Piercing Silence
Standard Disclaimer Apply
Angst, Betrayal, Obsession. Battousai doesn't want anyone to know that he and Kaoru are together. How long will Kaoru be able to tolerate it? Is it because he's a private person or is there more to it than that?
A/N: Lengthy Review Responses down below, please read that and also…I apologize in advance for any errors in spelling or grammar. I did try to weed them out but if some escaped, I apologize. I think I need a beta-reader because I can't seem to catch all the errors on my own. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter!
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Chapter Four:
Kaoru sat in her bed, dressed to go to school, but it was still early too early. She had arranged her schedule at the beginning of the semester so she would have a lot of time to sleep in during mornings. Kaoru's cheeks tinted red as she recalled exactly why she'd had to do that. She had been late so many times during the past semester, all thanks to Kenshin's late night endeavors.
Thoughts of earlier this morning flitted through her mind, further adding to the rush of blood coloring her cheeks.
Kenshin had left about an hour ago after taking a shower.
It was a good thing Sano hadn't woken up.
Kami, it had been torture to keep herself quiet.
The truth was, she hadn't succeeded at all.
If it weren't for Kenshin covering her mouth with his to absorb her screams and moans, Kaoru was sure Sano would know exactly what was happening inside the bathroom. At that time, she'd been beyond caring if the whole building heard her.
Her blood heated at the memory of their encounter and she felt vaguely ashamed that she enjoyed it. It wasn't tender…it wasn't loving…it was a desperate joining, a possession, an answer to a primal need.
Was it love?
Kaoru liked to think it was…but lately…she'd been having doubts.
It wasn't always like that, so raw and almost unbridled. No, there were times when he was slow and tender, when he bathed her senses and seemed to be content to just touch her and be with her and have her near him.
Lately though…lately his actions had become rather, Kaoru didn't know exactly how to describe it.
Only that it scared her in some ways, and excited her in others.
The realization left a bad taste in her mouth.
What was happening to her?
What was wrong with her?
Who was she?
What has she become?
She collapsed on top of her bed and closed her eyes, covering her face with her hands and feeling her heated skin beneath her palms. "What the heck am I doing?" she mumbled to herself.
When she was a little girl, she hadn't really pictured her first romantic relationship to be like this.
She had pictured flowers, chocolates, walking home together with her boyfriend's arm around her shoulder.
Laughing when he narrowed his eyes at any man who dared even glance her way.
Kissing him in public…nothing fierce or passionate…just a light peck on the cheek, a small brief kiss on the lips…just for the simple reason that she had a right to.
Everyone would know and they would tease her because she was so deliriously happy and so deliciously in love.
"But that's not what's happening, is it?"
It was probably better for her in every way if she just got out of this relationship.
"How long can I go on, surviving on the scraps of his affection?"
Everyday, a little piece of her self crumbled away.
Her self respect.
Her soul.
Day by day a part of her dies at his continuous denial.
The mental and emotional repercussions of his actions were great and yet he seemed not to see or care as he continued to negate their relationship. He acts cold towards her most of the time; that is if they weren't in bed.
When he touched her, he burned, his icy façade melting in the inferno of his need and hers.
He was a fire that consumed her and obliterated everything in its path. She lost herself to him and to his need as something inside of her answered to his call.
Always, she answers to him.
She wanted to bring him comfort.
She wanted to tame the flames that seemed to eat at him, burning him alive and pushing him towards a goal she didn't really know, let alone understand.
But Kaoru was beginning to realize that the price of this was too great. She was losing herself in the process.
Her dignity.
Her spirit.
Her pride.
The very essence of Kaoru Kamiya, she was losing sight of who she was.
It was not healthy for her to stay with him. She knew that and yet…she could not seem to leave. Perhaps she was a fool to believe he loved her. Maybe she was reading too much into his eyes, his silences, the way he would whisper her name when he was asleep.
Try as she might, she found she could no longer leave him.
He had succeeded in binding her to him.
He was now an integral part of her existence and Kaoru felt that she would perish without him.
The thought sickened her.
When had their relationship shifted to into something so destructive?
It had started out so perfectly.
They had been friends and she had loved him.
