Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

Chapter 25: The new deputy commander

I was currently on patrol with Harada and the 10th Division, but my mind was elsewhere. I miss him...I found myself going over the last time I saw Heisuke-kun in my head;

Kondou-sama and I were standing out by the entrance, getting ready to see Heisuke-kun off with the bags he had had packed from the night before. "Well, I guess I'll be off now. Make sure no one causes trouble while I'm gone!"
"How exactly do you think a foot soldier will be able to keep the peace around here?"
"Don't underestimate the power you have around here" 'Power? What power do I have?' I was confused by Heisuke-kun's words, but decided I wouldn't question them.
"Make sure to find us a good crop of men Heisuke. I'll be joining you in Edo next month" Kondou-sama stated with a smile. The plan, from what I understood, was to have Heisuke-kun scope out the potential men in Edo early and then Kondou-sama would follow behind to give his final say about the recruits.
"I remember you saying that there was a specific man you were going to Edo to look for, what was his name again?"
"Oh, didn't we tell you Kawaguchi-chan?" Kondou-sama appeared confused by the knowledge that I didn't know whoever this important man was.
"Well, not directly. I've heard snippets of conversations about him here and there, but I never managed to catch his name"
"I believe his name was Itou. He fights using the Hokushin Itto style, which is pretty impressive on its own, but I've also heard that he's well-versed in strategy"
"Itou, huh?"
"If I'm being honest, I don't really know him all that well. But I'm sure he'll at least hear me out, well I'm pretty sure he will" Heisuke-kun had a troubled expression on his face.
"And that's MORE than enough. He may be an imperialist, but if we approach him correctly and with the utmost respect, he'll see fit to help us. I know he will" Kondou-sama seemed to think that Itou joining us was a sure thing, even though he had yet to meet the man. His words and posture portrayed confidence of this fact, while Heisuke-kun looked unsure if this Itou would join or not.
"Anyway, I'll be going now!" His expression was back to its usual smile. "I might just bring you back a souvenir Chiyeko so you better still be here when I get back!"
"We both know there's no way in hell that I'm leaving this place Heisuke-kun"
"You have a point, anyway see ya!"
"Sayōnara Heisuke-kun! Safe travels!" The smaller Heisuke-kun's back became the lonelier I felt. When I could no longer see him, my heart twinged. That's when I realised something: I had never really been apart from Heisuke-kun like this before. He was my closest friend in the Shinsengumi so I guess it made sense for me to feel how I felt knowing I wouldn't be able to see him for a whole two months.
"Are you alright Kawaguchi-chan? You look upset"
"Huh!? Iie, I'm fine! How about you though? You look really happy Kondou-sama"
"I can't help it when I think about all the new warriors we'll be getting. Seeing our numbers increase is always a wonderful thing. Especially, if the new recruits are strong and able!" He puffed out his chest with a grin. Kondou-sama's relief at the potential recruitment of new members reflected just how worried he must have been about the Shinsengumi. In my happiness of becoming a Shinsengumi member, I hadn't realised how much we had been struggling.

"Hey Chiyeko!? You in there?" Harada's voice paired with his hand waving in front of my face brought me back to the present.
"G-Gomen, I got a little lost in my thoughts there" I rubbed the back of my head with an awkward smile.
"He'll be back before ya know it Chiyeko, don't worry"
"Who said I was worrying!? And how do you know I'm thinking about Heisuke-kun?!"
"You didn't need to, it's written all over your face. And there's no one else who'd cause you to look that worried about them"
"W-Whatever..." I pouted as I looked away from him. I've gotta admit, I really can't wait for Heisuke-kun to get back. I looked up at the blue sky and wondered what was Heisuke-kun doing at this exact moment.

