Piercing Silence
Standard Disclaimer Apply
Warning! Slight Lime Ahead. Wow, this fic is turning out to be a lime factory huh? Don't like lime? Don't read…but anyway, you guys should by now be already familiar with the lime tone of this fic. There isn't much detail but you know it happened. (grins)
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A/N: This chapter is somewhat longer than the others. There's also a review response down at the bottom. This chapter picks up where the last chapter left off. This chapter is eleven pages…wow, that's kind of long, right? Also, it took me a long time to write this so I hope you enjoy. Special Thanks to all the Lovely People who REVIEWED!
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Chapter Five:
Kenshin watched Kaoru idly from across the table, his long tapered fingers softly tapping a staccato beat upon the surface.
It was the only outward sign of emotion he showed.
His normally lavender eyes were tinted with gold as his gaze softly traced the gentle curve of her cheek, the cupid's bow of her upper lip and the slight outward curve of her bottom lip that gave her a slightly pouty appearance when she was in repose.
It was just the right shape for him to nibble on.
He was well aware that there were other women whose features were more fine boned, more classic, off-hand he could recall at least half a dozen other women who were generally considered more beautiful than Kaoru and had tried to garner his attention.
He never told Kaoru about them, there was no point.
She would only worry over nothing.
He could never seem to find anyone else appealing.
It was only her that he was addicted to.
Kaoru was the only one he craved.
Kaoru had no idea he felt that way and Kenshin wasn't especially inclined to enlighten her. It was just another strangle hold she had over him. Even though she was unaware of her effect on him, he was all too conscious of the fact that his need for her presence in his life was bordering the abnormal.
He didn't like it but there was nothing he could do.
She was shattering his control.
He was scared of what would happen. He could never let anyone have such control over him. He needed to keep his emotions under tight reign. He didn't want to become volatile. His mother had taught him a grave lesson about too much love. It was a lesson he had taken to heart and his experiences in the past had only reaffirmed his belief.
It was dangerous.
Obsessions were not healthy and he could not afford to be distracted. The sooner he got Kaoru out of his life, the better it would be…but no matter what he did, he could never seem to leave her. He had tried so many times to fall under the spell of other women. Women who were more voluptuous than her, prettier…and yet he could never seem to stop himself from coming back to Kaoru.
Her own particular brand of beauty, her singular allure, was his lethal narcotic.
It paved the path for his downfall and yet he always wanted more.
It was never enough.
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Shin Taoka's grating laugh skimmed over the edges of Kenshin's awareness and the redhead showed his acute displeasure only through the slight ascension of his left eyebrow. Kenshin wrenched his attention away from Kaoru and transferred it to the man who had so presumptuously seated himself beside her.
The bastard had managed to run into them in the small café Kaoru had chosen.
Spotting Kaoru, Shin had come over to say hello while he presumably waited for his table to be ready and his 'guests' to arrive. Right now, the man was trying to convince Kaoru to give him a chance and go out with him.
Kenshin had never really had a very high opinion of Shin's intellect but hearing him now, trying to persuade Kaoru to do something she obviously did not want to do, made Kenshin's former opinion of his kendo teammate plummet even further than before.
It was an all-new low.
Apparently, it was not yet low enough as Shin turned to Kenshin and solicited the redhead's help in convincing Kaoru. It was probably the 100,000th time that Shin had done this and Kenshin wondered why the man still had not figured out that it was useless.
For Kenshin, it was now official; Shin had an intellect equal to that of toads.
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Kaoru listened to Shin talking. They had a few friends in common and Kaoru was quite surprised that they shared quite a few interests and pastimes. He was telling her about an experience he had while visiting a carnival with some of his younger cousins.
"I swear, I have never been so embarrassed in my life. Imagine, my cousin's vomit was projected off onto the people who were seated behind us! I thought we were going to get mobbed and killed!"
Kaoru laughed.
The tempo of Kenshin's tapping became a bit harsher as he watched her eyes light up and a small bubble of laughter escape her lips. His face was carefully impassive as he contemplated all the different ways he would enjoy hurting Shin Taoka.
"That sounds like so much fun!" Kaoru said with amusement.
"Not for those people behind us!"
