Tadashi runs after me laughing <<wait Riko!>> I continue to run with a smile on my face <<ah! if I stop we can't play anymore!>> and I continue to run. Most of the Shinsengumi's soldiers and the captains went on a mission, for stopping the Choshu rebels on the edge of the city. Also Chizuru went with Hijikata for helping the wounded, so now I'm here with Okita, Heisuke and Sannan-san, because they are still recovering from their wounds. Kondo-san asked also to me if I wanted to go...but Hijikata stopped us, because those three yokai maybe are around the city and it's too dangerous for me.

Tadashi continues to follow me, so I turn the corner but someone collides with me. I stumble a little and Okita looks at me annoyed <<you should watch were are you going Riko-chan, or you can't do that either?>> I try to answer, but Tadashi grabs my leg <<catch you!>> and three other kids grab Okita's leg <<play with us Souji!>> we both look at each other and I bit my lip for not laughing <<well well, I see that you have guests>> Okita sighs amused looking at Tadashi <<you too, lucky for you Saito is not here, or else you would have to make again that ridiculous face Riko-chan>> but Tadashi frowns <<next time I see that scary man I will not cry! If Riko is with me I'm not scared!>> Okita grins <<really?>> Tadashi nods <<also if you're here I'm not scared, you two are good>> I smile patting his head <<if you say so...>> and I look at the three kids clinging onto Okita's leg <<hello to you too>> they are three boys. The most courageous, with black hair and brown eyes, points a finger to me <<who are you? Girls can't stay here>> I put a hand on my hip irritated...he's only a kid and he's already says stupid things like this <<are you sure? Because you know...i live here>> and Tadashi sticks his tongue out at him. Okita crosses his arms <<be good, she is a Shinsengumi's prisoner>> I grimace <<thank you for the detailed explanation>> he chuckles <<it's the true>> I roll my eyes <<it doesn't matter, do you want to play with us?>> the youngest child, with brown hair and black eyes nods <<yes, you seem nice>> I smile happy to hear that <<i'm Riko and he is Tadashi, what's your name?>> the kid smiles <<i'm Hisato, they are Jun and Seiji>> so...the grumpy one is Jun and the shy one is Seiji.

Jun frowns <<we don't want to play with you, we want Souji so go away>> I cross my arms annoyed. Okita sighs <<come on, don't be like this. Even the Sannan-san I used to know would probably be out here playing with us, but now...i don't think he'd be too happy about it>> I kneel in front of Jun <<you know that naughty children are eaten by monsters? I hear that Gagoze is really glutton for them>> he trembles <<i...i'm not scared! I'm not afraid of monsters!>> I raise an eyebrow <<really? wouldn't you be afraid to find a man without his neck in front of you? Or a beautiful yuki-onna that can freeze you for eternity?>> Hisato nods stepping forward <<i will be afraid, mum told me that the worst is their king, Nurarihyon!>> I laugh and stand up covering my mouth <<oh, so you know that big prankster, but he's not a king...he's the lord of all monsters. he's their chief, in fact he's my favorite>> Seiji asks with a shy voice <<aren't you afraid of them?>> and he runs in front of me grabbing my skirt, followed by Hisato. I shake my head <<there are scary monsters but...i find some of them really cool, like Nurarihyon>> Jun sighs <<what's so special about him? he's only an old yokai that enters in your house and steal food...even a common thief can do that>> I tilt a little my head...noting that Jun's movements and faces are mimicking someone, with a terrible result.

I look at Okita really annoyed, but he grins playing dumb. it's not really Okita fault that Jun is mimicking him but...i really don't need two Okita. Tadashi ignored Jun <<Riko, can you tell us stories about the yokai?>> I nod <<of course, I know many stories about them...but only if the others agreed>> and the other two kids nod.

Jun frowns <<we can play wherever we want and when we want. We don't need your stories, besides we want to play with Souji!>> I sigh pissed off, he's too young to understand that Okita is not mean and arrogant but sarcastic and bitter without cruelty...sometimes...i think.

