What It Means To Love You

Chapter 8: Defying God

Standard disclaimers apply.

Warning: Really, really long chapter. Probably the longest of the story!

-X-

(Tomoe's POV)

These past two weeks have been filled with so many twists and heartache and tears and now you are finally leaving. Yes, you did have yesterday still, but you spent the entire day with her. But I am not envious or angry since it is perfectly understandable. You are Kaoru's best friend and you were there when she needed you the most.

But you know what? Last night, I was lying on my bed, unable to sleep. I still believed, no matter how foolishly, that this is all a bad dream, a nightmare that I will soon wake up, from your sudden migration to the untimely death of Kaoru's parents.

And yet here we are now, in the airport, waiting in grave silence and for you and your family to board the plane and leave for Canada.

Sano had pulled Kaoru aside; his face so serious and I know what he is going to tell her. They are talking softly in one side and the others don't disturb them. Misao is sitting, obviously, with her Aoshi on the benches around, hands clasped and her eyes faraway. Then Megumi and Soujirou and Yahiko are sitting on a different bench chatting probably about old times. Your parents are depositing your carry-on bags and out of our view.

And us?

What about us?

You are leaning against one wall, arms crossed against your chest and I'm inclining against you, trying to remember this moment forever. But I will never forget this day, ever.

We're no longer together, just friends. You can't handle a long distance relationship and neither can I. We discussed this many nights ago and came to this decision together. And though we are no longer lovers, we still do love each other.

But I have to know for sure.

I need to hear you say it again.

Or I might go mad.

"Kenshin," I call your name softly, lovingly. Today is the only day I can show as much emotion as I can. The last time in a really long time we'll see each other.

You look at me, blinking out of your daze. Your amethyst eyes meet mine and they are equally uncertain and sad and exhausted. I will never see a more beautiful pair of eyes as long as I live.

"Yeah? What is it, Tomoe?"

I take my time in replying. I look down at the floor tiles, then at my sneakers than finally, at you. Your mouth is in a reassuring small smile and you lift a hand and gently take my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know you're still bothered though I don't exactly know what's bothering you. So tell me and maybe I can help," you say to me in that gentle and coaxing tone only you can voice out.

Before this, I was sure that I was a brave person who doesn't easily get fazed. But then I fell in love with you and everything turned upside down. My life turned from empty and incomplete to colorful and happy. You're the only person who can make me smile and laugh. You're the first person I kissed and who put the pieces of my broken heart together.

And now, those pieces are littered around once more. Insecurity fills me and as much as I tell myself how ridiculous I am acting, the doubt and fear still stays within me.

I guess, when it comes to love and you, I'm a coward. I think when it comes to loving someone, all of us are cowards, afraid to take risks, to fall down and break. All we want is security and happiness and a smooth, even road to travel on. No one desires for pain and misery and fear but they will always be part of life and especially when you love someone. And when you get hurt once, you never want to experience it again so you refuse to fall in love, fearing that he or she might be the wrong guy and break your heart all over again.

But wait, what is this? Since when have I ever been an expert in love and life?

"Tomoe?"

I didn't realize that I had fallen deep into my thoughts and I blink, coming out of my own stupor.

You lean close, so close, our noses near touching. And your eyes are so beautiful, the deep amethyst color, the golden flecks that no one notices until they look too close and I drown in them. I don't care if this is a public place, for me, only the two of us exist at the moment.

"There's something I need to ask you, Kenshin. It might sound silly but I can't…let it go." I clear my throat, feeling an alien nervousness invade my system. I've never experienced nervousness before, as long as insecurity. But you have a hold on me no other person can ever hope to match.

You nod and say, "You can ask me anything, Tomoe. I have nothing to hide from you."

"I actually have two questions to ask and they're perfectly impractical," I murmur and tuck a stray hair that floats in front of my face, "but anyway, here's my first question. I've never really asked but when did you realize you love me? Stupid, I know." I sigh, looking away.

But you chuckle and touch my cheek gently. "Not stupid at all. I guess this is the perfect time as any other to reminisce, eh? We still have a long time before the plane arrives." A light smile touches your face as you think back. "Well, let's see…"

"It was the day I got my scar, remember?" I nod, guilt flashing in me for a second as I gaze at the X-shaped scar. "How could I forget? I gave you one of those scars," I say to you. Then I straighten with a start. "What? You fell in love with me when I gave you that scar?"