Kaoru hit Shin lightly on the shoulder with the palm of her hand as she smiled at him in mirth. It felt good to laugh about stupid, nonsensical things, She felt a bit light hearted and she turned to smile at Kenshin only to encounter his smoldering hot gaze as he looked at her and Shin.
He hadn't moved and his face still held the look of cold boredom and yet she could hear each tap of his finger on the table as if it was magnified and it echoed through her brain warning her that he was not pleased.
Kaoru suddenly became very aware that she was touching Shin and she dropped her hand.
"Something wrong Himura?" Shin asked when he finally felt the intense laser focus of Kenshin's gaze trained his way.
Kenshin stared at Shin for a long time, causing the other man to squirm slightly in his seat, before turning to look away, his expression still unreadable.
Shin let out an almost inaudible sigh of relief. It was not a pleasant feeling to have Battousai's infamous golden eyes trained at you for an extended amount of time.
Kaoru stared at her hands.
The waiter arrived to inform Shin that his table was ready. He bade them farewell and smiled warmly at Kaoru. It was a smile she barely returned, her eyes focused on Kenshin's profile.
"See you around Himura," Shin murmured.
"…"
Kaoru sighed.
This has got to be one of the most bizarre evenings I would ever have in my life.
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Kaoru followed Kenshin into their apartment. It was surprisingly empty and no Sanosuke was in sight. Kaoru wondered if he'd just gone out for the night or if he'd already left for good. She was surprised to find herself wishing he would only gone for a little while. She didn't want him to leave without her having said her proper good-bye to him. She hadn't exactly been the perfect hostess and she blamed it on Kenshin.
She sighed feeling tired as she took off her jacket and hung it in the closet by the door. She removed her shoes and traded them for her house slippers.
What she had hoped would be a quiet, relaxing dinner had turned into a strenuous affair. After Shin had left, both she and Kenshin had been very quiet. Kaoru did not really know what to say to him and she didn't really feel like talking to him anyway, when he was in one of his moods.
She had ended up absently watching him eat his food as she toyed with hers.
As usual, his table manners were impeccable. Kaoru had always wondered about his background. With the exception of Sano, she'd never met any member of Kenshin's family. He had stayed alone in an apartment when she had first met him in high school and never once had he talked to her about his home life, preferring instead to listen to her talk about her own family.
Even when he had graduated high school, Kaoru had been the only one there to see him bow and accept his diploma. She'd asked him where his family was, but typical Kenshin, he'd just looked at her before turning away.
Kenshin had disappeared towards the kitchen and Kaoru headed over to the coffee table when she spotted a small note pinned beneath an empty can of beer Sano had obviously used as a paperweight.
Visiting with a friend for a dew days…I will be back!
Kaoru snorted at the note. Sano had underlined the last four words three times to emphasize them. The action was no doubt geared towards provoking Kenshin.
Something, Kaoru had discovered, Sano took particular pleasure in doing
Kenshin came out of the kitchen carrying a steaming mug and glanced at her.
Kaoru held up the note, "Sano's gone for a few days. He'll be back though, so don't get your hopes up too high," she said with a small smile, wanting to tease him out of his bad mood.
He glanced at her before looking away again and taking a seat on the sofa.
Kaoru frowned down at him. He was probably angry with her. Well fine, she as angry with him too!
It wasn't her fault Shin liked her.
It wasn't her fault he also happened to be there at the café the same time they were.
It wasn't her damn fault her boyfriend happened to be such a jackass and an insensitive, overbearing, possessive asshole that denied her existence and yet was angered when other males came around wanting to court her.
"What's wrong with you?" she bit out, finally. These past few days had been stressful for her too!
Kenshin stiffened, clearly unused to hearing her use such tones with him. When he lifted his head and looked at her, his expression was carefully blank and neutral and his eyes were devoid of any emotion.
Kaoru felt a chill at the coldness there as he studied her like she was an insect under a microscope.
He slowly brought the mug over to his lips, taking a sip of the steaming hot liquid as his eyes remained trained on hers, waiting.
"Why are you acting like that?"
He quirked an eyebrow, "I am like this. I always have been."
Kaoru bit her lip and crossed her arms. "You're so annoying…" she told him, as she turned away and stalked towards the kitchen. She needed to calm down. She decided to fix herself a cup of tea as well. Perhaps the slightly bitter brew would help ease the tension she was feeling.
