Rurouni Kenshin OVA (Independent Series)
"Dominating Fate"
By: Goddess Nekko
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Disclaimer/Warning: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or any of its characters, I just felt like creating my own OVA series, and so I will. Do not bother to sue me, I have no money anyway - this is just all in good fun! As I said, this is the chapter where the lemon takes place, so if you would like not to read it (or shouldn't) please, please be patient for chapter 3(uh, for Tomoe's response please read the first few paragraphs lol… I know I know! Be patient with me)! Thanks, and continue on!
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Author's Notes: Hi again! I have totally redrafted this particular chapter, so please give it another read if you have time! I promise it will be worth it! If you are a first-timer, then, welcome! This doesn't get too graphic, but it IS sex, so, you can't say I didn't warn you. Whenever I write a lemon, as well, I keep it as tasteful as I can. I hate writer's who take such a beautiful thing and, well, DESTROY it! I am confident enough to guarantee your satisfaction, so please take your time. I am a huge fan of slow, careful, love scenes, so no worries! Yet, later on, I DO want to explore Battousai a bit, but you'll be warned about that. Anyway, please enjoy and give me any feedback, any thoughts, you may have! I worked SO hard on this, and I just want everyone to enjoy it as much as I do!!!
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Chapter 2: The Calm Before the Storm
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Tomoe was helpless to control the tears that fell unbidden down her cheeks, born from the joyous bliss her lover's soft words evoked in her. These new feelings were so extraordinary, so innocent and exhilarating, she was left defenseless against the euphoric tidal wave of emotion that crashed upon her. Almost immediately she reached to wrap her arms around him, drawing him impossibly closer as the last of her sorrows were shed with the crystal droplets that stained her already moist skin.
"Kenshin… Kenshin… Anata…" she voiced in an elated whisper, her heart quickening as she trailed kisses over his shapely face, his curved jaw. Saying his name for the first time, it was that distinction that promised her true feelings. After so long she believed she could finally move on from Akira's death, to lock their sweetest memories into her heart always, and begin life anew with this man who had given her a new happiness. This man who smiled softly upon her, his strong arms protectively holding her delicate body so carefully against his own. She sighed, holding him tighter, and Kenshin closed his eyes as he breathed deep of her sweet scent, nuzzling her neck to silently reassure her.
"Koishii… I won't let go… I promise you I will never let go…" he vowed, his voice no louder than a whisper. In response her grip merely tightened, a silent sob escaping her lips. No ceremony, no extravagance, no fuss… Kenshin had professed his deepest feelings and she answered him - answered him with her own devotion and need. Her decisive, committed response chased away the last of his doubts, leaving him content just to hold her as they shared in the new emotions unlocked by the trust, the love, they had found in each other.
Softly murmuring to her, Kenshin loosed his hold and leaned back, needing to look into her eyes. Reluctantly Tomoe complied, not wanting to pull herself away from him, though she eagerly met his gaze. Her features softened as she met the deep, sapphire orbs of her husband, regaining her composure as she brushed a tear from his cheek, lightly smiling. Slowly Kenshin lifted a dripping hand to his face, shocked by the presence of that single tear. Yet, in these last few moments as his soul had been laid bare before them, he knew it had been out of his control. He was filled with such an intense yet silent emotion he almost feared it, but as he looked to Tomoe, her steady gaze eased him. He could do nothing but stare whence his eyes met hers.
I wish you knew how beautiful you are when you smile like that…
And instantly his lips were upon hers.
Contentment and security were the long dismissed tinder that sparked to life as fears and doubts were cast aside, the simple flame engulfing all restraints as it roared to life, leaving the newly betrothed couple to indulge in passions so long ignored - denied. Tomoe ran her hands over Kenshin's bare back, pressing against each muscle, a quiet sigh escaping his mouth from the feel of her soft hands against his skin. The planes of his chest were hard and slick, tapering to a solid, slightly concave abdomen, warm against her bare breasts, teasing the sensitive skin as he moved lightly against her.
Kenshin's heartbeat began to quicken, breaking their kisses intermittently so he could regain control of his breathing, but her flesh… so soft, so vulnerable under his fingertips… He groaned quietly, forcing himself to find control. Roughly he trailed his kisses from Tomoe's blushing lips to her soft cheek, along her jaw, breathing in her sweet scent as he nibbled her ear.
