Sakura frowned and something ugly twisted in her belly.

Does he…regret it?

She averted her gaze, focusing her eyes on Kondou instead. Still, she was painfully aware of the veins of sadness coiling around her lungs, making it hard to breathe.

Alright, Sakura. You've put your heart back together once before. You can do it again. You got this. Just breathe.

"However, the most important reason why I called you here has to do with the information Yamazaki brought us the other day. We have news."

Kondou's words broke her out of her gaze, and her ears perked up, pushing thoughts of Sanosuke and her heart breaking to the back of her mind. She'd have no shortage of time and space to think on that in the privacy of her room.

Yamazaki nodded. "It has been brought to our attention that the ronin are moving faster than we anticipated. Whether they received new orders from higher above or their leader is in a rush to avoid arrest, the fact remains. The official will be here in less than a week."

"Are they trying to force our hand for some reason?"

Hijikata shook his head. "I doubt that's the reason, Okita. They are probably trying to feed us false information to throw us off their trail."

"How do we know we have it right this time around?"

"That's easy. You have me."

They all turned at the sound of the new voice to see a man walk in the room with a charming smile on his face.

"Good afternoon. I'm your contact and informant, Sakamoto Ryouma."

Sakura raised an eyebrow. The informant's purplish hair was pulled in a short ponytail with a few locks falling in soft waves around his face. Golden-eyed and broad shouldered, he was an undeniably handsome man with a charming smile to match his warm aura.

"Ryouma. It's been a while." Kondou's smile was welcoming as he approached the man.

Sakamoto was quick to return it. "Kondou. It's been too long indeed. Alas, that is the life of one who lives with the foe in order to provide information to the friend."

Kondou laughed. "Always so dramatic. Come, we were just discussing the change in the rebels' plans."

"Aa. I did warn you about that. I suspected the General would switch things up before long."

"The General?"

Sakamoto turned to Todou. "That's what they call him. A blackguard of the cruelest kind who does not recognize enemy from ally. He is guided by his pocket alone."

Hijikata frowned. "A mercenary?"

Sakamoto nodded. "He's been employed by the Choshu to lead the impending attack on Kyoto. Make no mistake though, he holds no love for them or their cause. The only thing he's interested in is their coin."

"How long do we have until the attack?"

Ryouma shrugged, pondering Souji's question. "The General and his group will be here in less than a week, five days tops. They have found accommodation in Shimabara, where they will stay for at least a few nights. He never announces the day of his attacks until it's time to start preparations, but from what I've seen, we have a little over a fortnight to come up with a plan."

"How many men?"

"The General and his group are twenty people, but he has another two hundred men ready to fight. They will likely arrive just before the attack."

Sakura hummed thoughtfully, mulling over the man's words. "We need to keep our eyes open then. They will likely avoid the northern part of Kyoto as having to cross the river will hinder them and put them at a disadvantage. We need scouts on rotation. A dozen three-man teams with a messenger hawk each to give us the signal should the need arise." She turned to the captains, intentionally avoiding meeting Sanosuke's eyes. "Do you know of any abandoned buildings around Kyoto?"

Nagakura nodded. "There are a few old barns and sheds that no one uses anymore. Why do you ask, Sakura-chan?"

"Two hundred rebels will not just attack the city. They will be caring supplies, weapons, food. They will need places to store them. Places like these abandoned buildings. We can set up traps inside and around the barns. It should rattle the Choshu and destroy at least a part of their supplies."

Kondou nodded, smiling at her. "That sounds like a great idea. Thank you, Sakura. Your input is always valuable."

She smiled genuinely at the man. "I told you, Kondou-san, I'll do everything in my power to ensure the safety of the people of Kyoto and the Shinsengumi."

"Sakamoto, I am curious. How did you manage to slip away and come all the way here?"

Sakura pretended not to be affected by the sound of Sanosuke's voice.

Ryouma smiled widely at Harada. "Oh, it wasn't difficult at all. The General trusts me enough that he allowed me to take a few men to scout the area. They are currently unconscious in some inn of Shimabara. Sleeping draughts are especially useful, wouldn't you agree?"

