What makes history (Hijikata x OC)

Harada

Kitsu was thoughtful, those days. I wasn't too sure what had transpired between her and Hijikata, and it took me a while to spot it. They weren't at each other's throat like usual. Not that Kitsu would provoke him, but she usually didn't take crap from him. Good.

I knew the commander was weary of her, especially since she was slowly winning over most of the Captains, myself included. After nights patrolling by her side, I could truthfully say that I trusted her. She had jumped from her rooftop to come to my men's rescue enough time for it to count. Protected my back, and those that followed me, without recoiling. Cut through our enemies, obeyed my orders, and remained truthful to the Shinsengumi's principles.

In short; Kitsu was a strange woman, and my friend. And, like most of my friends, I had decided to take her home to spend some time with my very pregnant wife. It would do Masa some good to see another woman who didn't look down on her for her past occupation. Of course, Kitsu had fidgeted about the fact that she had nothing to offer. She wasn't paid for her service – something that should be shortly rectified - and possessed nothing more than her bag.

This evening, though, she seemed smug enough. I wondered what the young woman had up her sleeve. We slid in the streets under the cover of darkness, Kitsu flanking my left, as was her habit. Hijikata-san had authorised that breach, unfazed by my request, and I wondered, once more, when those two had found the occasion to settle and find common ground. I shrugged it off; their issues, not mine. I trusted our Fukuchō to take the best decisions for us all, and that was it.

The conversation had been a funny one, as per every single subject that surrounded Kitsu. Wasn't she a mystical warrior, after all, that even the infamous Oni feared? She didn't seem much, that tiny woman: I could throw her over my shoulder. But she was something else, and even someone as stubborn as Hijikata-san eventually had to relent.

"Kitsu needs a bit of socialisation. She's been trapped for too long", I told him. "I was thinking of bringing her to my wife before the baby is born."

"Mmm. Do you deem it wise, Harada-kun?", Kondō asked, brushing his beardless chin.

"It's that, or allowing Shinpachi to sneak her out to Shimaraba."

Both he and Hijikata exchanged a wary look. I kept myself in check to avoid to smile. Shin was a genius for suggesting it. Except that he was serious.

"As long as you can ensure the safety of all, I'll trust you, Harada."

"Hai. I also would like to petition, on behalf of the men, that she gets paid for the patrols."

This time, Hijikata's face morphed into angered surprise.

"Nani...", he started. But Kondō-san cut his rant before it even started.

"She is keeping our men safe, and doing her duty. I think that, given that Itō-san left, we can afford to give her soldier's wages."

"Kondō-san !"

"We are abusing her time and her patience, Toshi."

Hijikata frowned, displeased with the idea. Yet, he didn't yell; we were both in the same age range, and of the same mind. There was no use raising one's voice between us.

"I would have expected her to make the request herself, Harada", he eventually concluded, displeasured displayed by that particular crease of his mouth.

Kitsu, asking for money! This was simply presposterous.

"She never will", I answered. "She considers food and shelter payment enough. But she wanted to refuse the invitation because she had nothing to offer to my wife."