OHAYO! SORRY FOR THE LATE UPDATE…
(SNIFF) (SNIFF) I CAN'T TAKE IT. THIS IS THE LAST CHAPPIE…ANYWAY LIFE MUST GO ON. WITH NO FURTHER ADO, HERE IS CHAPTER 16, THE LAST CHAPPIE OF…
WILL IT HURT TO LOVE AGAIN? By Sutefani-chanCHAPTER 16
A BRAND NEW START…FAREWELL, KAORU
"Now hold still if you don't want your wounds to get infected, Kenshin," reminded Kaoru as she was tending the wound on his wrist. She was kneeling across the rurouni as she gently applied an ointment on the wound.
"Gomen nasai, Kaoru-dono, but it stings de gozaryo," he apologized while scratching the back of his neck.
"This is a very trusty home remedy, Kenshin. The Kamiya family has been using it ever since, all thanks to Dr. Gensai's forefathers and it has never put us down. I can still remember my father using it to tend my wounds when I was still a child…"
"Oro?"
"Oh, gomen! I think I went too far."
She reached for the bandage on her right and started to cover the wound right after she placed cotton to apply pressure on it.
"Feeling better now?" asked Kaoru.
"Hai… Arigato de gozaryo, Kaoru-dono."
"Hmmm. We still have to change the bandage of the one on your leg."
"Hai."
The next day was a sunny and cheerful morning for the Kenshin-gumi. It was as if nothing had happened. Everyone was too thankful that none of him or her got hurt badly. Dr. Gensai came over the dojo early that morning, bringing new and clean bandages, not to mention the famous home remedy Kaoru was boasting about.
Kaoru was finished with the one on his wrist and started to tend the one on his leg.
"You're really good with first aid, Kaoru-dono," commented Kenshin.
"Arigato. Megumi-san taught me how. Actually, she convinced me hard to learn this since she told me that I would need it badly because, obviously…" she trailed off.
Her heart began to have this heavy feeling again. Forcefully, she tried to fight the tears starting to fill her eyes.
"Arigato, Kenshin, for saving me."
"Kaoru-dono…"
"You know, you didn't have to get yourself involved in this. Go-gomen nasai… you're not supposed to be involved, and now…" she cupped her face with her hands as tears were rolling down her cheeks. "G-gomen…"
Just then, she felt herself being pulled towards as two arms were wrapped around her, bringing her closer to the rurouni. She felt the man's warmth. She never knew Kenshin could be this warm.
"Kenshin."
"Kaoru-dono, I should be the one who should apologize. Because of me, you got hurt and involved in something you were innocent of. It was just a matter of coincidence that Koshikawa-san got involved in this. Matsu and Gohei gave him an empty promise and so it forced him to kidnap you. The two used you and your friend so as to lure me into their trap. Gomen nasai, Kaoru-dono."
Kaoru hugged back. It doesn't matter to her that she'll be facing a lot of danger. All that matters to her was the fact that she love Kenshin and being with him was enough to keep her happy and contented. She was crying once more.
Kenshin slowly pulled her away from him and wiped the tears off her cheeks as he cupped his hands on her cheeks and wiped her cheeks by letting both of his thumbs slide slowly towards.
"You always cry, Kaoru-dono – ugh!"
Kaoru punched him softly in his ribs and glared at him.
"Bakeru! Why wouldn't I cry if you always get hurt and it pains me to see you suffer just to save me…"
"Oro?"
Kaoru wiped her eyes and grinned at Kenshin. "And because of that we didn't even get to go to the festival. Hey, you still owe me a date, mister." She blushed when she said that.
Kenshin laughed, "Don't worry, I promise to make it up to you, de gozaryo, only now there won't be anymore childhood friend to kidnap you and a deranged samurai to hurt you. That, I promise, de gozaryo."
She had finished bandaging the wound on his leg.
"There, all done."
"Arigato, Kaoru-dono."
Kaoru stood up, gathering the ointment and the leftover bandages.
"Can you stand up or walk?"
"Daijoubu des, Kaoru-dono. I can manage."
