Author's Note:
Well, a little longer than usual for this chapter - both in terms of wait and words. I thought it would be up two days ago, but I couldn't get either life or the Shinsengumi to cooperate. Gomene.
A big thank you to those who have posted reviews: ArchimedesAckermann, nakigaoyuu, AsthaRen, StariChanx, Swanna, 2human (guest) and at least two guests sans nom de plume (who were still both helpful and encouraging!).
Yes, I've enjoyed giving the Demon Vice Commander some good lines - glad you enjoyed them too! And more about the garden (which was part of my problem - turns out some common European herbs/flowers weren't necessarily found in Japan yet in 1864 and yeah, it's silly of me, but I wanted a tiny bit of accuracy). Finally, it's great how many people like to see Chizuru doing and experiencing and generally making a place for herself "beyond the teacup and the broom" (hmm, I like that expression).
I'd comment more on your comments but I figure I've stalled long enough on this chapter. Please let me know what you think. There are reasons behind what everyone is doing, but it wasn't easy to get the feel of this chapter just the way I wanted it. Hopefully it's close! This chapter covers some of March, all of April, and into May (although really it's approximate)...
-.-.-.-.-
Chapter 12 – Rumble in the Garden (AKA "And Pretty Boys All in a Row")
March passed quickly for Chizuru. She coaxed her plants along, paying anxious attention to the colder nights and glad that Kyoto was warmer than Edo. She was given permission to use clay pots to start a few small plants in her room and by the end of the month her room was aromatic with mint and thyme.
Saitō-san helped Chizuru with most of the more physically demanding work of digging, turning the soil and constructing borders and boxes. Throughout March, she would often come outside from her cooking duties, or her mostly self-imposed cleaning duties, and find the Third Division Captain either sitting or standing quietly near the new garden plot as though contemplating what more could be done. Chizuru finally gave up trying to thank him when he asked her to stop.
"Yukimura-kun, this is interesting work. I do not mind. Hijikata-san does not object since it does not interfere with my duties. You do not need to thank me further."
Okita-san grinned at her, green eyes glinting under satiric brows. He was sitting on the stone bench under the slowly budding sakura tree watching them work, as he often did.
"Since Hajime-kun is so cruel, you can thank me instead if you like, Chizuru-chan."
She was unsure how to respond for a moment, but before he could discomfit her further she gathered her courage and met his gaze squarely. She had been there for almost three months, she was doing something useful – surely she could learn not to be so easily unsettled by the man?
"Arigatou gozaimasu, Okita-san. You are kind to come here so often and keep me company while I work. I notice that you have been favouring your left hand; I believe that there is a poorly healed cut on the back of the hand that may be infected. Also, you have a slight cough that has been bothering you. May I assist you with these things? I would be happy to clean out and bandage the cut, or to make you a tea that may soothe the coughing a little."
Okita-san stared at her, obviously at a loss for once. He did not look happy, but at least he wasn't laughing at her either.
"There's nothing wrong with me," he snapped, standing abruptly.
Harada-san and Heisuke-kun had arrived during this exchange, still wearing their blue haoris and fluttering white headbands. Harada-san was carrying his spear. He leaned on it as though enjoying a show.
"It's not very polite to refuse a lady's help, Sōji."
"Yeah, why not go for it Sōji?" Heisuke's bright aqua eyes were as mischievous as Okita's ever were. "Besides, you look a bit like a bear being attacked by a kitten – annoyed but not sure what's going on. Don't tell me you're worried she'll hurt you?"
"I don't need anyone's help," the green-eyed man snarled at both the Eighth and Tenth Division Captains. "And maybe the kitten should watch out for the bear's claws."
"I've got to say, Chizuru-chan, I think you're right about the hand," mused the spearman, ignoring Okita. "He kept it covered last night at dinner but I think it's bothering him."
"As do I."
Chizuru found Saitō-san at her left shoulder. She found it uncanny how rarely she could sense his movements.
"You should let Chizuru-chan look at it for you," chimed in Heisuke again. "It's gotta be better than having to go to, um … somebody else. Because I'm sure Chizuru-chan's much nicer about things than… um… I mean, she probably wouldn't tell, you know… anyone about it."
Heisuke-kun trailed off guiltily. The three other captains were giving their colleague such looks of mingled astonishment and disgust that Chizuru almost laughed, although she hadn't been able to follow Heisuke's speech very well. The general import was starting to sink in, however.