Tomoe gasped softly, her body sparking with a pleasure that shivered up her spine even in the unrelenting heat of the water that lapped around them. His careful, intimate actions touched her very soul, silently telling her of all he felt. So light were his caresses, so sensual; and she sighed, trusting him to take care of her.
Kenshin's blood began pumping in his veins, the pressure building in his groin as her fingernails bit lightly into his skin, knowing she was unable to control the small movement as his lips caressed her neck, his mouth open and hungry as he nipped and suckled the pearled flesh. Never before had his feelings been so entangled, and he wished for nothing more than to give her all he could, to let her feel every earthly pleasure and whatever else that lay hidden in the heavens…
Carefully he let his hands fall lower, resting at the small of her back before he gently lifted her above the water, revealing the swell of her breasts as his teeth slid over her jugular. Caressing her with his kisses, he let his mouth wander over her collarbone, suckling against her soft flesh, his hold tightening as she gave a broken sigh. His teeth grazed her shoulder as he lifted her higher, shivering undetectably as he gazed helplessly upon her rounded chest, the pinkish rose-colored tips.
The cold chilling her exposed body, his careful touches along her skin… her body reacted strongly to his actions, and she bit her bottom lip as he pressed the warmth of his mouth against the tip of her aching peak. He glanced upward as her hands clenched around his defined shoulders, his eyes glossy, almost carnal with desire as he bid his tongue to play against the sensitive nub taut at the tip of her breast. He was rewarded by the way she gasped beneath him, her body sensitized and yearning for his touch, and inwardly he grinned at her inability to control the small sounds that escaped through her parted lips.
Lightly he nibbled the pink tip, Tomoe's gasps followed by the clenching of her hands against his flesh, desperate fingers threading through his crimson mane. Carefully he rolled the taut nub with his tongue, savoring the way she reacted to his touch, suckling against it gently. Tomoe moaned softly, instantly biting her lip in an effort to control the sounds, but Kenshin merely grinned, leading his mouth away from the swollen pink nub to suckle against the creamy flesh of her breast.
Tomoe shivered under the feel of his hot mouth upon her chilled flesh, gasping again as he led his mouth to the breast he had neglected while pleasuring the first. The way she arched into his touch, seeking deeper contact, Kenshin released a soft groan as he lightly nipped against her. She gasped softly, and he took the sensitive tip into his mouth, his tongue eagerly stroking against it. He suckled against it softly, utterly astounded by the fierce passion that heated his blood hearing each and every purr and moan that left his lover's lips. He looked up at her as he let his tongue flicker against her, his eyes darkening with desire as his gaze fell upon her parted, panting lips, a single raven strand clinging teasingly to the soft flesh.
It was almost more than he could bear, and bringing his head up, he caught those sweet lips roughly with his own. She gasped once more, and Kenshin took hold of the opportunity before him, sliding his tongue into the honeyed cavern of her mouth.
Tomoe held onto him, eyes shut tight in concentration, her tongue slowly dancing forth to answer as the initial shock of what he had done began to fade. She was awestricken by the feel of his tongue stroking her own, finding herself eagerly responding to his every motion, the sensations utterly arousing to her heightened senses.
Tomoe was breathless as Kenshin almost savagely took her mouth, his arm draping up her body as the other secured itself firmly around her waist. He was indulging almost recklessly in the unfamiliar yet intriguing battle against the velvet stroke of her tongue as he suddenly pulled her completely against his lean frame. Tomoe's breath caught in her throat, Kenshin unable to stifle a moan, as he pressed his erection between her thighs. He had been careful to keep his hips drawn back earlier as he consoled her, but now he was helpless against the licentious demands of his body. The throbbing between his legs was steadily becoming more insistent, an adrenaline pumping his blood that he could not name - that shocked him by its almost animal-like ferocity.