But still, she helped him get up as she reached for his hand and pulled him up slowly and safely.
"Arigato, Kaoru-dono."
"Hai." Kaoru smiled and headed for the door. Just as she was closing the shoji door, Kenshin called out, "Kaoru-dono?"
"Hai, Kenshin?"
"Uh…" he was blushing as he fumbled for words to say.
All I wanted to tell you is that I think I've fallen for you ever since you let me stay in your home. I kept denying that feeling the whole time because I was afraid you might get hurt again like before. But I just couldn't understand why I cannot say those simple words. Is it because I do not have the guts to do so?
"And to think that you're once the fearless Battousai? Seriously."
"Oro?"
"Nani, Kenshin?"
"Uh, er…" Say it, bakeru! Oro? "Uh, Kaoru-dono…"
"Oi! Jou-chan! Tae-san's here to see you!" yelled Sanosuke from outside.
Nice timing, Sanosuke, thought Kaoru.
"Sumimasen, Kenshin," she smiled at him and went out to meet Tae.
"Seriously that Sanosuke's always crashing into our perfect 'alone' time at the wrong time," muttered Kaoru under her breath. She reached the front door and was greeted by Tae.
"Ohayo de Gozaimasu, Kaoru-chan. Can I talk to you for a moment?"
Kaoru nodded.
"How about for a walk?" asked Kaoru.
"That would be just fine, Kaoru-chan." And Tae led Kaoru outside.
"Do you know the legendary place, firefly bend?"
"Hai, of course! Do you want to go there?"
"Okay. And then you can tell me what you wanted to tell me when we get there."
They walked the peaceful path quietly as the wind gently caressed their faces.
It has never been this peaceful, thought Kaoru.
They finally reached the place. Both of them sat down and both stared amazed at the tranquil yet beautiful lake before them.
"Kireii," muttered Tae as she stared endlessly at the lake.
"I know," smiled Kaoru. I wish Kenshin would tell me that.
"Oh! Before I forget, somebody wants to give this to you, Kaoru-chan."
She reached something in her right sleeve and handed it to Kaoru. It was a letter.
"What's this?"
"A man dropped by the restaurant early this morning, asking if I could give it to you."
"That's quite odd. Why wouldn't he just give it to me himself?"
Tae lowered her voice, "I think you would know why once you figured out who gave you that letter."
Kaoru reflected for a moment.
"Is it…Taka?" Just then, Tae stood up and looked down at Kaoru.
"I think it's best to know if you read that letter first, Kaoru-chan. Gomen, I have to get going now. Nobody's there to manage the shop and I don't want to get there seeing it on fire! I hope everybody's fine especially Tsubame… oh, mata atadane, Kaoru-chan.
Good bye!" and with that she left for the AKABEKO.
Kaoru stared at the letter. Open it, her mind told her. She tore the envelope open and opened the piece of parchment carefully.
Kaoru-chan,
(Would you mind if I call you by that name again?)
I just wanted to let you know that your forgiveness is one thing my heart seeks for now. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me. It was really shameful of me to hurt you and to agree to use you as a bait to lure Himura-san. Gomen nasai, Kaoru-chan. Gomen…
She continued reading.
I never imagined I would be seeing you again, especially not the way like as last night's. I never thought I would be there at your doorstep, ruining your happiness again like before. I never knew how fate could be this cruel. Yet, somehow on the bright side, we even got the chance to see each other even for the last time, ne?
If ever you're worrying if there's going to be a Gohei to disturb your peace again, there won't be any. Somehow, he managed to escape last night but the police soon found him and placed him under arrest. Matsu was arrested too no matter how useless he can be now due to body paralysis. The impact of Himura-san's technique really got him.
And with this, I must go now. I don't know where I'll be going, but surely far away from here. For me, this place just holds far too many painful memories for me to handle. Kaoru, you changed my life forever. You're a kindred spirit who always makes everyone smile and I'm proud of you. I will never forget you or your kindness. Aishiteru, angel-sama… always and forever.
