Hakuouki - A Butterfly in Your Sky ( Okita Souji x OC )

Chapter 6: Of demons and monsters

I had no intentions of running away.
„I have no intentions of running away." The person walking in front of me appeared like a tall and dark figure, just another child of the night as he was fading into the shadows, dragging me with him deeper into darkness. But he didn't answer nor does it seem that he even paid any attention to me or my words.
„Do you hear me? I won't cause you further trouble. You can head back to your comrades. I will return to the headquarters on my own." His face shifted a little bit towards the side, showing me that he certainly heard. Hair was covering his face and only as the wind left it dancing I was able to catch a glimpse of the numb grin on his lips. „Ah." It was more like a sound an animal would leave behind in the cold night air, than any answer to my concerns. I didn't lie. I had caused them enough trouble and the more I thought about it, the clearer it came to me. I was a burden on their shoulders and even if they joked about it and pulled some fun out of this serious moment, I was certain, that my being here was nothing but a disturbance – especially to the person in front of me, Okita. Why did he remain so silent? I was so sure, that he would tease me or at least had some nasty comments burning on his lips, but he only walked in front of me, escorting me through the night.

„I am serious! I don't want to be more of a burden than..."
„Well, that thought comes a bit late now, huh?" For a moment I didn't dare to look into his face.
Defiance graced my face. I would not let myself down because of this person. Out of all the Shinsengumi captains, this one was by far the most dangerous one. Not even Hijikata was able to create as much fear inside me as this one. I couldn't tell what kind of fear it was – not yet.

"Why on earth would someone involve himself with Choushu scum." He shook his head. His words were filled with indignation.
"Ye. How? I wonder." What on earth did he even know? He stood here, judged me as if he had the right to. That was not fair. Just because he had the luck to be part of the Shinsengumi and the opportunity to fight for what he stood for, that did not mean he could treat me as he wished to. He opened his mouth to spill more words out but I forestall him.
"You know nothing! Yet here you stand, looking down at me as if I was the same as them! You don't even know what they did! These people are monsters! And you're not even better! Killing everyone off as you please! Don't even compare me to the likes of you!"
"Eeehh~? So it would've been better if I had not killed these idiots just moments ago?"
"That's right! Mind your own business and leave me alone!"
"Hmpf. You are incredibly rude for someone who tried to kill my commander."
"Exactly. Your commander. So it has nothing to do with you. Leave me alone."
"So you would've liked what they had planned for you? What kind of masochist are you?"
"That's none of your business!" How could he be so arrogant! Yes, he saved my life but that didn't mean it belonged to him. I still had my pride.
"You overestimate yourself quite a lot."
"So do..." I stopped. Something held me back and didn't let me finish my words. His face shone white in the moon's pale light and the green of his eyes underlined the impression I always had of him: demon. But that was not what had stopped me. His face and neck, even his chest was covered in blood stains. I then realized that this may have been prevented. He killed them, and he killed them for my sake. It was not him, who murdered them, but me. It was my fault these people died. I wanted them dead, that's true – but suddenly it did hit me hard. I had said it myself, he was no better than them. Their only answer was to kill each other. Was that really the right way? Even the hunger for revenge had been lingering inside of me, I did not feel satisfied – not even a bit. It didn't change anything. They were dead. And that was all there was to it.

„What is it?" His gaze stunned me.
„Y-you..."
He now turned entirely towards me and my body seemed to be paralyzed. What was this? Maybe he indeed was some sort of demon and as he stared into my face with this expression on his, he really was stunning me or draining the life out of my body. But his look didn't waver nor did he turn away even for a second. His eyes demanded an answer.
„You have blood on your face," I whispered. He raised his eyebrows and I saw the small amount of astonishment hitting him like a soft punch – barely visible. Then his expression died and something close to a smile found it's way to his lips. He took a step towards me, closing the distance between us until he stood directly in front of me. He leaned down and with his hand gently touched my cheek. His thumb, not rough but far from gentle, brushed over my skin and rested near my lips. Time froze for this moment when the green-eyed monster had me in his grip. He held my face only with his fingers but I could feel the strength they contained.