MY LITTLE PRINCESS
A/N: Konnichiwa minna-san! Genki desu? Woah! Thus is by far the longest update I ever had! Almost five months! (o.0) First off, my apologies to everyone if I had been gone for quite some time. It couldn't be helped, university life is really different. hehe...Good thing I'm still alive. Yep, I'm back here in Singapore. I went home last December for my Christmas vacation.
Second, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been freaking patient and understanding towards me and this ficcie of mine. Minna, doumo arigatou gozaimasu! ::bows on the ground::
Third, I am currently obsessed with the Godfather Trilogy...Yes! That's what I did, I watched all three films during the Christmas break over and over again.
Fourth, I am madly in love with a Swiss guy. Yes, this is so true. 3
Anyways, I have no more room for my blabbering right now bcoz I know you all deserve to read this next chappie. So with that said, happy reading!
Warnings:
Super OOCness and a about one or two profanities
I have been idle for almost 5 months. There's a possibility that I messed this chap up, so, do forgive me if it's totally to think of it, the title is absolutely lousy! hehe
Events that takes place in this story are very "unbelievable". But taken the fact that this happens somewhere in the year 2022, I thought that it would be better if I "upgrade" some of the "normal" things in present day such as the age for working, study, technology, communication, etc... So, do bear with me for a while. hehe...
Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is NOT mine. Please do not sue. I am just a poor college student.
Character Ages: Kenshin - 28; Kaoru - 18; Aoshi - 20 (I'm not so sure about Kaoru and Aoshi's real age gap, but well, I guess this will have to do the job)
Chapter 25. Forgotten
A familiar music hummed through Kaoru's room. The classical rhythm and the sound woke her up in the most gentle and soothing manner.
Cavallera Rusticana...her mind supplied as she shifted within her bed's comforter.
It's an old age symphony, but still, brings something new each time she hears it.
After a few stretches, Kaoru took a glimpse at her clock with one eye. 8:00 AM. And then, it hit her--
"Oh shit!" she exclaimed with eyes opened wide in disbelief.
She quickly jumped off her bed and trailed quickly to the washroom to change clothes.
"How can you be sooo stupid, Kaoru?!" she taunted herself as she fumbled to wash her face and brush her teeth at the same time.
"Darned hair!" she hissed as her comb went through a knot in her hair. She was trying to arrange it in a neat ponytail which seemed to take an hour to finish. She hurriedly put on her blazer and took a quick glance at the mirror before finally leaving her room, deciding that she'll just fix her bed later.
Her high-heeled shoes echoed through the kitchen as she came in running while fixing things inside her handbag.
"You look like in a rush princess..." a voice greeted her.
"Oh, it's you... I, I'm sorry, I didn't see you, I'm really in a hurry." Kaoru returned eyeing him only for a while because she was looking for a bottle of orange juice in the fridge.
Kenshin smiled as he continued to eat some toast, though he kept his eyes on her. She wore a black blazer on top of powder blue long sleeves and black slacks. Her hair was tied in a very high ponytail and swayed along with her as she clattered through the refrigerator. She looked really professional, but was kind of amusing at the way she was acting right now.
"Breakfast?" Kenshin asked gesturing at his plate of omelet and toast.
"Uh, no, thanks." Kaoru half smiled as she opened the cupboard, as if searching for something.
"Where's the bread?" she finally asked after opening and closing all the cupboards for a lot of times.
"It's in the basket over there at the counter." Kenshin used his thumb to point at his back.
"Oh, thanks." Kaoru quickly answered and hurried to get a few slices cursing herself how blind she was to not see it.
"I have a business presentation today, see ya later." She said as she was walking and waived her hand once.
"Ah, Kaoru..." Kenshin called out abruptly.
"Hai?" Kaoru turned around, looking frustrated.
"Good luck..." Kenshin smiled.
"Thanks." Kaoru smiled and then started to walk again.
"Ah Kaoru..." Kenshin called out again.
"Yes?" Kaoru paused for the second time and looked at him with no more than a crumpled forehead.
