Hey all! Posting up yet another chapter once more! Thanks to everyone for their reviews, and I really hope you enjoy it…
…
How can you see into my eyes like open doors?
Leading you down into my core,
Where I've become so numb without a soul
My spirit sleeping somewhere cold
Until you find it there and bring it back home
Wake me up inside,
Wake me up inside
Call my name and save me from the dark
Bid my blood to run
Before I come undone
Save me from the nothing I've become
Now that I know what I'm without,
You can't just leave me
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life
Frozen inside without your touch without your love darling
Only you are the life among the dead
All this time I can't believe I couldn't see
Kept in the dark but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems
Got to open my eyes to everything
Without a thought without a voice without a soul
Don't let me die here
There must be something more
Bring me to life
--Evanescence, "Bring Me To Life"
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..
…
The sakura trees were in full bloom, holding a brilliant contrast against the rapidly growing amount of gold on the other trees. Sanosuke-kun has definitely found a wonderful day to go out, Jarenna thought, taking in the sights in wonder. She had always wanted to walk down a pathway where sakura trees mingled together with golden ones, where she stepped on a carpet of leaves. It was a scene right out of her dreams, which were few and far between. She'd been cooped inside houses and dens for almost her entire life, and it was wonderful to be out during a time like this.
"Knew you'd like this," Sanosuke commented off-handedly. He was chewing on a fishbone this time; where he had gotten it, she had no idea.
Jarenna laughed, mildly impressed. "Arigato, Sanosuke-kun. I hadn't known you had an eye for scenery."
"I'd been raised on a farm, after all," he shrugged with a smile. "Observing the weather was imperative for growing crops. It's a nice day today, not too warm and not too cold."
"What do you grow?" she asked curiously. She had never met a farmer before, much less been in a farming area, since most of her life was being shuttled by slave traders, each of them more brutal than the last.
Sanosuke looked surprised at the question. He'd half-expected her to just nod and be silent, but obviously what he'd just said intrigued her. She was a strange one, all right. "Crops, of course. Rice, vegetables. We reared a few pigs and chickens, too. Why?"
"It's interesting," she admitted, looking thoughtful, her eyes taking on a faraway glaze yet again. "Growing your own food, eating the fruit of your labour…it must've been a wonderful feeling."
Now Sanosuke looked at her strangely. "Woman, have you gone off the deep end?"
She blinked at the brisk tone of his voice, then it struck her. Harada Sanosuke had always been particularly sensitive to the subject about farming, especially since farmers were considered people of low-class and he had been a farmer's son himself. Kami-sama, how insensitive can I get? She chided herself as she hurriedly bowed. "Gomenasai, Sanosuke-kun! If I offended you in any way, I offer my apologies. I just wanted to know what it was like working for your own food."
"Yes, that's it, actually. Why are you behaving like farming is a novel thing? Everyone knows that it's common. Hell, you get food from farmers selling their wares too, right?"
"Because I have never seen a farm before, much less a farmer working their fields," she replied quietly, her head bowed. "I just wanted to get a feel for what it's actually like. It's a noble thing, what farmers do. They could choose to keep all the food to themselves instead of sharing it with people, but they don't."
"Because they need the money."
"If no farmer wants to sell their hard-earned food, what good would money do? You can't eat money." She tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear as a small smile spread on her face, her good mood restored. "Maybe one day I shall be a farmer."
At this, Sanosuke had to laugh. "You don't even know the basics of farming, Jarenna-san! You are such an idealist, do you know that? Romanticizing everything you see!"
"It makes for better living."
He looked at her for a long moment. "It doesn't resuscitate you when you're dead."
At this, Jarenna had nothing to say. He was right, idealism was like a disease, blinding you to everything that's happening in the world, but without idealism, where would dreams be? Where would hope be? Ever since Okita-san had saved her, she was determined to live out the rest of her life to the fullest, and that stoic optimism had been a large part of her life since then. Life was too short to brood about things long gone, and she'd seen enough deaths to adhere to that statement. It might not be much, but at least it was something she could live by.
She was about to say something when Sanosuke suddenly said gruffly. "Gomen, Jarenna-san. I have been too harsh just now."
"Your words are not without truth, you know."
He smiled slightly. "Aa. But what can a mere woman do in the midst of all this chaos? Maybe it's better for you to keep living your own dream."
