Cherry Bomb

Chapter One: Morning Unease:

November 1st, 2011.

6:00 a.m.

Anna lay awake in her futon. The dim morning light caressed her face. Felt so strange. Everything felt so calm. Too calm. Anna sighed and shook her head. A strong arm embraced her from behind. Tsuzuki rested his chin on her shoulder.

“Good morning,” he whispered. His wife tried to smile.

“Morning,” she said. He kissed her on the cheek.

“What’s the matter, baby?” he asked. Anna glanced over her shoulder.

“Nothing,” she said. Tsuzuki pouted.

“Anna-chan,” he said. She rolled over, frowning.

“Nothing, okay?” Anna said. “It’s nothing.” She lowered her eyes. He gave her a sympathetic smile.

“It’s okay,” Tsuzuki said, brushing her hair from her eyes. “I understand.” Anna puffed up her cheeks.

“You don’t,” she said.

“Then tell me,” he said. “I want to help you.” Anna shook her head.

“Not this time,” she said. “I don’t think you can.” Tsuzuki frowned.

“Don’t say that,” he said. “Please? Talk to me.”

His wife sighed. “It’s just…” She paused. “Well…” Anna looked into his eyes. He didn’t speak. Why was he waiting for her to speak? Anna cursed herself in her head.

“Are you frustrated?” Tsuzuki asked. Anna nodded once.

“That’s just peace,” he said.

“Huh?” she asked. He kissed her on the forehead.

“It’s all over,” he told her softly. “She’s gone. You don’t have to look over your shoulder anymore.” His words did little to comfort her.

“I know, but…” Anna said. She dropped her shoulders.

“It will take time,” Tsuzuki whispered. It didn’t help that he was right. Anna sat up and climbed out of his grasp.

“Usagi-chan?” he asked. Anna climbed out of the futon.

“I just need to be alone for a while,” she said. “I’m sorry.” She bowed her head and walked into the bathroom. Tsuzuki sat up in their futon.

“It’s not you, you know?” he heard next to him. Tsuzuki turned his head. Airi sat next to him.

“Let her be for now,” she said. “Freedom feels weird for her.” The shinigami nodded. He looked over at the open door.

“Just be there for her,” Airi said. “She needs you.”

“Yeah,” Tsuzuki said. He laid back onto the futon. His eyes never left the doorway.