"You look beautiful today."
They looked at each other for a few seconds, and Kaoru broke the silence, moving her head sideways saying, "I, I have to go."
And at that, she quickly walked out of the kitchen and disappeared on one corner.
Kenshin sighed awkwardly. "The girl must be really busy...She even forgot it's her birthday today."
----
"As you can see, the past decade's technological advances has shifted the aggregate demand of various economies for top of the line shipping services." Aoshi coolly pressed the remote control and there, appeared a hologram in the middle of the meeting table. "Ships are now mobilized in speeds never before imagined 2 or 3 decades ago--enough to rival that of a jet."
"We are, more than ever in a synchronized market with the air freight as well as the land travel and services. This 'new market' will become unstable in the next few years since rival companies will find out its profitability. Therefore, we must grab this opportunity where the barriers of entry is still surmountable and is still within our control." Nods and murmurs came about as Aoshi eyed each and everyone in the room with confidence.
"Very well done, Mr. Shinomori." An old, chinky-eyed man gave a silent clap and this was agreed upon by other people on the room.
"Thank you very much." Aoshi returned bowing his head a little low.
"Alright, now that my part is done, I would like to pass the time to Miss Kamiya for the further discussion and possible update of our current market state. Ms. Kamiya, please." Aoshi held out his palm, gesturing her to come up front.
Kaoru silently got off her chair and walked up front clutching the flash disk in her hand. With a quick press, she inserted the flash disk into a built-in port in the table, and a hologram appeared in the middle of the table.
"Thank you, Mr. Shinomori." Kaoru gave a nod to Aoshi and he returned it with a nod and a small smile.
"Gentlemen, we have always wanted to dominate the market in the shipping industry not only here in Japan, but the whole of Asia too. A total of 4,812 branches have been set-up in most of the Asian countries that proved to be lucrative for the last 15 years of this company. We aimed to dominate the shipping industry, and we have successfully done that." Kaoru pressed the remote presenting the list of the countries she was talking about.
"The air and land freight services have been constantly hit by numerous up and downs due to the fluctuations in the oil market, and the shipping industry has felt a portion of it." Kaoru presented a graph to the group.
"As you can see, we have here the comparison of the consumption and utilization of power sources against its prospective supply." Kaoru eyed someone who was about to utter something.
"Yes, Mr. Ishida?" Kaoru asked.
"So, do you have a suggestion for us Ms. Kamiya?" the old man with curly, grey hair returned.
"Hai." Kaoru leaned her head smartly on one side. "Strengthening our involvement in R&D for alternative power resources."
Murmurs went inside the meeting room, while Aoshi met Kaoru's eyes seeming to give her encouragement.
"But, Miss Kamiya, we already are active in this...We helped develop top notch engines for ships that use half of the energy but twice the speed. What's the point of involving for R&D in alternative power resources?...Won't this 'erase' what we already achieved?" someone said, a little pessimistic.
"I understand sir, but I do believe that whatever set back we'll experience will only last in the short run. However, in the long run, I have faith that these set backs will be off set by the benefits we will gain from participating actively in research and development." Kaoru returned firmly but politely.
"Go on, Miss Kamiya. We are listening." Mr. Ishida spoke, and the murmurs quieted.
"Yes sir, thank you. We are all aware, that for the last two decades, given the fact that we managed to save and improve energy resources, we still are highly dependent on fossil fuels to run most of our equipments. By having ourselves pioneer such R&D for renewable energy will give our company a big edge on our competitors. We will get a more positive image from our various stakeholders, grab an opportunity to amass a valuable resource-to-be and save on costs in the long run basis." Kaoru smartly addressed the board confidently eyeing each and everyone of them.
Nods and slight murmurs of agreement came upon her. "Miss Kamiya, your proposal is well-taken. Apart from my colleagues, I have no more to ask. Gentlemen?" Mr. Ishida looked at everyone and all replied with satisfying nods.
