What makes history (Hijikata x OC)

Tuberculosis

Breakfast, the next morning, was slightly awkward. But no punishment came my way. I didn't dare skipping it for fear to look weak; I guess Hijikata had the same idea. So, eventually, the meal went on, and despite avoiding each other's gaze, everyone survived. Okita, though, seemed in a cheerful mood, which aggravated our Fukuchō even more.

As soon as the commanders left, though, I found myself cornered by an overeager Sōji.

"I heard you squared off with our local Oni.", he stated as walked upon the heated engawa. I frowned; did news travel that fast?

"Who told you?"

"Heard. As, probably, half of Kyōto."

I groaned, digging my face in my hands. Okita started to laugh by my side, only for it to turn into a cough. The sun shone brightly today, and for once, the slight breeze brought relief from the constant moisture. Yet the wrenching, wet sound of Okita's lungs got me wincing. And it just didn't stop. The captain turned aside, and eventually wiped his hand upon a cloth he hid at once. Not fast enough for me to ignore the trail of red. Blood.

The bulb in my head eventually lit up; consumption, or lung cancer. Seeing my frown, Okita suddenly stood, and choked a goodbye. I grabbed his hand and yanked, hoping he would sit again. The captain grabbed my wrist fiercely, just short of a hold; the warning was clear, he could break it in a heartbeat.

"Kudasai", I pleaded. "I need to talk to you."

"Then talk."

Gone was the easy-going prankster; I now faced the ruthless warrior who could take a head with one swift move.

"I'll be blunt, then."

A smirk lifted the corner of his lips, causing his greenish eyes to flash dangerously.

"Please do, Kitsu-san. Your failings at the most basic ceremonials are always refreshing."

The remark hit a sore spot – I was doing my best – and I was about to retort when I realised the captain hoped to side track me. What a cunning little brat.

"Well played. But I'm not buying. You have heard consumption, I presume?"

The captain froze, his hand releasing my wrist as if he'd been burnt. And if his face didn't show any panic, his reaction betrayed him. His mouth thinned, barely a line upon his chiselled features.

"I should have known... You will excuse me, but I have people to kill."

Okita started striding away, and I jumped to my feet. Damn, he thought that Chizuru had sold him out. Or Sanan, maybe? I needed to set things rights before he left, so I ran after him.

"No one said a word. I just put two and two together because I studied medicine."

He paused, eerily still. So impredictible ... he was more frightening, standing in the sunrays with a blank expression upon his face, than Hijikata-san about to implode.

"If you talk to anyone of this", he started.

I lifted my hands up with a smile. "You'll kill me, I know. You guys really need to start being creative with your threats. Thanks for the confirmation, though."

I left a slightly unsettled Okita behind me as I hurried to Sanan's lair. The captain had no way to know that the diagnostic of consumption was better news than lung cancer.

It took nut an hour of hesitation before my feet brought me to Sanan's forbidden quarters, dancing from one foot to another.

"Sanan-san !", I called through the door, my whole body vibrating with hope.