Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Walk in the Sunlight ❯ A Reason to Stay ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer - Sadly, I don't own Rurouni Kenshin. It is the sole property of Nobuhiro Watsuki and the many companies who have purchased the rights.

XP Note - To understand Kaoru's visit to Dr. Genzai in this chap I figured it would be best to give you an idea of what he's looking for. Those with XP Type A have a high risk of neurological disorders, including degradation of peripheral nerves (nerves not protected by bone or blood-brain barrier). Patients are usually monitored for these disorders with a CT scan once a year to determine if there is any deterioration in the brain, and more frequently as they grow closer to their twentieth birthday.


Chapter 2 - A Reason to Stay

The gentle beep of the alarm clock brought Kaoru slowly out of her dreams and she reached over, pressing the button to silence the annoying sound. Yawning, she peeked an eye open and couldn't help but smile at the big furry face only inches away from her nose. Working her other arm out from underneath the heavy blankets she scratched his head and giggled when he flicked his tongue out to lick the tip of her nose. "Good morning to you too, buddy."

In answer Sampson flicked his tongue out again but Kaoru was quicker and shimmied away from the slobbery flesh. "Hey, only one kiss first thing in the morning!" Fending off his continued attacks, she made her way out of bed and stretched. A grimace passed across her face as the bones in her back cracked. Maybe the three hour kendo practice she'd put her body through last night had been too much. Who would have thought that a mere three weeks with no practice would knock her so out of whack.

Hobbling her way to the kitchen, she scowled and crinkled her nose. Good thing she lived hundreds of miles away from home now, her father would kill her if he knew she'd been slacking on her practicing. Smiling at the thought, she set the teapot to heating and headed in for a quick shower. Tonight she had to see Dr. Genzai before work so sadly there was no time to enjoy a nice, long hot shower. More the pity since she really could use one after last night.

A half an hour later, Kaoru settled onto her side porch as she had for the last two nights and sipped at her tea. Watching the last few rays of sunlight vanish over the horizon she slowly dropped her eyes to the house beside hers and sipped at her tea again. It had been three days since she'd met her so called neighbor. Well, that is if you could call what had happened 'meeting'. She still had no idea who he was or even what his whole name was, the only information she'd been able to glean from Tae was that his last name was Himura. It seemed he was a recluse and the only time he was ever seen in town was when he visited the Akabeko which, if Tae hadn't been messing with her, had been at least twice since she'd started working there. While she was there no less, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't remember ever having seen him while she was working. Which was very strange because she seriously doubted she would ever forget that brilliant red hair or those vibrant violet eyes. Not to mention she had never seen anyone with skin as pale as hers, ever.

At the thought of her skin, she took one last sip of her tea then set it aside and picked up her UV block. Unscrewing the lid, she absently started rubbing the cool cream into her pale skin and continued to watch the seemingly empty house next door in hopes of catching a glimpse of her elusive neighbor. She felt like a stalker even though she never left her own property to seek him out. But she couldn't help herself, there was something about him that wouldn't leave her alone, something that nagged at her every waking moment. What it was she couldn't say. And it was starting to get damn irritating to say the least because she didn't dare go over there and knock on his door.

Shaking her head in disgust, she sighed. It would be best to simply leave him alone, whoever he was. Which really shouldn't be all that hard to do since he was free to live his life beneath the bright rays of the sun. To be honest, she'd almost hoped that he was the same as her so she could finally meet someone with the same problems but that hope had instantly been dashed yesterday morning when she'd spied him leaving his house in the bright sunshine before she'd gone to bed.

Scowling at the pang of jealousy that flickered through her chest, she finished rubbing in the sunblock and pushed off the porch. It was time to go. She still had to take Sampson out real quick before she headed off to the clinic. Dr. Genzai wouldn't take kindly to her being late, especially since it had been so long since he'd last seen her.

Kenshin let the curtain fall from his fingers and grinned. So, he wasn't the only one who seemed to be interested in the other. She had been out there every night without fail since they'd first met, watching his house as he had done to her these past weeks. Shaking his head, he sighed and slowly made his way to his bedroom. It didn't matter anyway, tonight would be the last he would see of her because tomorrow he was off to his new home on the other side of the world.

A scowl slid across his lips as a wave of disappointment flickered through him at the thought of leaving; and for what felt like the hundredth time he had to fight the urge to stay. He knew it was for the best, he'd stayed here too long as it was and yet....

