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creation of Nobuhiro Watsuki, with the manga and anime rights belonging to Jump
Comics and Sony Entertainment, respectively. FF is non-profit, meant for
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Chapter Twenty-three
*************
A surreal haze had fallen into her mind's eye and she was no more able to resist it than she could him. Battousai had taken permanent residence in him now and she was frightened and excited, beyond delighted in her almost delusional happiness. The comb ran through her hair in cautious, strokes. It was Friday and they would be celebrating their anniversary today since things had gone wrong on Monday.
Aside from the original surge of anger she'd felt that day, she no longer felt anything but butterflies, fluttering in her tummy at the sight of him. His mannerism was slightly rougher but she basked in that fact reveled in the deepness of his voice and the dangerous sheen of his eyes. Noticing she'd stopped brushing her hair, she ran a nervous hand over the ends trying to smooth them out. He loved her hair and she'd been extra good to it. Looking into the mirror one last time she stood and smooth out the wrinkles of her dress.
Like Monday's dress she'd bought this one especially for the occasion. Her dress was strapless, thin black silk with a nude under layer, suited to fit to every last curve. It ran down, covering her feet but the way her hips moved in the fitted dress made up for the fact that it was long. Her lips were ruby red and only a hint of kohl outlined the curve of her lashes. All in all she thought he would be pleased.
The doorbell rang and she rushed her step, knowing well that she couldn't walk fast in the dress but still trying to nonetheless. The thought of giving him a key was tempting; she opened the door and caught her breath.
His suit was very informal but so black it'd win over the darkest night. No tie and a silky black shirt rather than the usual work suited one. The first three buttons of his shirt were undone and her eyes seemed rapt by the small span of skin she could see.
Amusement and affection mingled in the depths of his eyes, slowly darkening in hue as they roamed over her silk clad form. A hazy light of yellow lust began sweep over his mind; he blinked and focused on pushing down the thoughts.
His eyes remained fixed in their shade though the tiniest flecks of gold still remained. "You look beautiful," His eyes trailed over her arms, where the skin broke into goose bumps at the sound of his voice.
A slight blush tainted her cheeks at the look in his eyes. "Thank you." She stammered. "You look very nice." She felt awkward, like a twelve-year-old in front of her crush.
A soft smile touched his lips, seeing the expression on her face. He pulled her out from under the doorway, where she still stood staring at him. His lips brushed over hers in a shadow of a kiss, not wanting to smear the color of her lips. "Don't forget your keys." He warned. She nodded and stepped back inside, gone but a few seconds before she returned with a silky wrap, her purse and the keys in her hand. She handed them to him and waited patiently as he locked up.
His hand settled on the small of her back as he ushered her to his car. Opening the door for her like he always did before going around to his side. He felt calm despite what he'd planned. He started the car, roaring the engine before he pulled away from the curve.
They were silent as they made their way to a well-known restaurant by the side of Tokyo Bay. His eyes fell on her lap and the nervous way she tapped her fingers against her legs. Her nails were crimson, the same shade of her lips. But no jewelry, almost like she knew. They had yet to exchange gifts and suddenly he wondered what kind of gift she could hide in that small purse of hers.
Kaoru caught his eye, holding his gaze until a car behind them honked their horn. She moved her gaze back out the window, allowing breath to fill her lungs again. He was - words lacked to describe his being. All she knew was that he was beautiful. She hadn't thought a man could ever be but he was.
The car came to a stop and she realized she'd missed sight of the ocean. Her door was opened and she looked up at a stranger's face. Frowning when the valet's eyes fell on her breast. He extended a hand to help her stand but it was offending, watching the way he looked at her.
Kenshin appeared, moving the man aside. His eyes held the smallest hint of liquid blue, flashing a warning to the insolent man. He extended his hand to her and that she took, smiling largely at him as he brought her close to his body. He was always warm, whatever his state of dress. Together they walked into the restaurant where they were seated right away.
