Disclaimer: I do not own Sakura Wars or any of its characters.
Captain and I
Chapter 1
The people applauded as Maria, Sumire, Iris, Koran and Kanna finished the song.
"That was another fantastic song from Team Hana! And now, let us see the newly married couple dance to a song sung by Maria and Sumire." Kasumi announced. Ohgami and I then stood up and walked towards the center of the dance floor, holding hands. When we got there, we faced each other, smiling. I placed one of my hands on his shoulder and he placed one of his on my waist then we held our hands. Then the lights turned off.
"Honestly Sakura, I really don't understand why we have to dance. I'm really not good at this…" Ohgami muttered to me. I giggled.
"Yes you are. And just like I've told you many times, just do what you did at practice." I said in the dark. He sighed.
"Okay." He smiled just as the spotlight spotted us. Then the song began and we swayed to our side.
It was the reception of our wedding and as you have guessed, Team Hana didn't waste this opportunity to entertain people. It was actually my mother's idea and unfortunately, they agreed. So I had no choice. I thought it was going to be okay. However, Ohgami and I forgot one thing…that we are still a part of Team Hana. And that's why we ended up dancing here.
We really practiced a lot…and a lot means everyday from morning 'til night. Mom arranged that considering that Ohgami is a beginner and he hasn't ever performed in front of a crowd. But if you ask me, she underestimated him a bit. Why? Because he is so damn excellent! Remember what I told him that he is good at dancing? Well, I didn't say that just to comfort him. I really meant that. But still, no matter how great he is, he can't help being nervous. And I'm nervous for him too… Oh! What am I saying? He'll do just fine.
Anyway, like I said, we practiced a lot. And that's why this dance became what dancers call "muscle memory". It is when you know a dance so well that you don't think of the next step anymore. You just do it.
"Sakura. Sakura." Ohgami called me behind his smile.
"What?"
"Smile!"
"Oh!" Then I smiled. But after a few seconds, my jaw began to ache. Gosh! I have to think of something to make me smile. Or it'll hurt more. Let's see… I looked at Ohgami's eyes as I thought. I can't help thinking how beautiful his eyes are. By just looking at them, I can tell how much he loves me. Oh, Ohgami, I'm so lucky to have you. Suddenly, I remembered our love story. You know… how we realized our love for each other. I remembered it so clearly. It all started at the Imperial Capital Theater just after it was rebuild…
* * *
"Mr. Yoneda, it's me Sakura." I said as I knocked on the door of Mr.Yoneda's office.
"Come in." Mr. Yoneda's voice said from inside the room. I opened the door and walked in.
"You called for me, Sir."
"Yes. Please sit down." I sat down on the chair before his desk. I eyed him nervously. He smiled.
"Your mother called me this morning."
"Mom called? Why?"
"Well, she wants me to give you a vacation."
"A vacation?"
"Yes. 2 or 3 months, maybe."
"B-but why?"
"Sakura, you're turning 18 next week, am I right?"
"Uh…right…Oh! I get it! She wants me to have my debut at our house, right?"
"It's more than that, Sakura dear. You see, you're mother thinks that you're old enough to get married." My eyes widened. "Well, she wants you to find the lucky guy there."
"I…I can't believe it! Mom wants me to get married?! But I'm not ready yet! Mr. Yoneda, you're not going to send me there are you?" I asked nervously.
"I'm so sorry, but I have no reason for not giving you a vacation. Please understand me." I looked down.
"I…understand…" I said quietly. Then Mr. Yoneda smiled.
"But don't worry. Someone will be with you." Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Sir" A man's voice said.
"Oh, please come in." Then, Ohgami entered the room. He smiled at me.
"Ohgami, Sakura here is going to Sendai next week."
"Is she going to have her debut there?" I'm surprised that Ohgami knows my birthday.
"Yes, but she will be also looking for the man whom she wants to be her husband."
"Really, Sakura? I'm so happy for you!" He exclaimed, smiling at me. However, there was something in his voice that told how shocked he is. I ignored it.
"My mother wants me to…" I said softly.
"Anyway, Ohgami, Mrs. Shinguji also asked if you could accompany Sakura while finding um… the fortunate guy."
"Am I also going to help prepare for the party too? I mean her debut?"
"Yes. So are you willing to help Sakura?"
"Oh, I'd love to!"
"That's great! You two are leaving the day after tomorrow." Mr. Yoneda looked at me. "Good luck!" he said. I smiled slightly.
"Thank you, Sir!"
"You may leave now." I stood up. Ohgami opened the door for me and we went out.
"This is so exciting, Sakura! I…" Ohgami stopped because he noticed that I was crying.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
"I'm not ready yet, Ohgami. It's my mother who wants it." He gasped.
"Well, tell her that you're still not ready."
"I can't. It's her wish. Couldn't let her down." And then Ohgami embraced me. I was so surprised that I couldn't move.
"Sakura, I understand you. But maybe you should first give it a try. If you don't find someone, then tell your Mom. I'm sure she'd understand." I smiled and hugged him back.
"You're right. Thanks."
"Great! Well then, let's get ready."
"Okay!"
* * *
The day after tomorrow, we left the Imperial Capital through the train. I remembered that this isn't the first time that we traveled together. Last time, he also accompanied me when I needed to fix my sword. I then realized how great he is…he has helped me a lot of times already. I wish I would find a guy like him…
When we arrived at Sendai, we rode a cab to our house.
"Ohgami, thank you so much for being here with me."
"I'm really glad that you're mother asked me." He said and suddenly exclaimed, "Hey, we just passed your house!" The cab jerked to a stop.
I looked at where he was pointing.
"No, no. That's Uncle Tetsuma's house. We stayed there last time since he's the one who's fixing my sword." I looked at the taxi driver. "I'm sorry, Sir. Please go straight ahead."
"That's okay, miss. Anyway, you're Sakura Shinguji, right?"
"Yes, but how did you know?"
"My brother lives at the Imperial Capital. Once, I went there and we watched your play, Cinderella. You were wonderful!" I blushed at his compliment.
"Thank you…Oh! Please turn right there." As we did, I caught sight of our big, mansion-like house.
"Please stop there, Sir."
As we got out, Ohgami stopped in front of our house, awestruck.
"This is your house, Sakura? Wow! It's so gigantic!" He exclaimed. And then, my mother appeared at our front steps.
"Mom! I missed you so much!" I hugged her.
"I'm glad to see you, Sweetheart. Ohgami, its great to see you again!"
"Nice to see you too, Mrs. Shinguji."
After that, we rested at our own rooms right away.