Disclaimer: I don't own this franchise.
I was going for angst and internal strife. I also wanted some more Soji/Chizuru(also I know I spell his name weird but this is how I spelled it in Ch.1). I also let someone important make an appearance...the villain.
Hey everyone! I finally got Chapter 2 up a little later than planned and a little longer than planned as well. I hope you all enjoy it. Please foolow or review, it make my day when I see the email about a follower or reviewer. Please take an extra second to review.
Thank you all for you support!
Now here is:
Chapter 2:
A bright light was shining on Chizuru's face. She groaned and rubbed her eyes, trying to ignore the voice telling her to wake up. Chizuru analyzed the sun's angle with a yelp.
"Midmorning already? I didn't make breakfast or tea for the patrol shift. I'll be reprimanded for sure." Chizuru sat up on her elbows, trying to collect the energy to stand.
"When do you sleep? It is amazing why you're sick isn't it? Why with the way you push yourself it's a miracle." Sanosuke said sarcastically from the doorway. He stood, barefoot with dripping hair, against the doorframe smirking at her.
Chizuru stuck her tongue out childishly. She opened her mouth to speak when an aggressive growl was heard from her abdomen. The pair chuckled.
"I only push myself like that so you guys can focus on matter important to you. I know: you survived without me but just barely." Her last few words had the air of an old argument about them, for she said that each time someone asked her to relax.
"I know. Are you hungry? I suggest some more onigiri solely for the fact anything more substantial may lead to you throwing up." Sanosuke flashed a grin and walked up to her, helping her stand. "Come on, I believe moving around helps you get better as much as rest does." Sanosuke took hold of her elbow; showing his support was there if she wanted or needed it.
"Thanks Sano-san. I am feeling particularly thirsty." Chizuru said as she slowly tread down towards the common room. 'Maybe I can take a bath later.' She smiled for the prospect was pleasant. When Sanosuke and Chizuru finally arrived at the room the captains all cheered.
"Great now we can all eat!"
"Chizuru-chan is finally up!"
"Let's dig in!"
Chizuru laughed lightly but it was enough to make the men in the room quiet down. She looked around at each of the smiling faces, the bright eyes, and the relaxed posture. 'All my life I have looked for the one place I belong—my niche—in Edo I didn't have anyone staying with me often, I was alone a lot. But here, here holds always laughing faces, a family that would do anything for each other. I feel like I belong here. I want to belong here. The question is: Do I really belong here, with them? I want to. I want to.' Chizuru allowed those thoughts to die and flutter away into the dark depths of her mind.
"I am parched. Is there any tea?" Heisuke handed her a lukewarm cup of chamomile tea with honey. Chizuru sniffed it and sighed, it was perfect. She greedily drank the entire cup in a few hearty gulps. She politely wiped her mouth when she was done. "Thanks! Mhhmmm, something smells good. Who made breakfast?" Chizuru inhaled deeply a few times.
"Sorry, flattery will get you nowhere. Here is your breakfast Chi-zu-ru-chan." Okita handed her a plate of rice balls at the sight of made her moan but she accepted with a smile making everyone chuckle.
"If this isn't delicious, I will kill you." Chizuru threatened with a dead-serious face. The others instantly roared with laughter, the others throwing out encouraging remarks or other insults.
The room grew quiet; pardon the sounds of eating and the usual food argument. Chizuru felt and saw the men all staring at her throughout the meal. She understood they were worried, they were unsure of what to do or what happened to her.
"Guys, I'm not an invalid. I'm as healthy as a horse. I am not made of glass, stop worrying so much it will ruin your good looks." Chizuru said, with her eyes closed as she enjoyed the not-surprisingly delicious onigiri from Okita.
"No, invalid you are not. But we want to take care of you." Shinpachi said with a sincere smile.
"You all watch out for me each time we go out. How bout for today, I watch myself while you do the patrols." Chizuru jumped to her feet in eagerness, all eyes flew to her. When she kept her balance an inaudible sigh of relief came from them.
