What makes history (Hijikata x OC)

Hangover

"Chizuru, wait up!"

The young woman stopped in her tracks, eyeing me suspiciously. Breakfast had occurred as usual, but without Hijikata-san. Which, in turn, had worried both Kondō-san and Chizuru to the point where she had hurried to the kitchen to brew more tea. Of course, the raucous laughter between Shinpachi and Harada had reassured Kyokuchō than nothing was amiss aside from, probably, a splitting headache.

I, on the other side, was pretty antsy to return to him just in case. He'd slept rather fitfully, and I hoped he wouldn't feel too bad upon awakening. Or need to puke his bowels out. Hence my mad dash to get an aspirin before I intercepted Chizuru on her way to his rooms.

"I'll handle that, Chizuru."

Her lips thinned stubbornly as she held on to her tray.

"I'm Hijikata-san's page, Kitsu-san. It is my role."

I started at that, wondering when the little lady had grown such a spine. Then, I realised she was probably worried we kept something from her.

"He'll be fine, Chizuru. Just had a late night with the baka trio, and would beneficiate from a few more hours or sleep. He probably won't wake if it's me."

Her brown eyes widened, catching the bright light from the brisk morning. It smelt like snow, the air crisp and clear, and I took a delighted whiff of the cold air. For a moment, I saw her debate whether she should check on him for herself, or let it go. Then, at last, she relinquished her hold upon the tray and bowed.

"I trust you to take care of him."

"Arigato, Chizuru-chan."

As I watched her leave, I smiled to myself; Fukuchō probably didn't realise how many people cared about him so deeply. I slid the shōji open as discreetly as I could, and closed it behind me. The bundle buried under the cover barely stirred, so I just set the tray down and dropped a few more coals in the brazier. I glanced at the paperwork, wondering if he would allow me to help, if only to classify it and organise the sending and receiving part of it.

Fukuchō wasn't prone to asking help, and his page already ran to and fro, doing more chores than was humanly possible. Good thing she was an Oni with strength and stamina aplenty. Sitting still in the silent room, I wondered what to do. Then, I gently laid on my side on the edge of the futon, and closed my eyes. Toshizō's warmth seeped through the cover, and I found his peaceful breathing appeasing.

For a moment, I had no trouble applying the principles of the Zen philosophy, and enjoyed the present without my brain pulling its usual crap. My eyes eventually closed against the brightening light that filtered through the rice paper partition.

"Kitsu ?"

Had I drifted off? Eyes flying open, I found a pair of dark orbs observing me from the futon.

"Oh, hi. Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep. How are you feeling?"

"Like a drum settled in my head. I'll survive."

He stirred to sit up, and winced in the process. He passed a weary hand over his features.

"I surmised I missed breakfast."

"Hai. But don't worry, Chizuru made sure that breakfast came to you instead."

Turning, he eyed the tray suspiciously.

"Ah," he exhaled. "I don't think I can eat right now."

I gave him a toothy grimace; his stomach probably wasn't too happy.

"I've got some medicine for your headache. And warm tea."

His eyebrows knitted in confusion. "Medicine?"