"This is nice," She mentioned absently as her eyes roamed over the room, lingering on the decorations that hung on the walls. Her thoughts wondered off as she looked out into the patio. Words seemed unnecessary these last couple of days almost like he could sense her thoughts. He responded wordlessly to her, anticipating what she'd say even before she said it.
The waiter came and Kenshin ordered, keeping an eye on her as he spoke. She'd been awfully quiet since leaving the house despite that the look in her eyes was clear, not haunted like it'd been all of last week. She turned to him with soft eyes, darker than the stormiest sky. "I'm glad we waited to celebrate today."
He nodded.
"I have your gift but I don't know how well you'll like it. It's just that I saw it and thought of you." She was rambling and she knew it. "Still," she pulled a small box from her purse. She took a calming breath and handed it to him. He took the offered box and opened it. His eyes went from her to the gift. He removed a thick ring from within, a sense of recognition flittered across his eyes but it was gone too soon, leaving only a feeling of familiarity. The ring was heavy with exquisite artwork detailing a dragon that circled around a large deep ruby stone. Encrusted into the jewel was a small heart with a crown around its middle. The inside bore his name though the inscription was faint almost like it'd been written years ago.
Kaoru's hand trembled just the tinniest bit when she took the ring from his fingertips and put it on the ring finger of his left hand. A delighted expression settled over her features, it still fit even hundreds of years later. She watched avidly as he fisted his hand, feeling out the weight of the ring, his ring, a present from her in two of their lifetimes together. It had represented his statues once upon a time. Now he'd probably consider it jewelry and not the bind it had been once. "Do you like it?"
He nodded. "I've never seen one like it before."
"It's an antique," She bit her tongue before she told him the story of how she'd given it to him once or rather how the empresses had pressed it to her slave's hand. Reaching out she grabbed his hand and laid her palm over his. So much like before yet so different. He was a blend of everything he'd ever been without any of the drawbacks. He was perfect.
His eyes danced with mirth at the glazed expression in her eyes. "Your gift," he said pulling out a larger box from an inner pocket of his jacket. He held it open in front of her, watching her eyes widening with surprise. "This is too much," She said slightly tracing the inside of the box. The need to take the gift was great but she held back, despite its sparkling beauty.
"Nonsense," He said as he pulled out a thin platinum chain with a tear drop diamond pendant from the box. The teardrop shown like a brilliant little star, reflecting all the colors of the room. He stood and walked over to where she sat. Slowly moving her hair aside as he put the necklace around her neck. He smoothed his hand over the span of her shoulders before he leaned in, fixing the tear drop diamond into place.
His touch was feathery light as his fingers brushed against her skin. Whether teasing or unintentionally, the affect was the same. Her hand shot out, pulling him, she caught his lips in a warm kiss, slow and sensual, caressing him with her lips. She released him rather regretfully, running her thumb over his mouth as to wipe her lipstick off. He licked his lips and made his way to his seat. Sighing in contentment Kaoru let her eyes trail away. A rosy blush tainted her cheeks when she realized people had been watching them.
She bit her bottom lips and turned away. A little more than embarrassed she kept her eyes cast down through the rest of the evening. Her eyes never straying from his, she looked only at him, smiling from time to time. Dessert came and went as much as dinner had. In but the haze of a bubble where time seemed to move much too quick.
Kenshin flagged a waiter down, asking for the bill. He laid several bills on the table then helped her stand. He was a ware of the linger looks her body gained and he pulled her closer to keep her from prying eyes. Unaware as she always was, she only smiled at him as he led her out.
The valet, he stared down and helped her into the car himself, closing the door, he was careful of her dress before he strode to his side. His car lurched as he shifted gears, driving away from the picturesque place. The ocean air was fresh with only a hint of salt. Oddly enough it called to her like water does to fish. She lowered her window, allowing the cool air to play with her hair. The scenic route home did a lot in helping her calm, ever since waking up she'd had this feeling of - it was hard to say. But she kept waiting for it to happen. Sighing she closed her eyes and leaned back into the seat of his car.
When she opened her eyes again, she realized they weren't going to her house like she'd thought. This wasn't the right road. Where were they going?
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Kenshin asked, glancing at his passenger.