You just grin and continue as if my guilt is nothing, "Actually, not right away, though I did think you were very stunning. It was the afternoon of that day, in the hospital. Racked with guilt, you went to the hospital where I was getting treated for my wounds. You looked so adorable, losing your composure and sounding so remorseful. Kaoru-dono wasn't there at that time since she was getting something to drink. And then you came inside the room and started to apologize in a deadpan way that seemed anything but. It was just the cutest thing I ever saw. Then you apologized and confessed that nobody had ever stuck up for you before and you looked so lonely and I felt a sudden protectiveness towards you." You glance at me with one of those smiles.

And I smile back. I remember that day quite clearly as well.

"How about you? When did you realize you loved me Tomoe?"

That is an easy question. I don't have to think for so long and very hard to find the answer to that inquiry.

"It was during the time I first realized we were in the same school. Two days had passed and your cheek was still bandaged. Then I had to run into you and knock you over. I helped you up and apologized profusely and was embarrassed to have made a fool of myself in front of you and your friends. Then you just chuckled and said the cheesiest pick-up line ever." I smirk at the memory, shaking my head in amusement.

Your eyebrows draw together in confusion. Obviously you don't recall the pick-up line. "I don't recall saying any pick-up line." You reach behind your ear and scratch in a mystified manner.

"Yes, you did. What you said was, 'I hope you're a doctor since I lost the feeling in my legs when I saw you.'"

You burst out laughing, startling the others by it. You shake your head as you finally remember. "Okay, so that was the cheesiest pick-up line ever. But it was true. I did lose the feeling in my legs when I saw you since you did knock me over."

"I didn't understand when you said it to me at that time and I'm not sure I fully comprehend now too."

You snigger quietly. "Well, as long as it got us together. So, what's your next question?"

I suddenly fall hushed and give a sigh. The playful atmosphere disperses and a concerned look appears on your boyish features. "Tomoe, something's wrong, I just know it. Does it involve my parting? Duh, of course it does. Please ask your question so you won't feel so bad anymore."

I take a deep breath and think that I'm being melodramatic but what the hell and blurt out the thing that's been disturbing me for days now.

"Kenshin, are you still in love with me?"

An astounded look surfaces on your face and then softens instantly. You fingers tug at mine comfortingly. "So that's what's bothering you. Why do you think I don't love you anymore?"

I hesitate in replying. How do I put this in words so it won't sound too ludicrous. I guess I can't. "It's just, I don't know. It's really stupid but I just feel that because of your hasty departure and…and the accident that made you realize it's Kaoru you want, you truly love. I mean, you've known her much longer than me." I avoid your searching eyes, biting my lower lip uncertainly.

You gently disentangle your fingers from mine and touch my shoulders and turn me around to face you. You stare at me until I finally react to the pull of your eyes and meet your gaze. "As much as I love Kaoru-dono, to me she is only my best friend. I don't like being cruel to her at all but it's you that I fell in love with, Tomoe. And I feel that I've known you forever, as long as I've known Kaoru-dono. You don't have to doubt that because I know what I feel. And I only hope you do as well."

I hear the sincerity behind your words and my eyes tear up. I give you a watery smile and lean against you, resting my forehead against your shoulder. From the way you relax and wrap your arms around my waist and mine around yours, this is answer enough about how I feel.

From the top of your shoulder, I see the flabbergasted look on Kaoru's face and I guess that Sano has told her how he truly feels. Sano knows what Kaoru's answer will be and how she feels towards him but by merely confessing, Sano has more guts than most people. And I hope that someday, he'll find the happiness he deserves. He's a good guy and Kenshin's best friend. And the same goes for Kaoru as well.

-X-

You're gone. Finally, you've left me alone.

I stare outside the glass wall, one palm pressing against the glass. I watch as the plane steadily makes its ascent, disappearing into the sunset, so to speak. The sky is streaked with fiery colors, the faintest trace of stars littering the heavens.

