hakuouki fanfiction

Chapter 6. The written word

When Melissa finally reached Hijikatas room her mind was reeling with anticipation. 

What if the letter was for her? Would it be from her father or brother? and what if it wasn't for her, but for one of those unfortunate people who had died that day?

She entered the room and waited for Hijikata to notice her.

"Ah I didn't hear you enter. I have the letter here. Take a look." Hijikata handed her the untouched envelope. Melissa began assessing it. Wondering if she should brake the wax seal and give her the confirmation she needed.

Melissa didn't want Hijikata or anybody realizing that she was afraid of opening the letter no matter who it was for or from, so she opened it moderately fast and held in the gasp.

Hijikata had assumed it was for her and he decided to give her some privacy by concentrating on some paperwork, but he couldn't help but glance her way just at the moment when her eyes watered enough to realize that she was on the verge of crying. That made him stand up and walk closer to the girl reading the letter silently eyes rampaging the words. He gave her a worried look when she finished and dropped her hands to her sides. 

Melissa simply stood there her head filling up with mixed emotions. When she noticed Hijikata standing and looking at her she vaguely explained that the letter was from home and that there might be somebody coming for her - soon. Hijikata felt relieved for Melissa's sake, he believed she would get to go back home, but he didn't realize how naive his thought's were. Hijikata couldn't know how Melissa felt and how could he, she hadn't told anyone about her past or her reasoning to travel to Japan, or anything specific really. 

So instead of understanding what Melissa was thinking he gave her a short nod with a relieved glint. He didn't even notice her face getting paler by the second. Hijikata sat back down and continued with his paper work. His table was filled with payments that Serizawa had neglected. That man was really bleeding the Roshigumi dry.

When Melissa got out her face was emotionless and her mind still. She didn't know what to do or that if she had any choices remaining. Melissa walked out of the headquarters to a field patch were she had visited occasionally with Saito, when he trained her to fight on an uneven ground.

She sat down the letter in her hands and she began reading it again.

To Melissa my dear daughter.

I wan't you to know how we miss you and even though you left like a thief in the night, your mother and I have forgotten all about it. Just come back home. We are your family and I know you miss us as well. Your brothers cried for weeks after you left and your dear mother has fallen to her sick bed, but when you return, I m sure she'll fare better. 

I questioned Jon and he told me what he did and where you wen't. I assure you that the engagement hasn't been broken so you don't have to worry about your reputation. I sent Jon after you the second he told me where you went. He took our fastest ship and is on his way to Japan.

Sincerely your Papa.

She knew that Jon, her eldest and dearest brother wouldn't be far if the letter had already reached her, but why would he help their father. Jon had always been on Melissa's side with everything, but now he was coming to get her to go home. Would he force her to go. She did miss her family, even her father, who obviously was manipulating her through the letter with mentions of a sick mother and crying younger brothers. She wasn't sure if he was being honest or trying to make her feel bad so that the guilt would make her return and marry for the sake of her fathers business.