Cursed

by lossehelin

For a thousand years the village has known of the beast living in the old palace. A beast said to live on human blood. One father knows the truth, and is now bound by word to return a favor he has ignored for thirteen years.

33. Fireflies

For those who asked, I got caught up reading a manga called Skip Beat! And yes the exclamation point is part of the title. It's really fun and spunky, with a bit of revenge and a bit of romance. Where I have been left hanging, there's also a bit of danger. Ooh, fun, fun. Lately I've also started reading Black Bird, which is a little, ahem, mature. I swear, the main guy is a horn dog. At least it's just for his woman, though. Also, Absolute Boyfriend, which isn't much better in mentality with the guys, but it doesn't get quite as physical. Though he is always chasing her around asking if she wants to have sex yet… lmfao. They're good for a laugh, but I'm afraid AB isn't going to have a good ending no matter which way it goes, and I'm afraid BB is going to be tear jerker sad. =( Well, anyway, enough of that…

JUST READ!

Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin and anything connected to it does not belong to me. Everything else does.

Chapter 33: Fireflies

"What's with the face, little brother? Has Tenshi been teasing you again?"

"No and I don't want to talk about it." Growling under his breath, Kenshin crossed his arms and continued to stare out over the pond.

"Ah. Something your mother said then." Features twitching, the younger brother looked away. Laughing, Shinta shook his head. "Come on, Kenshin, she's your mother. She just wants to make sure you have someone to look out for you when she can't anymore."

"I don't need anyone to look out for me. Especially a woman. Besides, she knows Father's against it."

"Too bad. You'll never know what you're missing." Half-shrugging, Shinta braced his arms on the railing. "Of course, I don't think any woman we know would be able to put up with you anyway."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Indignant, Kenshin rounded on his brother. The unconscious reaction of outrage made Shinta smirk.

"Only that you're a bit of a handful, little brother. Truth be told, I think your mother's too soft on you. You need someone who won't put up with your temper." Ignoring Kenshin as he began to grumble, Shinta leaned over the railing to look at their reflections in the water. "A woman who isn't afraid to talk back. One just as strong as you."

"…Mother said the same thing." Lifting a brow as he looked up at his younger brother from his bent position, Shinta blinked at the frown of confusion on Kenshin's face. "But it was different this time. She wasn't being troublesome or questioning, she… said that she wasn't worried anymore. She said that I was going to be just fine, because…" His eyebrows twitched and his voice turned surly. "one day I was going to find someone persistent and caring enough to see through all my pretenses, and strong enough to put me in my place." Shinta's eyes were wide when Kenshin glanced at him, and his frown deepened. "She says it like I'm still a child. Like I should be grateful to know I'll have some woman ordering me around as well as Father."

"Huh. I didn't know your mother could be so blunt."

"It's not funny! Mother's been acting much too pleased with her fantasy! I thought she understood!" Jerking his head away, his hands fisted on the railing, and his jaw clenched. If he didn't get his emotions under control he would say something that would get him in trouble if his father ever found out.

"There's no need to get so worked up. I don't think your mother is wishing for a woman that would take control of you life, just one that will not be afraid to tell you what she thinks." Placing a hand on his shoulder, Shinta's voice lowered. "She understands, Kenshin."

Kenshin rolled his shoulder. "It doesn't matter. She's just being fanciful."

Teasing again, Shinta laughed. "What? You don't think your mom knows what she's talking about?"

"I told you, she was acting strange. One minute she was being completely vague, and the next she was much too specific. It didn't make any sense."

"She is being hopeful, Kenshin, not strange. If she is being more specific about what traits she wants in a daughter-in-law then that is completely natural."

"No, Shinta-sama. I am used to hearing her wish for me to find a beautiful and kind lady, but this time she didn't ask, she told me."

"That you were going to find someone beautiful and kind? Kenshin…" Trying hard not to laugh, Shinta closed his eyes. "I don't think you would pick anyone that you didn't find beautiful."

"If all you're going to do is make fun of me, then I do not wish to continue the conversation." Jerking to walk away, Kenshin growled. "I do not know why we are speaking on this ridiculous subject anyway."

"Wait, little brother." Grabbing his arm, Shinta suppressed his grin. "I apologize, I did not mean to make fun. Please… tell me what is troubling you about your mother."

Uncomfortable now, not sure if he wanted to say, embarrassed that the conversation was happening at all, and now wondering if Shinta even cared what he said, he reluctantly leaned back against the railing and looked away. "It wasn't so much that she told me this lady would be beautiful, or caring, or understanding, or any of that, but more that… she specifically said… her eyes… they would be blue." Frowning at the wooden planking below his feet, he crossed his arms again, remembering that troubling sensation he had experienced when his mother had spoken to him so plainly. "It was… a bit eerie. She was completely serious and certain. How can she be so convinced of such a minute detail? And why would it matter?"

Silence extended between them, and finally Kenshin glanced up at his older brother. There was a strange expression on his face, his eyes unfocused, his lips partially open. "Shinta-sama?"

"Blue, huh? I don't know why, but… that feels right." Whatever deep thoughts were consuming his attention seemed to drag him down farther, his irises turning glassy. "And spunky, not exactly lady-like, either. Spirited. That's better suited. But blue eyes. Yes, I'm positive her eyes were blue."

"Shinta-sama!"

Snapping out of his daze, he blinked at his younger brother as he shook him sharply. Caught somewhere between shock and disorientation, Shinta frowned. "I'm sorry, little brother. What were we talking about?"

Searching him over suspiciously, Kenshin dropped his arm. Something strange was going on, but a part of him did not want to see it. "Nothing." His stomach knotted in disagreement and he shook his head. "It was nothing, Shinta-sama."

X

Kaoru was smiling again. It was just a small quirk of her lips, but her eyes were closed and she seemed to be caught in some emotion of delight or amusement, Kenshin couldn't tell which. Whatever the reason for her expression, Kenshin himself was struggling with being pleased, amused himself, and just a bit uncertain. The tickling sensation of warning he was beginning to associate with her quirky sense of humor and spontaneous bursts of energy was buzzing insistently in the back of his mind. The young lady in his palace was planning something, and Kenshin was a little surprised to find he was looking forward to whatever it was.