His scowl deepened and he shook his head. No, he couldn't let this little slip of a woman stop him. He had to leave, for both of them. He wouldn't let the past repeat itself.

Steeling himself against the unrelenting desire to stay and seek her out, he flung open the closet and grabbed his luggage. Maybe it would be best to leave before she came back. The sooner he left town the easier it would be. This was almost as bad as the time long ago when he'd first met Tomoe and decided she would be his. And that, in the end had led to her untimely death. He wouldn't let that happen again.

And yet the rational side of him continued to whisper that there was no way for that to happen again because, this time, he knew the consequences. But that still didn't change the fact that she wasn't one of his kind and never would be, not without letting another do it, so in the end he would lose her anyway. Smiling ruefully, he shook his head. Even after all these years he still couldn't accept the fact that humans were not his best match.

Ah, but the truth was that thanks to his 'brother's' betrayal no one was a match for him, be it human or vampire, nor ever would be. For that he would one day find the bastard and kill him slowly but that still wouldn't change anything. Thanks to that one single deed, Tomoe had died and he'd been doomed to walk this earth forever alone.

Fighting off the loneliness trying to sink into his very bones, he shook his head to clear his thoughts and started packing. It didn't matter, one day he would find a way to end this so called 'life' he'd been cursed with and then maybe he would finally be able to apologize to Tomoe for what he'd done.

Kaoru watched in silence as Dr. Genzai scanned her arm for abnormalities, the hand held light slowly passing over every inch of her exposed skin.

"You've had no exposure to the sun?" He asked quietly as he ran the light down her arm one more time before moving on to the other. Satisfied with the results, he motioned for her to place her feet on the stool beside him and proceeded to scan her legs.

Kaoru shook her head. "No. The only sun I've seen is through the UV shields on my windows as always," she said in a tired tone. It shouldn't bother her, but for some reason it did now.

Dr. Genzai gave her a sideways look. "Was this move really a good idea, Kaoru-san? You don't sound like your usual self."

A small scowl flickered across Kaoru's face before she quickly hid it beneath a smile, "Yes. I needed this, and so did Sampson. He can't take the cold anymore. Besides I needed a chance to be on my own, at least for a little while."

Dr. Genzai gave her a skeptical look but much to her relief didn't say anything more. Maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to let him come. Sometimes he could be even worse than her parents.

Finishing the scan, Dr. Genzai set aside the light and lifted her hands, palms towards him. Pressing his fists into her hands, he instructed. "Push."

Kaoru did as he asked. Pushing against his hands, she felt a small measure of satisfaction at still being able to keep him from pushing her hands away. Well, at least it didn't look like anything had happened in the three weeks since she'd last seen him.

"Good. It seems like everything is still okay." Pushing out of his chair he headed for the back of the office. "I'll be right back. I want to take a closer look at your scans."

Nodding at his back, Kaoru glanced around the office. She'd been quite surprised to find that Dr. Genzai had managed to install a CT scan here, but then again the closest hospital was in Naha on the other coast so she really shouldn't be all that surprised. That had been one of the biggest reasons her parents hadn't want her to move here, but she wasn't worried. There was a small ambulance dispatch here in town that was on constant call should she need to be rushed to Naha.

Waiting patiently for him to come back, she started to fidgit as the moments stretched into minutes. She nearly sighed when he finally came back in. "There's still no sign of deterioration...." settling back into his chair, he glanced at her over the rim of his reading glasses, "...but, I would like you to come in for a CAT scan once a week from now on."

Kaoru let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding and slid off the examination table. Her relief was short lived though as a feeling of hopelessness whispered through her body. Stifling a sigh, she asked, “Is it really worth it anymore, Dr. Genzai? I mean, even with all these tests nothing is going to change. I'm still going to die, it's just a matter of when."

Dr. Genzai gave her a small sympathetic smile. "Please don't give up hope just yet, Kaoru-san. I'm still doing my best to find a cure for you."

Chastened by his tone, Kaoru hung her head slightly, "I'm sorry. I know you are, but so have so many before you and no one has found one. A...and there isn't much time left now."

Feeling a bout of tears coming on, she spun on her heel and headed for the door. She knew he was doing everything he could, but there was no hope. There never had been. She had, at the most, one year left, that was all and really if the truth be told she would rather live that one year without hope. She would much rather simply live... and when the time came, leave this world quietly. It would make things so much easier.