"Very much," She stated sparing him look. "Where are we going?" He smirked but didn't answer. Confusion set on her features as she tried to make out where they could be going. "Kenshin?" She couldn't be sure but she had an inkling as to where they were going. And when his car began to slow in front of a large building, she felt her suspicion confirmed.
Her heart though it'd been calm throughout the whole ride now began to leap. She swallowed and licked her dry lips, moistening them with her tongue as understanding set in. His apartment.
Kenshin parked the car, secured the steering wheel and stepped out. All while Kaoru sat in her seat, more than a bit bewildered. Her eyes watched as he opened her door and extended his hand to help her out. Don't, a part of her mind screamed but she ignored it and took his hand. He locked the car and brought her closer to him as he led her out of the garage.
An elevator ride and seven floors later brought them to his apartment. The apartment was only seven stories and he had the whole floor to himself. The word big didn't do it justice. Her eyes seemed drawn to everything in his home, the dark furniture, the hardwood floor, the soft lighting even the few scattered plants. Everything seemed to call for her attention at once and she went, leaving his side to go explore.
Her fingers lightly touched over everything he owned but as minutes passed she noted that as grand and as captivating as everything was, she couldn't help feeling a bit sad. As beautifully decorated, as it all was there was nothing that really showed who he was. There were no pictures of him, not young or other wise or with anyone for that matter. Not like her house. This house was lonely.
She set down the small statue she'd been holding and turned, her eyes darting around the room but it was empty. Frowning slightly she walked away in search for him and after checking several other rooms she came into what she could only assume was his bedroom, it was darker than all the others had been. She paused at the doorway after seeing his shadow by the window. A flutter began in the pit of her stomach growing stronger the closer she came to him. She swallowed and laid a hand on his arm.
Kenshin half turned, his features shadowed by the lack of light. "I've never brought anyone here."
The flutter she realized had leapt to her throat and she was at a loss for words. Her hand slid down his arm to his hand where she interlaced their fingers. She brought their entwined hands to her mouth and laid a kiss on his knuckles.
He looked at her, seeing something old coming alive in her eyes. A familiar feeling that tugged on his mind and heart, a half-remembered promise. He leaned into her laying a gently kiss on her lips before he pulled back. Kaoru eyes fluttered open looking at him with large hopeful eyes. She let go of his hand and brought her arms around his neck all the while his hands slipped around her waist. He leaned in again, capturing her mouth in a tender kiss. A slow caress at first until she pressed against him, complying with her silent request, he deepened the kiss.
His tongue twined with hers in a heated exchange as he kissed her again and again. The tenderness in their kiss had long since yielded to something stronger; an untamed passion that shook his barely restrained control. His hands slid over her back, cupping her bottom as they kissed. Desire flared between them and she lost herself in the sweet strokes of his tongue, melding together in urgent need.
He broke the kiss, allowing her breath as he laid open mouth kisses on her jaw. He slid the zipper to her dress down all the while leaving a trailing of moist kisses down her neck. The dress fell to the floor in a rustle leaving a pool of silk at her feet. His fingers tangled in her hair as his hand settled on her nape, bringing her mouth to him again. An overwhelming sense of desire flooded his veins and it was too strong for him to control. Fire burned in his gaze when he finally pulled away, leaving her panting against his chest. She clutched him with trembling limbs, caught by the feral yellow gaze. Her eyes glittered with more than lust and in their depths he saw an emotion he'd only seen glimpses of. "I love you." He voiced in a low husky tone.
His words caused her to heart stop, her knees gave out and she collapsed into his arms. Her hand rose to her breast, right over where her heart lay. It pulled harder and tears sprang to her eyes. "Kenshin?" The binds. Her body trembled and she cried, hoping the binds where strong enough. "I -," Another pang flashed across her heart squeezing it maliciously and she paused to take a breath.
He picked her up and strode over to the bed where he sat down and set her on his lap. "You don't have to say it." He whispered into her hair as she cried into his neck. He rubbed her back soothingly but it was to no avail. Kaoru pulled her face back; tears streaming down her cheeks as she slowly shook her head. "I have waited so long." It was hard to form words and she choked on a sob. "Too hear you say it." She began to tremble. "I thought it might be forever before you said."
