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Um sorrie for not providing a glossary in the previous chapters, here are some words I used.
Hai – yes
Iie – no
Arigatou/Arigatou gosaimasu – thank you
Ohio/Ohio gosaimasu – good morning
~ - san – usually means Mr. or Ms or Mrs. Japanese ppl are very polite and they call everyone something-san or kun for younger boys, or chan for children or someone your close to, or dono to be more polite or sama to be even more polite to the point of adoration
Saiyonara – good bye
Kenjutsu – sword technique
Baka deshi – stupid pupil (Hiko thus refers to kenshin)
Aishiteru – I love you
Ikebana – Japanese flower arranging (a form of art)
Shikashi – but/however
Kimono – Japanese traditional style clothing
Yukata – light kimono usually made with cotton for wearing as a robe or on hot summer days.
Katana – Japanese long sword worn in the waist blade up.
Daijoubu desuka – are you okay?
Okay I think that covers it all….. hopefully….. pray tell if I missed something.
^^;;
Oh just a clarification about the title that I finally got around to thinking up, Kasumi's name can mean mist in Japanese. So, the word "mist" in the title is referring to her.
Standard disclaimers apply…
WARNING: Um.. this chapter is basically a bunch of WAFF!. LoL.. Probably very BAD and CHEEEEESY... lol but… my story, so :P.. hehehe.. I wont blame anyone if some rotten vegetables gets thrown my way. ^_~ There's a tiny bit of lemon in here…. I couldn't bring myself to write a whole big lemon scene... maybe next time or something lol.... probably be a sour one...... so there's like 1 line of lemon.. I was going to take it out, but I got lazy... bah.... gomen… …. Anyone think the rating should be higher?
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Chapter ThreeHiko felt his senses slowly flowing back into him as he felt her fingers' delicate caress. He was overwhelmed by soft sent of roses as he felt her lips pressed lightly against his own for a mere second before it was gone. He didn't open his eyes, nor did he give any indication that he was already awake. ::What is she doing?:: His emotions were swirling in a pool of desire and confusion. The next thing he heard was the opening of the shoji as Kasumi stepped outside. ::At this time of night?:: He puzzled over this for a moment longer but immediately snapped his eyes open as her soft whisper carried to his hears.
"Saiyonara, Hiko-san."
Had he heard her correctly? Saiyonara. Was she really leaving? Leaving him? ::No, please, don't let this be happening:: he prayed silently. Slowly getting to his feet, he noticed the small vase he'd made for her missing from his usual place in the corner. Then, eyes darting around the room, he could detect no sign of her or any of her belongings. He walked over to her folded futon and saw a small envelope
Gomen nasai Hiko-san,
I didn't want to leave you like this, in the night, alone, not even saying a proper good bye. You don't know how much I long to stay here with you.
::Then why did you leave?….::
However much I wish the events of the past week to be nothing but a dream, I have to come to terms with what happened. I am alone now, will be forever. It's just myself I have to worry about now and I can't trouble you further.
This whole "I don't want to trouble you" issue with her was really starting to get on his nerves.
I will forever be grateful for everything you've done for me. I'll carry you in my heat always, wherever I go, whatever I do, I'll be thinking of you. I hope that one day I can see you again, without the tears, without the pain, just smiles and laughter. Then, I can tell you how much you mean to me, how much I love you, and maybe, just maybe, you can tell me that you love me too. Until then Hiko-san, I'll carry you in my heart and pray you will remember me for that day when we can be together once more.
Hiko stood for a long moment in silent contemplation. He felt a sharp stab of pain when he read the confession of her feelings. ::The night she tells me she loves me, is the night that she leaves me…:: He smiled bitterly at the irony of it all while the words ran through his mind over and over. … How much u mean to me, how much I love you… how much I … love… you….He clutched the ribbon tightly in his right hand while his left still held the parchment. … I hope that one day I can see you again… be together once more…. He had made up his mind. She's going to see him sooner than she thought. Dressing quickly he stepped outside and headed straight for the clearing that was sure to be her first stop. Hiko couldn't force her to stay, ::but I can sure as hell put up a good fight.::
The forest was dark and hard to travel at this time of night. The full moon was bright in the night sky but with the thick growth of trees, not much could be seen. He decided to take to the trees and silently wondered how Kasumi could travel in these conditions and in a kimono no less.