Now, they were more than friends, and there were times when she had never hated anyone more.
Still she stayed because she loved him.
Because she felt like he needed her.
Because she needed him too…
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Sano knocked on the door but no one answered so he opened it. It was Kaoru's room and he noted the lack of ruffles and frills. There was nothing pink in the room, which he liked. The thing was, the room barely looked lived in, as if she didn't spend much time there at all. Finishing his perusal, he turned his attention towards the bed where Kaoru was lying.
Her jeans fit well, managing to hint at long slender legs without actually hugging her figure. Her shirt had ridden up in her reclining position with her arm thrown over her face. He could see a small patch of her pale, flat stomach.
"Now if it would rise a couple of more inches, I'd be very grateful…" Sano said, leaning his tall frame against her doorway and crossing his arms.
Kaoru jerked to a sitting position, surprised to hear his voice. She turned to him and frowned. "What are you doing here?"
"I knocked, but no one answered. I was checking to see if someone was here."
"Well now you know."
He didn't move.
"What do you want?"
"I was lonely Jou-chan, I don't have much company…" Sano pouted, knowing most women liked it when he did.
No reaction, she just stared at him.
Sano uncrossed his arms and walked inside the room. He sat down on Kaoru's bed, just at the edge so he didn't crowd her.
He smiled.
She just kept looking at him, not smiling back but not frowning either.
Kaoru took notice that his hair was still wet. He'd probably just gotten out of the shower. His hair, instead of standing up, fell about his face in dark damp strands. It actually looked better on him and for a moment, she was arrested by Sano's own brand of beauty. He was different from Kenshin; his coloring was darker and less exotic.
His features were strong and even, they were not beautiful like Kenshin's but Kaoru couldn't deny that Sano was very handsome.
That wasn't why she liked him though.
It was his attitude that she liked.
She remembered how she liked his laughter and the way his eyes sparkled when he smiled. He was fun company to keep. He teased her and made her laugh quite a lot that time when she had given him a brief tour of Tokyo.
She felt bad she couldn't see him any more.
With a start, she realized he reminded her of her self.
Of who she used to be.
I used to smile like that, didn't I?
I use to laugh…
I used to be like that...so carefree.
What was she now? A tired, empty shell of the girl Kenshin fell in love with? She didn't know herself anymore sometimes. She still liked to think she was the same Kaoru, but the Kaoru she knew was proud, spirited, fiery and free. She would never tolerate this kind of treatment from anyone.
Not even her boyfriend.
And yet here she was, still with him.
Still with Kenshin…
Kaoru turned away and concentrated on looking down at her feet.
"Are you avoiding me?" Sano asked after a moment.
Kaoru could feel his eyes, like lasers, scorching her skin. She didn't answer him. She'd made it plain enough as day that she'd rather he not seek her out. She didn't want to have to spell it out for him. He wouldn't understand and Kaoru didn't want to have to explain her self to him.
What was she going to say?
Kenshin forbade it?
The very fact that she was following Kenshin's will made Kaoru hate herself, but what could she do? She didn't want to create any more waves in their already volatile relationship.
Sano reached out to touch her cheek.
Kaoru pulled away and stood up, crossing her arms. He shouldn't be in her room, shouldn't be sitting on her bed. She glared at him. "You keep your hands to yourself."
His hand fell, one dark eyebrow lifted in inquiry as Sano's head tilted to the side. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Now leave my room," Kaoru said.
"I always knew there was a little spit fire in there somewhere…" Sano said with a smile, but he made no move to leave. He continued to study her, his eyes never wavering, as he seemed to peer into the depths of her soul.
"Stop it," Kaoru said, feeling suddenly violated by his gaze. There was nothing sexual about it. It was more of a violation of her mind.
His gaze seemed to penetrate her defenses, peeling away all her protective layers until she was naked and vulnerable to him. He seemed to see all of her, even the thoughts she kept hidden, locked away in the darkest corners of her psyche.
Thoughts she herself refused to acknowledge for she was afraid of them.
"I'm not doing anything."
"Get out, Sanosuke…" Kaoru bit out, her blue eyes narrowing.
Kami, what was happening to her?
Why was she being like this?
She didn't even recognize the tone of voice she had used!