"Kenshin… Kenshin…!" Tomoe panted on a broken breath as his length agonizingly teased the sensitive flesh between her thighs. Crushing his lips to hers, Kenshin's tongue quickly sought entrance, plundering her mouth as a foreign yet welcomed pleasure shot through his body being pressed so intimately against her silken folds. Tomoe fought back the slick member seeking dominance in her mouth, becoming utterly breathless as a forceful, tingling wave of sensation rippled through her, fanning from her abdomen. Tomoe then moaned aloud, breaking abruptly from the kiss, her back arching reflexively as Kenshin's hips bucked lightly against her. Burning flesh against flesh, eager, yearning… A knot was tightening low in her stomach, and Tomoe leaned forward to rest her head in the crook of her lover's shoulder, simply wishing to regain control of her breathing…
So close… so close he held her, so heatedly he kissed her, passion overtaking self-control… He wanted to give to her… give to her until she was screaming… He hungered for her warmth, her sweetness, letting his hot breath fall onto her naked shoulder, uncertainty and naivete detaining him from proceeding further. Yet just as Kenshin realized his drawback, his complete inexperience, he was jerked from the privilege of conscious thought as sensation seared his every nerve.
Kenshin's eyes shot open, staring into the dark glittering topaz of Tomoe's heated gaze. He held her gaze longingly, unbelieving, before they once again slid shut. She had so softly, surprisingly, taken hold of his swollen shaft, eliciting a low moan from her lover that whispered through his parted lips. Her silken hands firmly holding his aching member… The thought alone was enough to make him dizzy with desire, and he trembled undetectably as she inadvertently created a subtle friction against his every nerve, sending a tingling wave of heat over his body. Tomoe felt the slight clenching of his hands upon her body as she gingerly guided him towards what he had unconsciously sought, leaving him awestruck by her actions but more than willing to let her assist.
Tomoe couldn't resist a smile as an almost giddy fascination struck her finding Kenshin so utterly innocent in the ways of a man and woman - obvious in how he faltered with the next step. His breathing was unsteady as she timidly, cautiously, positioned him at her entrance, the contact of his tip against her sensitized, hidden flesh creating a sensation that sparked like electricity through her body, echoed in the slight trembling of his own. Her grip around him tightened almost automatically as his hips gave a small jerk forward of their own accord. Kenshin uttered a low grunt feeling the added pressure, but when she loosed her grip and the second tremor overtook him, he pushed forward, overcome by a sharp surge of satisfaction as he met and quickly pushed through the resistive wall of heat deep inside her.
"Tomoe!" he choked as she cried out softly beneath him, her body clenching around him. Pleasure and need coursed through his blood, and he groaned feeling Tomoe's tight, hot sheath enveloping him. Yet, the sound of her startled, pained cry kept him attentive to her comfort.
After a few moments when the initial shock had faded and Kenshin's mind cleared, he looked upon Tomoe, regret filling his senses. Her breath was coming in short gasps, her hands gripping him bruisingly tight, lightly biting her lower lip as she waited for the pain to subside. Kenshin watched her quietly, a worried expression on his face. What have I done…?
He struggled to gain control of his body, forcing it to stillness as he nuzzled her neck. Lightly he kissed her cheeks, lifting his face to gaze upon her. She opened her eyes to meet his as he placed a loving kiss against the tip of her nose, baffled even further as a content smile shaped her blushing lips.
"Tomoe… Are you all right? I felt… I broke through…" I didn't know it would be so painful for you… He felt regret that the profound pleasure the swift movement had sent crashing over him had ultimately brought her pain. Yet, any sign of upset was absent from her face as she soothingly stroked over the soaked strands of his hair, a tiny, breathy giggle reaching his ears.
"Anata… I was a virgin… and now I am yours," she whispered softly. Reality struck Kenshin suddenly, remembering in broken thoughts a conversation he had heard so long ago while sitting with some drunken Ishin after a long meeting. Virgin… Your virgin barrier… So I… I was your first then, my love… He kissed away the single tear that had escaped down her cheek, grinning softly with relief as he placed another upon the tip of her nose, brushing his lips lightly across her brow.
"Why didn't you tell me, koishii? I didn't want - never want - to hurt you," he whispered, tracing more kisses along her flushed face. She answered him with the delicate smile that eased even the torrential depths of his soul.
"No matter the preparation, the first time… would be this way," she replied simply, softly, taking a deep breath. Kenshin watched her curiously, about to disagree, but she pressed a slim finger lightly against his lips foreseeing his reaction. Holding his gaze with her own, she exhaled, her hands threading through his hair as she pulled him to her for a kiss.
