Hakuouki: Demons Within

薄桜鬼3

薄桜鬼3
O N E M O N T H L A T E R

"Good Morning, Heisuke-kun!" I greeted from the engawa, as I looked over the courtyard.
"G'morning, Kaori!" He waved back and smiled warmly. Sadly, he had to continue his duties and soon vanished from my sight.

Suddenly, I felt hands on my shoulders.
I felt for the katana I used to have by my hip, but remembered I was safe and nothing was there and calmed down.
"Hey Kaori-chan, want to come out on patrol with us tonight?" Harada asked, Nagakura smiling behind him.
"Sure." I answered warmly.
"Alright, meet us by the gate when the moon comes out. Don't be late!"
"Sounds good." I replied, and they walked away. Staying here at their headquarters was very kind of them, and I was completely healed. All that was left was the scar across my back.

I sighed and pushed off the wall as I stepped into the courtyard, heading to Okita's room. It was quicker to step through the yard than walk around it's perimeter. I removed my getas and stepped onto the engawa, where I got onto my knees.
"May I come in?"
"Kaori-chan? What a surprise! Come in." I slid the door open and clasped it shut behind me.
"What brings you here?"
"I wanted to ask you something." He crossed his legs and sat up from his idle position.
"What's that?" He wondered, tilting his head.
"What will you do with me...?" His eyes widened.
"What do you mean, 'do with you'? I'm not going to do anything."
"I-I meant I can't stay here forever... So when should I leave...?"
"Hmm... Honestly, I don't care if you stay or go. It's up to Hijikata-san." His words hurt me the slightest bit.
"Oh... I see." I tried not to look or sound disappointed.
"You should ask him. I'd imagine you'd leave soon, now that you're healed. But who knows? Hijikata-san is a softy with girls."
"Ah, okay. Thank you very much." I bowed and left.

Okita sat deep in thought. He knew that if she left, she'd have nowhere to go and would probably end up dead or worse. He didn't want that to happen to her, but didn't care if she left and had somewhere safe to stay.
"There are few safe places left now, and it'll only get worse..." He said to himself. Perhaps staying here was the best option in her benefit? Or would it hinder the Shinsengumi's abilities? They definitely couldn't afford any burdens or liabilities. An idea came across him that made him disappointed with himself.
"Maybe I should take it upon myself to protect her.... Geez, I'm getting soft too...." He would bring it up with the leaders that night.