Chapter 1

Two years had passed after the great war among nations erupted in Japan. After years of bloodshed, the endless wars put to a hault and everyone was spared from a life of agony and depression. With balance finally restored, the Shinsengumi is back to it's peaceful living; such as guarding Kyoto from any unwanted attackers, training men the ways of the samurai and the works.

It was another regular day for Chizuru as she attended the needs of the men who commanded and lead the Shinsengumi. The captains and commanders were seated in their usual meeting room, discussing their regular reports and updates concerning Kyoto. Chizuru quietly entered the room with a tray of freshly made tea, a routine she did daily for her Shinsengumi family. As usual, she was just in time to give out the drinks as Kondou announced the end of their meeting.

"You've definitely mastered the art of making tea, Yukimura-kun!" Kondou commented as he took a long sip from his cup. A satisfied grin was carved on his face as he finished his tea in one gulp.

"Thank you, Kondou-san." Chizuru replied as she began collecting the empty cups from each captain.

As alert as Chizuru was, she remained oblivious on how the captains would look at her. They couldn't be blamed, Chizuru took care of them and in her own little way protected them. But they couldn't deny that they were men as well, and as the years passed by, Chizuru slowly became a wonderful woman. With her true gender revealed, she no longer dressed up as a boy whenever she was in the Shinsengumi premises; instead she wore a pink kimono and had her hair tied up in the traditional shimada hairstyle. It took the boys a while to get used to Chizuru's new appearance, but eventually they preferred the 'female' Chizuru rather than the male one.

Everyone slowly began to exit the room, with a few of them stealing glances at Chizuru as she gathered all the cups on the tray. "Chizuru-chan looks cute doesn't she?" Souji commented with a wolfish grin, receiving a few surprising stares from his fellow Shinsengumi. Kondou, Heisuke and San'nan already went ahead, not noticing that the boys stayed behind and stood outside the meeting room.

"That's a brave thing to say, Souji." Sanosuke teased with a grin as he leaned on the wall.

"I know everyone feels that way, she's so cute I want to eat her up." a devilish smirk crept on Souji's face as he spoke those words, his eyes sparkling with interest.

The atmosphere between the four men slowly became heavy, there were no longer smiles; and this was no longer a joke. It was obvious that Souji declared his intentions openly to all of them, and not only was it a declaration; it was also a warning. The boys gave silent glares at one another, realizing that there were others who shared what they desired. A desire, that none of them plan to easily let go.

"Enough with this nonsense. Everyone, go back to your rooms." Toshizo replied firmly, turning his back on the remaining captains.

"Eh? Why deny it Toshi, you want her just as much as we do."

Toshizo paused, Souji hit the mark. The mahogany haired boy chuckled as he realized that he pierced the target. No matter how much they denied it in public, they could not hide it from the ones who shared what they felt. Deep purple eyes looked back at Souji, with a darkening glare to match. Just as Toshizo was about to reply, Chizuru opened the door; startling everyone.

"Oh, what are you all doing here?" She asked with a puzzled expression as she held the tray in her hands.

They remained silent of a while, the mood suddenly shifting to a less heavy atmosphere. Sanosuke was the first to speak, getting off the wall as he approached Chizuru with his usual smile.

"Nothing for you to worry about Chizuru-chan, we were just discussing our shifts for tomorrow." he lied smoothly.

"Oh I see. Well, if I can be of help to any of you, please do tell me right away!" Chizuru replied enthusiastically, flashing everyone a bright smile before she excused herself.

As the young girl left, the boys decided to leave the conversation where it was and went back to their rooms. Souji sat outside his room, gazing up at the sky as twilight fell. It had been a while since he got to relax like this, ever since the war began he did nothing but fight and fill his world with bloodshed. Before, he thought his life would remain like that forever; until he met Chizuru. Souji slowly closed his eyes, reminiscing the day he first met the girl in the Shinsengumi quarters. She was a bit shy and reckless, but she had a sincere heart that matched her bravery. Although Souji had always found it enjoyable to tease Chizuru often, especially making sarcastic jokes such as telling her he would kill her if she didn't listen to what he said. It even surprised him that she continued to be friendly with him even if he bullied her. Though he wasn't the kind to complain, after all; he loved her.

Souji let out a sigh as he opened his eyes, scratching the back of his head as he stood up. You really are something, Chizuru-chan he thought, making his way to the room they usually gather together to eat meals. Sliding the door open, everyone was already seated in their respective seats; except three.

"Where did those three run off to?" Souji pointed out, taking his seat next to where Hajime usually sat.

"Ah, Yukimura-kun insisted on making dinner tonight. Saitou-kun and Heisuke are helping her." Kondou replied happily.

"She did?"

Before Kondou could respond, Chizuru opened the door with their meal on her hands. "I'm sorry for the wait." she apologized, entering the room as Heisuke and Hajime follwed her from behind.

The meal she prepared for the evening was roast beef, fried vegetables and rice; with jasmine tea for the beverage. Ever since the Shinsengumi were acknowledged by the society, they were provided with better ingredients for their food; especially beef and pork. Before it was a luxery, now it was cooked on a regular basis. The men looked at their trays with delight as they smelled the aroma of freshly cooked beef.

"This looks delicious Yukimura-kun!" Kondou commented, picking up his chopsticks as he prepared himself to attack the meal before him. Everyone began to prepare themselves as well, with Chizuru approaching Souji to give him his meal.

"I know you have a difficulty in tasting sometimes, so I made the seasoning on yours a bit stronger." She whispered as he smiled at him.

