What makes history (Hijikata x OC)

Of Miura and Sakamoto

7th day 13th month 1867.

My eyes were searching for the familiar ponytail from afar, to no avail. For instead of spotting our Fukuchō, I found Chizuru seated upon the engawa. Our little bee so seldomly rested that finding her so still, shoulders hunched was worrisome. After granting one glance at the deserted courtyard, I sat beside national caretaker.

"Ohayo, Chizuru-chan. What is wrong ?"

She didn't even try to hide it, this time. Cheeks ablaze, Chizuru picked at the seams of her hakamashita, eyes swimming with unshed tears.

"They say he is a traitor, you know ?"

Bells of alarm rang in my head, wondering what might have happened to throw her into such fits of despair.

"Who ?"

"Saitō-san. After all he's done for... us..."

A hiccup interrupted the rest of her sentence, and I found myself circling her shoulders to offer comfort. For once, the little lady didn't pull away. Thanks to my close association with Hijikata, I knew he was using Chizuru to send messages to Saitō in Tenman-ya. The man had been accused of the murder of Sakamoto - alongside with Harada - and his clan had asked for our help.

"Hai, people are unfair to him. But they don't know he was sent to Itō-sod as a spy."

Saitō refused to reveal his role to his colleagues; hence, he had not resumed his position as third captain yet.

"He just won't talk", Chizuru sniffled.

I smiled sadly; Saitō refused to tarnish Hijikata's reputation, taking upon himself to be called a traitor rather than accuse his superior. A smart move, but a sacrifice nonetheless. Chizuru's rightful frustration didn't surprise me, because Toshizō had also vented numerous times about the issue. He hated that a man so loyal to him would have to handle the blows that should have been aimed at him; it scorched his principles. Yet, airing the news would have defeated the purpose; the Shinsengumi were not solid enough to handle doubt at the moment.

So, fists clenched, he found the next best thing and took Saitō out of the coumpound to protect him. It also ensured Miura Kyutarō would be protected by the very best; two birds killed with one stone.

"He's as stubborn as our Fukuchō", I mused, impressed that such a young man could go so deep in his loyalties that he would accept to be scorned by his own peers.

"I don't understand, Kitsu. I don't understand at all why people can't see him."

But you do...

"The soldiers of his division know him best, but not the others. And it is a smart decision on his part, because it keeps the Shinsengumi strong."

And in awe of Hijikata, the glue that kept the group together. What would the men say if they learnt of the decisions he had to take ? Those less than black and white situations that had pushed him to order assassination, or torture ? Death of innocent people ?

Even though I hated to hear Saitō's name tarnished, I could only bow to the wisdom of his decision. Chizuru and I remained a while seated on the engawa, until the cold winds disloged us both.

"Need help with dinner ?", I asked.

The young woman studied me for a moment, as if she was discovering another facet of my personality. For a brief moment, I wondered what she was seeing. Then, a gentle smile bloomed upon her lips.

"Hai. Arigatō, Kitsu-san", was her laconic response.

I shrugged; Harada and I were scheduled for patrol this evening, but I had nothing better to do in the meantime. Well, except for hanging around a certain Vice Commander, but I needed to remain inconspicuous enough; we usually met at night. So I followed Chizuru to the kitchen, and started boiling water for the rice as she chatted with more agitation.