#hakuouki cop au

[impracticaldemon]

Traffic Duty

Hakuouki fanfiction by impracticaldemon for Eliz1369 ~  Happy Birthday!

PART II of the Okita-Chizuru story Parking Ticket, in which Detective Okita Souji was demoted to traffic duty both as a punishment, and in order to go under cover to locate a mysteriously missing murdered man.

Summary:  In Traffic Duty, Okita discovers that the policewoman who got him into trouble in the first place - by being right about ending a police pursuit - has been given the task of making him maintain his cover role by performing his duties as a traffic cop.  But things heat up even before they hit the streets, when Okita begins to suspect his new partner of withholding information critical to the investigation.

Traffic Duty

“You’re Yukimura, right?”

Sōji eyed the young policewoman with more attention than he’d given her the first time they’d met. He was more observant than most people realized, but the circumstances had been less than optimal.

“Yes, Detective—that is, Okita-san.”  She ducked her head apologetically.  “Please excuse me for not using your proper rank, sir, but I was instructed not to give away your cover as a member of the regular forces.”

“I don’t care either way, but that’s ridiculous.  If it’s a small-scale operation, it will sort itself out whether they know who I am or not—plus, I doubt they’d have ears on us here in the station.  If it’s something worth my time, then there’s a good chance they already know me.”  

He turned away, fighting the urge to vent his bad mood on the too-serious Yukimura.  He was pretty sure the whole ‘traffic cop as cover story’ thing had been set up just to irritate him, but that wasn’t her fault.  To his surprise, since she seemed rather timid, Yukimura pursued the issue.

“Most respectfully, Okita-san, it seems useful to me to retain any advantage we might have.  And even if you are recognized, it is not—that is, I’m told it is not—entirely unbelievable that this is an actual punishment detail for you, rather than a covert operation.”

Sōji shut his teeth on an expletive before looking back at her.  If his expression scared her a bit, too bad; at least he was being civil.  Besides, it irked him that she was right.  He brought his hands together in silent applause.

“You have a point there, Yukimura, good job.”

To his dismay, his new ‘partner’ gave him a tentative smile.  He groaned inwardly.  This was what came of being too polite; people like her took it the wrong way and tried to get to know him.

“Thank you, Okita-san. Welcome to the station.  I hope we will work well together.”  She bowed, then picked up a take-away cup from the counter behind her, and held it out to him.  What was with this kid?  She had to know she’d gotten him into trouble, and he’d made it pretty clear he didn’t want to be here.  Plus, his reputation usually preceded him.

“I don’t like coffee,” he snapped.  That was stretching the truth, but good enough for an overly-helpful and temporary working acquaintance.  Besides, even Hajime-kun had been known to (silently) agree with Shinpachi’s declaration that the stuff he drank could no longer be called coffee.

Yukimura looked cast down for a moment, but persevered.  “I—I inquired into your preferences, Okita-san, and the coffee has extra cream and triple sugar.”

He stared at her.  Big brown eyes, way too innocent and hopeful for any kind of cop; trim figure, a bit on the smallish side, in a buttoned-to-the-collar regulation uniform; dark hair, neatly pinned up under her peaked cap. Nothing to indicate that she was trying to attract, seduce, or play up to him.  He hated not being able to identify a person’s motivations.

“Are you a waitress, or a cop?  I’m not here because I want to be, or because I think anything will turn up.  If you’d bothered to listen to the gossip about me, you’d know that I’m not out to be buddies with anyone, especially a kid who’s never worked a major crime in her life.”

Yukimura bowed again, small hands still clasping the rejected coffee.  Sōji found he had to squelch an unusual sense of guilt, but told himself she’d be better off learning to be less… less personal… with her colleagues.  He ignored the feeling that Hajime-kun would be looking disapproving right about now—his partner was a good man in a fight, and he trusted him to the hilt, but he had his flaws.

“I apologize if I offended you, Okita-san. Please come this way, I was told to discuss the details of this assignment with you before we went on duty.” She was apparently more composed than he’d thought.  He could usually get a read on just about anyone, if he bothered to try, but although his instincts said she was upset, the set to her shoulders suggested irritation rather than tears.  Not that he cared.

They made their way into a small meeting room, and Sōji was relieved to see a file on the table with his name on it. He flipped it open, hoping for updated information on the missing body, then sighed, and ran his eyes over his new patrol route.  His not-nearly-temporary-enough official job was to be on the lookout for traffic infractions and major parking violations, especially those that impeded emergency vehicle zones and public transportation.

When he looked up from the file, he automatically reached for his coffee and took a long swig.  It wasn’t bad, though he preferred it hotter. Then he glared at his deceptively innocent-looking companion, who had obviously put the cup down beside him the moment he wasn’t paying attention.  After a few seconds of that, he decided to ignore the whole coffee skirmish, so that they could get on to the more important part of the briefing.

“Okay, so I’ve got the gist of my cover.  I figure you’ll handle any actual stuff for Traffic, and I’ll just keep an eye on you in the unlikely event somebody tries to get at you.  What I want to know—”

“I apologize for interrupting, Okita-san, but my instructions were to ensure that you handled all aspects of the job.  Otherwise, it would be clear that I wasn’t training you.”

He leaned across the scarred wooden table, and used his height to glower down at her.

“Officer Yukimura.  I know for a fact that a suspicious individual drove off from the scene of a shooting, in a highly identifiable car, carrying the swiss-cheese version of a corpse.  I know that said car drove through the intersection at which you were stationed.  I know that you gave me the signal for ‘do not pursue’, but to be honest, I assumed you got the signal wrong.  You directed me to turn right, when the fleeing vehicle was going straight, and at that point I admit I stopped paying attention.  I was trying to overtake a probable murderer and the evidence of his crime, and you seemed like an idiot.  I want to hear your version of events—you were a little vague at the time of the incident.”

Despite his attempt at outright bullying, there was a stubborn set to Yukimura’s lips that boded ill for both of them.  “I would be happy to discuss the case with you, Okita-san.  We just need to go over the patrol route first—I have a few extra details to pass along about the neighbourhood, and what we do.”

Okita crossed his arms so as not to bang a fist on the table.  Like hell he was going to listen to the warblings of the local Neighbourhood Watch Association, and all the petty information that was important to Yukimura’s job, not his.

“You seriously expect me to play traffic cop?  Do I at least get to drive, or is that too much to ask for a lowly officer like myself?”

It was a dumb gibe, since ranking officers usually didn’t do the driving, but Yukimura finally looked a little panicked.  “I think you must already know this, Okita-san, but my division patrols on bicycle, or on foot, depending on the exact area and problems expected.”

“Ah, so if we spot any potential gangsters, or wanted murders, then we’ll pedal madly in pursuit! I think there’s some anime about the power of the pedal, isn’t there?  Never watched much of that kind of thing myself, but I have a colleague who does. It’s all too rah rah and cheerful for me.”

“Anime is not necessarily known for being cheerful, Okita-san.  Um, I mean—”

“Oh, you like anime, too? Well, I suppose it’s okay for kids like you and Heisuke.”  If she’d known him better, the sudden gleam in his green eyes would have warned her that he knew just how to wind up anyone who cared about anime.  As it was, she suspected him of making fun of her, but wasn’t sure what points to argue.

“I don’t watch a lot of anime, because so much of it is dark, disturbing, or violent!  Some of the artwork is nice, I suppose, but there isn’t a lot of anime suitable for children.”

“Awwwwww…  Well, how about slightly serious historical dramas then? But not too serious, because true love must triumph over annoyances like money and power.  You ever notice how they rarely have epilogues for those shows?” He snickered.

“Is Okita-san a fan of historical drama?”

“No!  Oh for the gods’ sakes, what the hell are we even talking about?!”

Yukimura took a deep breath. “We will not be pedalling after—or running after—any gangsters or murderers, Okita-san.  Assuming we come across anything, you will be contacting Detective Saitō, and then your headquarters, and I will be taking notes.  The problem last time was that we missed certain details—”

“Such as?”

“Well…”  Yukimura pulled a map from the folder she hadn’t left sitting out for him.  

Where did she get that? Ah—he could see that there was a semi-concealed, spring-latched drawer on each side of the table.  Convenient if you wanted something handy, but out of sight, or had to leave in a hurry and needed a quick place for your notes.  Most people would know about the drawers, of course, but ‘out of sight, out of mind’ was surprisingly effective—for a lot of things, anyway.

“Oi—why didn’t you give me that from the start?”  He cranked up the glower again.

“Because I was told to focus on your cover first, and the case second—in case you ignored the first part!”

Were her cheeks a little red?  He was finally getting to her.

“Right, got it.  Look, aside from our slight disagreement about what I’ll be doing, I don’t think there will be a problem with our so-called work.”  Leaning forward, and holding her gaze, Sōji rattled off a summary of their assigned route, the major landmarks and hazards—he was curious about a bookstore with the notation ‘does not sell books—dislikes customers’—and the heavy-traffic areas. He then pointed out the key emergency and public transportation lanes, and finished with an overview of the two low-income housing projects, which were prone to drug and prostitution problems. In deference to his desire to move things along, he didn’t add his usual comment that the high-income neighbourhoods had far more serious problems, but got to pay society in tabloid stories and ‘contributions’ to public salaries, rather than jail time.

Yukimura was visibly impressed, but it suddenly dawned on Sōji that he’d been showing off—which wasn’t his usual style.  Never let anyone see your whole hand.  He covered his discomfort by stabbing a finger into the map the girl had set between them.

“So?  Tell me about the case.  What did we miss?”

To her credit, she stopped staring at him immediately, and got with the program.

“Well, that particular area has automatic weighing scales at two hard-to-miss points, to ensure that only light trucks use the streets that are mixed residential-commercial.  The car didn’t set off any alarms, of course, but if you get there fast enough there’s a video record of all vehicles, with the digital weight shown beside them.  We were able to find and compare the weights of the car at the two points and it was definitely lighter by the time it hit the checkpoint just past the intersection where I was stationed after we got word of the chase.”

Ah—that would be the intersection where Sōji had ignored her clear, but apparently useless signals, in order to pursue, pull over, and—in the words of the complaint—harrass a prominent citizen without due cause in order to uncover absolutely nothing of interest in the man’s trunk or backseat.  The way the guy had grinned at him made it a cinch that Sōji hadn’t gotten the wrong car, but the police force had been officially embarrassed, and that was that.

“So we have a potential lead for where the body was transferred.  Good thinking.”  All business now, Sōji frowned.  “But you said you discovered this after the fact.  So how did you know I was following the wrong guy at the time of the pursuit?”

For the first time, Yukimura—what was her first name again?—looked a little shifty.  Or she would, if her face were able to express anything so sordid.  Honestly, he could see her in Hello Kitty pajamas with little pink bows on the sleeves. …And where did that come from?

“Um, well, Okita-san, I just… I just knew.  The driver of the car was far too care-free for a man with a body in the trunk.”

Sōji’s mind switched from Hello Kitty nightwear to the utter garbage this girl was suddenly trying to feed him.

“Bullshit.  No rookie traffic cop would try to signal an unmarked police car away from a hot pursuit on a hunch.  Is this seriously the line you gave your boss?  And they’re mad at me?”

“Well—well—it’s not just that—um, you see, I’d seen a hearse turn at the lights shortly before the sportscar, and it seemed suspicious!”

“Why?  What made it suspicious?”

“Er… well… there was no procession?”

