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 eyes, 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.

XxxOxOxOxxX

Posing as a courtesan of Shimabara was…an interesting experience, to say the least.

You have no idea how willing people are to talk to a pretty face here, Kakashi-sensei. They see the fancy clothes, and the makeup, and the innocent smiles and they just wag their tongues, no questions asked. It's embarrassing!

I didn't even have to assassinate or threaten anyone, imagine that! Pour a bit of sake into these people, bat your eyelashes and just like that, they become goldmines of confidential information.

I'm not sure whether to be flattered or ashamed of them. Probably ashamed. Hell, you could put Sasuke in women's clothes and they'd spill everything to him too. Don't tell him I said that! Have you been on the receiving end of his temper lately? I don't want to wake up one day and find him outside the headquarters demanding a spar to restore his honor.

Though, now that I think about it, he could use a few days off. I could take him to Shimabara. Personally, I think he just needs to get laid.

So, um… While you read this next bit, Kakashi-sensei, keep in mind that I'm your favorite student and that I've done tons of paperwork for you.

I think this is the part where I start explaining why I dropped off the radar for a little while.

Because aside from an apology, what I owe you is an explanation…

XxxOxOxOxxX

"Eh? A festival? Guys, we need to prepare for an attack. There's no time for festivals."

Souji threw his arm around her shoulders. "Come on, Haruno. Don't be a killjoy. We have been scouting the area nonstop for ten days and there have been no signs of enemy soldiers. And didn't you hear what Sakamoto said? The General ordered his little army of scoundrels to retreat."

Sakura frowned. "And doesn't that worry you? Why did he give that order? Amassing two hundred soldiers is no easy fit. Why would he tell them to go back so suddenly?"

Okita shrugged. "Orders from above. Perhaps the Choshu ran out of money. In any case, our inside information corroborates the General's movements. Come on, Pinky, even Kondou told us to relax. There's no attack happening. Not now, anyway. Sakamoto will let us know the moment he has any new information."

Sakura's frown remained on her face for a little while longer, but then she felt herself relax, affected by the captain's reassuring words. "Well, I guess a little bit of fun never hurt anyone. A Light Festival, you say?"

Shinpachi nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! Oh man! You'll love it, Sakura-chan. It has food and drinks and bonfires and pretty girls!"

"I doubt she's into pretty girls, Nagakura." With his arm still around her shoulders, Souji glanced down at her. "Are you, Pinky? 'Cause if you are, consider me interested."

Flushing, Sakura elbowed him in the ribs in warning. "Cork it! With that mouth of yours, it's beyond me how no one has taken your head yet, Okita."

He sent her a smirk, the one she knew meant that he was about to say something equal parts witty and embarrassing. "It's what I can do with this mouth that has kept me alive, Haruno."

Sakura groaned. "Taking a leaf out of Sano-kun's book, Souji?"

He raised an eyebrow at her. "And how do you know what Harada can do with his mouth, Pinky?"

Realizing that she had walked right into that, Sakura averted her gaze quickly and rushed to change the subject. "So, the festival! Tell me more, Shin-kun!"

Okita snickered. "You're pathetically easy to tease, Haruno."

"Shut up, Souji!"

XxxxX

"Holy hell…" Turning to the two girls giggling behind her, Sakura looked at them helplessly. "What did I ever do to you to deserve this?"

Chizuru rolled her eyes good naturedly. "Don't be so dramatic, Sakura. It's not that big of a deal."

"Yes, Sakura-chan!" Akemi chirped from her right. "One would think you'd be used to it by now. I mean, you didn't have any trouble back at Sumiya House."

"That's not the same. I was on a mission!"

"Mou, Sakura-chan. Must everything be a mission with you?" Akemi shook her head, as if she were reprimanding a misbehaving child.

"What in the world possessed you to bring me here?" the medic said, looking around the seamstress' shop helplessly. Rows upon rows of shelves were precariously weighed down by all kinds of ornaments, ribbons, and jewelry. The whole right side of the small shop was dedicated to fabrics. From cottons to silks, there were colors and patterns the likes of which Sakura had never seen before. Amidst all that, the seamstress herself was a bubbly woman who kept watching them like a hawk, too excited to have three new customers at once to really care about manners.

