Disclaimers: I own no one out of this story.

CHAPTER 28

Each and every single second that passed by with slow torment, Kenshin counted them and the longer Kaoru was gone, his anxiousness only benefited. For quite some time he'd had his head cast downwards in order to shade his visible tears but upon looking up he could no longer see her silhouetted figure against the thin paper doors. Silently he bit back a curse, aware that he was currently sitting in the house of god. Paying no attention to Sano's attentive eyes and Megumi's deft questioning expression, he got up and stepped outside, mindful that everyone else was probably chasing him with their eyes. Faintly there etched in the mud were slipper footprints that led farther down the muddy path. Kenshin reached for his jacket and followed the trail, his eyes scanning fully around for any other sign of Kaoru.

And then his alert ears picked up something in the distance.

He'd been nearing a large blossoming tree with several fallen pearl white petals when he'd heard two voices, distinctly a female and a male's. Silently his feet moved up the path with deadly stealth, the same kind that had made him victorious with fame. Illuminated lavender eyes scanned like surveillance cameras, watchful for the people he had just heard.

Kaoru's eyes quickly narrowed scornfully and courage bounded up inside her body. "Kenshin is inside with everyone else, praying like you should be." The look he gave back in regards to her angry type of tone wasn't one that she particularly appreciated. Her mind screamed out, telling her to throw aside the contemplation and to just change the damned topic. Throw him off, her internal guide instructed. Absently she fumbled around, biting down on her lower lip, and the first thing that came to mind she spat out without hesitation. "You can change you know." Stopping any and all of his movements, Enishi tosses his eyes to hers, narrowing them with suspicion. "What?"

"I'm just saying that you can change if you really want to," she expanded her first sentence, still maintaining a rather normal exterior.

"Always ready to forgive and forget, isn't that right?" His lips mocked her with a twist. "I can't change who I am, who I've become, and I honestly don't give a shit about changing."

Determined to prove him wrong she stubbornly took a step forward away from the wall and met his confident gaze. "Yes you can and you do. Fine, you fucked up big time with everyone, but if you had the chance to start over you should take it. That's what your sister would want." Smiling wryly, he thought of her understanding his complicated sister. The two of them were completely different women standing on the opposite ends of the world. "I don't think you'd know what oneesan wanted and what she didn't."

"I think I do," Kaoru retorted indignantly and took another gallant step forward on her part. "I don't have any siblings but everyone wants what's best for their family. She loved you and she would never have wanted to see you the way you are right now. You should go away from here and start over. Look," she paused and before she knew it her hand was already reaching out to hold his shoulder. The natural response of her body shocked even herself but it was too late to take her hand back. He was listening to her words, staring at her in a peculiar way that had her feeling that maybe some of this was actually digesting in his brain. "If we had met before all of this," she began to say, unstable. "Maybe in a different situation, if the beginning had been diff—"

"Kaoru!"

Both soaking wet bodies jerked around and froze like two forbidden lovers caught in an illegitimate act. Live wires sparked in her brain and Kaoru instantly withdrew her hand and Enishi hastily pushed his riled feelings aside. Although she had been shivering her hand had been warm, and she was saying things that he… that he would've never thought to come out of her mouth. Never during this life time at least.

So warm…

So soft.

Kaoru's touch was yielding with warmth and softness, light with a delicate texture that could only belong to a woman.

But that was finished now. And Kenshin was standing there awkwardly looking at the both of them murderously.

Enishi felt his own hand contort into a tight fist. That… that bitch. She was just buying time by feeding me complete bullshit. He looked to the opposing female then; her eyes were wide like a doe's but read openly. She was guiltier than sin.

And for a second I almost believed you.