I sigh <<well...i remind you that this is the Shinsengumi's headquarters, not a play ground for kids. If I can't stay here then also you can't, because there are people that work here>> Hisato looks at me with a curious gaze <<but...Souji usually play with us here>> Jun nods <<and I don't see anybody doing any work>> I cross my arms <<because now they're risking their life against some bad guys, they're protecting the city>> Seiji shakes his head <<no, they're not...they're just killing people>> I widen my eyes stunned. Okita smiles <<i can't deny that. Sometimes people don't do what they're supposed to, so every so often we gotta off someone...but it's not like we just go out and kill people for fun. there's always a reason. But I can't blame people if they get the wrong idea about us>> I frown <<don't take their side please, the Shinsengumi even like this is a good thing, they are still working for protect Kyoto so they deserve respect>> Jun sighs <<they're only a bunch of weirdos, why should they get to order us around?>> I look at him angry <<oi oi, don't judge them so harshly, you don't even know them. Look at Kondo-san for example...he's the chief, but he's really kind and gentle>> Jun doesn't seem convinced at all, in fact, he's not done being arrogant <<my dad told me that the Shinsengumi's guys are always going to Shimabara, they're just lazy. And their chief is the worst...he's the most weirdo. he's so dumb, I saw him taking a walk the other day...he was just grinning like an idiot. How is he in charge of anything? He looks like a wuss>> I rub my head knowing I can't get too angry because he's only a kid...but there are still limits. I look at Okita <<oi..>> but I stop myself seeing that he's smiling but...i don't know if he's angry or not. Okita chuckles <<mh?>> I blink...maybe I imagined it? he's not angry <<you...don't have anything to say?>> he shakes his head. I sigh pissed off <<ah forget it. Jun, you may be a kid but that's no excuse for being so mean. If you say another bad thing about the Shinsengumi and Kondo-san, I will kick your ass out of here>> but Jun turns around ignoring me <<come on Souji, play with us!>> Okita smiles at him <<okay>> and he takes him in his arms, raising him above his head laughing <<upsy daisy!>> and also Jun laughs happy. I glare at them furious <<Okita!>> but Okita ignored me and continue to keep raising Jun above his head <<are you having fun? Being up that high really gives you a new perspective, huh?>> Jun nods happy...and then a minute passed...and another...another and another. How long was he planning to leave him up there? Should I stop them?

Jun stops laughing <<hey, Souji...you can let me down now>> Okita chuckles <<oh come on now, no need to be shy! I loved getting picked up like this when I was a kid>> and Jun begins to cry loud. Okita grins with evil eyes <<happy enough to cry?>> I cover my mouth, realizing that Okita is furious for Jun's words...oh crap!

I run stealing Jun from his hands <<Okita stop! You are even worst that the kids!>> Okita sighs looking at me with a scary face <<why are you so angry? We were only playing>> and Jun screams in fear <<i'm sorry! I'm really sorry!>> but Okita chuckles <<what are you apologizing for? I was taught you're supposed to say 'thank you' when somebody does something nice for you>> I put a hand on my forehead...he's really the worst. Jun cries louder <<i...i'm sorry Souji! I was wrong! I won't speak badly about your girlfriend and the Shinsengumi ever again!>> and he runs away with Hisato and Seiji. I blush <<he was thinking that...i'm your girl?>> Okita chuckling pinching my cheek <<you're bushing, are you making naughty thoughts?>> I slap his hand away <<with you?! in your dreams smartass!>> he laughs <<really? you're blushing more>> i cover my cheeks embarrassed <<i..i was only surprised that he thought that!>> Tadashi smiles <<but you're blushing>> I glare at him <<not you too please>> and I sigh calming myself down. Tadashi crosses his arms <<finally that Jun is gone, he was really mean>> I look at Okita <<don't you think that you went too far? Even though I threatened him I wasn't serious, I can't harm a kid, is not right>> he sighs without looking at me <<he made fun of Kondo-san. He don't even know what he's talking about...he had no right to say stuff so bad about him>> I cross my arms <<i agree but...>> Tadashi interrupts me <<you're right Souji! Last time I came here Kondo-san gave me some dango, he's really kind. Jun was really bad! speaking about Kondo-san like that>> I pat Tadashi's head chuckling. Okita looks at me puzzled <<why are you laughing? You were angry a moment ago...you're so strange>> I don't really know why...but seeing them caring so much for Kondo-san is really cute.