"You need clothes."

"My clothes are fine, thank you."

Akemi looked positively scandalized. "You can't possibly be thinking of attending the festival in…that."

Sakura looked down at herself. "What's wrong with my uniform?"

Akemi stared at her as if she had just grown a second head. "Sakura-chan, those are men's clothes. You are not a man, are you?"

"They are practical."

"They are ugly." She turned to the shelves with a thoughtful look. "You need proper attire for the festival. Something that will bring out your eyes and compliment your complexion."

"Akemi, I don't wear such clothes."

"Did you say anything, Sakura-chan? Because I'm positive I heard absolutely nothing." Turning to the seamstress, Akemi grinned widely. "Honoka-san, may we employ your services? We could use your experienced eye."

Sakura stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, scratching the back of her head as she watched Akemi talk animatedly with the owner of the shop.

Man, Akemi sure knows how to get her way…

"Ah, that sounds lovely! Could you please find something for Chizuru-chan too, Honoka-san?"

"Oh, there's no need to-"

Catching the girl's arm before she could escape, Sakura smirked. "Oh no, don't even think about it, Yukimura. If I must suffer, you get to suffer with me."

"Come on, girls! Time's of the essence and this is the most important day of the festival. Quickly, now!"

Groaning, Sakura allowed herself to be dragged to the back of the shop by the seamstress and a smiling Akemi, who looked way too pleased with herself.

This is going to be a long day…

Later – a lot later than Sakura had hoped – they walked out of the shop with their purchases secured in boxes and the well wishes of the seamstress, who was more interested in spreading the word that their town's good doctor had visited her shop than in charging them the full price.

XxxxX

Sakura beamed at Chizuru through the mirror as she put some finishing touches on the girl's hair. The comb she used to secure the bun in place was decorated with flowers, leaves and little pearls, a stark contrast to Chizuru's dark locks. Sakura thought it looked terrific on her.

"You look beautiful, Chizuru-chan. All the boys will be looking at you tonight." She winked at the younger girl, watching as her cheeks glowed pink at the praise.

"Thank you, Sakura. Do you need any help getting ready too?"

The medic shook her head, patting Chizuru's arms fondly. "Nah, you go on, Chizuru-chan. No need to waste your time on good old me. I'll manage on my own. Run along and I'll come find you later."

"Are you sure? I can help with your hair and the sash."

"Thank you, but there's no need. I can take it from here. You go have fun!"

"If you say so, Sakura. I'll catch you later!"

The medic waved at her. "See you later, Chizuru-chan! Don't do anything I wouldn't!" she couldn't help but add, knowing that Chizuru's face would probably get as red as a tomato.

Giggling to herself, Sakura closed the door and looked at the box in the corner of her room with a critical eye. She hadn't opened it and she was of a mind to simply let it be and wear her usual clothes to the festival, but the feeling of guilt that welled up inside her stopped her. Both Chizuru and Akemi had spent a lot of time helping her pick it out – she certainly hadn't made it easy for them – and she did not want to upset them by not wearing it. Akemi wouldn't see it as she had to work, but Sakura had no doubt that she'd be asking Chizuru next time they saw each other. The medic was loath to think of the lecture Akemi would give her if she were to learn that she never wore the yukata.

With a deep sigh, she untied the pink ribbon, and opened the box. She ran her fingers over the fabric, marveling at the softness and detailed embroidery. It truly was a beautiful article of clothing, making Sakura think that it was wasted on her. She knew nothing about dressing up like this. She knew all about medical vests, and jonin outfits, and practical clothes that allowed movement in battle, but she had no idea how to act dressed so fancily outside of missions that required it.

Well, no turning back now.

Pulling the yukata out of the box, she began the process of putting it on, taking extra care not to pull any threads or damage it in any way.

Once she was satisfied with the result, she sat in front of the mirror, and stared at her reflection thoughtfully.