Fury soared inside of him like a fiery phoenix and he shoved the woman in front of him towards a surprised Kenshin, who managed to open his arms and receive her without even budging from his spot. "Enishi…" A demonic hiss was released from beneath his breath and let go of Kaoru, instinctively moving her protectively behind him. The last couple steps he rushed and headed straight for the other man. Alarmed, Kaoru looked up into the face that was framed with untidy white blonde hair, and saw all that she feared. Whatever emotions or feelings that had almost been visible had been zipped back up and hidden away. He wore an expression of pure hate as his red-headed rival came to a full stop in front of him, motioning for Kaoru to stay put with a single, sharp hand gesture. "I told you—" Kenshin began to say in a menacingly low growl, his body tense and rigid, ready to fly into a fight using his bare fists. "It's okay," Kaoru cut in lightly and placed a hand on his shoulder. He ignored her presence completely as if she wasn't really even there.

"Yukishiro, what the hell are you doing here?"

"I was just about to leave." Even the way he said it reflected the flatness of his thoughts. The moment that he had shared between Kaoru was lost, long gone, and in place a steady fire sparked. One that would burn for a long time. How he hated them, all of them.

And that… that slut had…

Not again.

Never again.

"I told you to get out of here and go back t—"

"Shove it, Himura," Enishi cleanly cut in. As he whirled around the end of his cape caught the wind and rode it. It was the last bit of him they caught a glimpse of before he disappeared into the thick rain and fog. Disappointed immensely, Kaoru turned back to Kenshin but did not meet his eyes. Instead she held her head down. He handled her roughly in his hands, trying to shake the answers out of her but internally he was just so worried. She had been standing there touching that bastard who had done horrid, vicious things to her.

"Why were out here with him?"

She couldn't find it in herself to look up into his panic stricken lavender eyes. Both his calloused hands were holding onto her and the warmth that pooled into her from him was very welcoming. She was frozen stiff to the bone. "He didn't say anything or do anything wrong. I don't know why, I just…" Looking away she shivered again and Kenshin quickly gathered her into his arms. He removed his coat and draped it tenderly across her shoulders.

"Let's go back," was all that he said, quietly, and began to lead the way. His reluctance to leave the subject alone hadn't even been apparent. Kaoru was scared. Why isn't he asking… but she heard him mutter some words. "Freezing cold… out in…bloody raining like hell… catch cold…"

He was worried about her. Number one thing in his head right now was to get her back to the warm indoors. And then grill me after with all the questions, she groaned inwardly. No, he deserves all the answers, she corrected.

I'm such an idiot. I don't even think sometimes and look where it gets me. Look at all the trouble I've caused him.

Tilting her face up as they walked back, she called out to him softly. "Kenshin?"

"Hmm?" he responded, not fully aware that she had called him by name. "Thank you," she expressed her gratitude lightly. Kaoru used his poorly hidden surprise to work effectively on her side. Leaning closely in she cuddled into his body and snuggled her head against his chest as they walked towards the temple. He looked down at her then with his eyes and even though he was still appalled for her even associating with that bastard, he couldn't help the light smile that graced his features. She was so cute. And she was so his. A possessive spark shot through his eyes, flecks of amber started then died, almost like a shooting star across the night sky.

Together they made their way back, slowly receding into the fogged landscaped.

A single cigarette butt flicked carelessly onto the ground, its possessor not bothering to stomp it out but opted to let the rain kill it instead. The silhouetted figure wasn't lazy, simply not interested. These days that passed by held very little that managed to keep his insatiable curiosity at bay. His specific, artful talents were of no use at the moment. They were being saved for a more special occasion, something of more importance. A reunion perhaps. Or maybe to gain on the sighted enemy. This particular man felt almost blessed with his task.

Almost.

Of all the people of his type of rank, he'd been chosen, been severely roused with interest upon receiving his next objective, the newest assignment that'd popped up strategically into his white gloved hand.

Countless years had passed…

"What were the chances, Battosai?"

Smirking malevolently he trekked back through his unseen path. Thinking about the other man that was once an enemy, but now a sworn peacemaker made his evil eyes slant even more if that was humanly possible.

