Hakuouki: Demons Within

薄桜鬼 12

When I woke up, Okita was hovering over me.

"You're finally awake..." He sighed, sitting back. We were in an old tea room, from what I could tell. As I looked around the room, I noticed Hijikata sitting in the corner with Kondou and Saito.

"...I passed out didn't I?" I asked, my voice hoarse. Okita nodded.

"Even though I told you not to, you didn't listen..." Okita teased, holding up a finger as he lectured me with his eyes shut. He opened one and stuck out his tongue. I grumbled and sat up, ignoring the pain in my side.

"Now what." Hijikata asked sternly. All attention was averted to him.

"The headquarters have been overrun, and we have no idea how much destruction those damned beasts have caused Kyoto. The weapons, armories..." His brows furrowed as he quietly growled. Kondou wore a worried expression to parallel his partner's.

"We will have to think this through, Toshi. There isn't anything we could have done then either. You know the strength of the furies! So be rational with yourself..." Kondou tried to comfort his friend, but to no avail. Saito sat and listened quietly as more members came into the teahouse, some drenched in blood.

"Take those fucking coats outside! Do you have no sense?! The furies can smell the blood!" Hijikata shouted, then scolded himself for his abrupt behavior. The men did as was instructed in came back in with a different attitude.

"Do any of you know where the other captains are?" Kondou asked.

"Heisuke was fighting a few with Shinpachi. Harada was around them as well." Okita replied. Hijikata nodded slowly, and gazed at his hands, deep in thought. I was worried and just as stressed as them all, but I knew what I was feeling wasn't even comparable with what Hijikata-san must have felt.

"Can...I do anything for anyone? I-I'll go wash the coats..." I said, standing up. Okita caught my wrist and pulled me firmly but gently into his lap.

"You're bleeding too, you know." I blushed, but then remembered he was just talking about my wound. Not anything....else. He noticed the change in my color and snickered, then whispered in my ear.

"I didn't  mean that...Unless that's happening." I darkened multiple shades of red, and shook my head 'no' violently. He leaned back and pulled my body back to lay against him. I was embarrassed, but didn't mind. I was tiny, and fit in his large lap quiet well.

"Souji is right. Take it easy for awhile." Kondou said. Hijikata agreed silently. I frowned and awkwardly laid against Okita's chest. Feeling his muscles against my back made my mind go blank, and I couldn't think of much else. Am I....No...