"..well, in that case, since you came upon with this idea, I have confidence that no one will do a better job for spearheading this project other than you, right Mr. Shinomori?." Mr. Ishida continued eyeing Aoshi who gave a satisfied nod. He rose up his chair claped his hands, while the others followed.
Kaoru was taken aback and almost lost thought for a few seconds. Next thing she knew, she was saying thank you, bowing and shaking hands to the people in the room.
"Congratulations." Aoshi smiled at her and took her hand for a shake.
"Oh my, thank you..." Kaoru returned, still in fervor . "Really, I, I don't know what to say..."
"You deserve it, Kaoru." Aoshi uttered looking down at her.
The once quiet room started to be filled with voices as everyone began to leave since the meeting was adjourned. Waves of congratulations were given to Kaoru which she politely recognized.
Just suddenly, Kaoru's hand phone rang. She pulled it from her hand bag, and it displayed the profile of their house number.
"Just a second, Aoshi... Hello?"
"K-Kaoru..." A faltered voice of Yahiko greeted her.
"Yahiko?! W-what's wrong?!" Kaoru was kind of worried. He didn't sound so good.
Yahiko whimpered before speaking again. "I...I think I broke my leg... I was--arrrpp---running from the dojo, and then I tripped on a stone." Yahiko gulped catching for air. "No one's here right now, I don't know why..!"
"Running?! Stone?! Yahiko, how can you be so---" Kaoru's voice was tense.
"Don't even start to nag. Just come home now! I'm in such pain! Ahhhh!!!" Yahiko gasped for the last time and ended the call.
Kaoru looked at Aoshi quite bothered.
"What's wrong?" Aoshi asked.
"It's Yahiko, he said he got his foot injured. I, I really must go home this instant." Kaoru returned arranging her things, anxiety evident in her voice.
"I'll drive you." Aoshi offered, following her as she started to walk.
"I have my car." Kaoru returned quickly.
"Then, I'll drive your car, if you don't mind." Aoshi put his hands together while raising an eyebrow.
"No, it's all right... I don't want to trouble you because of that brat's carelessness." Kaoru said a bit worried, but still produced a smile.
"C'mon Kaoru, you never trouble me. I wanna make sure Yahiko is doing fine too." Aoshi said sincerely hovering over her.
Kaoru sighed, a relieved one. "Fine, thank you then."
----
Aoshi pulled over the car a bit rough as soon as they arrived at the gate. Kaoru, despite wearing some high heels, managed to run up to the door, hastily placing her palm on the identity checker.
"Yahiko?!" she called out as soon as she got her right foot inside the house.
"Yahiko? Where are you?" she called again, expecting for him to be in the lobby.
Kaoru's face was crumpled as she got further inside. "Strange..." she whispered to herself.
"What's strange?" Aoshi asked from behind.
"The lights...Even if no one's around, we never turn the lights out." Kaoru retorted, but didn't look back at him.
"Computer, lights on." Kaoru said, enough for the sensors to detect. No response. For the second time, she tried. "Computer, lights on".
This was really strange. She was able to go inside using the identity checker just a while ago. Why then, did the computer suddenly go offline? In fact, she couldn't even remember when was the last time that anyone prompted the server to go offline.
"Aoshi, could you please go back to the lobby and see if the--Aoshi?" Kaoru started to get frustrated. For a second there, she knew Aoshi was right behind her back. And now, he was completely out of sight.
Before she could ever think of anything else, the lights came out in full blast.
"What the--"
"Happy Birthday Kaoru!" a collection of voices greeted in unison.
Kaoru was awe-struck. How could she even manage to forget?
It's her birthday today.
"Minna..." she quietly uttered.
Kamatari, Yahiko, Misao, Soujiro, Aoshi were all there in one corner with food and party things in their hands--and what's this?
"Okita!" Kaoru exclaimed almost running into her long time friend's open arms as the others placed the things on the center table.
"Happy birthday, Kaoru-chan." Okita whispered to her amiably as both gave each other a comforting hug.