Two months later

Two months ago, Heisuke-kun was sent to Edo to gather up some new recruits for the Shinsengumi. I had asked him to take me with him, but he refused saying what he was doing was a "man's job". Obviously, I scolded him for playing the gender card and he told me that he wanted me to stay here to protect me. If Kioshi attacked me again, I'd be better protected at the compound than with him in Edo. I didn't like the idea, but I did agree with him. I was currently in the common room with the chief, commander, colonel and captains. Well, most of the captains. The good thing is Heisuke-kun should be getting back today. Hijikata-san spoke up, bringing me out of my thoughts; "The Yagi have been good to us so far, but this place is getting crowded"
"True, it is getting a little small, especially with all the new guys coming in..." Nagakura sighed in agreement.
"Heisuke-kun's even out recruiting more men as we speak" I pointed out. I can see how obtaining new recruits was good for the Shinsengumi. In fact it was great that more men were willing to join our ranks. But we're running out of space to put them. The rank and file soldiers were being forced to share rooms where the space was becoming limited.
"If we could move to a bigger place, that'd be great. The guys are starting to get a little grumpy about being packed together in those rooms every night" Nagakura commented.
"Easy for us to say, but it's gonna be hard to find someone else who's willing to let us stay at their place. You have something in mind?" Okita questioned Hijikata-san with his usual smirk. The vice commander's smile appeared predatory as he answered;
"The Nishi Hongwanji temple" Okita burst out laughing at Hijikata-san's deceleration. I had heard about the place, but the only thing I knew was that is was also referred to as the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji temple.
"They aren't gonna like that very much!" Okita chuckled. "You're thinking we'll just force our way in? Guess I wouldn't expect anything less from you Hijikata-san" I wonder what kind of place it is...Since this was my first time visiting Kyoto, I did not know my way around as well as I would have liked.
"It is pretty big, I'll give you that, but I really don't think the monks are going to take to a bunch of soldiers living in their temple" Harada voiced his opinion on the matter. "Still, the location's great. We'll be able to get into the city a lot quicker than from out here in Mibu" The Mibu area was on the outskirts of Kyoto, meaning it took the Shinsengumi a considerable amount of time to get into the city. He's not wrong, if we moved to an area that was closer to Kyoto we'd be able to get to certain parts of Kyoto much quicker therefore increasing our effectiveness. Still, I kinda find it hard to accept that we're thinking of going to a place that doesn't want us.
"Why won't they want us there?" I questioned. Saito-san decided to be the one to answer my question;
"The Nishi Hongwanji temple has been cooperating with the Choshu. Some of their ronin have stayed there"
"Ah, I see..." If they support the Choshu then that makes us their enemy. No wonder Harada is against the idea, they obviously wouldn't welcome us to their temple with open arms. This is problematic...as if asking for a place to stay wasn't hard enough. Now we've gotta ask an enemy for a place to stay? I don't see how that ends well. Saito-san continued;
"No doubt they will be less than receptive to our overtures. On the other hand, if we should move into the Nishi Hongwanji temple, the Choshu will have one less place to hide their agents"
"Hey, you have a point there Saito-san!" Not only is Nishi Hongwanji temple bigger and in a desirable place, if we took the temple it would make our enemy's movement more difficult! There may be problems obtaining the temple, but once we did acquire the temple it would definitely be worth it!
"You don't think it somewhat...uncouth to use force against men of the cloth?" Sanan-san questioned with an angered expression. His angry gaze appeared to be directed towards Saito-san and myself. It could be deduced that he was angry at Saito-san for suggesting the idea and angry at me for happily supporting it. I looked away from him as his gaze was making me uncomfortable. Whereas, Saito-san didn't even appear to flinch at the fury in his eyes. I guess not showing much emotion has its perks...From Sanan-san's gaze alone it was abundantly clear that he was not in favour of the idea.
"The Choshu have used the temple to hide their men and they couldn't have done that without the help of the monks" Hijikata-san's voice was level, but firm as steel.
"I agree that the Choshu must be dealt with, but this seems..." Having run out of things to say, Sanan-san trailed off. Although, his expression still showed that he was unhappy with the idea.
"I agree with Toshi, but I have to concede that Sanan has a point" Kondou-sama nodded in agreement with a smile, it appeared he was deep in thought.
"Impressive as always, Chief Kondou. Only a man with a truly open mind can be so considerate of both his enemies and his allies" The man who had spoken up was Itou Kashitaro, the new deputy commander.
"Oh? Well, it's very kind of you to say so, but I fear my behaviour is simply prudent, not open-minded" The chief blushed and coughed in an attempt at nonchalance as Hijikata-san and Okita scowled in silence at the exchange. Itou had only recently joined the Shinsengumi. Originally, both Kondou-sama and Heisuke-kun had left to recruit men in Edo, but Kondou-sama had left Edo early and returned with some new recruits for the Shinsengumi. Those new recruits being Itou and some of his men. I remember Kondou-sama telling me Itou was a master of the Hokushin Itto sword style and even ran his own school. 