Despite the gravity of the situation, Sakura found herself giggling. Raising her eyes, she found Sakamoto smiling at her charmingly. She blushed under the scrutiny of his gaze, tilting her head to the side shyly.

Yamazaki stepped forward. "I'll see to that. I can take a few men and scout the area. Make a list of the places that look promising and take note of any areas that might prove difficult to defend."

Hijikata clapped him on the back. "Your eyes have never disappointed us, Yamazaki. We have faith in you." He then turned to the room. "As alarming as this information is, we need to keep our composure and prepare to the best of our ability. For now, we keep this under wraps until we have formulated a proper plan. No need to cause panic among our men or the public. We will meet again once we have more to go on. Dismissed."

Determined to avoid Sanosuke at all costs, Sakura checked her pouch to make sure she had everything she'd need for her rounds and made to leave, only to find herself staring at someone's toned chest. Looking up, she found Sakamoto's scintillating golden eyes watching her with unconcealed interest.

"I do not believe we have met before."

Sakura smiled at him. "No, we have not."

The man took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, planting a gentle kiss on her knuckles. "Of course. I would dishonor myself if I were to forget a presence as radiant as yours. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sakamoto Ryouma."

Sakura flushed, taken aback by the compliment and the earnest tone of his voice. "My name is Haruno Sakura. I'm the Shinsengumi's medic."

He held her hand noticeably longer than what was considered appropriate before allowing it to fall to her side. "What a terrible time for me to be away from the Shinsengumi, then. I'm being robbed of the chance to experience the care of your graceful hands."

"S-Sakamoto-san-"

He flashed her a disarming lopsided grin. "Ryouma, please. The formalities are unnecessary. I would say anything that keeps me from getting to know you better is unnecessary."

The man was bold, that much was obvious, but Sakura found herself enjoying his flirtations. Ryouma was handsome and charming, and she could use the distraction.

"Ryouma then," she tested the name on her tongue, smiling widely when his eyes lit up. Looking closely, she noticed a small beauty spot under his left eye.

"My name falling from your lips sounds so much sweeter now. May I have the honor of calling you Sakura?"

"Yes, of course."

"I must admit, Sakura, I am impressed by your knowledge of war tactics. Is your father an officer? A strategist perhaps?"

Sakura giggled prettily. "Not exactly. I actually fought in a war."

Ryouma's perfectly shaped eyebrow shot to his hairline. "A woman fighting in a war? Did you serve as a medic?"

Sakura nodded. "Partly, yes. I did spend a lot of time in the front lines too, though."

"You jest. You cannot be older than twenty! How old were you during the war?"

"Sixteen."

His eyes widened. "How extraordinary. Would you mind sharing a few stories? I would very much like to know more about your experiences and your battle methods."

Flattered, Sakura smiled apologetically. "Forgive me, but I have to leave for my rounds around town. Perhaps another time?"

Unfazed, the man stopped her. "Would you be interested in some company then? I must admit, I am extremely interested in seeing you work."

Sakura was ready to politely decline when her eyes involuntarily landed on Sanosuke, who was laughing at something Nagakura had said.

You know what, I'm not going to sulk and cry in my room. Life goes on, Sakura, and you must follow its course.

Plastering a smile on her face, she addressed Sakamoto. "Of course, Ryouma. I could use the company. My rounds can get a little lonely sometimes."

"Excellent." Sakamoto grinned and offered her his man. "Perhaps I can tempt you with a cup of herbal tea and some sweets after we're done? I know just the place."

Linking her arm through his with cheeks tinted pink, Sakura smiled at him pleasantly. "That's the best idea I've heard all morning."

XxxxX

Sanosuke watched with narrowed eyes and clenched fists as that Sakamoto escorted Sakura out of the meeting room by the arm.

He wouldn't dare…

"My, that's one scary look on your face, Harada."

"Now's not the time, Okita."

"Tsk, look at her. All smiles and blushing cheeks. Wasn't she looking at you like that only yesterday, Harada?"

Sanosuke turned to Souji, who had come to stand beside him with his arms crossed across his chest. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Sure you don't." Souji snorted, clearly not convinced. "I don't know what you did, Harada, but you better fix it. Pinky is ripe for the taking and that Ryouma seems ready to snatch the fruit and bite into it. I mean, who wouldn't?"

