DISCLAIMER:
I don't own RK!



*Chp 16a - THE MANDATORY MUSHY CHAPTER*
or, My take on Mills and Boons


She drew closer and was able to make out more. By the faint yellow light, she saw worn tabi, tattered hakama, faded gi....a familiar face....

she cried in surprise, dropping her bokken and bag to the ground, frozen for an instant, unbelieving. In the next, elation and joy coursed warmly through her veins and her limbs thawed. She ran the last few steps still separating them, ready to launch herself around his neck - but she checked herself at the last moment. Something was different- why was he not saying anything? A lump formed quickly in her throat as the memory of a similar night flashed quickly through her thoughts, a twist of cold into her very being. Had he come back only to leave again?

She steeled herself as she fought back the fears. she asked more tentatively, chewing nervously on her lower lip.

He was struggling with what to say. How to express clearly, unambiguously - how he felt and that he was home to stay...

She stepped a little closer, wanting to look into his eyes, searching for a clue. She had to bend a little, and to peer through the curtain of hair falling over his eyes. It was difficult to see - still they shone brightly, reflecting the warm lantern light. Her breath caught at what she read in those depths - something different about his gaze, as if a veil had been torn away and she was being allowed to look into his soul for the very first time. She saw a swirl of emotions - confusion, struggle, desire... honesty.

Her soft gasp seemed to reach through the confusion of his mind, sparking off an impulse which he was powerless and unwilling to control...

Before she could even begin to think or react, she found herself suddenly in a strong and fierce embrace. His arms were tight around her, holding her, not gently as before, but desperately, as if afraid to let go. She could feel them trembling, tensing - speaking of a passion that was just barely under control. He had buried his face wordlessly into her neck. Instinctively she relaxed, ready to forget her questions and to enjoy the moment, intoxicated by his embrace... his eyes though...she needed be sure of what she had seen there...

She pulled back, determined to look into them again. Briefly their eyes met and her heart leapt at what she saw - but in the next instant - she was losing her consciousness, she was barely aware - her head was being gently tilted back by his hands, their lips coming together in the perfect union. Unconsciously her hand slid up into his hair, pulling him even closer.

She no longer cared for explanations. She didn't need them anymore.

*****



Notes posted separately!