Pushing the door open, she stepped out into the pale moonlight and took a minute to get herself back together. Shoving the feeling of hopelessness deep into the farthest reaches of her heart, she took a deep breath and turned her face to the moon. Yes, it would be so much easier to let any hope vanish and live what time she had left with Sampson. No one needed to make sacrifices for her anymore.

Wilting slightly at the thought, she tucked her hands into her pockets and started towards the Akabeko. She had no right to ask for anything more anyway. So many people had already given up so much for her, including Dr. Genzai. He'd even packed up his house when she'd decided to move here and moved right along with her, much to her and her parents surprise. The only reason he would give was that he didn't trust the doctors already in town to take proper care of his 'granddaughter'. She couldn't help but smile at the memory of the heated conversation between them before she'd finally given in and let him do what he wanted. He could be a stubborn old man when he wanted to be.

Her smile widened even more at the thought. Yes, he could be but so could she, sometimes you'd almost think they really were related. And if she was to be truthful with herself, she'd have to admit that she liked him being here with her. She didn't feel quite as alone with him here to remind her that she still had family.

Rolling her eyes, she shook her head. Kami, she was pathetic. She’d moved the entire length of the country to gain her freedom and she still couldn't get used to being away from her family.

Heaving a sigh, she glanced up from the sidewalk and was surprised to find herself almost at the Akabeko's door. Glancing down to her watch she smiled, made it with ten minutes to spare. Not bad. At least she knew she wouldn't be late when she needed to see Dr. Genzai. Taking the last few steps to the door she headed into the quiet restaurant and frowned at the sight of the nearly empty dining room. This wasn't looking good, but then again it was Tuesday. Not a real happening night.

Her frown deepened when she noticed Tae at the counter bent over a book. Quirking an eyebrow, she padded silently across the wooden floor, "Tae? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at home?"

Her raven haired boss glanced up from her book and half smiled, half yawned. "I would be, but Aiko called in and I couldn't leave Sai to take the orders. He would die if he actually had to interact with the customers."

Kaoru chuckled, "True. I don't think I've ever met anyone as timid as him, but I have to admit he's an awesome cook."

Kaoru's smile faded when Tae simply smiled and yawned again, the bags under her eyes screaming her exhaustion. "Go home, I have it from here."

Tae gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks." Closing her book, she tucked it under the counter and stood to leave. "Oh, before I forget, starting tomorrow the Akabeko will only be open from nine to nine, Sunday through Wednesday."

Kaoru's heart fell. She knew this day was going to come, but did it have to be so soon? She loved coming here. For the first time in her life she was seen as normal and not some freak to be pitied.

"I'm sorry, Kaoru. I wish I didn't have to, but tourist season is dying down so there's no reason to stay open late those nights."

Kaoru stifled the sigh that tried to break free and shook her head, "Its okay. I understand. You still want me Thursday though Saturday though, right?"

Tae smiled. "Yes. This place wouldn't be the same without you. I want you for as long as you're able to stay."

Relieved, Kaoru met her friend's smile with one of her own, "You have me for as long as I can still walk."

"Good. See you Thursday then." And with that Tae quickly removed her apron and headed out the door. "Goodnight, Kaoru."

"Goodnight." Kaoru called over her shoulder as she wandered around the counter to don her own apron. Settling onto the stool Tae had just vacated, she sighed and propped her chin in her palm. It was hard to believe summer was almost over and soon her job here would be too. Tae may be able to stay open late for now, but she knew there would come a time when Tae would have to go back to nine to nine every day, at least until next summer. And there was no guarantee she'd still be around to resume her job next summer.

A great weight settled on her shoulders at the thought. Scowling at herself, she shook it off and jumped off the stool, grabbing a towel she started drying the few dishes sitting on the counter. There was no use worrying about it now. So far she was still fine and who knows, maybe she would make it past her twentieth birthday. It wasn't set in stone that she would die by then.

"Kamiya-san?"

Kaoru screamed and nearly jumped out of her skin as the unexpected voice broke into her musings. Fisting her hand tight around the glass threatening to slide from her fingers, she spun around. "Wh-!"

She stopped short when her eyes fell on the frightened looking twenty-five year old behind her. "Sai-san! Don't scare me like that!"

Sai blushed and dropped his eyes to the floor. "I..I'm sorry." Thrusting a full bowl of oden under her nose, he mumbled. "I..I made you dinner."

