Once upon a dream (Hakuouki fan-fic) (Hijikata x OC)

Chapter 7

Victoria's POV

It was hard keeping track sometimes but I was able to conclude that tomorrow was the day. The big day. My birthday. March 7 was the day I turned 19 years old and I was spending it away from the people I called my family, it was upsetting but I knew I had to deal with it, there was nothing I could do but try and enjoy it to the fullest. But was tomorrow considered my birthday? I was in the past so technically I'm not born, am I? Kazama said I was so I guess tomorrow is my 19th birthday, I think? "You're distracted what's wrong?" A deep voice startled me out of my thoughts. Hijikata-san. "I-I'm not distracted!" I protested with a slight blush, I was embarrassed because of the fact that he noticed that I was indeed "distracted" Hijikata raised an eyebrow at me and glanced downwards then back up at me. "Then why are you missing the cup?" He questioned firmly. I glanced down slightly confused by what he meant only to see that I was indeed supposed to be pouring Hijikata's tea but was missing his cup entirely and instead pouring it all over the tray. "Ah!" I gasped blushing 10x more red than before hand. "I-I'm so sorry, Hijikata-san! Gomen'nasai, Watashi o yurushitekudasai" (I'm sorry, please forgive me) I began frantically trying to clean up the mess I had made but was stopped by Hijikata placing and hand over my shaking one. I looked up at him in curiosity. "Calm down, Tori, tell me what's on your mind" He said blankly, The Shinsengumi leaders had a knack for asking caring questions meanwhile using tones that suggested they couldn't care less about your answer. It was frustrating at times as well as confusing. I wasn't sure whether or not he cared. "It's nothing Important" I replied in a slightly solemn tone. Hijikata sighed and turned more so he could face me when he spoke. "I may not be an expert on women but I do know when someone's lying to me, you're suggesting whatever's on your mind isn't important to me but I can tell it is to you, that makes it worth noting, now, spit it out" It was more of a command this time.

I sighed knowing that when Hijkata demanded an answer there was nothing I could do to avoid answering it. "Tomorrow's my birthday, I just realized how long it's been since I've seen my mom and dad back in America. I'm not sure if anyone knows I'm alive or if they've noticed I'm gone yet, I'm getting older yet I feel no different, it makes me feel indifferent, ya know?" Hijikata nodded slightly in understanding. "I don't feel like my birthday's about me anymore, I fell like it's just a reminder of how long I've been away from my family and it kind of sucks" The vice-commander gave me a slightly sympathetic look. "Anyway, I'm sorry to burden you with my problems, let me get something to clean this up, I'll be back" I told him standing up to rush out of the room in search of some towels. I did end up going back to Hijikata's room to clean up the tea I had spilled but when I did he wasn't there. 'Oh well' I shrugged off mentally.

Hijikata's POV

"Anyway, I'm sorry to burden you with my problems, let me get something to clean this up, I'll be back" She stood up and hurried out of my room after that. She thought she was a burden? She couldn't be more wrong. Her birthday was tomorrow and based on her words I can assume she hasn't told anyone else, I wonder why? Do people in the future not celebrate each other's birthdays? I stood up from the paperwork I was doing, I'd finish it later, I needed a break anyways. I made my way to the common room, on the way there I saw Saito practicing in the courtyard, he immediately noticed my presence as he always does. When I knew I had his full attention I spoke. "Gather the others in the common room, I'd like to have a small meeting, leave the girls out of it" I informed him to which he nodded. Moments later I was in the common room, the other members were beginning to file in. Their idle chatting ceased once they sat down, their attention was focused solely on me. "Ah, Toshi, what is the subject of this meeting?" Kondou-san questioned me, he wasn't upset in any way shape or form he was simply curious. "It's nothing urgent I just stumbled upon the fact that tomorrow is Tori-chan's birthday, I thought it'd be proper to inform everyone" I said simply, my expression blank. I guess you could say I was hoping the others would want to do something for her, we haven't been the most gracious hosts to the girls, we barely knew anything about them including their birthdays. "Really?!" Heisuke exclaimed in surprise. "Tori-chan's turning 19, correct?" Sannan-san inquired. I'm pretty sure she was, I was certain she mentioned being 18 when we met her. "Huh! Tori-chan's older than me?!" Heisuke's eyes widened in shock. "Haha! That's Tori-san now, pipsqueak" Shinpachi teased to which Heisuke pouted. I rolled my eyes at their childishness.

Suddenly Souji spoke but it was one of his smug remarks, the ones that normally ticked me off. "Are you suggesting we do something for her because it's her birthday tomorrow? I didn't know you were soft, Hijikata-san" Before I could say anything Kondou interrupted. "That's a wonderful idea, Toshi, I say we all go out for a nice dinner tomorrow in honor of Tori-chan's birthday" Kondou-san sounded cheerful as usual. "Let's take her to Shimabara for dinner and drinks!" Shinpachi shouted. "I agree, drinking sounds like a good way to celebrate" Sanosuke commented. "Yeah, let's do that!" Heisuke added. Collectively everyone looked around and agreed in some way. "I have no issue with that" Souji said with a small smirk on his lips. Saito remained quiet but normally that's how he showed he agreed. "That sounds settled" Kondou said firmly. "Not quite" Inoue commented immediately after. "Oh?" Kondou voiced. "This special occasion calls for special attire" Inoue said factly. "Eh? Are you suggesting-" "We dress more formally, yes" Shinpachi was cut off by Inoue. A series of groans could be heard from Souji, Shinpachi, and Heisuke. "If that's the case Yukimura-kun may need to purchase another set of clothes" Sannan commented truthfully. Kondou nodded. "I'll take both of them out tomorrow, I think Tori-chan could use a new outfit for this special occasion" Kondou beamed. 'He spoils that girl, why? He's going soft I swear' "I suppose this concludes the meeting, I advise that we keep the dinner a secret from the girl, for now, you're all dismissed" I stated formally. Everyone nodded and left with the exception of Sannan and Kondou-san.

"It's so kind of you to do something like this, Hijikata-kun" Sannan said with a small smile. I flushed but I pushed the feeling of embarrassment away. "I only said something because she seemed bothered by her birthday, I couldn't have her moping around all day, it'd get on my nerves" I huffed, my eyebrows furrowed slightly. Sannan chuckled. "Of course, what else would I expect of our demon vice-commander" It wasn't a question, that, I knew for sure. "It was still a nice gesture, Toshi, you should feel proud" Kondou informed me giving me a light pat on the back. 'I guess attempting to plan something for someone's birthday so that they were distracted from the fact that they missed their family was something to be proud of'

Victoria's POV

*The next morning*

*knock* *knock* *knock* "Get up" A gruff voice woke me up from my dreamless slumber. Hijikata was the only one who was up and about at this time. I reluctantly rolled over and sat up, running a hand through my tangled mess of hair. I pushed off my covers and stood up stretching and yawning like any other person does the moment they wake up. I got up and folded away my futon on my blankets, putting them back in my closet before pulling out the trunks of fabric in which I use to dress. 'Happy birthday to me, now, what to wear?' I thought as I plowed through the different colors and patterns. I finally picked out a solid red kimono