"Zip it, Okita."

"Don't get your panties in a twist, Harada. Still, the truth doesn't change according to your ability to stomach it." Souji laughed to himself. "You're not nearly as subtle as you think you are."

"Really?" Sanosuke said mockingly. "If I'm as transparent as you say I am, how come she hasn't noticed?"

"Who, Pinky?" Souji snorted. "Don't make me laugh. That woman has a brilliant head on her shoulders, but when it comes to this kind of thing, she's as thick as a sack of bricks. You pair of idiots fit each other."

Sanosuke remained silent.

Souji made to leave but he glanced at Harada over his shoulder. "Having said that, I must warn you that you'll have a number of people to answer to if you do anything stupid."

Taken aback, Sanosuke raised a challenging eyebrow. "Is that a threat, Okita?"

"A promise. Don't hurt her, Harada."

With those words, Souji turned around and walked away, leaving Sanosuke alone to gather the jumbled mess that were his thoughts. His eyes lingered on the door.

Watch out, Sakamoto. I'm coming for her.

XxxxX

Harada, you fucking screw-up…

For the third day in a row, Sanosuke watched over the rim of his cup as a dressed-up Sakura sat beside Sakamoto, giggling like a besotted teenager at something he was whispering in her ear.

They were back in Sumiya, with the medic yet again posing as a geisha in order to locate their targets. It made perfect sense for Sakamoto to tag along to point out the right people, but for the life of him, Sanosuke couldn't stand the man.

He had made a habit of complimenting Sakura every chance he got, smiling at her charmingly, snatching her away for walks around town, and even fetching her lunch whenever they went to town for her rounds.

Sanosuke hated it.

He hadn't spoken to Sakura in nearly four days and it was killing him.

He knew it was his fault. He should not have reacted the way he had, and he certainly should not have kissed the corner of her mouth, though he could not bring himself to regret that.

He had gotten a taste of her skin and he was not ashamed to admit that he was positively addicted. He could only imagine what it would feel like to kiss her the way he wanted to; deeply, and boldly and wholeheartedly.

Kami, I'm an idiot…

He should not have left her standing there with just a pathetic goodnight. He should have devoured her mouth properly and he should have claimed her right then and there, the whole world be damned. He should have shown her what she truly meant to him.

Instead, he had turned and ran like the coward he was. A victim of his own insecurities and thoughts of inadequacy, he had abandoned her there confused and alone.

But how could he ask her to give herself to him, to leave her home and stay with him, when he couldn't protect her from the likes of Kazama and Kyo and Amagiri? How could he ask her to trust him to become the guardian of her heart and body, when he had allowed someone else to touch her with intension to harm?

So, what are you going to do? a little voice whispered in his mind. Let her live her life with the likes of Sakamoto? Look at him. He's all charm and confidence. And is that a blush on her cheeks?

An almost predatory growl rose to Sanosuke's throat and he just barely managed to keep it in.

Are you going to let her go just for someone like Ryouma to snatch her up?

The sake cup cracked in his hold, drawing the attention of Nagakura, who was seated beside him.

"Harada? Are you alright, man? You look a bit…out of it."

"Go back to your drink, Nagakura. I'm fine."

He signaled for one of the geisha to bring him another cup, and watched as she filled it. Her face was vaguely familiar, and he figured she'd probably served him before. She retreated to her previous position, leaving him to his own devices, most likely alarmed by the somber expression on his face.

Over the rim of his cup, he stared at the way Sakura played with her fan, holding it gracefully. He knew that its purpose was to shield them whenever Sakamoto pointed out members of the rebel group to her, but his mind kept playing cruel tricks on him.

Images of Ryouma catching her chin between his fingers like he had and stroking her skin like he had and stealing kisses behind that fan flooded his head. He gritted his teeth in irritation.

Over my dead body.

XxxxX

The next day – Sumiya House

"Sakura-chan!"

Dressed and ready to head to the banquet hall for the fourth day in a row, Sakura turned at the sound of Akemi's voice.