Yet, she teased him, gently stroking his bottom lip with the tip of her tongue, Kenshin silencing a groan as his hips once again responded with a slight jerk - and Tomoe felt him fully. He had pushed into her up to the hilt, biting down upon his desire as he waited for her, so careful with her in his arms… And Tomoe's eyes brimmed with tears, fully understanding the intensity of what love could be, Kenshin swallowing what he most desired to be sure she was ready for him - ready for their first coupling. The purity of the emotion streamed through her, bringing her to forget the pain that was swiftly becoming no more than a passing thought… and she moaned at how perfectly, completely, he filled her.
Unwilling to move until he was convinced of his love's comfort, Kenshin delicately caressed her lips with his own, his rough hands leisurely stroking over her flesh promising there was no rush. Yet, she returned the kiss, holding his attention as her legs found their way around his waist, pulling him closer against her, gasping as she felt him deeper still.
Kenshin released a deep, calming breath as he groaned softly, new confidence replacing his hesitation, encouraged by her response. Letting his instincts guide him, he slowly pulled away from the tight heat of her body, delicately stroking back inside with the same careful attention. The friction left no nerve untouched, and again he moved - his mind conscious of nothing but her tight heat, her slender body against his, the way she gasped as he moved.
Tomoe's hands fell upon his shoulders, gripping him tightly, Kenshin supporting her weight with his trained arms, holding her as he partially leaned them against the wall of the spring. She stroked over the defined muscles of his biceps as he pushed himself into her again, his pace slow as he eased into a rhythm. He continued cautiously, aware that each time he pushed forward, Tomoe's thighs tightened against his waist as if trying to stop him, and if only simply for her, he would control himself. He struggled against his ardor, willing himself to silence the voice that demanded movement - that demanded he pummel into her with reckless abandon and watch her as she screamed...
Tomoe, moderately able to concentrate on her beloved, watched his face curiously as all his inner struggles reflected on the telltale features of his face. He was holding back, she knew - and all for her. The knowledge made her heady, wanting to give him everything she had to offer, willingly surrendering her body to his desires. Yet, he was still fighting against the demands of his body, and she moaned as he pushed into her ever so gently, reacquainted with the pure bliss of his fullness each time he moved.
She smiled softly, meeting his next gentle thrust with the push of her hips, her eyes sparkling as his opened, startled, to meet her gaze - to be sure her eyes reflected the willingness and want her actions spoke of. She saw the question there - not demanding, simply asking - and she arched deeply against him, gasping on a broken breath as he pushed into her again. It was all he could stand before the last of his restraints snapped, finally succumbing to the fierce urgency that set his soul ablaze.
Several forceful thrusts and his groin continued to throb, a shallow cry echoing in his body that was begging for release as the tension built with every powerful movement of his hips. Gentleness rode thin as Tomoe cried out beneath him, forcing her hips to meet his every thrust, each forceful jerk driving him deeper still, their bodies grinding together in a rhythm steadily growing more heated, more desperate. Kenshin was panting now, the sensuous body of his wife arching into his touch rousing his senses to an almost painful awareness of everything he felt.
Hurriedly he withdrew himself, forcefully pushing back inside, the water splashing haphazardly around them as he pumped his hips against her with a fervor. His body was burning from exertion, thrumming with need, his sweat washed away by the clean spring water… and his body was screaming now, each thrust bringing him that much closer to reaching his peak. Something he hailed and cursed, enveloped in the pure bliss of sealing the love he and his wife had voiced seemingly moments ago, knowing the kaleidoscope of emotion and sensation would ultimately reach its finality and bring them back down to earth.
Tomoe was crying out beneath him, the careless, desperate slide of her fingernails against his skin going unnoticed as her legs tightened desperately around him. Her mind was entangled in sensation, aware of only her love's body moving against hers, his name falling in ardent whimpers from her lips. She moaned, her silken voice dripping with ecstasy as the intense pleasure overwhelmed her every nerve, every broken thought. Her body was screaming for the finality, the release hovering just out of reach - her soft but persistent pleading ultimately compelling Kenshin to obey with relentless bucking thrusts.