“Duh, lots of hearses travel on business picking up stiffs from homes and hospitals and so on. Hell, maybe the mortician was out looking for donuts and a coffee.”

“No, he only drinks tea, and his partner is forcing him to watch his weight right now.”

“Come again?”

“Um, I mean, we do deal with the undertakers quite often, you know, because of funerals, and of course there are several, but I’ve gotten to know them, and only one of them—because he owns the business—sometimes goes out for coffee in the hearse.  Only, he doesn’t drink coffee.”

She was babbling, and they both knew it.  Sōji walked around the table, and perched himself right beside the struggling policewoman.  He leaned down into her face, which was undeniably red, and stared silently at her until she met his gaze.

“Cut the crap, and tell me what you know.  Otherwise I’ll refuse to work further with you on the grounds that you’re hiding something from the police about this case.”

“Okita-san!”

“Yes, Officer Yukimura? Care to try me?”  It was a sign of how serious he was that Sōji didn’t smirk at the possible innuendo.

“I know this whole neighbourhood very well.  I’m a—a community liaison officer.”

“Goody for you.”

“The car you were following—I recognized the driver as one of our recent trouble-makers.  He’s rich—or his father is—but his friend is even richer, and I have a feeling—"

“Like the one about the hearse being suspicious?”

Her face darkened, but she ignored him.  He was impressed, despite himself.  He’d gotten into her space, and as uncomfortable as she was, she was still fighting.

“I think they’re trouble. They’ve been in the neighborhood for just over six months, and our general crime rate’s been rising steadily, and too fast to be coincidence—”

“Do you suspect drugs? That was the case I was following.” Great, now he was talking to her like a real cop, instead of a glorified meter-maid with hunches and feelings about serious crimes.

“Yes, I suppose drugs could be part of it.”  She said it almost casually, as though dangerous drugs weren’t already way above her pay grade and experience.

Frustrated, Sōji leaned in even further.  He knew the kind of effect he had on people, especially impressionable young women.

“Spill.”

The girl stood up abruptly, faster than even Sōji’s reflexes could account for.  Predictably, the back of her head caught the point of his jaw, and they both stumbled.  Funny really. He could usually see these things coming a mile a way.  It was probably her weird conversation—it had distracted him.

“Holy mother of a duck that hurt!”  Gingerly testing his chin and lower lip with his fingers, Sōji glared at his assailant. “You really do have rocks in your head, don’t you?!”

“Aaaah!  I’m so sorry!  I’m so sorry!”

There was a sharp rap on the door.

“Yukimura-kun?”

The door opened immediately to admit a big man with all the hallmarks of an old-school cop, starting with his build, and ending with a nose that had clearly been broken more than once. He was sizing up Sōji the way a protective older brother might eye his youngest sister’s bad-boy date.

Yukimura hurried to put a smile on her face.  “I’m fine, Shimada-san!  Um, um, Okita-san was looking at the m-map with me, and I moved too quickly, and we bumped heads!”

Wait—why was she lying for him?  He’d been a bit of an asshole, and she’d reacted to him invading her space.  Not that he trusted her answers yet, by a long shot, but she was a cop (somehow), and he was treating her like he’d treat a suspect.

“Hmm.”  Dark, thoughtful eyes assessed Sōji from a height that easily topped his own unusually tall five foot ten.  “I understand.  I apologize for interrupting, sir.”  He nodded to Sōji, and gently closed the door behind him. Or Sōji thought he had, until he reappeared briefly to add:  “Yukimura-kun is one of our best analysts, Okita-san.  She is currently working in a couple of field areas in order to give her more insight into how data is gathered, and how best to train our future investigators.”

The moment the door was firmly shut again, Sōji narrowed his eyes at Yukimura.  It occurred to him—for no apparent reason—that he’d been glaring at the kid for most of the time they’d known each other.

“More mysteries, Officer Yukimura?  I read your file and—”  No, wait, he hadn’t read her complete file.  He’d been suspicious of her, so he’d checked her out, but there’d been a lot going on, and it hadn’t been a priority.

“Okita-san?”

“And anyway, why did you lie for me?  I told you, I don’t need any favours.”

Yukimura reddened again, but murmured, “…I thought it would be complicated and take too long to explain…”

“I guess.  So back to your highly-accurate suspicions and the hearse and so on.”  He made a ‘come on, hurry it up’ gesture.

“The man you were chasing was Shiranui Kyo—”

“Yeah, I know—highly identifiable guy in a bright red sports car.  He was carrying guns, but had a permit—though I’d love to know who he bribed for it.  Car’s not his.”

“Right, so, as I was saying, we’ve had cause to suspect a problem, but nothing tangible.  But it means I tend to, um, pay attention, when I see him around.”

“Oh?  It’s not just the long hair and tattoo?”

“No—that is, he does stand out, I suppose, but that’s not the point.  Except that maybe that’s why they use him for distraction, don’t you think?” She ignored, or didn’t notice, any personal implications.  Grudgingly, Sōji came to the conclusion that she was focussed on her story—or was such a pro that he couldn’t tell she was lying.  Gods, if she was a pro, he’d eat his hat.  He glanced sourly at the uniform cap he’d tossed onto the table—he wasn’t looking forward to wearing that again.  Unaware of his bizarre inward musings, Yukimura had continued with her story—or thoughts—or feelings.

“The thing is, about a month ago, something strange happened.  Most of the new crime has involved property theft, although the scope has ranged from wallets to full-scale house clear-outs.  In this case, some unusual, and expensive, scientific equipment was stolen, and although the perpetrator was spotted leaving the scene of the crime, in a red sports car, when we finally pulled the man over, the car was empty.”

“Okay?”  But she had his attention, now.

“So when the report came in about your case—that there had been multiple shootings, and a probable murder, and you were in pursuit—I was paying close attention.  More than I would anyway, I mean—um, that sounded wrong…”

“Why?  I mean what made you pay special attention other than a mere shooting and probable murder?”  He really couldn’t help the irony.

“Because something was bothering me about the original crime—the one with the science equipment—but I couldn’t explain exactly what.  Fortunately, I’d figured it out by the time you arrived in pursuit this time.”

Sōji waved at her impatiently to continue—again—trying not to wince as he replayed the rest of the scenario in his head.  The truth was, he’d written off her signals, and then gotten the Department into a legal brangle with the Shiranui guy over the way he’d dragged the punk out of his car. Dragged him, my ass.  The guy’d been smirking at him the whole time.

“Well, you see, the exact same hearse made the exact same turn on the day the scientific equipment was stolen.  And… that alerted my suspicions.”

Sōji suddenly felt a little better.

“So you did still signal me to change directions on nothing but a hunch.”  When she hesitated, he cuffed her lightly on the shoulder.  “Aw, come on, I’ll admit it was a hunch backed up by a strong coincidence.  And I probably should have stopped.”

“Well, there was one more thing to back up my… my hunch.”

“Oh?”

“I didn’t recognize the hearse.”

“And you recognize every hearse in this city?”  He grinned at her, hoping a more friendly look would finally convince her to come clean.

“Well no…”

“I didn’t think so—”

“But I do know most of them.”  When he looked skeptical, she shrugged.  “I have a good memory for, um, details.”

“You pay attention to hearses?”

“Er…”

She wasn’t a good liar. But Sōji couldn’t imagine what she could be hiding, and wherever her guess about following the hearse had come from, there was just enough, barely, to make it worth looking into.

“So, to sum up, you saw the same guy, driving hell bent for leather in the same direction as in crime one—the science equipment—and you saw the same hearse—you think—turning in the same direction as in crime one, and that made you try to direct me away from the sports car and in the direction of the hearse?”

Yukimura appeared to be thinking hard.  What was so hard about it?  She had him half-convinced there might be a connection, and he’d stopped making fun of her—mostly.

“Oh! And there was one other thing!”

“…Okay?”

“The license plate of the hearse was unreadable both times.  It was all covered in dust and mud.  But the rest of it was really clean, as you’d expect in a business like that.  So it looked deliberate.”

Sōji rolled his eyes.

“Why didn’t you start with that?  I mean it’s small, but it’s highly suspicious.  It’s the kind of concrete stuff prosecutors love in court—or when we need a judge’s order to examine private property.”

He almost shook his head when he saw the girl’s expression.  Her eyes were shining as though he’d given her a commendation, instead of less praise than she probably deserved.

“Well then, let’s get to it.”

Silence.

“But, um, I’m sorry, Okita-san… We’re supposed to follow my regular patrol schedule, not go—”  She trailed off abruptly, no doubt because he’d turned to bang his head against the wall.

“Did you—does Hajime-kun—Detective Saitō—know all this?”

She hesitated. “Mostly?  I assume?  I mean, the summary of all this is in my final report…  Except I’m not sure I added the bit about the license plate—because… because your questions are what made me suddenly remember about that.”

“Just to be clear: everyone but me has a copy of your final report, which is the folder in front of you, which you were told to discuss with me only after we’d discussed my duties as a traffic cop.”