The ordinarily expressionless Saitō-san blinked and sighed, his equivalent of an eye-roll. Okita-san was shaking his head as if in denial. Harada-san simply swatted Heisuke on the top of the head. Chizuru was beginning to think that Heisuke must have a very hard head.
"Chizuru-chan," Harada said politely, "please ignore my friend here. He means well, but he's an idiot. He in no way meant to imply that Okita is avoiding our regular physician so that his injury won't be reported to the Vice Commander."
"Um, right, of course not." Chizuru looked sideways at Saitō-san, but he now had his eyes closed. "Okita-san? I was told that people don't usually carry tales unless the safety of the Shinsengumi or a life is at risk. So, um, maybe I should take a look at your hand?"
"Oh what the hell," muttered Okita, capitulating. He pulled back his kimono sleeve, and Chizuru frowned in some dismay at the stained and bloodied bandage wrapped around the hand and up the wrist.
"You know," said Harada, "I think Heisuke and I are going to go get ready for lunch."
"Yeah, I suppose," agreed Heisuke, subdued but still with a glimmer of defiance. "But I wanted to see Chizuru look after the cut, or whatever it is."
"We could spar. Then you could have the experience first-hand."
Heisuke stared at Saitō, but the other man still had his eyes closed.
"That's cold, Hajime-kun!"
"Okay, come on Heisuke, let's go," said Harada with an unmistakable chuckle. "Saitō, perhaps you could…?"
"Hai. Sōji, I believe Yukimura-kun has more medical supplies in her room than out here."
"Yeah, yeah. Come on, Chizuru-chan. Let's run for cover before His Highness the Vice Commander comes out and starts yelling at us, or worse, asking questions."
Chizuru rinsed her hands at the well before obediently trailing the impatient Okita-san back to her room. She was surprised to see Saitō-san leave toward the main building; she had expected him to come with Okita-san.
"Saitō-san?"
The man in the black kimono looked back at her.
"I need to discuss a training schedule for the recruits with the Vice Commander. Excuse me."
"He's going to make sure Hijikata-san is busy," Okita-san explained, a little irritably. "Of course, being Saitō, he actually does have a new schedule to discuss."
In her room, Chizuru got out bandages, small scissors, and a small pot containing a runny mixture that smelled of oatmeal and thyme. Okita-san eyed it dubiously, and Chizuru gave him a weak smile.
"I don't have access to some of the things I need to make proper ointments and infusions. This is my first attempt at something useful with what I've grown. It would be better if I could talk directly to a skilled pharmacist."
She removed the dirty bandage gently, soaking it through with clean water before peeling it back from the cut. And it was definitely a cut, almost certainly from a knife, probably not a sword. Chizuru had occasionally seen how the heavier implements – whether scythes or swords – left bruising where they hit, unlike something lighter with a thinner edge.
The cut was longer than she had expected, deep across the forearm but fortunately shallow on the wrist and hand. An instinct for what would make her patient most at ease told Chizuru not to react to the ugly wound or the hot, painful redness along its edges. These men only complain in jest, she thought, seldom when something is really serious. So Okita-san wouldn't want sympathy now; kind words would only make the speaker feel better, not the patient.
"Okita-san," she said hesitantly, when the wound was as clean as she could get it. "Would it be possible for you to avoid using this hand, or, um, to use it very carefully?"
"It's my left hand, so I could try I suppose – why?"
"Well… it would heal better and faster if I put a few stitches in above the wrist where the cut is deeper. But if you tear the stitches out that could actually make things worse. It's up to you."
Sōji frowned, and she felt him balancing concern for his arm – fear of becoming like Sannan-san, who still hadn't recovered properly – with fear of a treatment that could hamper his mobility in the short term. Maybe he was reconsidering going to the Shinsengumi's regular doctor? He must have really been out of bounds when he got hurt to be so concerned about Hijikata-san finding out.
"You know what? I'll take my chances with you and the stitches, Chizuru-chan."
Decision made, Okita-san seemed to relax, despite what was coming. And he seemed to take Chizuru seriously, too, which was unexpected.
"Hai."
She thought briefly. She had a small quantity of alcohol – Harada-san had included it in the small kit of things she had requested – but it would be better to have more, as well as an extra set of hands.