Surprised, because the tension between them was at an all time high. After what had happened, he could no longer act the same, and he could not pretend that his apology would sweep it away. A part of him wished he could, because this new tension made him too aware of her presence; too aware of her movements. There was a certain edge to his own actions in consequence, and more than once her blue eyes had told him that she was noticing. Even if he acted like her nearness annoyed him, though, there was this strange swell of expectance growing inside his chest. The smallest things triggered it, too, such as the lingering scent of her soap in the bath, or catching her eyes quickly looking away over the dinner table. Sometimes the feeling was so strong it made it hard to breathe. Sometimes… he wanted to corner her and find out what would happen.

Swallowing, he strategically tilted his head so that his bangs fell forward to curtain his face and stared down at his plate. As ignorant as he was with relationships, he was not naïve enough to think that whatever might happen would be innocent. That meant his thoughts were not innocent. Brows twitching, his eyes closed. That meant it was not allowed. It was becoming extremely difficult for him to sort out what was and was not allowed anymore. Just as it was getting harder and harder for him to figure out what it was he wanted.

A small part of him was beginning to realize that no matter what he wanted, he would never act upon it if it were to conflict with what he thought that she wanted.

A cold burst of sadness dropped into his gut, and he frowned. It was a reaction that was occurring more and more frequently as the days passed, and he was still unsure what was causing it. It was connected to Kaoru somehow. These days, though, everything he thought of was connected to her.

Glancing up through his bangs, he watched her smile widened to show teeth and she braced her elbow on the table so she could drop her chin into her hand. The carefree expression and obvious delight made him unconsciously smile in return. It must be a sweet memory plaguing her thoughts. A sudden blush of red tinted her cheeks and she bit her lip, holding back whatever sound wished to escape her, and his smile faded. Just what was it that she was thinking about anyway? A tinge of jealousy burned away the sorrow.

Was it him? Was it his touch; his actions; his blunder? Golden eyes narrowed. No, it couldn't be that. Kaoru had not blushed then, in fact her face had been so pale he feared she might faint. Something else was affecting her. Did he dare to think it was someone else? His jaw clenched. No. It was best not to. Only the first glimmer of the thought made him feel irrational. If he were to study the notion intently… he might not survive. Someone else might not survive, either.

Dark eyelashes parted softly, a dreamy look in her sapphire irises, and she sighed before darting a glance in his direction. Startled to find him glaring out at her from within the shadows of his bangs, Kaoru lifted her head up off her chin, her eyes coming all the way open. The smile disappeared and Kenshin's first instinct was to feel shame that he was the cause, but a selfish part of him was still trying to figure out the reason for her happy contemplations in the first place. Five seconds later and he found nothing but confusion, worry, and just a small touch of hurt inside the gaze unwaveringly looking back at him. There was no guilt. Cat-like pupils dropping back to his plate he wondered if she would even feel guilt at all. It wasn't like she belonged to him.

The sadness returned, only now it felt as if it had doubled in weight.

"Kenshin?" Her voice was tentative and soft, like anyone trying to soothe a wild animal. "Is there something wrong?"

Yes, in so many different ways. Though, I couldn't explain them if I wanted to. "No, my lady." Pulling in a deep breath, he tried to calm the pounding of blood in his ears. "It is only something that has been… troubling my mind." Brow twitching, he embellished on the half-lie for clarification and distraction. "A… non-personal issue."

"Oh." There was relief in her voice and he congratulated himself on successfully fooling her. "Is it anything I can help you with?"

"You need not trouble yourself, Kaoru-dono. I will… figure it out soon enough."

"Well, maybe you're just thinking about it too hard, Kenshin. You've been working so much lately, you probably just need to take time and relax."

Pressing his knuckles into the bridge of his nose he clenched his eyes shut against the birth of a small headache. Work has become more relaxing than being around you. "Yeah. Probably."

"Great! How about we do something tonight?"

Blinking, his chin lifted involuntarily to look her in the eye. "What?"

"I was thinking we could do something fun and relaxing. It'll be late, so you don't have to worry about it interfering with any plans you have this afternoon."

"What do you think we could do so late in the evening?" For a very strange reason the rhythm of his heart became erratic, and that expectance in his chest twisted like a wet rag being wrung out.

"I heard Shigure-san say the fireflies are coming back. I love watching fireflies, and I thought it would be fun to sit out in one of the gardens and eat dinner with little fireflies dancing around." There was a childlike, dreamy quality to her voice that eased the anxious, hopeful throbbing in his chest. If he could keep that innocence in the forefront of his thoughts, he would not expect… whatever it was he was subconsciously expecting. Even still, disappointment was lurking in his gut.

"I'm afraid I will have to decline." The eager smile on her face fell, and her bottom lip pouted out ever so slightly. "But that does not mean you cannot still go, Kaoru-dono. I will have something simple sent to my office that way Tae-san can fix whatever it is you wish to eat tonight."

For a couple seconds the frown on her face stuck, but then she took a breath and shrugged nonchalantly. "No, that's alright. If you're too busy I can easily wait until tomorrow. It was kind of last minute, anyway."

Amber eyes studied her features as she picked up her teacup, their stare just a bit intense. "You don't have to wait for me."

Her gaze reconnected with his, her face blank, and then she smiled teasingly. "But it would be no fun by myself, Kenshin. After all, a good view is only enjoyable when it's shared, right?"

His heart throbbed with the remembered words and he closed his eyes. "Then invite someone else."

The teacup came back down on the table with a bit more force than necessary, popping his eyes back open in shock. "I don't want someone else." She wasn't looking at him, her eyes focused instead on her lap, and her choice of words widened his eyes. "To go with me." The phrase was added as an afterthought, but it relaxed the muscles in his shoulders, and he briefly wondered when they had tensed. "Jeez, Kenshin. I asked you." Muttering, she leaned her temple into her fist and started picking at the rest of her food.

Though she was clearly irritated and he knew he should feel contrite for purposefully causing it, a small blossom of satisfaction took root in his mind. "Then I suppose I should go." A soft smile was tugging at his habitual frown lines, and he conveniently forgot about all of the tension they had been sharing. Curiously, his concession did not make her happy.

"It's fine, Kenshin. You don't have to humor me."

"But I would like to go."

"You just said you didn't."

Bewildered, Kenshin stretched his neck to see if he could catch a glimpse of her features around her hair. Shouldn't she now be happy that he was going to go? Why was she arguing? "I did not realize it was so important to my lady."

"It's not that important, besides, now it's like I'm forcing you."

"You are not forcing me."

"Just… leave it alone, ok Kenshin? It's fine. You don't want to go and I'm not going to make you."