"When did you come back? You never told me!" Kaoru exclaimed in excitement as he looked up at the now much taller Okita.
Okita chuckled, patting Kaoru's head a bit. "A week ago. I wanted to surprise you, so I resisted the temptation to see for quite a while."
Kaoru gave a small laugh. "Oh dear, Berlin made a lot of changes to you, didn't it?" Kaoru could just smile and hold Okita's arms. She couldn't define how she missed such a good friend.
"You've grown too, Kaoru-chan. And you look most outstanding!" Okita retorted, holding her by the shoulders.
"Now, I hate to be a kill-joy, but we also exist you know." Misao blurted in, with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, Misao..." a thankful smile was plastered over Kaoru's face as she walked to Misao's direction and gave her a nice and tight hug.
"Thanks..." Kaoru whispered to her ear.
"Happy birthday, Kaoru." Misao gave her a quick pat on the back.
"Sou-chan.." Kaoru turned to Soujiro who also gave her a gullible embrace.
"I can't believe you forgot your birthday, my dear." Kamatari said as she finished setting the table, shaking his head a little with disappointment.
"Just make sure you don't forget my birthday!" Yahiko chimed as he brought in some plates from the kitchen.
Kaoru fixed her eyes on him. "Yahiko." she sternly called out.
Everyone went silent for a while, with a little expectation of Yahiko being nagged.
"You little brat. You had me worried, don't you know that?!" Kaoru said out in a daunting voice, a bit loud and ruffled his spiky hair.
Yahiko bowed his head a little low. He thought...he thought...
"I..---"
At that, Yahiko just felt Kaoru's arms around him, holding him protectively.
"Oh Yahiko, don't ever do that again...You know you're one of my greatest weaknesses..." Kaoru hugged him closer.
Yahiko smiled, but was too proud to let others see him, so he just kept low below Kaoru's shoulders.
"Heh, you must admit I'm a good actor, right Aoshi?!" Yahiko sarcastically exclaimed giving Aoshi a thumbs-up sign.
"Aoshi?" Kaoru's forehead was crumpled as she slowly craned her neck to look back at the tall man behind her. "You're a part of this, aren't you?" she asked arching a brow up.
Aoshi gave a short chuckle holding his hands together. "Ah, well..."
"Actually, he planned all of these." a familiar voice said.
"Uncle Hiko!" Kaoru exclaimed for the second time, and this time, really ran excitedly to give the father she has known a loving hug. "I missed you so much!"
Hiko felt the unwavering hold of Kaoru onto him. And well, he couldn't blame her. He was also away himself for a few months, settling some of their assets in Sapporo.
"You all surprised me very much...hontou..." Kaoru supplied pursing her lips.
"There, there." Hiko patted her back twice. "Aoshi, I think you need to teach your apprentice not to run with her suit and high heels on."
Everyone gave a short laugh at Hiko's comment, while Aoshi just nodded with a bit of a smile.
"I tried really hard to stop myself from greeting you this morning, Kaoru." Kenshin suddenly appeared on one side of Hiko as soon as Kaoru let go of him.
Kaoru gave him a sincere smile, biting her lower lip. "Thank you, in that case. I mean, if you didn't hold back, Aoshi's plan wouldn't have worked out...so...yea."
"Alright everyone, gather here now." Kamatari called them up after she finished lighting the candles on the cake.
At that instant, everyone came around the table leaving their conversations behind.
"Uh, Kao--" before Kenshin could even finish the next syllable of her name, she was already walking to the direction of the table with Aoshi pleasantly talking to her on one side.
----
The moonlight shone over Kenshin's face like spilt water while the late night's breeze gave a comforting hum. He sat quietly on the porch, in an Indian sit while his eyelids were comfortably closed.
Shinomori Aoshi... his mind started. He looked very respectable and seemed to be a real gentleman.
From what Hiko has told him for quite a few times, Aoshi became a close friend of Kaoru and the others during high school. He is currently running a part of his family's company at the age of twenty, and has hired Kaoru personally as his apprentice.