"Excuse me? Chizuru-chan?"
"Come in, Heisuke-kun!"
Heisuke came in carrying a small pot of what smelled like sake.
"Sano-san thought you might need this, as well as some help. He's getting in Gen-san's way in the kitchen, to delay lunch a little, so I'm here."
"Okay, let's get on with it then," said Okita. "Don't worry Chizuru-chan, I've had worse."
It took longer than Chizuru had expected. She decided not to mention that she had only put stitches in a wound twice before – and never one like this. Her father had let her watch from time to time, but only recently, in the last year, had he let her close two small gashes, both in female patients. She kept his instructions firmly in mind, however, and she thought it went well. She would insist on sending Okita-san to a proper doctor immediately if there were any signs of complication, especially infection.
Heisuke-kun was a surprisingly competent assistant. He accepted her orders without question and showed no trace of discomfort with the bloody injury. Of course, that probably came with the territory – she assumed that he had seen a lot worse than this. He was also strong, which helped a great deal in immobilizing the lower arm. Okita-san was expressionless throughout the stitching and bandaging, but Chizuru knew it must hurt, since she had no topical anaesthetic at hand. She did her best to keep her own expression professional and unconcerned, which was a trial in itself.
"Remember, Chizuru," her father had said to her many times, "to provide any kind of medical care you must have courage. You must have courage to make decisions that affect the lives of others – and even more courage if something does not go well. You must be resolved on your action before taking the first step. The patient must trust you. A patient will heal better if you are confident than if you show an anxious face."
When it was all over, Okita-san decided to go to his room to rest, which Chizuru thought was a very good idea. She and Heisuke went to the common room together, apologizing for being late. Fortunately, Hijikata-san didn't seem disposed to ask questions; in fact, he was deep in discussion with Kondō-san, Nagakura-san and Saitō-san about training some new recruits.
The beginning of the second week of April marked the first cherry blossoms, slightly later than usual after the cold winter. The tree in the courtyard was clouded in pink and redolent of sweet fragrance. Chizuru planted most of the rest of her garden, including bright yellow marigolds that she usually would have kept indoors two or three more weeks back in Edo. She kept a close eye on Okita-san's injury, but it healed well and quickly and the stitches came out without difficulty.
The various captains often seemed to find reasons to stop by Chizuru's garden as the weather warmed up and the plants grew. Saitō-san still came to help her from time to time; by now he knew the intended use for each leaf and flower. Other times, he would simply sit beneath the sakura tree in seiza, eyes closed and palms on his knees. Sometimes he practiced with his sword, blade cutting through the air in sure, precise, sweeping motions. Okita-san was often there at the same time, but he would often just sit on the wooden walkway or on the stone bench under the tree. Their patrol schedules generally matched, although not always.
Harada-san brought her supplies from the city or perhaps the as-yet-unknown Shinsengumi healer. He also occasionally brought her simple flowers, saying that he was determined to find one that she especially liked that was not used for medical purposes.
"You should have something that is just for fun, Chizuru-chan," he explained toward the end of April. "I don't want it to be practical, just something that appeals to you. Beauty for beauty's sake, if you like."
Today's flower was a pinkish purple, shaped almost like a sakura blossom. In fact, Harada-san had brought a small potted plant, since the flowers grew in clusters. Chizuru recognized it as sakurasou and thought it was very pretty.
"Flirting again, Sano-san?" said a sarcastic voice from the stone bench.
Okita-san was lying on his back, staring up at the sakura tree.
"No," Harada said calmly. "And are you sure you know enough about it to comment, Sōji?"
"Ha. I've lived with you and Nagakura – and Hijikata-san – for long enough to have a pretty good idea. Chizuru-chan should be careful."
Chizuru looked from one to the other, concerned. Should she not accept Harada-san's occasional flowers for her garden? Had she misunderstood the situation out of ignorance? But the tall red-head had seemed friendly, that's all. She had appreciated his kindness and sensed nothing amiss.
Harada-san seemed amused, but Chizuru thought that the smile didn't reach his eyes.
"I hope you didn't try to learn about flirting from Shinpachi, Souji… He's a good guy, but not exactly subtle."
"I guess it depends on what you're looking for, Sano-san." Okita's voice and attitude were halfway between insinuating and challenging. "I thought in most cases it was a question of looks on one side and cash on the other, not subtlety."