Panic and something akin to despair gripped her, but she forced the feelings away.
"Not before you tell me why you're avoiding me," Sano said quietly as he studied her. She seemed to sway before him. There was an almost frantic look in her eyes that hadn't been there before. Why was his presence so upsetting to her? "Look Jou-chan, I like you but…I was just flirting, okay? It didn't mean anything…you don't have to be afraid of me."
"I'm not afraid of you."
Her words had the ring of truth.
She seemed even slightly amused at his presumption.
Sano's brows creased, "Then why are you so afraid?"
"Just get out. Don't come near me, okay?" Kaoru said as she turned away.
Sano studied her for a long moment before he asked quietly, "Who are you to Kenshin?"
It took all of Kaoru's control not to stiffen. "I'm his roommate."
Thick, choking silence ensued.
Strong arms enfolded her from behind and Kaoru found herself drawn backwards in a warm embrace. It was gentle, so gentle and restful that she felt tears gather in her eyes for no reason whatsoever. He was warm and that small little gesture seemed to break something inside of her, letting loose all the emotions she'd withheld for so long.
It had been such a long time since someone just held her like this. Held her because she was a human being and human beings were supposed to give comfort to one another.
She could feel Sano's even breathing with the steady rise and fall of his chest against her back and the puffs of air that tickled her ear and neck. She felt almost detached and numb as she soaked in Sano's warmth.
"Take care of yourself Jou-chan," he said quietly against her hair, before he let her alone.
The door closed softly behind him.
Kaoru found herself standing alone in the middle of her room .
Crying.
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Kaoru's day had not started well and it seemed a portent of how the rest of her day would go. Kaoru had visited Kenshin in the training dojo at the university thinking they could go back home together. Perhaps grab dinner somewhere. It didn't matter if people saw them; it was expected since she was his supposed best friend. That was okay, Kaoru would know they were on a date and that was all that really mattered to her.
His teammates greeted her as she bowed and entered the training hall, removing her shoes as she went. Kenshin was practicing with someone. Even though they wore protective gear and face-guards, she could tell it was he because of his movements and the red hair peeking from beneath the head-guard. She sat down on one of the low wooden benches that lined the side of the room and watched him as he thrust and parried with grace and speed.
She could tell he was holding back and toying with his opponent in an almost bored fashion. It was glaringly obvious that Kenshin was better skilled than his sparing partner.
Most of his teammates already knew who Kaoru was and greeted her by name, asking how she was and how her training was going. They too knew that she practiced kendo as well but was taking a break from it for the time being.
She didn't get any acknowledgement from Kenshin, not even a slight nod.
That was to be expected though.
He never acknowledged anyone's existence.
The fact that he actually, although rarely, gave her a nod or a smile, was no small feat.
One of his teammates, Shin Taoka, had tried asking Kaoru out quite a few times in the past. He was older than Kenshin by one year and considered to be a good catch. He was from a good family, studying to become a doctor. He was kind and was always smiling. Kaoru had turned him down quite a number of times but he didn't seem to get the idea.
There was one time he'd even tried asking her out in front of Kenshin.
Even going so far as to ask Kenshin to convince Kaoru to say yes, asking his help because he was Kaoru's best friend.
Kaoru didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the situation.
If only Shin had known…he was asking Kaoru's boyfriend to convince Kaoru to go out with him.
"I'll be the best boyfriend you've ever had!" Shin said as he held her hand in his. "I'll take care of you and I promise I'll never hurt you or make you cry…"
"Kenshin help me out will you? TellKaoru-chan I can be trusted…"
"I like you Kaoru, I really do. You'll make me the happiest person if you'll just give me a chance…that's all I ask…"
"Hi," he said as he sat down next to her. His brown hair was neat and his green eyes were warm as they regarded her from beneath the thick fringe of his eyelashes.
"Hello, did you finish training?" Kaoru asked, taking her eyes off of Kenshin and smiling at Shin.
"Sensei wants to have a mini-tournament to gauge our skills, I just finished my round so I'm taking a breather."
"You won, didn't you," Kaoru guessed. She had seen him in the past and knew he was very good and very skilled. Everyone in the kendo club was exceptionally good. It was the best team in the country and one of the reasons why Kenshin had opted to study at this particular university.