I shake my head <<i'm just happy, Kondo-san is really a wonderful person and I'm glad that we three care for him, he deserve our respect and our appreciation>> Okita nods, giving me an honest smile <<you're right. I was pretty happy you got so mad, you know? I saw you so angry only when I spoke ill about you father>> I shrug <<my dad was like Kondo-san...kind, strong and caring for the people that he loved...so of course I was angry that time that you insulted him, you meanie>> Tadashi looks at me with curious eyes, but I push him a little <<now it's best if you too go home, you're mother will be worried if you don't>> Tadashi nods and give me a hug, after that he smiles at Okita and run away.

Okita sighs <<well...i'm pretty sure that those three will not come again for playing with me, but Tadashi will return for sure>> I nod <<he really like us...he's a good kid>> Okita nods and looks around <now...what can I do? There isn't anything to do...maybe I will go read something>> I raise an eyebrow surprised <<read?>> he grins <<of course, Hijikata's secret poetry book...you should see his face if you just mention it>> I cough covering a laugh <<poetry book? Really? I'm surprised>> he nods <<maybe I will hide it somewhere, he will go crazy>> I laugh, knowing that this is a revenge for leaving him here. He crosses his arms <<what? Do you want to stop me?>> I shake my head <<not really...actually, I got a better idea. Come closer>> he learns forward with a curious gaze, and I whisper my plan in his ear, covering my mouth with my hand. I finish and he stands up with big eyes <<are we sure that I'm the bad one? you're surprisingly evil>> I wink at him <<don't flatter me, I'm not really a good girl>> he grins <<i can see that. let's hurry up now, before Sannan-san find us>> I nod and we run toward Hijikata's room.

We open the door and Okita pushes me inside <<make it quickly, Sannan-san could be here in any moment. I'll keep a look outside>> and he closes the door. Geez...so bossy and the plan is mine...well, it doesn't matter.

I begin to search around, stopping in front of the desk noticing that everything is hidden in the drawers, probably because Hijikata knows that Okita can enter here when he's not around. I open the drawers, founding only documents and nothing else so I close them quickly. Then the door opens and Okita jumps in the room. He catches my arm and throw us in the wardrobe closing it with his foot. I try to protest but he covers my mouth, holding me against his chest with his arms...because thanks to the narrow space I am sitting on him, with my chest again his. I blush really hard feeling my heart beating quickly because also our faces are close...too much. He grins and put his forefinger again his lips, saying to me to be quiet. I nod shyly and he lets go my mouth, pinching my cheek with a big smirk...like he was saying that I'm a blushing mess again. I slap his hand away angry, but then someone enters the room and we look the wardrobe's door, stopping breathing for a moment. I try to look outside from the small opening between the wardrobe's door, avoiding Okita face too close to mine...and then I see something hiding under the clothes behind Okita head. Without thinking I lean forward, putting a hand on Okita shoulder, and i use my other hand for taking the white book. I hear Okita mumbling...like he was trying to warn me about something, but he didn't finish so I just continue, and in the end i grab the book. I feel his hot breath again my skin and I turn pale looking down, seeing that he has his face on my boobs. I yell jumping back, hitting my head against the wall, and after i fall on top of Okita, losing the book. The wardrobe's door opens really quickly and Sannan-san looks at us really angry <<what...do you think you're doing in Hijikata's wardrobe?>> I tried to get up, but Okita blocks me putting an arm around me <<Riko-chan, I didn't know that you're that type of girl...pushing me like that in here>> I scream furious and embarrassed <<w...what?! You...you bastard! don't lie! It was you that...!>> he looks at me funny, and without letting Sannan-san see, he used our closeness for loosing a little my obi, hiding the book in there. Sannan-san kills us with his gaze and we look at him intimated, so I blush keeping my obi together with my hands <<you know...this is not what it seems...we weren't doing...>> he interrupts me <<there is not excuse for this Nura-san. I'm really disappointed in you two. Now...go outside and expect a long lecture later!>> we run away.