Remembering some things a while ago, he could tell that both Kaoru and Aoshi are fond and trust each other so much. They seemed to be very at ease with each other.
And then...he couldn't help but to particularly remember one thing.
(Flashback)
"Kaoru's at the gate sending off the people." Yahiko said as he stretched both of his hands up.
"Oh, I see. Thank you Yahiko." Kenshin returned bowing his head a little and then proceeded to walk down the hallway.
Yahiko craned his head on one side and then gave a short wave.
He couldn't find the right time to give her his present. She was absolutely pre-occupied with her friends and guests a while ago.
He saw her at the gate waiving off to Misao and the others and he couldn't help but stare at how she looked so different now, yet stay exactly the same in her gestures . He was about to go on walking when he saw someone come up from behind Kaoru.
It was Aoshi.
Kenshin stopped at his tracks. Something inside of him was giving him an order to just stay where he was--and so he did.
Both were talking for a while, but the smiles on their faces were clearly visible even from his viewpoint.
He heard Kaoru giggle softly, and then both held out each others arms for an endearing embrace while Aoshi placed a quick kiss on her forehead.
Seconds passed...they were still together, holding each other.
Kenshin looked away, a wry smile embedded on his lips. Without anything, he went away.
(End of Flashback)
He found himself in deep thought.
Why did he feel unidentifiably different?
He was comfortable seeing Kaoru giving a hug to either Soujiro or Okita.
Why so with Aoshi?
Was it because he was closer to Soujiro and Okita?
But then, it's not Aoshi's fault that they hadn't met earlier, right?
Perhaps...
A wry chuckle went out of him. What's the point of thinking about such a thing anyway?
C'mon Kenshin...she's no longer a child. She knows what she's doing...Although...
"Kenshin?"
He became a little startled. He was sure... Even if he became blind.
That voice. It never did change...Or maybe, it never will.
"Kaoru?" he returned with the same tone.
Kaoru smiled, but stayed at where she was, while taking some time to study his features on the back. He was, for some reason wearing a blue gi.
"Are you wearing a gi?" Kaoru asked quite amused as she took slow foot steps to approach him.
"Ah yes...I felt like wearing it without any particular reason at all." Kenshin returned but didn't look at her.
He heard the ruffling of fabric against wood and that's when he opened his eyes to look at her, sitting beside him.
"It's amazing..." Kaoru whispered but enough for the both of them to hear.
"Hmm?" Kenshin asked silently.
"It's amazing how time flies, but still, somehow, we humans can still cling on to a part of our past." Kaoru looked up at the night sky.
Kenshin softly gazed at her. It could be no other than his little princess, but she has changed--a lot. And it's like every time he looks at her, he's reminded how many years he has missed of her.
Indeed, she was his past...A past he is still trying to cling on to.
"I agree..." Kenshin simply said.
"Arigatou." Kaoru spoke softly while her head was low, her eyes looking at her intertwine arms.
"Hm?" Kenshin murmured still looking at her. She was adorable in her plaid blue pajamas.
Kaoru lifted her head up and met his eyes her head a little on one side. "For today. I, I still can't believe I forgot my own birthday."
Kenshin gave a watery laugh. "Well, it's better than forgetting your name. I didn't do anything much. It was all Aoshi's idea, remember?" A pang of jealousy went striking at him at those words.
Kaoru sighed and then smiled slowly. "Aoshi...Yes, he never fails to surprise people."
Silence came upon them for a few seconds. No one talked, only their relaxed breathing accompanied them.
"Close your eyes." Kenshin broke the silence.
"W-why?" Kaoru asked quite mused.
"Just, just close them." Kenshin chuckled but said so in a coaxing voice.
Kaoru raised a brow, but did close her eyes anyway.
"Good." Kenshin said happily.
Kaoru felt his hands taking her own, making her flinch a little. Kenshin noticed it but didn't mind.
To him, it felt different...
The question is why? He always did these things not so long ago.
