Re-edited February 2021
A few days after Kaiya had removed Hajime's stitches, Hijikata and Sannan left to go to Osaka for some business. It was only a day later that Hijikata had sent a letter informing them of Sannan getting injured, shocking pretty much everyone. Hijikata requested that Kaiya be on standby and prepare for their arrival in a couple of days. Sannan's life was no longer in danger but Hijikata was concerned about the skill of the surgeon's that had operated on Sannan and wanted Kaiya to give them her own assessment.
Kaiya was relieved to see Sannan walking into the headquarters under his own power, he must not have hit a major artery or else he wouldn't have been walking yet. It broke her heart though watching Sannan approach her, he looked like a man defeated even though he tried to look unperturbed. She accompanied him to his own quarters; Sannan didn't wish to see the others quite yet.
When she unwrapped his arm, she saw a long cut running diagonally down his forearm. Once the wrap had fully been removed, she felt gently around the wound and almost immediately felt something amiss. Hijikata had followed them to Sannan's room waiting silently to hear her diagnosis when he noticed her frowning.
"What is it Kaiya-chan?" He asked immediately concerned.
"I'm not entirely sure yet; I think I'll need to operate. But something doesn't feel right, like a muscle is in a wrong spot or disconnected. Do you feel a lot of pain still, Sannan-san?" She asked as she studied his face.
"Yes, I can't hardly move it. When I try, it pains me more. If you feel it needs operating, then do it now." Sannan's response was truthful and Kaiya appreciated his honesty, it would help her help him.
"Wait a second Sannan-san. Is that possible, Kaiya-chan? Won't you need to sedate him?" Hijikata looked between them concerned.
Kaiya shook her head as she got to her feet and walked to the door. "Not necessarily. I can just numb the area so he can't feel what I'm doing. He was strong enough to walk himself here from Osaka, he's strong enough to go through another surgery. Sannan-san is right, I need to do it immediately. The sooner I do it the less likely he'll have complications. I'm going to get Yamazaki-kun to come and assist me as well as get the medical supplies that I require. You can stay, Hijikata-kun? If Sannan-san is okay with it? It may take me an hour…maybe less, maybe more, to repair the arm." Sannan nodded his consent as did Hijikata so she turned and headed for the door. "I'll be right back."
Sannan looked up at Kaiya as she stood in the doorway. "Thank you, Kaiya-chan. I'm more grateful than ever that you have returned."
Kaiya shook her head. "Don't thank me yet, Sannan-san. I don't even know if I can successfully repair your arm or at least not yet." She turned once more and left.
It took Kaiya longer than she'd like to find Yamazaki but, in the end, she found him eating with several of the other members of the Shinsengumi. He smiled when he saw her approach, while the others looked shocked to see her wandering around the compound. These particular members Kaiya had never met before but lately there where several she didn't know due to the influx of new members.
"Good day, Kaiya-chan." He greeted her cheerfully. "What brings you out here among the common solider?" He asked in a teasing tone.
Yamazaki was normally a very quiet person but got a long with almost all the other soldiers very well and she was quite fond of him herself. Kaiya smiled faintly for a moment.
"Did you hear about Sannan-san?" She asked him in a more serious tone. He nodded his head solemnly. "I need your assistance Yamazaki-kun. Can you help me?"
He instantly got to his feet leaving his half-eaten food to walk up to her. "Of course, Kaiya-chan!"
"First I need some things from the clinic." The two of them turned to walk away but one of the soldiers got the nerve up to ask.
"Sensei! Is Sannan-san going to be ok?" He looked nervously between her and his buddies.
Kaiya turned, partly grateful that this man at least had some respect for her and also glad that Souji hadn't completely made her seem unapproachable. "I'm sorry but it's not my place to say. When the time is appropriate, Hijikata-kun or Kondou-san will inform everyone on his status." The man nodded and the two of them headed for the clinic.
When they entered, Kaiya listed off the items they needed and they went to working, moving about collecting them. When they had everything, Kaiya asked Yamazaki to go on a head and prepare Sannan for surgery while she fetched a bucket of water. When she returned to Sannan's room, Hijikata was still there accompanied now by Kondou.
"I hope you don't mind me being here, Kaiya-chan?" he asked.
Kaiya shrugged. "It doesn't bother me as long as you don't distract me, and Sannan-san doesn't mind your presence." She looked at him as she sat down.
