Battlefield Romance: Hakuōki x Reader

On Patrol: Souji Okita

Scenario: After straight, solid training for the past week or so, you're finally being allowed to go out on patrol. Your trainer (and now friend) is responsible for your well-being on your first day. What will happen while the two of you are in town?

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"Wow! I can't believe I finally get to go on patrol!" You excitedly exclaim as your eyes dart around the village, Okita-san at your side. Though Hijikata-san instructed him to keep you safe, Okita-san said it'd be alright if you stood at the front with him.

"It's just patrol; no need to get so excited" he says, sending you a sidelong glance. You simply grin back up at him.

"You're too happy" he grumbles, looking away.

"And so what if I am?" You counter, letting your arms swing casually at your side. "Smiling is good for you. You ought to try it sometime!"

"I'd smile, but then I'd have to kill ya" he deadpans. You roll yours eyes, knowing darn well that he wouldn't kill you. The two of you had grown a strange bond while training: there was no way you could describe it, but you knew it was there just the same. Whether he'd admit to it or not, you were friends, and it was a fact that just couldn't be helped.

"If you kill me" you finally say, "then please make sure that I at least get a reasonable burial." Okita-san smirks in response.

"Oh, but of course! Nothing less than the finest for you, (y/n)."

"Liar!" You exclaim, laughing as you playfully shove him in the shoulder.

"Ow! Hey, what was that for?" He says, feigning anger as he sends you a fake scowl. You shrug innocently.

"Nothing..."

"Whatever" he grumbles, pretending to sulk. You laugh.

"You know, you're really not fooling anyone."

"D**n it; really?" You nod solemnly.

"Really."

"Hey! Could the two of you keep the flirting to a minimum and watch where you're going instead?" Captain Hijikata-san commands. Okita-san visibly stiffens at the blunt remark.

"We are not flirting!" He hollers back in complete denial as both of your cheeks redden.

"We won't Sir" you reply softly, ducking your head as the two of you continue to walk. After a long pause, Okita-san finally breaks the silence.

"I hope you didn't take what he  said to heart" he says simply. You start, surprised by this sudden comment.

"Uh, no; not at all."

"I mean, the whole flirting crap and all" he clarifies. "Because, it's not like we were flirting or anything."

"Right."

"And you know, it's not like I think of you in that way... Or in any other way for that matter."

"Of course not."

"In any case, I don't want you thinking that way about you and me, okay?"

"I would never dream of it."

"Good." Another awkward silence.

"Okita-san?"

"Hm?" He turns to look down at you. "What is it now?

"Even though we're not like... that..." you blush, "we are still friends, right?" He blinks as he tries to process your question.

"Uh... Well, sure; I guess."

You smile in relief. "That's good to hear!"