Sōji kept his face to the wall for a little longer.  He wanted to murder somebody, preferably Hijikata, and he suspected—call it a hunch!—that it showed on his face.  When he finally turned around, he was all business, and he saw the optimism rise again in Yukimura’s pretty face.  He still had the sense that something was off, but until he knew more, he was going to do what he was told, mostly.  Besides, that in itself would make Hijikata uncomfortable, with any luck.

~~~~~

Yukimura Chizuru was doing her best to stay calm, but it wasn’t easy.  For one thing, she’d heard all about Detective Okita’s good looks and bad-boy attitude, but she hadn’t expected to be, maybe, a little impressed with him.  Or affected by the good looks.  She’d never noticed anyone in that way before—that she knew of—and it was disconcerting.

More importantly, she was wondering how long she could keep coming up with reasonable explanations for knowing things she shouldn’t.  She was quite proud of having remembered the license plate anomaly.  Not that it wasn’t true!  She had noticed the dirt, exactly as stated.  The problem was that she’d only started putting together all the details after she’d suddenly realized that the police should be following the hearse, not the sports car.  And she didn’t think Okita-san would be keen on ‘I could sense a man dying from trauma injuries in the hearse’ as the real reason she’d wanted him to change directions.

[END of PART II]

Author’s Note:  Will this be continued?  Probably.  But when I got to 5000 words (a mere 5x what I’d planned), I decided I had to stop somewhere.  So there’s more already drafted, but other stories waiting to be written!

I hope you have/had a wonderful birthday, Eliz!!  And I hope you enjoyed the story! :)

[fleetingblossomofthedawn]

Hakuouki Cop AU

Okay so I have entertained this idea for quite sometime (since I love crime series) and I have been discussing this with the wonderful and creative @aetherium-weaver and I sort of fell in love with our ideas, so here they are :D I also want to add that this is purely for fun and I am really sorry if any of the structures presented in this AU are not compatible with the real life structure of a police department. I hope you will enjoy this nonetheless.

Kondo: Captain. Charismatic and well liked by everyone in the department. Great at press conferences. Generally kind and friendly but will go into Papa Bear mode for everyone working under him.

Hijikata: Sergeant. Running on stress and constantly yelling and/or cursing. Drinks too much coffee and smokes too much as well. No one wants him on press conferences, because more than once he ended up telling the journalists to go fuck themselves.

Souji: Detective. The kind who always shoots before asking questions and quick to suggest police brutatlity. Has had more than one disciplinary hearing because of that and is a constant guest of the department’s therapist (not that it’s any good lol) Once ignored a call to a robbery, because a cat was stuck in a tree and he had to help it down. Play pranks on his fellow detectives and especially at Sergeant Hijikata.

Saito: Detective. Fast, reliable and very by the book. Has the highest success rate in interrogations, since he can read everone by simply sitting across from them, being totally silent and staring at them with his impassive face. Sooner or later they are so creeped out, they will tell him all he wants to know. Usually partnered with Souji to keep him in check.

Heisuke: Detective. Freshly appointed, he is eager to prove himself. A bit scattered and often loses important papers and reports but always tries his best to do the good and right thing. More than once helped a wrongly accused suspect to prove their innocence.

Harada: Detective. Friendly and laid back. Popular in the whole neighbourhood and even people who normally won’t talk to the police will speak with him, because who could resist this charmer? Always ready to lend a helping a hand to his co-workers or any other citizien.

Nagakura: Detective. Never seen without a doughnut in his hand or mouth (or both). Often when his colleagues try to solve a very puzzling case he will just walk by, take a glance at the whole thing and point out that one important detail everyone was missing or solve the case within seconds by himself (just as you suggested @aetherium-weaver ;)) Has a love for chases and makes up the best one-liners when arresting someone. Will brag about every solved case for weeks but is also the first one to organize the get-together at a bar after a case is closed.

Kazama: This rich bastard everyone just knows is into some sort of shady business, but so far no one could deliver solid evidence. Archnemesis of Sergeant Hijikata, who swore to bring Kazama down.

Bonus:

Sannan: The forensic pathologist. No one is eager to visit him, because he is creepy as fuck and seems a bit too close to the dead people he cuts open.

Chizuru: The department’s therapist, heart and living emotional crutch. Seriously, the poor girl never met a bunch of more broken people and tries her best to help them with all their emotional struggles and burdens. Constantly tries to get Souji to open up in his sessions and will always scold Hijikata if she catches him smoking.

Sen: A rich girl Chizuru knows from college. An avid reader of crime and detective stories, she will often get involved in cases together with her trusted bodyguard Kimigiku.

Serizawa: The ruthless prosecutor. Ryunosuke is his secretary

Purely for fun:

Megumi (my OC): Works in the department’s public relations office, but everyone wonders how she could get this job, since her temper is almost as bad as Hijikata’s. However once faced with a camera and a horde of journalists becomes the sweetest and most charming person you will ever meet. The department’s designated doughnut delivery girl.

[queengurako]

An’ I don’t have to please no one An’ I don’t give a damn ‘Bout my bad reputation

.::. Bad Reputation .::. Joan Jett .::.

Doodle from my OC in my Hakuouki AU Cop fic (Lapis Philosophorum). I think this song fits well my little monster :3 (sorry Shinsengumi squad you’re not prepared for this brat. Fortunately that polliwog has bad karma like a some Inu boy.)

[iba-hime]

The “F” Word

Her head hit her desk as she groaned. They didn’t have enough evidence. A witness had passed away from a heart attack…and this scumbag would walk away until they catch him in another crime. The prosecution didn’t have a sound case…and she was just so done with today. She wanted to go home after this forty-eight hour shift, but she was determined to find something to win this case.

Iba set a mug of black coffee on her desk and in his across from hers. He was tired too, and just as determined, but it seemed like they wouldn’t be able to do anymore than they already had. He sighed, loosening his green tie, popped the first three buttons of his white shirt and neatly rolled up his sleeves. He took a sip of his sweet coffee, looking at his defeated girlfriend. It wasn’t often they got stuck in a rut like this, but sometimes they had to admit defeat, though Shiori hated the thought of that. They’d have to go back to monitoring for crimes and bring him in when they had enough evidence.

Shiori lifted her head and took a swig of the coffee he’d placed on her desk, thankful that it was cooled enough for her to drink it. No doubt Iba had put it aside to cool down before bringing it to her, otherwise she would’ve burnt her tongue terribly. “’Ro, this fucking sucks. We’ve got nothing.” She let out a huff and planted her face into the desk again, “Fuck fuck fuck, fuck me!” She groaned.

“Darling, I would love to right now, but I will show restraint since we’re in public.” Iba took another sip of his coffee, hiding his slight smirk when Shiori looked up.

“What…the fuck did you just say?” Her face was beet red. He hadn’t said it loud enough for others to hear, but she certainly heard it in his velvety whisper that set her on fire. She grasped the armrest of her chair as she struggled to remain still in her chair instead of reaching over their desks to pull him on the desk to straddle him and have her way with him. Fuck. Fuck.

Iba’s eyes glanced up to meet hers and he raised his eyebrow. He knew that look in her fiery cyan blue eyes. He knew what she was thinking. She looked like a panther ready to strike her prey. “Dearest?”

Her feet dragged her out of her chair until she stood on the other side of his desk. She slammed her hand on his desk and leaned in. “You think you can say shit like that and I’d be okay?” She muttered, hands itching to relieve him of his clothes. She pulled on his tie until their lips hovered less than a centimeter away from each other. She could easily shove her tongue down his throat here and now…in front of everyone in the station. “Empty supply closet. Now.” She commanded, causing Iba to stiffen. Releasing her hold on him, she strode down the hall with purpose, smirking when he saw him get up to follow her from the corner of her eyes. It wasn’t like this was the first time they’d been filled with need at work. Besides, neither of them had taken a lunch yet.

[spider-moon-princess]

shinetsu, offer me

COP AU. I had to hold in my screams when I thought of it this little drabble~Prosecutor Etsu x Detective Shinpachi

—–+++—–

Blue eyes shifted from store to store, slightly overwhelmed with all the stores in the mall. Well, duh, it is a mall! Sighing, he stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jeans as he walked around aimlessly, looking for a suitable store to walk into and find a gift for his girlfriend. It was their sixth month anniversary and he wanted to get her something memorable, special…

Sannosuke, his partner and best friend, was supposed to have come with him, but he had to stay behind at the station.

Shinpachi stopped in front of a store with large windows, bears and other animals that were wearing clothes were on display. He watched children dress their furry friends in all kinds of costumes. He stepped in and rubbed his chin as he looked around, a grin spreading across his face. He had an idea.

—

“Etsu-chan?”

Etsu nearly fell out of her chair as she was startled awake. “O-oh, Shin!” There were papers strewn all over her desk and around the floor near her desk. She ran a hand through her messy dark brown hair and sat up, straightening her blouse. It had been another late night, and she’d lost track of time and fallen asleep. She flushed and quickly wiped the little bit of drool from the corner of her mouth with her sleeve. “What’s going on? Why are you here so suddenly?”

Shinpachi rubbed the back of his neck. She must’ve forgotten. Not that he was mad or anything, clearly she was tired and a tad overworked, judging by the dark circles under her eyes. “Dumplin’, did you forget to go home again?” He stepped closer to her desk, hiding the white house-shaped box behind him.

Rubbing her eyes, she yawned and glanced at her phone. Her light brown eyes widened in surprise when she saw the date. “Oh my god, Honey Bear!” She approached him and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so, so sorry! How could I have forgotten our sixth month anniversary!” She groaned and buried her head into his strong chest. “I’m so freaking sorry!”

“Hey, hey, Honey, it’s okay! You’re overloaded with cases this month, we can celebrate when you’re not as stressed.” He gave her a smile and ruffled her hair, kissing her forehead.

“Shinnnnnn,” She whined and clutched his shirt, looking up at him, pouting. “I can’t believe I forgot, Honey Beaaaaaaaaar. I feel awful!” She took a little breath and let out a small sigh. “But I finished my paperwork for this weekend, so I have some spare time.” She straightened the collar of his shirt and kissed his cheek.

“Well…um…I got you a gift for our anniversary gift…” Shin brought the box forward and placed it on her desk.

“Build-a-Bear?” Etsu couldn’t suppress a giggle and tapped his arm. “You’re so cute, Honey Bear.” She eagerly opened the box and pulled out a light brown bear dressed in a police uniform. “Oh my god, Honey Bear! He’s so cute!” She gave it a hug and looked up at her boyfriend. “I love him, he’s just like you!”

Shinpachi’s cheeks reddened and he scratched at his cheek. “Well…I figured you’d like it…plus, when I work nights, he can keep you company and remind you of me…” He reached over to press the bear’s paw.

Etsu gasped when it said “I love you” in her recorded boyfriend’s voice. “You’re too damn cute!” She set the bear down after giving it a hug and grabbed her boyfriend’s cheeks to give him a kiss on the lips. “Honey Bear! I love you so much!”

Shinpachi wrapped an arm around her waist and smiled against her lips. “I love you too, Dumplin’. I’m glad you liked it.”

“Let’s head to my place. I need to take a shower, care to join me?” Etsu wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his jaw. “Hm~? We can start our anniversary there.”

“And we can fall asleep in front of the tv, you could use some sleep. Sleeping in that chair is bad for your back, Honey.” He slid his hands over her back, causing her to shiver slightly.

“Shin,” Etsu kissed him again. “You’re the best ever. I love you so much.”