Getting just a bit irritable himself, Kenshin's voice became firm. "But I do want to go."

"Well I don't, so just drop it!"

Panic took the sudden place of anger and he froze as tears infected her voice. She's crying! I made her cry! The hand and hair blocking his view made it that much more obvious now that he knew their true purpose. It had been the only clue since her breathing was normal and she wasn't shaking like the last time she had cried. These were different tears, though, her hurt was different.

"Kaoru-dono." Reaching across the short expanse of table between them, he carefully gripped her wrist in his hand. Slowly she sat up without any urging and he could see the streaks of tears on her face. Nothing else about her expression suggested she was sad, however. In fact, she looked angry. She didn't fight him, though, and her arm was relaxed in the clutch of his fingers.

Frowning, the width of his pupils widened in regret, inwardly berating himself for causing her sorrow. "Forgive me. I did not mean to make you cry." Hesitantly his other hand came forward, his touch careful as he brushed at her tears. Emotions calming under the tentative caress, her bottom lip quivered and the anger melted off her face. "I was being selfish. I should not have baited you." A crease formed between her brows. "I would love nothing more than to spend time with you tonight."

Sniffing once, her tear-spiked lashes lowered. "Why did you change you're mind?" Bottom lip pouting out, her frown returned. "And you better not say it's because I'm being stupid and crying."

Amused, his mouth quirked. "No. I was… happy knowing my lady wishes to share this with no one else but me. I had thought it did not matter who went with you."

One eyebrow lifted, her mouth parting to show the extent of her incredulity, and for a moment he felt very foolish. "Idiot. I asked you, didn't I? That means I want you to go. Not anyone else. If I had wanted someone else, I would have asked them." Without warning her whole demeanor deflated, and she hung her head. "I've ruined the whole thing now. It won't be any fun at all." Wiping roughly at her face, she sighed despondently. "I'm sorry, Kenshin. I made it into such a big deal when it wasn't."

Why is she apologizing? I was the one being insecure. "Do not worry so much, Kaoru-dono. Nothing has been ruined. We'll still have plenty of fun together."

Blue eyes looked up at him, wide and vulnerable. "Really?"

The response was so childlike it made him smile, and he swept her bangs back with the hand still touching her face. "Of course."

"Okay." Curiously, she blushed, and the smile that touched her lips was not broad with childish glee, but small and bashful. Blinking, his awareness expanded to allow room for more than just reassurance, and he clearly saw what he was doing. He was still holding her wrist, he was still touching her face (only now he seemed to be playing with her hair), and he was leaning so far over the table he might as well be eating her food. How did we get so close together? Jerking back as if she might burn him, his insecurities returned in a whole new form, and for the first time in his life he was thankful for his red scales.

A quick glance up at her sapphire irises showed no surprise for his actions, though. Instead, her smile widened, looking decidedly secretive and mysterious. The silent, awkward stillness continued for a few moments longer as she chewed her lip, and then she turned back to her food. When she spoke, it was as if her words were offhand and thoughtful.

"Maybe instead of just watching the fireflies we should eat a little earlier. That way we can catch the sunset and the first star, too. Besides, if we're eating while the fireflies are out, we'll miss really getting to watch them. What do you think, Kenshin?"

"Uh."

"It'll be really nice, with just the two of us."

Just us?

"And I've always thought watching the sunset is very relaxing."

Relaxing. Right.

"And with the rest of the day to think about it, you should have enough time to figure out what you want to wish for on the first star."

What I want to wish for… His eyes lifted to glance at her through his hair, and he was startled when she noticed the look. That bashful smile returned and her cheeks stained lightly red again.

"I've already decided what my wish will be."

The expectance in his chest swelled to bursting and his breath caught. Was it her turn to bait him now? How was he supposed to take such a statement? Hands curling at his sides, he focused all of his discipline on battling back the surge of emotion that was trying to break free. These new emotions were confusing, and in their own way, dangerous. If he were to get the wrong idea, he might act upon those wrong ideas in an even more erroneous fashion.

"Then I will have to take some time to thoroughly think through my own wish." Face once more coolie masked, Kenshin stood from the table. "If you will excuse me, my lady, I must prepare for a meeting. I look forward to seeing you this evening."

"Oh, alright. See you later, Kenshin."

Kaoru watched Kenshin disappear through the shoji, her exhaled breath a bit shaky. Who knew this was going to be so difficult? Or nerve-racking.

"That was great, milady!" Misao appeared at her side without warning, and Kaoru jumped, a hand going to her heart. Rolling her eyes, she laughed forcibly.

"Don't do that, Misao-san."

"Sorry." Grinning like she didn't mean it, Misao sat down. "Seriously, though, you pulled that off better than I expected for a first try. The tears were a nice touch. He was so flustered, he forgot to be nervous."

Groaning, Kaoru hid her face in both hands. "What are you talking about? I did horrible! The tears weren't even fake. It was so stupid!"

Misao blinked a couple times in surprise, but then her smile returned tenfold. "No it isn't, milady. Real tears are even better. That just means you truly love him… don't you?"

Wide sapphire eyes peeked to the side at Misao, then jumped quickly up to the back door where Tae was standing frozen with an empty tray to retrieve the dishes. When Misao noticed she looked mortified at betraying her mistress' secrets, Tae seemed undecided on whether she should apologize for eavesdropping or just flee the room, but Kaoru was still stuck on the accusation, her attention drifting back to the table. No form of denial flooded her mind, though, only warm emotion, and a smile pulled slowly at her lips. A glance between the two still in the room showed them to be looking to her for a clue on how to act, and she closed her eyes and nodded happily.

"Yeah."

Misao gave an ecstatic whoop, and Tae relaxed with a sigh. "How wonderful."

Still smiling, Kaoru nodded again in agreement. After all, there was little room in her thoughts to spare for anyone else anymore. He demanded her attention, he demanded her time, even though Kenshin himself made no demands of her at all. She wanted him to know how she felt. She wanted to make sure he had no doubts, but she would not push him either. If his feelings were to develop to parallel hers, then she could not demand. She wanted his love, but she also wanted him to be happy. If she had to sacrifice her own love for that to happen, to break the curse and set him free, then so be it.