And the tears run down my cheeks unchecked and my chest is literally aching, as if an invisible hand is clenching my heart to the point of bursting. The others are still around, feeling the same sadness as I do. But then again, my grief is different, you are not merely a wonderful friend to me but the guy I'm in love with. No one feels the kind of grief I'm feeling. Not even Kaoru. You love me in return and I mourn for our love but at the same time, there's a relief in me since I know you love me. In some cases, Kaoru's got it worst. Not only are her beloved parent's dead but the man she loves who doesn't love her in return – I'm sorry for being so brutal but it's the truth – and her best friend is gone.

I'm still staring outside, silently crying, when a small hand touches my shoulder and I slowly turn around. Kaoru is standing behind me, her own eyes overflowing with tears.

I hastily wipe at the moisture on my cheeks. "Yes? What is it?"

"We're going now, are you coming with us?" Kaoru asks me, eyes alight with a mixture of sadness and faith. Then her gaze transfers to the glass wall behind me but the plane can't be seen any longer. A wry smile lights up her face. "No matter how I stare outside he's not coming back." She lets out a long breath. "So, are you coming? We're eating at Iruga's."

I look past her and saw the faces of the others. They are looking at us, at me, expectantly. Only Aoshi didn't cry and it seems doubtful the other guys will admit they cried even when the tears were obviously running down their cheeks. Then I look down at Kaoru and see the slight friendly smile on her lips. I nod and smile tentatively in return.

"Okay, I'd like that."

Both of us give a last glance beyond the glass wall, to see the quickly darkening sky and the immediate dotting of stars, and then we move away and walk towards the exit. The others are ahead and Kaoru is walking by my side.

I give her a sideways glance, looking at her through the corner of my eyes. Her eyes are dry but hold a certain haunted look and she had wiped the tears from her cheeks but she was still pale.

"Are you okay?" I feel that I need to ask. After all, in one way or another, Kaoru and I are sort of friends.

She lifts her shoulders in a small shrug. "Okay, I guess. Well, maybe not okay. More like hell, I think. But I'll get better. You?"

"More or less the same way. But like you, I'll get better."

-X-

The little café is particularly busy that night, full of teenagers and adults alike treating themselves to the delicious little snacks, no matter how calorific they are.

Luckily though, when we arrived at the little café, there was a free table near the back, conveniently near a large window so it won't be too humid, as a soft breeze will always blow through. It was only a matter of finding extra chairs so everybody can sit down while eating. It was Sano and Misao who ordered, asking each of us what we liked before going to the counter.

They aren't back yet since the line is quite long, mostly people wanting takeout, but the rest of us just talk. Well, except for Aoshi. And we aren't talking about Kenshin, since it is too raw for us to go over, but instead conversing about random and casual things like movies in the theater and what new clothes are out in the shops.

Finally, Sano and Misao come back, hands gripping trays decked with fries, burgers, sodas and sandwiches. And even a salad for Aoshi. The two are bickering as they head to our table, giving one another angry glares and muttering childish and affectionate – though neither one would admit it – insults. They place the trays in the middle of the table and take their seats, Sano by Kaoru and Misao in between Kaoru and Aoshi.

"Hey, where's the ketchup?" Misao suddenly bursts out, looking for the tiny ketchup packets to splurge all over her crispy fries. She glares at Sano and points an accusing finger at him. "You didn't ask for ketchup, didn't you? Trust a rooster to do a human's job."

Sano growls, rolling his eyes at her. "Yeah well, I'm sure you couldn't do it either Misao since you're a weasel!"

The two sticks out their tongue at one another childishly, ready to do verbal battle. Kaoru, unfortunately in between the two, frowns deeply and scolds the two, "Eek! Really you two, can't you get along? If you can't, kindly fight somewhere else where the furious energy you give wouldn't burn me?"

Frowning, Misao and Sano both look away and in unison declare, "I won't get the ketchup since I'm not the one who 'messed up!"

"I'll get it," I volunteer suddenly, standing up. After all, I am closest to the little table with ketchup and mustard bottles on top.

"Now see what you made Tomoe-san do!" Kaoru chides with a roll of her eyes. "You guys are such…animals!"

I slip out and turn around, walking towards the little stand by the wall, a small smile on my lips. They are fun to be with and I wonder if they're only asking me to hang out with them because of what happened, Kenshin's leaving and all. But it doesn't matter if they are, since I've been without too much friends before and I can certainly be without them now and tomorrow.

I reach for one of the red bottles of ketchup, only to collide with another hand, darker and larger and more calloused than mine. I look beside me and see a tall and dark-haired man with light brown eyes, who obviously is also trying to pick the same ketchup bottle as me.