Jarenna smiled. "One life at a time, Sanosuke-kun. One life at a time."
"Nani?"
"I may not be able to fight off even half a dozen Ishin men, but I can help save lives. It's got to mean something."
"You've always got a theory for everything, Jarenna-san."
"Years of brooding will do that to you. It helps to keep you from going crazy."
He flashed her a roguish grin. "Aa. Unlike you, Jarenna-san, I very much prefer to beat the crap out of things. Idealism is just a waste of my time."
At that, she had to laugh. "Sou desu ka, Sanosuke-kun. Sou desu ka."
…
All in all, it was good fun. They'd spent two hours simply walking, and although Harada was bored out of his wits, much preferring to engage in a good fight or a good jug of sake, he endured it. He'd wanted to get to know her more, to see what made her tick. In short, chick stuff, and he'd realized what lay behind that diminutive exterior was someone who loved life and everything in it. Maybe it was the circumstances that made her so, he didn't know, but it was strange and refreshing at the same time.
And at least she had a brain. Most of the women he'd met didn't even seem to possess that vital organ.
"It's getting late, Sanosuke-kun. Shall we get going? Junko-san will kill me if I'm late again."
"Sure."
…
"Why does it always have to be me doing all the dirty work?" Kimiko muttered to herself as she scrubbed half-heartedly at the clothes, trying not to look at the large pile of dirty clothes beside her. It was extremely depressing, to say the least. She would must rather sweep up the leaves in the compound or do something meaningful, like look for Okita-sama or something, but not washing the kami-damned laundry. That was Jarenna's job!
She just couldn't get it, Junko had been angry with Jarenna last night for coming in late, but still let her out today? If it had been her, Junko would never even entertain the thought! It was just so frustrating. Was it her fault that she preferred lighter chores? She had her beauty to think about. What if her hands got too rough from doing such hard labour that no man would want her? What if Okita-sama was free now and she had just missed her chance to speak to him, to get to know him better?
It's all Jarenna's fault, she thought irritably. Going out with guys when she was supposed to do work. This is NOT fair! Just because she's had a bad life before doesn't mean she gets special privileges! She threw the still soapy garment to the floor with a growl, and then suddenly noted that it lay not too far away from a pair of familiar looking sandals.
Her mouth going dry, she drew her gaze upwards, her heart suddenly pounding in a mixture of excitement and surprise. It was Okita-sama!
"Hi there," the First Captain smiled brightly at the suddenly comatose looking young maid.
"Okita-sama!" she suddenly broke out in a sunny smile in response to his as she hurriedly picked up the garment she threw at his feet and hurriedly stuffed it into the washtub. "Gomen, I didn't see you there!"
"I'm sorry for surprising you, Kimiko-san."
At his words, her heart soared. He remembered her name! Nonetheless, Kimiko struggled to gather herself. "It's all right, Okita-sama. You wanted to ask me something?"
Okita glanced around him for a few moments, hesitating slightly. Kimiko watched him expectantly. Was he going to ask her out? Or even better, ask for her hand in marriage? She--
"Do you know where Jarenna-san is?"
What?? That question was not at all what Kimiko had expected. Jarenna, Jarenna, Jarenna. Is there anyone in this kami-damned place who is not in love with her?! It took all she had to not grind her teeth. Here he was, the man of her dreams, and he was asking for someone else?? "Gomenasai, Okita-sama, she's not in at the moment. I'm not sure where she went."
"Oh." He shrugged. "It's all right, then." He turned to leave.
No, don't let him leave! Despite the circumstances, this scene was what she'd always wanted, her and Okita alone. Finally. "Is-is there something you want to ask her about? I can pass her the message if you like."
Okita shook his head. "Iie, it's fine." He took out a book. "I bought a book of poems for her. I thought she'd like it."
The green eyed monster within Kimiko flared up once again, and she fought to keep her temper down. It would do no good to throw a tantrum in front of Okita-sama, after all. Maybe, just maybe she could turn this to her advantage…
She let out a loud sigh and made a show of helplessness. "She always does this, you know. She leaves without telling anyone, and expects us to finish the job she's started. Sometimes I really don't know what goes through her mind." She paused again, seeing that she'd gotten his attention. Well, it's too late to back out now. "She's always going around chasing guys. I mean, she's got Takeda-sama and Harada-sama eating out of the palm of her hand already."