Now, what to do with this rat's nest on my head…

XxxxX

"Alright, this is exciting!"

Sanosuke shook his head at Shinpachi's antics. "Get a grip, Nagakura."

Hijikata crossed his arms across his chest. "Harada's right. Keep your eyes open. No way to know when someone here might start shit. Need to be ready as soon as they make a move. Keep your guard up you three. You spot anything suspicious, don't take your eyes off them. Understood?"

Heisuke blinked. "No, no, we're…We're here to have fun, right? What's the point in looking all scary?"

Hijikata glared at him. "Don't give me that. You're a Shinsengumi captain. You're always on duty."

Sanosuke sighed. "Damn it, Hijikata. Kondou asked us to help you relax, but…He might as well ask us to move Mount Fuji." His shoulders slumped.

"Hn. I can't believe this." Hijikata scoffed. "We don't have time for this festival crap. The attack might have been called off, but anything could be brewing in the shadows."

Nagakura pouted, sighing dejectedly. "Hey, c'mon, that doesn't make sense. You guys make us bust ass day in and day out. Least you can do is let us have a little fun."

Shinpachi was starting to sound irritated, causing Hijikata to glare at him harder. "Sorry, not sure I heard that. You telling me you got a problem with your responsibilities?"

"Now, gentlemen, I think that is quite enough. You're in the middle of the street and people are staring. It's unbecoming."

A smile split Sanosuke's face at the sound of that voice, and he turned to greet the one person he'd been expecting all evening. The air was knocked out of his lungs, however, when his eyes landed on the woman.

Sakura's yukata was a pale lilac with a leafy green pattern decorating the hem and sleeves. The yellow obi hugged her waist beautifully, showing off her trim figure, and serving as a teasing reminder of the soft curves that hid underneath the silky material. Instead of the bun women seemed to favor around Kyoto, her hair was out of its usual braid, and for the first time Sanosuke truly beheld the glory of her pink locks. Half of her hair was pulled up, forming a plaited crown woven with a string of pearls atop her head and secured there with a flower pin, while the rest fell free around her shoulders. Framed by wispy locks, her eyes were the green of fresh dew glinting in the sunlight off a leaf of emerald.

He'd seen her dressed up before, but today her face was different. She looked as if she had just stepped out of the forest after a hike. She looked fresh, rejuvenated, radiant. There was something about the simplicity and innocence of her whole visage that had his mind reeling.

Sanosuke had met a lot of beautiful women in his life, and while he often found that beauty was in the eye of the beholder, there was not a single person in Kyoto who could convince him that Sakura wasn't the most stunning woman he had ever laid eyes on. In a way, it was almost poetic how disarmingly unaware she was of her own allure.

If the Gods are real, he told himself, then this woman is their masterpiece.

"S-Sakura-chan!"

Shinpachi whistled lowly. "Damn, Sakura-chan! You looked pretty before but tonight you look smashing!"

She giggled prettily in her hand, blushing at the praise. "Hello to you too, Shinpachi, Heisuke." Her eyes landed on him. "Sano-kun."

He bowed his head. "My lady."

She cocked her head to the side, a knowing smile on her face. "Are you guys giving Hijikata a hard time again?"

Suddenly remembering their previous conversation, Shinpachi grabbed her hands in his. "You gotta do something about the uptight jerk over there. Don't you have any medicine to cure him? He's really ruining the mood right now!"

"Oi!" Hijikata barked. "I'm still your Commander, you moron! I won't spend the evening babysitting your asses. Do your job, Nagakura. You represent the Shinsengumi."

"Yeah, yeah, we get it already. I'm a Shinsengumi captain whether I'm asleep or awake or dead or a ghost."

Laughing merrily, Sakura pinched Shinpachi's cheek, earning a low 'ow' from the man. "Don't worry, Hijikata. I realize you are a busy man so please feel free to return to your responsibilities. I will make sure these three behave and do the right thing."

"They better!" Snorting angrily, Hijikata turned around and walked away, his long ponytail swishing with every step.