Sannan nodded his head "It's alright."
Kaiya returned his nod. Yamazaki had helped Sannan strip down to the waist and had prepped the site for surgery, applied the numbing agent and was just removing the last stitch from the last surgery when Kaiya sat down. Kaiya gently tugged on the sides and as the wound hadn't yet healed enough yet to start growing together, the skin parted easily.
Yamazaki had already opened every window and door to let as much of the fading light pour in, as possible, and now stood with a lantern held closely to the wound so she might get as much light as possible. Kaiya looked up to see if Sannan was showing any signs of pain but apparently the numbing agent was already working. He was in fact staring down at her while she worked, watching with fascination etched on his face.
Kaiya worked quickly knowing that the numbing effect wouldn't last long. As it turned out, she had been correct; a muscle had been severed, coiled up into the wrong part of the arm like a spring. So, she did the best she could to repair it and some other small things that she hadn't been able to feel and repair some other shoddy stitch work the other surgeon had done. It really hadn't taken her long, maybe twenty minutes before she was done.
When she sewed the last stitch and started wrapping Sannan's arm, Kondou finally asked. "Well? How does it look?"
Yamazaki took over wrapping so she could turn and address Kondou and Hijikata properly. "Hijikata-kun had a right to be concerned. That surgeon was a low-rate doctor, who shouldn't be allowed to practice." Kaiya wrinkled her nose in disgust. "If he had been left to heal as it was, there is no way Sannan-san would have ever been able to fight again. I can't guarantee that he will now, but his chances have gone up exponentially. I found several things in his arm that should have been seen by the last doctor and what he did repair, was poorly done." Kaiya shook her head.
"How long before we know if his arm is healing properly?" Asked Hijikata looking a bit more relieved.
"Mm, probably in a week we should see his mobility start returning. If all goes well and he heals like he should, then he can return to full duty in about three weeks."
Both Kondou and Hijikata sighed in relief. "Good job, Kaiya-chan." Said Hijikata.
Sannan touched her elbow with his other hand and looked at her with sincere gratitude written there. "Thank you Kaiya-chan, again. Even if I don't get my full mobility back, at least I know I had the best to look after me. I am eternally in your debt." He bowed his head respectfully.
Kaiya smiled at him kindly, "You don't have to thank me. Nobody does. It's enough for me to see you do well."
111
A few days later, early in the morning, Kaiya felt disappointed when Hajime came to meet her for her training session with Souji in tow. Unlike the last couple days, Hajime wasn't carrying any Bokken, in fact he wasn't carrying anything. Hajime stopped unusually short of her, obviously giving her more space now that Souji was there.
"Good morning, Kaiya-chan. I thought you might enjoy Souji's help today." Hajime said by way of a greeting.
Souji walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Morning, Kai. Are you ready to start throwing me around?" He said with a smile.
"Oh really, this sounds like it might be fun!" Kaiya said enthusiastically.
Souji laughed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, while Hajime just smirked. "I thought you might enjoy that. I know I've taught you some grapples and throws already but I thought it was time to teach you some more advance techniques, give you a bit of a change in pace from practicing swings. Normally I would teach you like I did before, but I didn't think you'd be willing to throw me around with my wound still healing and Souji seemed like the perfect victim."
Kaiya smiled broadly and practically bounced with excitement, she rarely got the chance to get back at Souji for teasing her all the time. Unfortunately, Kaiya was a little disappointed with how unconcerned and willing Souji seemed. She was even more disappointed when they started and found out that Souji was extremely good at breaking his falls and almost never landed with a thump, like she did but neither had Hajime back when he had been teaching her the basics.
Kaiya crossed her arms and pouted at Souji who sat on the ground smiling up at her smugly. "Souji, you're no fun."
Souji snickered as he got to his feet. "What kind of warrior would I be if I couldn't soften my falls when I expect to be thrown around. And besides, we can't have you hurting me just before I go on patrol, can we?" Kaiya gave him a hard shot to the ribs with her elbow when he tried to wrap his arm around her shoulders again.
"Tch, that's not nice!" He said as he rubbed his ribs. "Well, I got get going anyways; Chizuru-chan is supposed to becoming with me today on my patrol."
"What? Isn't that dangerous?" Asked Kaiya suddenly concerned. Kaiya never went out with patrols only with a single escort, it was too dangerous now days for someone like Chizuru to go out by themselves when she could be associated with the Shinsengumi, but they must figure Kaiya could handle herself a little better.
