Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

Chapter 37: Should I stay or should I go?

July 1867

I just returned from a patrol with the 8th Division. By now, my room was available for use. All the blood that was spilt on that day may have been completely erased, but that didn't stop me from shivering from time-to-time when I recalled what happened here. I slid my door open and stepped inside before sliding the door closed. I took off my Shinsengumi jacket and untied my head-guard before placing both objects in my closet. As I was doing so, my eyes caught the sake I had bought for Heisuke. I miss him...I took the bottle out of my closet. The note I had written for Heisuke was unfortunately soaked in blood that night leading to me throwing it away. I opened my outer door before closing it and leaning against it as I sat myself down on the porch outside. I just stared at the bottle as my mind travelled through the memories I had made with Heisuke;

"I'm a failure as a swordswoman...I'm just too weak and inexperienced..."
"Aw Chiyeko-chan! Come on, don't say things like that!"
"But it's true!" I looked at him earnestly which seemed to portray to Heisuke how I was really feeling. "I shouldn't have joined the Shinsengumi, dreams are supposed to be fantasised over..."
"Hey" Heisuke called out kindly as he walked to my side and placed a hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him while trying to hold back tears. "First off, haven't you heard the expression; 'go live your dream'? Dreams are created to give hope to those trying to achieve them and happiness to those who have" He smiled before patting my shoulder. "And secondly, all us captains of the Shinsengumi had to train to get where we are now. None of us started off as great swordsmen, right?" I nodded before sniffling. "Then all you have to do is train too and you'll become a great swordswoman!"

He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself...

"So, you're telling me you've never had dumplings before?"
"I've had sweet dumplings and I absolutely love love love them, they're delicious! But I've never tried savoury dumplings"
"Well you won't "love love love" them, but let me assure you that you'll at least "absolutely love" these too as they are delicious"
"If their smell is anything to go by, I believe you" I took a bite of the first dumpling and sighed in pleasure. I swallowed my first bite before exclaiming: "I love it, it's delicious!"
"Told ya" We ate our dumplings together, happily.

He introduced me to new things...

"I just want to go to my room and cry..." I answered before choking back a sob.
"You don't have to go back to your room" Heisuke embraced me, his surprisingly sturdy chest was comforting. "You can cry here. No one but me is watching"
"You won't tell...?"
"Everyone needs to cry sometimes, your secret will be safe with me"
"Arigato..." The tears fell the instant I stopped holding them back. I cried silently into Heisuke's chest, protected by his strong arms that were wrapped around me. I felt safe with Heisuke. "Gomen for getting your clothes wet..." I sniffled.
"Don't worry about that. Just let it all out" Sobs passed my lips as more tears streamed down my cheeks. "It's okay Chiyeko-chan, everything's gonna be just fine..." He whispered reassurances into my ear and before long, I had stopped crying. Heisuke lifted my chin before wiping away my tears. "Now let's get this breakfast to its destination"
"Arigato Heisuke-kun. For everything"
"You're welcome Chiyeko-chan. I'll gladly lend you a shoulder to cry on"

He comforted me when I cried...

"The dog's coming back!" I yelled.
"Nani?! Nope, I'm not getting my face licked again!" Heisuke 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 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.