Disclaimer: I don't own Fushigi Yuugi or any characters, not even Tasuki. I do, however, own my OC - Sakura.

Fushigi Yuugi: "How I fell in love with your silence"

Tasuki/Genrou x OC

ooo

"The World Is All Gates, All Opportunities, Strings Of Tension

Waiting To Be Struck."

- Ralph Emerson.

Chapter 10:

Morning came fast for the group. They never got back to sleep but time moved by swiftly as they took care of their new companion, trying to get to know him better. Before they knew it, the sun was rising behind the mountains and the little ones were up and running again. Once Chiriko was semi-patched up, they decided to return to the palace. Miaka couldn't wait to hold Tamahome in her arms again.

Miaka, Hotohori and Tamahome's father were exchanging a few words about the village's conditions while trying to ignore all the ruckus caused by the rest of the group. The youngest siblings were clinging to Sakura's skirt as they cried, pleading for her not to go. Chuei didn't want her to leave either but he was doing his job as the oldest brother and trying to pull them off. He wasn't being very successful, though.

Smiling despite her exasperation, Sakura crouched down, patting their heads fondly. She wanted to tell them why she couldn't stay. She wanted to let them know how much she had loved meeting them and she would definitely come back to visit if she could. For the first time in a long time, she felt the real weight of her disability. They were too young to read her lips and they didn't understand elaborate gestures, her intentions and her feelings just wouldn't get through them so easily.

Yuiren was crying the most. Maybe because she was the youngest, but Gyokuran didn't fall short and she was holding on to her hand viciously.

"Guys, come on! Let Sakura-sama go!" Chuei tugged harder on Yuiren's dress.

"But we like her so much!" Shunkei whined.

"Why can't she stay here until onii-chan comes back?" Gyokuran glared at him through teary eyes.

"Please, please!" Yuiren threw her small arms around Sakura's neck. She winced a little, her neck was still bruised.

Chiriko's observant eyes quickly caught on to her distress. So he grabbed his flute and brought it to his lips, playing a soft lulling tune to sooth them. Yuiren, Gyokuren and Shunkei swayed as their eyes closed, by the time they fell into Chuei and their father's arms they were already fast asleep.

Genrou slapped the flute away from him. "Idiot! Are ya crazy?! Ya tryin' ta mess up the kids' brains?!"

Sakura pinched his shoulder and gestured towards their sleeping forms. When he refused to apologize for overreacting, she rolled her eyes annoyed.

"That song has hypnotic effects. I'm sure they are all having very pleasant dreams right now," Chiriko explained.

While Genrou was being his usual stubborn self, Sakura gave Chiriko a little bow in a silent thanks. He felt his cheeks instantly catch fire and she found it absolutely adorable. They exchanged timid smiles, ignoring the fuming bandit behind them who wouldn't stop glaring daggers at the couple.

They left the village behind, waving Chuei and Tamahome's father goodbye. Hotohori was riding his beautiful white steed with Mitsukake walking beside him. Miaka and Nuriko were right behind them, chatting animatedly. Normally Sakura would have joined them but today she was walking with Chiriko. She was gesturing wildly, trying to answer his curious questions. She liked him. He was surprisingly easy to talk to. She was just finishing telling him she was incredibly clumsy when she stumbled on a rock. Chiriko laughed good-naturedly as he prevented her from falling, then offering her his arm. Sakura blushed but she gladly accepted it.

Genrou was trailing behind them, sulking. A gloomy aura exuded off his body and the character in his forearm was glowing dark red, the light flashing dangerously every time he flexed his muscles. He knew he was overreacting but the guy was pissing him off. He had his hands all over her and she didn't even seem to mind.

Mine! She's mine! He frowned as the words echoed inside his head. He had always been a possessive man, even a little greedy, but of his possessions and never of people. Sakura wasn't a thing, she wasn't an object he owned. She had feelings, she had a will of her own. But didn't she have feelings for him? He thought she did… so why was she pretending like he didn't exist and showing so much interest in another guy?

Genrou was wrong though. Sakura wasn't pretending like he didn't exist. She was painfully aware of his presence, she could feel him burning wholes on the back of her head. She knew he was angry because she was avoiding him. She knew he was seething; she knew him. But it was too hard to face him, she was embarrassed for running off on him. Chiriko was sweet and kind, so it was easier for her to use him as an excuse to stay busy and not think about how much she wanted to go back to that night and cross the last few inches separating their lips.