Shin gave her a dimpled smile, seemingly embarrassed. "Yeah well…I got lucky. How about you, have you been practicing? I heard you stopped."
"Just for a little while. I've been busy…too much stuff going on."
"I can help you out, if you want," he offered.
Kaoru nodded and turned away from him, looking straight ahead.
Why couldn't she fall in love with someone like Shin?
He liked her.
He was nice.
She knew if she had been his girlfriend, the entire world would know about it.
He'd take her hand while they walked.
He'd give her flowers and chocolates
Most important of all…
He'd tell her he loved her each and every single day.
But Kaoru didn't love him.
She loved Kenshin.
Kaoru felt a hand touch hers and she was surprised to see that Shin was touching her, holding her hand in his. She looked up to find herself looking at his kindly green eyes. She could see he truly did care for her and she smiled softly at him.
Sadly.
If things had been different…maybe if I had met you first…
The smile did not go unnoticed by Kenshin. Although he did not acknowledge her, he had been aware of her since the moment she arrived. He was always aware of her, her presence, what she was doing. He always knew. Just because he kept silent didn't mean he was blind. He had seen Shin touch Kaoru.
And now, she was smiling at him.
Smiling at Shin.
Violet eyes narrowed.
"You seem kind of sad…what's wrong?" Shin asked.
"I…"
A sharp sound and a loud cry of pain broke off their conversation as Kenshin's sparring partner collapsed on the floor with a dull thud. Kaoru stood up, a knee-jerk reaction to being surprised and concerned. Shin's hand fell from hers as she unconsciously tugged hers away when she had moved. Everyone was mumbling and the sound of murmurs could be heard as the teacher called for the medic.
"Is he alright…?"
"He's fine, he just lost consciousness. The blow was hard…but it was well placed, it won't do any permanent damage."
Kenshin took off his headgear.
Everyone was murmuring about the great skill of Battousai. He'd managed to defeat his opponent in a single blow, rendering him unconscious without even trying.
He was like a Hitokiri of old, in that regard.
Undefeatable.
"Winner, Himura Kenshin."
Applause.
Kenshin bowed respectfully before stepping out of the mat laid-out in the middle of the dojo.
"Next match, Uchida and Fujimoto…"
.
Kaoru's hand lifted to touch the mark he'd given her earlier that morning. She had mark on her shoulder where he'd kissed her and sucked on her flesh. He was fond of giving her marks, invisible ones only she could see.
Maybe she wasn't good enough for him?
Perhaps that was why he wanted to keep their relationship a secret.
Kami knew, everyone saw Kenshin as perfect.
Beautiful.
Strong.
Smart.
His only real flaw was the fact that he was silent and cold…but for the women, it was no flaw at all but an added attraction that gave him an air of mystery. Kaoru sighed as she walked beside him. "The match was good…but did you have to knock your opponent unconscious?" she inquired, curious.
"Yes."
"Why? Do you dislike him? I rarely see you lose control like that…"
He was silent, but Kaoru could tell that what she had said displeased him.
"Ken-san! Ken-san!"
A group of girls hurried towards them.
Oh great, just what she needed. Kaoru took a step to the side so as not to be run-over by his fan girls. They seemed to have the uncanny ability to block out everything else except Kenshin and they had been known to knock down teachers, pets and even plants as they rushed to him.
Kenshin didn't stop walking.
He reached out and touched Kaoru's shoulder, propelling her forward in front of him as he went.
Kaoru turned to look at the girls who did not seem to mind Kenshin's rudeness towards them.
Why did they continue to like Kenshin despite the fact that he wasn't nice to them?
But then again…why did she?
Why did she love him so much?
Why did it have to hurt so badly?
She remembered the look in Shin's eyes. Warm, caring, light…it was a soft glow, not like the raging fires in Kenshin eyes. And yet she still preferred Kenshin, despite all rational thought.
It was Kenshin she loved.
Kenshin she belonged to.
It was like an addiction. He was her addiction, corrupting her and slowly dragging her down in a path where she completely lost herself. As it was now, she was barely clinging to the last vestiges of who she was.
She had always been so cheerful.
