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

Chapter 17

Victoria's POV

After the incident with the Choshu, the city of Kyoto was left in shambles. Hundreds of homes had been ravaged by fire and their owners left without shelter. In fear, many people fled the city, the rest were left devastated. Our members could only do so much in assisting with the repairs of peoples homes and businesses. All we could really do was continue to patrol the city...or what was left of it.

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"More tea, Kondou-San?" I offered. He smiled kindly and nodded. I was listening to Hijikata, Kondou, Sannan and Heisuke as they discussed Itou-San joining the Shinsengumi. I mentally rolled my eyes. 'He doesn't even deserved to by addressed as San in my thoughts' While I poured Kondou's tea, I contemplated telling them about Itou's plans before he got here but I realized that if he didn't come we wouldn't get to kill him and I knew he had to die, it was a part of history after all. That didn't stop me from voicing my opinion, however. "I hate that man" I grumbled lowly. Kondou-San pulled away from his tea eyeing me with a confused look. "But Tori-Chan I don't believe you've ever met Itou Kashitarou" Kondou reasoned. I huffed, folding my arms, which was sort of hard with the large kimono sleeves because they liked to get tangled. "I don't need to meet him to know that I want to kill him in his sleep" I pouted cutely, despite the rather violent threat. The captains all blinked unsure of what to say, however, this never stopped Hijikata from putting me in my place. "Watch your mouth" He snapped coldly. "But you hate him too~" I whined childishly.

Kondou-San looked at Hijikata with a curious yet worried expression. "Are those really your feelings towards this, Toshi?" Hijikata growled at me for putting him on the spot. "I never voiced any sort of opinion about Kashitarou-San" I stuck my bottom lip out, turning my head away from the captains. "You will" I huffed lastly. "I think that's enough, Tori-Chan. I'm sure she just realizes Itou-San's incompatibility with the Shinsengumi, he is an imperial nationalist, after all" Sannan-San voiced. 'Thanks for having my back' I mentally thanked the glasses wearing male. I solemnly nodded despite this not being the reason, but I took it anyway. "What are you talking about? If you speak to him of our purpose, he'll be persuaded to join forces with us" Kondou-San assured. "I don't think he's interested in-" "Quiet!" Hijikata barked, interrupting me. "But Hijikata-San~" I whined. "Enough!" He ordered coldly. I whimpered but kept my mouth shut. "Toshi, you're too hard on her, let her speak. She may know a little more than us old men" Kondou said with a slight chuckle at the end. My eyes sparkled with admiration for Kondou-San at that moment. He really did make the perfect father figure. So much so that I almost felt like sticking my tongue out at Hijikata in spite.

Heisuke laughed at Kondou's use of words. "Yeah you guys outta listen to us young ones more often, we know some stuff" A playful wink from Heisuke was all I needed to smile and let out my own giggle. "Anyhow, I understand you feel uneasy about this decision but will you still stand by me in making it?" The question sounded like it was directed towards the other captains but I was surprised to find Kondou-San had actually been asking me. I began to play with my fingers nervously. "Oh-uhm...K-kondou-San..." I stuttered unsure how to respond. I didn't want to disappoint him but I also didn't want to put him in danger by giving Itou my 'Seal of approval' I glanced first to Sannan-San to find his expression rather cold and calculating and then to Hijikata who merely looked at Kondou with this odd yet pleading look. "Kondou-San why are you letting her decide?~" He half whined. 'Cute~' I mentally cooed. Hijikata turned to me and glared, my eyes met the floor and I frowned. "I trust you, Kondou-San. I will welcome Itou-San" I recited solemnly. I didn't want to but I had to, at least for Kondou-San's sake.

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Later that day, I was waiting outside the front gate bidding Heisuke goodbye. He was about to depart for Edo to recruit Itou-San and from what I was told he'd also be asking around about Koudo, Chizuru's father, but only as a side mission. "So is Heisuke-Kun going to stay at your house while he's in Edo?" I asked Chizuru. She nodded cheekily to which I smiled. It was kind of her to allow Heisuke to stay there and rest up after his long journey to the practically coastal city and it reminded me that Chizuru wasn't from here, yet she still seemed to be able to adjust without issue.