She just hoped she wasn't being selfish by going about it the way that she was. Ever since she had woken up that morning, all she could think about were the words spoken to her in a dream. Words whispered into her ear by a much younger version of the man she was in love with. "I want Kaoru-dono to stay with me forever." How she wanted that to be true. The plan she had developed for that evening was her own way of testing to see what his true feelings for her were. Misao's theory of making sure he understood her intentions was only a cover. Of course she wanted him to understand how she felt for him, but a curious, expectant part of her wanted to know if her dream was only that and nothing more. It had felt so real, so certain, so right.

And Kenshin as a child was just too cute! Thoughts returning to her daydreams, she unconsciously mimicked the same expression Kenshin had caught her in. Completely unaware the dazed giddiness reflected on her face was the cause of their earlier misunderstanding, Kaoru suppressed another giggle.

"Milady." Openly amused, Misao laughed. "I am happy that you are happy, but you might want to refrain from showing that expression to the master." Reverie busted by reality, Kaoru blinked open her eyes to look at Misao in question. "It will only confuse him, since he doesn't know that it is him you think about while looking so pleased."

"Uh…"

Misao laughed again, and waved Tae over. "Anyway, milady, why don't you explain to the both of us what you have planned for this private party."

X

A small shake of his head forced Kenshin to refocus, his attention hard to maintain on his duties for the entire afternoon. Features frowning in a rather wry fashion, he scratched roughly at his scalp and growled as he reread the paper in his hand for the third time. Barely finished with two lines his eyes drifted up towards the wall in front of him, his sight turning inward. I wonder if she only asked me because she thinks I need to take a break. Rerunning the speculation through his mind for what was not the first time, Kenshin scowled. It's not like it's something… special. Right?

Of course not. Quickly disagreeing, he lifted the paper again. You should be content with the knowledge that she asked you at all. Stop trying to pick it apart. If she enjoys your company on any level than you should be happy. Sighing, he dropped the paper and rubbed a hand over his face. So why am I not?

"My lord." Looking sideways to the door, Kenshin welcomed the distraction.

"What is it, Musashino?"

"The lady has sent a message for you."

Unable to suppress the reaction, Kenshin perked up. "Let's hear it."

"She wishes to apologize for the inconvenience, but would like to request that you dress in something slightly more formal for this evening's dinner."

Surprised, Kenshin's brow line lifted. For a picnic?

"She realizes this might sound impractical, but she is hoping you will humor her."

Still baffled, Kenshin waved a hand. "Very well." Do I even have anything more formal than what I'm already wearing? Watching as Musashino acknowledged the acceptance and left to deliver the reply, Kenshin sat in contemplation for a couple seconds before filing away the loose papers and standing. If that is the case, I'd better start getting ready now.

Unable to concentrate on work anyway, he stopped trying to fight the natural flow of his thoughts. This was a new piece to the puzzle of Kamiya Kaoru and her intentions and he couldn't help but wonder about every aspect of her actions. From purposefully making it clear that he was the one she wished to spend time with, to the blush on her face because of his words and nearness, to this latest wish of dressing up for a simple, almost rustic, meal. A meal they were eating together, though. Alone. Shaking his head, Kenshin grumbled low in his throat. We always take our meals together, and we are always alone.

But she intentionally pointed out that we will be, and this is the first time she has requested I dine with her when we haven't been fighting. Somehow, this time felt different. In consequence, there was a knot of anxiety tightening his stomach, nervous of the implications. It was already true that their relationship could no longer be classified as only friendship, but it also seemed that they were hanging suspended in a place in between. Kenshin was unsure what to call it, unsure which way he wanted them to go, but unconsciously he was reacting to the signals he was receiving. Kaoru was asking him to eat an unordinary meal, in a specific place, alone, while they watch the sun set and then later the fireflies as they dance together, their soft glow the only light in a dark world. And there will be no table to separate us. Already the situation seemed intimate, and now she was asking he dress in attire that was not everyday. If it was not to be an everyday interaction, then that meant it was… special.

Looking down at his clothing, he ran a hand over the silk of his golden colored kimono. Small snags in the cloth were visible upon closer inspection, a hem along one sleeve was beginning to fray. There were spots on the knees of his hakama that were already starting to look worn, and a small rip near one foot showed where one of his talons had caught and tore at the fabric. They were not details he usually paid any attention to. In the back of his mind these were work clothes, and just as his samurai attire had acquired tears and snags, he had thought nothing unusual about seeing such obvious wear.

Eyes widening in alarm, a small voice in his head urgently reprimanded him for not noticing these things to begin with. This was a special occasion in the mind of his lady, it would be shameful of him to show up wearing such ragged clothing. It was disgraceful already that she would have to point it out to him. He should have taken more care in his actions and appearance. Kaoru appreciates beautiful things. If I am to show up as I am, then that would certainly detract from her enjoyment of the evening. Anxiety tightening, he knew his mother would be disappointed.

The only evident problem for this desire to please was his own limited wardrobe. Not only was he unable to wear anything besides what had been modified to fit him, but everything that had been fixed had at one time belonged to his father. An insistent need inside of him demanded that he find an outfit that was agreeable. Unfortunately, it was still hard for him not to remember just who these clothes used to belong to. It was no one else's fault but his own, since he had forbid them from cutting up his own clothing, but it still felt wrong when he dressed in the mornings. Somehow, though, it felt more unsuitable than usual tonight. This was personal. This was his moment. His father had no right to be a part of it.

Frustration dug into his mind as he dismissed and tossed about the clothing Sae had tailored to fit him. There were still not that many, though she had been working ever since winter on making sure he had a full wardrobe to choose from. The trouble, Kenshin knew, was for the many layers they consisted of. Kaoru had wished for something formal, but because there was nothing for him to do that he would consider formal anymore, he had not requested anything of that nature from his seamstress. Of course, he had originally only asked for two or three complete sets at the most and there were many more than that in his room.

Growling, he carelessly flung another kimono to the side. Either they were too common, or he remembered in striking detail a moment in which his father had worn it. Since most of the memories including his father were bitter, he was loathe to let that emotion taint his mood and in consequence his lady's evening. Already in danger of becoming surly as he was unable to follow Kaoru's request to his satisfaction, his hand paused over a carefully folded, jet black kimono.

His father had only worn it once, that he could recall, and it was to a social function. The memory was blurry, but then Kenshin himself had been very young at that time, so it was before Izo had started his warmongering. The only reason Kenshin was sure he even remembered was because his mother had complimented it. With his small hand held in hers and his eyes bright and full of wonder, he had stared up at the tall man he rarely got to see. The man his mother told him was called Father. Izo's golden eyes had no time to acknowledge a child, though, and Kenshin's presence had gone unnoticed, or ignored. But Kenshin had heard his parents' traded words. His mother had chosen the kimono. It would do.