The sun was about to set when they reached the imperial palace. As soon as they crossed the main gates, something came crashing against them. Chichiri was grinning from ear to ear, more than happy to see his friends again and to finally show his true appearance after being cooped up pretending to be the emperor.

"I'm so happy you're finally here, no da!" Chichiri grabbed Miaka's hands, bouncing up and down like a little kid.

"Ahhh we missed you, Chichiri!"

"What is that?!" Genrou made a face, pointing a blatant finger at the monk.

Nuriko smiled. "That is Chichiri, a celestial warrior like us."

Sakura stared hard at the monk's face. He seemed to be smiling but it didn't look genuine. His expression was frozen, it was unnatural and fake. Why would he be wearing a mask? Sakura thought curiously. She wanted to ask him but she decided to hold on to her questions for the time being.

Chichiri met her eyes, seeing her for the first time. His chest tingled with a pleasant warmth as she flashed him a dazzling smile.

"This is Sakura." Miaka mentioned for her sister to step closer. "She's my baby sister. Imotto-chan, this is Chichiri."

Chichiri smiled behind his mask. "Nice to meet you, ojou-sama, no da." Sakura gave him another smile and a small wave that she meant as a "nice to meet you too". She was already expecting his surprise. "You can't speak, no da?"

Genrou grunted annoyed. "Bah, this is gettin' old real fast! No, she can't talk, aigh't bub? Now leave her alone."

"Tasuki!" Miaka scolded with a frown.

"What?!"

Sakura shook her head. "Don't be rude, Genrou." He humph'd but his lips tugged upwards into a smirk as he saw the face she was making him. His traitorous heart just had to find her extremely adorable. She blushed under his gaze.

"Oh, where's Hotohori?" Mitsukake glanced around looking for his friend.

"Now ya mention it, I ain't seen 'im in a while," Genrou pointed out, looking away from her.

Nuriko rolled his eyes. "You guys still haven't figured it out? That guy is..."

"That's quite enough, Nuriko," Hotohori interrupted, standing a few steps above them. They turned around finding him in all of his mighty glory, dressed in the finest imperial robes.

The boys dropped their jaws open. Sakura chuckled. She had known all along, Nuriko and Miaka told her.

"I'm glad you arrived safe, hekka, no da!"

During dinner, they sat down to discuss their next move.

They agreed it was a priority to contact Tamahome. However, it had to be done without Nakago's knowledge and then they needed to figure out a way to bring him back safely. They would also have to take back the scroll of the Shijin Tenchisho. The scroll had all the information necessary to perform the summoning ceremony.

"I'll get it," Miaka blurted, getting everyone's attention. "I will go to Kutou and get Tamahome, then I'll find a way to bring back the sacred scroll!"

"Miaka, what are you saying?" The emperor regarded her worriedly.

"It was my fault the Shijin Tenchisho was taken in the first place, so it's only fair I should be the one getting it back!"

Hotohori shook his head. "But-"

"I'll go with her, no da," Chichiri cut off the emperor. "However, I insist we take some time and set it up with Tamahome before we do anything, no da."

"You mean I can talk to Tamahome, right now...?!" Miaka's eyes glowed with joy. She had been apart from him for so long, she wished for nothing more than to hear his voice and see his face. Chichiri explained to Miaka and the others what he had in mind and after that, she was out of the room before any of them had a chance to blink. Everyone else took their leave as well. They were exhausted from travelling and long overdue a good night of sleep.

Hotohori showed Sakura to her room. It was fairly close to her sister's and next to Genrou's. The room was bigger than her entire house in her world. She admired the modest shade of pearl of the walls and how it balanced the darker tones of the zitan (1) of both the furniture and the floor. There was a wide bed against the wall, it had a thin canopy curtain with a lovely golden embroidery creating intricate Chinese patterns, matching the pillows and the light sheets made of fine silk. An impressive armoire was right next to it.

The emperor kindly informed her that he had asked his servants to fill it with clothes of their world. Her face lit up, her mind running with all the possibilities of a wardrobe full of dresses that she couldn't wait to try on. Hotohori chuckled; he had a guess she would like that. Before leaving the room, he told her to she could clean up in the royal bathing room and then she should have fun picking out something to wear. And Sakura had all the intentions of doing exactly that.