"No, I'm in charge of patrols today and I refuse to let you leave my sight. If you go at all, I don't want you to get worse." Okita said with his eyes on Hijikata. Hijikata nodded and Chizuru knew she'll be prohibited from leaving headquarters until deemed otherwise.
"Fine, fine Okita-san is right. I'll stay here for the day. Maybe I can bake a treat for when you get back." Chizuru sat down on the floor, the picture of an obedient woman. Okita knew instantly she had something up her sleeve, she never gave in easily. The others seemed to think the same thing.
"Soji-kun, if she isn't allowed to go she will sneak out and cause even more trouble. Maybe she can visit with her friend, Osen-chan?" Harada asked. Okita and Hijikata shared a look and Okita sighed and nodded. Chizuru looked up and nodded emphatically. The other captains chuckled at her actions. The group then went and prepared to leave for the afternoon patrols.
Chizuru and Okita walked together behind the main group. The division had split already to do their assigned jobs. They were walking at a slower pace, for Chizuru seemed to be doing some shopping. She already had two bags filled of veggies, meat and other necessary products. The excursion seemed to be doing her some good; her cheeks were a healthy pink from the chilly autumn air. Okita was wearing his usual patrol outfit but as a precaution put on a second haori in case Chizuru got cold. He did really worry about her, they all did. Chizuru had brought a light into the hearts of the Shinsengumi. She had an effect on them all that no one understood and the men seemed okay with that.
"Okita-san, I think I got everything we needed. I am glad I came today. The fresh air is definitely helping my lungs." Chizuru smiled brightly at him and he nodded. They walked in companionable silence for a while longer. He watched as she walked with a spring in her step turned into a light tremor throughout her body and then it developed into violent shivering and semi-convulsions.
"Yuki, Itsuki come here now." The two showed up in the blink of an eye. Yuki was handed the groceries and the other found himself holding Okita's blue Shinsengumi haori. When their brains caught up to the present, Okita had wrapped Chizuru up in his extra one and put on the blue one and was now carrying Chizuru bridal-style. Okita nodded to Yuki in thanks.
"Itsuki, would you accompany us to headquarters? It is time for her to be heading back, if you would be ever so kind to carry those groceries for her?" Okita's facial expression made it obvious that it wasn't a question. "Yuki, you are in charge for the remainder of the patrol. I can count on you right?" Again it wasn't a question. The trio left in a swish of fabric and flying leaves.
The trio arrived at headquarters with no trouble. Without a word, Itsuki took the bags to the kitchen while Okita took Chizuru to her room. She had stopped shivering now that she was inside but to ensure she stay warm, Okita asked Saito to make a warm drink. When Saito brought the drink Chizuru gratefully sipped it and a look of confusion crossed her face.
"It is called hot chocolate, it is a family recipe. It would be inconvenient if you caught a chill along with your cold." With that he walked back to the kitchen. Chizuru continued to sip the unfamiliar drink quietly.
"You can leave. Like I said before, I am not an invalid so why is everyone treating me like one? So I got a little dizzy, it happens." Chizuru said, sounding like a spoiled child getting yelled at. She even had her bottom lip pushed out in a slight pout. Okita leaned forward rubbing his thumb over her bottom lip, inducing a blush.
"To most people, I wouldn't worry because to most people I would write it off as, yes, a simple dizzy spell but it never has happened to you in the years you have been here. We are worried for the lack of precedent in this situation, Chizuru you have never ever been sick in the 5 years you have been with us. Don't you get how scared we are, how scared I am?" Okita grew silent, he had said too much. Chizuru sighed, 'They just aren't getting it.' She scooched closer to Okita looking at his slightly bare chest, She saw the stark white bandage wrapped around his rib cage. She thought back to the incident that caused it; she had stuck her nose in where it didn't belong again.