Shinpachi winked at her and kissed her nose. “Don’t you argue with me, you’re the best thing to happen to me. I love you more.”

Giggling, she pulled away and gathered her bag and the bear, taking his hand in hers. “Let’s get going then, happy anniversary, Honey Bear.”

[theflowercrownlady]

Writers Month 2021 Masterlist

Day # 1 - Word: Protective | Setting: High School AU - Yo Soy Betty la Fea (YSBLF) - Armando x Betty

Day #2 - Word: Cold | Setting: Coffeeshop AU - Detroit Become Human (DBH) - Connor x Chloe

Day #3 - Word: Outside | Setting: Wedding - Brave (2012) - Young MacGuffin x Merida

Day #4 - Word: Play | Setting: Historical/Modern - Ikémen Vampire - Shakespeare x MC

Day #5 - Word: Secret | Setting: Pirate AU - Finding Nemo - Marlin x Dory

Day #6 - Word: Amnesia | Setting: Science Fiction World - Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun - Nozaki x Sakura

Day #7 - Word: Feather | Setting: Time Loop - Hakuouki

Day #8 - Word: Water | Setting: Social Media AU - Stardew Valley - Shane x Farmer

Day #9 - Word: Darkness | Setting: Criminals/Mob AU - LOTR - Denethor x Finduilas

Day #10 - Word: Sunshine | Setting: Aged up/Deaged - MVTML - Onesided!ChenFeng x AhYu

Day #11 - Word: Glass | Setting: Royalty AU - Fruits Basket

Day #12 - Word: Time | Setting: Superheroes/Villains AU - Pucca - Garu x Pucca

Day #13 - Word: Night | Setting: Flower shop/Tattoo parlor AU - TES V: Skyrim

Day #14 - Word: Duck | Setting: Utopia/Dystopia - Hakuouki

Day #15 - Word: Edge | Setting: Soulmate AU - Angel Beats! - Hinata x Yui

Day #16 - Word: Photo | Setting: College AU - Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun - Nozaki x Sakura

Day #17 - Word: Dream | Setting: Angel/Demon AU - The Hunger Games

Day #18 - Word: Key | Setting: Role reversal - The Princess and the Frog - Naveen x Tiana

Day #19 - Word: Movie | Setting: Genderbend world - Cells at Work - Onesided!RBC x WBC

Day #20 - Word: Dog | Setting: Cops/fire fighters AU - Fruits Basket - Shigure x Akito

Day #21 - Word: Pizza | Setting: Vampires/Werewolves AU - Mystery of the Druids - Brent x Melanie

Day #22 - Word: House | Setting: Alpha/Beta/Omega-verse - The Hunger Games - Haymitch x Effie

Day #23 - Word: Truth | Setting: Arranged marriage - Brave (2012)

Day #24 - Word: Letter | Setting: Fake relationship - Candy Candy - Albert x Candy

Day #25 - Word: Obnoxious | Setting: Fairy tale(?) - A Song of Ice and Fire (Asoiaf) 

Day #26 - Word: Depth | Setting: Ghosts(?)/Medium AU - Coco 

Day #27 - Word: Sword | Setting: Western AU - TES V: Skyrim 

Day #28 - Word: Fire | Setting: Winged AU - The Little Mermaid - Eric x Ariel

Day #29 - Word: Bed | Setting: Snowed in - Stardew Valley - Harvey x Farmer

Day #30 - Word: Tree | Setting: Band AU - TES V: Skyrim 

Day #31 - Word: Purple | Setting: Merpeople AU - A Song of Ice and Fire (Asoiaf)/Game of Thrones (Got)

[resshiiram]

Remember me prompt, Chinatsu and Souji :-)

Sorry this is slightly late, but I was fighting a cold last week. I hope that you don’t mind, but I borrowed Eevee’s Cop AU for this prompt! The word count is 723. (Seriously, what the fuck? THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO STAY SHORT.) Enjoy!

@eheartangel, @kondo-hijikata, @sabinasanfanfic, @hakuyamazakisensei, @shinsengumiscenarios, @meredith-stannards, @hidetheremote, @hakuouki-or-hakuoki, @flower-dragon, @lescahiersdesable, @trashmonster06, @shell-senji, @impracticaldemon, @eliz1369, @masterforerunner, @aisensari, @hakuouki-matchups, @k-chan95, @deepmushrooms, @kriz-anna, @very-x-vice, @luallice. [If you guys would like to be added to this list, contact me.] 

Okita sat close toChinatsu’s hospital bed, softly brushing his thumb against her knuckles.Hijikata and Kondo had left just a few minutes ago, leaving him alone with hisinjured partner. An anxious sigh fled Okita’s lungs as he quietly observedChinatsu’s sleeping form. What had started out as an investigation into anarmed bank robbery had wound up with Chinatsu hospitalized with a few brokenribs, a gunshot wound to the shoulder that required emergency surgery, andsevere head trauma. The doctors were convinced she’d pull through, but theywere concerned about the possibility of amnesia.

The idea of herforgetting him scared Okita just as much as the prospect of losing her. If shedidn’t remember him, he had no idea what he’d do. Even though there wasn’t anyrules about becoming romantically involved with a partner, Okita had beenstubbornly denying his feelings for so long. But Chinatsu was a beautiful person,both inside and out, and the best partner he could have possibly asked for. Shewas absolutely perfect on Okita’s eyes, so he couldn’t help falling madly in love with her. It had gotten to the pointthat every time someone simply mentioned her name, butterflies would stormthrough his stomach and his cheeks would turn red.

So Okita had decidedthat if Chinatsu did wake up with no memory of him, he would gladly take out theasshole who had wounded her. He didn’t even gave a damn if it cost him hisposition; without her, his job would be next to worthless. Dropping her hand,Okita reached over to tenderly brush some bangs away from Chinatsu’s face. Hethen sucked in a breath before leaning down to lightly brush his lips againsthers. When he pulled away, he softly laid his forehead against hers.

“Please remember me,”he whispered. “Please.”

Okita swallowed backhis tears, nibbling on his lower lip as he pulled away. He knew that pleadingfor her to remember him wouldn’t do much, but he was desperate. He would havegiven anything to see Chinatsu’s beautiful lavender eyes again and have hersmile again. Okita had relaxed in his chair and lightly folded his handsagainst his stomach in an attempt to get some rest when he noticed Chinatsustir slightly. He rapidly blinked a few times, wondering if he was imaginingthings due to sleep deprivation. But when Chinatsu’s eyes slowly fluttered open,he moved in close to her again, feeling his heart pounding.

It obviously tookChinatsu several moments to gauge her surroundings before she brought herattention to Okita.

“Okita-san?” shequestioned weakly.

Feeling relief washover him like wave, Okita nodded his head quickly. “It’s me,” he breathed.

He wasted no time inagain taking her hand into his, giving it a small squeeze. Chinatsu respondedby giving him a weak smile, but then her expression became fuzzy.

“What happened,exactly?”

Okita released asigh, absently playing with Chinatsu’s fingers. “We were responding to an armedrobbery when one of the culprits decided to go after you,” he explained, hiseyes suddenly narrowing. “I’m guessing it was some kind of misogynisticbullshit, but the prick is lucky that I didn’t splatter his brains all over thenearest wall.”

“Okita, it’s okay.It’s said and done now,” Chinatsu told him.

“But it’s not fucking alright! You’re in the hospitalright now because of him,” Okita replied, his voice rising. “You don’tunderstand that the doctors were worried that you’d wake up with amnesia. Youcould have forgotten about me, forgotten about us.”

Chinatsu lookedsurprised by Okita’s anger, but then her lips curled into the beginnings of asmirk. “So, is that why you kissed me?”

A gasp fled Okita’smouth at her question, his green eyes growing large. “W-what? I d-did not,” hereplied, stumbling over his words. “I would never do such a thing! In yourdreams, Chinatsu-chan!”

Shaking her head,Chinatsu removed her hand from his so she could grab onto his shirt and pulledhim downwards, planting a soft kiss on his lips. Okita felt his insides turn tojelly as she pulled away, his tongue instinctively gliding across his lips inan attempt to savor the fleeting moment. His flabbergasted reaction causedChinatsu to flash him an innocent smile.

“Now we’re even,”she told him.

[eliz1369]

Hello! This may not be the most right thing to ask, but I'm curious... How did you come with the very idea of An Unearned Gift? Was it something instant or did it take you long to develop the concept? Did you want to write anything Hakuouki-related or was it that particular topic you wanted to elaborate? You asked me yesterday about the sources of inspiration and now I keep thinking about how ideas appear and I get more and more puzzled =D

The whole thing mostly started because someone on Tumblr (I wish I could remember who!) mentioned that the guys were basically “hot cops”, which struck me as funny and oddly on point. I moved on and didn’t think much of it, until I had a really unexpected flash of a scene appear in my head and that eventually grew into An Unearned Gift. Some of my favorite tv shows have been crime dramas, such as NCIS, Castle, and Elementary, so the AU was a natural extension of that “hot cops” comment.

Initially I didn’t plan to write anything, Hakuoki or otherwise. I’d been a lifelong reading addict (historical fiction, fantasy, scifi...) but the idea that I could write never crossed my mind. (I knew I could write a darn good paper, but that was about it. I guess I thought only English/literature majors could write... O.o) I’d only recently discovered fan fiction, so when the scene wouldn’t leave me alone, I finally jotted it down. I kept wanting to know why the characters were there and how it got to that point, so I kept slowly adding to it during class. (Parallel computing was boring :P) When I had about a dozen pages of notes, I realized that I really REALLY wanted to read this story, so I began to more seriously outline and plot. Still just for myself, but when I was about 50 pages in and had things like dialogue, action descriptions, and internal thoughts, it hit me that I was enjoying reading other people’s work, (grammar mistakes, cheesy plots, OOC characters and all) so what was the harm in trying to actually write it? It took me about 4 months from that first idea to complete my outline. 

It wasn’t until I made the decision to do a serious outline and plot that I slowly began to discover the themes and ideas I wanted to explore. I’ve always found the transformation and growth Okita goes through over the course of his route to be fascinating. So exploring that change and the impact Chizuru has on him was a big motivator for choosing OkiChi. Plus that let me work in Kaoru, who is my favorite antagonist. From that, I kept coming back to the concept of forgiveness and taking Okita from someone who would happily hold a lifetime grudge, to being willing to forgive someone who he had let in, but then had wronged him in a way that would previously have been unforgivable. I guess we’ll just have to see if I can pull it off believably... ~.~’ The other thing I’m semi-exploring came about because of a line Chizuru unexpectedly said in my outline, which also led to the title. Love is something you can do everything to deserve and yet still not receive from someone, but you can also do nothing to earn it (in your mind) and still have someone give it to you. Both love and forgiveness are similar in that they can come from the other person regardless of what you do.   

This was probably a bit long for what I could have said has basically turned out to be a giant pet python. It started out as this tiny, little thing, but somehow it’s grown bigger than I ever thought it would :P

Isn’t he a cutie? XP 

Thanks for the ask :) Now I’m feeling reinvigorated to get back to working on my chapter! 

[shell-senji]

Hakuouki Ask Meme

@shenanigumi, this was harder than I expected! I probably spent WAY too much time on it…

How and when you got into this glorious fandom: August/September-ish of 2016. I was looking into a new anime for me and my husband to watch (“new” — aka one we haven’t watched). I saw that Hakuouki was about the Shinsengumi, and I knew that was something we would both be interested in. Eventually, I started playing Hakuouki: Stories of the Shinsengumi, and here I am. (I do need to give @impracticaldemon credit for encouraging me.)

Favorite character in terms of development: Why do you ask me these hard questions??? Probably either Saito or Hijikata, with Kazama not far behind (the PS3 DLC and the second movie helped me not hate him quite so much. But his route was far too short). Hijikata grows a bit softer as the game progresses, though sadly I think that softening of his harsher edges comes at a price. Similarly with Saito, I’ve never thought of him as unfeeling, but I like that he eventually isn’t quite as afraid of using/having/expressing feelings. To a certain extent, this fits Souji as well -- he becomes less “I’m going to shield myself with snarky humor” and more willing to open himself up to the relationship.

The character you’d get along with most irl: As a friend, I assume? Probably Souji or Sanosuke. Souji (minus the gleefully killing people aspect) reminds me of some of my childhood guy friends. Same with Sano, though Sano is a little less sarcastic and a little more serious at times than some of my friends.  Heisuke also is probably one I could be friends with, though the whole Itou phase thing (or whatever the equivalent in modern life would be) would’ve made me nuts. Also, I do think I’d get along with Sen and Chizuru. Maybe. Girls can be hard.