Souji couldn't keep the surprise on his face as he heard what Chizuru said. She remembered? he thought, knowing that Chizuru had knowledge of his disease when she overheard him discussing with the doctor. He smirked at her, gazing up to meet her chocolate eyes.

"Tell anyone about it and I'll kill you." he whispered teasingly, picking up his bowl of rice and chopsticks.

Dinner with the Shinsengumi was rather lively that evening, everyone was engaging in the conversation as they enjoyed their meals. After years of battle, they finally had the chance to have an ordinary life again. Everyone remained together even after they had finished dinner, talking and catching up with one another. But soon enough, the fun had to be brought to an end.

"Alright everyone, it's getting late. Let's all call it a night. You all need your strength if you want to work hard tomorrow!" Kondou spoke out as he got up.

"Thanks for that wonderful meal Yukimura-kun!" he praised, patting Chizuru on the shoulder.

"Yeah! You really are a great cook, Chizuru-chan!" Heisuke added, grinning at her with satisfaction.

Chizuru couldn't help but blush at their compliments, shyly thanking them for their kind words. As everyone made their way to their rooms, Chizuru was left behind as she cleaned up their trays. She couldn't help but smile as she saw Souji's tray completely free of food. He usually didn't finish his meals since he couldn't exactly taste everything. To see him eating well, it lessens the worry Chizuru had for him. But his mere eating habits weren't enough to bring Chizuru's thoughts at ease, she continued to hold a close eye on Souji's health whenever she would see him.

I hope Okita-san is feeling better now she thought, bringing the trays to the kitchen as she began washing the dishes.

Souji was laying on his futon, but instead of sleeping; his eyes were wide open. He slowly sat up, trying to calm the discomfort he felt. He was thirsty, it has been a good 3 days since he last quenched his thirst. One secret of the Shinsengumi was that they had the possession of the Ochimizu, a potion that granted a person abilities an oni possessed. But since they are still human, they only obtained the oni's ability to regenerate quickly. Although there was a side effect to that so called "miracle potion". The consumer would experience bloodlust, which causes their hair to turn white and their eyes to turn crimson red; often times the consumer looses self-control and goes out on a frenzy in search for blood. Only a few members of the Shinsengumi had drank this potion, Souji was one of them. He grasped his neck, panting heavily as he fought for his self-control. His eyes were already turning red as he gasped for air.

Chizuru passed by Souji's room, with a tray of tea in her hands. Knowing that often he had trouble sleeping, she usually brings him tea before she goes to bed.

"Excuse me Okita-san, I'm coming in." she said, as she reached for the door.

Souji flinched as he heard her voice, No, not now. he quickly moved away from the door as he leaned on the wall. "Don't come in!" he growled, his panting becoming more heavy; more desperate.

"Okita-san? Are you alright?" Chizuru asked, alertness in her tone.

"Go back to your room Chizuru-chan. I'll kill you if you don't." And I'm not kidding this time he mentally replied to himself.

Without another word, Chizuru suddenly opened the door; surprising Souji. She stood there before him, gazing at him with worry-filled eyes. Souji was already in his Rasetsu form, his hair silvery white and his eyes bloody crimson. He continued pant as he smirked at Chizuru.

"You never listen do you?" he said, grasping his yukata tightly.

Chizuru didn't respond, but instead closed the door behind her and slowly approached Souji. "Don't come any closer." he warned, the last thing he wanted was to lose his sense of control and attack Chizuru.

"Here Okita-san." Chizuru took out a small blade from her kimono and slashed her palm. Blood slowly started too ooze from her palm, the deep velvet color catching Souji's eyes. He restrained himself, looking away from her palm. "Go back Chizuru." he ordered.

"You said I could help you, so why aren't you letting me?" she reasoned, kneeling in front of him as she offered her blood.

"Tch. Damn it Chizuru!" he growled, grasping her wrist as he sucked the blood on her palm.

His thirst was slowly being quenched as he drank Chizuru's blood. At his Rasetsu state, blood equivalents to water for him; something he drastically needs. The thought of Chizuru going this far to help him, made him yearn for her even more. Souji couldn't help but suck on Chizuru's palm harder, making her flinch as he licked her wound. His hair slowly turned back to it's original mahogany color and his eyes twinkling like emeralds. He gave one final lick on Chizuru's plam before he wiped his lips. They looked at each other in silence for a moment, it was then Chizuru smiled softly at him.

"Do you feel better now Okita-san?"

"You're an idiot Chizuru. I could have literally killed you just now, and you're asking me if I feel better?" Souji replied, glaring at her.

A blush crept on Chizuru's cheeks as she struggled to find a response. "But if you weren't here, I would have probably hurt someone by now."

Chizuru looked at the man she offered her blood to, he was no longer glaring, but smirking instead.

"I'm glad I was of help to you Okita-san, you should rest now." Chizuru said as she motioned to stand up. Are you kidding me? Souji thought as he bit his lip. Before she could move, Souji pounced on her; putting her arms above her head as he pinned her down the floor.

"O-Okita-san?" she asked in surprise and panic.

"I'm not completely better yet Chizuru-chan. You have to help me with one last thing." Souji whispered in her ear as he trailed his hand up her thigh. He looked at her straight in the eye, his eyes blazing with desire as the young man reached his limit.

"Stop this Okita-san." Chizuru pleaded, struggling to break free from his grasps. Souji only held her wrists tighter as she struggled. He's strong she thought, falling completely helpless in his arms.

"Be mine, Chizuru. Even just for tonight." he said before taking her lips into his, pouring his desire in one passionate kiss.

Okita-san... Chizuru thought as she gave in to his feelings, slowly closing her eyes as she accepted his kiss.