He smiles charmingly and pulls his hand back, gesturing at the bottle. "You can take it, Ms. I'll just take this other one." Then he takes the other ketchup bottle there.

I don't smile back since I don't know the guy. But he seems decent enough. "Thanks, I guess."

There is something about his eyes, light brown and gentle. Maybe it is the kindness and good nature in them. I give him a better look, my face carefully devoid of any expression except mild boredom, the way I usually look.

I'm about to walk back before he speaks again. "Well, my name's um, Kiyosato Akira and I just moved here from Osaka." His smile is genuine enough and without a single leer in it. "Sorry, that sounds lame. I don't know anyone here and well, you seem like a friendly person." I don't respond and he sighs, "Okay, being a dork here so I'll just go."

This is rude of me, I think. He really seems like a nice person and I know how it feels to be new and friendless.

"Wait," I call out softly and he stops and turns to me again. "My name's Yukishiro Tomoe. And I'm pleased to meet you, Akira-san."

He grins widely and I feel myself, startlingly, albeit reluctantly, smiling back.

-X-

(Kenshin's POV)

"Flight 107 from Japan to Canada will now be boarding, please go to Gate 14. Flight 107 from Japan to Canada will now be boarding, please go to Gate 14…Flight 107…"

The speaker's blare out, the voice speaking in nasally tones.

My entire body tenses and I feel you stiffen in my arms as well. Everyone stops whatever they are doing and looks at me with unhappy expressions, standing up and walking to where you and I are sitting on a far bench. I stand up and help you up as well, holding your hand and gripping tightly.

I don't want to let go.

My parents appear near the gate, carry-on bags ready and tickets in hand. All they needed is I so we can board the plane. They look at me with understanding looks and nod towards my friends, giving me a few more minutes to say my final goodbyes.

They form an overwrought circle around me and I look at their depressing faces, some eyes misty with tears.

Kaoru is painfully biting her lower lip, eyes already overflowing and luminous in her tears. "Kenshin…" Her voice is soft and broken and she gives me the most heartbreaking look. I see the unrequited love, despair and loneliness in those deep eyes and my heart breaks.

She wipes at her tears but they keep on coming and she sniffles. Then she says in a very unsteady voice, "H-Have a-a-a good f-flight." Her breath hitches in her throat and she buries her face in her hands, shoulders shuddering as she cried. I reach forward to embrace her, Sano and Misao simultaneously about to do the same thing but she holds up a shaky hand. Kaoru takes deep breaths and rubs her eyes furiously.

"I…I'm all r-right, really…" Kaoru says and she gives a tiny smile. "I really do mean it, Kenshin. I hope you'll have a good flight and…and meet new friends and be happy…"

No one says anything after that since I guess that is all they want to say.

And for them…

"All I want to say is, I'll see you later, you guys since I don't want to say goodbye. Ever. Since saying that would mean we will never see each other again and I just won't like that." I grin and unsurprisingly, my vision blurs. "So yeah, that's all I want to say, minna-san. Later."

Your fingers grasp mine firmly and I squeeze back. Your eyes are shadowy with tears and incredibly sadness and my smile slips away. This is it. The last moment I will have with my friends and loved one is here and there's nothing to smile about it because it is all terribly painful.

"Hug anyone?" Misao whispers and leaps at me, gripping me breathlessly. As if on cue, everyone else runs towards me, hugging and squeezing me tightly, weeping and whimpering. No one thinks this is strange because we are in the airport and these things aren't uncommon.

"Kenshin," a soft voice interrupts our group hug and I look over the heads of my friends and see, with my teary eyes, my mother standing near us, hands beckoning me to come already.

I realize that there is only a little time left and everybody pulls apart, wiping hastily at their eyes, including me.

"It's time to board, dear," Mom says to me in a soft voice.

I nod, my heart beating furiously. My hand is still clutched in Tomoe's, fingers intertwined. I just hope our love will survive.

"Okay, mom, I'll be there really soon," I say to her and she waits patiently for me to come.

I look at all of their faces, lingering on Kaoru's. Then I gaze at you, memorizing every line and curve of your face beautiful face and the mesmerizing gray color of your wondrous eyes. Tears are clinging to your lashes and there is a thin film still in your eyes. Please don't cry.

