Katsu was not a normally happy person.  An intelligent person, a sensible person, a talented person, a cynical person, a disagreeable person, a quiet person – yes, yes, always; but he wasn't a happy person.  Katsu just didn't do happy.

But he was happy now.  It was an amazing thing – even Yokuzoma-sensei noticed the difference.

Well, more accurately, only Yokuzoma-sensei noticed the difference, as he was the only person Katsu spent a lot of time with.  Katsu wasn't sure yet if his sensei knew the reason for his happiness – but he had noticed that the old man had developed a cough which seemed to flare to life whenever Katsu looked especially happy.

In fact, not even Katsu himself knew why he was so happy – but he had a fairly good guess.  He even – grudgingly, and only mentally – agreed with Yokuzoma-sensei on something.

Kijou was good for him.

**************************

Okay, first of all, I would like to issue a public plea that no one kill me.  Especially Blah.  I'm sensing a lot of frustration from her.  And probably from the rest of you too.  So, let me remind you – the flashback scene is almost done.  There's still a few chapters left – but I am not, for any reason, going to let this drag on for any more than ten more chapters.  After that, the writing will be – hopefully – easier (see: faster).  Yay.

Lychee2: Yes.  Damn that hideously annoying "Real Life."  And there is a purpose in Katsu and Kijou getting together (And yes, it is so that Aoshi can kick her ass.  But he will only be helping in the rescue, not carrying it out.  And there will be no sex afterwards.  A kiss is even a little iffy.)  *pries Lychee off her leg*  How do you expect me to write with you clinging?

blah: Yes.  Many evil things in the near future.  But they are not evil in a good way.  It will be bad.  That's all I'm saying.  *repeats prior plea for mercy*

Kuroiyousei: YES!  YAY FOR BLACK BELT!!  Ahem.  Right.  Anyways …. Katsu's first instinct was only partly right, actually.  Really, the only thing he got right was "spoiled" and "to be ignored/avoided."  But, then again, that's enough.  (And if you've seen so many relationships like this, then that means you can help me figure out how the hell to write it, right?  Goooooooood.)