Stunned, Kaoru hesitantly reached out and took the steaming bowl from his hands, "Thanks." Inhaling deeply, she smiled, "It smells delicious! Why don't you get a bowl too and we can eat together."

Sai's face reddened even more and he shook his head as a slightly mortified look passed across his face. Kaoru had to bite her lip to keep from chuckling.

"I..I already ate. But th..thank you."

And with that he took off back into the kitchen. Unable to hold back, Kaoru did chuckle lightly. Sai was definitely a strange one. It wasn't that she didn't like him, on the contrary she had to admit that he was another she could almost consider a friend. Almost. Maybe when he finally got over his initial infatuation with her they could finally become true friends.

Smiling at the thought, she dug in. In a way she was flattered by his obvious attraction, she had never had anyone look at her like that. Ever. She really wished she could say she felt the same for him but the truth was, he wasn't the type of man she could ever see herself falling for. And really, it was probably better this way, it was too late to love. All she needed now was Sampson, his love was enough.

Kenshin dropped the last bag in front of the door and sigh. There, he was all packed, now all he needed to do was get to Naha by ten tomorrow morning and he'd be off to his new home in Maine. Glancing at his watch, he smiled. Only a quarter to two, he still had plenty of time. Actually, he had too much time, now what was he supposed to do. Shaking his head, he picked up a couple of bags and headed out into the balmy night air to pack them in the car. Well, he could always drive to Naha tonight, but then he'd be wandering around the city until his flight and that idea really wasn't all that appealing.

And then another idea struck him as he tucked the bags into the trunk, maybe instead he should head to the beach one last time before he left. That was one of the main things he was going to miss. The pristine white beaches here. Oh, the house he'd bought in Maine was seaside but it still wouldn't be the same. As far as he knew the beaches there were made up of more rock than sand. Not to mention one last trip to the beach would also bring him to the small restaurant where his ever elusive raven-haired neighbor worked and maybe he could catch one last glimpse of her.

A frown flickered across his lips at the thought. But then again, maybe that wasn't such a good idea. Who knew what would happen if he saw her again. He was still having to fend off the nearly overpowering drive to stay, to see her would likely make it that much harder. God, how could this be happening again. And it wasn't only his desire to know what she was anymore, it was also that he wanted to simply know her.... all of her.

Scowling, he tamped down the feelings and headed back into the house to grab the rest of the bags. Packing them into the trunk, he nearly growled when an image of her glittering sapphire eyes and moon kissed raven locks flickered through his mind again. Before he even knew what was happening he slammed the trunk closed and started towards town. One last time, he needed to see her one last time. He wouldn't approach her again, but he couldn't leave without seeing her one last time.

Smiling ruefully, he jammed his hands into his pocket and picked up his pace. At this rate, curiosity was definitely going to kill this cat.

Kaoru yawned and glanced at the clock. Almost two.... finally. Sadly, not a soul had been in since midnight, which had made the last two hours seem like a lifetime. Now she could see why Tae needed to shorten the hours. She was wasting more money than she was making.

Sliding off the stool, she called out, "Sai. Are you ready to go?"

A light padding of feet came from the kitchen and then Sai came in and nodded. "The kitchen is all closed up."

"Alright, then lets go." Grabbing her set of keys, Kaoru hit the lights and headed for the door with Sai close on her heels. Stepping into the warm night, she smiled as the rumble of the ocean rolled over her in soothing waves.

"W..would you like me to walk you home, K..Kamiya-san?"

Kaoru locked the door behind them and shook her head. "No. I think I'm going to go sit on the beach for a little while, but thanks anyway."

Sai's shoulders drooped slightly and he simply nodded; heading back towards the center of town. Heaving a sigh at his clear disappointment, Kaoru turned her back on him and kicked off her sandals. Maybe it was best that she wouldn't be working with him as much. She hated to hurt him like this but she didn't want to lead him on either.

The soft crashing of the waves drew her attention and she let the thoughts slip away. It would all work out in the end. Soon she wouldn't be able to work here anyway, maybe then he would forget about her and find someone who could love him back. Really she shouldn't be worrying about it anyway. Life was too short to worry... especially for her.

Smiling sadly, she shook her head at her morbid thoughts and glanced up at the slowly waning moon. What was it lately that had her continuously thinking of her mortality? Up until now she really hadn't let it bother her so much. Over the years she'd done her best to prepare herself for this and up until now she thought she'd been ready. And yet, now it seemed as if her acceptance of her fate had all been a fantasy.