Repeatedly Kenshin rotated his hips against her, forcing himself deeper still, as his entire body began to tense on the verge of completion. He ground his hips against hers, trying to ride out the sensations wracking his body. The pressure continued to build, Kenshin feeling as though he would explode, when in one overwhelming wave of penultimate pleasure, his body held rigid and he was left defenseless against the crashing waves of his release. He forced himself deep inside Tomoe once more as her name fell in a hoarse cry from his lips, releasing his seed inside her, clutching her almost painfully tight against him. It was at that moment he was aware of the slight trembling of Tomoe's body just before she too fell victim to the sparkling oblivion of their culmination, gasping his name on a broken scream. Sheer pleasure tingled against his every nerve feeling the final, telltale tremors of her climax, Tomoe wrapping her delicate arms around him so tightly he could scarcely breathe until mere moments later when she fell limp, panting, in his arms.
Never… I've never felt anything like this...!
Once the intensity of the sensations began to ebb, he fell weakly against her, his breathing heavy and warm against her neck, pressing her against the edge of the spring. He was shocked he could no longer support her, nonetheless himself, but he was content to know he wasn't crushing her under his weight. She lay under him, gasping softly, her love still buried deep within her.
His powerful adrenaline drained, Kenshin carefully slid out and forced himself to roll to his side, leaning against the earthen wall of the spring, relieved to find a satisfactory seat to recline against. Mustering the last of his strength, he gathered Tomoe's limp form into his arms, depositing her onto his lap. She lay there comfortably, her contented breaths falling against his chest, a match for his own unsteady breathing.
Kenshin closed his eyes, letting his head fall back as he tried to take it all in, but was aware of only his love, his soul mate, as they lay there in the after glow. He placed a kiss upon her forehead, followed by a deep breath, keeping his arms wrapped lightly around her. Distantly Tomoe registered an almost empty feeling when he had pulled out from her, but she was content to be cuddled against his chest, the extra attention as he carefully fit her against him so comforting, considerate, it brought a small smile to her lips. Though, she mused, it was true enough… You fit perfectly, my love…
They lay silently in the spring, tiny ripples lapping at their skin. The sun overhead had moved a good deal further toward the horizon, but they had a few hours before the darkness of evening would set in. Kenshin took another deep, calming breath and rested his head against Tomoe's, eyes closed in a blissful, comfortable exhaustion.
I am yours…
She had spoken the words in such earnest, and he knew he could never tell her in words all he felt for her. It shocked him how comforted and relaxed he felt just to hold her. Her very presence brought peace to his soul… And he hated to have to disturb her, to disturb this perfect moment. She was so contented, so adorable, and carefully he stroked her cheek wishing they could stay that way forever…
For a little longer… Let us stay like this just a little longer…
Long moments passed as they shared in the quiet, the closeness. Slowly Tomoe opened her eyes, relieved to find Kenshin's content, exhausted face smiling softly upon her. She nuzzled her cheek against him lightly before nestling her head onto his shoulder with a contented sigh.
"Mm… Anata… I don't want to move," she breathed against him. Gently he hushed her, placing a kiss upon the top of her head, lips caressed by her silken hair.
"Shh… I know, koishii… I don't want to either," he whispered. He felt Tomoe smile against his skin, the movement tickling his flesh, delighted by the feel of it.
"But… my fingers," she argued weakly, looking disapprovingly at the pruning pads of her skin. Kenshin merely chuckled, a soft laugh that reverberated against his chest, and Tomoe glanced up at him.
"I thought you said you didn't want to move…" he replied, his voice gentle with humor as he stroked his hand affectionately over her back. She answered him with a soft exhale, closing her eyes as she tiredly rested against him. His own eyelids were pulling shut, wanting nothing more than to fall asleep with her in his arms, but he also wanted to get her home - warm and dry in a futon… a futon they would share as husband and wife.
Kenshin's arms tightened around her as the thought caressed him, breathing deep of her scent, finding it had always been a soothing balm to the troubled thoughts that snuck into his mind. Yet, those lingering thoughts were silenced as Tomoe let out a soft sound, remarkably similar to a purr, just before she moved to rise.