Three full under layers of kimono went on first, all pure white without any decoration. The black kimono was much larger than he was used to wearing, but he remembered the few occasions he had been forced to wear such a costume. The sleeves did not hang like usual, but were wide and cut to fold flat out. There was very little embellishment to the outer layer, only a few small, circular patterns in a dark grey, placed very specifically in the cloth. Thick, matching grey cord weaved in large loops around the hem of the sleeves, their knots simple and combined with an extra length of white cord to heighten the contrast. Two similar knots hung forward off the shoulders as well. The hakama were a charcoal color, lined by an under layer of white as well. A stiff, white obi about the width of his knuckles wrapped around his waist. Against his red scales and skin, the bright white and deep black and grey amplified the tone.

Kenshin would have found the end result perhaps partially satisfying, if he didn't have so much trouble just getting it on. Trying to be careful, trying to be aware of his appearance maybe a little too much, every small hitch in his plan layered on more and more irritation; for his life, for his curse, for his karma. The scales on his skin snagged at the delicate silk, and he thought of his mother's reaction to spoiling her gift. The multiple layers made it hard to properly get the pants on… and his tail did not help. The wings on his back made sure he was unable to fully dress himself, therefore the open flaps at the back lay open and the material wrinkled. His talons wanted to catch, his claws wanted to tear, and his unbound hair wanted to fall in his face at the most inopportune moments.

Finally dressed, his annoyance about to reach its limit, he ignored the light breeze playing over the still opened flaps above his wings and snatched up a brush. He never bothered with his hair anymore, and ever since the episode between him and Kaoru after their flight, the fiery locks had been left undone. Yanking the bristles through his hair forcefully, he ignored the sharp pulls and his mind's unfair comparisons to Kaoru's gentle hand, and proceeded to mercilessly tame the unruly mess. Flipping the brush down on the floor when he was satisfied he had done the job well, not a few strands of hair still clinging to the bristles, he searched for a hair tie and began coaxing the length up off his neck. This proved to be troublesome as his claws kept getting in the way of his grip, and after a few failed attempts that felt much too loose, he angrily jerked the tie out. Digging around his room for a mirror, he fished out a small, decorative one from out of the piles of riches in his second room.

Mirrors were something he had hidden from his sight long ago, around the time the curse had disfigured him. These reasons were not thought on now, however, and he easily talked himself into bringing one out on the basis that it might be easier to do something with his hair if he could see what he was doing. Plopping down cross-legged on the floor, he propped the mirror up on a small dresser and tried again.

It was the combination of anticipation, annoyance, and a foreign desire to make his appearance pleasing that birthed the drowning emotion of despair. Hair not cooperating, the limit of his patience reached, his eyes continually drawn downward to his face, he felt himself sinking. What was he thinking? It didn't matter how he dressed himself, what he did to his hair, his presence alone would be a horrible stain on Kaoru's planned evening of beauty. He was a monster, both inside and out. A monster such as him did not deserve to sit next to her and witness the serenity of her precious life, to see the world through her sapphire eyes. He could not even perform simple tasks without an absurd amount of struggle because of the price his past was exacting. He deserved the ugliness in his life. Kaoru did not.

One last futile flail of anger whipped his arm out to knock the mirror away, the glass cracking as it hit the floor and slid on the tatami mats. The misery in his stomach intensified and he bowed his head on the table, his jaw clenching as he fisted a hand in his still loose hair. You are being foolish! What is it that has tricked you into wanting Kaoru to find delight in your appearance? No woman would ever find you pleasing. Any woman that did would have to be blind.

A gentle hand came down to cradle the back of his skull and his brow creased in sadness and shame. What a spectacle he must be. Nothing but silence filled the room, but her presence was overwhelming, building within him a wide range of emotions, from expectance to embarrassment to hopelessness. Long moments later her hand stroked down his hair, and then disappeared. Bereft without her to anchor him, his head lifted, wanting to call her back and yet knowing it was better for her if she stayed away. Her touch returned before he could decide on a course of action, and he closed his eyes as the brush pulled back through his hair.

One hand came around to encourage his lowered chin up, and he was surprised when she forewent her usual braid and began gathering all his hair up off his neck. Surely she had not been there long enough to see the style he himself had been trying. Blinking as she deftly tied the strands off, he sat still as she turned her attention to his clothing. Smoothing out the wrinkles and tucking away the ties, she adjusted his collar to hide the shorter strands of hair trailing down his spine. Hand lingering on his shoulder as she brushed at the folds in the cloth, she sighed despondently and he was surprised by her show of melancholy.

"I think… I can imagine how frustrating it must be for you. I know what I wish to say, and yet… I know that I myself would be irritated at my lack of independence. Even still, I want you to know that… I do not mind doing these things for you." Brow creasing and eyes widening, the look on his face caught somewhere between shock, disbelief, and dismay. "It… makes me happy…" Voice lowering, her tone sounded small as if she was afraid of rejection or rebuke. "that I can at least do something for you… even if it is trivial."

Why would helping me make her happy?

"Is it okay, Kenshin… if you let me help you in this way?"

There was something about the way she asked that hinted at the truth of her intentions. It teased him, hiding just outside his understanding, like a shadow that only appears on the edge of sight but never when looked at head on. Trapped on the boundary of enlightenment, he teetered between the warmth of her questioning, and the chill of a thousand years of isolation. Swallowing down the painful thumps of his heart, he tried three times to catch his breath before he could speak.

"If that is what my lady wishes."

The hand at his back slid down his spine to brace between the base of his wings, the contact warm, even through four layers of clothing. "Your lady wishes." Kenshin stiffened and he thought his heart might have stopped. Why did it feel so distinctive when she said the words? The sound of her deep inhale brought him back to reality and then her hand pushed against him as she stood. "Now turn around and let me see you."

Quickly trying to compose himself, he stood as well before turning to face her. One look informed him of why she had requested he dress more formal. She had probably felt that her own formal attire would not look so out of place if he were dressed to match. Then again, who would mind if she was overdressed? He certainly wouldn't. She was beautiful in her own way in whatever she wore, but there was something about her wearing his mother's kimono that made his chest hurt. Perhaps it had a lot to do with what Kaoru had said to him that day so long ago. The kimono were special, because they had belonged to someone special and they were meant to be given to someone special. There was no doubt she was special to him… and the combination of the two never made that more clear.