Stifling a sigh, she headed towards the gently rolling waves. Maybe it was because her nineteenth birthday was less than two weeks away. And no matter how hard she tried to convince herself that she was ready, she knew there was no way to be ready to die. None.

Coming to within a few feet of the waves washing up onto shore, she settled down on the still warm sand and pulled her knees up to her chest. Wrapping her arms around her legs, she rested her chin on her knee and watched the moonlight play across the rolling waves. Maybe she would be more ready if, just once, she could see this very ocean awash in bright sunlight, to feel the sun's warmth playing across her skin, heating her very soul.

Ah, but the truth was she could see the ocean in daylight if she wanted to with her 'spacesuit' but to go out in that would alienate everyone in town who knew nothing of her condition. She didn't want to lose the acceptance she'd finally managed to gain. Not to mention she would likely swelter to death in that suit at high noon.

Wilting slightly, she dug her feet into the sand. No. It wasn't worth it. Not at all.

Kenshin shook his head as he stared into the darkened front window of the Akabeko. He was too late, he'd missed her. But maybe it wasn't such a bad thing really. It was probably better to leave without seeing her again anyway.

A light breeze drifted in from the ocean to eddy lightly around him before heading further inland. Tasting the salty tang, he took a deep breath and stilled as the scent of jasmine mingled with the briny scent tickling his nose. Startled, he swung his attention to the beach and was shocked to see a figure curled up down near the water's edge, her messy raven ponytail dancing lightly in the breeze.

It couldn't be. Could it?

Hesitantly making his way to the edge of the sidewalk, he simply stared at the woman he'd come to find. Another gust of wind blew off the ocean and he watched as she reached up to let down the already beaten ponytail, her long hair dancing merrily in the now steady breeze. Without another thought he worked off his shoes and stepped lightly onto the still warm sand; heading towards her.

And then, all of a sudden, it hit him what he was about to do and he stopped dead in his tracks. He shouldn't do this. To do this was only going to make things more complicated. He needed to leave... right now. But no matter how hard he tried he couldn't move, he couldn't make himself leave her here. He could tell by her posture that something was bothering her.

Moments later the decision was taken out of his hands as the object of his curiosity stood and turned towards him. Rooted to the spot, all he could do was watch helplessly as she slowly made her way up the beach. He should go. He needed to leave before she realized he was there. And then even that chance was taken away as she slowly looked up from the sand and stumbled to a stop.

Kaoru simply stared at the back-lit figure only a few feet in front of her, his violet eyes glittering in the moonlight. Why was he here? At nearly three in the morning no less, and then it hit her. Tilting her head to the side, she eyed him curiously, "Are you stalking me?"

Her redheaded neighbor simply continued to stare at her and then he all of a sudden laughed, the warm sound a far cry from the frigid chuckle three nights ago. "No, I was simply coming to enjoy the beach one last time. Forgive me."

Kaoru cocked an eyebrow, "Forgive you for what? This is a public beach after all."

A small sheepish smile played across the redhead's lips and Kaoru felt her heart skip a beat. Swallowing nervously, she scowled at herself, "One last time? What do yo-" She stopped when the light chirping of her watch alarm went off in the quiet night. Hitting the button to quiet it, she shook her head, "Nevermind. I have to go. Goodnight." Heading past him, Kaoru was stopped dead in her tracks when a cool hand wrapped around her wrist.

"Wait. Can I walk you home?"

Startled, Kaoru glanced over her shoulder. Trying valiantly to ignore the sudden increase in her heartbeat, she asked, "What happened to ‘it would be best if I didn't know you’?"

A small smirk tickled his lips. "It's a little late for that now. I suppose since this is the second time we've met I should introduce myself...." Releasing her wrist, he turned towards her and dropped a small bow. "... My name is Himura Kenshin."

Surprised, Kaoru just stared at him for a second and then she too dropped a small bow and whispered, "Kaoru, Kamiya Kaoru."

"Nice to meet you Kamiya-san, so may I walk you home?"

"I..I guess so," Kaoru stuttered much to her dismay. What was with this guy? Glancing at her watch she frowned, no time to worry about it now, she had to get home. Dropping her sandals to the sidewalk, she slipped them on and started down the road towards home. "If you're going to walk me home, you better be able to keep up."

For a moment there was no sound and then she heard him take off after her. "There's no need to hurry, Kamiya-san."

