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"As a way to boost comradery, I say we celebrate Christmas!" Kondo's cheerful voice bellowed through the Shinsengumi hall. Okita, Saito, Heisuke, Harada, Shinpachi, Hijikata, Sannan, and Chizuru were in attendance.
Hijikata frowned. "That new western holiday? Isn't it a Christian holiday?"’
"We'll celebrate it as a festival of giving. In five days, on the 25th of December, we shall hold a grand banquet for all the Shinsengumi members. And for Christmas Eve, among the nine of us, we shall play games. For the first one, I will have everyone draw names, and the person you draw is the person you buy a gift for. But keep the person you drew a secret."
"Sounds fun. But there are easy ways of finding the person," Okita smirked.
"Violence is prohibited," Sannan pushed his glasses up.
"That's a shame."
Hijikata cleared his throat. "And the other games?"
"Ah yes, on Christmas Day, everyone will bring one wrapped gift. We will put them in a pile and take turns choosing gifts," Kondo said.
"Aww what's the fun in that? We won't know who the gift is from or what the gift is," Heisuke pouted.
"Oh yeah, I didn't think of that."
Harada spoke up. "Then we could make it more interesting by having an option to steal the gift after each person's turn."
"Yeah that's a great idea!" Shinpachi laughed.
"That won't work. People would consistently steal a gift from the person who opened the best present." Saito brought up a good point.
"We'll limit it to three steals per gift. The final person gets the gift", Kondo decided. Everyone agreed to his rules. Not that they had a choice as the commander's words were absolute. Still, Kondo was a kind commander, unlike the Demon Vice Commander Hijikata. Kondo tore pieces of parchment and wrote one name down per strip. He then placed the pieces in a basket and instructed everyone to grab a name. As Chizuru reached for a slip, she secretly hoped her chosen name would be Okita.
Later, back in her chambers, Chizuru opened her slip. Lo and behold, it was Okita. A knock sounded on her door.
“Chizuru-chan, I'm coming in." Chizuru hurriedly hid her paper as Okita slid the door open.
"That face says it all. You got me, didn't you?"
Chizuru blushed. "N-no!"
"Right, right. You wanna know who I got?
Chizuru shook her head.
"It's a secret, buttttttttt I suppose I could tell you if you do me a favor and tell me who you got."
"Won't it be more fun to keep everyone's a secret? If you ask everyone, you can easily figure out who got you."
Okita's shoulders heaved with laughter. "Ahahahaha smart girl. Well Sannan did say we couldn't use violence. Butttt I can still threaten to kill."
"Okita-san!"
"Just joking. But you see, I'm trying to figure out who got Kondo-san."
"Why?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"But you could just buy him a gift without this game."
"Perhaps. Say Chizuru-chan, switch with me."
"You got Hijikata-san, didn't you?"
Okita smirked. "Ah you know me too well. There's no way I'm buying that bastard a gift. Anyone but him."
"I understand."
"You do? Then come help me find who has Kondo-san so we can switch."
"Ummmm...."
"What?"
Chizuru blankly stared at the wall.
"Please Chizuru, you're my only hope. Please grant this dying man's final wish." Okita gazed at her with puppy dog eyes.
"Okay, fine."
"Great! Let's go." Okita cheerfully bounded out the door. Chizuru resignedly followed. The two first came upon Saito practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard.
"Hajime-kun, who did you get?" Okita asked. Saito ignored Okita and continued swinging his sword.
"Um, Saito-san...." He also ignored Chizuru.... or perhaps he was simply too focused. Before Chizuru could object, Okita drew his sword and thrust at Saito's midsection. He easily deflected the blow with a calm expression.
"Kondo-san forbade violence," Saito remarked.
"Relax, we're just training."
"I don't have Kondo-san." Saito resumed training.
"Show me the slip." Saito ignored Okita's request. Okita pulled out his sword again, this time slashing with a powerful overhead strike. Saito dodged by a hair's breadth. He sighed in resignation and pulled the slip from his sleeve. The name read "Shinpachi". Okita sighed and strode off. Chizuru followed him to the dining hall where they ran into Shinpachi, Heisuke, and Harada eating some dango. Okita snatched the tray of dango in the middle.
"Oi, what are you doing?" Heisuke tried to grab the tray, but Okita held it higher.