He'd been confused when she'd started crying. But as he looked at her, feeling the shudders of her body. He realized something. "Do you love me?"
"More than I can bear." She cried brokenly. "So much." Unable to continue she tossed her arms around his neck and cried. Her heart was been torn open, exposing her truth. She loved him. Already she loved him. She pulled back and kissed him with all the desperation and need in her heart. So close to shattering, she kissed him with a fervor only he could match. A savage kiss he responded to without thought.
*************
Kaoru woke up, in a strange place and in a strange bed with a man life ordained 'partner.' She moved aside locks of deepest black as her fingers lightly danced over his face. His eyes opened at the caress, revealing eyes of the darkest purple hue. A smile danced on her lip but he was stubborn and refused to smile just to please her. A spiteful thing he often was but she loved that about him. She leaned into him, kissing the sides of his mouth and jaw; lightly nipping the side of his throat as her had skimmed over his chest and stomach, down until his hand caught her wrist.
"Didn't we go over this?" She breathed into his ear. "You do as I say." She bit his lobe. "As I please." She wrapped her leg high up on his thigh, rubbing with impious intent. "And when I please it."
His mouth thinned into a line, a sign of his anger building up. "Hogosha," She warned finding it better to call him by his title rather then Kenshin. He wouldn't listen otherwise he was stubborn. Still he wouldn't let go and she started to become angry herself. "Don't forget who I am." Her tone grew cold just a step away from wrathful.
Small flecks of gold emerged in the depths of his eyes as he released her hand. "All the people love their sovereign." She straddled him. "Don't you love your empress?"
His eyes melted into gold as he looked at her, a dark menacing glare that only made her laugh. She kissed the side of his mouth and held him close. One minute of affection wouldn't kill her. Just a minute before the mask went back into place.
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Light streamed into the room, dancing lightly across the floor. When she woke up this time, she found herself alone in bed, which was just as well, it gave her time to get her thoughts in order. Dreaming of the past often left her feeling miserable, longing for something that'd passed. Which in turn made her angry at realizing what it was she was thinking. This dream however was different.
Different in that she didn't see how happy she'd been. She'd caught a glimpse of them back when their relationship was still young. When both of them still wore a mask. It was very underhanded of her to have used her position the way she did, still she couldn't lay all the blame on herself, he should have been able to pick on the fact she had feelings for him.
Sighing she sat up, there was no use in thinking about what'd happened between them then. But then she didn't have to, all she had to do was understands its message. She could live with a mask. She'd done so once which meant she could do it again just as long the binds held. They'd come close to shattering the night before but they'd held and as long as they did she'd be all right. She could afford to love.
Kaoru tossed her legs over the sides of the bed and stood. She picked up the black shirt he'd been wearing the night before and headed out in search of the bathroom.
Five minutes later she emerged with a freshly washed face and even cleaner teeth. Her hair was tousled but there wasn't much she could do about that not unless she showered and she wasn't so much in the mood for that. She walked barefoot across the floor, trying to creep out as quietly as she could in an effort to surprise him.
"Koishii?"
Kaoru eyes traveled to the couch where he sat with a cup to his mouth trying to hide his grin. Pouting, she made her way to his side, flopping down on the couch next to him before scooting over just enough until she sat on his lap. Inwardly curious he watched her movements, remaining passive even as her small hands wrapped around his cup, sniffed the liquid and set it down.
His hands settled on her leg, rubbing the skin under his shirt all the while she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close for a morning kiss. She kissed him softly, adoringly even but after a moment their kiss steadily grew, it's intensity beginning to sear until she felt dizzy and weak in his arms. Taking ragged breaths when he finally released her mouth.
Entranced by the wild flutter of her heart, he nuzzled her neck and pressed a soft kiss to her throat feeling her pulse tremor against his mouth, shuddering when he licked her lobe.