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A few minutes later, Kaoru returned with a cheese sandwich and a mug of tea. She settled down on the carpeted floor, placing the plate and her mug on the coffee table. She picked up the sandwich and took a bite, relishing the taste of it. At the café, she hadn't been hungry. The tension in the air had leeched out her appetite but now, she felt suddenly famished. She ignored Kenshin and concentrated on her impromptu meal, well aware that his violet eyes were studying each move she made.
"I really wish you would stop acting like such an ass," Kaoru said finally as she put down her half-eaten sandwich and reached for the tea. She took a sip and studied him over the rim. "It's difficult for me to handle it, you must know that…"
"My presence in your life makes it difficult?" Kenshin asked in a blank tone as he looked at her with hooded eyes.
"No! That's not what I meant!" Kaoru sighed, "What I meant was I hope you would just be a little easier to get along with…" she put down the mug and played with her fingers. "I don't know why you've been acting so strange lately. It's not you Kenshin. This isn't who you really are…"
He stiffened and his eyes narrowed. "This is me…this is who I am. Don't mistake me for anyone else Kaoru. I am not your idea of who I am supposed to be. I act the way I want to."
Kaoru sighed, "But do you really have to be that way all the time? It's taxing to keep up with your moods."
"If you don't want tobe with me, no one's forcing you to stay."
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No one's forcing you to stay…
No one…
Kaoru stared at him before she reached for her tea, her fingers trembling as she held the mug between fingers that had seemingly gone numb. Her knuckles were white as she gripped the cup, as if using it to anchor her roiling emotions. His words hit her painfully, as if she had been bludgeoned on the chest with a heavy sledgehammer. The pain seemed to echo along her nerve endings until her fingertips seemed to sing with the resulting ache.
She forced her self to take a sip of her tea.
She forced her self to ignore him
No one's forcing you to stay…
It was just another way of saying 'I don't need you'.
I don't need you.
I don't want you.
I don't love you.
You can leave.
It doesn't matter.
You're not important to me.
I don't love you.
I don't care.
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Across from her, he was silent.
He was noticing all the little signs of her distress and although he did not want to see her in such a state, perhaps it was for the best if she left now, before they both went insane.
He had known this would come to pass sooner or later.
Theirs was a relationship borne out of the supernova of passion.
It would either collapse in on itself creating a black hole that would suck them into madness or it would eventually fizzle out and die.
He ignored the painful clenching in his chest at the thought of seeing her ponytail swing against her back for one last time. The next time he would see her, she would belong to someone else.
There were so many ofmen just waiting in the wings for a chance to be with her.
He knew that and as he looked at her bowed head, her bangs hiding her features from his view, he felt rage explode inside of him at the thought of someone else's hands on Kaoru's skin, someone else's lips on hers.
He despised the thought of her moaning beneath someone else, calling out another person's name in her moment of completion.
Kenshin felt a sudden, indescribable need to possess her.
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Kaoru was engulfed in a pain she had never felt the likes of before. It was horrible. She had given most of herself to the man before her. Her life had revolved almost solely around him and he had become the basis of her existence. Now that she was hearing those words come out of his lips, she felt a dizzying sense of weightlessness as if she were free-falling with the ground rushing up to meet her any second.
Had he felt this way all along?
It seemed that he didn't love her after all.
Perhaps he had needed her, but clearly she had outlived her usefulness.
He didn't love her at all.
He had only used her.
He'd sucked up all the life from her and now he was throwing her away like some broken, used doll. In the years she had tried to convince herself that his need for her was borne out of love, it seemed she had only been deluding herself. Blinding her self from the bitter, hurtful truth that she had given up her all that was precious to her for someone that did not even appreciate the value of her gifts.
Kaoru's lips trembled as a sob threatened to escape her throat.
She didn't let it.
She held it in, reigning in all her strength and prayed to God that she had enough pride left not to cry in front of this man who was breaking her heart into a million pieces, just by being who he was.
Well, he would not see her cry.
She would not let him reduce her into a blubbering fool.
She stood up, she wanted to be alone and lick her wounds.
"If that's what you want…" she said softly as she slowly unfolded her legs from beneath her. She kept her head down low, unsure if her composure could take the battering of the sight of his emotionless and yet beloved face.
