Snippet #1161528

Sakura nodded to Tachibana-kun as he left and moved off the table. The picture was still laying there and she looked at it once more. She had pictures all over her home of her family. A beautiful portrait painting of both her parents that she could look at whenever she please. All Ryuu had was that photograph. Sighing in frustration, Sakura opened a door to let in some fresh air, leaning against its frame. She wanted to do more for him, but she knew there was nothing. Many people had tried to help Sakura through her loss, but in the end, the loss is always with you. You cannot fight it, avoid it, or even try to fill the void. It is there forever.

Looking up, Sakura watched as the sun dipped below the trees. Another day had passed them by. This one had been insane. It seemed everything important was happening today and it was wearing horribly on Sakura's shoulders. The clan leader had so much to mull over and make decisions on.

But all she could think about was the way he smelled. Something faint and familiar. Sakura had always known the scent, and known it to be one indicative of Ryuu, but she'd never paid it any attention until she'd stuck her nose so close to his skin.

"Ah!" She hollered and threw her hands in the air. "What in the hell is wrong with me?!" Pulling her hair back in embarrassment at her own thoughts, Sakura pulled a rubber band from her wrist and tied her red locks into a bun. Her neck and face were burning, even with the cool breeze of the evening blowing through the door. She paced the floor, glancing at the photo every so often.

She just wanted to see him smile like that again. Maybe she even wanted to hug him once more, feel his arms around her. Just as friends, of course! For Tachibana-kun was a dear friend and comrade. He was her second in command. She would serve him until she died, that was certain, but merely as a dear friend.

"I am so stupid..." Sakura whispered to herself just as Tachibana reentered the room. A letter? From Edo? Her heart skipped a beat when she looked at Tachibana and saw the smile he'd had was gone. A letter from an enemy would do that, but it made Sakura feel funny. Did she miss it? Shaking her head openly, Sakura picked up the letter from the table and grabbed an opener.

Her eyes narrowed and her brow furrowed as she read over the contents of the letter about three times before handing to Tachibana-kun with a heavy flick of her wrist.

"Holy Christ." She whispered, taking a special swear word from her mother. "Lady Edo wants to investigate the House of Shintate." Closing her eyes and covering her face, Sakura slid down the door frame to her hindquarters. "At the Emperor's request." This was... bad. This was more than bad. What were they going to do? How were they going to keep all the people under control? Every one here wanted Shinsengumi blood, including Sakura. But at least she knew when was a better time. They would have to pull of their greatest act ever. And they'd have to do it fast. Preparations for food, guard, cleaning the mansion, setting up places to conference. This would take all night. No rest for wicked, Sakura supposed.

"Ryuu--" Sakura cut off the word but too late. Her face blushed, but she turned to look outside, hoping he couldn't see. "Tachibana. We will need to make sure the people understand this situation and that no one is to harm the Edo unless ordered. I won't have my clan mindlessly shed blood on the grounds of my father." Her voice had been soft and girly when she spoke his name. She felt stupid and weak. So on fixing her mistake, Sakura spoke harshly and with a voice she knew was her own. Another long day was ahead of them, she couldn't be thinking about things that didn't matter... or even exist.