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

Chapter 15

Tori's POV

It was hot and I mean hot. I was beginning to feel the effects of the heat, I could tell Chizuru was too. Inoue kept checking up on us making sure that we got a bit of water now and then but we didn't really have time to stop for refills so I was always reluctant to drink, I didn't want to take a precious resource away from the hard-working soldiers. Finally, after walking for what seemed like hours we finally arrived at Nijo castle. At least that's what I recall it being called in History class. Nijo Castle was the official residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate in Kyoto. Only Kondou-San was allowed in to see the Shogun so the rest of us waited outside patiently. At this point, I must have been panting. There was virtually no wind and I was wearing a layered kimono. I was baking. "You okay, Tori?" Shinpachi asked approaching Chizuru and I. Sanosuke was at his heels. "Yeah, it's just hot" I huffed, hanging my head. The heat was sapping the life out of me. 'No fair! Why isn't Chizuru dying?' I mentally whined. We were both supposed to be Oni so it couldn't be because of that, right? 'Maybe it's because I'm an ancient demon princess. Emphasis on the 'princess' part. Perhaps I was meant to be kept indoors' "Hang in there, it'll get much cooler soon" Said Sanosuke offering me a comforting smile.

I groaned at the thought of having withstand the heat until sundown. "Ugh, how many more years until Air Conditioning exists?" The two males chuckled at my complaint. I couldn't help but smile back at them. I was happy to see Sanosuke wasn't beating himself up over what happened the other day. My mind momentarily flashed back to the evening Sanosuke kissed me. My cheeks flared up just thinking about it and I turned my head away from him hoping he didn't notice. It was rather sudden and a rather rash decision of his. For me, it came as a shock but to him, I think it was impulse. Thinking back to it I guess you could say Sanosuke and I had been 'flirting' with each other. It's no wonder he got the wrong impression. I mentally facepalmed. 'So stupid' I cursed myself. I was burdened to be the 'comfortable flirty type' meaning I unintentionally flirt when I'm comfortable with someone. I can't flirt with Hijikata because HE SCARES ME.

As I'm looking down contemplating my recent actions I am suddenly relieved of the scorching heat of the sun. A shadow loomed over me. I looked up with a grin ready to make a half-hearted joke to my 'saviour' only to shut my mouth and pale like a ghost when I find Hijikata looming over me. 'Jeeeeeeeez~' I cry internally. If I could sweat bricks I'd be doing that as we speak. "Hey, Hijikata-San" Shinpachi greeted passively. Good for him for not being intimidated. I look at Chizuru through my peripheral view and notice she's gone rigid as well. 'Oh okay. He just has that effect on women' I humorously concluded. "Have you been drinking enough?" He questions blankly. His tone is so unwavering that I almost dismiss the intent. "Uhm..." I was unsure how to answer. I was thrown off by his sudden concern. "Inoue tells me you look ill from the heat" I made an 'o' expression. So he means to tell me I look like crap, thanks. "He suggests that you rest but we don't have time for that so I'm gonna ask you this once...Are you gonna make me regret letting you leave headquarters?" His tone was icy cold. It contrasted the blistering heat of the day, that's for sure.

My eyes darted towards the ground. "No" I muttered quietly in response. Hijikata grunted. "Good. Here" He shoved a folded fan in my hand and without saying another word, walked away. 'Well, he's even bitchier than usual' I glanced at Chizuru and she gave me a look of pity. I shrugged my shoulders as if to say 'I don't care' but on the inside, I'm really saying 'I can't believe he yelled at me like that!~' Actually more like crying it. Yeah, crying. "Hey isn't that Kondou's fan?" Shinpachi noted. I examined the object. It wasn't anything I recognized but if Shinpachi thought it was Kondou-San's than perhaps it was. It was an awful lot like Kondou to be kind enough to lend it to me.

I quickly opened the fan and began the process of trying to cool myself down. "Man, you really needed that thing" Shinpachi chuckled, watching as I actively fanned myself. "Remind me to buy you one next time we're in town" Sanosuke smiled. He was always being so kind to me, it made me feel as if I owed him in a way. 'This is how girls get peer-pressured into doing things they'll regret later' It wasn't his intention to manipulate my feelings that way but damn was he ever good at it. "Y-you really don't have to, I have my own I just didn't think to bring it" I expressed truthfully. He hummed in acknowledgement. I just hoped he didn't think I was shutting him down because I felt awkward about the kiss. It's not like that, I swear!