Now, everyone kept asking her why she was so sad…if she was okay.
Her relationship with Kenshin had always been a complicated, but his behavior lately was not something she was used to.
Perhaps Sano's presence was pushing Kenshin?
Kaoru didn't understand but he seemed more feral somehow, less contained. It didn't make sense. He was controlled though, controlled and still as cold as ever, if not more so. Still, there was a leashed tension that pulsed around him. He was like a volcano that could blow any second.
The peaceful balance they had reached in their relationship was being tilted somewhat.
Was Kenshin jealous of Sano?
Was that the reason for his increasingly odd behavioral patterns of late?
The almost explosive possessiveness he sometimes displayed?
It would be nice…but at the same time, Kaoru knew she didn't want Kenshin to be jealous of Sano. He should know that she was his. Kami knew, even as mad as she was with him with all the grief and confusion he gave her, she still wanted to be with Kenshin and she didn't want anything to threaten that.
What's wrong with me? Kaoru wondered to herself. Where was the fierce, prideful, idealistic girl she had been?
What was she now?
How could she let herself live this kind of life and be in a relationship that was so obviously not good for her?
She felt the warmth of Kenshin's hand on her shoulder as he guided her forward and further away from his unwanted fans.
"Let's go out to eat…my treat since you won," Kaoru said as she turned to smile at him. She moved to walk beside him once more.
Kenshin turned to look at her for a moment before he nodded. "Arigato."
Kaoru smiled.
What kind of person am I?
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A/N: I could end this fic with that last line, don't you think? But it would be too sad and almost bittersweet so I won't. Besides, there's Kenshin's secrets and stuff to be revealed so…anyway…I wrote most of this in one sitting so I'm not sure it it's up to par with you guys.
I know I'm supposed to update Belonging but I got inspired to write this fic so I had to do it! I hope you like it. I kind of get scared every time I update this fic because I'm afraid you guys will be disappointed. Oh well…I hope you guys enjoyed this!
What are your reactions to Sano's hug and his parting words?
Kenshin managed to knock out his sparring partner…notice the timing…he was taking out his anger at Shin for touching Kaoru on his poor sparring partner. (Bad Kenshin! Bad!)
Review Responses:
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Ri-nee-chan – Well I do hope this update is fast enough for you. (smiles) Your idea is very doable and I might use it on the upcoming chapters! Thanks for the idea! Oh yeah, I can just see Kenshin fuming because of that. I'm glad you enjoy my story and I hope you are not disappointed with this chapter.
Reder 101 – Wow! High praise indeed! I'm glad you like my story and I hope this chapter lived up to your expectations. Thank you so much, your comment warmed my heart!
Plaridel – Well, you must admit Sano has his uses! LOL! I love possessive fics too! Thanks so much for saying this is your favorite! I just hope this chapter lives up to your expectations! Thanks so much for the support! Please tell me what you think of this chapter.
Alex – Yeah, it was wasn't it? I love Kenshin when he's possessive too. Seems so sexy! (drools) Ehem! Anyway, I'm gad you like this fic. I was afraid the last chapter would seem kind of smutty but I'm glad you didn't find it so. Thanks so much for the encouragement and please tell me what you thought of this chapter!
Princess-oro – I think he's a cross of both. He's one sexy beast! LOL! There's actually a movie of that title, Sexy Beast…at least I think so…hmmm…but anyway, Kenshin is way hot when he's golden eyed! Yes, Aoshi, Megumi and Misao are going to make an appearance.
Star0704 – Thanks for the review! There is a reason why Kenshin doesn't want their relationship known. As for Kaoru taking some action, don't worry, she will…sooner or later. She's battling with her immense love for Kenshin…and the fact that she feels that he needs her. I hope this chapter shed some light on her persona and why she stays. Please tell me what you thought of it.
Himura Kamiya Kaoru – Oh you changed place with Kaoru in the shower scene! (grins) I'm glad you liked the last chapter. I was kind of afraid to post it, thinking people might think it was too smutty, that was why I put the large WARNING sign at the beginning. I hear that some author's work have been erased because people complained. Anyway, I already updated Back Home To You. Only With You is coming soon too, Thanks for the compliment and I hope you tell me what you thought of this chapter.