Between the scattered trees and bristling branches, the eyes of a tiger gleamed with an eerie glow. They were twin fires to the ex-Hitokiri's own. It was time to head back to the drawing board. Time to uncover some more facts. The more the better. What he'd seen with his own eyes made him all the more eager. He stopped within the mist and turned around back one last time to talk to his adversary.

"Soon, Battosai. Just not yet."

Unfortunately when they reached back inside the temple the prayer had just ended. All eyes surged towards the soaking wet pair that had just entered. Kenshin's navy blue dress shirt looked black and underneath his heavy wool jacket Kaoru's dress clung to her body, heavily accentuating every curve creating drastic sharp lines. Oh god, I must look like a complete mess, thought Kaoru miserably while brushing her slick wet bangs out of her eyes and upon spotting both Misao and Aoshi who had not been present earlier. The latter's presence loomed over her like an icy grey cloud's. Definitely she would have noticed them beforehand. Energy literally radiated from Misao like a live wire. Right now her aqua blue eyes were jumping from Kenshin to the bedraggled sight that stood beside him. She opened her mouth to assumedly speak but strangely she stopped. If it wasn't for the red-head that intercepted before she could utter a single foolish word, he was sure Kaoru would have probably ended up running out of the room, crying her eyes out, or yelling obscenely in front of everyone. Little Makimachi Misao was known for spontaneous remarks that neither dealt with the person or the subject at hand. Misao's boyfriend bore his eyes into Kenshin's but he matched the animosity, projecting back, 'She's your girlfriend. You watch over her mouth.'

Feeling everyone's examining eyes on her, Kaoru quietly asked Kenshin for his car keys but he stubbornly shook his head once. "We're going to leave here now anyways so let's all go together." Not really having a choice then, she mutely agreed but would have much preferred to hit him with something because of his cocky attitude. Only after in the car did she realize that he was angry. More like infuriated even.

The gang first debated on where to go next but eventually the mutual decision was made. Megumi's place it was. "Arghh," she groaned in frustration when Sano suggested it. "Well, she cooks really good," he added and that addition seemed to decide for everyone. The look she gave him made him think of himself being attacked with a bat, all bloodied and bruised.

"We can all help with the cooking, Megumi," Kaoru politely offered as they walked to the cars. Misao was racing off ahead, echoing back that she wanted to sit in Himura's car. Of course she was thoroughly displeased when Aoshi opened his passenger door and slid his eyes from hers to the leather seat. Kenshin nodded his appreciation and they all got into their vehicles. As soon as they were inside Kenshin's, the first thing he did was crank up the heat, flipping all the vents towards a shivering Kaoru.

"Thank you."

Without even so much as glancing her way he coldly stated, "You can thank me by letting me know what you and Enishi were talking about. And why the hell were you even standing there with him in the first place? Are you crazy?"

Tonelessly and without much thought, she replied, "I guess I am."

Kenshin's foot pressed down on the accelerator, the car revved in response, while Kaoru pretended not to care. Looking away and fixated on nothing in particular the girl beside him continued on to further explain her actions. "He seemed approachable, that's why I stayed and talked. Other than that I can't give you a real reason. The odd impulse to talk was there so I did." He seemed to study her words and the road ahead. Or at least that is how she comprehended his blank silence. "Are you mad?" Kaoru inquired, turning her head to take a peak at his fathomless face. His profile showed no more than the monotonous scenery that passed by at a dizzying speed. Momentarily he waited before speaking up.

"Mad doesn't even begin to explain it." The one hand that had been on the steering wheel noticeably whitened at the knuckles. Trying to justify her actions, Kaoru explained herself. "He's broken inside just like any of us, Kenshin! I wanted him to know that he can still change. I even told him I'd never forgive him for what he did, but in order to try to do some good he needs to change. There's still hope for him and he doesn't see that, Kenshin."

"That," he started, not even attempting to hide the burning fury that soared through him, "Is the same guy that made you SICK earlier just by THINKING of him."

