Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

Chapter 56: Night out

{A few days after witnessing those murders in Edo, the suspicious activity appeared to have quietened down. Since that horrific night, Sanan had been on his best behaviour, never seeming to stray too far from the compounds. Knowing all of it could be a ruse, however, we continued to monitor him discreetly.}

Heisuke and I were having dinner together in the common room. Sanan had been with us, but had left a few minutes before. "Sanan-san didn't appear to be acting any differently..." I stated after I was absolutely sure he was out of earshot.
"He's not the type of person to show his cards in a situation like this"
"I guess so...Why do you think he left so suddenly though?" The reason he gave us was that he had wanted to spend as much time as possible looking over some documents he had obtained from Kodo Yukimura's house. When he had gone to get those documents was a mystery to both Heisuke and myself.
"I don't know, but..."
"Nani is it?"
"...I have a funny feeling he knows we're suspicious of him"
"Oh...That can't be good"
"Well like I said, it's just a feeling. Though, I wouldn't put it past Sanan-san to have figured it out..." I was more than a little terrified of Sanan, on account of the various things he'd done to me. Not to mention the fact that he had nearly killed me twice. If he knew we were suspicious of him, there's no telling what he'd do if he managed to catch me alone. Heisuke noticed the fearful expression on my face and quickly added; "It just means we'll have to be extra careful from now on, don't worry about it" Heisuke smiled as he put a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"Right..."
"Your food is always delicious Chiyeko! I mean, I knew your breakfast was amazing, but I never knew your dinner was great too! Man, sucks for Shinpachi and Sano-san! They don't know what they're missing with all this great food!" I guess it's nice of him to try and change the subject. No matter how random and nonsensical the change is.
"Arigato Heisuke, though I think you're over exaggerating a bit"
"Hell iie I ain't! In fact, it's so good that I demand seconds!" I raised an eyebrow at him and he sheepishly chuckled before adding 'please' to his request.
"Sure thing Heisuke" I went over to the container of rice and scooped a large portion into his bowl. "Here you are" I had to admit, having Heisuke enjoy his meal so much to ask for seconds filled me with happiness. I guess the little things do count sometimes.
"Arigato!" Heisuke lifted his chopsticks to fill his mouth with a fresh serving of steaming rice, but suddenly stopped himself. It was as if he had just remembered something urgent.
"Is something wrong Heisuke?"
"Hm? Oh, iie iie...I was just wondering if the guys over in Koufu are eating anywhere near as good as this..." As Hijikata-san mentioned in his last conversation with us, victory was not assured and the campaign itself was becoming a bleak prospect to all those in charge.
"I'm sure Hijikata-san will make sure that all his men are getting the food they need. You can't fight well on an empty stomach after all!"
"Yeah, he does always seem to have the next step covered, doesn't he?"
"Exactly!"
"Man, just imagine how much easier life would be if we could all just eat our problems away!"
"Huh...?"
"Ah! Gomen! Didn't meant anything by it! Just got caught up in the moment..."
"You don't have to apologise. You're certainly not the only person to think like that..." After that, an awkward silence filled the room and that silence didn't let up until the both of us had finished our meals.
"Anyway, arigato gozimasu for the dinner Chiyeko. I'll clean up for ya"
"Usually I have a rule which is; I cook and the eaters clean. Though since you're the only eater willing to clean up, I think I'll lend you a hand"
"But you're an eater too so how come your rule doesn't mean you have to clean?"
"Because I'm the one who cooked for every single person, I think that warrants me not having to clean up"
"That makes sense. So why don't you follow your own rule and take a rest?"
"I really don't mind helping out. This time anyway. I mean, it is a LOT of dishes to wash up"
"That's all right, I can handle it. I'm gonna go check on Sanan-san anyways"
"Oh..."
"Okay! Here. We. Go!" Heisuke picked up a stack of plates and left the room. Even though he said he can handle it, it still is a lot of plates and bowls for one person to clean up alone. I've made up my mind! I stood up, left the room and made my way to the kitchen.