He remembered a child's chubby and gentle fingers clasping to the digits in his hands.
Now, slender and silky hands took the place of what used to be that of a child's.
But this...this just gave him more reason to believe Kaoru was no longer the child he has known.
Kenshin took the time to scrutinize her at this range. Even with her eyes closed, one can see the changes in her. There was no longer a chubby cheek nor a cute little nose. There, was replaced by high cheek bones and a sophisticatedly pointed nose accompanied by her well-shaped lips.
Well, she was, after all, qualified to be called a "real" woman.
Kaoru felt a small box being placed in her palms. She was curious, but she never opened her eyes.
"What's this?" she asked smiling touching its edges.
She heard Kenshin sigh comfortably. "Okay, you can open your eyes now."
In her palms was a red box with a wool covering tied by a golden ribbon. Kaoru looked at the box for a few moments and then to Kenshin with questioning eyes.
"Open it." Kenshin gestured.
Kaoru pulled one end of the ribbon and loosened it. She carefully opened the top lid and laid it on the floor.
Kaoru almost gasped. "Oh no..." shaking her head in disbelief. "Oh no...this is...Kenshin..." Kaoru looked at him with an almost shocked expression mixed with gratitude.
"Now, I know it's still not a custom to give people watches here, but I figured such a young business woman would need it." Kenshin said enticingly.
"Datte..." Kaoru sighed again. "I, I never wore anything like...this...This is--"
"Patek Philippe?" Kenshin raised a brow.
Kaoru could only sigh once more.
"Look Kaoru, I bought that for you, okay?" Kenshin placed his hands over hers. "I would be very disappointed if you don't use it." he said soberly.
Kaoru sighed for the third time looking at him and then at the watch in her hands--which happened to be entangled with his own.
She blinked twice and then slowly took her hands away. "T-thank you. I never expected this." She gave him an appreciative smile.
Kenshin smiled as well though quite unsure why both had become all too conscious when it comes to physical contact.
"You're most welcome. Happy Birthday..." with that, Kenshin unconsciously took her in his arms and gave her a lasting embrace.
Kaoru was surprised but the protection and care she felt while she was entwined by him fought every urge to be released. She just let her head rest on his shoulder while her hands clutched nervously on the box she was holding.
The scent of jasmine rose...
Just like the clarity of her voice, this familiar scent was all he needed to believe that the person he was holding right now was real.
That "this" was real...
Finally...
He felt reunited with the past...
A past lost and almost forgotten...
The innocent giggle of a little girl...
Taken away by punishing tears...
Those were the same tears he promised to dry away...
But ultimately failed...
What was everything he had achieved for anyway? Right there, he really couldn't answer the question.
But for the moment, it doesn't matter...
Kaoru...
Kaoru was there...
Wrapped around by his arms...
He sensed her quiet breathing on his neck and the slow but strong beat of her heart.
Somehow, within those moments, he wanted to weep.
"I missed you so much..." he whispered a bit shaky while his hold tightened.
"Kenshin...?" Kaoru whispered his name questioning both his actions and words.
"I'm sorry...I was never there for you..." Kenshin said meekly.
Kaoru felt something moist go down her nape.
Once....Twice...
And she felt his shaky hold upon her.
Was he crying?
"Kenshin...?" Kaoru asked again, dazed and unsure what to do.
When he didn't answer, she lifted her head up to look at him.
Indeed. He was crying.
"Kenshin, but why...?" Kaoru asked half concerned, half worried. She put the box down and placed her hands around his temples.
Kenshin closed his eyes, to feel her soothing touch. He felt her thumbs wipe away his tears.
Slowly, he opened his violet eyes to gaze upon her once more.
Through his blurry vision, he could see her worriedly looking at him.
How beautiful and thoughtful she looked...
His right hand found its way to her right cheek. She gulped at the warmth it placed on her face.
Kenshin blinked slowly to clear his view, and without his or her own knowing, his face was mere inches from hers.
And then it happened...
He would have never forgiven himself if it was true...but it was...