"Akemi-chan? Is something wrong? Is anyone giving you a hard time?"

"Oh, nothing of that sort. Sakura-chan, you've been requested," the younger girl exclaimed excitedly, clapping her hands together. "Someone wants a private audience with you."

Sakura blinked. "They do?"

Akemi nodded enthusiastically. "Keiko wants you to be on the second floor, last door to the right in ten minutes."

Sakura winced at the mention of the hostess. Keiko was one of those women that would have thrived as a shinobi. She was older than most girls that worked there, and way more experienced. She ran a tight ship, and anything less than perfection was not tolerated. She was probably the most sought-after geisha of Sumiya House, but she never mingled with guests the way all the other girls did. Knowing that Keiko had given the order, Sakura could do little to avoid it.

Great…Just what I needed. A bunch of rowdy drunkards trying to grope me.

Groaning inwardly, she plastered a pleasant smile on her face for Akemi's sake. "Thank you, Akemi-chan. Tell Keiko I'll be up in a minute. Do you have any idea who requested me?"

"Sorry, Sakura-chan. Keiko didn't say."

The medic's shoulders slummed in disappointment. "Don't worry about it, Akemi-chan. I was just curious. I guess I'll find out soon enough, no?"

Akemi patted her on the arm with an encouraging smile. "I'm sure you'll do great, Sakura-chan. I've seen you work. You're a natural."

Um, is that a compliment?

Sighing, Sakura steeled herself for what was to come. Perhaps she looked like a natural to Akemi, but seduction missions had never been her favorite. More often than not, her emotions got in the way and she had trouble reconciling her kunoichi side with her feelings as a woman.

She dreaded the moment she'd walk in that private room. She would have to sit pretty, with her head low and her mouth closed. She would have to endure the lewd comments and the wandering hands of strange men.

Strange men who did not have red hair, and gentle amber eyes, and a smile that was equal parts sinful and heartwarming.

She shook her head. Snap out of it, Haruno. You're here for a reason. Do your bloody job and get it over with.

Squaring her shoulders, she made her way to the second floor. Standing outside the room, she took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Falling to her knees, she slid the door open and put her fingers on the floor in front of her like Akemi had shown her, eyes down.

"Good evening, my name is Kumiko," she said bashfully. "I am honored to serve you for the evening. Please be kind to me."

"Yo, Sakura-chan! No need to be so formal or use the fake name with us, ya know?"

Sakura's eyes snapped up and widened at the sight. "Shinpachi?!"

Around a large table filled with food platters, Nagakura, Heisuke, Kondou, Okita and Sanosuke sat with cups in their hands and smiles on their faces.

"Pick your jaw up, Pinky."

"What are you guys doing here?"

Kondou laughed. "Well, Sakamoto let us know that the rebels were called back by the General. Something about a meeting to regroup. It was a pretty last-minute decision and we did not get a chance to tell you. So, we thought we'd come and get you out of having to serve in the banquet hall. And good thing we did. Look at you! You look beautiful."

Sakura flushed. "Thank you for your kind words, Kondou-san."

"Bah! No need to be so modest, Sakura-chan. The man says it the way he sees it." Shinpachi winked at her, taking a large gulp from his cup. "After all, we could use the chance to have a bit of fun and unwind."

Affected by his positive energy, Sakura felt her spirits lifting.

"G-Good evening, Sakura-chan."

"Huh? Todou? Are you alright? Why is your face red? Do you need me to check your temperature?"

"Don't pay the idiot any mind, Pinky. He just can't get over you in women's clothing."

"S-Shut up, Souji!"

Kondou clapped Heisuke on the back. "Well, tonight everything's on me. Eat as much as you want."

Shinpachi's arm shot up in celebration. "You're the best, Chief!"

Sakura found herself giggling at their antics. "I'm not sure I should be here though. I'm supposed to be spying on the rebels."

"Don't worry about it, Pinky. As mentioned earlier, Sakamoto sent us a note to let us know that the rebels have left. Your mission is officially over."

Shinpachi nodded enthusiastically over a plate of sliced pork and rice. "Yes, Sakura-chan. You don't have to lose sleep over that. Just enjoy yourself tonight!"