The royal bathing room was a divine paradise. Sakura wasn't particularly used to the luxuries of the palace since she came from an average class family and they couldn't afford peddling expenses. The bathing pool was made of golden marble and wide. The water was warm, filling the room with steam, tickling her skin as she soaked. She used the little scented vials brought to her by some servant girls to wash her hair, loving the soft flowery fragrance left in her locks.

Feeling thoroughly relaxed afterwards, every muscle and every fiber of her body buzzing with contempt, Sakura plunged into her brand new closet. Holy Suzaku and his warriors! Opening those doors was like being hit by a whirlwind of colors, fabrics and glitters and lace. It took her breath away and made her dizzy. A good dizzy though. She glided a hand across countless hanfu (traditional Chinese dresses). There were so many to choose from she wasn't quite sure where to begin with.

In the end, she settled for a simple piece. It was a teal dress, decorated with tiny orange flowers and periwinkle birds, and it was floor-length. The upper half of the garment was white and it was kept underneath the skirt by an orange sash around her waist, accentuating her petite figure. She pulled her damp hair into her usual high ponytail, putting the kanzashi Genrou had given her on the ribbon.

She decided to check on her sister next. Miaka was finishing up her makeup, putting on a little lipstick, when she heard her come in. She had done her hair as well, half of it braided and tied by a cute orange bow and she was wearing a nice fitting blue jacket-and-skirt set from their world.

It seemed like Miaka was all dolled up for her meeting with Tamahome, Sakura noticed with a giggle.

"So, how do I look, imotto-chan? Good?" She asked, giving a little spin. Sakura nodded vehemently, beaming approvingly.

Miaka chuckled. "I have normal clothes in my backpack if you want to use them," she offered.

Sakura shook her head. "I like this world's clothes."

Her sister gave her a strange look but didn't answer. Instead she planted a loud kiss on her cheek and after one last glance in the mirror she ran out, hurrying to the throne room. Tamahome was waiting for her.

Sakura sat down on the bed with glancing around the room. What could she possibly do in a palace? She would love nothing more than to go looking for Nuriko but he was probably resting. They probably all were.

Not feeling tired enough to rest, Sakura decided to do some exploring. First she paid a visit to the kitchens. She was stunned when everyone welcomed her warmly, smiling and eagerly offering her the most exquisite specialties for her to taste. They were so nice that she nearly felt bad for declining but she was still full from dinner. She left promising the next time she would definitely take them up on the offer.

Then she sneaked a peek into one of the imperial office rooms when she heard Hotohori's voice. He seemed to be working on some important matters concerning the empire with his group of counselors so she turned away because she didn't wish to impose. Hotohori, however, spotted her and he invited her to join them. The counselors said nothing, they simply regarded her curiously as the emperor told her about the current situation in Konan. He told her how the Kutou armies kept pillaging their villages and he didn't know what else he could do to stop the attacks. He asked for her opinion on possible solutions and military strategies, but her knowledge was short when it came to that sort of thing. The little she had learned was from watching Genrou and Koji when they were planning to take back Mount Leikaku.

Sakura went to see Chichiri next because she was worried about Miaka. When she found him, she asked him if everything was alright. He flashed her a reassuring smile and waved off her concern. Miaka was just about perfect, he said, he could hear the lovers' lovey-dovey conversation and there was nothing out of the ordinary.

It was frustrating and very much exasperating for her not having anything to do, especially when she had grown used to being on the road. She felt restless, and she knew it was because of Genrou. She hated not talking to him. As she stopped near the railing, leaning into it while staring at the imperial gardens with a sigh, she noticed a path of stones leading into the woods. Curious, she jumped over the railing and followed it.

Who knew? Perhaps it would take her some place where she could find a bit of peace.

The miserable cries of the Priestess of Seiryuu echoed through the golden walls of Kutou's palace. Her heart was breaking, shattering into pieces. She felt an unbearable pain in every fiber of her body, seeping into her soul. Yui lurched her arms around Nakago when she reached him in the hall. He instinctively returned the embrace, holding her quivering form as she sobbed uncontrollably against his armored chest.

"What happened, Yui-sama?" Nakago inquired gently, holding her close.

"Tamahome…" she sobbed, "Tamahome is leaving! I don't want him too! I don't want her to have him! I don't want Miaka to have him…!"