We didn't stop and I follow Okita keeping my yukata closed with my hands, but in the end we hide inside Saito's empty room. I fix really quickly my yukata, keeping the book in my hands without looking at him <<it didn't go...exactly as I planned>> my cheeks are really hot, I can feel them together with my beating heart in my chest. Okita starts laughing and I punch him in the chest a few times, paying attention to his still broken ribs <<you pervert! Did you have any idea of what Sannan-san though?! You idiot!>> he laughs more <<you did it to yourself, you can't complain to much>> I hide my face in my hands too much embarrassed for answering. He stops laughing but smirks <<who knew that you're so soft? So kiddo...you're not so little>> I blush more, covering my chest <<you're the worst! I hope for you that Hijikata will fall into this trap or you'll pay>> he takes the book <<yeah yeah chill out, when they will realize that this joke it's our idea, the misunderstanding will be clear up>> I sigh crossing my arms <<i hope so, but I bet that Sannan-san will tell what happened to Kondo-san...and he will tell it to Hijikata and he will be really angry, so everyone will know>> Okita chuckles <<i don't think that it will happen...if Sannan-san tells what happened to someone, he's going to have to admit that he did a terrible job in checking on us>> I gave him a look <<checking on you maybe, besides you no one know that I love making pranks>> I raise my hand toward him <<okay, it's best if we begin before someone see us, give me the book>> he gives it to me with a big grin on his face <<you're really evil>> I roll my eyes <<don't be a baby, you're not better>>

...

The other return the next day, with many soldiers injured. The Choshu's men tried to burn the city and kidnap the emperor, but the Bakufu's force won and the enemies burned only a part of the city. The Choshu's men that escaped made seppuku or just disappeared, so now they are wanted men...if they return in the city they will be arrested and killed. Chizuru also told me that those three yokai were there, she followed Hijikata and they encountered Kazama Chikage...Harada fought Shiranui and Saito met Amagiri, but lucky for us they went away quickly. I trust the Shinsengumi's soldier but...against three powerful yokai like them the chance of winning are really little.

Chizuru finished to tell me what happened and she continues to wash the Shinsengumi's haori in the garden. In the meantime i'm sitting on the engawa with an impatient look. Chizuru looks at me worried <<did something happened here? I hope that you didn't argue too much with Okita-san>> I bit my lip covering a laugh and I whistle <<don't worry, everything was okay>> she frowns <<you're strange...what's the matter?>> I grin <<oh nothing...i'm just waiting>> she asks me curious <<what?>> but then we hear an angry yell from inside <<SOUJI!>> I laugh and stand up <<sorry, I have to go>> and I run away.

I stop in front of the dojo and wait. After a minute Okita arrives running from a corner, with Hijikata chasing after him for getting back the book in Okita's hands. I play dumb, but then Okita throws the book to me and I catch it <<nice shot Okita!>> and laughing I begin to run in the opposite direction. Hijikata spends a moment for understand that me and Okita are allies, but then he begins to chase after me screaming furious <<NURA!>> but I continue to run, laughing happy...this is so funny!

I run around the headquarters for some times, passing in front of a shocked Harada, Nagakura, Heisuke and Saito who are sitting in the common room. I arrive near the private captains dorms and Sannan-san, hearing probably our screams, comes out from his room. I pass him without stopping <<good afternoon Sannan-san!>> and I continue to run, meeting Okita near the end of the corridor. I quickly give the book to him and he begins to run again, followed by a super angry Hijikata. Also Kondo-san comes out from his room <<what's happening?>> and the others arrive running. I laugh loud, putting a hand on my stomach, and Chizuru looks at me shocked <<what...? What happened? Why Hijikata-san is so angry?>> Sannan-san puts a hand on his forehead <<so this is what you two were doing in Hijikata's room the other day. They stole Hijikata's poetry book>> I continue to laugh <<and the best part is that his poetries are really bad! If you want to laugh try to read some. Oh shit...sorry, but i have to go>> and I run away.

