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.....

"Sougo!"

Oy vey. Not again.

It has been two weeks since [Male Name] starting working in the Shinsengumi headquarters. Toshirou was against it at first, saying that they, the Police, should take care of themselves and not rely on a civilian. But, somehow, Kondo Isao, his superior, was able to convince the strict Vice Chief to give it a try, letting the poor [Male Name] work in the site for a trial period of one month.

Now, the male needs to continue impressing the Mom in order for him to continue working there. He needed the money, after all.

But, he was not expecting to witness such a grande display of premeditated murder. Right inside the police headquarters.

Now, [Male Name] was standing beside a big hole dug at the backyard. Staring down at it, he saw the one and only 'Toshi', his hands and legs stretched out on the circumference of the trap like a starfish, preventing himself from falling into the bottom filled with bamboo spikes.

"Shall I get a rope for you, Hijikata-san?"

"T-That would be nice, [Last Name]-kun."

.....

"Thanks for the save, [Last Name]-kun."

"Don't mention it, Hijikata-san. After all, it would be too gory and sickening to clean up the mess if ever you did fall right in completely."

"That pitfall trap's not the first one I fell into. Don't worry. It would take more than that to get rid of me."

Both males were now walking inside the headquarters, Toshirou folding his arms over his chest while [Male Name] had his behind him.

The two were enjoying the peaceful stroll along the corridor when one shōji slid open right across where both males were.

"Oh, Hijikata-san," called out the brunet. "Welcome back. Did you find your way to your dreamland?"

"No," Toshirou snarked. "But I can send you to yours in one go."

He already had one hand on the scabbard of his sword. Not that [Male Name] didn't care, but he just didn't prefer cleaning up after broken doors and floors at that moment, so he sprang into action.

"Now, now, now," [Male Name] waved his hands in front of him and Toshirou. "Didn't you say you and Kondo-san have a meeting with Matsudaira-san?"

"Ah, right," the Vice Chief relaxed his stance. "Thanks for reminding me. In that case, I'm off."

After saying farewell to the raven-haired male, [Male Name] was left alone with the 1st Division Captain. He didn't want to stand on the receiving end of the male's swordmanship, so, as politely as he could, he bowed at the male before turning his back and walked to the dining hall.

"Aren't you being too chummy with Hijikata-san, [Male Name]?"

The male with [Hair Colour] locks stopped on his tracks and turned to face the policeman, completely caught off-guard by the male's remark.

"What do you mean by that, Okita-san?"

"Are you really that desperate as to cling onto Hijikata-san's good side, so he'd let you stay here and work?"

The male-in-question raised a brow. "Excuse me?"

"I can't believe Kondo-san let in here someone who'd resort to brown nosing just to get what they want."

[Male Name] didn't like where the conversation was going. The moment he entered the building for the first time, he already felt a stink eye was thrown at him. As he continued working, he felt the disapproval more and more. As far as he recalled it, he hadn't offended anyone while working there. But, never did he realise there was actually someone who didn't like his presence there.

[Male Name] balled his hands into fists, his nails digging into the skin. "I'm so sorry, Okita-san, but I don't know what you're talking about."

He didn't want to complicate the situation further, so he turned his back again and headed to his destination. "I would appreciate it if you investigate before you label. After all, you are supposed to be a policeman of Edo."

From that day on, the stares and confrontations became more frequently, more tactless.

.....

"Aren't you a careless one, [Male Name]-kun?" mocked the brunet.

Moments prior, [Male Name] was busy moving back and forth, all hands holding cleaning implements. He was already done with the dining hall when he decided to proceed to the dojo. With one hand holding a bucket of water and another gripping a floor mop, [Male Name] exited the now clean room and headed to his destination. As he passed through a hallway, unfortunately for him, he stepped on something slippery. He lost his footing and slid straight down the wooden flooring, only to stop and crash into a corner. The bucket he held flew out of reach. Unfortunately for him, it landed on his head, giving himself his second bath for the day. As for the mop, it multiplied, or divided.