Reignashii – Good guesses but no, that's not what happened. I like Tomoe's character, it's beautiful and tragic…but I like Kaoru better. Hence, my K/K fics. (grins) Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter!
Reviewer – Thanks, I love Kenshin as Battousai. I'm glad you like BHTY as well. If you haven't read Only With You, then you should give it a try. It's AU and OOC but of the fics I've written that is one of my favorites. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Anonymous Miss – Thank you for the review! I hope you liked this chapter! Please tell me what you think! Thank you so much for always reviewing my stories, I really do appreciate it very much!
Moon-Dragon1288 – I'm glad you like my story. Don't be sorry for swearing, and the 'b' word isn't even a cuss word, is it? Well anyway, I'm glad you like this fic. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please tell me what you thought of it. Thank you!
MellysiaVaj – Hi! Thanks for the support, I'm sure I told you this a hundred times already but I really do appreciate your reviews! Yeah, Kenshin's being really mean and his past actually in a way does explain his actions and his coldness. Things will be revealed a little at a time…but stuff has to happen first…anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please tell me what you think!
Kento07058 – Thank you! Well as for the plot, there is one, it's just that I also like to focus on character development and emotions. I think that the emotional struggle is truly where the story lies. I'm sorry if you think this is lagging but I hope you did enjoy this chapter and it helped the story move along. Please tell me what you think!
Mini-Moonstar – Hi! Glad you enjoy Only With You, it's one of my favorites! I'm glad you like this story as well and I hope you weren't disappointed with this chapter! Please review!
Tiaravball15 – thanks for the compliment! (grins happily) I'm glad you like my stories. What is your favorite if I may ask? Anyway, yeah, Kenshin being an ass, but he's such a sexy ass! There's a reason and the reason is kind of dark and disturbing but…it's a very good reason. I think…anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review.
Paisita – Glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, Kaoru finds it hard to leave Kenshin because she feels he truly does need her. I hope you liked this chapter. Please review.
Strawberyy promises – Hi! Glad you liked it. I love strawberries, That's why I love your name. Strawberries dipped in chocolate…yummy! (Drools) must find chocolate covered strawberries…
Tintin-chan – Yeah I think if I saw a real guy who kind of looked like Kenshin (preferably lots taller since I am taller than Kenshin) I would probably faint! I'm glad you liked the last chapter and hope you enjoyed this one too. Please review!
Miko Kagome Archer – Hello! I'm glad you like my story, thanks for the review. By the way, I love Kagome too! Especially with Sesshoumaru! (drools) Fluffy…
Tesuka-chan – Hi! You hit the nail right on the head with that one. It kind of sums up this last chapter too, doesn't it? Well I hope you enjoyed it and please tell me what you thought! Thank you!
Haien – Yes, Obsessive Kenshin is scary…but way sexy too. I love Battousai…oh well…I hope you liked this chapter and please tell me what you thought of it! Thanks!
Crystal Winds – Hello! Yeah, perhaps I should put this in R? But, I didn't really go into very much detail. If you will reread it and see, I only described their kisses and stuff. I don't really like to write too much lemon in a fic, I don't like going into too much detail. (blushes) How old are you if I may ask? Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please review!
Scythe195 – Thanks, glad you like it. I hope you like this chapter too and please review! Thanks!
Raeyn-chan – Hi! Wow, I love your review. I am a sucker for dark romances as well. I love them. Wouldn't want to live them (especially the part where heroine is tormented) but I love reading them. I'm glad you liked my story and I hope this chapter did not disappoint you. Please tell me what you thought. Thank you.
Indygodusk – Hi! Thanks again for always reviewing, I really appreciate it! I love your name by the way. Yeah, he does want to avoid being tied down. He has goals and he is very focused on them. He didn't even want to like her in the first place but he couldn't help himself. Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter. Please review!
MZ. Amber EYES – Hi! (hugs) Thanks so much for the review! I'm glad you didn't mind the light smut. I was kind of scared I would get flamed for it. I'm scared of flames. Anyway, I am so glad you always review and that you like my fic! Thanks for your support and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review!
Videl621 – Hi! I hope you liked this chapter! Thanks for the reviews and encouragements! I really appreciate it!