"I know that, but—"

She got cut off as he slammed the brakes at a red light; her body in turn jerked against the constriction of the seat belt. Turning to face her he plainly added, "There is NOTHING else to be said to that."

"I know that, but—"

"How the HELL do you expect me to protect you if you're planning to just jump into the danger zone anyways? Are my efforts meaningless?"

"That's not… I mean," she fumbled and cast down her eyes. Beside her she heard him sigh with resistance. Within that exhaled breath he pushed all his tension out and used his hands to bring her face up to his. In that one second he realized just how rough he'd been by reading into her eyes. Nonetheless she was not getting away until there was some sort of rope to block her off. Something that would comfort him, anything to stop her from acting stupidly again.

"I want you to promise me that you'll never speak to him ever again. No matter what."

"Kenshin, I understand you're looking out for me and that I was being a complete idiot. I'm sorry and I won't do it again."

Still intent on hearing her say it he repeated himself once more, "Promise me."

"Okay," she replied and placed a hand on his. "I promise."

"Yakusoku," he whispered, "desu yakusoku. Remember that." Looking at him in a startled way she opened her mouth to say something but he politely raised his hand to stop her.

Shortly they arrived at Megumi's and it was no surprise to Kaoru that they were the first ones there. Yeah, with Kenshin driving well over the speed limit. They'd called the vixen, via Kenshin's cell, to see if she needed anything from the local grocery store but with an exaggerated sigh she informed that their help was not needed. Apparently she claimed to have everything under control but when she didn't manage to hang up in time Kaoru and Kenshin heard her express herself in quite the opposite way. Sano was saying something in the background, probably muttering what could've been the hundredth apology but she snubbed him rudely by yelling, 'SHUTUP!' So the two of them remained seated in his car silently waiting for someone else to come. To pass the time they played a pathetic game of eye-spy, pathetic because everything that Kaoru used Kenshin guessed on the first try. What surprised her and even angered her was the fact that he'd had his eyes closed the whole time. It only went to show her just how observant he was of his surroundings. In a weird sort of way, thought Kaoru to herself.

Ten minutes later and roaring into the parking lot like a mad demon, Megumi finally appeared, slamming her car door behind her and not even bothering to glance back at Sano who was slowly doing the same but keeping a good distance away from her, both hands in his pockets as he shuffled onwards with deliberate slowness.

"Make yourselves at home," she sarcastically announced, dropping her clutch purse to the floor with a dull thud as she left her guests to blunder around her apartment while she whisked past them and into the kitchen, seemingly leaving a trail of red hot sparks behind at her heels.

"These are MINE," Sano reminded her when he received a dirty, disgusted glare at his full hands which held a case of beer. When he reappeared back in the living room, Kenshin shook his hair and put a hand to his forehead, reflecting his dismay. "Sano," he groaned, still shaking his head and pointing at the beer, "Really—"

"Shut up," the other cut in and tore into the case.

This is just insane, Kenshin declared the situation, we only just got back from Tomoe's funeral and everyone's acting so… so normal. He continued to observe the room as Misao, sporting a huge grin on her face, sprang off Aoshi's lap and went straight to Sano. Both of them pried at the cardboard sides and began lining up the cans on Megumi's dining table. It looked as if they were preparing to practice target shooting with empty cans. After completing that small task each took a seat on opposite ends and smirked.

The competition was on.

Misao paused suddenly, blinked, and then turned to the speechless red-head, making him even more speechless. "You don't mind, ne Himura? Is it okay?"It was a moment before he could gather the words in his mind and bring them down to his non-functioning mouth. "Ah, yeah, it's fine," he answered quietly.Neither Misao nor Sano seemed to want to digest that their friend had not seemed overly thrilled with their idea. They merely tossed it aside with a mental kick of their mind. Kenshin flicked his eyes over to Aoshi and to his surprise the other man was staring right back at him. It was awkward, too. Not one of those normal expressionless glares that he'd give frequently. This one was filled with full apprehension. He waited to see if Aoshi would say anything but he did not. A moment later he turned his head away and looked over towards his girlfriend who was chugging down her beer like there was no tomorrow.

