Standard Disclaimers Apply. The rights to Rurouni Kenshin are exclusively owned by Watsuki Nobuhiro, Sony Entertainment, Shueisha, Jump Comics and other associated groups. Do not sue!!! I am writing this to satiate my urge to write.
Lie to MeChapter Thirteen: No More Lies
[Kaoru]
It had been two years since I last talked to him. I saw him almost everyday though because his career was doing really great. Misao told me not to torture myself by watching him daily but I just couldn't stop. Even if it ripped my heart, knowing that watching his shows would be my only chance to be with him, I didn't stop. Stupid me for not letting go.
But that was the past.
This afternoon, I was going to launch my book, "The Same Stars." Basically, it was a story of how a girl managed to cope after losing the love of her life. As she was walking the path of self-discovery, she fell through the pit of utter emptiness and desolation. In the end, the heroine of the story managed to pull herself up from the verge of a breakdown by keeping in mind one simple and almost childish thought— that even though she and her loved one was far apart, they would always be under the same stars, hence, the title. So, keeping in mind that new thought, she returned to her journey. I never really stated if she would fall in love again or if she had gotten over that guy. The point was she became willing to go on and find out.
Sounds familiar? Well… what else could a writer like me do than to express what I felt.
After this launching, I would move on, just like what my heroine did. You know what? I still wondered if he remembered me.
"Good evening everyone! This is Misao Shinomori. Welcome to the book launching of Kaoru Kamiya's latest would-be bestseller… 'The Same Stars'. Let's all give her a round of applause."
I smiled at everyone who came as I slowly stepped up the stage. As I stated my practiced speech, tears suddenly started stinging my eyes. Why? I was supposed to be happy! I had it all. Fame. Fortune. Respect of my peers. I'm not so ugly, either. I had everything I ever dreamed of except for one thing…
"Kenshin?" I stopped my speech as I found myself staring at his eyes— those same warm violet eyes that used to look back at me lovingly. "You came."
"Sorry, I was late." he said apologetically and then he smiled… at me! You know what? When he did that, everything else seemed to fade, leaving only him and me in our own special world.
I stepped down the stage and walked towards his, locking my eyes on his gaze. Was this really true? Was he really there? Was that love I saw in his eyes?
"You're so beautiful, do you know that?" he said as he caressed my cheeks, wiping my stray tears."
"Only when I am with you." I returned his smile, pulling his tie down to give him a soft kiss. I missed him so much!
All of my guests applauded, cheering us on. I couldn't help but smile at that. No more secrets. No more lies.
What more could I ask for?
~~~~~
[Kenshin]
After the book launching, I led her inside the premises of an old abandoned shrine. We needed privacy for now. Interviews could be done at anytime. For now, I just wanted to cuddle with her under a tree.
Kaoru buried her head on my neck as she whispered, "Kenshin?"
"Hmmm…"
"Have you forgiven me?"
I gave her a warm smile and replied, "Since that day you told me."
"Then, why did you break up with me?"
"Because we needed time to forgive ourselves."
"Oh." She nodded in understanding. Looking into my eyes, she asked, "Do you really love me?"
"Baka…"
Her eyes widened in surprise.
"I never stopped loving you," I chuckled as I glanced at my watch, silently anticipating the gift I had prepared for her.
Any minute now…
"Omigosh Kenshin! This is absolutely beautiful!" she exclaimed as she pointed out to the illuminated sky. "You arranged this?"
"Yes," I nodded. "Especially for you."
We remained silent for a while as we watched the fireworks that I had arranged for her. Moments later, a bright light illuminated the city as it wrote on the sky…
Marry me, Kaoru.
"How… how did you do that?" she gaped.
I grinned mischievously, "Heh… Katsu is good, isn't he?"
"Amazing!!!"
I nodded as I cupped her cheeks, "Yes and I want to show the whole world how lucky I am that I have you. Can I now have my answer?"
She smiled sweetly at me as she leaned over for a kiss. "Kenshin, how do you do this to me?"
"Do what?"
"You made me crazy enough to pull stunts such as fainting on purpose to catch your attention. You made me jealous enough that you'd have to kidnap me to talk. You made me scared enough of losing you that I'd have to resort to lying about my identity. You even made me write an angst-y book! But for all those times you made me feel that way, I am still truly, passionately and madly in love with you. How do you do that?"
I pulled her into an embrace as I whispered to her ear, "Magic."
"Kenshin, do you think we'll live happily ever after?"
"My love, I can't assure you that because life has its ups and downs. I don't know what the future holds for us but there is one thing I am quite sure of."
"What?"
"You are my dream come true."
The beautiful fireworks reached its climax with one bright light but none of us noticed. We were too busy kissing.
At that point, I didn't need to hear her answer. I already knew.
Author's Notes:
Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter:
Ami-chan- heheh… I was sneezing all over the place while I was writing this. Vesca, Nobody, Yuki- I hope this chapter answers your questions. If not, mail me at [email protected] ^_^ JML- really? School is weighing on us all.
Inu-chan- thanks for the plushie! I love plushies!!! Hana-chan, RK-128, Macy, SVZ, Digital*girl, Cleopatra, Lan Night- Don't worry! No angst unless otherwise stated. Midnight*Sea*Dragon, Dreamphoenix702- hehhe… thanks for including me in your fave list!! Calais- thanks so much. I am quite flattered that some people would actually take time to read my a/n. ^_^ vinmy fer- heheh… sorry no lemon/lime for this fic. Maybe in Be Still my heart. CatH, Azura Dea, Marstanuki, Ihateyou [oro?], Sessha Kenshin, Beach baby, pretty Luthien- thanks so much! I finally had the time to update this! Sorry for the wait. sleep walking chicken and HAP- hehehe… thanks so much! I also love that part! devinpotter-georgeweasley, Beriath- I am really sorry but this is the last chapter. Hope you enjoy this!
Of course:
Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed the past couple of chapters!!! ^__^ I am so happy to have finished this already.
Just a note… Dreams do come true. Just pray hard.