Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

Chapter 17: My first mission

I had finished cooking breakfast and everyone was now digging in to the morning meal. Well, nearly everyone. "Hey Harada, have you seen Heisuke-kun this morning?"
"Nah, but he's probably still sleeping. He has the tendency to oversleep sometimes, don't worry about it. He should be up by the time he's needed for patrol"
"Okay" I enjoyed breakfast with the captains before leaving to go to my room. On the way, I passed Heisuke-kun's room and my feet stopped. I know Harada said he's probably oversleeping, but I'm worried for some reason..."I should check up on him" I slid open his door and stepped into his room. "Heisuke-kun? Are you awake?" He groaned in response, but it wasn't a sleepy groan. It sounded more like he was groaning in pain. I quickly kneeled down by his futon and removed his blanket. "Heisuke-kun!" I gasped. His face was red and covered in sweat. His breaths came out in short gasps. "You have a fever!"
"I'm...fine..."
"If you were fine you wouldn't have missed breakfast!" I put my hand to his forehead. "Oh no, you're burning up!" He must've gained a temperature from not drying himself properly from yesterday. I stood up. "I'll be right back!" I left his room and fetched a bucket and cloth. I filled the bucket with water and carefully brought it to Heisuke-kun's room. I placed it by his futon and dumped the cloth into the water. I wrung it out and placed it on his forehead. "You need to rest...Wait, I know! I can go to Doctor Matsumoto for help! Hang in there Heisuke-kun!" I closed his door behind me and rushed out of the compound. I ran to Doctor Matsumoto's clinic and he was surprised, to say the least, when I burst in breathing heavily.
"Are you alright Chiyeko?"
"I'm fine..." I got my breath back and stood up straight. "It's Heisuke-kun, he's got a fever. I was hoping you had some medicine that could help"
"Well, you're in luck. Wait here" He was gone for about three minutes. "Here it is! One dose of this should get rid of young Heisuke's fever" He handed me the medicine and I bowed in thanks.
"Arigato gozimasu Doctor Matsumoto!"
"There's no need to thank me, it's my job. Sayōnara Chiyeko"
"Sayōnara!" I ran back to headquarters and got a cup of water before entering Heisuke-kun's room. "I got the medicine!"
"You didn't have...to do that..."
"You look after me when I get sick so now it's my turn to look after you. Now drink up!" I emptied the medicine pouch into his mouth and brought the cup to his lips, allowing him to drink some water to help the medicine go down smoothly. "Now take it easy. The medicine will help you get better, but only if you rest"
"Hai..." He closed his eyes. "Arigato...Chiyeko-chan..."
"You're welcome Heisuke-kun" I used the cloth to wipe the sweat off his face before dunking it in the water bucket and wringing it out. I then placed it upon Heisuke-kun's forehead once again. I stayed with Heisuke-kun until he was sleeping soundly. After which, I quietly left his room and slowly closed his door.
"Ohayō!" I jumped at the unexpected voice behind me.
"Okita-san!? You did that on purpose!"
"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't"
"Whatever...Ohayō. Was there something you wanted?"
"Yeah, we're about to have a meeting. We need Heisuke"
"He has a fever and is resting right now, he's in no condition to be participating in anything"
"Guess we'll have to start without him" He left as quickly as he came. I guess I can get some practicing in before I check up on Heisuke-kun again. I picked up Aka Tatsu and went out into the courtyard to practice.

~~~

Okita strolled into the common room, ignoring the glares of his commander. "You're late" He stated in a barely controlled voice.

"I was checking up on Heisuke" Okita shrugged his shoulders before sitting down. He completely ignored Hijikata's anger that was directed at him.

"What do you mean "checking up" on him?" Harada asked in an attempt to distract the raven haired commander from attacking Okita.

"Chiyeko told me he has a fever and can't get out of bed" Okita sighed. "This is what happens when kids insist on doing things their way..."