"This is it," Sano tightly declares. He clasps my shoulder in the way men do and nods. "Take care, man."

"Take care, Himura-san," Soujirou politely says, face earnest and for once, the smile both genuinely sad and happy.

Aoshi hmphed. "Himura," he pauses. I expect him to say something weird like, 'may the force be with you' or something. But he continued in a strangely cordial tone. "Go with care, as well."

I look at him for a long moment and smile. "Hai, Aoshi."

Misao then steps forward and punches me none-too-lightly on the arm and I grimace. "If you ever so much as not reply to my emails or calls, I'll kill you," she threatens believably, face menacing then blooming into a friendly smile. "Take care, now."

"Oro," I utter softly and chuckle. (A/N: Hehehe, first appearance, ne?)

"Oh Ken-san! I'll miss you SO much!" Megumi femininely wailed, throwing her arms around my shoulders and pulls my body tight. "Please tell me you won't go chasing girls in Canada. I know they're gorgeous there but don't forget you have a sumptuous and delicate Megumi waiting for you always here!"

I lightly laugh, unwinding her arms gently away. "Of course, Megumi-dono. You can bet on that. No one will beat the exotic women of Japan."

Megumi sniffs and nods. She steps back beside Sano and surprisingly, but surely, leans against him. He looks startled for a moment but places a comforting arm around her shoulders.

"Oi Kenshin," Yahiko's bratty voice calls. I look at him and think that he'll be much taller than me when we'll see each other next time.

"Yeah?"

"You better email and call all the time," Yahiko repeats Misao's words, trying to sound intimidating but beneath that I hear the insecure voice of a young boy. Of course I feel the same way. After all, I'm also scared of losing my friends here the longer I stay in a faraway place, our communication dying until we forget one another and if we are to bump to each other, perhaps we won't even remember.

I smile warmly and place my hands on his shoulders, giving him a reassuring grasp. "Always, Yahiko-kun."

He dips his head and walk away.

Kaoru bit her lip and walk towards me. "See you, Kenshin. And take care always," she sincerely says. "If you don't…then I'll let Misao-san kick you butt!" She offers a wide smile this time and I accept it, heart breaking and mending at the same time at the thought of what Kaoru has and will go through, and bring her into my arms for a long, tight hug. For a second, really quickly, Kaoru completely leans into me, letting go of inhibitions and sadness and lonesomeness. Just us. Best friends.

She pulls apart first, hastily wiping at her eyes and a beautiful smile on her puffy face.

Then finally, at long last, I turn to you. Your head is slightly dipped down, bangs shadowing your wonderful gray eyes. I want to see your eyes. I want to touch your hand. Snugly hug you. Kiss you.

My hands gently cup your soft cheeks, tenderly memorizing – again – your every feature. And the world melts away.

I lean down to kiss you and you tilt your head up, bangs sliding away and I see your eyes, so wide and so beautiful and full of the raw emotion you and I share exclusively.

"Love you always," you whisper softly.

"Love you always," I confirm gently and capture your lips in mine.

-X-

The plane gently flies in the sky, the sunset achingly stunning in this height and I see the pretty gold and orange light glowing against the swirly clouds as our aircraft pierces through, steadily and surely making its way over the oceans and countries to the final destination.

We left the airport thirty minutes ago and are now comfortably seated in our seats. The plane isn't very full but moderately occupied and the television screen in the cabin flickers with tips and warnings and what and what not to do in case we happen upon an emergency.

I'm sitting by the window and I tear away my gaze from the wonderful view of the dusky sky, stars already coming out and darkness creeping slowly. Beside me is my mother and on her other side is Dad.

They are busily watching the television screen since both are a bit paranoid of flying. But for me, it's okay. I certainly don't feel afraid or anxious.

I glance down at the medium-sized box in my hands, wrapped in silky and bright red wrapping paper with a large bow on top. Sano had given it to me before I boarded the plane, saying it was a farewell gift from all of them. Including Tomoe.

My emotions are now calm enough for me to open the gift. I feel overwhelmed that they got me something and immensely curious at what it could be.