"First, the slips."
"Hey!" Shinpachi balled his hands into fists, but Harada stopped him.
"Let's just show him, it doesn't really matter." Harada revealed his slip name as "Sannan." Shinpachi sighed and revealed his as Saito.
"I can't reveal mine cause Shinpachi is-ah!" Heisuke ran from the room.
Okita looked back to Chizuru. "Well, I'm going to rest. You be a good girl and go back to your room," Okita handed Chizuru a dango skewer and sent her back. Unbeknownst to Chizuru, Okita was not going to rest. Instead, he headed back to where Saito had been training.
"Hajime-kun, who do you really have?"
This time, Saito sheathed his sword. He pulled a slip from his sleeve to reveal Chizuru's name.
"Well well, it looks like you were hiding this all along."
"I thought you might try something like this, so I prepared a fake slip."
"Very wise. But I suppose buying a gift for Chizuru wouldn't be so bad. Switch with me."
"Very well. If you can defeat me." Saito lashed out in a rapid Iaido strike. Okita parried it and deftly counterattacked. Saito leapt backwards. Okita followed up with a direct attack to Saito's head. Saito blocked the attack. The two clashed swords back and forth several times. Their swords clashed fiercely as they circled around the courtyard, searching for an opening. Their blades met in a blade lock, and they leapt backwards. Okita deftly ran forward, swinging his sword. The tip grazed Saito's cheek. But the flat of Saito's blade had struck Okita's side.
"Well well....., guess you win this time," Okita panted slightly. The two sheathed their swords and bowed. Saito brushed the blood off his cheek and handed the slip with Chizuru's name to Okita.
"Take this."
"You're giving this to me even though I lost? Hahahaha.... guess you're stuck with him." Okita handed the slip with Hijikata's name to Saito.
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Meanwhile, Chizuru searched around town for a gift for Okita. The sun was rapidly setting, and she still had not found a suitable gift. The next couple days, she ventured slightly into the outskirts of the city but was still unsuccessful. Before she knew it, the day before Christmas Eve had arrived. Out of ideas, she went to Kondo for advice.
"A gift for Souji? Why don't you cook him something?"
"But I cook him food all the time. I wanted to give him something special."
"Haha I think he would appreciate anything from you." Kondo ruffled Chizuru's hair. Once again, she sat out for town. Eventually, she decided on a protective charm. As for the gift for the game, she chose a tea set. She wrapped the gifts in Furoshiki cloth. Finally, Christmas Eve came at last. The Shinsengumi gathered their gifts with names into one pile and the other gifts into another and drew numbers. The first to choose a gift was Chizuru. She selected the smallest gift. It was a cherry blossom hair accessory. Her gaze drifted to Okita. He had the slightest hint of a blush on his cheeks. How had he known she would choose this gift? Saito selected a gift next. It was a decorative katana, the kind that could be hung on the wall.
"This is quite nice.........."
Heisuke opened a stuffed panda bear. "Aww, this is cute!"
Harada opened a bottle of sake. Which Shinpachi stole............ Harada's new gift was a decorative fan. Which Sannan stole....... Harada stole his sake back from Shinpachi. Shinpachi opened a new gift. He had chosen Chizuru's tea set.
"Sorry, that one is mine." Okita stole Shinpachi's gift.
"Damn, I want my sake back." Shinpachi stole his sake back. Since this was the third time stealing, the item was now his, per Kondo's rules. Harada reached for the tea set.
"This is mine. I'll just have to kill you if you take it." He hugged the tea set against his chest.
"Souji!" Kondo admonished Okita. He begrudgingly shoved the tea set into Harada's arms. Then, he took Saito's sword. He glared daggers at Okita before selecting the next gift. It was a set of calligraphy brushes. Sannan was next.
"Haiku by Hijikata-san?"
"What?!" Hijikata's face grew red with anger. Okita burst out laughing. Hijikata grabbed Okita by the collar.
"Are you responsible for this?!"
"Of course not. My gift was the cherry blossom hair accessory."
"Then who stole my Haiku?"
"Now now, Toshi. Let's continue the game." Kondo said.
Sannan was last to choose, but there were two gifts left. "It was you, wasn't it? You brought an extra gift," Hijikata glared angrily at Okita.
Okita shrugged. "Well I thought it would make the game more fun."
