Shinsengumi and Me (COMPLETED)

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Hijikata POV

Chizuru has been acting strange these past number of weeks. I don't like her being around all this battle, my hearts in my mouth every time I see her collecting the wounded from the battle field.

"Chizuru, come here a moment." I said to her. Her face redden slightly and she rushed over. "Yes Hijikata San?" We sat down and I stared intently into her brown eyes. I shouldn't feel this way about her, but I do and I can't help it. Her face darken further as I continued to stare.
"What's been bothering you these last couple of weeks? Is it the war?" I asked her.

"Uh, no sir. It's not that..." She trailed off bowing her head. "Child, tell me." I said a seriously. I want to fix what ever is causing her this frustration and pain. It's taking a tole on her, her smile is smaller and her eyes are dimmed. I don't like it. "I promised I wouldn't say, sir." She said and hardened her expression.

I placed a hand on her cheek, "Please Chizuru, I don't like seeing you this way." I said softly and her cheeks reddened again, she's so cute. Damn it!

"Oh! Fine I'll tell you." She sighed deeply, "It's about S-Ekō chan." She corrected herself. A twinge went through my chest. "Go on." I said to her. "Well...she's sick sir. Not just a cold but... Tuberculosis."

"What?" What?! "Since when? Why didn't she tell us? How long have you known? Did she tell you not to tell anyone?" I fired questions faster than Chizuru could reply.

"Uh-uh since a few days before we left Kyoto, sir. She asked me not to tell anyone, she didn't want to cause worry with everyone being so preoccupied with the battles ahead." She bowed her head again. "I'm sorry sir, I shouldn't have said anything." She said and I got confused.

She crawled closer in her knees and wiped her thumb across my cheek, "Please don't cry Hijikata San."

Cry?

My hand flew to my face, slapping myself and I winced slightly. Sure enough my eyes were damp with trickling tears, the salty taste glazed my lips and I sucked in a harsh breathe.

"I-I'm not...crying..."

When was the last time I shed a tear? I honestly can't remember, I usually just get angry and shout or kill something....then again that's not very healthy.

"I'll leave you to your thoughts." Chizuru said but I held her waist. "Stay with me, I..." I couldn't exactly explain but I know I don't want to be alone.

She smiled a pitiful smile and sat on the floor with me. She tested her head on my shoulder, her back to my chest as I held her close and kissed her hair.

The tears I had no control over, continued a silent steady flow through sunset and till darkness covered the sky outside. She's dying?

Souji POV

Ekō chan barked a cough beside me, her voice deep as thought echoing inside her body. She lay back, rolling over in her sleep. I sat staring at the moon, somewhere Kondo San is out there and I'm here not protecting him.

"If only my wounds would heal..." I said wistfully.

"I can help with that." My door slide open and I cover Eko chan with a blanket and sat in front so she wasn't seen. "I can sense the youngster behind you Okita San." They girl spoke.