A/N: HI! okay, so this may be my last update for about two weeks since I'm going on vacation! YEY! but I stuffed this chapter with everything I could fit so I hope you enjoy it!

Review replies! (skip if you didn't review to the next author note)

wicca in training: Hm, not sure about Omi. Still debating on whether I should squeeze him in... And sorry no, my mind is way to happy right now to be thinking of torture. next time k?

Raimundoroks: Thanks! And I sent you like a five page long email explaining on how to post, did you get it?

Dominosowner: yup, but I think a lot of people figured it out. And it's a never ending pattern with rai. that's what makes this interesting.

Aria Pedrosa: promise made and promise kept (if anyone actually goes and checks out her review yo'll seee what a big hint I just gave away!)

Luiz4200: hehe, in simple terms, a lot! (oops, spoiler! I seem to be doing a lot of those today...)

A/N: sob, WHERE DID ALL MY REVIEWERS GO??... k, I'm all good now as Omi would say Anyway last update for a while so enjoy!

Disclaimer: YES! YES! YES! YES!... okay no, never mind, I lied...

Chapter 14

Nothing seemed to bring me peace anymore. My days were haunted by hard work and Alex, my nights by dreams and memories. Why can't it just all end? Every morning I would wake up more and more unsure of myself. Whose fault was it really… who caused me to live out such a life of pain and misery?

I fell back into my shell of self-loathing and solitude. I stopped eating and hadn't uttered a word for a week now. Not even to Sari. My emotions were never shown on my face and I did everything like a good little slave boy should. I was slowly sinking back into a deep depression. Last time, I had Kimiko to get me out. This time, I think I may be stuck like this for eternity.

I miss my mother. I miss my father. I miss my grandpa and grandma. I miss my aunt and uncle. I miss my friends and my house. I miss the garden and park I played in. I miss the kindness I was given. I miss the hugs and the kisses. I miss the nice words. I miss the bedtime stories I was told and the goodnights I was whispered. I miss the sweet gestures from my neighbors. I miss the cookies and the homemade dinners… I miss the love…

I miss my life. And somehow, I knew I would never get it back. Not like I had it before.

Someone touched me on my shoulder lightly. I jerked my head upward from the floor I had been scrubbing only to find myself staring into the eyes of Kimiko.

"Rai, you have to stop acting like this." She said softly. It wasn't a command but a request. I shook my head and went back to cleaning.

"Please Raimundo, you're getting way too weak. We can all see it in your face. You haven't eaten in three days. It will just get you sick like before. You don't have to do this. Someone else can clean. Go rest." I totally ignored her this time, not even looking up. I didn't trust her anymore. Not after she chose Colin over me.

"Rai--" I gave her a defiant glare, but still said no words. I wish she would just leave me alone. Every time she comes near, she causes all these mixed emotions to stir up inside of me. Just leave me alone…

I still love her. But I hate her for causing me to fall in love. I feel betrayed that she thought of me as a project, yet strangely touched that she cared enough to try to pull me from my shell of self disarray. I despise her for trying to pull me out again, but am thankful since she may be the only one who can save me now. I scorn her for losing my trust, for agreeing to marry someone, but hoped she finds a way to finally win it back.

I love her. But I hate her because of that. And I hate myself for falling in love.

"Rai answer me please! I'm sorry okay! I'm sorry for making you talk about your past, I'm sorry for not stopping those boys who are hurting you, I'm sorry for kissing you and then just leaving. I'm sorry." She took a deep breath and I stared in shock.

"It was wrong and a lowly thing to do. And I know you're mad at me for agreeing to marry someone, but I had no choice!" I didn't answer but I don't think she expected me to,

"I know you probably hate me right now, but I had to apologize… I know how it feels like to lose someone close to you. I lost my mother when I was a little girl. I don't really remember her, and it probably doesn't compare to what you've been through, but I thought you should know…" I waited for her to continue. She was admitting so much to me.

I wonder why?

"You see, I like you Raimundo. More then a friend I think…. I…I don't know. I want you to like me back, but I don't see how you ever could. …If you think I'm marrying Colin out of love, you're wrong. I don't love him, nor shall I ever….. I think I love you Raimundo."

...Oh, that's why…

There was a long pause of silence. I have no clue what she was thinking, but I know my mind was flying a hundred miles per second. She loved me? Me? She actually loved me? But then, why would she marry Colin? Why would she agree to it if she did…

" I bet you don't believe me. Heck, I wouldn't even believe me, but it's true. You're nicer then anyone I've ever met. You're understanding and kind, and the fact that you are soft-spoken makes me just like you even more. I know you think it'll never work… but…"

I turned my head upward so I was facing her. I wanted, needed, to look into her eyes so I could know she was telling the truth. I wanted to believe her, more then anything, but I've been betrayed and hurt too many times.

Staring into her deep blue eyes I saw she was genuine. That or she's a really good liar. I prefer to think it was the first one. I wanted to tell her I love her back, that I felt the same way, but something was holding me back. I don't know if it was my betrayed trust or the black garbed mans lies.

I heard her sigh and slowly start to walk away. Finally, when she was at the doorway, I said, "Wait Kimiko!" My voice sounded hoarse and scratchy since I hadn't used it in a week. She turned to face me, her expression unreadable.

"Yes?"

"I… I think I love you too…." Her face seemed to brighten to a million watts.

"Really?" I nodded and she squealed in delight, running to my side and embracing me in a hug. I slowly pried her away though I really didn't want to. She felt so right there in my arms. Like we fit together perfectly. She looked a drop disappointed when I pulled away, but gave me a small smile.