Pinay Tiger – Well, the concept of too much love that it borders on hate has creeped me out. It also kind of sort of seems plausible when applied to the Battousai persona most writers associate with the Hitokiri. Anyway, I hope you do join, it's might be fun and I really think you have a good chance of winning. Especially in the 'lyrical, eloquent' category. I hope you liked this chapter, Sano's character had very few lines but I liked him here. Yeah, I picked out the errors but haven't changed them yet…maybe later after I put this up.
Leah T – Hello! Since you asked so nicely, how can I say no? (grins) hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Clemen – Hi! Thanks again for the review! I will try to make the chapters longer but I don't want to bore the readers and make the chapter seem dragging. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please review! Thank you!
Bradybunch4529 – Wow, I always like to read your reviews, especially for this story because it makes me feel happy that my writing is able to draw out emotions from other people! I love reading how you reacted to the scenes and the characters. Their relationship here is very complicated, I'm glad you liked how I am writing this. I really appreciate your reviews and I hope you liked this chapter! Please review! Thanks!
JBella – Thanks! I'm glad you liked the citrusy moments. I'm so happy you found it tasteful! Kenshin so cute!Yeah, Kenshin is scary in this story, but he's still so hot too! (sigh) I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please review!
S3r3nity – Hi! Wow, I am overwhelmed with the review responses too! I can't believe it, but hey, you get tons of reviews too! (smiles) Are you joining FHB's Fanfic competition? You should! As for me being talented, I doubt it…I do try though but there are so many great fanfics out there that I feel kind of inadequate when I read one that is really good. But still, I write for fun so I just trudge on my merry way! (grins) I'm glad you liked Kenshin and the deeper look last chapter gave you to his psyche. ( sentence construction is wrong but…I'm too lazy to rethink it.) Yeah, chicken shit Sano instead of chicken head! I hope you studied for your finals!
Autumn Shadow – Your name is super cool! It sounds so…mysterious. I love autumn time when the leaves turn red and gold and the wind gets just a tad bit chilly.(sigh) Anyway, I'm glad you like my stories! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please review! Thanks!
Lexi112003 – Awww…thanks so much for saying that! I feel honored! I'm glad you like my stories! Thank you for reviewing, I always like to hear what people think of my stories. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, please review!
Moshi Moshi Mai – (sigh of relief) Wow, I'm glad it's not turning into smut yet, although the theme for this is a bit…risqué as one reviewer called it! (grins, I love that word, risqué!) I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please review!
Venus goddess – I like the 'moths drawn to a deadly flame' comment! So cool! Yeah, I know, I love reading those kinds of stories. Ah the angst, the torture! Oh yeah, I love Ravyn! I read her stories and I loved them so much! I haven't checked out Jouchan13 yet…but I will soon. Oh, can you give me the link to guilty pleasures please? It won't show up on the review if you put it there, for some reason seems to not want any other site or whatever showing up in theirs. Can you E-mail it to me? Please? (big pleading eyes) Do you know any good books that have the Victorian Romance theme? I haven't really come across one yet…I'm interested in reading one that is really dark and angsty but oh well…
Kaoru4 – Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed that last chapter. Kenshin does need her, even though he tries to deny it. Kenshin no baka! Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please tell me what you think! Thanks you!
Jane Drew – (squeals and give JD a hug) Wow! Long review! Longest review award! (hands over Kenshin doll) I love your review, it was thoughtful, long and it made me feel so appreciated. I like how you are connecting to the characters as they are portrayed and the fact that you took time to point out the scenes and lines you liked and your impressions on them made me feel so happy and inspired to write more! I'm glad you picked up on the parallels of their emotions and the love/hate relationship between the two. There is a little glimpse of Sano's point of view here although, it's not clearly stated, I liked him in this chapter. Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter and please tell me what you thought of it. Thanks!