Itou's thin smile had spread across his face when Sanan-san voiced his objection to Hijikata-san's plan and now he turned and spoke; "You always think of all the possibilities, Sanan-san. I'm impressed, but I fear you may be over-thinking this. It could be a problem, hai but..." His tone was deferential which contradicted the words he uttered next. "...Don't you think a slightly greater problem would be that your left arm is utterly useless?" The instant those words left his mouth, all the warmth in the room abruptly disappeared. "Of course, you needn't be useless, even if you can no longer serve as a soldier. I'm sure that your wit and foresight will continue to be a great asset to the Shinsengumi and myself" That wasn't needed...Itou's words were like a knife and he drove that knife straight into Sanan-san's heart. Sanan-san looked as if he had just been punched in the stomach. Around the room I could see that jaws were set and knuckles were turning white.
"Perhaps I didn't hear you right Itou-san" Hijikata-san's voice was cold and sharp, honestly it frightened me and I wasn't even the one he was speaking to. "Sanan-san's smart, like you said. But more than that, he's a swordsman of the Shinsengumi" The volume of his voice rose as the anger became evident in his tone. "He is not useless and he is not replaceable!" His last words came out in a snarl and there was no mistaking their meaning.
"But my arm is..." Sanan-san began, but couldn't seem to bring himself to finish his sentence. Sanan-san was a swordsman of excellent skill, but he could no longer wield a blade.
"Oh dear. That was terribly rude of me. Truly, there could be no better news than hearing that your arm has healed" Itou smiled, but it fooled no one. Sanan-san fell silent as Hijikata-san's fists trembled.
"...Goddamnit" He muttered under his breath. This is the first time I've seen him so worked up...Hijikata-san might have been harsh, but he almost always projected an air of control. Maybe Sanan-san's injury worried him enough which allowed his mask to slip.
"Ah...um...Itou-san" Kondou-sama spoke up, trying to break the awkward silence. It was clear that the chief was making sure to choose his words carefully. "If...if you would care to, perhaps you might come and have a look at our training regimen?" His attempt at a subject change came off as very nearly desperate. Itou's eyes narrowed and his mouth curled into a small smile.
"My...how thoughtful of you. Hai, of course, I would love to have a look! Ah, the training room! Air heavy with the sweat of men straining themselves...Truly a delight!"
"The sweat of men...? Hai, I suppose you do have a point. The training room has grown rather musty..." The two of them left the room while casually conversing, as if nothing was wrong. As soon as they were gone, all eyes turned to Sanan-san. Nagakura was the one who broke the silence;
"Sanan-san...Don't listen to that asshole, okay?" Sanan-san grunted unhappily in response before he too, left the room.
"Man, I feel bad for him...Even the men are avoiding him these days" The only other Shinsengumi members I'd really seen were the 8th Division men. On a few occasions, I'd hear them whispering about Sanan-san on patrol and what they were whispering wasn't kind in the slightest.
"That must be rough for him..." I unintentionally let slip out.
"Well, he's kinda been a jerk lately. You could say he brought that upon himself." Nagakura stated in response to my comment. He's got a point...Sanan-san's mood had gotten worse in the last several weeks.
"He wasn't always like that, you know. Back in the day, he was always acting like he was looking out for everybody"
"Yeah. He was real nice, at least on the surface. Nothing left of that now..." They make it sound like any kindness that Sanan-san had shown was always a facade...
"What the hell does Kondou-san see in that Itou-san guy?" Okita and Hijikata-san had largely ignored Harada and Nagakura's conversation, but their faces were dark and stormy. It wasn't difficult to guess why.
"How the hell should I know? Probably just pulled the wool over Kondou-san's eyes with some well-spoken bullshit"
"Then why don't you go get rid of him Hijikata-san? Tell him the Shinsengumi doesn't need him" Hijikata-san let out a frustrated sigh in response to Okita's question and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"No way Kondou-san'll go for that. He adores Itou-san. Besides, when he joined he brought a bunch of men with him. You think they won't make a stink if we kick him out?" Hijikata-san's right, there's no way Itou's men would stay quiet if he got kicked out...The commander didn't like it any more than Okita, but they were in a tight spot.
"Well damn! Aren't you supposed to be the Demon? The commander from hell? You're supposed to make the impossible happen!"
"Fine Souji, how about we make you commander. Then you can kick Itou-san and his guys out, right?"
"Ha! Hell no! That's way too much trouble" Okita grinned as he laughed, but when he was finished laughing he sighed and his face fell. It was clear from everyone's expressions that they were unhappy with Itou, but no one knew what to do with him. Hmm, Saito-san's been quiet this whole time. I wonder how he feels about Itou.
"Do you dislike Itou-san too, Saito-san?" I decided to ask him for his opinion. He looked at me for a moment before speaking;
"As an organisation grows, it will expand to include people who have differing ideas and points of view" He paused for a brief moment then continued. "However, if one attempts to force this sort of diversity then the organisation will begin to rot from within" I couldn't find anything to say in response to that leaving Saito-san's words hanging in the air, like a dark omen for the future of the Shinsengumi.