"You can hardly blame him, Toshi. This game has been fun! We can split whichever gift is left over." Kondo opened a gift..... to reveal a vial with the water of life. Now, Kondo was angry. "What is the meaning of this?"
“I thought it important for all of the captains to drink this,” Sannan explained. “As commander, it may be necessary one day.”
Kondo handed the gift to Sannan. “Keep this safe.” Kondo opened the final gift to reveal a gigantic box of chocolates. “I will share this with everyone! Thank you for playing. I hope everyone received a gift they like. Now, it is time to reveal the secret gifts.” Kondo distributed the gifts to each person.
Harada received a bottle of sake from Kondo,
Heisuke received a water of life from Sannan,
Saito received a decorative katana from Shinpachi,
Shinpachi received sake and cookies from Heisuke,
Sannan received a book from Harada,
Hijikata received calligraphy paper and brushes from Saito,
Kondo received a decorative wall scroll from Hijikata........
Okita pulled Chizuru aside. "Let's go somewhere else."
"But the party-" He ignored her protests and guided her to the courtyard. There, he presented his gift.
"Chizuru-chan, this gift is for you." Okita handed Chizuru her gift. Inside was a cherry blossom pattern kimono.
"It's beautiful. Thank you! You did buy the hair accessory for me after all...... here is my gift to you."
Okita eagerly opened the gift. "A protective charm?"
"Yes, I hope when you go into battle it can protect you."
"I don't need a charm." Okita wrapped his arms around Chizuru. "You're all I need. So stay by my side."
"Okita-san......." The two stayed in each other's embrace for a short while under the full moon.
"Welp, tomorrow is Christmas Day. Go to sleep early. And be sure to wear that outfit tomorrow." Okita bid Chizuru goodnight.
The next day, Kondo gathered all the Shinsengumi members in the hall for the Christmas banquet. Kondo spoke as the chief. “Everyone, thank you for your continued efforts throughout this year. I hope you will continue your hard work for the Shinsengumi. Let us protect the shogunate and go forth in battle with bravery.” The hall erupted in cheers. Everyone merrily feasted on the western banquet of roast beef, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and pie for dessert. And of course, there was enough sake to go around.
“Chizuru-chan, this is delicious,” Okita commented.
“It was nothing. The other chefs did far more than I.”
“But I am a bit disappointed you didn’t wear what I gave you.
“If I wore it, the other members would know I was actually a girl.
“I know I know. That’s why after this is over, let’s take a walk around town, Just us.”
“Okay.”
“Souji.” Kondo appeared beside Okita. He handed him a present.
“Kondo-san. I can’t accept such a gift.”
“I insist. You may need this.”
Okita looked at Chizuru. She smiled and nodded. He opened the gift carefully. Inside was a winter coat and a black and white photograph of him and Kondo.
“Merry Christmas. Souji, you’ve always been like a son to me.”
“Kondo-san……. Thank you……..It’s nothing grand, but here.” Okita gave a small box to Kondo. Inside was a fancy fountain pen from the west.
“These are super rare! Thank you!”
“It’s nothing big. Your gift is far better,” Okita modestly commented. “Merry Christmas.”
The feast wound to an end, and everyone was passed out drunk, save for Okita and Chizuru.
“Wow, even I’m surprised Hajime-kun drank so much. You don’t want to drink any more?”
“No, what about you Okita-san?”
“I have drunk quite enough. But your cheeks are flushed red. Say, are you drunk Chizuru-chan?”
“N-no of course not!” Chizuru lied.
“Well, go get changed and we can go out.”
Chizuru returned to her room and changed into the clothes Okita had bought her as a gift.
“Wow, you look beautiful.”
“So do you. The coat Kondo-san bought you really suits you.”
“Well, shall we leave? Stay behind me in case any of the guys wake up.” The two made their way outside into town. The sun had already set. Even the town was celebrating the western holiday; vendors lined the streets, and colorful lights decorated the stalls. Okita grabbed Chizuru’s hand.
“It’s quite busy. Let’s not get separated.”
“Okay.” The two walked hand in hand around the festival. Sometimes, they stopped to snack on the various street foods. Chizuru spotted a mini cherry blossom bag that would match perfectly with her outfit.
“Does that catch your eye? I’ll buy it for you.”
“No, it’s okay.”
