What makes history (Hijikata x OC)

Peace offering

Okita was, for once, not sprawled upon the wall with his word held upright. He looked positively murderous; Kondō-san was a father to him; no one threatened him and lived. My words, though, were misinterpreted by our hot-headed Vice Commander. Sue me for being cynical in a country where people used first degree extensively.

"What the hell are you saying, Kitsu? That assassination is warranted?"

Fukuchō's outburst slammed into me with such force that my heart stuttered. The shock turned to wrath so easily; I understood his anger, but wasn't going to accept to be a scapegoat. I retorted hotly:

"Don't put words in my mouth! Do you think I could ever stab someone in the back? Kondō-san is as much my commander as yours!"

Hijikata grabbed his teacup with so much force that it shook under the strain of his white knuckles.

Damn, I should have shut my mouth.

Silence had settled around the room, and Kondō turned to his subordinate with a desolate expression. But it was Sanan's voice that cut through the heavy silence. Reason, once more, to temper hot headedness.

"Kitsu-kun is only voicing reality, Hijikata-kun. Itō-san is playing his hand in a political game, and we cannot afford for him to decide on the next move."

Bless Sanan and his ability to keep a level head. I shouldn't be surprised he was siding with me ... or was he, really? I stole a glance at the Colonel, finding his grey eyes as cool as collected as wever. What was going on in that head of his? Chizuru's return interrupted my staring, and Hijikata's voice boomed:

"Let me voice another reality then. Itō must be killed. Do you have anything to say to that, Kitsu?"

His gaze pinned me into place on my cushion, and I fought not to squirm under its weight. Why the sudden hostility ?

"So be it", I nodded. "God knows the bastard deserves it."

"Good.", Okita drawled. "Now it is settled, I'll stab him into place while you put your sword through his heart. Or perhaps you'd prefer beheading him?"

I froze, catching the first captain's earnest gaze; Sōji was serious. Right now, he offered me a place by his side as brother in arms. My confused expression caused him to cock his head aside.

"Sōji!", Kondō frowned.

Apparently, it was against conventions to offer a lady to gut someone.

"What?", Okita whined. "I'm doing a favour here. He tried to kill her twice. Poison and rape is enough to..."

"Sōji!", Hijikata yelled, the volume alone enough to shut him up. Okita lifted his hands in surrender and I swallowed nervously. Yes, there was no other solution than killing Itō to protect both mine and Kondō's life; we would never be able to emprison him. But assassination, really? My mind went in overdrive, wondering if the Keeper of Time could become an assassin in cold blood.

"Fine", Okita huffed. "I'll do it myself if you play sissy."

Sissy, uh? I understood Okita's frustration with me, but couldn't find the strength to consider murder.

As details were discussed – an invitation to drink in Kondō's quarters which, in retrospect, was pretty cunning too – I realised I had never ceased considering myself as the Keeper of time. In that moment, I felt the blade hum beside me; my fingers found the sheath, itching for its light.

No. I was a guardian, I couldn't cross that bridge, even for the sake of protecting Kondō-san. Hijkata was putting the team together, now, and turned to me with an inquisitive look.