Evening

It was after dinner and I was sitting on the porch outside my room. The setting sun glowed and bathed the courtyard in a warm, rich red. "...It's cold..." I hugged myself. Suddenly, a coat was placed over my shoulders and I looked up to see a grinning brunette.
"You'll catch cold if you stay out here like that"
"Heisuke-kun!" I jumped up and hugged him. "I missed you!"
"Ah, I missed you too Chiyeko-chan" I let him go to see his cheeks had slightly reddened. Although, if it was from embarrassment or the setting sun, I didn't know.
"Can I talk to you Heisuke-kun?"
"Sure, let's go to my room" He turned just as his stomach rumbled.
"How about I whip you up some rice balls before we talk?"
"That would be greatly appreciated, arigato"
"Well then I'll meet you in your room" We both went inside before splitting ways. I headed to the kitchen and prepared four rice balls for Heisuke-kun as he settled into his room...All...done! I placed the rice balls on a tray accompanied by a cup of sake and carried the tray to Heisuke-kun's room. "Here you are Heisuke-kun! Four rice balls and some sake" I placed the tray in front of him and his eyes lit up.
"Your rice balls are the best!" He exclaimed happily before picking one up.
"I wouldn't say they're the best-"
"Well they're the best I've ever tasted, that's for sure!"
"Arigato Heisuke-kun, I'm glad you like them"
"I don't like them, I love them!"
"Are you actually going to eat them or just hold one while you praise them?"
"Good point" He took a bite of my rice ball and grinned happily. "Oh man, how I've missed your cooking!" He rejoiced with his mouth full.
"What have I told you Heisuke-kun? Don't talk with your mouth full" I really have missed just being able to be with Heisuke-kun like this.
"Gomen, but this is just too good!" He stated after swallowing.
"Well don't tease your stomach then, continue eating"
"I shall gladly do that!" He ate my rice balls happily and I giggled quietly as I watched him. After he finished, he had grains of rice stuck around his mouth. He really is like a little kid...
"You're supposed to get it in, not around your mouth"
"Nani?"
"Hold still" I took my cloth out and cleaned up around Heisuke-kun's mouth.
"A-Arigato..." He blushed as he picked up his cup of sake.
"You're welcome. I'll just go wash these up" I picked up the tray and was about to leave when Heisuke-kun called out;
"Could you get me some more sake while you're at it?"
"Only because I think you deserve it after such a long trip" I left his room and quickly washed up in the kitchen before grabbing the sake bottle that I used. I re-entered his room and handed him the bottle.
"Arigato gozimasu" He poured himself another cup. "So what did ya want to talk about?"
"Um...the new deputy commander"
"Oh, I've heard opinions on him from Sano-san and Shin"
"Yeah, none of them really like him..."
"Do you like him?"
"I'm not really fond of him, I find him...off putting"
"From what I've heard, it's not hard to see why he's disliked. Though I must say in Edo, Itou-san portrayed a very different persona"
"I know, but it's more than that. I guess I really wanted to talk about Sanan-san...Itou-san called him useless today and he took it pretty hard...I'm kinda worried about him"
"Even though he tried to kill you?"
"Please don't remind me..." I sighed. "It'd be great if Sanan-san's arm would just heal, but we both know that's not gonna happen..."
"Yeah...Not unless he-Never mind"
"I know what you were going to say, you know"
"But you shouldn't know and if we were caught talking about them, we'd both be in big trouble. Not to mention, Hijikata-san would probably have you killed"
"I know...Gomen, I'll go back to my room now"
"That's probably best"
"Well, sayōnara Heisuke-kun"
"Sayōnara Chiyeko-chan" I stood up and slid open his door. "Oh and Chiyeko-chan?"
"Hai?"
"Try not to worry too much"
"Okay, I won't" I smiled and slid his door closed.

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