I pull the bow and pick at the sticky tape on the wrapping paper, carefully unwrapping it. I look down at the white medium-sized box and I gently lift the top box. On top is a slightly thick gold chain. It is just a gold chain. Underneath it is a folded piece of blue stationary. Then something bulky is below the stationary. But I examine the gold chain first. I lift the necklace and bring it up and it catches the orange and pink glow from the sunset. Then I notice a few words in the inner rim of the necklace and I pull it closer, squinting.

They are words. Names to be exact. Their names.

Kamiya Kaoru. Makimachi Misao. Shinomori Aoshi. Sagara Sanosuke. Takani Megumi. Seta Soujirou. Myoujin Yahiko.

And finally, on the other side of Kaoru's name…

Yukishiro Tomoe.

I smile widely and finger the gold chain. It doesn't look too feminine or masculine. It looks neutral.

I unclasp the clutch and reach behind my neck and I wear it, letting it fall against my shirt, feeling the slight weight of it on my chest.

Then I take the stationary and unfold it. Written on it is a very long letter in one paragraph and in different writing. I can tell they all wrote something without giving pause.

And with a really big grin on my face, I start to read:

First it is Kaoru's handwriting. Telling from the way she writes Kaoru is a kind-hearted, cheerful and headstrong person. Her curvy and bold handwriting said, the first few sentences in the letter:

Hey Kenshin, all of us decided that since you're leaving way too quickly we're going to give you a parting present; something to remember us all by. And the necklace thing with our names in the inside was my idea. Cool, huh? Anyway, just wanted to say that I hope you'll have a great time in Canada and you'll miss us more than we'll miss you! Also, you'll always be my very best friend no matter what happens, okay? And well, I just want to thank you for always being there for me no matter what. You'll always by my closest best friend, okay? And I don't care if you don't...you don't love me back because I still love you and I sincerely, truly hope you and Tomoe will end up together. I swear.

I smile though I feel the prick of my conscience again. I'm sure Kaoru doesn't mean to let me feel bad but I still do everytime I remember she's always so miserable with her one-sided love. I sigh and notice that the next sentences are in Misao's squiggly and slightly indiscernible scrawl wrote:

Ey Himura, I know you're reading this during the plane. Sure hope it's rocky and makes you sick. Just kidding. What else do I say to you anyway? If I want to say everything one sheet of paper won't be enough. So I'll just summarize: First, never forget any of your friends here and especially me. Second, treasure always that necklace because it cost us big money and I'm sure you'll like the other gift as well. Hahaha. That was Kaoru's idea too. Well, all of it was Kaoru's idea. You sure have one wonderful friend, Himura. Don't forget her or us, got it buster?

Aoshi wrote the next sentences in a neat and scholarly hand, obviously. You can almost see the concentration and seriousness in each stiff curve. And the things he wrote are very weird and zen-y and stuff and would be incoherent in its meaning if Misao had not written the translation of Aoshi-ness enclosed in parenthesis. He wrote:

You are born again with a new sun, Himura, and it shines as brightly as the previous one (and Misao translates: You are given a new path and a new life and it is as brilliant as your old one). Go wherever the wind takes you and pray you reach your intended horizon in full empathy with your spirit (and Misao translates: The plane will lead you to your destination, Canada and hope you reach there in good health physically and emotionally). And a word of caution and advice: don't eat shit when you can't swallow it (and Misao translates: I think it explains itself quite well!!! )

My shoulders shake with suppressed laughter and I shake my head. Even if most of the time Aoshi speaks in spiritual Aoshi-ness gibberish, it sounds really funny when you listen to him. This is one comical and memorable parting gift yet and I eagerly scan the next sentences and Sano, who is next, writes the words in large, lazy characters:

Oi Kenshin, what can I say man? We've been friends a long time and I can't believe you'll be in America with all those gorgeous chicks. And blonds! Don't forget the blonds! Send me a picture, will ya? And perhaps one phone number of three? Don't worry; I'll make sure everything is all 'maa maa minna-san' here. If you want, I'll even add the 'oro' and the 'dono.' But that would be overkill. I hope you won't 'dono' all those pretty babes when you get to Canada or they'll think you're way too polite to date. And oh yeah, I'll take care of Kaoru too. Don't have to worry about a thing. I won't seduce her and stuff. It'd be fun though. Kidding! Well, take care and good luck man.

Of course I know of Sano's feelings for Kaoru and for Kaoru's feelings for me. I hope they'll both be happy – but without the help of Sano's seduction! God knows how well, persuasive that guy can be.