"Morning Kenshin." Her voice was just above a whisper dying off on his name as a rush of breath escaped her lips, closing her eyes as his mouth left a hot trail of burning flesh wherever his lips touched.
"Morning koishii," He answered with a husky whisper of his own, nipping her neck one last time before he pulled back though only slightly.
Kaoru's eyes fluttered open, lost a moment in his gaze before she leaned her head against his shoulder. "I've decided to keep you." She said as her hand found its way inside his shirt.
"This decision." He kissed her forehead. "Wouldn't have anything to do with last night's performance."
Kaoru bit her lip and shook her head. "I'm counting Monday's as well."
He laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist to keep her from bounce on his lap. His eyes were dark and full of promise when she looked into them again. "Come on." He helped her stand. "I made you breakfast."
Kaoru smiled largely. She could definitely get used to this again. "You cook but can you clean?" He nodded. "Well if you do laundry, I'll have to marry you." He smiled. "But please no pink gi." At that he shook his head, not knowing what she could possibly mean. Still he agreed. "No pink gi."
*************
Kaoru lay on his sofa, one leg on the back of the seat as she surfed through channels. His clothes were big on her and even somewhat long. But she loved the way they smelled and he'd have to wrestle her for them if he wanted them back. Otherwise she was keeping them.
"Koishii?"
"Yes Kenshin," She lifted her head to look over the sofa.
"Did you wash your hands?"
"They're clean, do you want me to help you." She let her head drop back knowing his response. "No need." He said appearing at her side with their dinner. She sat up, watching as he set the tray down on the small table before he sat next to her.
She leaned on the edge of her seat and grabbed one of the bowls. As she sat back she paused and kissed the corner of his mouth. "I didn't find anything good to watch, here." She handed him the control.
A strange wave of deja vu engulfed him at the feel of her lips on the side of his mouth. A feeling he quickly shook off though not in time. Kaoru laid her hand over his, a questioning look in her eyes. He half smiled and turned away, flipping through channels distractedly. Until something occurred to him and he suddenly turned to her.
Kaoru's hand paused mid motion and at seeing him turn she did the same. "What's wrong?"
"There's another gala been organized by Akihito.corp/" Kaoru remained silent waiting for him to finish. "I have to work detail so if you want to go with your father again, That's fine."
"When is it?"
"December thirty-first." He turned away from her focusing back on the tv as he continued flipping through channels.
"If my papa can't come." She bit her lip. "Would you take me?"
A fiendish smile graced his mouth when he looked at her again. "Anytime you want koishii."
Kaoru flushed and turned away, muttering under her breath. 'Kenshin-baka.' Smile widening, he relaxed against the couch and settled on Battle Royal as the movie of their choice.
*************
Soft light and a strong breeze descended over Tokyo as the day waned, pinks and blues blurred into a myriad of colors as afternoon settled over the day. Kaoru stood in his bedroom arms crossed over her chest and a frown over her face.
Kenshin laid against the headboard of his bed, arms crossed behind his head. Amusement glittered in his eyes but he smartly chose to keep a straight face knowing that if he smiled it would only serve in upsetting her further.
Her gaze settled on his handsome features, a calculated look in her eyes before her face smooth out. "All right Kenshin."
His eyes narrowed slightly at her tone of voice, weary of her movements now as she began to pace towards him. Her fingers slid over the wooden board at the end of the bed, slightly gliding over the lacquered finish. "You do this for me." Her fingers slid on to his legs. "And I'll do something for you."
He chuckled, smiling lightly now. "I don't like taking pictures."
Kaoru used that as an opening, she flopped on top of him, hands on his stomach. "Kenshin," a frustrated grumble left her mouth. Well make an evening out it." She leaned into him, resting her chin on his chest. "Pleaseeeeee."
After a moment he sighed and she knew she had him. She smiled largely, laying a kiss on his chin before she stood. His eyes widened slightly as she began stripping out of his clothes and putting on the dress she'd been wearing the night before. He wondered if he should point out that she needed underclothes.
Kaoru smoothed down her hair and turned to him. "I'll have to stop off at the mall." She informed him as she went back to him, pulled on his hand and helped him stand.