"We can't afford to let her wander around by herself and we don't have enough men to escort her everywhere while she looks for her dad. So Hijikata-san decided to send her with the patrols. Don't worry, I'll look after her." He gave her his best reassuring smile.
Kaiya put her hands on her hips. "She's probably scared of you, with you always threatening to kill her all the time!"
Souji winked. "I'm just teasing her…mostly."
"Souji!" Kaiya scolded.
"Later!" Souji turned and walked away waving over his shoulder.
Hajime came behind her and gently laid a hand on the small of her back. "You make it too easy for him to tease you, as you well know."
"I know." She said with a sigh.
Hajime stared down at her intently for a long moment looking like he wanted to say something but trying to gauge how she might react. "What?"
"Please, don't be mad at me." He said looking a little rueful.
She looked at him suspiciously, part of her thought it was adorable with how concerned he was with how she might react; he didn't normally seem the type to care too much. The other part of her was concern with what he was worried about.
"Why would I mad?" She asked cautiously.
Hajime looked away with a guilty expression. "I've been practicing…"
Kaiya frowned. "Practicing what?"
"My swings mostly but other things as well. I'm sorry but I'm getting impatient and you are coddling me. I appreciate your concern; I really do but I'm a Samurai…or was. I need to be active in order to get myself back into fighting shape." Hajime worked his face back into its stoic expression, but she could see the worrying in his eyes.
Kaiya huffed working to control her anger. "How long?"
"Just since you've removed the stitches. I've been careful, I know my limits. The exercise has been helping too, my energy has been increasing and the stiffness is fading. Please, don't be mad. I'm not like the farmer's you're used to dealing with. I'm more resilient in many ways." If they hadn't been in such a public place, he would have gently grabbed her face, but no one knew about their budding romance and they thought it best to keep it that way.
Kaiya stared at him hard, he returned her stare, but his look was one that was trying to soothe the anger flaring in her eyes. When Kaiya was about to respond she was interrupted by Hijikata coming up to them. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the angry expression gracing Kaiya's face.
"What's going on?" He asked. Kaiya had been angry with the others for various reasons in the past, but he had never seen her so much as give Hajime an irritated glance.
"I'm trying to decide how angry I am with Hajime-kun." Kaiya stated, the anger very evident in her voice.
"This is new. What did you do Saitou?" Hijikata obviously found it entertaining to find Hajime at the receiving end of Kaiya's anger.
"I told her about my practicing." Hajime said it as coolly as he could.
Kaiya was quick in the pickup. "Wait, you knew Hijikata-kun?" She turned and looked at him furiously.
"Careful Kaiya-chan. I am still your superior but yes, I knew. When I first saw him, I told him that it was unwise, but he insisted that he wouldn't push too hard. Over the last couple days, it's become evident that he can handle it."
Kaiya took a deep breath to calm herself before answering. "He's too stubborn to show pain."
"Maybe but I'm not foolish enough to compromise my health." Hajime responded. "I want to get back to my duties but would rather not be bedridden again. Check my wound for yourself. It's still healing fine; I swear to you."
"Oh, I will…when I calm down." Kaiya turned on her heels and marched away. She wasn't angry because she felt that she was wrong or that he had even been practicing, it was more to the fact that Hajime felt the need to hide it from her as well as Hijikata.
About an hour later, Kaiya sat in her room reading one of her father's medical journals when a knock came to the door. She told whoever was there to come in and wasn't shocked to see Hajime entering. Unlike his normal habit, he stood by the door and waited to see her reaction. Kaiya sighed still somewhat irritated and hurt but indicated for him to sit down across from her.
When he came in, he sat down very near her and leaned in close to her, "I'm very sorry for upsetting you. That wasn't my intention."
His breath swept across her face as he spoke, then leaned in and kissed her deeply. Damn him she thought. She couldn't help but forgive him when he kissed her like that. When he pulled back, she gave him a bit of a playful shove.
"Fine, I forgive you."
He smiled as he sat back and gave her a tiny bit more space. "I think you should know why I was so angry though; I think the both of you got it wrong." Kaiya said still feeling the need to explain herself. He nodded his head and looked at her curiously. "I wasn't angry because of you practicing. It was more that you kept it from me. It hurt that you didn't trust me enough to tell me and then finding out that Hijikata-kun kept it from me too? What kind of doctor am I? When my patients feel like I'm going to scold them for making more progress than I'd predicted? Instead of encouraging them?" Kaiya gave a bit of a downcast look.