Saitō-san, meditating nearby, didn't move, but Chizuru saw his eyes open. At the same time, Harada-san gave the lounging First Division Captain a sharp, reproving look; he was no longer smiling and she could sense that his temper was being held tightly in check.
"Don't pay attention to Sōji, Chizuru-chan," he told her after a moment, face and voice controlled. "He just likes to push a joke too far sometimes."
Chizuru had ducked her head as the meaning of Okita-san's comments registered. She was old enough to know a little about the geisha and the oiran, women who earned their living by displaying their arts to please men. She also understood Okita-san's earlier implication that Harada-san knew a lot about women. But that wouldn't be surprising, really, and did it matter? Did it have to mean that she needed to be more careful around Harada-san? She felt unsure and uncomfortable and embarrassed.
Harada was angry, but he tried to remind himself that Sōji only got this obnoxious when something was really eating at him. Besides, his first concern was with Chizuru. He needed to find a quick way to remove the taint that Souji's words had somehow managed to impart to the whole conversation and even the simple gift of garden flowers. Chizuru was young and innocent – although not quite innocent enough, unfortunately. It was in his nature to want her to be as comfortable as possible, especially in her precarious position as both captive and ward.
He didn't like it, but since Okita had led them down this path, it seemed that the best he could do now was show Chizuru that even if he did flirt a little with her then it was innocuous and she could relax. He would just have to hope that it didn't confuse things for her when somebody tried to get her attention in earnest. Decision made, Harada picked one of the small pink-purple flowers from the pot that the girl was still holding.
"Now let's see, what would be best?"
"Harada-san?"
"Well, you've been very patient with all this, but sometimes you probably miss being a girl, right? So, since you can't have nice clothes here, flowers will have to do."
He leaned closer to her and gently tucked the short stem of the small flower into her hair close to her ear. She looked up, startled, but he had already stepped back and was smiling down at her from a comfortable distance, thumbs tucked into his belt, eyes half-amused. It was so familiar now that she smiled back involuntarily and the anxious embarrassment started to fade.
"There, that's better. You're cute when you smile."
"Now you are flirting," observed Saitō calmly.
"You could be right, Saitō. See you tomorrow, Chizuru-chan! I'll be out for dinner tonight."
Harada-san lifted a hand in farewell and crossed the courtyard toward the walkway and the house. Chizuru blinked, still off-balance but recovering. Saitō-san seemed unruffled, as usual, and his calm acceptance helped a great deal. Okita-san watched the spearman walk away.
Yukimura went in to prepare dinner with Gen-san not long after Harada left. Saitō rose unhurriedly and looked over at Okita, who was now sitting up, frowning. His red jacket contrasted brightly with his black under-kimono and green pants.
"Sōji. Is your left arm healed enough to spar?"
"Yeah, it's good. Chizuru-chan did okay. Why? Are you mad at me or do you just want to train?"
"I'd rather spar with you during the day than try to keep track of you at night when you go out looking for fights with drunken samurai and assorted cut-throats."
"You didn't answer my question," Okita prodded with a crooked smile.
Saitō just looked at him.
"Fine, let's go. I guess Harada's probably mad at me too."
"Yes. If you continue you will be learning more about fighting sword on spear."
It was a measure of Saitō's disapproval that he'd even answered.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll manage. Besides, since when can't Sano take a joke?"
Saitō was already walking away. Okita looked exasperated.
The Vice Commander just happened to stop by the smaller training area as the First and Third Division Captains faced off. He watched with narrowed eyes, seeing in his mind Harada's unusually blank expression from ten minutes before, when he'd asked for leave to go out that evening. What mischief was Sōji up to now? Or was he being unfair to the irritating pain-in-the-ass this time?
Usually, Sōji and Saitō were fairly evenly matched, with Saitō holding a slight edge from discipline and possibly experience. As the minutes passed, Hijikata found himself wondering when the gap had widened and how. And why did Saitō seem intent on inflicting so many heavy bruises? Disabling the guy who had your back on patrol wasn't usually a sound tactic. Sōji was lucky they weren't using actual blades.
The Vice Commander called it to a halt not too long after. Both captains were breathing heavily, but if Saitō was tired then Sōji was exhausted and far more bruised. One thing Hijikata had confirmed to his own satisfaction: Sōji had done something to seriously annoy the usually imperturbable Third Division Captain. Hijikata knew punishment when he saw it.