A critical eye ran over his body and she paused in her step. "I think you should change."
A masculine eyebrow rose. She dropped his hand and walked over to his closet. Rummaging through his clothes until she found another black shirt, similar to the one he'd been wearing before. "I like this one." She set the shirt on the bed and waited.
"Why can't we just eat in?"
Kaoru tossed her hand up in frustration. She pulled his shirt off rather brusquely before she eased the other shirt on him. She smoothed her hand over his back, fixing the wrinkles out before she buttoned him up. Still leaving the same three buttons open. "Kay," she announced, taking hold of his hand as she dragged him behind her, pausing at the door only to get her shoes on.
Kaoru stood off to the side, holding his hand as he locked up. He held her close to him as they rode down the elevator, grasping her waist as he led her to the car.
He couldn't understand why she'd suddenly decided they should take pictures. Still it's what she wanted. He unlocked the car, opening the door for her to get in before he strode to his side. He turned the ignition on, accelerating the car several times before he turned to her. "Where did you want to go?"
"Odakyu Halc."
He nodded and shifted into first slowly pulling out of the garage. A glance at his watch revealed the time to be five-thirteen which meant there would be a lot of traffic. "Did you want to stop by your house?" He spared her a glance as he shifted.
She watched his expression trying to see what he meant and after a few silent seconds she responded. "Did you want me to stay with a while?"
He didn't turn, feeling he might have said too much with his stupid question. Kaoru laid a hand over his. "We'll stop so I can get some things then." She turned back, keeping her eyes straight ahead because that's what he would do. There were some things he still seemed reluctant to talk about and being lonely was one of them. She hoped that the pictures they were on their way to take would help remind him that he wasn't alone anymore.
*************
It was just a bit past ten when they finally got home. Kaoru entered first been the one to have opened the door she held it open while he walked in, his hands full of her things.
The room was pitch black and it took her a moment before she actually found the switch. She heard the door close, lock and a moment later he turned on the light. Kaoru looked around and at seeing where he stood, she noted she'd been way off. "Sorry."
He nodded and continued the trek to his room, his arms tightening as he carried her luggage and other buys to his room. They'd spent five hours out and though he might usually think that to be too much time, he didn't this time. It wasn't when he spent it with her though.
He set everything to the side of the room, hoping she'd use tomorrow to put them away rather than tonight. He rotated his arms, feeling a bit of a pinch, a sign that he wasn't working out as well as he should be. Sighing he stepped back out to the living room. Walked to the couch and took his seat.
Kaoru rushed out of the kitchen a moment later. Setting down a plate full of pizza slices, a food he'd never touched before. He made a face, it smell well enough. Kaoru laughed and went back to the kitchen. A minute later she walked back to him, drinks in hand. "It's deep dish."
Like he knew what that meant. He watched as she sat and took a slice, brining it her mouth for a bite. She'd insisted he'd like it but he wasn't so sure she was right. Kaoru blew on her slice before bringing it close to his mouth. "Come on," she coaxed. "I'll make you something else if you don't like it."
He looked from her to the offered piece and after a moment he took a bite, thinking, why do I always give in. Though after less then a minute of chewing, he found he liked it and took a piece for himself. Kaoru kissed his lips and settled back into the couch, tucking her feet as she sat indian style. "Turn on the tv."
Doing as told, he turned it on, flipping through various channels until she told him to stop. "What is this?" He asked as he settled in next to her.
"Ageless," she felt his eyebrow rising and she added to her statement. "It's the continuation to a movie I like."
Kenshin picked up another slice and sat back to watch and after half an hour of watching he came to a conclusion. "You like fairytales."
Kaoru looked at him, her nose crinkling just the slightest. "I like happy endings, there's a difference."
That answer was cryptic if he'd ever heard it. He studied her profile feeling there was more than that to her response. Though after a few minutes he let it go until he remembered that one other movie she liked, the one that had led to their first argument. "Dracula." That didn't have a happy ending. "You like it, despite the end."