Hajime sighed and shook his head. "I'm a fool, I'm sorry. You're right I should have told you sooner. We all trust you Kaiya-chan but we're all a bunch of egotistical men who don't like being told what we can or cannot do, myself included." He suddenly started pulling his clothes open. Kaiya gave him a bit of an uncertain look which actually caused him to laugh out loud.
"If I had intended to instigate sex with you, there'd be a whole lot more kissing involved and lot more tender words." He laughed again, his face starting to turn a little red. "I promised you could inspect my wound, so you might feel better and it's been about a week since you removed the stitches and you said you wanted to look at it after a week."
Kaiya gave a bit of a sheepish laugh and choked down the disappointment and then the shock at her disappointment and tried to get into doctor mode. She tried to force herself to look just at the wound, but her eyes kept on wandering to the rest of his bare chest. He had been wise enough to just expose the wound, as they were very alone, and things were already becoming electric. It took her longer than it should to inspect the wound, but she managed to do a complete inspection, though she didn't dare touch his chest for the sake of both of their sanities.
After she was done, she sat back. "Well, you are right. I don't see any damage to the skin around your wound, it's a nice healthy pink. Have you been applying the ointment twice a day?"
He smiled and looked her in the eye despite the flush in his cheeks. "Of course. I haven't ignored everything you've told me." He pulled his clothes closed and got to his feet; Kaiya noticed that he no longer moved slowly but moved with his typical ease. "I think it's time for me to leave."
Kaiya got to her feet as well and grabbed his arm as he began to leave. "Just a minute Hajime-kun." He stopped and looked back at her. "I want to talk to Hijikata-kun and Kondou-san about you." He gave her a questioning look. "I think I'm ready to let you return to full duty, if Hijikata-kun is in agreement that is. I should probably apologize to him as well." Kaiya made a guilty look.
Hajime smiled at her brightly then wrapped her up in his arms and gave a deep kiss pressing himself up against her. When he pulled away, they were both panting. He pressed his forehead against hers, then breathed. "Thank you."
Kaiya back out of his arms, then grabbed his hand and they walked out of her room. Once they were out of her room, they dropped hands and Hajime gave her the acceptable distance as they walk to Hijikata quarters. His outer door was open, but she knocked anyways. He was sitting at his desk, looking at some papers. When she knocked, he looked up. He smiled when he saw them together.
"Looks like Saitou managed to get your forgiveness. Come in."
Kaiya bowed to him respectfully. "I'm really sorry Hijikata-kun, I was out of line. I feel like I should explain myself."
Both Hajime and Kaiya then took a seat. Hijikata smiled not really seeming truly upset by her display. "It's alright Kaiya-chan. I understand. We ask for your assistance and knowledge then don't listen to you when you give us sound advice, I'd get angry too."
Kaiya shook her head, "No that wasn't it. I'm only human, I can make mistakes and I'm willing to admit it. It was the fact that both of you hid it from me, that I got upset. It just made me feel like a bad doctor when my patient feels like they can't come to me with their progress."
"I see. I'm sorry that you felt that way Kaiya-chan." Hijikata rubbed that back of his head looking a little guilty.
"I've already told her that wasn't why we hadn't told her." Hajime put in.
"Is that why you came here, Kaiya-chan? To apologize?" Hijikata asked almost shocked.
"That was one of the reasons, but the main reason was to talk to you about Hajime-kun." Kaiya looked Hijikata in the face. "I looked at Hajime-kun's wound and he was right. There's been no damage done to it, it is in fact healing quite well. So, I decided that, if you will it, to give him all clear. So, he might return to full duty."
Hijikata looked surprised. "Really?" Kaiya nodded and weight suddenly seemed to lift from his shoulders. "You have such good timing Kaiya-chan. Are you willing to let him go straight into battle tonight?"
Hajime and Kaiya both frowned. "Tonight?" Hajime asked.
"Yes. Souji accidently stumbled into a Choshu network this morning, thanks to Chizuru-chan. We arrested their leader and questioned him. He revealed a secret meeting tonight at an Inn. We don't know which one it is yet, but we plan on attacking. Saitou's leadership and skills will be needed."