She had come across anther clan's hideout when questioning about her father. She barged into their meeting and was instantly up to her teeth in deadly swords. She drew her sword and began blocking attacks from all directions. Chizuru knew attacking was foolish, so she decided not to fight back—just protect herself. After a few minutes Okita had barged in and dealt with them but Okita was also trying to protect Chizuru, so he was limited in mobility. One sword had gotten passed Okita and heading for Chizuru's throat.
"Got you, no boyfriend no is there?" The man sneered. Chizuru had no time to react as the sword came arcing through the air towards her throat. She closed her eyes against the coming pain and death but they flew open at a familiar grunt.
"Got you." Okita leered. Chizuru looked around, Okita had single handedly defeated the couple dozen enemies. When she looked at him her face became ashen for the death blow for her was a deep, clean wound in Okita's side.
"Okita-san, you're wounded. Let's get back to the compound" Chizuru said. The duo then went back and Chizuru carefully bandaged up Okita's side. Her hands were shaking but she confidently finished the job. Okita wrapped his warm, large, rough hands around her tiny, delicate, smooth hands.
"Thank you for all the help Chizuru. I will see you at dinner? Please get some rest, I'm fine thanks to your practiced hands" Chizuru flushed slightly and nodded. She then left Okita's room and made herself some plum tea.
"Okita-san, I understand that you were worried but my job is to make sure your lives run smoother. Even if you all did fine without me, I am free-loading otherwise. I need to get the chores done so all you have to worry about it keeping the peace. You guys only should worry about being samurai not keeping your compound clean and hygienic and the people healthy." Chizuru explained. Okita could tell that she was adamant about her views.
"I know that is what you think and believe. But why are you so resolute about this?" Okita asked. Chizuru hesitated, her brows furrowed in concentration.
"I am unimportant. You all are so protective of me but I really don't matter. My life is insignificant compared to those of the Shinsengumi. What will change if I die? Nothing, nothing will change, I am insignificant." Chizuru said quietly and hesitantly as if she was coming to the realization at that second.
"That is not true at all, Chizuru! I never want to hear you say that again! You have made us all better people. You helped us see the light that we had forgotten; you helped us remember what we are: Samurai. It is our job to keep peace and honor alive and follow our code. How can you say that you are insignificant? You are special to me, to Heisuke, to Shinpachi to everyone. Never forget that, dear Chizuru, Never. Understand?" Okita's eyes were bright with emotion. He was tightly squeezing her hands, staring straight into her eyes. Chizuru nodded in agreement.
"I get what you are saying Okita-san, I really do but I also feel that I have to repay everyone. Each of the captains has at one time saved me from danger that I got into of my own doing. I need to repay them somehow don't I?" Chizuru said with a solemn face. Okita grimaced; his words weren't getting through just yet.
"If you want to repay them for them saving you, Chizuru, then take care of yourself. If the vice-commander and other captains and I feel you worthy of being saved time and time again the best way to pay back that trust would be by caring for yourself so our time isn't wasted. You may think that by making our lives easier is the way to repay us but we want you to keep living and stay with us." Okita stood up and pulled Chizuru up also. The two smiled at each other.
'I really do like talking with Okita-san. He makes me feel like I belong.' Chizuru thought. When they got to the hallway they separated, Okita making a comment about sparring and Chizuru wanted to finally take her bath. 'Okita-san is right, I should take better care of myself. Maybe Dr. Matsamoto will be here by supper and I can get some medicine.'
Chizuru gathered her bathing materials and asked a division member to keep the bath fire going. When she got there, the bath water was already warm and getting hotter. She grinned; a warm bath is just what she needed. She slipped into the water and began scrubbing her hair. She was relaxing in the bath when she heard a soft melodious sound. She froze trying to listen and the sound grew louder gradually. She continued to listen not noticing her eyelids getting heavier and heavier, after a few minutes she promptly feel asleep, minutes passed and the division member fanning the bath left thinking she had already gotten out, or should have by now. The bath water grew to freezing quickly and Chizuru began to shiver still not waking up. A man walked in He wore a cloak covering his face but he was of average height and build, he sat down and stared at the naked, shivering Chizuru.
