Author's Notes: Here's chapter 10! Like I said before, it's longer than most of the chapters! Enjoy!
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(My disclaimer was in chapter 2)
Cherries and Pear – Chapter 10
"Let's see," Sakura said to herself. "Second door to the left… ah! Here it is!"
Sakura knocked on the door and after a moment, Ryou opened it.
"Sakura," he greeted her. "What are you doing here?"
"Um, the other day?" Sakura began, blushing. "You saved my life. I… I wanted to thank you."
"Oh… it was really no big deal," Ryou replied.
"No big deal?" Sakura snapped. "Are you saying that my life is no big deal?"
"Of course not," Ryou chuckled. "…I just didn't want Nashi to feel the same way I've felt for the past five years…"
"…What?" Sakura asked confusedly. "What do you mean?"
"…Come in," he invited her. "Close the door behind you and sit down on that chair there."
Sakura nervously followed his orders. Ryou sat down on his bed and began to explain.
:flashback:
Eleven-year-old Ryou and sixteen-year-old Keiichiro were driving back to Ryou's home. Up ahead, Ryou spotted giant flames and rising smoke. It was around where he lived. He and Keiichiro didn't care if they were going over the speed limit. They sped back to the house. They pulled over at the sidewalk in front of the house to find the house and part of the yard engulfed in flames. The two got out of the car and approached the fire.
"Papa!" Ryou shouted, moving toward the fire. "Mama!"
Keiichiro wrapped his arms around Ryou's waist to prevent the boy from entering the burning house.
"No, Ryou!" he commanded. "It's too dangerous!"
"Papa! Mama!" Ryou repeatedly shouted, struggling against Keiichiro's grip.
The two stood there the entire night watching the flames destroy Ryou's home and family. The next morning, the remains of the house could be seen clearly, although there was barely any remains at all. The house had been burned to the ground. Ryou finally escaped from Keiichiro and approached the house. He looked around and then began to sob. He sobbed all morning as Keiichiro attempted to comfort him.
:end flashback:
Sakura stared at him, surprised. He had also lost his parents.
"…I'm sorry," she said after a long pause. Ryou stared at her confusedly.
"Huh?"
"…I'm sorry… that you lost your entire family. I still have Nashi, whereas you're the only one left," Sakura explained.
"Please," Ryou instructed his face serious. "Don't feel sorry."
Sakura looked down at the floor and clasped her skirt in between her fingers. Tears filled her eyes and began spilling down her cheeks. Ryou noticed this and tipped her head upward to face him.
"Don't cry," he said softly, wiping the tears from her face.
Sakura nodded and stood up. She thanked him again, waved goodbye, and went back downstairs.
Author's Notes: Chapter 11 will be up soon! Review please!