I meet Okita in front of the entrance, so he throws again the book and I catch it...but Saito with a quickly move grabs my collar raising me from the ground. I move my legs trying to run away, but he steals the book from my hands and give it to Hijikata...who looks at me and Okita really angry <<i'll get even for this, just wait...>> and he goes away.

Saito free me and I run next to Okita, in the meantime Inoue-san looks at us really angry <<what the hell were you two thinking?! How can you behave like two children?! you're adults!>> Nagakura looks at us in disbelief <<three days...we left them alone for three days...what the fuck? Since when do you two get along so well?!>> I chuckles <<we found that we have something in common>> Okita nods <<both of us love making pranks...in fact...>> we look at each other and giggle. Kondo-san asks <<what?>> but Yamazaki frowns <<what did you do now?>> I laugh covering my mouth <<the..th...ahah the book cover ahaha>> Chizuru looks at me puzzled <<the book cover?>> Okita chuckles patting my head <<we swapped the book's cover with another. The real one is hidden somewhere in the headquarters. It was Riko-chan idea>> and we hear Hijikata yelling from inside <<SOUJI! NURA!>> I smile <<i bet that he realized it now>> Harada sighs putting a hand on his hip <<i know that is our fault because we left them here alone but...what we have done?>> Inoue-san looks at me pissed off <<Nura-san! I'm so disappointed...i thought you are better that this>> I shake my head <<sorry Inoue-san, I was doing the good girl because I didn't really knew you guys in the begin...but in fact I love making pranks>> he grimaces <<what would your mother say? Or your grandfather? Think about them!>> I laugh <<they will be so happy that I made a pranks so funny! I bet grandpa will be angry only because we didn't invited him, like last time when me and Rikuo hanged upside down Tsurara or when we tied Kejoro's hair in her sleep and hide Kurotabou hat In the pond...>> Inoue-san raises his hand <<stop! I get it, but this behavior is unacceptable>> I shrug and run away following Okita.

In the end Hijikata found his book only in the evening...it was hidden in the only place where he would never check...his desk, under the cover of another document. Me and Okita hid ourselves until then, but in the end we got a giant lecture from Sannan-san and Inoue-san. Except from Saito and Chizuru, the others in the end laugh with us, but me and Okita were send to bed without dinner. Hijikata thought that it was a good idea but...we predicted that and hidden some onigiri in Okita's room...so now we are in his room eating the two onigiri with a smile on our faces.

Okita grins <<i have to admit that the idea of changing the cover was brilliant>> I playful bow my head <<what can I say? I learn from the best>> he raises an eyebrow <<your grandpa?>> I nod proud <<of course. But for say it all, the idea of throwing the book at each other was yours. Not bad...it was really a good thinking. Thanks to you we wearied off Hijikata and he didn't catch us...you're evil exactly like me>> he grins <<i didn't deny that, but you already know from the start. You fooled everyone pretending to be a good person>> I cross my arms <<oi oi, I'm not so bad>> he tries to answer but the door opens. Kondo-san, with two plates of soup in hands, looks at us surprised...probably for the onigiris half eat in our hands. He chuckles closing the door behind him <<i see that you really though of everything, but a couple of onigiri can't be defined a meal>> and he gives us the soups. I gladly accept the soup thanking him <<you're so kind Kondo-san, thank you very much!>> he smiles patting my head <<i can't really leave you two without dinner. Souji has yet to heal and you are a guest>> I widen my eyes <<guest?>> he nods happily <<of course. it's true that you can't leave but you're also Souji's friend>> I look at Okita with the corner of my eyes, seeing that he begins to eat the soup <<i don't care, if she try to run away I will kill her>> I shake my head a little sad...of course he doesn't consider me his friend <<like always>> Kondo-san smiles <<see? You get along so well now...just, don't do too much damage please>> I nod <<we will try...right Okita?>> he shrugs <<speak for yourself idiot>> I raise the middle finger <<fuck off bastard!>> he chuckles <<bitch>> I puff my cheek angry <<i hate you! you're impossible!>> he rolls his eyes <<look who's talking>> and Kondo-san chuckles <<maybe...i speak too soon>>