Kaiya looked at Hajime then back at Hijikata. "I don't think his injury should hinder him, but I think he should be tested to make sure he has enough strength and endurance by you or one of the Captain's to make sure he's combat ready."
Hijikata nodded, "Fair enough. That is something we can do right now; we need to get it out of the way. We'll be meeting in a couple hours and we'll be leaving right after. The word is being spread as we speak."
Hijikata got to his feet and walked over to the corner where a pair Bokken were leaned up against the wall and picked them up. He then offered one to Hajime as he too got to his feet. He nodded to the outside where there was a space big enough for them to spar. The two men stepped out while Kaiya took a seat on the edge of the walkway so she could watch. It wasn't every day you get to watch the Shinsengumi's two best swordsmen go at it. Just at that moment Chizuru and Heisuke came around the corner together and saw Kaiya watching Hajime and Hijikata taking their places.
"Whoa. What's going on here?" Heisuke asked almost excitedly.
Kaiya smiled and patted the spot beside her. "I gave Hajime-kun the all clear. Hijikata-kun is making sure he's combat ready."
"Wow, really? That's great!" Heisuke said happily. He looked over at the still standing Chizuru. "Take a seat, Chizuru-chan. You're in for a treat, they're both masters of their craft."
Chizuru took as seat down beside them. "Who do you think will win, Heisuke-kun?"
"Normally I would say it could go either way, but Hajime-kun is probably a little out of practice from being bed ridden for so long. He won't be as quick as he normally is, that was Hajime-kun's greatest advantage. So, this time I'm going with Hijikata-san."
Kaiya shushed them and they all turned to watch. Hijikata had his blade drawn while Hajime stood seemingly at rest, his normal stance. Hijikata attacked and Hajime struck out, just at the nick of time to stop Hijikata's blade from striking him but Hijikata seemed to expect the move. Hajime's move was meant to surprise his opponent and not just stop the others blow but knock their blade to the side and leave room for a quick counterattack. Hijikata, stopped Hajime's blade from knocking his aside and blocking his counterattack. Heisuke frowned and tapped his chin, deep in thought. A quick exchange of blows occurred quicker than Kaiya could follow, by the time the exchange had ended Hajime's blade had clattered to the stone and Hajime was shaking his hand.
From here Kaiya could see that there was slight increase in Hajime's breathing while Hijikata seemed not bothered. Hijikata indicated the blade and said "again" and went to his starting position. Hajime picked up his blade and this time took up a similar ready stance. As soon as he indicated he was ready, Hijikata went at him hard and quick. Hajime put an admirable defense, but he never recovered and, in the end, he was struck hard in the ribs. Heisuke looked deep in thought as Hajime and Hijikata bowed to each other respectfully. Hijikata looked over in Kaiya's direction then took notice of Heisuke.
"Heisuke, come here! See how you do against Saitou. We all know he can defeat you easily when he's at his best."
Kaiya laughed. "Oh ouch."
"Geez, Hijikata-san. Do you have to say it like that?" Heisuke said as he got to his feet.
Hijikata smiled as he handed him his Bokken and stepped to the side. Hajime stood at a ready stance and waited for Heisuke to do the same. When they were both ready, Hijikata indicated them to go. Heisuke lashed out first but Hajime intercepted Heisuke's attacks more easily, the battle was short and in the end, it was Hajime who disarmed Heisuke.
"Aw, Hajime-kun come on! This sucks. I can't even beat you when you're injured!" Heisuke complained as he rubbed his arm.
"That's enough Saitou." Said Hijikata with a smile.
Kaiya and Chizuru got up to join the other three in the courtyard. "So, what's your verdict, Hijikata-kun?" asked Kaiya.
Hijikata studied Hajime for a moment, his breathing was slightly elevated but otherwise looked unaffected. Then he looked at Kaiya. "He's not nearly as good as he usually is but Heisuke is also a skilled swordsman and he was capable of defeating him. Most of the Choshu are average in skill, he should be okay. Especially in a group setting. Kaiya-chan and Chizuru-chan I want you two at that meeting as well. Saitou, I need to talk to you further, the rest of you are dismissed."
You may have noticed but the further along the story I go, the further I veer of the original story. I do try to follow the same events somewhat though. I even took dialogue from the anime in a few chapters. R&R
-Shockra