"Kimiko, I hope you know that this will be really really hard to work out. I'm a slave and you're a noble. Plus you're engaged to marry Colin…"

"I don't care." She persisted. "We can figure all that out later. Right now all that matters is you and me." She snuggled close to my chest and this time, instead of pushing her away, I wrapped my arms around her, enjoying this moment.

Please let no one walk in right now and ruin this. I don't want this to end. I want Kimiko to stay in my arms forever and for I to never have to let go.

Okay, though I wanted to stay like this I really needed to get all my work done, plus I was starving out of my mind, so I tried to nudge Kimiko away, but she only cuddled closer.

"Don't go yet Rai." She whispered.

"I'm sorry Kimiko, but I have chores. And I really need to do them." She made a face.

"Why? I'll just tell Daddy what happening between us and he'll free you…"

I sighed. "It's not quite that simple. A slave is a slave for life unless given direct permission to be freed by the king. So unless your father can get that kind of permission, it's basically impossible for me to be freed."

"We'll figure something out Rai. I promise." Kimiko said. I gave her a weak smile. Promises meant very little to me seeing as how many made have been broken. But Kimiko had once again gained back my trust. I hope she kept it this time.

"Okay Kimiko. I believe you." She snuggled closer and I didn't even bother pushing her away. Women, who will ever understand them?

"Rai, promise me something?" she asked, gazing up at me with those beautiful blue eyes.

"Hmm?"

"Promise me you'll never leave. Promise me that you'll be here for me always." I gazed down into her face, wondering what I could say. She was asking me to promise the impossible, As a slave I had no control over such things.

"Kimiko, I can't promise I'll never leave, but if I do then know it's not from free choice. And if I leave you know I will always come back." She smiled obviously content with my answer. We sat in silence, just enjoying each others presence.

Life just got a whole lot better.

A few minutes later Derek rushed in, a towel draped over his arm. Kimiko and I immediately jumped apart. If anyone saw us together right now I was dead. WAY past dead.

"Mistress Kimiko, you are needed in the galley. And Raimundo, I need someone to help me serve the guest refreshments."

I rolled my eyes at Derek. "You're going to have to find someone else Derek. I've been banned from handling all fine china. You remember last time."

Derek chuckled, "Alas, I do. But these are silver platters we shall be using. I doubt even you could break that."

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Fine, but if I spill all over Master Tohomiko's visitor, it's not my fault."

"Fair deal." Derek agreed. I stood up slowly and dusted myself off. Giving Kimiko one last fleeting smile, I followed after Derek towards the kitchen. Once there, they quickly forced some trays into my hands and piled it with food. I tried my hardest to not drop the whole thing.

"Careful Raimundo." Derek warned me, and I nodded. I followed him towards the galley, trying my best not to spill. I think a few pieces might have plunged to the ground, but there's nothing I could do to prevent that.

Derek went in first and motioned me to wait outside. Voice drifted from the room and one of them sounded… so familiar… I had no time to think about it, since a few seconds later Derek motioned me in.

'Okay, just don't drop anything and you'll be fine.' I told myself before taking a deep breath and following Derek in.

A few seconds later, I almost dropped the whole platter on the floor because of what I saw. Kimiko and Master Tohomiko were sitting on a couch and on the other side of the room sat a man. Actually, I did drop it once my mind confirmed the man was who I thought it was. The platter landed on the floor with an echoing 'clank'.

The man raised his eyebrow slightly but made no other motion.

I knew my mouth was wide open and I was gaping in shock, but I had a good reason. I knew those voices had sounded so familiar. But now I finally realized who he was.

It was the man from my dreams.

Master Tohomiko gave me a stern glare. "Raimundo, pick it up." He said. It's not that he was mean or anything, but there was a guest here, one of obvious higher status, and he had to act as expected. Which means rebuking your slave when needed.

"Y-yes master." I stuttered, bending down to pick up the tray and spilled food. I averted my eyes from the man from my dreams, fearing he was looking back at me.

Apparently they were ignoring me since I heard them starting to talk. "I'm looking for a slave. One strong and willing to work." The man casually said. I knew Master Tohomiko wasn't selling any slaves right now, but since this man was of high status he had to right to demand a slave be sold to him.

"I'm sure we can find one that will fit to your needs." Master said politely. I could tell he really didn't want to sell anyone but had no choice.

The man waved his hand in a dismissive motion. " No, I think I've already seen all I need. That boy there, what's his name?" I froze up. They were talking about me!

I could tell Master was nervous. "That is Raimundo." The man stood up and walked over to me, starting to circle me like he had in my dreams. He was observing. I didn't get up, just continued stacking things on the tray.

"Strong, quiet. He seems just like the person I need."

I glanced over at master and he didn't seem anymore happy about this then I was.

"You really don't want him. Raimundo is a very hard boy to control. He is very rebellious."

The man grinned that malicious grin of his "Then I'll just have to break him won't I?" I felt an involuntary shiver crawl down my spin.

I felt like an avalanche was falling from the sky, ready to crush my world that had just turned so nice.

And I was standing right in its path.

Life just took a turn for the worse.

Why me?

A/N: So what didja guys think? And just so you know, he's not angsty at the end, just upset, they're different. I think I'm going to keep him out of the angsty-ness for a few chapters more.

Well, see you guys in two weeks (when I get back from vacation!!) As always one review to continue, you can do me that little favor right?