Kaoru put down her slice on the plate suddenly feeling her appetite gone. She turned her face away as she cleaned her hands aware of his eyes as she did. She'd always hoped that he'd forgotten about that. Wished now more than anything that she'd never shown him that movie. Gathering her thoughts she turned back to the tv. "I like that movie because there's more to it then just what we saw." She licked her lips and continued; careful of how she worded her response. "Their love," she drawled hoping he didn't recognize her like he did after reading the phrase on the back of the box. "Transcended death."
"They'll be together again." She turned to him, "This time without all the barriers."
His food forgotten, he looked at her, remembering the phrase on the back of the box, true love never dies. The insistent half promise rose around him like fog, engulfing him in the whispers of a voice long time gone. "You are mine and mine alone."
Kaoru's eyes widened, afraid he'd remember the rest. His eyes narrowed in confusion and she knew he sought the words to complete the phrase. She scooted closer to him and tucked herself against him hoping that her warmth and presence would do enough to pull him away from his thoughts. His remembering could mean the last straw, shattering her binds once and for all. A lacerating pain flashed across her heart and she closed her eyes to ease the pain, willing the hurt away. Regardless of what was to come, for the time been she wasn't ready to give him up.
This chapter was the worse for me. I have two other versions each close to twenty pages each and after reading and rereading I opted for this one. So I really hope you like it (especially since I deleted the others.) My hands hurt and my eyes ache but we are so close to the end that I'm writing through it. Even as I post this chapter up I'm continuing onto the next. Shouldn't be long now before I can wrap it up.
Small Notes: Mannerism, feelings, symbolism. A lot of little things occurred in this chapter so let's begin . . . . . .
Battoussai's emergence and now established residence has calmed her feelings and troublesome thoughts. Her weakness has always been him and now that he's present, he's stolen her choice of what to do.
Her gift to him though a small reminder of the hold she once held over him, is nothing more than thoughtful gesture now. She'd bought it on impulse and it wasn't till later that she realized why she'd been drawn to the ring. A ring he seems to recognize, familiar he thinks but the thought is fleeting and he let's it go.
He takes her home, having already planned to tell her how he feels. When he does tell her though, she collapses. The bind on her emotions wavered, extending to the point where it causes her physical pain. She cries in distress and growing sense of happiness. Revealing a truth she finds treacherous as it contradicts all she'd originally sworn against.
After a fervent night, she dreams of the past, seeing herself content despite the masks she wore. She finds that reality is overrated and make believe isn't so bad if it will keep her happy. She wages on her rose colored reality, deciding she can afford to love.
They spent the day together, lounging around until she gets it in her head she wants them to take pictures and after a small argument he gives in. While in the car he asks her something he regrets, feeling he might have exposed too much of how he felt. Kaoru however knows and she lays a hand over him, offering comfort while she agrees to stay with him for a while. She feels his loneliness and she tries to soothe him. It's why she wants the pictures, so when he sees them he'll know. He'll look at the image of her face and he'll know how she felt that day, smiling at the camera, eyes filled with feelings only he can discern.
Once back home, they sit and relax, having a bit of dinner before going to bed. It's at this time that he brings up Dracula, the reason for their first argument. This topic worries her because she knows what kind of feeling they woke in him the last time. Careful of her wording she answers his questions avoiding anything that might remind him of the past.
But the words still come and he voices them out loud. "You are mine and mine alone." Kaoru knows the rest but she's not going to tell him. She sees the confusion he's in but she refuses to fill in the rest, afraid that if he remembers it will be the end of them. Not because he'll be mad or because he might push her away on the contrary, his emotions would be too strong for her to handle. It would be too much and it would push her over the edge. Perhaps she'd see a life time in his eyes but that would be gone with the next sec as her binds shatter, plunging her into a madness worse then the twisted grief she felt at his death. All that she fears and because of that she pulls into him, knowing he can crush her but unwilling to let go just yet.
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Don't forget that anything between these lines means dream sequence.
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Like always email me if you have any questions. I posted a lot this time so I hope that can hold you for a while. Thanks for reading and don't forget to review.