"I suppose we should return home," she observed as she tried to pull herself up, finding it a most difficult task as dizziness, born from exhaustion, struck her and she fell lightly back into his arms. Kenshin watched her with careful eyes, knowing full well that he would have to force himself to get up if they were to make it home that day.
"Aa."
Grinning, he set to his task, Tomoe looking up at him with a confused glance as one hand slipped underneath her legs, the other supporting her back as he lifted her from the water. Her hand reached up to him, her arms wrapping around his neck, Kenshin fighting a shiver as a cool wind blew against his naked, dripping body. He felt Tomoe press against him, seeking warmth, but she voiced no complaint as he brought them to the tree patiently holding their clothes and clean robes. He placed a kiss against her forehead as he reluctantly began to set her down.
"Sumanu, but I want to get you home," he explained, retrieving one robe from the branch and helping her slip into it, willing himself not to gape at her beautiful, slender, naked body. She nodded, letting her gaze wander over him, memorizing each chiseled curve, the flex of his muscles as he moved… just before he covered himself with his own yukata. Tomoe did all she could just to keep herself standing, still weak in the grips of exhaustion.
Kenshin pressed a hand to their clothes, finding the fabric only slightly damp, walking back to the edge of the spring to collect the soaps he had brought. As he returned he smiled at Tomoe, his gaze falling upon her curiously, noting the way she so carefully held her yukata in place, cheeks slightly pink. She must be feeling modest… He grinned at the thought, beginning to bundle their clothes together. Unbeknownst to him, she had indeed noticed the way he had unconsciously let his gaze linger upon her naked form.
"Let me," Tomoe insisted as she reached for her own garments, shaking off the modesty, but Kenshin merely brushed her hand away. Lifting the pile into his arms, he slipped his feet into his sandals, waiting for Tomoe as she did the same, hooking her arm through his after she had gathered her small collection of bottles and soaps. He inclined his head towards hers and she met his lips, the two sharing a gentle, lingering kiss before they began the walk back toward their small home.
The forest was quiet, the couple sharing in the silence that was nature. Tomoe looked up toward the sky, letting Kenshin guide her as her mind wandered, the rain clouds holding a silvery glow as the sun slowly neared its departure from the sky. So beautiful… Tomoe gave Kenshin's arm a gentle squeeze, and he glanced toward her, his eyes softening as he found her looking so content…
"I'll have to wash these," Tomoe observed, her gaze falling onto the bundle in his arms, inspecting the fabric of her kimono. Kenshin looked from her to the stained light blue of the cloth, nodding in agreement.
"However… I was the one to start that… so please don't give it a second thought," he replied, his voice slightly rough after the prolonged use. Tomoe's gentle gaze traveled to his face, his small smile warming her heart. She nodded lightly in acknowledgment of his offer, though she would not let him perform the task come tomorrow. Yet, she couldn't shake the surprise she felt from his response. He was more than willing to take care of the chore, though as a man he had no need to worry of such things having a wife. She wondered what it would be like living this new life, how things would change between them. She had found a new happiness, a new love that freed her from the madness of her hate-filled vengeance, and she swore she would not let herself feel regret.
Akira-san… I know you hate this man, but in dreams you are so tolerant… Even though I have let myself move on, to create a new life with him, your face is always so gentle… I had not been prepared to find out he is simply a man, but it is true I have seen it… You too had seen something in him, hadn't you…? She leaned her head onto her husband's shoulder, a sigh escaping her remembering the pomegranate blossom Akira had held, Kenshin's even stride keeping her settled comfortably against him as she mused over the visions of her recurring dream. Why should I be thinking of it now…?
Kenshin was attentive to her every movement, every passing breath… He felt the slight clenching of her hand against his arm, the action similar to what she had done just hours before during their walk to the spring, and he couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking… Couldn't ignore the fact the small action may have been caused by an inner pain she would not speak of, the realization making him uneasy. What thoughts are calling your attentions from me, beloved?
"Tomoe?" he voiced, worry sneaking into his relaxed tone. She lifted her head to offer him a reassuring smile, and relief quickly washed over him. Her smile, her eyes… The truth of her peaceful state was evident in the sparkling, fathomless depths of her almond gaze.