The character(s) you are most like: 😳Hell, I don’t know! That’s really tough… I’m kind of a control freak at times (Hijikata) and I can have a snarky sense of humor (Hijikata/Souji/Kazama). I am not maternal in a literal sense, but I definitely care about people and can be self-sacrificing at times to make other people happy (Hijimama). I often say stupid shit that later I think “why the fuck did I say that?” and my snarky mouth frequently gets me into trouble (Souji). I cuss way too much since I work at home and don’t need a filter around my cats/dog (Hijikata).  I’m a disorganized, procrastinating, AHDH hot mess (Shinpachi head canon). I’m a weird mix of introvert/antisocial/homebody and extrovert when I need to be or under the right parameters (Souji? Hijikata? no one??) I can be a bit too trusting or hopeful of the best in people and occasionally naive (Kondo). I love cats and am not particularly fond of onions (Souji) 😜

Least favorite character: I’m with @shenanigumi — Kaoru. This little bitch can take a long walk off a short pier. I have no use for his machinations (except in writing fan fiction where he’s quite useful) and he’s phenomenally selfish. Shockingly, he even surpasses KAZAMA in terms of being a self-centered ass. I didn’t like him in the anime, didn’t like him in the game, don’t have much sympathy/empathy. Like I’m sorry you had a shit childhood. That doesn’t give you a free pass to be a gd homicidal, manipulating lunatic with vendetta against your sister. Grow up. Wait, nevermind, just die.

I’m also not particularly fond of Kodo, even in the routes where he “redeems” himself.

Personal favorite husband: Hijikata, because sweet mother god that’s a sexy man reasons. And surprisingly enough, the more I’ve been thinking about it, probably Souji. His “affectionate teasing” is something that’s quite common in my family, and we all know beneath that prickly exterior is a really fiercely loyal guy.  Of course using that logic, Hijikata gets another point in his favor since “idiot” is a term of endearment in my family.

Favorite route: Hmm…I liked Hijikata’s of course, but it is at times a little bit emotionally exhausting, so I’m not sure if I’d put it as my *favorite*. I would say probably Saito or Sanosuke’s route — I enjoy the extra Amagiri time in Saito’s route

Who you wish had a route: With Shinkai coming out, it’s no longer Shinpachi and Yamazaki. So I’ll say Shiranui or Amagiri 😊

Least favorite route: As I noted earlier, Kazama’s route is way too short, so his is my least favorite. He was far too good at being the villain in most of the other routes (though I did kind of like him in Heisuke’s route), and his route and character in it weren’t developed enough for me to completely buy into his and Chizuru’s relationship. It just kind of fell short and felt a little bit like “well everyone else is dead, why not choose me?” kind of cop out.

Favorite Chizuru ship: Hijikata followed by Sanosuke. What can I say? Blame the fact that I watched the anime first and then played the game 😊 But I also like that Sanosuke’s route has some lovely fluff in it, and he’s so adorable at the end. We all love Hijimama, no doubt, but Sanopapa is freakin adorable.

Top 3 ships overall: My first is soooo cliche — Hijikata/Chizuru. Second to that is probably Saito/Chizuru (Saito blushing…can’t handle it. too precious.) Thanks to @impracticaldemon, I also am now a fan of Sanosuke/Sen. I’m warming up to KazaSen, and I personally find Saito/Sen an intriguing match.

Do you write/draw/contribute to the fandom in some way? If not, do you have any recommendations? Link us to them: Well, I’m *attempting* to write an AU fanfic, but my muse might be dead. Anyone know where to file a missing muse report? Outside of that, I’ve co-authored a crackfic with @sabinasanfanfic about cupcakes and a stress-baking Saito.

I’m not going to tag anyone because I was super slow completing this and I’m not sure who *hasn’t* done it. So, if you haven’t been tagged and you want to do it, consider yourself tagged.

[spider-moon-princess]

Okay, Fictional Kiss Prompt #5: hands on the other person’s back, fingertips pressing under their top, drawing gentle circles against that small strip of bare skin that make them break the kiss with a gasp for Iba and Shiori.

Thank you @resshiiram for Iba and Shiori XD Here’s your prompt. Shiori is one of my OCs, and my lovely friend here gave me the pairing…Modern Cop AU! 

—++—

Officers walked around the station, carrying paperwork or guarding incoming convicts. The doors slammed open as a famed detective arrived with her latest arrest. Cold cyan glared at the man she threw at the officers that came forward to take him. “Just try groping another woman ever again!” She growled as the man ducked his head down, eagerly letting himself be led away by the officers. Her cyan eyes glanced back at her partner, a rather handsome detective with short brown hair that nicely framed his handsome and pretty features. He looked back at her, his head tilting in slight confusion, finishing the sweet bread in his hand.

“Ah, Shiori-san,” He smiled. “We need to write up that report.” He licked the sugar remains on his fingers and she quickly looked away, the man was always eating something sweet, and stormed to her desk. Iba Hachirō followed her and sat across from her in his own desk. He peered up from his computer as she watched her fingers move about on the keyboard, her expression fierce. Chuckling quietly to himself, he grabbed a wet towel from the inside of his desk drawer to wipe his fingers and opened up the shared document she was already working on.

Not long after turning in the report of assault, Shiori would be pressing charges against the man she’d been trying to find. The station had gotten numerous reports of a man that was groping women on two streets, near a bakery that Iba Hachirō only bought danishes from. She’d been hanging out there with her partner, Iba, undercover, to catch him, and today, the perp foolishly had tried to cop a feel of her ass. She’d twisted his arm and kicked him down, and if it weren’t for her more light-hearted partner, she would’ve given his face a few more bruises, maybe even a broken nose. He had stood by for a few moments and brought out the cuffs before Shiori could beat him completely senseless. He had to pluck her off of their perp.

He sighed dreamily. Even while bringing out her fists, she looked stunning.  

“Yo! Hachirō!” A larger man with vivid blue eyes and a green bandanna on his forehead clapped his back, startling him.

“A-ah, Nagakura-san…” He gave him a sheepish smile, as if he’d been caught eating sweets when he wasn’t supposed to.

He leaned down and peered over his shoulder to look at Shiori across from him. “Na, you’re staring more at Shiori-chan more than at your work, Hachirō~.” Shinpachi smirked and squeezed his shoulders.

A little pink dusted Hachirō’s cheeks. He didn’t think anyone was noticed him. “Nagakura-san!” He whispered and stood up, leading him away to the break room. Luckily, his partner was too engrossed in her work, so wasn’t going to miss his presence for a while.

Hachirō poured them both some coffee in mugs and they walked over to the little table that held sugar and various other things to add to their coffee. He liked his with three sugars and cream.

Shinpachi only added a bit of cream and a sugar. “So, when are you going to make a move, Hachirō, my man? You’re so stricken with her.” He chuckled and took a sip from his mug.

“That would be extremely unprofessional of me, Nagakura-san.” He sighed and stared down at the coffee in his mug. “Rather than me,” He noticed that his attention had shifted to the window. They had a good view of people coming into the station. Chuckling, he looked back at the older detective. “When will you make a move on Miura-chan?”

Shinpachi’s cheeks dusted with pink as he waved back at the cheerful girl that was approaching them. “..Not a word, Hachirō.”

“Nagakura-san!” Etsu had signed into the front desk and spotted Nagakura-san and Iba-san from the room. She was actually here at the station on business, but it never hurt to greet others. Besides, Nagakura-san looked rather dashing in his black v-neck and dark jeans. She admired the way the tight shirt fit him, her throat suddenly parched. She turned her head to avoid staring at him too much and noticed the other person present. “Ah, Iba-san’s here too! Hello!” She smiled sheepishly. She’d been excited to see Nagakura-san, she almost forgot that the gorgeous Iba-san was also present.

“O-oh! Etsu-chan! Hey, how’re ya?” Shinpachi admired how pretty she looked in her navy blue pencil skirt, white blouse, black pumps and her brown hair that was up in a bun today. He’d met her a while back when he was working on a case. Not all detectives and prosecutors get along, and he normally clashed heads with some of them, but he definitely had a weakness for the cute ones, especially Etsu. With her, there was more than just interest, but he just hadn’t found the right time to ask her out yet.

Hachirō took this chance to go back to his desk, pouring another cup of coffee for his partner. She took hers black, no sugar. He made his way back to his desk, placing the mug in front of her to interrupt her work.

Her sharp cyan blue eyes shifted over to his handsome face. Her heart did a little flip when he smiled that adorable smile of his.

“Shiori-san, we have a late shift tonight, don’t we?”

“Thank you…” She nodded, trying to ignore the heat in her cheeks as she glanced back at her computer screen, lifting her mug by the ear and blowing on it for a few seconds before bringing up to her lips. Perfect. Black coffee just like she liked it. “Iba, we know for sure that Takeda’s gonna be there tonight?”

Hachirō nodded and took out a case file from the locked compartment of his desk. “That’s what Chief Kondō told us, which is why he wants us to stake out tonight.” He furrowed his brows when he saw that look cross over her pretty and soft features. She was planning something. “Shiori-san…We’re there to keep tabs on Takeda tonight, we’re not going to bring him in tonight.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Rolling her eyes and drinking the remainder of her coffee, she stood up and grabbed her gun holster and slipped it on over her white button-up shirt. “I’m going down to the range. I want to be ready for tonight.” She grabbed her jacket and didn’t wait up for him.

Entering the range, Shiori’s jaw clenched when she caught sight of the messy auburn haired man, wearing a dark red button-up and black jeans. He smirked , looking over at her, when he set his gun down and took off his red ear muffs. “Did you check the board? I’m still ahead by one arrest.”

Shiori grabbed her blue ear muffs, safety glasses and bullets at the counter before slipping into the stall next to his. “Shut up, Okita. I brought in another one this morning. We’re tied now.” She loaded her gun and glared over at him, noticing that he was also refilling his gun with bullets. The two had a long bet. At the beginning of the year, they’d bet who could make the most arrests by the end of the year. In exchange, the winner gets to ask something of the loser.

“Loser buys lunch?” He cocked the gun and glanced back at her.

“Fine. But you’re buying for all of us, Chinatsu-chan, Iba and me.” Shiori smirked, tightening her ponytail, making sure her long, wavy violet hair was in place, before putting her ear muffs and glasses on.

“I hope your wallet’s open, Shiori-chan.” Green eyes met her cyan eyes, determination and fire in both of them before they turned to wait for the targets to appear.

Hachirō sighed and lightly shook his head as he stepped into the range, going to the counter to grab his equipment. He spotted Chinatsu a few stalls away from the rivals and greeted her pleasantly as he entered the stall next to hers, “Hello, Chinatsu-chan. They’re at it again, aren’t they?”

Chinatsu lowered her purple ear muffs and smiled back at him, nodding. “Seems like it. At least we don’t have to pay for lunch today.” She shrugged and reloaded her gun.

Hachirō chuckled and loaded his gun after putting on his glasses and ear muffs to practice his precise shots. He and Chinatsu had known each other as children, and they’d passed through the academy together as well. They were very good friends, and unbeknownst to them, their partners were watching their friendly chit-chat with envious cyan eyes and green eyes.

They turned back to the targets after they reset.

–

Shiori happily dug into her pasta while a sour Souji grumbled as he stabbed his meatball. “Italian. We could’ve had lunch at the hot dog vendor.”

“I won, I get to choose lunch. You know the rule. Shouldn’t have made the bet if you knew you were going to lose.” Shiori haughtily turned her head to him, taking a large bite of her carbonara pasta. “Delicious. Besides, fucking whine. Last time you won, we went out for fucking steaks. Steaks are way more expensive than pasta dishes.”

“I’m paying for the four of us.” Souji crossed his arms bitterly after eating another meatball.

Iba and Chinatsu sat next to each other, doing their best to ignore the bickering pair and focus on their food, which their partners didn’t take too kindly to.