As he bathed in soiled liquid, a pattern of footsteps echoed from the opposite hallway. The male looked at the source, only to find Okita Sougo with a smirk obviously spread on his face like butter. As he lowered his gaze from the male's face, [Male Name]'s eyes widened upon finding an almost used-up bottle of mayonnaise on one hand.

The brunet walked closer to the male on the floor, his triumphant grin still plastered on his face.

[Male Name] looked back on his course and saw trails of yellow blob all over the wooden floor. [Male Name] wasn't a dull knife. He immediately pieced one thing after the other, but as much as he wanted to release his frustrations, he needed the job. Badly.

So, with one arm supporting his weight, he tried to lift himself up, only to come crashing down once more. 

"I-I'm sorry for the scene, Okita-san," [Male Name] tamed his inner beast. "I'll clean this up right away."

"Of course, you will," scoffed the other. "That's your purpose, after all."

And the captain left [Male Name] in the wake of his doing. After that, the 'accidents' became a household thing. The murderous set-ups for Toshirou did decrease, but cases where [Male Name] fell over, slipped, or crashed onto things, walls, or other people became a common sight.

Even when the poor male with [Hair Colour] hair was on the eve of his one-month test run, the mishaps didn't seem to fade. That morning, [Male Name] found himself brushing the dining hall when a certain someone decided fire bottles of mayonnaise with the lids taken off using a bazooka at an unsuspecting raven-haired Vice Chief. Sure, Toshirou was able to dodge the attack with ease, but the remnants it made fell into the hands of the person who did get his face painted with condiments.

While [Male Name] was busy making sure the wall did smell like eggs no longer, the man with distinguishable V-shaped locks came to him from behind.

"[Male Name]-kun, after you're done here, please proceed to Kondo-san's office. Okay?"

"Sure thing, Hijikata-san."

It took him a few more scrubs with water mixed with fabric conditioner until the male became satisfied. After that, [Male Name] returned all cleaning equipment he had to their rightful places before fixing himself up in the nearest toilet and heading to where he was summoned.

The air he felt when he entered the confines of the office felt nerve-wracking for [Male Name]. Are Kondo-and and Hijikata-san not satisfied with his actions? Are they going to rub it on his face that his last day is finally the day after? Did Yamazaki-kun report to them that he ate some of his anpan while on break?

He stood in front of the cross-sitting males, his fingers playing with each other behind his back as his eyes darted to his feet, finding them interesting at some point.

Isao broke the forming silence. "Tomorrow is your final day here as our attendant, [Male Name]."

"A-Ah. Y-Yes, it is. It has been a fun one month here in the police headquarters," [Male Name] raised his eyes to meet the talking male, though fear still swam freely in his chest.

"Before you came here, the men did all the cleaning and fixing of broken stuff. But when you came here, the environment felt more conducive for working, especially the dojo since I couldn't smell dry sweat in it every morning. It really boosted our spirit to train there."

"T-Thank you, Hijikata-san!"

"Not to mention, the menu in the dining hall became more diverse and tastier thanks to some of your actions. The tamagoyaki you prepare every Wednesday is the second-best I've tasted in my life."

"I-I appreciate it so much, Kondo-san!" The fact that his own recipe of tamagoyaki wasn't number one did faze the male a little bit, but he let it slide.

"That is why he decided to let you stay here and work for us."

[Male Name] stood there in shock, his mouth slightly agape to the news.

"Your presence can truly help us stay alert and motivated, especially for important missions."

[Male Name] didn't expect the blessing. Considering his need for money, he wanted to grab the opportunity faster than a man chased by a rabid leopard. However, one thing crossed his mind. If ever he would accept the offer, he wouldn't know how to respond at home anymore.

He had a decision to make.

"I-I really appreciate the offer, Kondo-san, Hijikata-san. I really need this job. Thank you so much."

"However, I guess I have to decline it."

Both males sitting on the floor didn't see it coming. Toushirou heard it loud and clear, but it didn't really sink in immediately. He needed five to ten seconds.

"May I ask why?"

