Between the Lines

EPILOGUE

  Okita laid on the grass, his face shaded by cherry tree. Blossom was long gone, by it didn't change a fact, that a tree provided a shade from hot summer sun. Yes, the sun. Even if it was late afternoon, orange sun beams lighted the yard. One year ago he and _____ reached this place. Surrounded by green forest, ponds and small river, they were able to heal their condition. They no longer felt bloodlust and sun didn't hurt them. Though, Okita noticed, they were rather sleepy.

Life was quiet, time flew lazily without haste, and Okita couldn't be happier. Small hut they lived in provided home and shelter. They lived without fear or haste, surrounded by nature, within peace and quiet.

Lured by sudden sound Okita opened his eyes. He smirked to himself, watching small figure creeping out of the house. A small cat followed. Throwing glances around, a girl run through the yard, it seemed she didn't notice him, hidden beside tree. Not that he was trying to hide anyway. He smirked.

"Yuri-chan~," he called the girl. She swirled around, like a deer caught in hunters' trap. "Where are you going?"

The little girl fidgeted with a package in her hand, looking at her feet.

"I-..." she started. "To Haru-chan! Yes!" Okita sighed, so much for a peaceful afternoon, he thought. It was evidednt she lied.

"Come here and tell me what's going on," He patted the grass beside him. The girl looked at him, hesitation clear in her brown eyes. Reluctantly, she sat down; the small cat nested itself between them. "So?"

Yuri kept quiet, he had to admit girl was stubborn one. _____ liked to say, that even if they were not related, Yuri and Okita were similar with keeping things to themselves. With some poking on her cheek and a little bit of encouragement, she finally opted to speak.

"I don't belong here," she said, still not meeting his eyes.

"Meaning?" he urged. He wandered how _____ was so patient with extracting information from both Yuri and him. Very patient, he decided.

"I mean... It will be all the same with you as my parents," she admitted, her lip quivering. "You will leave me alone."

Ah, so this is all what it is about, he thought.

Almost year ago, Okita arrived to this village with _____, he recalled.

"Ah! Souji-san, look!" _____ said back then. Okita gazed at a woman, walking a few steps before him. He cocked his head to the side, observing as smile lighted her face. "The cherry blossom!"

She stood under old, branched cherry tree, with pink petals fluttering around her spread hands. Wind brushed her hair aside, showing delighted gaze. Okita smiled at that sight. She matched the scenery, though he never thought he'd be able to see something like this ever in his life. He smiled and looked around.

"More importantly, here we are," he pointed ahead. In front of them stood a village, a few small houses here and there, with a forest, ponds and lots of green. "Come on."

He took her hand and walked down the slope. They reached the hut they were to stay in. It was small, a bit dusty, but cozy.

"It looks great!"

"Oh yeah," he said. "If you omit the dust, the smell and that broken window over there, then sure. It does look great."

She rolled eyes at him and smiled cheekily.