So did Okita.
"What the hell was that, Saitō?!"
"You appear to be somewhat out of condition," was the impassive response. Then, as they passed the glowering Vice Commander, he added: "Perhaps it's that cough Yukimura mentioned."
"Are you sick, Sōji?" Hijikata demanded.
"No! No, really, I'm fine. But I obviously need to start training more often again."
The Vice Commander let them walk away together without following; they didn't need to look back to picture the crossed arms and knit brows. Once they were out of sight and he was sure they couldn't be heard, Okita stopped and faced Saitō.
"You're a real bastard when you're pissed off, aren't you Hajime-kun? You know damn well that Hijikata's going to hound me now over that cough."
"You are out of condition. I think something is wrong. You're only this unpleasant when you're really worried about something and can't do anything about it. However, you shouldn't take your frustration out on somebody who can't hit back."
"Harada's not exactly defenceless!"
"True."
Okita threw up his hands.
"Fine! You want me to leave the girl out of it, is that it? It's not like I have a problem with her, as long as she doesn't mess things up for us. I'll watch my mouth around her if I can. Besides… I actually do know she's got things rough already."
Saitō nodded. That would do.
Okita tended to get a little self-absorbed on occasion, but when he paid attention he could be reasonably mature. Yukimura was both a captive and under their protection. Given those circumstances and her age and lack of experience, it was only fair to give her a reasonable chance to make the best of things. Harada had been trying to help her focus on something pleasant and productive. It was a pity that Okita's comments had impaired the efficacy of that plan.
It was also a pity that Harada had found it necessary to distract the girl in the manner that he had, however effective. Saitō was certain that the spearman had not intended to behave in such a way at the outset; it was not in his character. He was probably now out drinking with Nagakura and wondering how he could have handled the situation better. And yet… even though he acquitted Harada of improper motives, for some reason Saitō was not entirely pleased with him either.
He was not surprised when the Vice Commander ordered him to report after dinner. He gave his usual terse account and then waited patiently while Hijikata considered both what he had and hadn't said. In the end, he was dismissed without further orders, other than to continue his general surveillance of Yukimura to the extent possible. Saitō didn't mention Sōji's occasional night-time outings. He was quite sure that Yamazaki, the Shinsengumi's most talented investigator, was already reporting on that. He truly hoped that Sōji stopped ignoring curfew before Hijikata was forced to take notice.
Chizuru felt a little uncomfortable for a few days after the incident in the garden, but Harada-san seemed to be so much his usual self that she easily got over her embarrassment. Saitō-san was the same as ever, of course, which was reassuring. She wished very much that Okita-san hadn't gone so far with his teasing, but he was probably used to teasing everyone around him without having to worry it. In any event, she didn't see him for three days, and after that he seemed to have forgotten the whole thing. On the whole, she thought that was probably for the best.
Two weeks later, Hijikata-san surprised her by coming to find her during a rare moment when she was on her own tending the small garden.
"I've found something for you," he said without preamble, before she could even greet him. "Do you know what this is?"
She took the small packet from him and sniffed experimentally. It had a sharp yet floral scent that was utterly distinctive and completely unknown to her.
"No, Hijikata-san, I don't think so."
He smiled a little, apparently pleased to have shown her something new. She was surprised by how much the smile changed his face, making him look suddenly younger and less intimidating.
"It's called lavender. My sister mentioned it to me in one of her letters, and I thought you might like to add it to your garden, if you can get it to grow. It is still unusual in this country. It can be used as a perfume, but my sister says that it is also has soothing properties."
Chizuru stared at him speechlessly. The Oni no Fukuchō had asked his sister (he had a sister?) to send her a rare plant for her herb garden? Abruptly recollecting herself, she bowed.
"Arigatou gozaimasu, Hijikata-san! I will do my best with these seeds!"
"You are welcome, Yukimura. I hope they prosper for you."
He looked over his shoulder.
"And here is company for you in your task. Good day, Yukimura."
He walked away, pausing to speak a few words to Saitō-san as they passed.
A/Note: Well, at least it's almost two chapters long, right? And that short sword is coming out any day now (sigh...). Thank you to all who have used Favourite and Follow! :)
.-.-.-.-.