Taking a minute to mull over his words, Sakura finally smiled. "Well, I guess the mission truly is over. So, a bit of fun would not hurt, would it?"

Nagakura whistled. "Yoohoo! That's the spirit, Sakura-chan! Drink up!"

The sake must have been strong, as faster than Sakura thought possible – long before she reached her fourth cup – most of the men were drunk.

"Heyyyy, Sakura-chan! You having fun?"

Sakura snorted in amusement at the sight of a red-faced, stumbling Nagakura. "I could ask you the same thing, Shin-kun. You look like you're having too much fun."

"There's no such thing as too much fun!"

"Ne, Sakura-chan?"

Setting her cup down, Sakura turned to Heisuke. "Anything I can do for you, Todou?"

"Is your hair natural?"

Sakura blinked. "You've known me for five months, Todou. Shouldn't that be obvious?"

With a dreamy smile on his face and cheeks red from the alcohol, Heisuke reached out and took hold of a lock of her hair. "It's so soft though. And pink. Like flower petals!"

"That's why my parents named me Sakura, silly."

"Does it taste like flowers too?"

Watching as Heisuke brought her hair closer to his mouth, she immediately snatched the lock back and gently pushed his face away. "Alright, young man. I think you've had enough for tonight."

"Er, Nagakura, perhaps you should cut yourself off for the night? Your hand looks pretty shaky holding that cup."

"Bah! I'm totally fine, Chief! This much won't get me drunk."

"It won't get you drunk because you're already pissed, you idiot."

"Shut your mouth, Souji!" Nagakura squinted. "Hey, Okita, since when have there been two of you? Do you have a twin brother? Oh man! Wasn't one Souji enough? Now we have to deal with two of them?!"

Okita sighed. "Yep, he's totally three sheets to the wind."

Shinpachi glared, though it was not nearly as intimidating as he wanted it to be. "I'm not drunk in the least. See, look. Completely sober-"

He didn't even get to finish his sentence before his eyes rolled back, and he toppled over, unconscious before he hit the floor. The room was filled with his snoring.

Sanosuke sighed. "He never changes. Still can't tell where his limit is."

Trying hard to not to laugh, Sakura turned to Kondou. "You guys should probably head back to the compound. Nagakura can't sleep here and Heisuke doesn't look too good either."

"What will you do, Pinky?"

"I'll stay for a little while longer to help clean up and then I'll head home too. No need to stick around if the rebels aren't here."

Sakura helped haul Heisuke to his feet and then did the same for Nagakura. "Take care of these two. I'll prepare something for when they wake up in the morning with killer hangovers."

"Always have to be a pain in the ass, Nagakura," Souji grumbled loudly, but still shifted his shoulder under Shinpachi to hold him up as they exited the room. Kondou followed suit, supporting a stumbling Heisuke.

Sakura sighed but her lips still curled into a smile. Half a year ago she didn't even know the Shinsengumi existed and now…Now they were some of the most important people in her life. She supposed it was rather poetic, how complete strangers could just waltz into one's life and change it forever.

She turned to walk out of the room to call for the girls on cleaning duty when she noticed that she was not alone.

Sanosuke was still there, settled in his seat, and looking at her expectantly.

Damn…

She had not talked to him in nearly four days and if she were to be frank, it was almost unbearable. She had thought that staying away from him would cause the burning in her chest to subside, but it had only intensified it. She had thrown herself into her work more zealously than ever before, hoping for a reprieve that never came. She had even taken up Sakamoto on his offer for tea a couple of times, but despite being a perfectly charming man, he just was not Harada Sanosuke.

After that night, she had resolved to put it in the past and move on. Now she understood the foolishness of that notion. She really should have known better. How could she uproot feelings that reached to the deepest parts of her being? How could she ever hope to drown the fire that a single touch of his fingers ignited in her belly? How could she ever teach her heart not to fly every time he held her close?

Haruno, you are hopeless…

Sighing deeply, she kneeled beside him and took the bottle of sake in her hands. "May I?" she asked softly, keeping her eyes low, afraid that if she met his gaze, he'd see the tears that threatened to fall.