"Mm… What is it, love?" she asked softly. He merely answered her with a small grin, his gaze drawn once again to the trail before him as he shook his head.
"Nothing," he replied, his voice light. Tomoe watched him curiously, but whatever his reasons, she could not trace any hints of upset or worry. Kenshin noticed, could feel, her eyes upon him and leaned his head in to nuzzle her hair, placing a kiss against the bound strands.
"Well, actually, I'm upset that I never thought to take your hair down," he admitted. He laughed inwardly realizing it truly had been a thought forgotten during their lovemaking. Yet, bringing her attention to the subject, Tomoe couldn't help but stroke the loose, dripping strands of his crimson mane. Lightly she played with his hair as they walked, finding the deep red slightly hypnotic, stirring memories of harsher dreams.
Softly exhaling, Tomoe leaned her head against his shoulder, heat radiating comfortingly from his cloth-covered skin. I will not think of it… He has found happiness, and I won't deny him this new life… If I can, Kenshin, I will keep you safe… I will lead you away from the fate I have woven with my own hands… I will be your sheath and help you to tame the darker side of your soul…
"It's so peaceful, isn't it? The sun setting, the clouds silent…" Tomoe observed, speaking with an appreciative detachment. Kenshin nodded, a small grin on his face.
"Aa. I have never known such peace until… until you came into my life… Not for many years have I simply been able to indulge in the simplicity of life, to realize what my own had become…" There was a long pause before he continued. "Not until now did I really know how lonely I was, and even though we hardly spoke a word to each other in the beginning, I became fonder of your presence each day… I never thought…"
I never thought I could escape the madness of what my life had become… I never thought the stench of blood would leave me, but now… all I know is your sweet scent…
Tomoe gazed upon him softly. Anata, I share what you feel… The loneliness, the anger, was overwhelming… During my time with you I have come to realize you have brought warmth to my pained soul, forced me to reevaluate my motives… I never thought I could accept you, I had never wanted to… But now you have become so dear to my heart… I was unprepared to learn the truth of what you are, how human… I will live on for Akira-san, I will save your soul… That is the only thing left I can do that will make any impact on the future… Though, my love, you make me wonder such a sad thing…
Had you ever known love in your life until now…?
Though Kenshin had left his sentence unfinished, Tomoe decided it was best to let it be, resting her head once again on Kenshin's shoulder as he guided them up the last of the path to their home. Tomoe slid open the door, and as they entered, Kenshin dropped the clothing to the side of the doorway while stepping out of his sandals, quickly moving to build a fire to rid the chill from their home.
Tomoe watched him through her lashes, hurrying to ready their futon, wanting nothing more than to curl up in the warm comfort of the heavy blankets. Quickly enough Kenshin had sparked the fire to a low flicker, adding on a bit of dried leaves and a few logs, watching the infant flame for a few moments until he was sure it would build. With this done he turned to Tomoe, finding her adding the finishing touches to their bed, grinning to himself as he crept up silently behind her.
Tomoe gave a startled cry as strong arms enfolded her into a tight embrace, smiling as Kenshin placed a feather-light kiss against the nape of her neck, sending light shivers through her slightly chilled body.
"Anata," she whispered, wishing to scold him but finding her energy lacking. He nuzzled her neck, placing another kiss along the silken flesh before urging her under the blankets. Readily she followed, only comfortable when Kenshin's arms found their way around her body, pulling her against him. She closed her eyes and sighed, Kenshin meeting her gaze as she looked up at him moments after. He noticed sadly that even though her eyes held happiness, there was a slight glimmer of sadness hidden within their depths.
"Tomoe… what is it? Do you regret-"
Instantly Tomoe silenced him with her lips. He closed his eyes only momentarily, and after she broke the kiss to meet his gaze, she found worry dominant in the glittering oceans before her. She wanted to reassure him, but she wanted even more to tell him the truth… Yet, this sharing was still so new, and she knew deep in her heart she must wait, if she could muster the courage to tell him at all.
"Anata, I will never regret what happened today. You… you have given me a happiness I never thought could exist… and I… I feel so unworthy of it…" she confided softly. In answer, Kenshin merely held her tighter.
