On Patrol: Souji Okita
After straight, solid training for the past week or so, you're finally being allowed to go out on patrol. Your trainer (and now friend) is responsible for your well-being on your first day. What will happen while the two of you are in town?
"Wow! I can't believe I finally get to go on patrol!" I exclaim excitedly as my eyes dart around the village with Okita-san at my side. Though Hijikata-san instructed him to keep me safe, Okita-san said it'd be alright if I stood at the front with him.
"It's just patrol; no need to get so excited" he says, sending me a sidelong glance. I simply grin back up at him.
"You're too happy" he grumbles.
"And so what if I am?" I counter, letting my arms swing casually at my side. "Smiling is good for you. You ought to try it sometime!"
"I'd smile, but then I'd have to kill ya" he deadpans. I roll my eyes, knowing darn well that he wouldn't kill me. He and I had grown a strange bond while training; there was no way I could describe it, but I knew it was there just the same. Whether he'd admit to it or not, we were friends, and it was a fact that couldn't be helped.
"If you kill me" I say finally, "then please make sure that I at least get a reasonable burial." Okita-san smirks in response.
"Oh, but of course! Nothing less than the finest for you, (y/n)."
"Liar!" I exclaim, laughing as I playfully shove into his shoulder.
"Ow! Hey, what was that for?" He says, feigning anger as he sends me a fake scowl. I shrug innocently.
"Nothing."
"Whatever" he grumbles, pretending to sulk. I laugh.
"You know, you're really not fooling anyone."
"D**n it; really?" I nod solemnly.
"Really."
"Hey! Could the two of you keep the flirting to a minimum and watch where you're going instead?" Captain Hijikata-san commands. Okita-san visibly stiffens at the blunt remark.
"We are not flirting!" He says in complete denial as my cheeks redden.
"We won't sir" I reply softly, ducking my head as we continue to walk. After a long pause, Okita-san finally breaks the silence.
"I hope you didn't take his command to heart" he says simply. I start, surprised by this sudden comment.
"Uh, no; not at all."
"I mean, the whole flirting crap and all" he clarifies. "Because, it's not like we were flirting or anything."
"Right."
"And you know, it's not like I think of you in that way… Or in any other way for that matter."
"Of course not."
"In any case, I didn't want you thinking that way about you and me, okay?"
"I would never dream of ever considering that."
"Good." Another awkward silence follows.
"Okita-san?"
"Hm?" He turns to look down at me. "What is it now?
"Even though we're not like… that…" I blush, "we are still friends, right?" He blinks as he tries to process my question.
"Uh… Well, sure; I guess."
I smile in relief. "That's good to hear!"