What makes history (Hijikata x OC)

Gratitude

A satisfying crunch punctuated the penetration of the arrow in the dummy's chest and I lowered Tristan's bow. A little too much to the left. As I released my stance, relishing in the absence of strain in both my arms, the sound of Okita's cynical laugh echoed on the engawa. I squinted in the sunlight to peek at the pair of captains walking around the corner. The hanging roof hid their faces in the shadows, but I recognised easily Harada's gait and uniform beside Okita.

As he spotted me, the tenth captain waved at me.

"Salut, Kitsu (Hi)! Masa sends her thanks. Ever since you punched that neighbour, there's a rumor about a Kitsune protecting my household."

"Chouette (Neat)", I responded, drawing the bow taut and releasing instinctively.

Mark. This shot was better than the last, even though I had barely aimed. Surprise ! I surmised the principles of Kyudō seemed to be working for me; the arrow went where it was supposed to when I found the right frame of mind. Okita's familiar drawl interrupted my musings.

"Neee, Harada-san. How did you survive a dinner with two women? What did they talk about? Men, combs, babies?"

Men... Hijikata ? Over my dead body.

Combs ? I had a hairbrush, did it count ?

Babies... ? Eeeew.

I shook my head as I approached, setting the wide Sarmatian bow upon the engawa. Okita looked better; no coughing, and no exercising. Good. For the moment, all went according to plan. As for Masa, well... I slighty reddened at the memory of her questions about fashion, and my total inability to answer them. I'd never been so thankful for the suggestion to have a drink than in this moment.

Harada actually laughed; he probably remembered my disgruntled face well enough.

"Imagine being questioned about make up, dresses, and designs, and hair arrangement. Kitsu's face was worth the world."

"Tch." The sound passed my lips as if I'd always been Japanese, and Okita only smirked. "What, Kitsu-san? Do you not dress like a woman sometimes?"

I rolled my eyes, finding that ignoring Okita's comments were a much more efficient way to deal with his antics than responding. I'd have to give the tip to Hijikata someday. Harada plopped down beside my bow, his finger trailing the polished wood.

"Well. I understand why you feel more at ease with men", he gently said.

"And there's the whole baby thing as well", Okita added as he crouched, a mischievious glint in his eyes.

Harada shuddered.

"Ouais (yeah)."

Poor guy; he truly had no clue what was going to happen to his sleep ... his nights. His life. So I clasped my hand upon his shoulder and squeezed.

"I'll drink with you when the baby comes. Just let me pick the liquor."

"Deal", the captain sighed. He looked a little lost, but at the corner of his mouth, his lips had lifted in a gentle smile. Sweet Harada; he was about to be blown off by the arrival of his firstborn. Speaking of which, his earlier statement gave me an idea.

"Tu sais quoi (you know what?). Perhaps I should visit when your baby is born to extend my blessing. If it keeps the neighbours from badmouthing your family, it is worth a try."

Harada caught my gaze and nodded; the Kitsu scam worked pretty well with superstitious people.

"Perhaps you should second Masa during birth?", Okita suggested with a sadistic smirk.