Kaoru cringed at the name, "Please, call me Kaoru. My mother and father are Kamiya-san."

A light chuckle met her statement as he caught up with her and matched her steps. "Alright, Kaoru. But in return you have to call me Kenshin."

Much to her horror, Kaoru felt a shiver of pleasure whisper down her spine as her name fell from his lips. Scowling at herself, she gave him a small nod. Maybe he should call her Kamiya-san after all. Unconsciously picking up her pace, she kept her attention on the road rapidly passing under her feet. "What did you mean by this would be the last time you would be able to enjoy the beach?" she asked in an effort to get herself back together.

A long pause met her question and Kaoru glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. She was surprised to see a slightly pained expression on his face, before it melted away to be replaced by one of determination. Finally, he whispered. "In the morning I leave for Naha."

"Oh.." Kaoru mumbled under her breath. It shouldn't matter, but for some reason she didn't like the thought of him leaving.

A heavy silence fell between them as they continued through the quiet town. Keeping her attention fixed on the road before her, Kaoru tried to work out exactly why she all of a sudden wanted to be in his company. It wasn't like she knew him or anything, but for some reason she wanted to now. And yet, she knew that it would lead to nothing but heartache. How many times over the years had she tried to make friends only to have them shy away from her when they found out about her illness? Too many to count. It was probably best this way. At least she wouldn't have to endure his pity, she'd had enough of that to last her a lifetime.

"Kaoru, may I ask you a question?"

Turning onto the road leading home, she peeked at him out of the corner of her eye and hesitantly gave him a small nod, "Sure, what do you want to know."

"Why is it you only come outside at night?"

Kaoru sighed and dropped her eyes. She should have known. Swallowing, she shrugged. "I like it better at night. It's cooler and there's less people out," she lied, there was no need to tell him the truth. He wasn't going to be around to find out the truth anyway.

A mumbled "Oh" was the only answer to her statement and Kaoru hazarded a quick look at her redheaded neighbor. She cringed at the obvious disbelief in the violet gaze fixed on her. Tearing her eyes from his she nearly sighed at finding them only a few feet from her house. Taking a couple steps forward she turned and bowed to him, "Thank you for walking me home. Have a safe trip." And with that she took off for the house and slipped inside without a backward glance.

Leaning heavily against the door, she sighed. Yes, it was a good thing he was leaving; she didn't think she could take his pity. A steady thump, thump, thump broke into the thoughts and she smiled as Sampson came bounding into the foyer and rubbed himself against her legs. Dropping to her knees she gave him a big hug and whispered, "I missed you too, buddy...." hugging him a little tighter she added, "...you're all I need. I don't need anyone else's attention but yours, right buddy?"

In answer Sampson licked her ear. Chuckling, she let him go and scratched his head. And yet knowing that still didn't quash her sudden desire to want to know more about her soon to be ex-neighbor. Scowling, she shook her head and made her way into the house.

Yes. It was a very good thing he was leaving.

Kenshin watched stunned as Kaoru's raven locks vanished into her house. A small frown played across his lips as he continued to stare at her front door, she had lied to him. For some unknown reason she had lied to him about why she only came out at night. What was it that would make her lie?

Perplexed, Kenshin slowly wandered toward his own house and stopped just beside the car. Casting another glance to the darkened house beside his, his frown deepened before it slowly fell away beneath a small smile. Opening the driver's side door he hit the button for the trunk, he wasn't going anywhere just yet. She had just given him a reason to stay.

Wandering to the back of the car, he started unloading his bags and carrying them back into the house. Yes, he would stay and find out exactly why she felt the need to lie to him. What was it that she couldn't tell him? Or was she afraid to tell him?

Well, she would have no choice but to tell him because he wasn't leaving until she did. He would risk dealing with those he would much rather not in order to find out the truth.

And yet, what he didn't know was that the truth he sought would unwittingly draw him to her even more. And that same truth would leave him feeling even more helpless than he had when Tomoe had died in his arms all those years ago.

Please review and let me know what you think. But before you do...

I forgot to mention in the first chapter that I have a tendency to reply to my reviews so if you do not wish for a reply simply write NR or No Reply at the end of your review. I didn't reply to those I didn't recognize last chapter because I don't wish to impose on those who would rather simply leave a review with no contact. From here on though, I will be replying to all that don't have NR or No Reply at the end of their review.

Also before I go I would like to say thanks to all who did leave a review last chapter, I really do appreciate your support.