His lips was already over Kaoru's lips ever so gently and slowly.
Kaoru was stunned. But she felt like she couldn't move. She completely lost her senses and little by little followed his pace.
Kenshin's hand slid away from her cheek to the back of her nape, supporting her while her hair was in a tangle with his fingers.
Kaoru's own hands came upon his sturdy shoulders and held them ever so trustingly.
Kaoru... Kenshin's mind supplied.
What...? But when...? Questions bumped into Kenshin's mind, but he didn't care, nor did he pay attention.
She tasted so sweet and innocent...
His tongue coaxed her lips to part and she did so willingly. Somehow, even Kaoru herself wasn't even aware of what was happening.
Would Kenshin, in any way ever have thought such a thing would happen?
His left hand took her by the waist and pulled her closer to him.
He couldn't stop...
He didn't want to stop...
It felt so good...
But...
"Kenshin..." Kaoru spoke in his lips.
...it was wrong.
Like the blinding light of the sun to a man that has never seen it before, realization found its way to Kenshin's rationality.
He quickly pulled back and let go of his hands from her.
Blue eyes locked with violet eyes in wide disbelief.
Both look bewildered. What did just happen?
No one dared to talk, they stayed that way, looking at each other as if they saw a ghost.
So this...this is why I always felt different around her...
Leaves ruffled against the pavement as the wind blew.
The night was already deep...
Have you ever tried asking yourself the same piece of question over and over again?
But no answer seems to be found?
What if the answer finally came hitting you hard in the face?
And consequently, it was the answer you were afraid of?
Would you still be able to accept it as the truth?
Or...
Would you start to run away from it?
----
Tsuzuku
A/N: Bleh...seems like this chapter was full of hugs... darn...forgive me for this crap! I'll try to do better on the next chap! So with that, my thanks to everyone:
yuhi-thedoerofevildeeds - hehe...thanks for reviewing the same chap twice! so, well, here's the update! A belated Happy New Year! (and yes, the two endings are still up)
nyllemnev - woah! seems like there are a lot of Pinoys here! That's great!!! Thanks for supporting this story!
are-en1 - Awww...I missed you guys too! It was just that school last term was really a bull, and I was also busy during the Christmas break visiting friends and relatives. Thanks!
animegurl23 - hiya! Thank you for the Christmas greeting! I hope you enjoyed the Holidays as well! (See, it didn't take a year after all... .)
Kiritsune - glad to see you here! I predict you just recently my (rubbish...hehe) fic? Thanks so much!!!
Lady Lithe - Sorry for the long wait! Here's the update! Thank you for the patience!
Powee - Hi! To you too, thank you for waiting. Enjoy reading!
blackz - Did I update just in time so that you won't do anything bad to me? hehe... Thank you to you too!
RISHU - Hello! Another newbie for the fic! I'm glad more people are reading this...hehe... Thanks!
ckat - I need a lot of luck and time to finish this...hehe! Thanks!
triavball15 - hehe...so here's the update... Doumo!
NARGIEGIRL21 - hello! Thank you for the review then! Yes, I am still writing stories, it so happened that I was just totally busy..
Aura Jade - Awww! Thank you for the nice comment! Sessha is very happy!
Brittanie Love - Well, this is the update, I'm just sorry it took quite a while...Thank you too!
Aryanne - hehe! A big k/k fan here too! Hope you liked the update! Till next chapter! Thanks!
Sakura Blossom-Cilla-85 - I agree, I don't like it when Kaoru cries...So now, I made Kenshin cry! hehe! Thank you for the support!
bravedragon - I am pleased to know that you like the story...I'll do my best to finish this in the next few months. So, for now, thanks and until next chap!
samuraiduck27 - well, like what I said, they ended up just huggin each other... hehe...lame, isn't it? But anyways, thank you!
Pia Bartolini - thank you sooo much for your quick feed back. I wouldn't have known what happed if it weren't for you! ::hug:: thanks!
The-Wolf-of-Stars - hehe..it so happened that my "hurry" is 5 months...hope the next one won't be as long... Thank you for waiting!