It was all a dream…it was nice while it lasted but now the nightmare is beginning and all I really have to do is wake up to the reality I've been hiding from for a long time.
"I'll be gone in the morning…"
.
Gone…
Gone…
If that's what you want…
Then I'll be gone in the morning…
He would not see her again?
It was for the best.
Kenshin watched with blank eyes as she slowly got to her feet. She didn't sway, she didn't cry, she didn't beg him or shout at him. It was a simple statement and then she stood up with proud grace and regal dignity.
Kenshin felt somewhat proud of her that she was so strong.
He saw her turn her back, watched as the long strands of her jasmine scented hair slithered over her shoulder to fall down her back like a dark waterfall.
His hands itched.
If that's what you want…
Then I'll be gone in the morning…
If that's what you want…
What you want…
You want…
Want…
I want you.
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She heard the sound of her plate fall in a thud as the carpet absorbed the sound of the impact. Time seemed to slow and she felt his breath on her nape, his hand catching hers and detaining her.
He didn't speak, but his fingers bit into her skin with bruising force.
Kaoru closed her eyes.
"What are you doing?" she demanded angrily, desperately. Wasn't hurting her enough? Did he have to see her cry too? Kaoru felt the rivulets of tears she'd been trying to hold at bay break down in a rush as she felt his arms close around her. "Do you want to drive me insane?" she yelled at him, keeping her back to him to hide her tears.
Kaoru felt him against her from behind, his front molding to her back as his hand reached out to touch her hair.
Kaoru closed her eyes. "Why are you doing this?"
Silence.
"Let me go."
"No."
She felt drunk, dizzy, confused and frightened all at the same time. Was he trying to drive her to insanity? Why did he keep playing these games with her?
Kaoru suddenly wanted to leave, to leave the apartment, leave Kenshin and leave all of her memories behind. She wanted to go home to her family and start a new life.
Something simpler, sweeter and so much less complicated than this desperate dark existence she was living with him.
And yet, with his arms around her, Kaoru felt like her was already home…and she realized how absurd that was.
His mouth was on her neck, his lips opening over her skin and tasting her. It felt good, addicting like a cursed drug that seared away all her logic and thoughts of self-preservation.
She closed her eyes and let herself over to the sensations, the pressure of his kisses tilting her head to the side giving him better access to her neck. The pain in her chest was to great and she welcomed the distraction.
His hands rested on her upper arms and he turned her slowly so she was face-to-face with him. He dropped his head and tilted her chin just enough so that the kiss was point blank and center.
It was exactly how she wanted to be kissed and he knew it.
She made a startled sound before her body collapsed against him, her bones melting with the sensations. His hands tightened their hold on her, supporting her and pulling her harder against him. Kaoru made a small moan against his mouth and felt him smile as he changed the angle of the kiss.
He touched her everywhere at once and before she knew it, she was standing in front of him breathing heavily and not really caring that a moment ago, she had condemned him and had had every intention of leaving him.
A part of her screamed that she should turn around, open the door to her , rush in and lock it before he could follow her inside.
She should call her parents and ask them to fetch her NOW before Kenshin managed to sink his hooks further into her, addicting her with his taste, his lips, his body and the almost volcanic need he seemed to have for her.
It wasn't love…it isn't love…didn't I just discover that a while ago?
Her lips felt tender and swollen from his kisses and she watched as he leaned back to stare into her eyes. His amber gaze seemed to catalogue each and every one of her features his stare a hot brand on her skin.
Long slender fingers lifted up to delicately trace the lines of her brow, the soft skin of her eyelids, the curve of her nose and lastly…the dip of her lips.
His fingertips played at the curve of her lower lip, playing with the slight indentation. Kaoru's mouth dropped slightly from the sensation and he smiled as he leaned down and licked her bottom lip before nibbling on it.
She felt his hands come between their bodies and she knew he was unbuttoning his shirt, taking off his clothes in hurried yanks that spoke eloquently of his haste and yet his kisses and his touch remained gentle, as if he had all the time in the world and there was nothing more he wanted to do than simply hold her, kiss her and caress her.
Kaoru's eyes roamed over his frame. He was beautifully built. Lithe and slender, his muscles were long and lean and well defined without being bulky; like a cat's.