And next is Megumi with her flirty and sensual letters, she even changed the dots over her i's and j's into little hearts.

Oh Ken-san! I miss you already and technically, you're still here while I'm writing this. But the thought of you so far away is oh so unbearable! I'll always be here for you Ken-san when those Canadian girls will break your heart. Remember that you have a sexy and beautiful Megumi who can please and take care of you in ways you can't even imagine. Hohohohoho! Please don't ever forget any of us here in humble ol' Japan, understand? Miss you already!

I feel a tight constricting in my chest and it loosens again. I read on, my parents still enthralled by the helpful video showing in the television. It is Soujirou and you can guess that it is his writing because after every couple of words there is a widely smiling happy face. Creepy, I know. Soujirou often smiles and seldom means it.

Himura-san, hope you're enjoying your flight. I know it's still weird for me to call you Himura-san since we're the same age and all but I think that you're one of the most wonderful persons ever. Even after knowing the kind of crowd I used to hang out with and even helping in getting Kaoru-chan in danger, you still accepted me and befriended me. And though I've thanked you countless times, I'll do it again. Arigatou gozaimasu. You and Kaoru-chan were the only ones who didn't judge me and still became my friend. Thank so you much, again. I know you'll be popular and great in Canada because you're very kind and polite. Take care, all right?

Well, only Kaoru didn't judge Soujirou. I did, after he got Kaoru into that stupid circumstance. I was really furious but in the end, it all worked out fine. I push away those long memories and resume my reading. Yahiko's scribble becomes visible next and he rambles on and gets away with it, being the youngest in our circle of friends and all:

Oi Kenshin, I still can't believe you're moving. And before I get to be a senior too. Bummer. Anyway, I told Tsubame the news and she says 'good luck and always be your self' and stuff like that. Also, you better come back here for holidays and summers and stuff like that. Don't wanna see busu weeping always. And don't worry I'll keep an eye on her because Sano can't be trusted with mature things like that. Mustn't let her do anything drastic like selling her cool house on a sadistic whim or whatever. Anyway, as Tsubame said, 'good luck – with the girls I mean – and be your self' so that's it. Later.

And finally, in a calm and reserved handwriting, I come to Tomoe's part of the letter. My heart pounds as I come to the words I'm most anxious to read.

Kenshin. It feels odd to be writing a farewell letter, knowing you'll read it when you've left while you're still here. I have to pretend you're gone already to be able to write what I really want to say. You have no idea how hard that is. So, here I go. You know what, I realize that there is a fifty-fifty chance that our love can't last forever though it's true and genuine. But even if we fall out of love with one another, you'll always be someone very special to me, someone always in my heart and soul because you are my first love, the first boy who loves me as much as I love him. And that's important and unforgettable. And maybe I will love you always and our feelings will stay strong and true but whatever happens, I'll always, always remember you and the love we share now. Forever. And take care. Good luck. Be happy. And I love you.

Luckily, my eyes remain dry though my heart is twisting with relief and sorrow. I take a deep breath and release the tightness in my chest, sagging against my seat. This is such a touching and funny and sweet parting gift and I touch lightly the cool gold necklace against my shirt, fingering the thin engravings. Then I carefully fold the stationary and look down at my final gift and am surprised to see a stack of photos, five all in all. I pick it up and put back the stationary inside. Then I look at the first picture and let out a chuckle.

It was a copy of the original photo, obviously, since it still looks brand new and crisp, no frayed edges considering that the original was taken when Kaoru, Aoshi and I were still in preschool.

The picture portrays the three of us in one table, doing our group project. I can still remember what it was, since it was the very moment we all became friends. We were to draw our favorite things and color our work of art. In the photo, Kaoru is crouching down, tongue stuck between the front of her upper teeth, deep in concentration, hair still in that familiar ponytail though shorter, paint on her cheeks and clutching a crayon in her little fist. On her right is me, with shorter red hair and with really, really pink cheeks. I am clutching a jar of paste and my other hand is lifting towards my mouth oozing with paste, about to eat it. As embarrassing as it is to admit it, yes, I was a paste eater long, long ago. But now I only put edible things inside my mouth. Then, on Kaoru's left is Aoshi, face a bit more relaxed since he was still a kid back then but still retaining some of the Aoshi-ness found in him now. He is staring, no glaring, at the spilt pink paint on the table as if he could command it to disappear with the power of his mind.