“Iba, hurry up and finish since we gotta go back to prepare for the stake out.” Shiori took another large bite of her pasta. The faster they finished, the faster they could go check on their equipment on their own.

Hachirō chuckled and wiped his mouth. “I’m done, let’s head out then.” The pair stood up and walked off. Shiori blew a kiss to Souji rather mockingly, which irked him.

Chinatsu stared after the pair and turned back to her partner. “They’re staking out Takeda, aren’t they?”

Souji nodded and sighed. “That’s going to put her so ahead if they actually wind up busting the deal.”

“The Chief’s orders were to just observe.”

“And how many times have we heard that and wound up making the big busts?” Souji smirked, reaching over to wipe some sauce off her lips with his thumb, tasting it for himself. “Hm, the alfredo’s not bad. Might have to go for it next time.”

Chinatsu opened her mouth in shock and a blush spread across her cheeks. “O-Okita-san! What are you doing?!”

“Just tasting the pasta. Why? Would you like a taste of mine?”

She wanted to hide behind her strawberry blonde locks. She stood up, not bothering to finish the last bit of her pasta. “P-pay the check. I’m going to the bathroom.” Chinatsu took rapid steps towards the bathroom.

Souji chuckled in amusement as he took out his wallet.

–

Guns. Check. Bullets. Check. The bugs. Check.

Shiori continued making a mental checklist as she looked over the equipment in the trunk of Iba’s car. His car was a bit more reliable than hers and would be fitting in more with the scenery they’d be going to. Her car was a bit older and had its issues. She didn’t drive much anywhere else besides the station and her apartment, so she didn’t see the need for a new car. They normally used his on stakeouts because it was newer. Guess it paid to be a wealthy politician’s son.

Hachirō slipped next to her, setting bullet proof vests in the trunk. “You forgot these.”

His sudden presence made her heart jump. “Th-thanks.”

“They’re just a precaution. We’re just observing.” He said firmly as he looked at her with his soft, but serious green eyes. Those eyes that just made her forget what the hell she was doing.

“Yeah…I know.” She repeated for the hundredth time that day. Of course, Shiori wasn’t just going to let Takeda go without a fight, and it seemed like her partner was painfully aware of it.

–

Hour five. The sun had already set a long time ago and Shiori was becoming restless just sitting in the driver’s seat. Nothing had happened yet, and she was wondering if the tip had been to throw them off.

She sighed loudly, blowing her violet bangs out of her face as she looked over at Iba, who was taking out another donut hole from the bag he had. With all the sweets he ate, it was no wonder he oozed sweetness.

Shaking her head, Shiori almost slapped herself. Her thoughts like this about her partner were becoming too frequent. Glancing back at him, she nodded to herself. The man was ridiculously good-looking. She’d been told too many times how jealous someone was because she got to work with him so closely.

Guess she was lucky. He was more than just a pretty face. Iba had the skills to back her up in any given situation, and had saved her ass more than just a few times with his quick thinking or sharp shooting skills. He was the calmer of the two. She liked to act more than think about acting, and with a short temper…she often jumped on the gun too quickly.

Her cyan eyes wandered back to him, watching his lips as he licked the sugar off of them. She licked her own and nearly slammed her head into the steering wheel. Just what the hell was she thinking?!

“Shiori-san, are you okay?”

NO. Shiori turned to face him. “Fine. Just irritated that we haven’t seen any sign of Takeda. Chief told us to give up at dawn, didn’t he?”

Hachirō patted her shoulder, smiling gently. “Yeah, but there’s always next time, Shiori-san.”

His touch sent little electric shocks through her, and she quickly shrugged his hand off. “Guess this tip was a fake.”

“Hold on,” Hachirō’s brows creased in confusion as he turned up the volume. The bugs they’d planted before the building was going to be used was picking up some new voices. “Listen.”

Shiori leaned closer to him to listen closer. “The fucker’s there, we have to get him Iba! There’s only like ten of them!”

“Shiori-san! We don’t-” She was already getting out of the car to grab her vest and gun. Hachirō sighed and followed after her after calling for backup. With that, the Chief and Captain would know what was going on.

The pair went around the back, and Hachirō nervously kept his ears open, hoping to hear sirens soon.

“Fuck it, I’m going in, Iba.”

How many times had he heard that phrase before he could stop her? He lingered outside for a few moments, letting her get ahead a bit. He ducked behind a large pile of crates as he heard someone approaching. He heard a gun cock. Someone had definitely seen Shiori go inside.

Shiori crept inside the warehouse, biding her time for backup before she took action. She managed to hide behind a pillar, able to catch what the voices were saying across the warehouse. It was a big deal.

“Shiori-san!”

She was pushed down and heard one gun go off, followed by several. “Iba!” She hissed, staring up at him. He’d tackled her behind a mess of boxes. “What the hell! You gave us away!”

“There was someone following you.” Hachirō scrambled off of her to take his position to shoot from behind the boxes.

“Fuck.” She muttered, peering from behind the boxes. She spotted Takeda, his long, dark purple hair flowing behind him as he made his escape. “Not today, you don’t! Cover me, Iba!” She managed to shoot he hand of a man closest to her to stop the oncoming barrage of bullets.

“Shiori-san!” Hachirō managed to get the next one that was about to shoot at his partner as she darted out to run after their prime target. He managed to walk forward and shoot their hands or arms to force them to stop shooting at them.

“Takeda!” She continued running forward, now outside. He was attempting to make his getaway in a black car. “You’re under arrest!”

A bullet grazed her cheek. They had counted he number of lackeys wrong. There was one more they’d missed. She tried to shoot his arm, but her gun clicked. Her gun was out of bullets. She wouldn’t have time to reload before he took another shot. From the corner of her eye, she could see Takeda smirk and roll up the window of the car.

Before she could brace herself for pain, the man let out a cry and fell to the floor.

“Shiori-san!” Hachirō yelled and gripped her shoulders tightly. They could finally hear sirens in the distance. “Do you know how reckless that was?!”

“Very…I thought we could get him…” She clicked her tongue in annoyance.

He shook her lightly, one of his hands taking her chin so she’d look into his wide eyes. “Shiori-san, you put yourself in too much danger tonight! You were too careless tonight! What would’ve you have done if I wasn’t here?!”

She’d never seen Hachirō lose his composure like this before. “Iba, I’m fine. I knew you’d cover me. I wouldn’t have taken the risk if you weren’t a good shot.”

“Do you trust my ability to shoot so much? If I had missed?!”

“You don’t.”

Hachirō was growing more frustrated by the second. Did she not see her injuries? Many bullets had grazed her arms and face. Even though she was wearing the vest, it didn’t mean it would stop her from receiving a bullet to other fatal parts of her body, like her head. “Shiori-san!” Before he could stop himself, his lips had already crashed onto hers.

Shiori closed her eyes and her fingers wove themselves in his hair, pulling him closer.

When the sirens grew louder, Hachirō reluctantly released her. “We need to get you a medic.” He turned away, embarrassed with himself. He couldn’t believe that he let his emotions get the better of him. He stood by as he heard Captain Hijikata bark orders. He knew a lecture was going to be coming.

“Fucking Kaneko Shiori!” Captain Hijikata’s loud outburst could be heard throughout the warehouse. He stormed towards the pair. “Intel. All you had to do was observe!”

Shiori quietly lined up next to her partner, letting the Captain scold her. She knew she was in the wrong, and though they managed to capture an integral part of the drug ring, Takeda had escaped them.

“Now, go see a fucking medic. Don’t ever do dumb shit like this again, Kaneko.” Captain Hijikata dismissed them.

They both saluted him. “Yes, sir!” She bowed deeply.

Hachirō forced her to get her wounds checked out and bandaged, though she insisted they were mere scratches. He wasn’t hearing any of it, and he was personally taking her home.

After that kiss, she’d wanted to escape from him, but he wasn’t giving her a chance. The car ride to her apartment was a bit of an awkward one. Iba just had to be a gentleman and walk her up to the door. She didn’t want to face him or her feelings right now.

But when she turned back to thank him, her hands automatically reached for his cheeks, her lips meeting his.

She wasn’t going to let him go now.

Shiori managed to unlock the door without breaking their kiss for long. She gasped when she felt his fingertips slip under her tank top and draw small circles on her sensitive skin. “I-Iba…”

He stilled his hands, loosening his grip on her waist. “…About earlier…I’m sorry, Shiori-san…I…”

“Fuck it all, Iba. I want you, hell, I’ll admit it,I like you…” Her cheeks reddened as she looked up at him. “And like hell do you think you’re going to get away tonight.” She growled and tugged him down from the collar of his shirt. 

“E-eh?” Her sudden confession had him both on cloud nine and rather confused. “Shiori-san?” Their kisses had been rather heated, so they were kind of past the point of talking it out….And he felt the same too…He never would’ve imagined it like this. 

“Kiss me again, Iba.”

[impracticaldemon]

Dangerous Connections [late submission for Saichifest 2019]

by impracticaldemon a modern, non-canonesque, 4200-word vignette

Rating:  M / Lemon   Read also on FFN | AO3

Author's Note: I have no idea where this story came from. Unfortunately, it nagged at me until I wrote it, which delayed other writing. Part of the inspiration came from @nospringonions fanfic for Saichifest 2019 (although that fanfic feels brighter, and has a beginning, middle, and end).  This is one of my very few non-Shinsengumi-era stories. The setting is a modern Japan AU that has a slightly? darker feel to it than Hakuouki SSL. Partial inspiration for the feel—and Saito's motorbike—go to @kurokiorya

As a final note, the entire second half of the story is more or less about sex.

Dangerous Connections

"I found you a tutor, Hajime-kun!"

Saitō eyed his friend warily. That particular grin always made him nervous.

"Tanaka-sensei said that she would find somebody appropriate, Sōji. There's no need—"

"Tanaka-sensei has already approved my suggestion." Okita's smirk became even more pronounced. "She agreed that it made sense to get somebody who knew the club, and wouldn't mind working around your weird schedule. Besides, it turns out that Chizuru-chan was already on her list of candidates."

Saitō felt himself tense. "Yukimura? Sōji—that's—I don't think that's a good idea at all."

Okita laughed. "Worried you won't be able to concentrate? On the bright side, you won't want to embarrass yourself, right? I figure you'll be speaking and writing English like a pro in no time!" He punched Saitō lightly on the arm—lightly for Sōji, at least.

"There must be other—"

"Get a grip, Saitō! Your family said you had to pass your English competency exam, or quit the team." Okita's expression darkened. "And this year we're going to win the championship, so don't you dare let them force you to quit!"

"I don't intend to!" replied Saitō with rare heat. "You shouldn't have gotten involved in this."

"Oi, what's with you? I thought you'd be pleased. I'm pretty sure you've had a thing for Chizuru-chan for ages—and didn't you mention that your dad wanted you to find a suitable girlfriend? I mean, you're twenty now, and graduating uni in a couple of years, and—"

"Stay. Out. Of. This." Saitō turned on his heel and stalked off, shoulders rigid.

Okita was so surprised that he watched him go.

"Well that was weird—what the hell did you say to him?"

"Nothing he wanted to hear, apparently." It wasn't Heisuke's fault that Saitō was behaving like he had a poker up his butt, but Okita had to suppress an instinctive desire to lash out at the younger man. He didn't handle rejection well—he knew it, but that didn't make him any happier right now.

"Anything I can do to help?" Fortunately, Heisuke was reading the room for once, and didn't demand an immediate explanation. Okita grimaced inwardly. Heisuke was a good guy, and he'd matured a lot in the last couple of years—they all had, supposedly.

"Doubt it. Not unless you're in the mood to torture Hajime-kun for personal information?"

Heisuke stared at him, then waved his hands in an emphatic denial. "First of all, torture really isn't my thing. Second, I wasn't planning to die today."

"You saying I can't take Saitō?"

"MMMMFFFF." Heisuke pantomimed locking up his lips and throwing away the key. Then he ruined it by adding, "Who knows? Not me." He grinned at Okita. "I knows nuffin' guv'nah!"