Graceful and strong…beautiful
Kaoru's eyelids fluttered.
Kenshin…
She lifted a hand and touched him.
He felt warm.
She let her hands get used to the texture of his skin. He was too perfectly made to be real. She'd always marveled at how he could act so cold and yet feel so warm under her touch.
She rested her head against his chest feeling his heart beat.
Kaoru closed her eyes and felt him touch her again. His hands were warm as they slid over her skin, caressing her and making her moan inside his open mouth as he kissed her.
She wrapped her arms around his neck as he bent to carry her to his room. Kaoru closed her eyes and buried her face against his shoulder, inhaling his scent and letting go of every other feeling except her need for him.
A tear rolled down her cheek but she didn't notice.
.
He laid her in bed gently, coming over on top of her and gazing down at her with those unreadable golden eyes. His hair was in the way, covering them both like a crimson curtain and insulating them from the outside world.
Kaoru felt her senses focus entirely on him.
She reached up to touch his hair and pushed them aside slightly so she can see his face.
Kaoru wanted to see his face.
She wanted to see it one last time before she had to go in the morning.
She mimicked his earlier movement, her fingers tracing the smooth line of his eyebrows, his nose, the smooth, strong curve of his cheekbones. She ran a hand over his lips and he caught one finger in his mouth, playing his tongue over her digit, laving it and sucking it, giving it a playful bite before turning his face to kiss her palm.
Hadn't they just broken up?
He didn't love her.
He only used her.
He didn't care.
Tomorrow she would be gone and it would be as if tonight had never been.
In the back of her mind a part of her acknowledged that it was wrong.
But a part of her also knew that she wanted this.
She caught his face between her palms and pulled him down for a kiss.
If this was going to be their last night together…she would give him her everything.
One.
Last.
Time.
Ashiteru koibito…
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A/N: You know, I think this story is getting darker and darker as it progresses. What do you guys think? Anyway, that last line is another good line to end the fic with, don't you think? But I won't. Just in case you guys don't know what that last line meant, it's 'I love you, my darling'. Koibito is actually like koishii somewhat. I'm not sure of the exact translation but it's close enough. Well, what did you think of the chapter? Like it, hate it? Reviews please! Thanks.
Review Responses
KatsunoCZ – Wow, I was very touched by your review. I'm glad my writing has affected you in such a way. How I learned to write like this? I dunno…its just the way I write, people have different styles right? (grins) I hope you liked this chapter.
Videl621 – Hey Videl! Thanks for the review. Finished moving? I hope everything fine! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Autumn Shadow – Thanks for the review. I do try to update as fast as I can. I usually update my fic once or twice a month I think…or more. Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter, please review!
Obsessed Fan – hi thanks for the review! I'm glad you liked the story, tell me what you think of this chapter please! Thanks.
S.Kim – Thanks for the review. Glad you like my fic, please review this chapter too, neh? Arigatou!
Gohanzgirl – Kaoru will make a demand of Kenshin, well a request I suppose. It will be in the next chapter so look out for that. Thanks for the review and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. What did you think of it?
TimeWarper – I don't think I'll put Sano/Kaoru love thing here but they will have their little sweet bro/sis moments.
Plaridel – Glad you weren't disappointed. Kenshin was more jealous this chapter than in the last. Anyway, please review!
SailorKagome – Oh, if you find it hard to locate a fic, when you review click on Author's Alert so that whenever an author uploads a new chapter or story, you will receive an E-mail notification from the site. I think the Review History is always down. I check it too and it always seems that way. Anyway I hope you liked this chapter, please review!
Alex – Glad you liked the last chapter. Hope you enjoyed h this one too. Please review!
Reignashii – you're copy/pasting stories? Wow, thanks for taking the time to review the fic. I appreciate it! I hope you liked this chapter, please review.
CharlieTheOtakuNymph – hey, I LOVED your review! It made me feel so happy because that's exactly the mood I wanted for this fic. There's something about creepy relationships that make you cringe but calls on the spectator in us. Kind of like the Games in Ancient Rome, neh? I like the whole bridge metaphor, very cool. Please review!