His hold tightened. "Fear not, Yui-sama. I'm here to help you, am I not?" Nakago pushed Yui away just enough to keep her within arms length and then dropped something in her smaller hand. There was an evil glint behind his blue eyes, a wickedness Yui didn't' see. "If you wish for Tamahome to be yours then use this… if you want him to be forever yours, use it."

Dark magic. Yui knew what it was, what it could only be. She was aware of what sort of powers Nakago had, she'd seen it firsthand. Yet, he was also her most loyal and trustful warrior, her closest friend, the only person she could always thrust. He had always been right and he had always done everything for the good of her wellbeing.

She straightened her back and wiped her tears. She was willing to do anything to keep Tamahome – anything.

The path lead Sakura further into the woods than she was expecting. It was dark because the trees were gathered too tightly and it was silent as well. She was becoming a little jumpy, but as she was about to turn back, the rocks stopped in front of a beautiful gazebo. The structure was standing over a pond, the yellow gold of the detailed designs on the roof reflecting the moonlight. The dogwood trees had blossomed and they encircled the gazebo in a white cloak with their lovely flowers. The weather was perfect, warm and comforting, it was attracting small groups of fireflies.

She stepped into the gazebo and wandered to the opposite railing. As she took a long breath intake, Sakura had to smile. It was such a beautiful and peaceful place. Could Hotohori have had it built himself? Or had it been there since long before he became an emperor?

"Guess great minds t'ink alike, uh?" The voice startled her and she turned around abruptly, bringing one hand to her racing heart. She blushed. Genrou had followed her into the gazebo, he was leaning against the entry pillar, arms casually crossed in front of his chest. "Ain't tired yet? Thought you'd pass out once yer head hit the bed."

Sakura ignored the speed of her pulse, joining her hands to keep them still. "I am tired but I don't know, I just can't seem to turn off my head. I feel…"

"Restless?" he finished as she trailed off. Sakura nodded, half surprised. "Yeah, I figured."

"How so?"

"'Cause it's how I'm feelin' too," he answered honestly. Genrou pushed himself off the pillar and took a few hesitant steps towards her, watching her intently with smoldering eyes that stole her breath away. When he was just two strides away, Sakura moved back until her hips hit the railing and she had nowhere else to go. He stopped with a frown. "Why areya doin' that? Why you keep runnin' away from me? You've never been scared ov' me. I know I'm an insensible brute but-"

Sakura darted forward, cutting him off with her hand. Every muscle in her entire body throbbed, aching to be near him, to touch him, feel him against her, and she was nervous, so nervous, but she forced herself to stay inches away from him.

"I could never be scared of you, Genrou. That's not even an option, not for me, not ever, and who told you that you were an insensible brute?" Genrou mumbled something against her hand but it was muffled and all she got was "Nuriko said". She chuckled, shaking her head. "Nuriko is a loud-mouth, you know he just says that stuff because he knows it gets to you."

He gently grabbed her hand, pulling it away from his mouth, lacing their fingers and letting their hands fall to their side. "But it's still true. I can't do anythin' right and I keep messin' things up withya."

"Genrou…-"

"No, Sakura, let me do this, a'ight? I gotta get this off my chest once and fer all." He shifted nervously but didn't move away. "I hate not talkin' to ya… I hate seein' you around with that flute guy and the way he touches you so casually makes me wanna punch him through a wall… he ain't allowed to touchya!" He growled slightly. "You drive me crazy, Sakura! All I wanna do is be with you and when I'm not yer all I think about. I can't eat, I can't sleep, I can't function right, and y'know what? I love it! I love how you frustrate me and how stubborn you're. I love yer kindness and yer heart… I love how much you grew up since I metcha. You're not that jumpy small girl who Koji brought through my door, you are so, so much more…"

He paused to recover his breath. Only then Sakura noticed she had tears welling up behind her eyes. She struggled against them because there was no reason to cry. He was telling her exactly what she wanted to hear but never thought she would. They were both shaking and she could feel his thumping heart against her chest, matching her own.

Genrou craddled her face with his free hand, gazing deep into her eyes. Sakura wondered if he could see the water swimming inside them. "I can't tell ya when I started seein' you like this… I mean, I never wanted a woman anywhere near me unless it was in bed, never mind sharin' a life with one… but you waltzed into my path and it feels like I've been waitin' fer you to come. I don't know how but I know you belong with me… I love you, Sakura, I t'ink I did even before I metcha, and I don't really care if it's 'cause of those damn constellations, because I just wanna be with you." He smiled a little when one stubborn tear fell down her face, he caught it with his thumb. "If you'll have me I mean…"

Sakura laughed, nodding excitedly, her heart bursting with happiness. "Of course I'll have you! There's nothing in this world I want more than you! I love you so much, Gen-!" He crashed his lips with hers, effectively cutting her off. She was so startled she forgot to close her eyes, or to move for that matter. She froze.