In soft shades of lavender and blue, the many under layers vibrant and happy in hues, a tribute to the spring, she looked like a lovely, blooming flower. She was even wearing kohl around her eyes and blush on her lips. The dark hair he loved to see down was half pulled up away from her face, knotted at the back and secured by intricate kanzashi. The one accessory that caught his eye and held it, however, was the necklace he had made for her. Laying innocently, openly against her chest, he was surprised to see it in view and not hidden beneath her clothing like usual. It pleased him. Though he knew she wore it against her skin to keep it from harm, he liked seeing rather than knowing that she was wearing it. It felt like she had no qualms in admitting they were more than just acquaintances.

"Very nice." Pleased delight made her voice cheery, and his eyes snapped up to hers in doubt that he had heard her right. "It looks really good on you, Kenshin. Really handsome." Brushing a hand over his shoulder, she tugged briefly at the overlapping folds of his kimono, then smiled. "And I think I prefer your hair like this. The braid didn't suit you, even if it was convenient."

Thinking of Tenshi, a frown marred his perplexed face. "I wasn't fond of the braid myself, Kaoru-dono."

Recalling her dream, she nodded in understanding. Though she had no real clue in what way his older brother had truly worn his hair, she couldn't imagine feeling enjoyment for the same hairstyle of a man that killed his own brother just for power. "Then it's settled. No more braid. I can see more of you face with it up like this anyway." Slipping her hand inside his, she coaxed him to the door. "Alright, that's enough flattery. Let's go. The food should be all set out by now."

Unsure where they were headed, Kenshin let Kaoru lead the way, his thoughts once again unwilling to focus. The easy compliments and the confirmation of warmth in her eyes was already too much for him to handle. The woman made it seem so effortless, the way she destroyed his insecurities, tricking him into believing that he was just as normal, just as beautiful, as she. He knew that he wasn't, could never be, could never have been, but it was hard to argue with what she believed. If she looked at him and saw even a hint of such things, then who was he to say she was wrong? Besides, it felt so much better not to argue and bask in the appreciation he had always secretly craved.

The sun was nearing the horizon as they walked through one of the private, palace gardens, the atmosphere just beginning to burn with color. It wasn't hard to see where their destination was, and Kenshin was a bit surprised by the picturesque presentation created for what he had thought was going to be a quiet, uneventful, simple evening. Blinking at the small gazebo Kaoru had prepared for them, he was starting to have his doubts on whether he understood her intentions at all.

Not that it was unnatural to have a few lanterns to light the space after the sun went down, or that eating in the gazebo didn't make sense. However, the lanterns were not plain, and not only did they hang from the roof of the gazebo, but two or three were positioned between the trays of food, while another couple handfuls were scattered about the outside of the gazebo in a halfhearted radius among the plants. The inside floor of the gazebo was covered by thin, flexible tatami to shield their cushions from the wooden planks, and with the scenery surrounding them it felt like a completely new world belonging solely to them. There was no other soul in sight, even though Kenshin knew his servants had no doubt had a hand in the proceedings.

As they came closer to the gazebo a small, tinkling chime rang through the air, and he briefly glanced up to find the source hanging unnoticed from the eave. It was another strange touch that made everything feel intimate. The only manmade sound in a staging of nature. Another element of beauty to add to their evening.

Even I am having trouble convincing myself that this is accepted between friends. Golden eyes looked sideways at her as she stepped out of her geta and up onto the small rise. Or am I just over-thinking this?

To match the mood created by their formal dress and the decorations, Tae had outdone herself on the food. There was way too much for just the two of them to eat, but despite the variety of dishes, there were only two small helpings of each. Politely steadying her as she settled onto one of the cushions, he stared down at the other placed directly next to her before seating himself cross-legged. With as many layers of clothing as they were each wearing, it looked like there was less room between them than there truly was.

"Wow! It looks great!" Reaching for her chopsticks, Kaoru spoke her gratitude for the meal, and then dug right in. At first he was a bit shocked, as no other meal they had ever shared had started until he began eating. It was respectful, and even Kaoru had acknowledged that small custom from the very first. For her to ditch it now was confusing. Was she intentionally insulting him? Ah, but today she is the host. The realization made sense, and he smiled. I suppose that means I am under her care for the evening. Following her lead, he picked up his set of chopsticks and began eating as well.

X

Kaoru was starting to feel a bit put out. She was trying as hard as she could to be more affectionate, but every time she thought she was doing something right she'd get the no good from Misao. Making a face at the weasel hiding within a patch of rosebushes, she tried to convey her frustration and annoyance, but Misao only rolled her eyes. Huffing, she turned back to her food and started at finding Kenshin looking at her curiously. Quickly reassuring him that she was fine and that nothing had upset her, she pouted a bit when he accepted her diversion but did not truly buy it. If she wasn't careful the evening might produce the exact opposite effect of what she was aiming for.

She supposed her problem was she was unwilling to do anything that didn't feel natural. While Misao had praised this in the beginning, it seemed to be no longer the case as the day progressed. Sipping at her tea, she eyed Kenshin out of the corner of her sight, a frown tugging at her lips. How dense could this man be, for crying out loud? For someone who was so strictly formal, he was acting extremely lenient with his notions of propriety. Perhaps he was just used to her slack etiquette and no longer found it strange if she did something he found improper. He must think really poorly of me if that's true. I mean, I wouldn't just do these things for anybody! Shooting him a small frown, she felt her patience fray. Idiot!

Going back to Misao, she gave her a look that she hoped conveyed all of her annoyance and confusion at once. What am I supposed to do then? Smacking a paw on the ground meaningfully, Misao stood up on her hind legs and lifted that same paw and shook it. Blinking, Kaoru's eyes narrowed. Is she picking a fight with me? Growling low in her throat, Kaoru bared her teeth back. Misao's aquamarine eyes closed and she sighed. How did she end up with such a hopeless lady, anyway? Shaking her head, she repeated the action, then waved her paw at the master. Still frowning, Kaoru's irises darted to Kenshin and then back again, still confused. Throwing a silent tantrum, Misao started dancing around, her teeth bared as she chomped at the air. Irritated herself, Kaoru felt like throwing a tray full of food at her.