“Too late.” Okita swiftly ran to purchase the bag. He handed it to Chizuru.
“Thank you……”
They continued walking around and bought a large supply of snacks for the Shinsngumi members. Okita insisted on carrying the bags since they were quite heavy. Then, Chizuru insisted upon stopping at the shrine to say their prayers for Christmas.
“I am praying Okita-san can stay in good health.”
“And I pray Chizuru-chan can continue making good meals for me.”
“Of course I will.”
Okita smiled. Little did Chizuru know that he kept his real prayers hidden. Afterwards, the two came upon a goldfish scooping game.
“Hey, let’s see who can scoop the most. Loser has to tell a secret about themselves.
“No-” Chizuru started to protest, but Okita pulled her along. The results of the one- minute contest? Chizuru: 15 goldfish, Okita: 40 goldfish.
“Wow, you are really good.”
“Haha, now tell me, who do you like?”
Chizuru’s lips flushed pink. “Ummmm……”
“Hahaha joking, I won’t make you tell a secret. Oh look.” Okita pointed to an archery game with prizes. “What do you want?”
“But you don’t know archery.”
“So?”
“Why don’t you get a prize that you want.”
“I don’t really care as long as you are happy.”
“Then….. Maybe something the kids you play with would like. Like that yoyo.”
The game master explained the rules. They needed to shoot at least three balloons for the prize. He handed them six arrows.
“Should be easy enough.” Okita fumbled around with the arrow until he figured out how to nock it. He aimed and shot down a balloon on his first try.
“Wow, that was amazing!” He tried again and shot another balloon.
“Here, you have four tries.” He handed the bow with the nocked arrow to Chizuru.
“I don’t know if I can……..”
“I believe in you.”
“Okay…..” With shaking hands, Chizuru pulled back the string. It was heavier than she imagined. Her first arrow completely missed the target.
“Well, try again.” Okita helped her nock another arrow. Chizuru missed again. The next time, the arrow hit the balloon but bounced off it, so it did not pop.
“Only one more try. Okita-san………”
“No, Chizuru-chan, you can do it.” As Chizuru held the string back, Okita placed one hand over hers for support. She released, and the arrow hit its target.
“Good job, I knew you could do it.” Chizuru beamed at Okita’s compliment. But all of a sudden, a stray arrow whizzed towards Chizuru. Okita pushed her out of the way.
“Hey, watch where you’re shooting.” Okita scolded a young child.
“I-I’m so sorry.” The kid cried.
“It’s okay Okita-san.” Chizuru retrieved her prize.
Okita’s lips curled into a sadistic grin. “Just know if that arrow had hit her, I would have killed you.” The kid continued crying as Chizuru pulled Okita away. Chizuru noticed Okita had switched the snack bags to his non-dominant hand.
“Okita-san, please turn this way.”
“Why?” Chizuru stepped around him, but he spun around.
“Did the arrow graze you?”
“Ah haha, you got me. But it’s just a scratch.”
“Let me see.”
“No can do.”
“Okita!”
“Hmph, fine.” He revealed his right arm. There was a faint line of blood trickling down.
“Let’s return. I need to treat it right away.”
“That can wait. Look.” Okita pointed to the sky. A beautiful display of fireworks painted the sky in vivid colors.
“Beautiful……..But does your wound hurt?”
“With you beside me, nothing hurts.”
“A-anyways, let’s return while we watch.”
Okita pouted. “Fine.” They returned to the compound where Chizuru disinfected Okita’s wound. Luckily, it was shallow.
“Does it sting?”
“You know I’ve suffered far worse.”
“Still…… you got injured protecting me. But if you hadn’t, the arrow would have struck me. So, thank you.” Instead of responding, Okita kissed her cheek.
“Merry Christmas Chizuru.”
Chizuru blushed, staring deeply into Okita’s eyes.
“Oh, look.” Outside the window, snow had started falling gently.
“How romantic. I almost want to take you for my own right now.”
“O-okita!”
Okita laughed. “That can wait till another time. Until then, please continue staying by side. I’ll protect you forever.”
“Okita….. That’s the name of the one I like.”
“Like?”
“Mmmmmm love.”
Okita placed a gentle kiss upon Chizuru’s lips. “I love you too, Chizuru. Let us have many more Christmases together.”