Genrou drew back, cursing at himself for not being more gentle and not taking her in consideration, when she broke into a dazzling grin and kissed him just as fiercely. Her lips were soft and tender, more wonderful than he could ever imagine. She tasted like cherries or some other sweet fruit, and he loved it. He was burning, and he had to control himself because he wanted to devour her whole.

The ground seemed to slip from beneath her feet and she swooned, for a moment truly believing she was floating. He was gentle as he moved his mouth over hers lovingly but she knew he was holding back, his hands trembling around her face as he forced them to stay there. She held him close, so close she thought she would melt into his scorching body.

When they ran out of breath and he couldn't hold back anymore, he pulled back. Just enough to lower his forehead to hers. They were panting heavily, trying to steady their heartbeats but without luck.

Genrou grinned devilishly. "You got no idea fer how long I wanted t' do this," he confessed.

"You don't know how much I've been waiting for you to do it," she replied with a smile. She flashed him a mock serious look, and he tilted his head to the side, regarding her curiously. "But I don't think the flute guy will appreciate it if you punch him through a wall just because he touched me."

Genrou's booming laugh reverberated through the gazebo and across the pond. "Just let the guy touch ya one more time and we'll find out!"

"You're impossible, Genrou!"

The next day, they all gathered in the throne room, going over their plans to retrieve both Tamahome and the summoning scroll safely.

"Are you ready?" Hotohori asked Miaka. She nodded. "Please, do be careful." Miaka nodded again as she tied the bow of her uniform with an extremely concerned Sakura fussing over her.

Her trip to Kutou was making Sakura anxious. Miaka could be blind and naïve, especially considering her judgment was clouded by the depths of her feelings, and she couldn't fight to protect herself. Sakura felt another uncomfortable tug in her stomach and she frowned. This was wrong. She could feel it.

"Onee-chan, are you sure you sure you want to go?"

"Of course, Sakura-chan! Don't worry, everything will be fine!"

Sakura pursed her lips. She turned to Chichiri asking, "are you sure we can't go with you?"

"I'm sorry, ojou-sama, but we should send the fewest possible no da. If we're too many, there might be a disturbance in the palace's barrier and the enemy might find us, no da."

Genrou watched as Sakura chewed on her thumb a little too harshly. He frowned, taking her hand. He stepped forward after bringing their laced fingers to his lips, kissing her knuckles and faced the monk with resolve. "I don't care what you say, I'm goin' too. I know this way y'all worry less, and besides I wanna meet this Tamahome fer myself," he said with a smile.

"But-"

"Ohh! Look what I got here!" He waved a perfect steamed bun in front of Miaka' nose before she could protest further. "It's such a pretty steamed bun! And here I was thinkin' I'd give it to you..."

"Poor boy! Chichiri, let's take him with us!"

"Ah... wa-wakata wakata!"

While last minute preparations were being made for their teleportation, Sakura pulled Genrou aside. He peered down at her giving her a reassuring wink. He could tell she was worried. "Ahh stop frettin', Sakura. I promise I'm gonna take care good care ov' Miaka," he told her.

"I know you will… but what about you? Who is going to take care of you?" She gripped him stronger, trying to make him see how frightened she was. She had a really bad feeling about this mission.

"I'll be fine, don't worry! I can handle myself withoutcha fer a couple hours. I'll be back before ya even miss me." His words, despite honest, did little to ease her concerns. Her stomach was twisted into a thousand knots and there was a pressure on her chest. As she looked away, he put a finger under her chin tilting her face up towards him, drawing her closer. "A'ight, I'll make ya a deal – if I don't get back in one piece, ya can hit me with the staff, real hard too! That okay?"

That made her smile a little. Sakura nodded, blushing when he stole a quick kiss before joining Chichiri and Miaka. The two warriors and the priestess stepped into Chichiri's majical kesa. It glowed brightly when he stomped his staff, and soon they vanished with it.

All they had left to do now was wait.

(1) - Zittan is a type of dark wood used in Ancient Chinese architecture