"M-My older brother found out about my work and didn't really take it kindly," he shrank.

"Oh. May we ask the reason why?"

"H-He thinks that I'll get myself caught up into some dangerous stuff. I did say that cleaning the police headquarters wasn't something he'd need to worry about, but he was adamant. He only calmed down when I told him about the trial."

The Vice Chief nodded in understanding. He didn't take it positively, but he needed to take it in. There are some people out there that hates the guts of policemen.

"I understand, [Male Name]-kun. It's quite sad to hear that. I hope you can find a job somewhere else after tomorrow."

"I-I'll try my best!" The male tried to brighten the mood with a grin.

"If you need a recommendation, don't hesitate to approach us, okay? We're more than willing to help."

"Thank you so much, Kondo-san."

Little did the three men know that behind them, in another room, a certain brunet was staying with his back on the wall dividing him from the rest.

Later that day, after [Male Name] gave his good nights and farewells to Toushirou, Isao, and the others whom he passed by, he headed home, but stopped in a few shops along the way.

Within minutes, he arrived at a residential area within Edo that boasted old, dilapidated houses. The roads were also beyond repair as puddles formed at every corner. The scene wasn't entirely knew to [Male Name], although he did wish that authorities would finally consider clearing the piles of trash that stuck up along the path.

After a few more twists and turns, it was already dusk when he arrived at a rundown one-storey building. It didn't fare any better with the neighbouring houses, but [Male Name] paid it no heed.

"I'm home."

Entering the house, four people welcomed the lad in the living room. Three young children rushed to their older sibling, two tried to cling on his legs. Beside the table in the centre of the room sat a woman with bone-thin arms on the table while her legs neatly hidden under the furniture. The weak smile she gave was enough for [Male Name] to forget the energy-draining day he had.

[Male Name] dipped his hand in the plastic bag he brought and later handed two blister packs he bought earlier. Two skinny hands rose for the medicine.

"That's for the the next four days, mum."

"Thanks so much, [Nickname]."

The male replied with a smile. "Don't mention it. You three," [Male Name] referring to his siblings, "I'll go make dinner. You three better clean this place before I finish cooking."

"Yes, Nii-san!"

.....

Last Day. 

He didn't want to be late on his final day in the Shinsengumi headquarters. He woke up earlier than usual, already prepared the breakfast of his family, and was very much determined to end the day with good memories.

But, for him to sit in front of his house's table, across a certain brunet visitor whose personality was enough to cut steel, the day wasn't starting the way he wanted.

"M-May I ask why you're here, Okita-san?"

The male across him wasn't feeling very cooperative. Instead of replying appropriately, he smirked.

"Is this how you treat your visitor, [Male Name]? You're not even serving me tea."

Oh, how about a cyanide tea, you overgrown koala...

Feeling defeated, [Male Name] retreated to the kitchen for the tea. In the other room, Sougo stood up from his spot and did some looking.

"If you're worry about being late, don't worry. I told Hijikata-san that I asked you to do something for me." The male in the kitchen sighed, probably relieved in a way. "Have you found a new job after this one?"

[Male Name] returned holding a tray with a tea pot and two cups. "What good would it do you if I have or have not found one?"

Sougo didn't budge. He just focused on a cabinet near the wall. Specifically, on the object displayed on top of it.

"Is there someone in your family who uses a sword?"

Ignored, [Male Name] irked at the question. A pair of [Eye Colour] orbs then directed themselves at the displayed weapon in the room. "My father and brother did," [Male Name] replied as he set down on the table the tea set he brought. "Both of them are not here anymore, so that thing's been rusting there since."

Sougo picked up the weapon from its stand, completely oblivious to the unimpressed expression metres away. He inspected the scabbard, looking at the surprisingly dust-free shell, before one hand slowly reached for the handle and pulled the sword from its case.

He proceeded in checking the edges of the sword, taking note of its crack-free features and polished length.

"Rusting, you say. It looks like someone's been taking care of this thing."