After making sure that Toshizo had disappeared into the distance, Nagakura turned to Sakura with an anxious expression. "You didn't mean that, right, Sakura-chan? You're not going to make us go on patrols, right?"

The woman rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "I don't know, Shin-kun. I mean, I promised Hijikata, and he's still my Commander. I wouldn't want to disappoint him."

"Sakura-chan, I beg you to-"

Bursting out in laughter, the medic patted his cheek. "I'm just teasing you, Shin-kun. Go have some fun but please make sure to behave. I won't be able to do much for you if you return to headquarters drunk."

"Yes! You're the best, Sakura-chan! Come on Todou. I know just the place."

She watched them leave before she turned to him. "Aren't you going to follow them, Sano-kun?"

He shook his head. "Nah. Knowing Nagakura, he's just going to get himself into some kind of trouble. I'd rather not incur Hijikata's wrath." He sent her a cheeky smile. "After all, I can't leave you alone. What if some other samurai comes and snatches you away?"

She chuckled lightly. "I hardly think anyone's going to pay me any mind, Sano-kun."

Noticing the pink tint on her cheeks, he took her hand in his and smiled. "Well, I guess it's my lucky day then. I get to keep you all to myself."

XxxxX

Sanosuke's smile was tender and his hand around hers felt warmer than usual. Flushing under the scrutiny of his eyes, she averted her gaze, choosing to focus on the lively atmosphere.

"Look at all this. I almost didn't recognize the town when I stepped foot in the marketplace."

Sanosuke squeezed her hand. "Well, you do need a large party to send off the spirits that came to visit. It's even more intense over at Shimabara. There are lanterns everywhere. It almost feels as if you've walked into the spirit world itself."

She hummed thoughtfully, a faraway look in her eyes. "We have such festivals back home too, though I can't remember the last one I attended. It makes sense, I suppose. These past three years haven't been the easiest."

Sanosuke nudged her shoulder. "We're here now, so let's take advantage of it. I'll give you the guided tour. Would you like to see the fire or grab a bite to eat first?"

"Now that you mention it, I do feel a bit hungry."

Sanosuke chuckled. "I had a feeling. Wait here for a bit. I'm going to head over to a nice place just around the corner to see if they have any seats."

While she waited for Sanosuke to return, Sakura took the time to drink in the sight of the town. She had never seen Kyoto this lively before and it put her heart at ease to realize that despite the fires and the troubles caused by the rebels, the people seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was comforting to think that she had aided even a little bit in maintaining the smiles on their faces.

I could get used to this…

She was ready to head over to a jewelry vendor's cart when a voice from behind her stopped her.

"Hey there. You look like you're waiting for someone. He blow you off?"

Two large, rough-looking men approached her from out of the crowd and Sakura had to keep herself from rolling her eyes.

Great. Just what I needed.

"I assure you gentlemen," she said coldly, "I'm perfectly fine."

The second man openly stared at her, his eyes lingering on her chest. "Hey, you're real pretty. Must be a pretty heartless guy to stand up a cute little thing like you."

"Why don't you come with us?" the first man offered. "We'll treat you real good."

Oh, I'm sure.

"As I said, I am perfectly fine-"

"Sorry for being so heartless."

Appearing from behind her, Sanosuke glared at the two men and moved to shield her with his body. The men's faces went pale the moment they saw the spear strapped to his back.

"Y-You're from the Shinsengumi!"

"Correct. Harada, captain of the tenth division. Now, what exactly are you two doing here?" His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Were you…You've got some balls hitting on my woman."

Sakura's heart skipped a beat when he said that, and she fought to breathe properly. His woman…? No. Snap out of it, Sakura. He only said that to get these scoundrels out of your hair. It doesn't mean anything.

There was no mistaking the threat hiding in his tone, and the two men exchanged glances, swallowing hard.

"L-Let's go."

"Y-Yeah."

The moment the men left, Sanosuke turned to her with a worried frown marring his features. "Are you alright? They didn't do anything, did they?"

Sakura smiled up at him tenderly. "I'm fine, Sano-kun, don't worry. Yet again, you kept me safe."