Before long, he found himself at the edge of the small clearing. The wild flowers that blossomed around randomly filled the place with their sweet scent and beautiful colours, visible even at night. At the centre stood the small grave, marked only by an oval stone.
His heart almost skipped a beat when he saw her. Kasumi knelt on the ground, her right hand resting on the gravestone, the other at her heart. Long strands of hair wisped about in the gentle breeze as they were now unconstrained and cascaded down her back, the tips just brushing the floor in her current position. As he watched, she tilted her head upward with her eyes closed and the moonlight bathed over her satin skin, illuminating her with a radiant beauty.
In the past week, she had retreated behind an emotionless façade, just like when they had first met. But now, there were tears streaming down her cheeks, the first time she's cried since the day their peaceful life was shattered. These were tears of pain, of anguish, seeing her like this, Hiko desperately wanted to wipe away the grief and sorrow, and bring the light back to her captivating emerald green eyes.
He approached her on silent feet not sure how to offer his comfort. The words from her confession were all too fresh in his mind. Giving in to an earlier impulse, he knelt behind her and reached around to wrap her up in his embrace.
Her body stiffened beneath his arms but she didn't move away, nor did he loosen his hold. He buried his face in her hair, letting the soft floral sent surround and envelope his being. "Kasumi….." He whispered her name, almost pleadingly.
"H…Hiko-san!" The sound was full of astonishment yet musical to his ears. "How…" her voice trailed off as she turned around to face him. Her eyes were full of tears threatening to brim over and yet her cheeks were already streaked with them from moments ago. She looked at him questioningly for a few moments before the tears escaped from her eyes. She threw herself against his chest and cried while his strong arms held her tightly, comforting her, holding her safe. They stayed that way until long after she had calmed and her tears dry. The silence, as always was their companion.
"Kasumi…" She pulled away from him and shyly met his eyes. He pressed the folded parchment into her hand, "did u really mean what u wrote in that letter?"
She turned away blushing beautifully. "Hai… every word."
"Then I have a confession to make as well. I don't know when, or where, or even how this happened, but you've stolen my heart Kasumi." He smiled at her startled gasp and continued. "All my life I've been taught to protect people with my sword, with my skills, but never have I wanted or needed so much to protect anyone like I have when I look at you. I willingly sought a life away from the world, was content with my peace, until you came, and showed me just how much I was missing out. I don't know what it is about you, or maybe it's just everything about you, it just calls to me, drawing me in."
Her eyes were now once again filled with unshed tears as these words poured out of his heart.
"Where will you go, my love? You said yourself. Satoshiro isn't one to give up. If you run he'll find you. If you stay with here, at least I can pr…" he broke off then. The words sounded hollow even to his own ears. He had failed to protect her once already. Even knowing that she never blamed him, he still held himself responsible. Heaving a deep sigh, he leaned forwards to hold her again, whispering an earnest plea in her ear, "You said you are alone, but you don't have to be! Please stay… let me be with you..."
She was sobbing brokenly listening to him. "He knows where I am! He'll send more people. This time instead of two, maybe he'll send ten, or even twenty! When they come, I know you'll fight them. But I can't stand to think that, because of me, you might be hurt or even killed! I'm not worth your life!" She threw her arms around his neck, whispering urgently. "If it means that you can be safe, I would willingly go back to Satoshiro… I just want to know that you are safe… I need to know…"
Hiko tightened his embrace as her tears streamed onto his neck. "You've ruined it for me Kasumi," he felt her tense at these words, "I could never go back to the life I lived before you came along. Being with you, this is all I ever want to know. Satoshiro can send an army for all I care. What ever comes, we can face it together. Please…"
There was a moment of silence before he received his answer. "I want… more than anything to stay here… with you, if you want me." The last words were barely audible but Hiko felt like a huge boulder had just been lifted off his chest. Smiling, he answered.
"Ahh sweet girl, how can I convince you of my sincerity? Aishiteru Kasumi… I love you."
She broke into another sob at these words returning his embrace.
