Hijikata-san?"

"Yes. I'm going out for an errand." Saitou said. There was a little tug at the corner of his lips; forming an instant of small smile. It was almost invisible. He could smile wider but well, I understood why he had to stay stoic. He also did some inspecting or spying task in order to get some information for Shinsengumi.

"I see. Good luck." I smiled a bit. There were times when I thought of asking him about my father but he told me it was confidential information. My brain started to make assumptions but I knew clearly that there were no proofs. The only reason I could think of was because of my cousin; he must have ordered to not let me know anything about it. Yes, there were times when I thought my cousin was stingy and unfair when I knew he was doing it for me. It was a mixed feeling.

Right when Saitou was about to walk away, I opened my mouth to speak. "Saitou-san." He spun to face me and waited for me to carry on.

"About my father..."

"It's an accident." He retorted.

"... I know." At loss of words, I decided to return to my delivery task instead. Picking up the parcel and walked out of my room, I didn't expect Saitou would grab my arm and yank me to face him out of blue.

"What will satisfy you? What will make you accept reality?" He asked, staring into my eyes intently. Perhaps, my curiosity in my father's death was causing him troubles with my cousin. Yet, never would I forgive myself if I didn't find out the truth. It was obvious that people around me tried to bury the truth.

"The truth." I told him with my whole heart. Clearly, he understood that I would not stop searching into my father's death because after hearing my answer, Saitou released his grip without turning away his gaze. He must be pondering what kind of report he would tell my cousin and which side would he choose. I hoped there was a little hint of sympathy in him that would let me have his favour. It would gain me so much more information with Saitou on my side though I doubted he would show his full support.

"Well then... I shall be on my way, Saitou-san. Excuse me." I excused myself. I could still feel his stare on my back for a while. Glancing back, he was already on his way.

With no leads on my hands, I could only do my job. I knelt down and announced myself by the door to Hijikata's room. "Delivery, sir." I said as I entered. After shutting the door, I placed myself sitting across Hijikata. My hands reached forward to pass the parcel to the-still-angry-demon.

De ja vu...? Come to think of it, this situation has ever happened when I first came to Shinsengumi... His stare sure is intense. Men or women would sweat under his watch. Keeping my eyes on the floor to avoid his eyes, I fidgeted. I certainly had crossed his limits. Souji and I would be the best or the worst combination either way.

"You're about to have your practice after this, aren't you?" Hijikata questioned.

"Y-yes." I answered, lifting my head to face him.