"If only you knew, Tomoe… I know I don't deserve you… I have lived in darkness, only brought death to the world, and I have stolen happiness from countless peoples' lives… But you are here with me, you have given me the second chance I never dared hope to find, and I have made up my mind to atone for my sins… I want to be worthy of life, of your love, even if I have to spend the rest of my life trying to earn it. I'm sorry you had to become involved with me, but without you I don't even want to imagine what my life may have become, " Kenshin whispered softly. Tomoe could see him wince from the truth in his words, could feel the slight trembling of his body, and she instantly reprimanded herself for speaking so thoughtlessly. He had closed his eyes tightly in an effort to shut out the pain, however Tomoe struggled against his binding grasp and pressed her lips firmly to his, hoping to draw him away from the pain of his thoughts. At first he didn't respond, but after her gentle prodding he answered, caressing her lips with his once more before breaking from the kiss as he felt a teardrop fall onto his cheek. Worriedly he looked to Tomoe, his eyes soft.
"Anata, you are so strong. You have lived with such pain in your heart, known nothing but this dark side of life… Because of you I myself have learned how to enjoy life again. I know I have not shown it often, but I am content to be here with you. I had known only sadness for the last year, forgotten what happiness was… and I thought I could never return to those days. You have given me hope, and I know deep in my heart you have to continue this war we have been hiding from. I want to be your sheath, to help you beyond this and into the new era you have been fighting for. Kenshin, please, I want… I want to be by your side… so you won't have to face it alone… I want a life with you…"
Kenshin's eyes were wide. Tomoe was pouring the words of her heart into her hands, willingly offering them to him. She was crying… She was crying because she felt so strongly for him. She believed in him, understood what must be done.
My… sheath…? I think I understand now…
"Tomoe…"
He gathered her into his arms, holding onto her as though she was life itself. He knew now there was no turning back. He had to finish what he had begun, make sure the lives he had taken would not be in vain. His wife, his love, his soul mate stood beside him and he knew he could overcome the darkness.
"Tomoe, koishii, ai sh'teru… Ai sh'teru…!"
Softly Tomoe hushed him, lightly stroking his hair, sighing as she felt a heavy weight being lifted from her soul as she finally set free the words of her heart. She took a deep breath, her first breath of this new life.
"I am with you always… When we are separated, never forget that… And remember… I am yours. Ai sh'teru, anata," Tomoe whispered. Kenshin's grip tightened almost painfully around her before his arms loosed seconds later, leaning to kiss away her tears.
"You will see the dawning of a new era, koishii, and I will return to you," he vowed softly. She smiled, eased by the promise he whispered into her ear, and they shared another kiss before Kenshin settled comfortably beside her.
"Sleep, my love," Tomoe whispered, continuing to stroke his hair, indulging in the warmth that danced between them. She took a deep breath, Kenshin's musk drifting into her senses, relaxing in his embrace. A deep exhale passed from his lips as he gave his wife an affectionate squeeze, nuzzling his cheek against her hair before he too relaxed, snuggling close to her. Yet, not until Kenshin's breathing became steady did Tomoe finally let sleep claim her, resting contentedly against him.
Kenshin smiled feeling her soft, small body fall into the gentle hands of slumber. He opened his eyes and gazed upon her, moving a strand of hair from her face before placing a kiss to her lips, silently reaffirming his vow. He would live his life because she had taught him how… And as his mind became hazy and the fire crackled and snapped in its familiar, relaxing fashion, he too drifted to sleep knowing his love was safe in his arms.
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Translations:
Koishii: 'beloved'
Anata: 'beloved' (to parallel koishii)
Ai sh'teru: 'I love you.'
Sumanu: 'I'm sorry.'
Aa: 'yes'
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Author's Notes: Okay, I totally redrafted this chapter… Well, okay, I only really added to it and changed some stuff but, hey… Anyway, I am SO happy with it now, and I really hope you are as well! Now I can stop worrying about these and hurry up with chapter three, but I got so busy with school then got the flu and was REALLY sick and bedridden for like a week that, well… I haven't written anything in a while. I am about halfway done with it, but when this was posted, I believe so will chapter 3 have been. In any case, thank you for reading and reviews are always welcome! It's easier to continue when I know my efforts are being enjoyed by others!!! Thank you all!!!
Tomoe & Kenshin Forever
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