Katsu wondered if it was possible to be furious and terrified at the same time. Obviously, he was, so obviously, it was possible … perhaps just not very desirable, then. Or pleasant. Perhaps it would be a bit more bearable, he thought, if he wasn't tied up and gagged.

Honestly – a man tries to escape the clutches of an evil, psychopathic, controlling bitch once, and suddenly there's no trusting him.

"Mmmm-mg-mlf!" Untie me, bitch! That was what he meant to say, of course. Judging from the sickly sweet smile that graced Kijou's face as she put down her mirror and turned to him, that wasn't exactly how it came out.

"You love me? Oh Katsu, I knew you did! I knew it." Her eyes were sparkling with – tears? It was a classic Kijou gesture, meant to emphasize her vulnerability and femimnity. Katsu couldn't believe he'd ever fallen for something so contrived. No, his tastes definitely ran to someone stronger, more intelligent, less emotional, less … female.

…

Katsu blinked, stunned to immobility as the Large Heavy Object of Realization hit him between the Eyes of Inattention. Kijou was still speaking, however, and her latest words filtered through his – unwilling – conscious.

"… just knew you still loved me! Couldn't imagine how you wouldn't – that other woman must have brainwashed you to think you didn't … of course I still love you. I always have." That last was said in a lower (and presumably seductive) voice, while Kijou leaned forward, giving Katsu a good look down her kimono.

He couldn't help it: he recoiled – mainly with revulsion, but partly disbelief. From the way Kijou's expression darkened, and how she drew back and pulled her kimono to her as if affronted, it was the wrong thing to do.

"Oh. I see." Kijou glared at him from where she knelt, just out of arm's reach of him (discounting the fact that his arms were currently tied behind his back). "So she still has you, the bitch? Well, that doesn't matter. I love you, Katsu. I love you, and you love me. You just don't remember it – but that doesn't matter either. You'll stay here until you do."

Katsu's eyes widened and he mumbled frantically though his gag. What the hell are you talking about, "other woman?" he wanted to ask. What kind of opium are you taking? And why aren't you going to at least get rid of the gag?

But the tightly-packed cloth in his mouth prevented anything coherent from leaving his mouth, and Kijou ignored him anyways. The door slid shut behind her with a thunk that was far too loud for common sense, and Katsu was alone in the dark.

Again.

Hoookay, long chapter, and one I'm rather fond of. However, not much to say other than 13 chapters left! Onto the reviews!

Kuroiyousei: 70; Careful with that overdosing. Do it too often and you die, and then you can't have any anymore. :P 71; you know, I think you have … once … or twice … a minute. 72; Yes, he is. 73; I don't think I need to give you any encouragement, but I believe the phrase to use here is "bite me." 74; I am the best, aren't I? :D

blah: Awww … .I'm sorry I made you think I was dead. I made up for it, didn't I? And uh … the guy literally died? Or just … stopped updating .......... …………………. Oo Well … that makes me feel better ………. gulp

Lychee2: allows you to prostrate yourself at my feet And I didn't make you wait so long this time, did I? there's a baker's dozen chapters left, and I have the framework written out for all of them … I'm not about to fall off the wagon now.

shizukashin: No, it does not end with Katsu dying. It actually has a fairly mushy and sappy-sweet fluffy ending. So it'll die as it (sorta) lived. But … because I'm evil ... someone dies, yes. Just not Katsu.