Damn. Damn damn damn damn damn. There's nothing I can do. It's always been about him, with her… She came because of him. She stayed because of him. She put this off, because of him.
And now, she's leaving, because of him.
Is the kid right? Do I love her? I don't know. She's sure not the kind of woman I could bring home to the old man and the kids. They'd kill each other. Heh. And wouldn't that be a sight to see…
But it's not like I couldn't get there in a day or so, running. She's right about that much; it's a long trip but it's doable. Farther than Kyoto, for sure. And the opposite direction. I think… Doesn't matter, really. Jouchan looks so miserable. Even the kid looks sad. And Kenshin…
Damn. I don't think I've ever seen him look so fake in his life. Smiling and waving like he ain't gonna miss her as much as the rest of us. I know he knows. The Kitsune's been in love with him practically since the day we met her.
Damned if she wasn't the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Course, her timing sucked. And then she had to be involved in the whole damn opium mess. Stupid woman. I know she had no choice, but still.
Then again, there was never anyone to protect you before, was there. Not since your family disappeared. Now you're off to go find them again. I hope you do, Kitsune. There's nothin' like family to build up your confidence. Besides. What would you do if I came after you one day? There'd have to be someone around to disapprove of me, because if I ever do decide that I love you, there's no way in hell you'd be able to walk out on me. I'd wear down that ice queen mask you wear. Show you that there's more than just one man out there with a caring heart. Someone who wants to protect you, even from yourself if it came to that again.
So many people around, and that damn carriage is moving away so quickly. I'm not going to run after her now. It's the last thing she wants. Hell, be honest with yourself. YOU are the last thing she wants.
All she's ever done is tease, and she's right. I am always mooching off of Jouchan, and from her, too. I've never held down a job. I'm not going after her until I can prove that I'm as good a man as Kenshin is.
Okay. Maybe not QUITE as good. I can learn to cook. I'd even help around the house. But there's no way in hell I'll ever be caught doing laundry. Even her laundry.
Damn. It's too late, isn't it. You're always so damn slow to figure these things out. Sagara-taichou's probably spinning in his grave so fast he's got friction burns, just for having known such an idiot. When the hell did I fall in love with her anyway?
Better not let the others see. Not that they couldn't see right through me, but no sense waving it around like a banner. Keep it cool.
Damn.