His eyes softened and he bowed his head. "Aa. I promised to always be your knight in shining armor, didn't I?"

"Well, I must say, you're doing a pretty good job."

Sanosuke laughed, scratching the back of his head. "Well, your knight did fail at something tonight and that is securing seats for us at that teahouse. Would you like to go somewhere else? There's another shop not far from here."

Humming thoughtfully, Sakura looked up at him. "Why don't we just walk through town for a bit? I'd like to experience the festive atmosphere, if that's ok with you."

His eyes lit up and he offered her his arm. "A great idea. Come. Let's walk for a bit and then I'll take you somewhere special."

Linking her arm through his with a grin, Sakura pressed herself closer to his body, taking advantage of the chance to bask in his presence. Sanosuke kept pointing out shops and vendors as they walked through the town, reciting stories from his patrols with Nagakura whenever a neighborhood or a particular landmark reminded him of one.

Sakura looked out toward the mountains that surrounded Kyoto, and the fiery symbols burning on their faces. Against the darkness, they looked almost surreal. The environment seemed different, and it felt as though the dead had indeed come back to visit the living.

"When we first arrived in Kyoto," Sanosuke started, following her gaze, "I thought this thing was pretty bizarre, but…It's really not that bad, you know?"

Sakura hummed in agreement, and stepped closer to him, watching the fires burn. Feelings fingers curl around her own, she looked up at the man in surprise.

"Come. I want to show you something," he said with a grin, and started dragging her along.

"Sure, but…where are we going?"

"Won't be much of a surprise if I tell you, will it?"

Sanosuke walked with a spring in his step, but Sakura hadn't the faintest idea where he was taking her.

"Close your eyes, my lady."

"Huh? Sano-kun-"

"Do you trust me?"

That stopped her in her tracks, but the answer came to her as easily as breathing. "With my life."

He smiled at her broadly. "Good. Go on, close them. Don't open them until I tell you, okay? I'll hold onto your hand so you don't trip."

I could spend the rest of my life blind if that'd keep your hand around mine, Sano-kun.

With the loss of her sight, her senses latched onto the warm pressure of his hand around hers. She could feel every callous, every patch of rough skin. She knew those were his pride and joy. Reminders of all his hard work and dedication to becoming the warrior he was. She felt an almost uncontrollable urge to bring his hands to her lips and kiss every scar and every old wound; to promise him that no matter what happened from then on, she'd always be there to take his pain away.

But as much as I want it, is that promise I can make? She sighed. I really need to speak to Kakashi-sensei…

She absently wondered where he was taking her. She was almost certain she could hear the sound of running water somewhere in the distance and it just made her all the more curious.

He suddenly let her hand go and she stopped in her tracks. A moment later, he felt his breath against her ear.

"You can look now."

Sakura opened her eyes slowly only to gasp at the sight.

Hundreds – thousands, perhaps – of lights moved up and down the waters of the river.

"Fireflies?"

"Yeah. I found 'em a while back on my way home after drinking with the boys. Pretty, huh?"

"They are beautiful."

The fireflies danced in the night as if choreographed by every joyous memory and dream. Reflected on the dark waters of the river, their tiny lights looked like stars. Sakura didn't dare look for words to describe the beauty of the scenery, for she was certain she wouldn't do it justice.

Sanosuke chuckled beside her. "Your face right now makes bringing you here completely worth it."

"I've never…I've never seen anything like this before." Sakura whispered, afraid that if she raised her voice, it would somehow break the spell of the night. "When we're on missions back home, it's usually kill or be killed. There's no time to stop and admire the scenery. I…I could get used to something like this."

The man brushed her arm with his. "Kyoto is not that bad, ya know? Once the threat of the rebels is dealt with, I could see myself settling down and starting a family here."

Taken aback by his words, she glanced up at him. "You're thinking of starting a family?"

He looked into the distance, a wistful look on his face. "That's my dream. To meet a beautiful woman, settle down in a quaint place, start a family, and live a quiet life surrounded by those I love the most."

"Where I come from, people usually dream of surviving long enough to see the other side of forty. Yours…It's a wonderful dream."