They're just trying to be normal, Kenshin realized. Trying to do their best. What good is moping around going to do anyways?

That was when he noticed Kaoru's absence from the scene. She'd never been in the living room with them at all. He couldn't recall her even entering it. Where was she? Getting up from the couch and automatically straightening his dress pants, he calmly trailed back to the kitchen but stopped against the wall before he could be seen. Inside were two voices: one belonging to Megumi and the other was the one he sought. Staying well out of view from the kitchen and the living room, Kenshin listened in onto their conversation.

"Where did you wa—"

"Over there," Megumi cleanly interrupted before the other girl could finish.

"I'm really trying hard with you. I don't have to but after what you said the other day it made me wonder if we could be friends."

Stale silence enveloped the two women. The only visible sound was something being sliced against a glass cutting board which Kenshin could only guess was coming from Megumi's expert hands. He heard Kaoru then say, "Fine," and something thumped heavily against the counter. A glimpse of her hand quickly came into view and Kenshin was ready to spring back into the living room, acting as if he'd never been there because that was the way it would look. But just in time he heard Megumi call her back. "What?" Kaoru asked, annoyed. "You've already made your point very clear to me."

"I'm just not in a good mood," the other responded curtly.

"Why?"

Several blank minutes passed and Megumi still did not reply. "Why?" Kaoru repeated, placing her hands on her hips and shifting her body to the side to block Megumi from using the sink to rinse her hands. "Oh don't play stupid with me. I know you saw Enishi." Feeling defensive because she had nothing to hide to begin with, Kaoru's brows crinkled and she gave Megumi a look of question. "I'm not playing stupid with you! If you knew why didn't you just say it straight up? I didn't even try to deny it! Why are you getting so angry with me?"

"I've got a lot going through my head these days."

"Don't we all," Kaoru retorted, eyes narrowed down on Megumi. "Ha," she sarcastically laughed, "Like when to make the next move on Ken-san? It seems like I'm more worried about your well being and health than you are. I bloody well told you to come—" Kenshin's patience ran thin as their conversation progressed into a full blown fight. Though it would have been better if he had just stayed silent and listened for only a few seconds longer he just couldn't withstand it. Complete stupidity on his part. "What do you two have against each other? You'd think that in the time of a crisis like this that your closest friends would be around to support each other, but instead you two are back here hiding from everyone else and going at each other's throats." Even as he rounded the straight edge corner of the wall their faces had already turned a bright shade of pink-y red. Neither tried to pin the blame on the opposing female.

"I'm sorry," Megumi apologized, but didn't sound like a very convincing actress unlike her usual crafty self. For her it was like the words needed to be said so she just said them. That's it. Nothing else behind it, no remorse of any sort.

Not being able to grasp any words, the slighter girl just stood there dumbfounded and looked away, not being able to bring her eyes to Kenshin's or the other girl's. Finally with her head made up clearly she turned to the man that stood in the gaping doorway. "I'm sorry to bother you, Kenshin, but do you think you could just take me home?" Upon hearing that, Megumi's eyes snapped shut and she let go of the knife, letting it hit the glass board with an angry clash. "There is absolutely no reason for you to be such a spoiled brat, Kaoru. Kenshin is trying to relax and the last thing he needs is a nagging little problem like you. Just shut up, go back into the living room and sit down."

"Megumi," Kenshin intervened sharply and flew between the women with swift speed but it was already too late. The damage had already been done. A heavy curtain of black, her thick bangs fell into her eyes concealing the swollen, radiating anger that burned irritably. Without so much as uttering a word, Kaoru stepped forward and slapped Megumi loudly with the palm of her hand. Any laughter that could be heard on the other side of the wall stopped. Everyone in the apartment was dead silent.