Okita paused. It was no secret that the two captains were hanging out with her more than usual, Takeda for kami-knew-what reason, and Harada because he'd expressed an interest in her, but Jarenna out chasing men? He barely saw her in their company, if never. But then again, he knew that Kimiko was her close friend, so maybe it had some grain of truth in it. "Oh?"
"Yes." She nodded as she stepped up, closer to him than usual. "You have to be careful of her, Okita-sama. Just because she looks harmless doesn't mean she really is. She's the most scheming person around, making everyone like her then move to someone else." She paused, then looked straight into Okita's eyes. They were so close…just a few more inches, and she would know if his lips felt as soft as they looked…"She's got her eye set on you, Okita-san. Why else she is so nice to you then? She's never nice to anyone whose help she doesn't need. Look at me! When she decided that she'd used me to get enough attention, she dumps these chores to me and goes out cavorting with other men! You'll be her next victim if you're not careful."
Something nagged at the back of his mind, and he frowned momentarily, taking in her words. Jarenna didn't seem like the sort of person to him, but maybe looks could be deceiving. But…
"Kimiko-san?" his voice was as pleasant as usual, but they had lost a bit of their warmth.
"Yes?" she looked at him almost immediately, her expression expectant. Maybe he'd changed his mind about her, then?
"Are you Jarenna's friend?"
She laughed slightly, not really knowing what he was getting at. "We're more like sisters, really. Which is why I'm telling you all this."
"Funny," he said, his voice measured as he stepped back slightly, putting distance between them. "Aren't sisters supposed to stick up for each other instead of spreading rumors about them behind their backs?"
Kimiko flinched at his words. Great, how am I supposed to get out of this?
She didn't have to think too hard, because at the very moment, Jarenna and Sanosuke walked in the door, laughing and talking, looking very much like a couple. And in that instant, everyone, save for Kimiko, froze.
On one end stood Jarenna and Sanosuke, and on the other, looking as if they were just about to get intimate, was Okita and Kimiko. It was no surprise that in that moment, terrible misunderstandings spawned in both Jarenna's and Okita's minds as they both stared at each other as the world fell away around them, both not knowing what to think, or how to react.
He recovered first. "Jarenna-san. Sano-san."
"Okita-san."
A strange new prickling feeling of discomfort worked through the two of them as they regarded each other and their 'partner', but neither could put a name to that feeling.
"Oi, Souji!!" Harada called out, pleasantly surprised. Apparently they'd just stepped in on something they weren't supposed to, and if he had not seen it, Harada wouldn't have thought that Okita had a thing for the Kiriko girl. Well, now that his friend was here, maybe he could gather a few others and go out for sake or something. The man looked kind of dazed, come to think of it. Shaking his head, Harada went over to his friend and clapped him on the shoulder. "Come on, man, time to leave the girls to their work. I feel an urge for sake coming on." As he walked past Jarenna, he grinned and winked. "It's been a good time, Jarenna-san. I'll see you later!"
She bowed slightly, struggling to get her bearings. "H-hai."
Okita said nothing as he and Sanosuke made their way out. Jarenna did not look up once.
…
There was no other word to describe Jarenna's current feelings than terrible. She felt terrible, and for the most part, she didn't really know why. It was awful seeing Okita and Kimiko standing so close together, a sour, stinging feeling pricked at her, and try as she might, she could not get rid of it. And then there was Sanosuke. She had been overcome by a sudden urge to try to explain everything to Okita, but a small voice at the back of her mind had wondered what for? It wasn't as if he was special to her or anything, right? Chances are he wouldn't even be interested in her explanation, that Kimiko was who he was interested in, and that thought stung and confused her the most. She'd never felt that way before, a myriad of confusing feelings that knocked her off balance. She didn't understand. How could the sight of Kimiko and Okita disturb her so much? Hadn't she once thought that the two of them would make a cute couple? Hadn't she always thought that Kimiko and Okita would end up being husband and wife after all? So why did the sight of them together make her feel so bad?
"Jarenna-san? Jarenna-san, they're gone." Kimiko was gazing at her oddly, with an unreadable expression in her eyes. She looked…almost happy, but before Jarenna could full register the expression of her face, the other girl had turned towards the laundry basket and sighed. "Hey, Jarenna-san, do you think you can do the laundry? I'm tired." She yawned for good effect.
