Anime: Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan
Requested by: @1241992BTS

(Y/n)'s POV

Faking a polite smile, I poured sake into the guest's glass as he raised it without even a 'please' or 'thank you' coming from his stern mouth. Despite the severe headache, I served the customers without a single complaint as it wasn't in my right to do so.

Waiting patiently behind them, I let my mind wonder off to a far, fantastical land. A land where gender equality and fair rights formed a democracy with no aristocrats boasting their power in front of the weak.

"Hey, pour me another glass," the man ordered.
"As you wish."

As I poured the alcohol into his empty cup, he grabbed my arm in a rough manner and whispered into my ear, his heavy breath breathing down my neck.

"Why don't we have some fun tonight, young miss? I heard that you're quite popular with the customers."
"I'm terribly sorry, kind sir but I-"
"Are you defying me?!"

He threw the cup down, its pieces scattering across the floor. I winced. The other men and geisha in the room stopped to look at the scene but I did not back down even as the man drew his katana.

"Come with me," he ordered.
"I'm sorry but-"
"If you don't want to die then listen to my words!"

I quickly moved to the side as he slashed down. I had narrowly missed his blade. Screams erupted from the geisha in the room as the other men followed their leader's example.

Swiftly moving to my feet, I ran towards the door only to be pulled back. His katana was a centimetre away from my throat, his poisonous eyes burning into mine.

"P-please release me."
"It's your fault for not attending to your customer's requests. Consider this your punishment."

Squeezing my eyes shut, I imagined the cold, sharp metal piercing my delicate skin. The action was taking longer than usual to occur, making me question whether he wanted to savour the moment in which he would kill me or whether he was afraid to kill.

The man's grip on me loosened until I could no longer feel his body on mine. Daring to open my eyes, I noticed Heisuke standing in front of me with a worried look on his face.

"(Y/n)-chan, are you alright? You're not hurt anywhere, are you?" he asked with concern.
"No, thank you, Heisuke."

He put his sword away, and pressed a hand to my forehead. His brows furrowed as he stared at me with his big eyes. Blushing from his intense gaze, I looked away and kept my mind busy with other thoughts.

He didn't seem to notice my flustered stature and instead, took my smaller hand in his. I stayed silent as he led me outside into the cool night air and away from the bloodied room.

Knowing that he most likely intended to take me back to the Shinsengumi's headquarters, I tugged at his hand. He didn't stop so I halted my feet, making him turn around to look at me with a confused expression.

"Heisuke, I can't leave."
"...I talked to your mother before I went to help you. She said that it was fine for tonight."
"...did she scold you?"
"No, everything was fine-"
"Please don't lie to me. I know how...harshly she has treated you ever since we were children. It's...not fair..."
"(Y/n)-chan, you have a fever. I think you'll feel better after some rest."

We began walking again but this time, the mood was heavy and the silence seemed to suffocate the fresh air filling my lungs. Tightening my grip on his hand, I swayed slightly before bumping into his back.

He turned around to steady me, his arms around my waist to keep me upright. He forced a bright smile to reassure me but I could see the worry hiding the hurt in his eyes.

"Heisuke, you're..."

Heisuke's POV

She fell unconscious in my arms. Gently lifting her up, I carried her back, ignoring Hijikata's stern gaze as he sighed heavily before letting it go. Shinpachi and Sano had snuck out earlier so I was left alone in my room with (Y/n).

I pulled the blanket over her body before placing a cool towel on her forehead. Bringing her hand up to my lips, I leaned against her soft skin and closed my eyes to hide the tears threatening to fall.

~Flashback~

"Heisuke-kun, you're here again. Why? To see my daughter?" (M/n) asked.
"Yes, if you will allow it."
"I am against her associating with rough samurai, and the Shinsengumi no less. I despise you people."
"...please."
"*sigh* You disgraceful child. It seems that I cannot change how my daughter feels about you..."

This made me look up, accidentally meeting her gaze. She glared daggers into my eyes, her hatred burning straight into my soul. Gulping, I carefully looked down.

"Tonight, Heisuke-kun. I cannot ignore how much you have cared for her so just for tonight. Don't tempt my generosity anymore."

~Flashback end~

(Y/n) stirred in her sleep. I stared at her figure, unable to stop the tears for any longer. If only I had enough money...if only I was born into a family of aristocrats...then I would be able to free you from your prison...

The work you do as a geisha...it was harsh for you. With your bad health, it surprised everyone how quickly you climbed the ladder and made yourself popular with the guests. Even so, I couldn't help but worry.

"(Y/n)-chan...I love you..."

Releasing her hand, I turned around only to feel a slight tug on my clothes. (Y/n) smiled when I met her weak gaze. I flashed a grin in return before lying down beside her.

"It's as if we're children again," she exclaimed softly.
"Yeah, you're right."

I remembered the times when we would lie down like this on the forest beds, naive and innocent as we were as children. Now, those moments seemed like a distant memory.

"Heisuke...you won't ever leave me...will you?"
"Of course not. I'll always stay by your side."
"I love you..."

Her eyelids grew heavy as sleep once again took over her body. Placing a kiss on her forehead, I whispered a quiet good night. Despite the fast beating of my heart, I was content.

She loved me...yet I couldn't do much for her. Wrapping an arm around her, I leaned into her body, trying to force away the insecurities eating at my mind.

"Heisuke, we'll talk tomorrow," Hijikata said through the door.

His reprimands were nothing when I thought of the pain (Y/n) felt every night. But I would make sure she never has to feel it ever again, even if it took me my whole life.