And then she suddenly understood. It had been something Tae and Misao had both said to her earlier as they were setting everything up. "Showing your true emotions is great, but don't underestimate the master's stubbornness. You're going to have to be really bold, to the point of being shameless. Remember, he's not used to anyone showing him affection. I doubt he'll even register that there's a difference unless you make a clear enough distinction even he can't deny."

"But you said not to make the first move."

"I didn't say anything about throwing yourself at him. Just think of a way to get his attention, and don't give him any reason to doubt what you're doing or why."

That weasel still doesn't make any sense, but I'll try. Waving a hand, she signaled Misao to stop before turning back to the meal. If the small gestures like getting closer to him and wiping food off his chin aren't bold enough, then I need to think of something else. Something shameless. Pursing her lips, she tried to think over her options, her blue eyes sweeping over the food, the trays, the lanterns, and him. His shoulders were stiff, a clear sign he was either uncomfortable or on guard. It might be easier to shock him if he's like that, but I still feel disappointed that it's turned out like this. I guess at least I know he has been affected by what I'm doing, though it may be because I've been having this strange conversation of charades with Misao. Eyes dropping to the chopsticks in her hand, she sighed. Something shameless. Which would be something completely improper. At least for two people that are not lovers. Eyelashes flapping rapidly, a slow smile tugged at her mouth. Well… a mere friend wouldn't do that, right?

A quick search of the food offered her a perfect excuse, and she snatched up one half of a duo that had so far been left untouched. Turning to Kenshin, she smiled sweetly when his attention shifted curiously to her, and held up her chopsticks in offering. "Why don't you try this one, Kenshin?" As expected his eyes widened a bit, making the large width of his irises look even larger, and it would have been comical, but Kaoru had a mission to accomplish.

Unsure, he lifted his own chopsticks. "Very well."

Laying her free hand on his arm to stop him from taking it from her, she pushed the piece of food closer to his face. The demand in the gesture was very apparent, and she intently watched his reaction, afraid of some polite form of rejection.

She wants me to eat it off her chopsticks? The immediate response in his head was a screaming denial. He couldn't put his mouth on her eating utensils! It was unsanitary, right? At the least. At the most it's… Her head tilted just slightly to one side, and the look in her sapphire eyes was… expectant. Any form of refusal died quietly under that look, and he leaned over the rest of the distance to accept.

Kaoru fought a grin of triumph as he bit into the crispy roll. Alright, now for step two. Still smiling sweetly, she waited for his verdict. Chewing slowly, he nodded, his eyes never leaving hers, and she could see the calculating way he was watching her. He was waiting for something, and Kaoru was not going to disappoint. Having purposely chosen something too large to eat in one bite, she pulled her arm back and popped the rest into her own mouth.

"Mmm, you're right. It is good." Kenshin's mouth had opened as if to stop her, then stayed open as he watched her happily finish the other half. Pleased with herself, she just grinned, an urge to tease swelling in her chest. "There's another one, if you liked it." Purposely letting the double meaning hang in the air, she turned her grin away to reach for the other.

Before she had barely moved he was picking it up with his own chopsticks and sitting back. Then, without even an ounce of fanfare, he bit into it, his bangs hiding his face from her. Trying to fight back her growing amusement, she ducked her chin. I guess he doesn't want to share that one.

About to turn to Misao to find out the verdict, she was startled when he abruptly held out the other half to her. This had not been a part of her plan, but a quick glance up at the bangs still shielding his eyes gave her more to think about than simply getting an okay. Kenshin was not just dense, but self-conscious and insecure as well. These emotions were not natural for him, and so he would fight their appearance, but unless they were alleviated, they would never truly go away. The hand reached out to her was asking that she help.

Kaoru didn't even need to think about her course of action.

As the second half disappeared, Kenshin's shoulders relaxed. Something had been successfully communicated, and though Kaoru wasn't sure just how much that consisted of, she was glad. At last. Stealing a look at Misao's hiding place, she was surprised to see it empty. Did that mean she was doing good?

As the meal finally finished, the sun getting lower and lower on the horizon, Kaoru followed the instructions Tae had given her and picked up the lantern nearest her cushion and moved it to sit behind her. After a few seconds, the signal produced a small swarm of servants that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Resetting the gazebo, they removed the trays of food as well as some of the lanterns before disappearing just as quickly and quietly as they had come. Left once again alone with nothing to focus on but the sun and each other, the tension that had developed between them over the last few days became more pronounced, and at the same time, welcomed. Taking advantage of an opportunity, Kaoru used the atmosphere to encourage intimacy.

As the sky painted itself in tints of yellow, she gently interlaced her fingers through his. When it turned orange, she carefully scooted over to rest her head on his shoulder. As it slowly changed to a deep shade of red, however, her eyes fluttered closed. Warm, comfortable, and tired from a day of planning and excitement, Kaoru slipped easily towards sleep as night took the place of day. Too relaxed to object to the shifting of her pillow, she snuggled closer into the embrace of the arm that wrapped around her.

X

Reaching a sluggish state of awareness, Kaoru blinked at the dark folds of a kimono she was resting on, her eyes tracing the collar up to stare at the scales covering Kenshin's neck. Yawning, she tilted her head to look out over the landscape, surprised to find it was already fully dark. In the soft glow of the lamps she blinked again as her sight focused on a pulsating flash of greenish light. Tracking its disjointed progress across the small clearing before the gazebo, her lips twitched as a second light met it. Twinkling and flirting, they danced together, before going their separate ways.

As the glaze lifted from her eyes she saw more and more of the winking lights, crowding around the bushes, floating freely in the open. Lifting a lethargic hand, she reached for one with upturned fingers as it drifted by, but it shied from the movement.

"Are you awake, my lady?"

Bringing her hand back to cover another yawn, Kaoru nodded against his chest before attempting to sit up. A stretch and a giggle later found her once more engrossed in the fireflies. "Sorry I fell asleep on you." Voice a whisper to match his own, she reached for another one of the lightning bugs.

"I did not mind."

The smile in his voice made her smile. "I just hope I didn't do something embarrassing like drool." Quite unsuccessfully trying to coax one of the bugs into her open palms, she shot him a bashful look.

"Thankfully not." Laughing softly, he lifted his own hand palm up and she jealously watched as one of the fireflies landed on the tip of a dark claw.

"How'd you do that?" Breathless with awe, she leaned over his arm. Shrugging, Kenshin brought his hand closer for her to see.