He looked down at her strangely, seeking her hand. "Don't you want anything like that? A family, I mean?"

Sakura blushed, embarrassed by the images that flooded her mind. Images of him and her, of a small house and red-haired children running around their feet. "The war we fought back home lasted a little over a year, and during that year, many times I thought I wouldn't see the light of day again. The odds weren't always on our side," she started, her eyes glazing over as memories of those dreaded days rushed back to her. "During one of those times, a really good friend of mine almost died on my operating table. If you die today, Sakura, what will be your biggest regret, she asked. At the time, I thought it a difficult question. How was I supposed to pick one single thing in the span of a minute? But then, the answer appeared in my head like the spark of a fire."

"What did you tell her?"

She paused for a second and then looked up at with an affectionate smile. "Not being a mother. I told her I'd regret not being a mother."

From the way he looked at her, she couldn't tell if her answer had surprised him, but something in his eyes shifted. Heated like molten gold, his gaze was enough to make her weak at the knees.

People often spoke of the color of the eyes as if it were of some importance, yet his would be beautiful in any shade. What made him Sanosuke – kind, compassionate, brave, beautiful Sanosuke – came from deep within him; from the intensity, and honesty, and tenderness of his soul. It made her want to feel how his lips moved in a kiss, and how his hands would follow the curves of her body.

He put his arm around her shoulders, and in the way he moved there was something of the warrior in him combined with a gentleness that made her heart reach out.

"Come," he whispered, his voice low and filled with an emotion she couldn't quite place, "Let's get you back before you catch a cold and before Hijikata comes looking for us."

She nodded against his side. "Sano-kun? Will you bring me back here again?"

He pressed a kiss to her hair. "I'll bring you back tomorrow night. I'll tell you something important then, I promise."

"I'll hold you to that promise."

The walk back to town was silent, but Sakura wasn't willing to break the peace and quiet. It was the kind of silence that nourished the soul, the comfort of being held by the chosen of one's heart that left little room for words.

She felt almost disappointed when they reached the marketplace, and she had to untangle herself from his embrace. With blushing cheeks and eyes downcast, Sakura squeezed Sanosuke's hand.

"Thank you for showing me that-"

"Harada! Sakura-chan!"

They both turned at the sound of that voice to see Shinpachi running towards them.

They both frowned at his distressed tone and the frantic look in his eyes.

"Shin-kun? What's wrong?"

"The attack!" he almost yelled, panting. "It was never planned to be on Kyoto. It was on us! They are laying siege to the Shinsengumi headquarters as we speak!"

TBC

Beautiful dressed-up Sakura again because my girl deserves all the appreciation in the world. I'll be honest, the Naruto animation style is not favorite (especially with how Studio P. treated some characters **coughSakuracough**) but damn, Saku-chan is soooo pretty! Like SO freaking pretty! When I saw her in that flashback scene where she and Sarada speak about what's better than a kiss, I was like "Damn girl, are you an angel or what?"

Soooo, a couple of things!

Yep, I know, the Fourth Shinobi War didn't last anywhere near a year, but we can't really go around saying it lasted two days! I needed to make the situation seem all the grimmer, so please bear with me!

As I've already mentioned, the ending of this story won't be anything like the game, which is why things will play out differently, as I'm sure you have all noticed already.

Now, there's something really, really, really big coming next chapter, that will make one of two things happen: either you will say 'whoop!' and celebrate or you will hate me and never read my stories again. We'll just have to wait for the verdict. XD

If you can spare a minute, drop me a review. Reading your thoughts always makes my day.

Other fics in my HakuōkiXSakura one-shot series:

"Fire and Silk" – (ChikageXSakura)

"Komorebi" – (SoujiXSakura)

"Jasmine Blooms" – (HajimeXSakura and rated M)

I have a ToshizoXSakura one-shot in the works so that's coming next. Also, I've decided to write a multi-chapter SoujiXSakura drabble fic, so if you have any prompts, feel free to share them in a review or a PM.

Until next time,

Lots of love!