"I will finally kill you Chizuru. Your time here will end soon and I will watch your last minutes tick away." He said voice hard and matter-of-fact. The room grew quiet but outside the bath house, the man cursed and vanished without a trace. The voices grew louder and louder and the door opened once again. In the door way stood Shinpachi, Heisuke, and Sanosuke. They looked in and instantly looked away.
"We are sorry Chizuru; we didn't know you were in here. We will leave now." Heisuke said. Shinpachi looked at her face to see her reaction upon that closer inspection Shinpachi noticed her skin slowly turning blue and she was no longer shivering.
"Something is wrong. Go get the other captains, set up a futon in her room. Hurry now." Shinpachi ran in and gathered Chizuru in her clothing and sprinted into the building. Heisuke and Sanosuke darted off.
"I need two squad members now." His words were responded with the arrival of two of his squad members." You get tea lots of tea and some way to keep it warm. You get as many spare blankets as possible." The two ran off to do their assigned tasks. Shinpachi quickly and politely dressed Chizuru in warm clothing placing her on her futon. At that moment, everyone arrived. The captains all piled into the room, the blanket finder handed them off and they were placed gently on Chizuru who was starting to shiver again. The tea making member cam with kettles of tea and cups, following behind him was someone carrying a pot of burning coals and some wood.
"This is the only way I thought of to warm the tea; there shouldn't be a fire hazard if the fire is kept low like it is. Sit the kettles in or around it and they should stay warm, it also warms the room, I will drop of more wood in a bit, sir!" the squad member said, Shinpachi and the others nodded and as he left Dr. Matsamoto came in. In a Nano-second uproar occurred; the captains surrounded the man of medicine.
"Everyone needs to get out, I am going to examine her and I would like it to be private. It is the honorable thing to do is it not? Time is of the essence men." Matsamoto said. The men scattered to the hallway in seconds. Matsamoto quickly did his examination and let the men back in. They sat in a circle around the prone woman, looking at the doctor expectantly.
"She has long hard battle in front of her. She has a common cold and almost froze to death. She was on the brink of death; it is because she was brought in here so quickly. She will need to be watched 24/7 for relapses. She is going to need all of you to get better." Doctor Matsamoto explained. The men nodded with their faces somber.
"Cold, I am so cold. Where am I? What happened? Doctor Matsamoto, what are you doing here?" Chizuru mumbled quietly. They all looked at her worriedly. She smiled softly tying to assure them that she was in fact really okay.
"We walked in the bath house and found you passed out and turning blue. So Shinpachi brought you in here, we have only be talking till you woke up. Do you want some warm tea?" Heisuke asked gently. After she nodded Okita handed her a cup of lemon ginger tea. She blew on it a few times and sipped it slightly.
"You are going to be sick for a while. Frankly you were on the brink of death. Do you remember what happened before they showed up?" Doctor Matsamoto said. Chizuru nodded and finished her tea and buried herself under the blankets. Her blankets showed the regular rise and fall of her chest signaled her falling asleep. They men sat around talking about what is going to happen and who will be the one to assist the most. Doctor Matsamoto explained that when healing she shouldn't be exposed to many people.
"I will do it. I don't do much around here anyway." Okita said looking at the lump of blankets. "What really happened? Maybe we will solve the mystery tomorrow. We need to go to bed. I will stay in here." Okita said. The others nodded and dispersed. Okita built up the fire so the coals would last the night. He readied his futon and lay down.
'Chizuru, my darling Chizuru, I swear upon my katana that I will protect you. No matter the problem you will always have a supporter.' With that Okita Soji fell asleep, preparing himself for the days ahead.