PEACH - Hello! I missed you too!!! I missed everyone as well! It feels good to finish another chapter. I do hope you're at least pleased...hehe...thanks!
Angela - haha! sobrang hectic nga e! But anyways, I'm still able to go through it, so, don't worry. I'm okei. How was your Christmas and New Year? Mine was okei, I had New Year here... mwa!
Kyasuri - well, as you can see, I devoted a large part of the story to K/K, I hope it's fine with you, for now. Anyways, I wanna say thank you for staying there and waiting for me! Thanks!
Corner Girl - hehe...can't blame you. A lot of readers don't like her, so...hehe... But anyhow, thank you to you too!
no need to know - uh no. It's very muck okei if you want to see Kenshin suffer! Mwahahaha!
TenkunoMeiou - so, um, as late as it may seem, here is the update! How'd you find it? Lame? Crap? (hehe) tell, me, k? Arigatou!
B-chan - hehe...the last chapter sucked (like all chapters there is in this story). But heh, thanks for the unwavering support! ::hug::
bonessasan - hehe...the catalyst sure did work, huh? hehe... Thank you!
CRAZYPERSON - Thanks! Here's the update! I hope I didn't make you frustrated by waiting too long! .
Chibi Binasu-Chan - Believe me, you wouldn't want to be in the shoes of a demented and a schizophrenic person like me! hehe... (j/k) Well, the whole idea of the two different endings came from the "pleas" ? of some people who wanted Kaoru to end up with Kenshin/Aoshi. So, I decided, to have something new, I might as well consider it, so, that's why. But yea, away from that matter, I wanna thank you for still being there to read this story. Thanks!
Naughty Room - Come to think of it, this story will be a year old in the next few months! hehe! Thank you for the encouraging support! Mwa!
Kiyoshi-chan - Unfortunately, things have been freaking crazy and father time wouldn't just allow me to finish this chap for the last 5 months...But now, relieved sigh I finally did! So, thank you to you too!
Kitsune KeNsHiN - Hiya! Long time no see (well, technically it's wrong for me to write "see"). But anyways, thank you for the past reviews! You all make me sooo happy with the reviews!
Nori - hehe...just trying to make Yahiko "sensitive" to things around him, so... hehe... Thank you!
Celtic Rune - I hope you don't lose it again! hehe... nah, it's okei to for you to lose this story, it won't hurt you a bit! nah, i don't mind if you add it. (thanks for that though) lolz...
S3r3nity - And I love you guys for being there patiently waiting and reading! ::hug::
wolfpack - hi there!!! I missed you too! how was your Christmas and New Year? I hope you had fun! You know, I am always flattered by your kind reviews. Truly, I feel like my comeback is a total crap. sighs this is what you get for being inactive for 5 months... Thank you very much though!
Maryel - hehe... I think he will... Arigatou gozaimasu for your support!
flaming-amber - it'll be a bit complicated, but we'll see how it works out... hehe...and here's another "bonafide" update! (as you like to phrase it) hehe... thanks!
Zalphinian - hehe...well, you guys wanted the two endings. If it makes you happy, then so be it. Thanks!
tintin-chan - I'm doing good, although I was really, really busy with school last term that's why I couldn't update. Thank you for your patience!
lookingatglass - forgive me if my "soon" is not so soon enough. But in all, thank you very much for reading and reviewing the last chapter!
BelleDayNight - hehe! thank you for the nice review! ::hug:: I hope you liked this chapter! (though it sucks..) hehe... Doumo!
The evil witch - hiya! here's an update! I hope you enjoyed reading! Thanks!
Kaoru4 - well, we need 'em to be sad before they can be happy and then be sad again. hehe! Thank you for the review!
dewey - well, dear, like anyone else, you must choose between Kenshin and Aoshi! hehe! No matter, there will be two endings anyway. Thank you!
ixchen - hi! Thank you for waiting for this annoying chapter!
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ForgottenDiary