Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

(Mini) Chapter 13: Canine trouble

{A ninja known as Nishikiri Kisohi, attacked the Shinsengumi headquarters in hopes of capturing me. Heisuke protected me, but was wounded in the process. He was put on bed rest for a week to ensure a swift recovery. A few weeks had passed since that eventful night and Heisuke was now in perfect health, allowing him to go out on patrols once again.}

Heisuke-kun, myself and the 8th Division were currently patrolling the streets of Kyoto. "Man, does it feel good to be out of bed...!" Heisuke-kun sighed happily as he stretched.
"I'll tell you what feels good, not having to worry about you hurting yourself when you try to sneak out of bed"
"I'm a samurai! I'm supposed to be fighting other swordsmen, not taking it easy in bed!"
"It's called rest and recuperation"
"I really didn't mean to make ya worry" He scratched his nose and showed me an awkward smile.
"You sure about that? Because you tried to sneak out a lot of times or have you forgotten?"
"Iie, I haven't forgotten..."
"There's a time and place for everything Heisuke-kun, remember that"
"I will. Gomen Chiyeko-chan" He apologised sheepishly.
"I guess I can let you off the hook...if you promise to rest if something like this ever happens again"
"That's something I can definitely promise"
"Good, now that that's settled. We can focus on our patrol"
"Things seem peaceful in Kyoto today, we may even get back early"
"Doesn't Hijikata-san get suspicious if you do that?"
"You're right, but it's not my fault if there's no trouble!" We heard barking that seemed to be getting louder as we walked.
"That dog sounds pretty excited"
"Aren't dogs always excited?" As we conversed, the barking got much louder. Confused, we looked up to see a large brown and white dog running towards us. She leapt into the air and landed on Heisuke-kun. "Whoa!?" The dog's weight caused Heisuke-kun to lose his balance and he fell onto his back. He tried to get up, but the dog placed her paws on Heisuke-kun's chest and began excitedly licking his face. Her tail swinging side to side happily. I tried to stifle my giggle, but I couldn't. His predicament was too funny. I burst out laughing as Heisuke-kun made noises of disgust. "Don't just stand there! Do something!"
"G-Gomen..." I wiped away my tears of laughter and kneeled down by the pair. I pet the dog gently until she calmed down and got off Heisuke-kun. "Good girl!" Heisuke-kun stood up while he used his sleeve to clean the dog saliva off his face. "I wonder where her owner is..."
"Kōun'na! There you are!" An out of breath man came running towards us. Speak of the devil. Upon seeing her owner, Kōun'na ran towards him. I stood up and dusted myself off. "How many times have I told you not to run off like that?" The man stood up after petting his dog for a few seconds. "Gomenasai! I hope she didn't cause too much trouble" The man bowed in apology.
"It's okay sir, she didn't do much"
"Yeah, to you..." Heisuke-kun mumbled under his breath. I elbowed him. "Ow! Your dog isn't a bad dog, she's just a tad too excitable"
"I'm glad she didn't cause any trouble, but I must say I'm impressed. It takes me forever to calm her down and you did it in a matter of minutes"
"I guess I'm an animal person...?"
"Even if she didn't cause trouble, take this" He held out a box. "Think of it as thanks for calming her down, it's a box of Konpeitō"
"Arigato gozimasu sir!" There's no way I'm declining sweets, especially free ones! I took the box from him and smiled happily.
"Well I'll be on my way. Come on Kōun'na" The man and his dog left us, allowing us to get back to patrolling.
"Unbelievable, the great 8th Division Captain was defeated by a dog" I snickered.
"I was not! I just wasn't ready! That's all!"
"Really? I wonder if that's true..."
"It is!"
"If you say so" I dropped the subject for the time being. "I have to say, life is never boring when you're around Heisuke-kun" I teased.
"Yeah, yeah. It was hilarious" Heisuke-kun stated sarcastically as he rolled his eyes. "You get a box of sweets and I get nothing, I'm the one who got covered in dog slobber! I deserve some compensation!"
"Are you jealous that you didn't get anything?"
"I-Iie! I'm not jealous! I'm just saying it woulda been nice if I got something too..." He crossed his arms over his chest and looked away from me with a pout.
"Heisuke-kun, it's as clear as day. You're jealous"
"Whatever..." His cheeks gained a light red hue. He acts just like a kid, yet gets annoyed when people call him one. I let out a few giggles causing Heisuke-kun to look at me again. "What's so funny?"
"Oh nothing, Heisuke-kun"
"I don't get girls..." Heisuke-kun muttered quietly, but not quiet enough since I heard it.
"Anyway when you decide to stop sulking like a child, I was going to tell you that I planned on sharing these sweets with you"
"Wait, nani?" Heisuke-kun uncrossed his arms and looked at me shocked.
"Why are you so surprised? I felt sorry for you getting covered in "dog slobber"-even though it was hilarious-and was going to share them with you when patrol was over"
"Oh...Er, arigato gozimasu Chiyeko-chan..." His eyes avoided mine as a bright blush formed on his cheeks. He rubbed the back of his head while he thanked me.
"You're welcome Heisuke-kun" I smiled brightly.

After our patrol was over, Heisuke-kun sent his division back to headquarters. "Come on, let's find a place to settle down and eat those Konpeitō" Heisuke-kun smiled with a childlike face. Just seeing Heisuke-kun smile like that makes my heart feel so light. I'm so glad that I have Heisuke-kun by my side. Even if he does have his childish moments. A happy smile made it to my lips as I was pulled along by the hand. Heisuke-kun pulled me to a stone bench underneath the shade of a tree. We sat down and I placed the box between us before opening it. My eyes sparkled as they took in the multicoloured sugar candy. We both took a handful of Konpeitō and began eating them.
"Sweets are the best!" I exclaimed happily.
"Nearly forgot about your addiction to sweets" Heisuke-kun chuckled.
"I'm not addicted! I just love love love them!"
"If you say so" He teased.
"Stop teasing me..." I put more Konpeitō into my mouth when an idea hit me. Time for a little payback. "The dog's coming back!" I yelled.
"Nani?! Nope, I'm not getting my face licked again!" Heisuke-kun quickly jumped up and hid behind the bench. I burst out laughing as I watched this unfold.
"I was joking Heisuke-kun" I giggled. "Are you sure you "just wasn't ready" or is there a bigger reason behind your reaction?" I laughed as Heisuke-kun sat back on the bench and sulked while eating his Konpeitō.
"Didn't know you could be so cunning Chiyeko-chan..." He complained.
"Only when I need to be. Or want to be" I smirked before eating more of the colourful sugar candy. My handful was finished so I reached for more, but my hand came into contact with something that definitely wasn't Konpeitō. I looked down to see I had grabbed Heisuke-kun's hand, who was in the process of gathering more Konpeitō. I looked up at Heisuke-kun before we both quickly pulled our hands away from the box with bright blushes present on our cheeks. "G-Gomen, I didn't see your hand there..."
"D-Don't sweat it, it's not a problem..." Needless to say, that little awkward moment ruined our snack break and we walked back to headquarters quietly. Avoiding eye contact and physical contact with one another. Why did my heart speed up when I realised I was holding Heisuke-kun's hand? I've held his hand plenty of times before, why was this time different?

DISCLAIMER: SOME lines or scenes MAY have been taken or adapted from Hakuōki/Hakuouki: Memories of the Shinsengumi. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO ALL CHAPTERS!!!