"What the hell was that? As if your English isn't bad enough to begin with."

"Better'n yours and Saitō's, I hear."

Okita grimaced, then shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me, but Saitō's dad says he either passes the next time, or he's out of the kendo club—national championship or not. The guy's a hardass, too—if he says it, he means it. But we need that championship if we're going to get funding to go international." He scowled.

"Makes me glad I'm not the heir—or even runner-up heir—to some fancy corporation, for once. My dad just wants me to take his guilt money and lead my own life."

"Yeah, yeah. There are worse things, you know?"

"So I'm told." Heisuke bit back a snide rejoinder—Souji was always grouchy when it came to families. Besides, it reminded him what he'd come to say in the first place.

"I don't know if it's related, but I have some news for you. Bad news, and I wish Shinpat had found you first, to be honest. Assuming he didn't avoid you on purpose."

Okita gestured for him to continue, though he was still staring in the direction that Saitō had… gone.

"You know that pharmaceutical company that's been in the news so much recently?"

"No." Then Okita reconsidered. "Wait—yes. Hijikata was ranting about it yesterday, I think. Kondō-san kept having to calm him down—not that there's anything new in that."

"Well, turns out they were into some seriously illegal shit, and even had some kind of stolen army biotech they were working on."

"So?"

"It was owned by Chizuru-chan's dad. In fact, her brother was the manager, at least on paper."

That got Okita's full attention.

"Well, shit."

"Anyway, nobody knows if they were set up, or who leaked the info to the cops—or the press—and so far it's hard to say who in the family knew all the details."

"There is no way Chizuru-chan knew about it, or was involved," Okita snapped.

"Yeah, we know that. But for now, the family, and everyone close to the family, is a suspect. And it gets worse."

"How?" Okita was already trying to sort out the kind of impact this could have on the club. Chizuru was close friends with all of them, and she acted as a kind of book-keeper and general secretary.

"Chizuru's dad made a substantial donation to the club, back when Chizuru started university. That's kind of why we got stuck with her in the first place, remember—not that I minded."

Okita remembered. "Fuck. FUCK!"

"Right? A club like ours—any sports club that wants to compete at the national level and beyond—can't be associated with illegal drugs. And these ones involve army tech, so..."

"Why the hell didn't Hijikata explain this to me yesterday?!" demanded Okita.

Wisely, Heisuke didn't point out that Sōji probably hadn't been listening. Sometimes things were okay between those two, other times they weren't—as in, really weren't. At times like this, he envied Hajime-kun for not living with the rest of them.

Okita glared at Heisuke for not answering his question. "Fine. Where's Chizuru-chan?"

"We don't know."

"What?! How is that even possible? She lives with us, for crying out loud!"

Heisuke took a half-step back, mentally cursing Shinpachi for setting him up to be the bearer of ill tidings. Sōji tended to hit first, ask questions later—well, not so much now, but still. Normally, they sent Sano-san to do stuff like this, but Sano was out of town for the week.

"We think she's either been taken away by her dad, or kidnapped by those Kazama thugs." Heisuke had to lean in to whisper the words, and Okita took the opportunity to grab him by the shoulders and shake him.

"Then what the hell are we doing just talking about it?! Why are we here at school instead of out looking for her?"

"I'm not gonna talk if you keep doing that!"

"Fine. Screw English class, I'm out of here. And I'm really pissed at Hajime-kun for not telling me all this earlier—he must have known."

"Our job is to go to school. Keep up appearances."

"Thank you for that, Hijikata-mommy-san. Sure, I'll do that." Without another word, Okita spun away from Heisuke, and ran for the main entrance.

Heisuke hesitated, then flung up his hands with a groan and sprinted off after him. Nobody was going to be happy when Sōji encountered the ladies and gentlemen of the press. And it wasn't Heisuke's fault that they'd trailed him here after Hijikata-san had slammed the house door in their faces.

Saitō's bike was expensive, but not showy, and it was a lot less noisy than most. That being said, he hadn't taken quite as much care as usual when he'd taken off from school after running into Sōji. Fortunately, he couldn't sense anyone watching as he methodically stowed the bike, and hurried through the parking lot door of his non-descript apartment building. On the face of it, he was just another young guy who'd probably forgotten something he needed for work or school. He'd done a good job of being anonymous here for two years; there was no reason to mess that up now.

He'd originally hoped to throw people off the scent by showing up for class as usual, but he just wasn't calm enough to pull it off. No matter how hard he tried, he still lacked the detachment and control of his father and grandfather—as they often pointed out. And ugh. Sōji had meant it for the best, but Saitō had hoped to avoid anything that might link him to Chizuru except as a member of the club's championship kendo team. The Kazama had top notch intelligence gatherers.

He made himself take the elevator up to his floor—which wasn't the penthouse, since that was just too obvious for the scion of a wealthy corporate empire. At least he wasn't the heir, thank all the gods. He unlocked the door to his apartment, and then carefully locked and bolted it behind him once inside.

"Hajime-san?"

And there she was, waiting for him. His heart-beat picked up at the thought.

"Chizuru…" It was still a delight to use her unadorned first name, and to hear his own name on her lips. He knew he was blushing, but he couldn't seem to help it, or to suppress the inappropriate—very warm—images that caused at least part of the blush.

Without warning—except that he was trained to read an opponent's slightest movement—Chizuru threw her arms around him, and buried her head against his shoulder. He tried not to react to her sudden proximity, but his hormones had other ideas. She was obviously frightened, and it seemed like the most natural thing in the world to gently lift her face to his, and kiss her. Not that they hadn't kissed before, but it was still so new to him—to them both—that he was immediately swept up in it, and didn't notice the passage of time until he realized that he had her pressed tightly against the hallway wall, one hand in her hair, and the other stroking the soft skin of her back under her blouse.

When he tried to draw away, Chizuru clung to him, her lips nuzzling his neck. He could tell that she was embarrassed, but also determined to keep him close. If only he were better at rational thought when they were together like this! Then he could comfort her properly, while still being aware of his surroundings, and considering what to do next.

"Chizuru, we need to plan." She couldn't stay hidden with him indefinitely—though part of him wished she would—but the alternatives weren't clear. "I think it's going to get more difficult after today…" Not so much because of Sōji blatantly throwing them together, but because the press was out there now, and hungry for details. The Kazama family wouldn't miss the opportunity to seize Chizuru if they could find her, and he suspected that Kōdō was finally scared enough to accept the Yukimura-Kazama merger, and hand her over to them to seal the bargain.

Saito made another effort to put some distance between them, but thinking about Chizuru engaged to Kazama Chikage made him want to do anything other than let go. In fact, he wanted very much to forget about everything other than finding out how best to please his beloved—if still secret—girlfriend. His mouth dipped down to the tip of her closest ear, and he began to trace the outer edge with his tongue, which elicited an intoxicating, shivery kind of gasp from Chizuru. He felt his pelvic muscles contract in response, and blood rush down to harden him into full arousal. Without another thought, he pressed a hard kiss—almost a bite—into the side of Chizuru's neck, making sure that his teeth would leave marks.

"Hajime…" Chizuru's voice was a little rougher than usual, and her breathing had quickened. He tightened his hand in her hair, and forced her head up to look at him, so that he could admire the scarlet that now bloomed high on her cheeks, and the way her eyes seemed to glow as she warmed into passion. When he brought his mouth to hers, abandoning her ear and neck, and biting gently on her lower lip, she made another half-muffled sound of pleasure, but louder and more distinct this time. He found himself trapping her even more tightly between his body and the wall, and grinding himself against her, while his tongue parted her willing lips and began to explore her mouth, eventually so deeply that it felt like a flagrant expression of what he wanted to do with the rest of her body.

As if in response to that thought, he felt Chizuru's hands tug the tail of his shirt free of his jeans, so that she could caress his bare skin in the same way that he was touching hers. His father wouldn't be very impressed at how easily distracted he was, he knew, but something rebelled in him at the thought. His friends and colleagues pushed him to be more open; his father and grandfather demanded perfect stoicism. Only Chizuru let him be entirely himself—she didn't mind his silences, she trusted him to listen when she wanted to talk, and she never seemed troubled by his awkwardness. He was utterly in love with her.

Still kissing, they undressed each other, fumbling at buttons, and even occasionally snarling at layers that wouldn't cooperate with their need to be skin-to-skin. Saitō retained enough sanity to lift Chizuru into his arms and carry her to his small bedroom, which was surely a more private and appropriate place to communicate such desires. Not until he laid her down on his bed—hair loose, clothing wildly askew, love-bite darkening on her neck—did he fully process what they were doing, and freeze, appalled by how far he'd let things go. He immediately sat back, still straddling her hips, and forced his greedy hands away from her skin.

To his surprise, Chizuru smiled up at him, and reached out to run her own hand down across the muscles of his stomach to rest lightly on the tight bulge still constrained by his lower fly and boxer-briefs. The button to his jeans was already undone, although it had taken her some minutes to achieve this, earlier. He still wasn't sure whether the button had actually been difficult, or if she'd just been distracted by his lips on her skin, and on the thin material of her lacy bra. Her nipples had hardened intriguingly under the ministrations of his stroking, pinching fingers, and then tongue and teeth.

He stared down at her now, breathless and dry-mouthed with desire, blood pounding in his ears, but desperate not to injure her in any way. Her thumb rubbed gently, but attentively, at the head of his erection, and he flinched inwardly at the combination of the exciting, pleasurable sensation, and the vulnerable, loving, determined expression on her lovely face. It might feel wonderful, but it wasn't right—not when there was fear and sadness lurking behind her passion.

"Chizuru," he whispered, barely able to resist leaning forward into her touch, while forcing himself to keep his hands curled on his thighs, rather than caressing her breasts, or busy with the pale blue panties that lay visible below her loose, rumpled skirt.

"I want this, Hajime. You love me, you believe in me, and I want you to be the first, since I don't know what the future has in store for either of us."

"We'll stay together no matter what, I promise, if that's what you want. But don't—Chizuru, those are the wrong reasons—you must know that!" He hoped that his voice betrayed neither the effort it cost to be rational, nor his hurt at her lack of confidence. In him, in them, he wasn't sure which.

He read stubbornness—and true longing—in her eyes, and the set of her lips. She wasn't going to back down, not when she believed in what she was saying.

"Your father won't want an alliance with a disgraced family, we both know that. And the Kazama want me so that I can produce an heir to both families, Kazama and Yukimura, now that their victory is certain. A marriage, an heir—that will bring everyone into line, and keep our noble blood pure." The last word was low and bitter. "Are you going to subject your family, and your friends, and all their dreams, to the inevitable retaliation? They—the Kazama—can be brutal, you know."

"My family can look after itself," he told her forcefully, trying and failing to ignore her insistent caresses. He shifted a little, then caught her wrists, pushing her down into the bed. "Don't offer yourself to me on such terms. I'll refuse." He wasn't sure he could, but he'd do his best.

Chizuru stared at him, clearly frustrated in every way, but also, maybe, a little hopeful. Or was he imagining it, because he wanted her so much, and needed her to want him back out of love and passion, not despair—or as part of some ridiculous, fatalistic goodbye.