For a moment, Jarenna wanted to snap at her, to wipe that smug smile from her face, but then she realized that Kimiko had loved Okita for almost her whole life, and who was she to come between the two of them? Feeling a surge of guilt that she'd felt that way towards her good friend, Jarenna simply nodded. "All right." She took a breath. She had to say something. Anything.
Mustering a smile, she nodded toward the door. "So, you're with Okita-san? You two looked cosy."
Kimiko shrugged. "You can say that. He's even better looking up close, you know."
Jarenna felt as if her face was cracking from the smile on her face. "Well, I hope things work out between you and him. He's a good person."
"I know," Kimiko grinned as she headed. "Thanks, Jarenna-san. I really need my beauty sleep."
As the door shut behind her friend, Jarenna started work on the laundry, dumping the badly-done clothes back into the bucket. Well, at least she had something to do. It would help her take her mind off things for the moment. Especially things as complicated and confusing as these.
…
What in kami's name is wrong with me? Okita wondered as he, Sano-san, Saito-san, and Nagakura-san made their way into a teahouse. For once, he wasn't paying any attention to his surroundings. Rather, he was thinking about the scene earlier, when Sano-san and Jarenna-san entered the kitchen together.
For some reason, that thought really disturbed him. Sano-san was a well-known playboy, going through women like he went through his clothes, and it irked him to think that Jarenna would be one of them.
He accepted a sake cup, his thoughts still elsewhere. The sudden flare of anger when he saw those two together had surprised him greatly; he'd never really felt that angry about anything before, but then it melted away into a nagging kind of doubt that settled at the back of his mind. When they were staring at each other and he'd looked into her eyes, he'd felt another kind of feeling. It was some kind of guilt mixed with longing. He knew very well how Kimiko's and his position would look to the two of them, especially since Sano-san had teased him nonstop all the way to the teahouse, and he felt a strange compulsion to try to explain things, how he thought he would surprise her with a book he'd found when he was off-duty, and how she would like it, having being an avid reader…
Unbidden, Kimiko's words wafted to the surface, reminding him of the conversation they'd had just a few moments before Jarenna entered. Just because she looks harmless doesn't mean she really is. She's the most scheming person around, making everyone like her then move to someone else.
Is she really like that? He wondered, downing his sake in one gulp and drawing surprised glances from all of them, even the normally unflappable Saito-san. He didn't want to know if Jarenna was as bad as Kimiko made her out to be, but from what he'd seen…
"How is Takagi-san, Saito-san?" Harada asked after a few moments.
"I've never even seen her."
"Thought you two were seeing each other?"
"Ahou, the Daimyo of Aizu brought me to see her father. Not her."
Shinpachi laughed. "Sanosuke-san, you really need to have your ears checked."
"His brain too, if he has any." Saito muttered.
"Oi, Souji, you all right? You look off." Sanosuke asked, ignoring his comrade's last comment. Okita had never downed sake the way he did tonight.
"I'm fine," he said shortly as he poured another cup and downed it.
"Look, I'm sorry we walked in on you, all right? How would we know you'd be having a hot and heavy session with that Kiriko girl?"
Shinpachi looked curious. "You're having a fling with the maid?"
"Nothing of that sort." The First Captain shook his head, then managed a smile he definitely did not feel. "Kimiko doesn't seem like my type, ne? I just feel a little…troubled today." He didn't look once in Saito-san's direction--the man's piercing amber orbs always saw through everything, and he wasn't in the mood to have his problems spelt out in front of his friends. Especially since he didn't know, exactly, what his problem was. He knew that Jarenna was just a friend, and it unsettled him that that earlier scene disturbed him so much. Was he…jealous?
For the love of Kami, I don't want to know. For now, he just wanted to drink. Things were getting a little too complicated right now, and he hated that. Why couldn't it be simple? Why couldn't anything ever be simple?
"Ahou," Saito said simply as Okita poured himself another cup. "Don't be in such a hurry to drink yourself unconscious."
"Why would you care, Saito-san?"
"Because I don't want to have to drag you back later." He paused and glanced at his friend over the sake cup even as Sanosuke and Shinpachi engaged in some kind of guessing game. "Drinking like an ahou will not make your problems go away."
Okita laughed. "What makes you think I have problems? I just feel like drinking tonight."