Completely shocked, mouth hanging open, Megumi pressed a hand to her tender cheek and turned. A waterfall of midnight blue met her eyes and Megumi scarcely registered the fact that Kaoru was crying. The younger girl fixed her powerful, hated glare and whispered, "Bitch," before whirling around and fleeing the apartment.

Sano was the first to make it to the kitchen. Before asking what happened he looked between Kenshin and Megumi then to the open apartment door. Everything clicked in place. "Kuso," he muttered angrily and jerked his head away from the two still remaining in the kitchen. "Yeah, just relax, don't trip over yourselves." Cracking his knuckles reflected his inner anger to the both of them. "You two can just wait here. Obviously you've done enough for jou-chan," he sarcastically commented before rushing out the door. Feeling completely like crap, Megumi closed her eyes, her bottom lip quivering uncontrollably.

And all the while Kenshin stood there deathly still.

Poor little bird. Trapped all alone with her heavy burden of sadness, and Megumi over here just had to push her over the edge. She should apologize. We should make her say sorry, and then we can make it up to our little sparrow. What do you think? Crude laughter soon filled his mind and Kenshin had to refrain from touching his head. I will always be a part of you, the stone cold voice strictly told him. "Shut up," Kenshin whispered beneath his jaggedly growing breath. "What?" Megumi asked, looking over but not exactly meeting his eyes. Apparently she missed the spark that threatened to flare. He shook his head. "Nothing."

I find it amusing to watch you fend me off. And I'm barely even trying, Shinta. You are so pathetic. You should give in and let Kaoru be happy with a real man, someone who can bring smiles to her face and hold them there forever. You're pathetic, useless, a waste of life. A waste of air. If you'd only freely give me the chance I could promise you so much. Battosai sighed with his last few words. The effect on Kenshin was a shiver, especially upon feeling his name, his real name being said. No one knew of the name that was given to him when he was born onto this earth save for his shishou. Kenshin took a big breath and braced himself as he exited the kitchen, leaving Megumi behind but going to face Aoshi and Misao who were undoubtedly wondering what happened.

Eyes looking up but away from them, Kenshin began to explain flatly. "We had a misunderstanding…"

Running as fast as her flat heeled shoes could take her Kaoru bounded down the fire escape and was soon pushing at the metal frame of the sparkling glass door. Quickening her pace upon touching one foot onto the concrete, she ran and ran not even pausing when she felt her lungs set on fire. Kaoru continued, silently pushing herself to strive forward until she could literally take no more. Coming around a residential corner and a miniature playground, she crossed the street and jogged the rest of the way till she came face to face with a swing set hidden at the back. No one else was around, which she was quite thankful for. A little bit of solitude and peace would set her back in the right mind. The deafening fact of what she had just done boomeranged right back into her. "I hit her," she realized aloud. Not bothering to sit on the miniature swing seat, she slowly slid to the sand, blinking absently and staring down at her right hand: the hand she had raised against the woman who had offered her own. Oh my god. So what if she exchanged some foul words. Everyone is under pressure, Kaoru! You just hit her!

But Megumi had not been fully truthful with her either. If she had taken a minute to explain her encounter with Enishi earlier on then both could have came to understanding terms but…

More tears slid down Kaoru's cheek and she didn't bother to brush them aside. No one else was around. She was alone with her shame. Maybe it was all the emotional turmoil she was feeling or the fact that she had just ran like a maniac and hadn't done that much exorcize since high school, something inside her abdomen kicked up again. It was much like the pain she had felt earlier, only this time it came back with a real kick. Blinded with the sudden agonizing jabs, Kaoru doubled over, clutching at her midsection and emitting painful incoherent moans. Shivers ran down her body bringing her flesh alive with thousands of goose bumps. It'd been only seconds since the pain first started so she was quite shocked to feel perspiration-like wetness slide down her forehead. "Oh god…" she whispered and ducked her head into her knees. If she hadn't been so absorbed by the pain she might've faintly noticed the shadow that fell on top of her. A dark shadow that seemed to appear out of mid-air. Soundlessly it had grown closer and closer, fixed upon the trembling girl.