Thaz nice – I'm sorry my story makes you feel that way. I'm glad you are involved with the characters. After you read this, I think you should read Only With You, if you haven't read it yet. It's my 'humor' fic so it should counterbalance the angst in this one. (grins)
Strawberry Promises – Chocolate covered oranges? I haven't tried that but I've tried the minty chocolates and I like it! Anyway, hope you liked this chapter. Please review.
Warina-kinimoto – Thanks for the review. Glad you enjoy the fic. More of Kenshin past was revealed here, a little bit but it's a start. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Youkai chick supreme – I haven't read a Sano/Kaoru fic yet. I think the Kenshin in this story would probably kill them both if they get together. (grins) Well, hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review.
Misau – thanks for calling me a great writer! Being called a writer tickles me enough but a great one? (grins) Yeah, Kenshin's losing control…wonder what would happen next? (grins) Anyway, hope you liked this chapter! Please review!
Rekka's Angel – Thanks so much for the reviews. Don't worry, all will be revealed in due time. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Ahria – I haven't really come across people who are in this type of a relationship, I'm just winging it really but I'm glad the emotions I make them portray seem genuine. Thank you so much. I hope you liked this chapter.
Crystal Winds – Hi! Anytime you think the scenes in this story are pushing the rating, don't hesitate to tell me okay? You don't read R rated fics? Well some R rated fics are rated like that because of violence and gore and not the lime/lemon content. Some are limey though but authors usually put warnings, like the one on top of this chapter. I don't know if 15 is old enough to read R, it's all about your preference I guess. (grins) Anyway hope you liked this chapter! Please review!
My-nyan – I tried to make this chapter longer. It's 11 pages without the review responses. Hope you enjoyed it.
Kimi.the.water.spirit – Hi! Oh you want to know? If you want I can E-mail you the plot as I've worked it out thus far but it might ruin your enjoyment of the story. Aw, your BF sounds so cute, he's so happy to date you! (grins) I hope you liked this chapter!
Lyphta – Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy the fic. I hope you liked this chapter, please review!
Ri-nee-chan – Well, interesting guesses but Kenshin won't be an assassin and he won't be a killer in this fic. I put in some of Kenshin's views in this chapter, I hope you liked it! Please review!
Kean – hi! LOL! I know, it's kind of getting hard now to write all the review responses, but I'm not complaining. I love each and every review! (grins) Ranma fics, well I've seen the anime but I've never read a ranma fic. I'll try and get into the fandom and if I get inspired, I'll let you know. Go read anna-neko's Pig Boy romances Tanuki-chan I think is the title. It's a Ranma/RK crossover.
Slipknotkaoru – I love slipknot! Do you know the song Prosthetics? Tattered and torn? I blame my brother for getting me addicted to that band, but darn their songs are great! Anyway, hope you liked this chapter, please review!
CrisaRei – Hi, thanks so much for the review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, please tell me what you think!
Paisita – I'm glad you connected with Kaoru's emotions in the last chapter. What about this chapter? Do you like it? Pls review!
JaneDrew – Okay, OMG I love your fic! (bows down) UPDATE pls…okay. (gets up and dusts off knees and feigns dignity) thanks for the review! Kenshin does seem to be an ass doesn't he? And Kaoru finally called him on it…but the result was kind of extreme. Sooner or later, if their relationship doesn't change, it's all going to fall apart. Like how Kenshin described it, a super nova; either they go insane or they fall out of it. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please review! I'm so happy you can't write short reviews coz I adore long ones! (grins)
Tiaravball15 – HI! I'm glad you like the story and I'm so happy that you wrote me a long review! (cries) Oh you like Perfect Fit? I'm scheduled to update either that or BHTY, I'm still working on completing the chapters though. If you love Aoshi/Kaoru too, have you read Belonging? It's also a triangle fic between Kaoru/Kenshin/Aoshi. It's a lot darker though, and with vampires.
Anendee – Yup, I myself am fascinated with dark/angst stories. I'm glad you like this fic. Why did you wait so long may I ask? (grins) Anyway, I hope this chapter lives up to the others. Please review.
Kenshin's grl – Thanks for the review, glad you like the chapter. About Sano, I see him as a rather street smart guy so he should be able to add two and two together to come up with four. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Pls review!
Tintin-chan – The others will start to appear in a while. The full reason for Kenshin behavior will be revealed later on in the story. In fact it may actually be too late when the truth finally comes out. (hint, hint) Hope you liked this chapter, please review!