Saito rolled his eyes. Okita could be such an idiot sometimes. "You can't fool me, Okita. What's the matter with you?"
For a moment, Okita considered confiding in his friend, because if there was one thing Saito-san was, it was brutally straightforward. Maybe he would have the answers…but then again, judging from the look on Saito-san's face, it probably wasn't a very good idea to tell him about his problem now. The Third Squad Captain looked to be in a murderous mood, and probably would not take kindly a problem that did not involve his katana or killing. He shook his head and chuckled. "Just drink up, Saito-san. I have a feeling that before dawn, more Ishin carcasses will be strewn about town."
"Aa."
…
The predawn silence of the morning soothed Jarenna as she pulled a warm haori over her kimono. There was still a couple of weeks more to go before autumn set in, but it seemed like the season wanted to enter sooner. Even the sakura blossoms of the trees had started falling already.
The stillness of the kitchen got to her. She had gotten used to Okita's presence, and now that he was absent…he doesn't really have a reason to be here anymore, does he? He's got Kimiko to occupy his time now.
Fighting down a strange twinge of bitterness at the thought, she hurriedly set the kettle to boil. It was a couple of hours before any of the maids woke up, but waking at this time had already become a habit.
"Good morning, Jarenna-san."
Jarenna jumped at the voice, startled.
Standing at the doorway in his blood-spattered Shinsengumi uniform was Okita Souji, an ever-present smile on his face. "Okita-san! Good morning." She frowned slightly as she took him in. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine. We took care of a gang of bandits, that's all."
A awkward silence filled the kitchen before Jarenna spoke, "Um…I'll get you some water to wash up."
"Iie, it's all right. I'll be going up soon." He didn't really want to watch the sunrise. It always reminded him of her. He reached into the hem of his haori and took out the book of poems. "Here. This is for you."
"What is it?" Jarenna asked curiously as she accepted the book. The cover was plain, but from the look of the pages, it was well-written on.
"You'll like it."
Jarenna smiled and bowed slightly, holding the book as if it was a precious artifact. "Arigato, Okita-san."
Okita nodded and turned to leave, and for a wild moment, Jarenna wanted him to stay. To watch the sunrise with her once more. She didn't know why, but she wanted him to just sit with her, to just…be with her, even for just a few minutes, because she missed him and the quiet times they spent together. "Okita-san?"
But when he turned around, her words were lodged in her throat. It was wrong somehow, asking him to stay. He had Kimiko now; he wouldn't be interested in her.
"Yes?" his voice was gentle and soft, and she felt the gnawing ache within her once more.
Silently cursing herself for her cowardice, she turned away. "T-take care of yourself, Okita-san."
She felt his eyes on her once more, and staunchly refused to look into them, because if she did, she would be lost. But if Jarenna had looked up a moment earlier before the door slid shut behind him, she would've caught a glimpse of his disappointed face.
It seems that Fate, indeed, has other things in store for them.
…
The current situation in the Shinsengumi was tense at best. There were rumors that Ito Kashitarou, the military advisor to the Shinsengumi, had been very unhappy over the fact that Hijikata had ordered Yamanami to commit seppuku, and had even sent Okita to retrieve him--in other words, hunt him down. There seemed to be a growing rift between some of the members--at least from what Jarenna had observed. It was not good. A few of the other maids were worried that there might be a bloodbath within the compound itself, which actually, would not be such a leap of logic considering the tension that lay over everyone in here.
"What do you think, Junko-san?" Jarenna asked the older woman one day. She'd overseen the entire group ever since their days in Mibu, so Jarenna was pretty sure that the woman would have some idea on what would most likely happen. Or something.
Junko sighed as she hung out the washing with Jarenna's help. "I really don't know, Jarenna-san. It's the first time I've seen something like this. I guess with many more people in the Shinsengumi, many differences are bound to arise. Hijikata, though he is sometimes extreme, is a good man. He had no choice but to uphold the law. It's a pity no one ever sees that. All they see is a demon."
"People see what he lets them see, Junko-san," Jarenna said idly, remembering the time Okita had cried. She wondered if Hijikata, in the privacy of his own room, cried over that, too. And if he did, who was there to comfort him? Was there anyone at all?
"Enough of those topics. I hardly see you anywhere without that poem book of yours these days." There was a knowing glint in the older woman's eyes.