They walked back through the dark forest, taking the better part of an hour, enjoying each other's company. The summer heat was not as noticeable in the mountains, leaving its inhabitants in a tolerable warmth complimented by a slight breeze dancing in the air. The shoji door stood open, evidence of Hiko's hasty departure.
Inside the house, the dancing flame of a single candle cast strange, ghostly shadows onto the walls. Hiko helped Kasumi unfold her futon while she changed and readied for bed. He draped his cape over a near by chair and reflected that only a few of hours ago, he had read her written farewell standing in the same place that he was now occupying. Smiling briefly at the relief he felt now that she wasn't going anywhere. He turned to meet her just as she walked back into the room. She wore her usual sleeping robe, with strands of hair falling forward framing her face nicely.
Kasumi walked towards her bed stopping when she stood only a few feet away from him. He closed the distance and cupped her face in his hands.
"Now, promise me you'll be here in the morning."
The depth of her green eyes were mesmerizing, he had to force himself to look away as he gently grazed his lips against her forehead. She didn't speak but a gave a slight nod. Satisfied, Hiko turned towards his own bed across the room, but halted when he felt a slight tug on his arm. Before he had time to react, she had slid her hand behind his neck, pulling him down towards her. Their lips met in a fervent kiss, which he eagerly returned once he recovered from the shock at her boldness. He placed a hand on her back, holding her tightly against him while the other ran through her hair, letting the silk sift through his fingers, dimly aware that she was slowly leading him to her awaiting futon.
Ever so lightly, Kasumi ran two fingers over the skin of his neck and then down the exposed portion of his chest. if we'll all just remember what Hiko's wearing in the ova and the anime ^_^ Every gesture was calculated, every touch deliberately seductive. Then, finding the hem of his shirt, she proceeded to remove the garment with practiced ease.
The unexpected advance caught Hiko off guard once again (twice in one night!) and he pulled away ever so slightly but Kasumi had sensed the movement and took half a step back, eyes downcast. He studied her face. There was hurt and fear etched into her brow despite her obvious efforts to try and hide these feelings. From her appearance and her manners, it was so easy to forget that she wasn't as pure and innocent as she appeared to be. ::Definitely not "innocent"…::
He smiled. It wasn't as if Hiko was inexperienced. As much as he wanted to, he simply didn't think it wise to rush things, wasn't sure if she wanted to "rush" things. However, her actions tonight spoke loud and clear, he won't keep her waiting.
Kasumi began to apologize but he pressed his fingers to her lips stopping the words. She barely had time to lift her eyes before he had caught her in another passionate kiss. Softly at first, savouring the sweetness of her mouth against his, then the kiss turned possessive as he plunged his tongue into her mouth with a frantic need until he felt her melt under his onslaught.
His fingers found their way to the sash at her waist and pulling it away in one swift motion, letting it drop to the floor beside the futon. His shirt soon joined the pile of fabric as he scooped her up and eased down onto the bed. The silk still of her robe hung about her shoulders but he reached into the open garment caressing her curves as his eyes travelled the length of her body.
"So beautiful…" he whispered in awe as her pale, satin skin, shone in the moonlight.
Her fingers found the belt at his waist tugging weakly as he trailed kisses down her neck to one shoulder. His hand covered her smaller ones, holding then tightly as he nibbled on her earlobe.
"Are you're sure this is what you want?…" Hiko wasn't even sure why he asked. Her taste was like nectar to his lips and he didn't think he could stop himself should she have informed him that she was 'unsure'.
Her voice was rasped with her reply, "As sure as the air I breathe… I want… you…"
At these words, he didn't hesitate to comply.
Her slight stirring was enough to pull him out of the peaceful slumber. The room was lit with a rosy glow as the sun was just coming over the horizon. It was early, way too early on a midsummer's morning, and yet Kasumi was already getting up and no doubt heading towards the kitchen. Hiko placed his arm across her shoulder and gently but insistently pulled her back onto the futon next to him, burying his face in the softness of her hair.
"The river won't dry if u don't get the water now, nor will the tea disappear if u don't make it right away," He mumbled the words into her ear as he spread one hand over the bare skin at her stomach, "and little more sleep couldn't hurt."