Wordlessly, he presented her with his cup and she carefully tipped the bottle over it. She could feel his gaze on her the whole time. Not once did it waver, nor did he look away.

Harada took a sip from his sake and then violently threw the cup against the wall, shattering it and making Sakura flinch. She stared at him, wide-eyed and at a complete loss. She had never seen Sanosuke act this way. Not kind, gentle, comforting Sanosure. Not her Sano.

He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, before he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her on his lap.

"Eek! Sano-ku-"

"I hate this," he said in her hair. "I hate that things between us have been so cold lately. I just can't stand it."

Tears sprang to Sakura's eyes, but she blinked them back, tightening her hold on the front of his clothes. "Sano-kun, I…I never meant to upset you or doubt your intentions. I'm so sorry-"

"Don't," he cut her off. "Don't apologize. I'm the one at fault here. I doubted you, I showed little faith in your abilities even though I've seen the power you wield." He chuckled humorlessly. "It seems that all I've been doing is apologize to you. I guess I'm simply that much of an idiot when it comes to you."

He looked down at her and took her face in his hands. "I'm sorry, Sakura. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me one more time?"

You, she wanted to scream. It is you I find in my heart. No matter what I seek, or where I turn, it is always you.

Afraid of what might rush out of her mouth, she settled for leaning into his touch and nodding. Despite the strength she knew his hands contained, his hold was gentle. His face took up her entire range of vision and all her mind could do was catch on details; the smooth slope of the bridge of his nose, the veins of bright gold in the amber of his eyes, the puffs of warm air that caressed her cheek every time he breathed.

She forgot how to use her voice when his gaze fell to her lips and lingered there. Air shuddered into her lungs and she held it. A thumb slowly slid across her cheek and jaw to gently brush against the corner of her mouth, where he had kissed her the other night.

Is he…Is he really…?

He leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to the purple diamond decorating her forehead. A jolt traveled down her spine when his lips touched her skin, and she found herself looking up at him in awe.

"Sakura," he whispered reverently, his voice low and rough, "can I hold you for just a little while longer? The chances of me seeing you like this again are slim. I want to memorize you, right now, so I will never forget."

These words, these touches...This cannot be just me…I cannot be the only one feeling this…

He gazed at her with such a heated look in his eye, and a smile so tender that something deep in her heart threatened to melt. Even if she was imagining more than what was really there, even if this was simply Sanosuke's overzealous way of asking for her forgiveness, she allowed herself to be greedy and bask in his warmth and his presence. If this was her very last chance to be held like this by him, then she was going to savor every second.

He didn't release his hold on her chin, his fingers burning imprints in her skin. Her whole world seemed to narrow down to simply Sanosuke, there, with her. She buried her nose in the crook of his neck in response, pressing herself as close to him as she could.

Forever, Sanosuke. I beg of you…hold me and never let me go.

TBC

The SanoXSaku is heavy in this one simply because there is not enough SanoXSaku content in this world.

We're nearing the climax of the story so expect things to get bad from here on. And they will get bad. We haven't seen the last of the rebels, trust me.

As I've already pointed out in previous author's notes, the ending will be nothing like the game. There will be drama and near-tragedy and all that, but all my babies get their happily ever after, period. No one is dying on my watch. Or maybe they are. Who knows? :P

I've also uploaded a HajimeXSakura one-shot titled "Jasmine Blooms". Check it out if you'd like! Be warned though that it's M-rated, so reader discretion is advised.

In my HakuōkiXSakura one-shot series:

"Fire and Silk" – (ChikageXSakura)

"Komorebi" – (SoujiXSakura)

"Jasmine Blooms" – (HajimeXSakura)

Coming up next is a ToshizoXSakura story, though I'm not entirely sure when that's coming out. Things have gotten really hectic at work. I might do an IbaXSakura after HijikataXSakura.

Also, I'm seriously considering writing a multi-chapter SoujiXSakura drabble fic, so I've officially started accepting prompts! If you have a prompt in mind, drop me a review with it or a personal message.

In any case, I hope you enjoyed this!

If you have a minute to spare, write me a review. Reading your thoughts always makes my day.

Until next time,

Lots of love!