Jarenna flushed a slight pink, and her hand immediately went to the book she'd tucked into the bosom of her kimono. She went nowhere without the book, and had spent every free minute poring through it. For the most part, the poems and haikus were beautiful, and for another thing, it was something Okita had given to her, and for that alone, it was pretty much a treasured item. "It's a gift. From a friend."
"From Okita-sama?"
She blinked, surprised. "How did you know?"
Junko smiled mysteriously. "I have my sources, child. The way you handle it, it definitely would not come from someone else."
"It's-it's a good book." Jarenna replied, trying to explain.
"From someone you love." Junko said agreeably. "And don't look so surprised. I've seen enough people in love to know what they're like."
Jarenna averted her gaze and turned her attention to the clothes, adjusting them so they could dry faster. "Okita-san's just a friend, Junko-san. Nothing more."
"Oh?" she raised an eyebrow. "So what were those early mornings all about?"
"You know about them?"
"There's nothing going on in this place that I don't know, Jarenna." She paused and watched the younger girl carefully. "You love him, don't you?"
"I--" Did she really? She didn't know. She knew that she had a huge crush on him, but love? She couldn't, because Kimiko obviously loved him more than she did. So…there shouldn't be a rule about it or something? With a sigh, she shook her head hopelessly. "I don't know. I don't even know what love is."
"Most people don't until it happens to them. Love is not made of rules, it's instinct, girl. Do you think anyone really knows what love is?"
She frowned. Then what were those romance books for? She'd seen them around a few times, and had been wanting to actually buy one of them to see what it contained, but hadn't really gotten around to doing it. "Don't they?"
"Of course not." She laughed. "I was like you once. In love with a samurai. He asked me to marry him before he left, but I hesitated. He left, and I never saw him since. I found out too late that I was in love with him."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"What for?" she waved it away dismissively. "It's long past. I'll see him up there in heaven one day, so no use moping around until then."
Jarenna gazed at her in amazement. She had never realized that there was another side to Junko that she had not known about. Inside that hard, brisk exterior lay a woman who had missed her chance for a happy life with the man she loved, and was strong enough to go on without him.
"See what I mean, Jarenna-san? Seize the day. If you think you love someone, tell them. Before they never come back. Who cares what other people think?"
"But what if there's someone else in love with him? And who loves him more?" she blurted before thinking. This particular question was killing her.
"Jarenna," Junko said seriously. "If love worked on merit, or on who loved who more, it won't be love anymore, would it? Love's instinct, not law. It does not work according to what we want it to do. It just happens. And when it does, it's unstoppable. No one can stop the wind or the rain, ne? It's all the same, really."
Jarenna thought about that for a moment. It all made sense, in a strange way she did not yet understand. So…was she in love with Okita?
Maybe, she decided. Just…maybe.
…
..
.
A/N: Hmm, the proverbial pivotal point in the story, methinks. Who do you think Jarenna should go for, though? I'm still busy making a choice, 'cause the two of them are equally fine. winks Apologies if some things are not exactly…accurate. And once more, my thanks go out to those people who read and reviewed my story. You guys give me the motivation to actually write on, man. So cheers! I really love you all!
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Alice: Yep, Saito and Tokio will be coming in the next chapter, so hang on for that, 'cause it's gonna be real interesting, haha.
Zuzumi: Hey there! Thanks for reviewing my last chapter, lol. Really appreciated it, and I keep messing up OVA and OAV. Gosh I'm such a moron sometimes…I caught Peacemaker Kurogane, and damn, why the heck did Okita have to be so girly? Saito in there is cute, too, though. Bwahahahaha. Have you seen it? He talks to dead people.
And yeah, you're right, Kimiko DOES have something planned, but then again, she is just a girl, albeit a spoilt one. Anyone would get jealous seeing their longtime love pay more attention to someone else, especially since that someone is one you consider somewhat…lower than you. Sigh…I like her a lot, though. She's crafted in the image of someone I know.
Omanyte-chan: Hey, thanks for the very encouraging words. To be honest, the name Kimiko just sprang to mind, so I added it in. I'm really glad you like my work, and yeah, I guess the Kaoru/Kenshin pairing gets the most attention, haha, though no offense, but I'm sick of reading about them. Ah well. :D And my fic is unique? No one's ever said that before, lol. Thanks so much!! I hope you like this chapter as much as I loved writing it!