From indifferent to shocked, the male behind him cringed at the statement, completely surprised at seeing the unsheathed metal. Quickly, he rushed towards the male to retrieve the weapon, but one hand pushed his face away from his target.

"W-What are you doing?! Give me that."

"Judging the way this was taken care of," the extended hand dropped and joined the other to grip the handle of the sword. Then, Sougo turned his back against the protesting male, and positioned himself, slicing the air in front of him using the weapon while making sure no damage was done. "It seems the one taking care of this also knows how to use it." [Male Name], on the other hand, simply paled.

"D-Don't swing that thing inside the house, Okita-san!"

"Say..." Sougo faced the homeowner. "Have you considered joining the force?"

"Listen when someone is talking to you, damn it!" A feeling of talking to the air weighed [Male Name] down. He didn't want to shout, but the inattentive captain paid him no heed. Luckily, no one sleeping was disturbed.

Sougo tossed the now sheathed katana to the other male in the room while [Male Name] jerked like a guy in his 18th cup of coffee in catching the weapon. As [Male Name] safely caught the sword, he held it with one hand on the handle while the other around the end of scabbard, his eyes inspecting the object for any deformities.

[Male Name], contented, decided to return the family heirloom onto its stand. His hands just let the weapon go when that sense of danger just blasted in him. Turning around quickly, he was met with the visiting policeman about to cut him with a sheathed weapon. Right before a black scabbard was about to land a hit, in a flash, [Male Name] raised his two hands and caught the weapon, clamping it with his own two palms a few inches away from his face.

Behind the sword stood a slightly amused Sougo, the grin on his face proof of his awe.

"Nice block. We can use someone like you in Shinsengumi. How about joining my team?"

"T-Thanks, but no. I can't imagine surviving a day with you as my boss. You being a bug in my tasks was hard enough to handle."

Sougo let a smug grin dominate his face as he applied more pressure on the sword. "If you work as a police, you can earn a lot more than you do now."

[Male Name] pushed his hands higher to distance his face from the weapon. "I'd rather have low salary than get stabbed from behind."

"With proper training, you don't need to worry."

"And get myself cut by a sleazy, brown-haired instructor? Not a chance."

"If you train yourself properly, you can return the favour."

"But my mother would be worrying instead."

Sougo loosened his pressure, slowly lifting his own sword and returning it to its position. Though curious, he didn't let it slide. "Why?"

"For the past few nonconsecutive days, I've been going home looking like a manga writer pulling his hair out because of deadlines. Extra tasks I've been doing in the HQ made my face so stressed out, my mum thought cats constantly clung on my face and scratched it 'till dawn."

Sougo maintained his focus at the male, feigning apathy towards [Male Name].

"I told mum not to worry since I am enjoying working there, but she just got more worried. When she found out about the trial, she calmed down and pleaded for me to look for a job elsewhere afterwards."

The captain stood in his spot, looking uninterested. Feeling embarrassed, [Male Name] scratched the back of his head. "I don't think you're interested in these things, Okita-san. Sorry for running my mouth."

The captain dismissed the thought and headed for the door, leaving the other male in the dark. Luckily for [Male Name], the rest of the day weren't as mind-boggling. Yamazaki, Saitou, and the others bore a smile on their faces during the male's last day. Toushirou and Isao did the same.

Just not Sougo. In fact, no face nor voice of the blonde was detected. [Male Name] didn't bother looking for him, remembering the awkward atmosphere he felt earlier that day.

At the end of the day, the men of the HQ sent off the young lad with grins and positive attitude. Some shed a tear, knowing that come the next day, they have to clean to toilets by themselves once more.

But, before [Male Name] could have turned his back against the policemen for the last time, familiar child-like voices erupted. As he instantly faced towards the direction, he saw two of his siblings rushing towards him, immediately latching onto his legs. 

"W-What are you guys doing here?"

"T-This is amazing! You are training as a policeman!" 

And [Male Name] just couldn't catch up. 

"Cool! My brother is going to be a policeman," cheered another sibling. "[Older Brother]-nii-san and dad would be so proud of you!"