Those were the days. Preschool, when all we had to worry about were monsters in the closet, lack of cookies and the sudden cancellation of naptime.

I look at the second picture and shake my head in great amusement.

This was taken, I think, three years ago when we were freshmen. It was a picture of me, Kaoru, Sano, Aoshi, Misao and Megumi. Yahiko and Soujirou aren't in the photo since we haven't met them yet at that time. We are, in the image, in the beach since I remember that it was summer. The person taking the picture was a beachcomber who was kind enough to take it. Kaoru and Misao are making sand-Sano, piling sparkling sand on top of him. The only thing not covered with sand is his head, arms and toes. Megumi is standing over Sano, laughing at him in good-natured, mocking way. Kaoru and Misao are giving each other high-fives and on either side of the standing Megumi are Aoshi and I, also covered in sand. They had gotten to us. And in the backdrop is the long stretch of glittering sea and powder-blue sky.

Then I flip to the third picture.

It's of me and Tomoe during our JS Prom. We are looking at one another's eyes deeply, small smiles on our mouths, dressed in our prom-y costumes, me in a black suit and Tomoe in a breathtaking lavender gown, contrasting perfectly with her pale skin. Her hair is down and streaming against her shoulders and back with a light hint of make-up on her classically beautiful face. As for me, I look pretty much the same, though more dignified. My hair is still in its low ponytail and combed so much that it isn't frizzing everywhere. My arms are wrapped around her slender waist and she is leaning towards me slightly. You could practically feel the emotions radiating from us. Or maybe, it's just clear to me.

But on that night, Megumi was voted as Prom Queen, not Tomoe and I was Prom King. I still think that Sano deserves it but I got it instead. Heh, I still have that fake crown somewhere in our luggage.

The next picture is the most hilarious one. All of us are in it, including Yahiko and Soujirou and Tomoe. It is during our carwash project to raise money for our class trip. There are dozens of cars waiting in line and Kaoru and I are washing the same car, me handling the hose and Kaoru using the sudsy sponge. She is wearing a plain shirt and shorts but they are wet and sticking to her body since I am squirting her with water. Both of us are laughing hard, Kaoru trying hard to block herself from the power of the water hose with her pathetic sponge. Then, on the left side of the picture, Misao is blowing bubbles at Aoshi's not-that-stoic face because he looks ready to laugh. Then Yahiko and Sano are fighting with their water hoses, sending water and soap bubbles flying everywhere, Megumi behind Sano and holding a bucket of more soapy water over his read, quite ready to pour, while Soujirou is apologizing profusely to Tomoe whom he accidentally dumped a bucket of sudsy soap on to and she is dripping wet.

It was a brilliant day, filled with laughter and smiles and dripping clothes. And we raised enough money for that class trip and had a blast also. But I really love that carwash moment and will be stuck in my brain forever. Very much the essence of a Kodak Moment, actually.

Finally, I reach the final picture and smile gently as I watch it.

It's only of Kaoru and me and we're about twelve years old in this picture. I'm holding a single sunflower and handing it to Kaoru who is kneeling by the grave of her beloved pet, Katz the kitty, eyes full of tears. The poor, adorable cat had died a week before that picture was taken, hit by a truck and the driver didn't even stop to see if Katz had survived. Kaoru took it real hard but got over it eventually. I just realize that she's been dealt with so much hardship and loss; first it was her pet, then my leaving then her parent's death. It's a wonder she's still able to smile and laugh. But Kaoru's strong. Life wouldn't have given her so many losses if God didn't know Kaoru is strong and will pull through it.

Mom looks at the things I'm holding then at me. "What's that, Kenshin?"

"Oh, just a little present from my friends, mom."

She smiles. "You've got good friends, dear."

I look down at the picture again, focusing on Kaoru's sweet face.

"I sure do." And always will...

-X-

A/N: Pretty long, huh? That's not even the entire chapter! I had to cut Kaoru's part because it's way too long for me. So, chapter 8.5 will be out either tomorrow or the next day. So, what do you think? Just wait till Kaoru's chapter comes out. There'll be a twist. Maybe you've guest but I doubt it.

Now please click that button down there and tell me what you think!