"I've always been able to, but… there is a lot of magic in this place. After a thousand years, it has surely affected the natural wildlife."

Shaking her head as the firefly left, Kaoru's low voice disagreed, her tone soaked with her dreamy imagination. "No. I bet they can tell."

"Tell what?"

"That you are gentle and kind." One hand hooked around his elbow, her other gripped the back of his knuckles so that she could study his palm. "Instinctively they know that you will not hurt them, just like I know. They feel safe, so they know it is fine for them to rest here." Her thumb brushed gently over the same black claw. "But something else probably attracts them near. After all, they can just as safely land on a tree or a flower. Fireflies are beautiful, pure creatures. They will naturally be attracted to other things that are beautiful and pure."

Her words were casting a spell over his mind, charming him with her persuasive speech, soothing the turmoil of his insecurities. Wanting to let her beautiful world embrace him within it, denial fought her optimism with the blatant contrast of her own pale hand curled around the ugly distortion of his. Fisting his fingers, he looked away, the sight churning something sour in his stomach. "Then they should be attracted to you."

No sound but the quiet tinkle of the wind chime broke their silence, and then her hands slipped away. "Thank you." Golden eyes glanced at her as she took his angry retort as a compliment instead. Red was staining her cheeks, and it was her turn to look away. "But I'm sure it has something to do with being calming as well, and I'm much too excitable." She grinned and just like that his irritation was gone.

Directing her vision past the spectacle of fireflies, she looked up at the dark sky. Thousands of shining stars rivaled the glowing bugs, stretching to each visible horizon. A little despondent, Kaoru sighed. "I guess I missed the first star… but it was probably for the best. It might have a one wish per night limit, or something." Her large sapphire eyes met his. "Did you make a wish, Kenshin?"

For a long time he did nothing but stare at her, and she was starting to feel a bit anxious when he finally looked away, and then down to his lap. "Yes, my lady."

A smile dimpled her cheeks. "I hope it comes true."

"…We shall see."

"Yeah. I've been trying to make my wish come true by myself, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask, you know?"

Hesitant, his hand touched the sleeve of her kimono. "If you like, my lady… you could tell me your wish. I would gladly grant it if it were in my power to."

"Oh." Blushing, she ducked her chin. "It's not anything material, so it would probably be a little more complicated than that."

"Ah. Then is it somewhere you would like to go, something you would like to do or see?" Head shaking quickly, she disagreed and he frowned. "If you are afraid to say because it is complicated, you should know I do not mind." Lightly his fingers touched her chin to coax her into looking at him. "If it is not something that I can grant right away, then I will do my best to make it come true. Please, my lady. Let me do this for you."

Biting her lip, she lowered her eyes and inhaled shakily through her nose. "My wish is not for me, though." Tentative and shy, she met his gaze again, the look meaningful and the creases on his brow softened in understanding. "It is for someone who struggles with sadness everyday and does not see how wonderful he really is, or how happy he makes everyone around him." Bottom lip trembling as she watched the muscles around his eyes twitch, her own expression puckered with hinting tears. "I just want you to be happy, too, Kenshin. And not just for a brief moment… but from… now on."

The unwavering stare of his golden eyes made her self-conscious, but they also made it impossible to look away. Long seconds passed, two pulsating fireflies floating in the space between them, and he finally blinked and she could breathe again. Gently his arm wrapped around her shoulders, drawing her back into that comfortable resting place she had enjoyed earlier. The hand on her chin curved around the base of her skull and his arms tightened, pressing her even closer. I never believed you… Mother… but I found her. This woman who is so caring and beautiful and strong. The one who sees only me and not the pretenses I have surrounded myself with. I don't know how you could have known, but… she even has blue eyes. Only…

"Tell me, truthfully, Kaoru-dono. Why have you done all of this?" The whisper of his voice was barely audible anymore, his question and her reply only meant to be heard by them. "Why would you wish that for me?"

He was asking her straight out, and he wanted an honest answer. After all of the planning and trying to be suggestive, having Misao scowl at her and driving herself crazy, Kaoru was more than ready to do something that was natural to her personality. She was an honest person, and she didn't care what Misao said about it later. He had asked and she was going to tell in that straightforward fashion she preferred.

"I love you, Kenshin." Burrowing herself a little harder into the crook of his neck, her hands clutched at his kimono. "I love you and I want you to be happy."

The pain in his chest burst and he almost couldn't breathe, but his lips wanted to smile. "Is that so?" Eagerly her head nodded to reconfirm, and the leaden ball of sorrow in his gut disappeared. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For granting my wish."

X

A/N: Sheesh. This one was as bad as the last, almost. It was smoother to write, but there were so many distractions in my life I was about to go crazy! I'm even on vacation! You're supposed to be able to relax on vacation! Well… I did some of that, lol, which is probably why I didn't get this done last week like I had planned. Anyway, there's so much to say, but I've wrote so much I don't know where to start. I wanted to make sure there was still some struggle for Kenshin on what to believe about Kaoru's actions and their relationship in the beginning. That way Kaoru could try to work her feminine charm… ha ha. I don't have much of that myself, so it was a little hard to write some for her. No real personal experience and all that. Anyway, Kaoru's a blunt person, so it should be awkward for her too. I was excited about the exchange of food part, though. It seemed like such a fun scenario to write for these two. Especially Kenshin's character. Wow, I'm starting to talk about them like their actors or something. XD Anyhoo… Uh, Kenshin starts catching on about the time they start eating, so if anyone feels like it kind of jumped, I apologize, but he can't be that freaking dumb, come on. Even teenagers who are driven purely by hormones can figure out when someone's crushing on them. Believe me, I used to be there… so long ago… ahem. Away from that… The reason he didn't before is mainly because of that not-good-enough complex that is so typical for this fandom. Plus, all the other emotional trauma that has been heaped upon our poor cursed lord for most of his life. Ten points for Kaoru for punching through that drama! Whoop!

It turned out much longer than I had anticipated. I hope these last two chapters don't curse the rest of them to be that way. I didn't want to write chapters much longer than twelve pages. Quicker posting and easier to stay focused that way. I know it's nice to have long chapters… I hate short chapters when I'm a reader, but as a writer, the shorter ones are more attractive. Well, leave a review and tell me what you thought! See you soon… oh and it might seem like there's not much left… but you would be wrong! So, so very wrong. Coming up… well… I wanted to get some Sano and Megumi… and don't forget about first kisses… Ciao.