"W-What are you guys talking about? I won't be a policeman."

When two pairs of young eyes looked at each other, they nodded in agreement. They removed themselves from their brother and quickly dragged him somewhere, completely raising questions for those in the headquarters. 

Minutes later, three figures arrived at their own home. 

One of the younger children was quick to open the door and the other rushed right in. Their older brother couldn't get a hold of the situation, but slowly flinched upon hearing a certain voice he hasn't heard since earlier that day. 

Rushing to their living room, he found his own mother, smiling and drinking tea together with his other siblings. 

And with Okita Sougo. 

"O-Okita-san?" The male lost his composure. "W-What on Earth are you doing here?"

"[Male Name]," said his mother weakly but positively. "You should have just told me those bruises you were having were due to your training. I would've understood."

"What are you talking about?"

"This young fellow here," she raised a hand towards the brunet. "Came clean to me. You applied to be a policeman and you were having strenuous training before you get accepted."

And puzzled eyes just ran towards a certain low-key smirk within the room. 

"I understand if you worry about me, but, honey, I worry about you, too. Your father was a protector of the law and so was your brother. It was only a matter of time until you find yourself liking the same thing they did."

"B-But, mum. I wasn't..."

"You're still lying to me, [Nickname]." And Sougo internally laughed at the other's expense. "There were a lot of job openings nearby, but you really chose to work at the Shinsengumi HQ even though it's quite a distance from here. And when I'm already in my room, you come here in the living room and polish your brother's old sword."

[Male Name] turned his eyes to his siblings, especially to the one who swore not to tell their mother of his little secret. 

"Don't blame your siblings. Besides, I'm sickly, not blind. I can tell if something old and supposedly covered with spiderwebs has been taken care of or not."

The young male just shrunk on his spot. 

"Now that the mystery of the invisible felines has been solved, is there something you'd like to say, [Nickname]?"

Slowly and completely unlike his usual confident and open persona, [Male Name] approached his mother, completely towering her frail form. 

"Mum, even when dad and [Older Brother]-nii-san were still alive, I always wanted to serve and protect. I thought that, maybe, while working within Shinsengumi even only as an attendant can satisfy that passion I have. However, it felt incomplete. As this day came closer and closer, it felt very lacking that I won't be able to really help the public in a way I know I will be fully contented. And... uhm..."

 "And you really want to do it. Unlike your brother who got himself involved in a bar fight and received a stab in the gut before even taking the examination the day after his funeral."

[Male Name] nodded. 

His mother gestured him to come closer, within a palm's touch. The young male did as told, and sat in seiza to face his mother. 

"If you're considering not going further with your application because of me, don't be. Your captain here told me how great you've been doing during your training. You were even able to catch his own sword with your two hands." The shaky woman slowly and gently pinched the offspring's cheeks. "It seems I really thought you well, huh."

"Yes. Yes, you did."

After a quick motherly touch, Mrs. [Last Name] spoke once more. 

"Well, is there something you'd like to ask Okita-san here?"

Finding some confidence somewhere in him, [Male Name] faced the completely innocent captain of the First Division. 

Deep inside, [Male Name] realised that the brunet pulled strings for this to happen. And while it wasn't what he expected, he'd make use of the opportunity. 

Not that he's going to admit having gratitude towards the harbinger of more work. 

"O-Okita-san, will you accept me in your division?"

.....

"Yamazaki! Get rid of these anpan, you airhead!"

It was a normal noisy Sunday morning within the Shinsengumi HQ. 

"Kondo-san! Put some pants on, you pervert gorilla!"

Normal, indeed. 

Meanwhile, inside the recently cleaned training dojo of the compound...

"Y-You really know how to hold a sword, huh, [Male Name]?"

"Did you really think that I'm only good with cleaning and stuff? Come to think of it, let me remove that smirk from your face. I'm sure there's still ammonia nearby."

"How about going out with me later to patrol the docks?"

"And push you off the harbour away from witnesses? I'm game."

.....

4,043 words. Fair enough.