Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

Chapter 11: First patrol

May 1864

I woke up relatively early. Hmm...since I woke up early I should get some extra practice in! I got dressed and slipped Aka Tatsu into my obi. I put on my zori sandals and stepped outside, closing my outer door behind me. I took a deep breath and sighed happily. "Looks like it'll be a nice day" The sun was shining brightly in the sky. Time to get to work! I unsheathed Aka Tatsu and went through the various exercises I'd been taught. After an hour, it was around the time that the captains woke up so I sheathed Aka Tatsu and went inside. I tidied myself up before going to the kitchen to make breakfast for everyone. Making breakfast for these guys has apparently become a job of mine, but I don't mind since they all show their gratitude for my cooking. However, if they didn't then they wouldn't be allowed breakfast until they apologised to me. I think it's obvious who goes most mornings without breakfast. They were all awake and waiting by the time I finished my preparations. The food was brought into the common room and I invited everyone to eat. Everyone except a certain brunette. "No sarcastic remarks this morning?"
"Iie. Look gomen, okay. I won't make fun of you for cooking us breakfast anymore"
"And...?"
"I won't criticise your food...unless it deserves criticism"
"Close enough. I'm surprised you finally manned up and apologised" I moved out of his way and invited him to eat.
"I only apologised because I couldn't take these guys showing off that they enjoyed your breakfast anymore" He muttered before he stuffed his face with rice.
"I'll still take it" I sat down and grabbed some yakizakana.
"So, how's the training coming along Chiyeko?"
"It's going great Harada! Heisuke-kun is a great teacher! Plus practicing against you guys has really helped me understand different fighting styles!"
"I'm glad we could be of assistance kid" Nagakura smiled before ruffling my hair.
"Seriously, I just fixed my hair! What is it with you and Harada doing that?"
"I've only done it once"
"Same here, what's the problem with it anyway?"
"The problem-Nagakura-is that I am not a child and that is something someone commonly does to a child!"
"Well you're a kid to us Chiyeko, just like Heisuke here!" Nagakura grabbed hold of Heisuke-kun and gave him a noogie.
"Shinpachi, let go of me!"
"It's just our way of showing we care Chiyeko" Harada smiled.
"I wish you'd find a different way to show that..." I mumbled.
"Seriously Shin! Let go!"
"I can't let go yet, I've gotta show you how much I care!" Everyone laughed as Heisuke-kun struggled to get out of Nagakura's grip. I let out a quiet giggle before continuing to eat breakfast. It's impossible to stay mad at these guys...I smiled as I watched Heisuke-kun and Nagakura.

We finished breakfast and went our separate ways. "Seriously, that baka! He's so annoying!" Heisuke-kun grumbled as he re-tied his hair.
"Well he is your best nakama, so it'd make sense that he cares about you a lot" I giggled.
"Don't give me that! Shin was just trying to annoy me and you know it! He only said that crap about caring because Sano-san said it!"
"How about we calm down and get my training for today done?"
"You're right...Okay, let's go to the courtyard" We went out to the courtyard and drew our swords. "You ready?"
"I was made ready!"
"Then let's begin"
"Hai!"

We practiced for a couple of hours like we usually would. We then got a drink of water and rested under the shade of a tree. "I can't believe how far you've come since we started"
"Arigato Heisuke-kun, it's nice of you to say that"
"And you know I'm not 'just being nice', right?"
"Hai, Heisuke-kun. I know" I chuckled.
"Good, just had to make sure" He smiled. Just then, Okita-san came towards us.
"Hijikata-san's calling for you"
"Why would he want me? I haven't done anything wrong"
"Despite his pessimistic appearance, he does sometimes have good news to share"
"So you're telling me if you were called by Hijikata-san, your first thought would be: I wonder what good news he has for me?"
"Touché Chiyeko, touché. Anyway, I wouldn't keep him waiting if I were you. Oh, and he wants to see you too Heisuke" I was relieved to find out that Heisuke-kun had been summoned along with me. In all honesty, a private conversation with just Hijikata-san alone would've caused a substantial amount of worry and nervousness to rise within me. I unconsciously let out a sigh of relief.
"Well all we can do is go see what he wants"
"Then let's go Heisuke-kun" We quickly made our way to Hijikata-san's room. We were invited in after we announced our presence. Kondou-sama was also in the room, his presence allowed me to relax a little.
"Sit" We did as he said and sat down where we stood. "You can join the 8th Division on patrols" His tone of voice was as cold as tempered steel, which greatly contrasted the news he was relaying to me.
"Really?!" This news came as a complete shock to me and I couldn't conceal my enthusiasm. Heisuke-kun also appeared taken aback whereas Kondou-sama was smiling happily. Hijikata-san retained his cold composure.
"You're going to be accompanying Heisuke and the 8th Division when they're on duty during the day"
"Okay!"
"It goes without saying that if Heisuke says jump, you jump. And if he says die, you die. Got it?"
"Hai Hijikata-san!" I was too excited to acknowledge his attempt at frightening me. After all this training, I can finally join my division on patrol! I can finally start REALLY living out my dream!
"Heisuke. You're on patrol today, right?"
"Hai, we're doing some rounds today"
"Then make sure she doesn't cause any trouble"
"Alright Hijikata-san"
"You can go" We stood up to leave.
"Congratulations Kawaguchi-chan, here's your uniform" Kondou-sama also got up and handed me a Shinsengumi blue and white coat along with a head-guard. "We hope you'll have no need to, but if a time arises, put those sword skills to good use"
"Hai sir!" I bowed after receiving my uniform. We left the room and I hugged Heisuke-kun tightly after the door had been closed.
"Chiyeko-chan!?"
"None of this would've happened without you Heisuke-kun, arigato gozimasu...!"
"You're welcome Chiyeko-chan..." He smiled warmly at me in response to my happy smile. "You should get ready, I'll wait for you out front"
"See you there" Heisuke-kun went on ahead and I went to my room. I slipped my arms through the sleeves of my new Shinsengumi blues and twirled around once I'd gotten it on. "I still can't believe it, my dream's really coming true now...!" I shouldn't keep Heisuke-kun waiting. I put the head-guard away in my closet and made my way to the entrance of the Yagi house. Waiting there were the members of the 8th Division.
"Hey Chiyeko-chan! Over here!" Heisuke-kun shouted as he waved his hands in the air. I gently forced my way through the group to make it to Heisuke-kun who stood at the head of them. "Looking good in your Shinsengumi blues Chiyeko-chan!" Heisuke-kun smiled.
"Arigato Heisuke-kun...!" His comment made my cheeks redden ever so slightly. "I feel good in them too!"
"Allow me to officially welcome you to the Shinsengumi"
"Huh?"
"Welcome to the Shinsengumi's 8th Division, Chiyeko-chan!" Heisuke-kun held out his hand for me to shake. I gladly took it.
"Arigato Heisuke-kun, I'm glad to be here" I giggled happily.
"Are you ready for your first patrol?"
"You know it!"
"Then let's go!"