Oyasumi Nasai

Chapter 12

Toshizo Hijikata stood under an awning, watching the rain patter the mud streets of Kyoto, disturbing the watery dirt so it jumped about with the impact. His black kimono had always been uncomfortable; perhaps it was because he didn't wear it very often…thankfully.

His eyes burned gently as his thoughts driftedbut he ignored it, tightening his jaw further, his teeth were so clamped together it was starting the hurt. He didn't care, he just want to get away. He saw Yamanami making his way over and pretended he hadn't noticed. He wasn't in the mood to speak to anyone right now, especially someone so chipper despite everything. His co-Vice Commander joined him under the awning, muttering about the terrible weather.

"So, Toshi…how are you?"

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure about that?" Hijikata glared at him

"Of course I'm sure."

"Fine, fine, have it your way."

"I usually do." Yamanami chuckled, nodding

"True. So, how was it?"

"Fine…it was fine."

"I'm sorry I couldn't be there, I hope he wasn't too upset with me."

"I don't think so-"

"Mr Hijikata!" The voice made both men turn around. Souji, skinny, short-haired, pale Souji, stood there with a huge armful of paper bags, wrapped gifts, clothes and toys "Look what all the kids gave me, isn't it cute?!" he cried, grinning.

Toshi sighed and removed his own Haori, putting it around Souji's narrow, bony shoulders before taking most of the gifts from him so he wouldn't be burdened with them.

"Souji, I told you to dress warm, you'll freeze to death." Souji laughed

"Thanks, Mr Hijikata. Hey, Mr Yamanami, where have you been - you missed it!"

"I'm sorry, Souji, I got held up. Did you enjoy the show?"

"Yes, it was beautiful, shadow plays are wonderful - Mr Hijikata cried." he said, laughing "And then I got all these presents so it was even better!"

"Souji, are you feeling alright? Don't you want to go back to Headquarters?"

"No, thanks, Mr Hijikata, I want to stay in town a little longer - you can head back if you want to though."

Hijikata scowled, making Souji laugh more

"No…I'll stay with you…" he said gruffly.

"I'll see you two back at the barracks then, I need to get some things in town."

"Bye, Mr Yamanami!" Souji said with a grin, which he returned

"Bye bye, Souji, have a good day both of you." He said genially and he went off down the road. Hijikata put the umbrella he was holding up and moved next to Souji so he was the one sheltered from the rain, and they headed off into town

"It's strange to be back - wonderful, but strange." Souji said after a few moments, smiling

"You were gone a long time, Souji… Are you sure you're alright?" he asked

"Yes, I'm fine. I just-" he stopped and Hijikata looked down at him, worried he was going to cough. Souji was grinning "Look, it's Ryoma-san!"

"Souji, you're back!" the American cried, rushing over "You look great, all things considered."

"Thanks, so do you. I heard you ran into some trouble."

"Oh, yes - Tetsunosuke turned out to be quite helpful." He said with a grin "Have you seen him recently?"

"No, not for a while. Maybe we can pay him a visit, ne, Mr Hijikata?"

"Maybe… The rain's getting worse, Souji, it's not good for you to be in the cold for this long."

"Ok, ok, let's go back." Souji said with a grin. Ryoma chuckled and bade them goodbye and they went back to the headquarters together. Hijikata insisted Souji spend a few hours in bed and Souji complied though didn't intend to sleep

"Mr Hijikata…isn't it strange how everything's changed…but exactly the same? I feel like I've been gone for years but, at the same time, like I never left." He said, smiling. Hijikata couldn't help but mirror the expression but cleared his throat and fixed Souji's blankets

"It will probably take some getting used to…but it will be back to normal soon enough, I'm sure." He said, surprised when a smaller cold hand took his own gently and held it as he smiled at him

"I'm so glad you're here with me.." he said softly and Hijikata held his hand tighter, his smile breaking through brightly

"I am glad you are here too, Souji…if I'd lost you, I-"

"Shh…it's alright, I know.." he said, still smiling fondly at him "Can I…can I have another kiss? I'll take a nap.." he said, Hijikata chuckled, half heartedly rolling his eyes at the bribery…not that he was complaining.

He leaned forward and very gently and softly pressed their lips together, almost immediately pulling away. Miyavi-sensei had said, while Souji's lungs healed, he wasn't to cause irregular breathing or excitement. Souji looked disappointed and was just about to fulfil his half of the bargain when Hijikata pulled him forward without thinking, crushing their lips together almost roughly but with so much love and caring that neither were affected by the alarm, kissing each other - not heatedly…just lovingly.

"I love you, Souji."

"I love you too…Toshizo." He said and they both grinned, kissing again.

"Please don't call me that…" Hijikata muttered and Souji laughed, and suddenly the barracks felt like home again.

Well, here we are. 12 chapters later… What did you think?

Please leave your final reviews and remember there will be a SEQUEL, centred around Tetsu and Susumu's budding relationship called Watchers -follow me as an author to subscribe to these updates and checkout my other stories (preferably not the older/none rewritten ones)

Be excellent to each other

PMKnut xx