Princess-oro – They will all come soon. Just in different roles and slightly OOC. Kaoru finally asserts herself and calls Kenshin on his behavior, but the result is not what she expected huh? I hope you enjoyed this chapter, please review!
Nilnil – OMG! You almost cried? (cries) Wow, I'm so happy I was able to touch your emotions like that. Did this chapter make you cry? No? (cries) Well, I hope you enjoyed it anyway! (grins) please review!
Kao-gurl – Loved your review! I like how you have reactions to the character's behaviors and you tell me what you got out of each chapter! Thanks so much, it helps me see the story and characters in a whole new light. I hope you liked this chapter, pls review!
Cc – thanks for the review! I appreciate it! Hope you liked this chapter, pls review!
Venus goddess – Hi! I liked the new chapter of your story. In a way, I just realized that your Kaoru and my Kenshin kind of have the same attitude problem! (grins) they would be perfect for each other. (laughs) Angst is indeed a beautiful thing. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Mini-Moonstar – Glad you like it. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, please review! Thanks!
Sweet angel – At the risk of sounding incredibly stupid, what does LMAO mean? Anyway, I am so happy you liked the chapter. I do kind of tend to forget about the descriptions of their surroundings when I get too caught up in dialogue but I will try and remedy that.
Chickifriend – Well you already know I don't take offense and I like it that people point out mistakes to me and stuff like that because it helps me to better my writing. As for the possessive part, yeah I'm against it too in real life but I'm strangely drawn to stories where someone is possessive. It's creepy and makes you cringe but also calls to the spectator in us, kind of like in the Roman Empire with the lions and the gladiator games thingies. I would love to have your input on this chapter. Thanks!
Battousaichick – being addicted to KK angst is not pathetic! (because if it is, then I'm pathetic too) (cries) LOL! I hope you liked this chapter! Pls review!
Lendra-chan – Don't worry, remember they did become friends first right? Kaoru already knows there is goodness in Kenshin, he's just a bit more uptight with Sano around. More Kenshinly behavior next chapter. Not much, but it will be Kenshin-ish.
Jbella – Hello! Thanks for the review! What do you think of this chappie? Anyway, things are going to have to be resolved one way or another. This fic seems like a ticking time-bomb to me, the story is waiting to explode into chaos. Ah, the angst…(grins)
x-iridescence – I hope this fic didn't pull you away from anything important! (grins) Thanks for the review, I'm glad you like this fic. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Pls review! (grins)
scythe195 – Thanks for the review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please tell me what you think!
Nel – Love your suggestions! I think Kenshin would go berserk though. Oh you're Filipina-Chinese too? Happy New Year! Do you have tikoy at home? It's so hard to eat right? Kind of chewy and stick, but I love it anyway.
Vision2 – Hey there! Yup, I saw that you updated! Update again soon! (grins) Thank you so much for your kind reviews. Yeah, I am very careful to point out that Kaoru does want to leave him because she knows he's destroying her…but then she loves him and he needs her…
Battousaifreak – Hi! Thanks for liking my story! I hope you enjoy this chapter too. Please review and tell me what you think!
Erica6060 – Kaoru finally gets in Kenshin's face and tells him he has an attitude problem…Kenshin reaction was Whoa! What do you think of this chapter? I hope you liked it. Angst laden huh?
Clemen – Hello! I'm glad you haven't been disappointed by my chapters yet! Hopefully you guys would never have to be disappointed…(grins) I hope you liked this chapter! Please review!
Ice bandit – (blushes) Wow, thanks so much for the wonderful compliment. It really means a lot. I'm glad you liked the last chapter and I hope you like this one too.
Brittanie Love – Hi! Glad you liked the last chapter. What are you views of this one? Like it? Hate it? Please tell me what u think!
Triste1 – Hey there! thanks for the review! (you always review and I appreciate it) Okay, well Kaoru did already stand up to Kenshin in this chapter and also, Kenshin's POV was given a few times. I hope you liked it. If there were any grammatical errors, oh well, I tried to clean it up but if I missed some, gomen nasai! (grins)
CrypticMaidenRK – I think this is probably a dark sad chapter. Thanks for the review, I loved reading it. Yeah I guess those women who don't leave their husbands might feel the same way Kaoru does in this fic. Anyway, you already know what's going to happen but I'm glad you still find it entertaining. Also I hope you do update your fics soon.