Koshikawa Taka
A tear dropped on the name and smeared it. She held the letter to her heart. She never realized how Taka would be like Taka, the Taka that she once knew. She wondered what went wrong between them, why Taka suddenly decided to leave her and then come back again when he's been successfully erased from her life.
She could still remember that time when she caught him meeting with Sayuri at the AKABEKO. It was like yesterday when she heard him say those shocking yet unforgettable words to Sayuri about her. Yes, she can never forget that. But, somehow now, she could see it differently and the only difference was that now she found it in her heart to finally forgive him.
After some time of reflecting, she finally headed for the dojo. Now there won't be anymore Taka to darken my doorway again, she thought. Yes, it was her utmost wish to finally get rid of him, and now her wish was granted. He was finally out of her life. Yet, somehow she felt partial emptiness inside of her. She knew that something was taken from her. She gave it no further thinking why. Taka had been a childhood friend and sweetheart no mater what anyone might say or think. She felt, somehow, alone and empty.
She finally reached to front gate of the Kamiya dojo. I was afraid of being alone. Since my parents passed away, I was afraid of losing someone so dear and close to me, she thought as she gave a frown. She reached for the wooden door and opened it. Before her, Kenshin stood, smiling.
"Ohayo, Kaoru-dono! Lunch is ready. I've made miso soup and rice balls for the six of us.
She stared at him thoughtfully. Then it struck her. She wasn't alone, and wasn't completely empty either. Though somehow a part of her was gone, she must go on with her life. She came into a realization that it was really Himura Kenshin that her heart seeks, and Koshikawa Taka was just a painful past to forget.
She smiled sweetly at the thought. She felt that a new life was breathed into her to make a fresh new start.
She smiled sweetly at him. "Hai. I think that would be wonderful, Kenshin," and Kenshin escorted her towards the house with Kaoru having a feeling of assurance and comfort, and of course, love, around her. Aishite imasu, Kenshin.
Just then, she smirked to herself.
Kenshin no baka.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: HURRAH! I'VE FINALLY ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING IN MY WRITER LIFE! FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, I FINISHED A STORY! A FIC! A FANFIC! WOOHOO! HEHEHE…I'M GONNA MISS THIS STORY THOUGH…SNIFF
I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING THIS FIC! ARIGATO DE GOZAIMASU! THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS MAKING ME HAPPY WITH YOUR REVIEWS! THANK YOU FOR TAKINF TIME TO READ THIS FIC OF MINE! ONCE AGAIN, ARIGATO!
OKAY, IF EVER YOU'RE WONDERING WHY KAORU SAID, "KENSHIN NO BAKA," IT'S BECAUSE THAT KENSHIN ALWAYS RISKS HIS BUTT JUST TO MAKE SURE KAORU'S SAFE, NOT MINDING HIS OWN SAKE BUT ONLY FOR THE PEOPLE BEING HURT AROUND HIM…ESPECIALLY HIS DEAR, SWEET KAORU! HEHEHE….
I KNOW THAT THE LENGTH OF THE LAST CHAPPIE ISN'T ENOUGH…BUT I HOPE IT SATISFIED YOU WELL!
NOTES:
GOMEN NASAI – SORRY OR I'M SORRY…CLOSE TO THAT
BAKERU – STUPID
KIREII – BEAUTIFUL
MATA ATADANE – SEE YOU LATER/MEET YOU LATER
KENSHIN NO BAKA – KENSHIN YOU IDIOT…CLOSE TO THAT…
AND SO...ON WITH THE REVIEWER NOTES…
ROYAL BLUE KITSUNE: ALL IS FORGIVEN AND FORGOTTEN…WEHEHE… THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING AND REVIEWING MY FIC! I'M AFRAID IT HAS TO END, SNIFF, BUT LIFE MUST GO ON WITH MY THREE NEW FICS…ARIGATO!
JODIBETZ: FIRST OF ALL, ARIGATO DE GOZAIMASU FOR READING AND REVIEWING THIS FIC! SECOND, I'M AFRAID THIS CHAPPIE, WHICH IS CHAPTER 16, IS THE LAST CHAPTER. ANYWAY, HOPED YOU ENJOYED IT!