"Hajime? I don't want you to get hurt. I love you. That's the only reason I would ever go to them—"

"I know, but this—" He swallowed, unable to do what he should, and just get up, and get his mind back on prioritizing her safety, and—and so on. Why couldn't things be simple? Why did he always think too much?! He could practically feel Sōji's eyes mocking him for his indecision.

"I'm sorry," Chizuru whispered into the silence. "I was being selfish—to want this time with you. This is my fault—"

"Dammit—no!" He let go of her wrists and curved his hands around her cheeks to cradle her head. "Just… just don't go there." He bent down to kiss her fiercely on the lips, and was surprised to discover that his control was still pitifully weak. Desire reignited as he registered the heat of her skin against his bare chest, and felt her lips part beneath his. He heard her breath hitch—just as it had earlier—and then her arms tightened around him, pulling him fully against her, so that he barely had time to brace one forearm to avoid falling.

"I won't give up—"

"I won't let you go."

With little grace, but also no pointless self-consciousness, he freed them both from their remaining clothes, and gave himself over to kissing and teasing and caressing his beloved's body into heated, extravagant arousal. Inexperience didn't mean lack of imagination, and he'd imagined making love to her so many times before, often to his own chagrin. He kissed and tasted and left marks on her skin, and suckled her breasts, and ran strong, demanding hands along her sides and over her hips and belly and around her smooth backside. And he thanked her, in fervent, heartfelt whispers, for letting him hear her cries of passion, and for sharing her wonderful, sweet body with him.

Her scent was intoxicating—he hadn't realized how much it would affect him. When his explorations finally reached the damp, sensitive folds of skin at her centre, and his fingers started to learn the contours of her most private places, her soft cries became whimpers, and he saw her biting her lower lip so hard that he thought it might bleed.

"Chizuru…" He almost stilled his hand, worried for the first time that he'd somehow hurt her, in his ignorance, but when his fingers slowed, and he lifted his lips from the hard nub of one breast, her expression plainly begged him not to stop, and he felt her hips jerk so as to press her mound more firmly against his hand. Only a little while later, he found himself sliding his fingers within her, both elated and a little shocked by how much he wanted to do such things. His body was beginning to quiver with need and anticipation of release, and he knew that she could feel his hard length pressed tightly against her thigh, and perhaps even the slightly sticky fluid that had started to pool on her skin. Without conscious thought, he pressed his fingers deeper within her, and felt inner muscles tremble and contract against them. Abruptly, he wasn't sure how he was going to manage to hold back any longer. He pulled away from her uncertainly, aware that he'd become completely focussed on sensation.

"Hajime…" She said his name like a plea, and lust jolted through him.

"Chizuru, I… I…" He swallowed, so deep in desire that he couldn't form a proper question. When she reached out and pulled his mouth down to hers, kissing him passionately, his whole body twitched involuntarily, and he clung to her, feeling his climax starting to build out of control. He could only hope—though he was moderately optimistic—that he'd made his lover feel the same way.

He was incredibly grateful when Chizuru shifted her hips, and awkwardly, but without hesitation, helped guide him to her entrance. He took that as permission to finally surrender his thread-bare self-command and join with her, and a soft groan escaped his lips as he thrust into her, his hands moving to grip her hips as he rocked hard against her once, and then withdrew a short space before burying himself deep into her once more, savouring the way her tight, slick walls clenched and pulsed around his shaft. She was very wet, and she smelled of arousal and sex, and a strong wave of possessiveness swept over him along with the desperate yearning of near-orgasm. Unable to stop, he thrust into her again and again, listening to her moan, and feeling her writhe beneath him. Somewhere in the haze of adrenaline and pleasure, he promised himself to do more for her next time, since this time he seemed to lack the ability to do much more than ride a dizzying wave of physical sensation until he was coming hard and fast inside her, his seed spilling hot within her welcoming body.

They lay together for some time afterwards, without speaking, their bodies still joined, their skin sticky with sweat and still sensitive to the other's touch. Saitō was conscious that he had left numerous bruises and marks on Chizuru—some light, some deep—and he was embarrassed that he didn't fully recollect being so rough. It had also occurred to him, too late, that he probably hadn't been careful enough or gentle enough, given that it was her first time. Unfortunately, he didn't seem to be able to think clearly enough to express his concern just yet. He suspected he was smiling, and was a little worried that he looked smug.

Chizuru, on the other hand, looked… happy. More than happy. For some reason that Saitō couldn't fathom, she was gazing lovingly up at him through dreamy, half-closed eyes, and showed no inclination to have him move from where he lay. The only problem was that he felt a distinct inclination to make love to her again, but wasn't sure whether that would be either appropriate, or welcome. He'd never been entirely sure what women really thought about sex, having never had the opportunity—or courage—to ask. But… she really did look happy. And beautiful. Gorgeous, even. Although that didn't necessarily reflect how she felt.

"Thank you," he said, at last. It didn't begin to convey how he felt, but it was a start.

"Oh…" Chizuru looked startled, but then relaxed again and grinned at him. "You're welcome—I mean, thank you, too."

There was a lot going on, back in the real world. And somebody was going to track them down, probably either Sōji, or Hijikata-san, and probably sooner rather than later. Saitō tightened his arms around Chizuru.

"Remember, you promised."

"I know. No giving myself up just to protect everyone I care about—and especially you—from the anger of the most powerful family in the country."

He blinked. "Somehow you make it sound like I'm being selfish." Then, before it could even begin to turn into another disagreement, he added. "But even if I am—yes, that is correct. Also, to quote something either Sano-san, or Shinpachi, said one time: have a little faith, okay?"

Chizuru looked up at him with an unusually roguish smile.

"I have faith in your endurance…"

Saitō felt his eyes widen in surprise, and then Chizuru suddenly looked away, red suffusing her cheeks. Gently, he turned her face back toward his, and kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry if I was too rough—I really am. I don't know what was wrong with me. But I'd be very happy to let you test my endurance, if you want to."

And if Sōji, Hijikata-san, or anyone else needed him in the next hour or two, then that was just too bad. Chizuru's well-being, and her good opinion of him, were far more important than a national championship, a potential rift with his father, or the threats of a family with distinctly dangerous business practices.

[END]

A/Note:  I realized part-way through editing that the background for this Saito is influenced by that of the Saito from an entirely different otome game (DTL)

Tags: @shell-senji @hidetheremote @eliz1369 @nalufever @annedey @nospringonions @soujthings @do-it-for-keef @sabinasanfanfic @fury-ous @canadiangaap @aetherium-weaver @hakuyamazakisensei @petri808

To those who read Teachings of Demons:  the new chapter is underway and should be finished this weekend.  Still dealing with a number of distractions, but hoping for solid writing time in March.

~ Imp

[spider-moon-princess]

Masterlist

⚫ Souji Time Travel AU

Part 1 Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5  Part 6 Part 7 Part 8  Part 9  Part 10  Part 11   Part 12  Part 13 Part 14  Part 15  Part 16  Part 17  Part 18  Part 19  Part 20  Part 21  Part 22

⚫ Time Travel Shinpachi x Etsu

Part 1  Part 2 Part 3 Part 4  Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Christmas Drabble

⚫ Time Travel AU Spinoffs

The Tale of Toshizō the Cat -by @sabinasanfanfic

Hijikata’s Aftermath

⚫ Souji Time Travel Prompts

Little Toshi’s Arrival  Skipping Class  That isn’t your shirt  Cupcakes  Last Cuddle

⚫Eevee Answers Prompts! (Drabbles)

OkiChi: I told you not to fall in love with me  Come Here  You look amazing

HijiChi: Are you Serious?

⚫ Fictober 2018

⚫ Edo-ShinxEtsu

Happiness  Yellow Yukata  Delight  Happiness+Delight  Hairpin

⚫ Random Shin x Etsu Drabbles

A Lot  

⚫ COP AU

Offer Me-A Gift   Batman v Superman

⚫ Modern AU Vampire Dream

⚫ Knight!Souji x Princess!Etsu  Part 2

⚫ Shameless Hakuouki Harem pt 1

⚫ Hakuouki Kindergarten Pt 1 

⚫ Iba x Shiori

Victorian AU Part One  Part Two  Part Three

What You Mean To Me

Look at me, ILY

COP AU Drabbles

KissPrompt 5  Fight Me  The F Word  Lying  My World  Ribbon  Missing Out  W&H

MAFIA AU

Invite Me  Shiori’s Heart  Opposite Worlds  Acceptance  Addicted  Bliss

Pirate AU Ch1  Ch2  Ch3 Ch4  Ch5

⚫ Iba x Etsu

Love at first sight

⚫ Saito x Shiori

Iced Coffee  

⚫ Hijikata x Shiori

Ashes

⚫ Ryōma x Shiori

  Sea

⚫ Others

Twenty Mins-ToshiSami  Temporary Partner-Yamazaki  Double DateF

[eliz1369]

Aaaah!!! Thank you so much! What a great continuation! Once again you have left me feeling like I’m standing on the edge of an expansive story ;)

Traffic Duty

Hakuouki fanfiction by impracticaldemon for Eliz1369 ~  Happy Birthday!

PART II of the Okita-Chizuru story Parking Ticket, in which Detective Okita Souji was demoted to traffic duty both as a punishment, and in order to go under cover to locate a mysteriously missing murdered man.

Summary:  In Traffic Duty, Okita discovers that the policewoman who got him into trouble in the first place - by being right about ending a police pursuit - has been given the task of making him maintain his cover role by performing his duties as a traffic cop.  But things heat up even before they hit the streets, when Okita begins to suspect his new partner of withholding information critical to the investigation.

Traffic Duty

“You’re Yukimura, right?”

Sōji eyed the young policewoman with more attention than he’d given her the first time they’d met. He was more observant than most people realized, but the circumstances had been less than optimal.

“Yes, Detective—that is, Okita-san.”  She ducked her head apologetically.  “Please excuse me for not using your proper rank, sir, but I was instructed not to give away your cover as a member of the regular forces.”

“I don’t care either way, but that’s ridiculous.  If it’s a small-scale operation, it will sort itself out whether they know who I am or not—plus, I doubt they’d have ears on us here in the station.  If it’s something worth my time, then there’s a good chance they already know me.”  

He turned away, fighting the urge to vent his bad mood on the too-serious Yukimura.  He was pretty sure the whole ‘traffic cop as cover story’ thing had been set up just to irritate him, but that wasn’t her fault.  To his surprise, since she seemed rather timid, Yukimura pursued the issue.

“Most respectfully, Okita-san, it seems useful to me to retain any advantage we might have.  And even if you are recognized, it is not—that is, I’m told it is not—entirely unbelievable that this is an actual punishment detail for you, rather than a covert operation.”

Sōji shut his teeth on an expletive before looking back at her.  If his expression scared her a bit, too bad; at least he was being civil.  Besides, it irked him that she was right.  He brought his hands together in silent applause.

“You have a point there, Yukimura, good job.”

To his dismay, his new ‘partner’ gave him a tentative smile.  He groaned inwardly.  This was what came of being too polite; people like her took it the wrong way and tried to get to know him.

“Thank you, Okita-san. Welcome to the station.  I hope we will work well together.”  She bowed, then picked up a take-away cup from the counter behind her, and held it out to him.  What was with this kid?  She had to know she’d gotten him into trouble, and he’d made it pretty clear he didn’t want to be here.  Plus, his reputation usually preceded him.

“I don’t like coffee,” he snapped.  That was stretching the truth, but good enough for an overly-helpful and temporary working acquaintance.  Besides, even Hajime-kun had been known to (silently) agree with Shinpachi’s declaration that the stuff he drank could no longer be called coffee.

Yukimura looked cast down for a moment, but persevered.  “I—I inquired into your preferences, Okita-san, and the coffee has extra cream and triple sugar.”

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