Star0704 – First, loved your review. Thanks! Also, Kaoru finally took a step forward and called Kenshin on his attitude, but Kenshin kind of turned the tables on her, neh? Darn Kenshin! I hope you liked this chapter!
Himura Kamiya Kaoru – Hey, I laughed out loud when I read you review! The shower thing was funny. So are you going to take Kaoru's position in this chapter too? (laughs) no, I don't get tired of you saying IMAO all the time. At the risk of sounding ultra-stupid and computer retarded, what does IMAO mean? Oh, you hung up on your friend for me? Thanks! (hugs) Hope you liked this chapter!
Miko Kagome Archer – You know, I am currently obsessed with Fluffy/Kagome fics. I dunno why. I recommend One Less Star, read it, it's wonderful! Anyway, Fluffy is MINE! (wrenches fluffy away from MKA) LOL! Oh and I wrote a little Fluffy Skit in the last chapter of my Fic Only With You, if you haven't read it yet, check it out, even just the one with the Sesshoumaru skit! (grins)
Clamsofmacabre – Thanks! I'm so happy with the feedback that I am getting from this story. (big happy smile) Actually I love all the support everyone is giving my stories. It's great and inspiring. Thanks you so much! That's why I like to type review responses even though they are now getting longer and longer…(that just means more reviews! Happy smile again!) Can you tell I just love reviews? (grins) Kaoru will crack sooner or later, marks are appearing on the surface and one well placed blow can send her shattering to pieces. (cue melodramatic music) Please review!
Oyuki – Yup, I guess when you do find out why Kenshin's acting the way he is, you'll understand. Question is, will Kaoru? (grins) Kaoru finally tells Kenshin he's an ! Ha! Go Kaoru! Even though it is short lived, you were still somewhat defiant!
MZ. AMbER EYES – Gomen nasai for the slower updates. Been busy with stuff but I do try to keep up with my fics. As for Kaoru, don't worry I'm a major Kaoru fan and I hate wussy girls too. In this fic though Kaoru doesn't lash out because she knows Kenshin would not want her to act that way. Their relationship is tenuous at best and it shows that she is not sure where she stands. Don't worry, she will become strong though and Kenshin will feel the mighty wrath of the rabid Tanuki! (grins)
Pinay Tiger – Hey there! So, since you wanted to find out what happened to Kenshin and Kaoru with their little dinner out escapade, this chapter is for you! Hope you enjoyed it. Sorry for the long, deceiving review responses at the end of each chapter! (grins) both of them are tied together in this mad/desperate love. They're going to have to come to grips with the fact sooner or later. Kenshin has Kaoru and Kaoru does have Kenshin as clearly stated in Kenshin's inner monologue in this chapter. He cannot seem to find interest in other girls even though he tries. The two of them are just chalk-full of insecurities.
Granola Bar – Inuyasha rocks! I love that anime! Go Sesshoumaru you lovely demon prince, you! (drools) Ahem (tries to regain dignity) thanks so much for the review! I hope you liked this chapter! Please review!
Kaoru4 – No, I wouldn't do that to you guys. I just thought it that it could have ended there, shown Kaoru's turmoil and let you guys fill in the rest of the blanks. Kenshin is going to get some sense knocked into him and it will come in a surprising bundle.
Moshi Moshi Mai – I know, Sano is cool. He's sometimes annoying but he's also quite funny and protective of his friends. I hope you liked this chapter, please review!
Pyramidgirl89 – I scoured the internet to find out more about MARS. Thank you! What an interesting story. I like how she is an artist and she draws him a map. (grins) kawaii! I do so love dark romances! Thanks much! I hope you liked this chappie!
Ginny-cry – Hi! Oh, you almost cried? Wow! Yeah, angst is a beautiful, wonderful thing when you are not experiencing it yourself and are only reading about it. Can you imagine being in a relationship with a guy who behaves like Kenshin does in this fic? (shudders) Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review.
Half-breed-demon-fox – Hi! Thanks for all the support and reviews! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, please review!
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More reviews equals happy Scented Candles equals faster update! (grins)
Thanks, see ya!