"I know, but I don't think I can sleep anymore."
"Do you ever get tired?" he chuckled.
She laughed a little, "I do! But I'm accustomed to rising early. Sleep was never something that I had the luxury of having in excess."
"Well no matter, we can just as easily pass the time with other things." He said mischievously while his hand left her stomach, trailing downwards. He hooked one of her legs with his own, spreading hers apart, and before she could realize what he meant to do, he slid two fingers inside her. The astonished gasp brought a smile to Hiko's lips. She arched her back in an involuntary response leaving the soft skin of her neck exposed, and he took full advantage of this, planting fiery kisses on heated flesh.
A while later, she snuggled up against his chest and sighed contently. "For as long as I can remember, I have never felt as safe, or happy, as I do in your arms. I want this to last forever…"
He placed a kissed her forehead, breathing in her scent, savouring the moment. "No more than what I want… marry me…"
She lifted her head to meet his eyes. There was a long pause before she answered. She looked at him, her eyes forlorn, "I don't want you to feel obligated to marry me merely because of last night… you deserve to have someone who is pure, someone who isn't tainted by so much death…"
"Hush… you may not think so, but your heart is pure. You've been through so much, yet you hold no hatred for those who have caused your pain. I see in you, a selflessness that I've rarely seen in anyone else, especially for someone who lives in this era. I love you, I want to marry you, but the choice is yours. I won't go against your wishes. I also won't make you my mistress."
After a few minutes, when she still didn't answer, Hiko sat up with a resigned sigh, but her arms went around his waist almost immediately, hugging his back tightly to her bare chest.
"I love you," she whispered, "I want nothing more than to be your wife, but I have nothing to offer you except my heart. I can't even give you any children…"
"Your love is all I need." He turned to embrace her. "I don't have much to give you either, but I promise, anything that I do have, I will share with you…"
She nodded and hugged him even tighter.
The sun was up, and the morning rays spilled in through the windows calling the lovers from their rest.
"How about I make the tea today. You stay put, I'll only be a while."
He felt her eyes follow him as he rose and dressed, picking up his clothes from the hastily discarded pile on the wood floor, then, pressing a quick kiss to her lips, he headed for the kitchen.
When he came back only a short while later, she was still resting on her futon. Hiko set the tray on the nearby table then poured the steaming green liquid, but found it hard to take his eyes off her. Laying on her side, she had donned her sleeping robe but it was neither tied nor did it wrap fully about her. One hand propped up her head, while the other lazily grazed the length of his katana, which had been left by her bed the previous night. This minor interest she took in examining his sword brought an idea to his head, which he spoke before having the chance to thoroughly think it through.
"Do you want to learn how to use one?" She had that affect on him. He often found himself speaking his thoughts before he was able to gather and calculate the words. ::Under different circumstances, this could be dangerous…:: However, spoken words cannot be unsaid, and he did see a few advantages to this arrangement.
Kasumi looked up, eyes were wide with astonishment. She opened her mouth to speak but no sound came out for several seconds.
"You mean… a Katana?"
"Yes. If you like." She sat upright still looking a bit bewildered. So, he continued, "I know you probably think it's strange for me to ask, however, as much as I'd like to try, I can't be by your side every minute, every second, and I want to know that you're safe. He know where you are now, it's only a matter of time before someone else shows up…" A pause. "And it'll give you something to do other house work." He added with a grin, trying to lighten the mood.
She stared at him with eyes held fire in their depth, then, spoke firm and determined. "I want to learn."
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*gag*….. *GAG*… omg.. that was SOO hard to write!!…. sorrie it took so long… and I tried to finish it as soon as possible without making it too too bad… … *runs towards the bathroom….. throws up….* bleh… oh how do all those romance authors do it!!?? Lol…. Gotta learn their secret!!.. well.. I mean I love romance stories!. They're VERY sweet ^_^ but writing one is totally different!
Oh yeah. Did Hiko seem OOC so far?? I don't know. He seems to me like a guy who knows what he wants and goes after it, but … that's just me, I could be wrong.
Sorrie to end this chapter here. I was really getting frustrated and I thought a new chapter might help.