Kimi.the.water.spirit – Hi Kimi! Of course I would review your story! I liked it, it was way good! I know, in real life, Kenshin's actions as a boyfriend may suck but he's so cute in the fanfic world! Still, I love torturing Kaoru and Kenshin here. This seems to have developed into a torture fic for one of my favorite pairings! (grins) Ps, thanks for thinking I'm a good writer! (hugs)
Vision2 – I'm glad you liked it. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and it lived up to its predecessors. Thanks so much for your support…did you already update your story? I haven't checked yet…
Kao-gurl – I love your thoughts on Kenshin's characters and the last chapter. It was…beautiful. Wow! I loved it! I am glad you see Kenshin as that and that you kind of see a side to him that is very difficult to portray. I didn't want to explain every single aspect of his personality in the last chapter. Just bits and pieces and let the reader picture him as a whole. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and it didn't disappoint! Thanks so much for the review! Please tell me what you thought of this chapter, thank you!
x-iridescence – Hi! You review made me laugh! Thanks so much and it was so nice of you to review! I'm glad you liked the last chapter and I hope you enjoyed this one too! Please review!
Britannie Love – I'm glad you liked it. I hope you enjoy this one too, please review!
Kairi16 – Hi! Glad you like it! Did you like this chapter too? Please tell me what you think! Thank you!
Erica6060 – Glad you liked it. A possessive Kenshin is scary…but he's so darned hot too! I hope you liked this next chapter. Please review!
Clamsofmacabre – (hands a photo of Kenshin and Kaoru in the bathroom) Yup, I sneaked in and took a picture of them. (evil grin) Hehehehe! LOL! I'm glad you thought the smut was lyrical and eloquent. (big happy smile) I was scared people would flame me for it. Oh well…anyway, thanks for the review and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. Please tell me what you think!
Pyramidgirl189 – What's MARS? Is it a fanfic? A book? Now I'm all curious. What is it? Anyway, as usual I thank you for always reviewing! You're always supporting my stories and I really appreciate that. (hugs) Thanks so much and I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please review!
Ginny-cry – Hi! I'm glad you love it. I hope this chapter didn't disappoint! Please review! Thank you! (grins)
Oyuki – hi snow! (smiles) what a cute name!
CrypticMaidenRK – Hello! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I love your fics and I'm happy you enjoy mine!
Seeneha – Hi! Awww, that's so sweet with the Dear Scented Candles. You're the first one to review like that! (grins) Yay for you! Anyway, I am so glad you like my stories. I really appreciate the fact that you took the time to review! Yeah, I think a little smut is necessary for this particular fic although I try to steer away from them as much as I could, (I'm not very good with lemons) the relationship between Kenshin and Kaoru in this fic kind of needs it…I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Triste1 – Hi! No, I would never portray Tomoe in a bad, bitchy light. I like her character and the tragedy that enshrouds her existence. It seems poignant in a way…still, I want Kenshin to end up with Kaoru. In my opinion Kenshin is able to love Kaoru because of Tomoe. We meet people in our lives who give us a little bit of themselves and this piece helps us grow into the people we will someday become…(does that make sense?) but don't worry, Tomoe is not going to be the reason, a lot of fics have already used that line and I didn't want this fic to go into that direction. Besides, I don't like the idea of a guy acting like Kenshin does just because of Tomoe. It will make his character weak and unable to cope…(smiles) anyway, thanks for pointing out my mistakes. I will redo them later when I have time…anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Sorry if there are any grammar mistakes, spellings and such! Thank you!
Half-breed-demon-fox – Hi! I'm glad you liked the previous chapter! I hope you enjoyed this one too! Please review!
GranolaBar – You got banned? Why, what happened? I hope you don't into trouble for sneaking in and reading my stories! But anyway, thank you so much for reviewing! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Nekotsuki – Hi! (puts ointment on Nekotsuki's forehead) I love Tanabata Jasmine! It's such a cool fic. I'm not sure if I've read it all the way through yet, but I think I have. I'll check later and see. Actually, your guess about the reason he doesn't want anyone to know, is very close but not quite. Did that make any sense? Anyway, thanks so much for reviewing! I always love to hear from you! I hope you liked this chapter!
tsuka-kun: Hello! Glad you like my works. AS for your question, are you sure you really want to know? If you do, i'll E-mail you and give you the answer, but it might ruin the surprise for this fic. You choice! (grins) I hope you liked this chapter! Please review!
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Yes, the one that says Review Button.
Click on it…
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