"Are you alright, ma'am?"

As she slowly looked up the concerned voice took an apologetic breath. "Pardon my manners; you are but a teenage girl. Are you alright, Miss?"

Shifting her shaky, unsettled eyes, Kaoru looked up and found a very handsome man looking back at her. A man, not a youth like Kenshin or Sano, and he had a distinct air of imposing regal ness that shot out sharply. She felt as if she were looking into the eyes of a much knowledgeable person, someone who'd seen life in all of its deepest and darkest corners. Silence befell her and she did not answer back except to cringe with the now sporadic pain. She hadn't asked for his help but soon enough he was bending down, unconcerned that he was dirtying his clothes, and pressing two fingers onto her stomach. Helpless, she could only watch through her fluttering lashes as he placed his arm around her back, supporting her.

"Does it hurt here?" he asked and then pressed down lightly. She shook her head. "What about here? Does it hurt now?" She shook her head again but when he pressed at her lower stomach a third time she gasped out loud. "Aa," he curtly replied. Then he began to lightly feel out the area, massaging the tissue down and away in slight circular motions. It was crazy but he was touching her normally like her doctor did. Even if she wanted to try to stop him she was literally dead weight in his arms. Nothing could be done except to let him continue.

He didn't seem to be a bad man. Everything about him was graced with smooth carefulness as if he thought about each action before doing it, thought about each word before speaking it. And strangely enough the pain was receding. Before she knew it, it was gone. The stranger still held her though, limp back against his supportive arm. "You should have a doctor look at it, Miss," he advised before helping her back onto her own two feet then moving aside to allow her to brush away the sand from her dress.

"How did you…?" He paused while brushing the knees of his pants. "I've worked with injuries and such before many times."

"Oh," Kaoru replied and smiled sheepishly feeling very much like a fool. "But you should definitely have a doctor look into it." A sudden stern edge had entered his voice and Kaoru immediately looked up, surprised at the display of harshness. "I… I will," she stumbled. "Good," he replied right after her, his sudden mood change swinging over again to being what it was when they'd first talked. As he smiled innocently at her, Kaoru noticed how his eyes slanted, so much so that it looked like they had closed and were arching in a sinister smile of their own. Against her happy thoughts and thankfulness she felt it bite at her with cold teeth. Oddly, but didn't it… She pushed aside her thoughts and felt ashamedly embarrassed for thinking otherwise when he'd regarded her with complete carefulness and kindness. Not many people had that in them in this world.

"Thank you," she murmured shyly. He said nothing more and turned around, meaning to leave. "Wait!" Kaoru cried out. "Ano…" her cheeks burnt pink as he turned around again, deliberately smiling politely. "I don't even know your name." She shuffled her shoes in the sand like a shy child. "I want to thank you properly…" she trailed off.

"Fujita. Fujita Goro."

"Arigatou, Fujita-san."

"Iie," he returned, both eyes and mouth still smiling, "It was my pleasure."

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

First, thank you to everyone that reviewed for Chapter 27! Hugs and kisses all around.

I really miss the individual replying bit. Some people have asked me questions but haven't logged in so if you don't do that I cannot reply back via the new system.

One more chapter is all that is left to complete this story. Thanks for all the comments and reviews and constructive criticism everyone. And most of all thank you to those specific individual people who stuck with the story even when it wasn't exactly properly written out or heavily edited. I'd like to believe that I've undergone some changes for the good and I'm trying very hard to improve my writing in all aspects.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and for those that don't celebrate it I hope your holidays were filled with fun! Most of all please tell me what you all received!

Don't forget to read and review. Let me know what you think of the current situation in the story (cough, cough, the appearance of Fujita Goro).

A lot of author's have been advertising their LiveJournal's and I, too, have one. The link is in my profile if you are interested in socializing and adding me.

Take care everyone and see you in the New Year : )