#chapter 7 in progress

[quillsthrills]

My post-engagement Colin and Penelope are so loose and reckless - as soon as one of their deliberately careless chaperones gives them the glimmer of a chance they are at it, thanking the lord for the strategically placed buttons and lack of undergarments in regency fashion.

[artgirllullaby]

Then you decided since you can’t work because you’re out of system, you can take a time to read the Chapter to post... Then suddenly you receive this punch on your face...

FOR GOD FREAKING SAKE

WHY I CAN’T HAVE CONTROL OVER MYSELF?!

ITS 23 FREAKING PAGES

+9K WORDS THAT I KNOW FOR SURE I’LL END UP TURNING TO +10K WORDS

OH GOD WHY

THIS CHAPTER WILL TAKE FOREVER TO FIX

@tamiletrange @heeymarge @anacarolinalyoko AND @allancutrim I’M BLAMING ALL OF YOU 

[blueeyedshuichi]

First draft snippet of Chapter 7 Love and Vengeance

The dojo instructor gripped the front of his kimono, panting a bit as the poison continued to ignite a fire in her veins, the heat nearly unbearable, her skin slick with sweat as she battled the wave of dizziness threatening to draw her into unconsciousness.  But I have to know... I have to know the truth...  “Why... Why didn't you tell me?”  She croaked out, lifting her gaze to look up at him.  Her brow furrowed at the sight of blood pooling down the side of his face from Enishi’s earlier attack, but it was the anguish and the remorse in Kenshin’s eyes that drew her attention most and her heart broke for him.  “Were you afraid I would judge you?”

The red head lowered his head, ashamed of himself and his actions.  “I was afraid...  to talk of my past... because it was... horrible... it was a life filled with war, blood, and death.  So many lives this one took under the guise of a new age.  I didn't want to relive those days, Kaoru-dono.  I didn't want to frighten you with the knowledge of just how lethal I was as Battosai.  I wanted to live in the present with you, Kaoru-dono.  What this one wants more than anything is a future with you.  Your love and your acceptance mean everything to me,"  His features twisted into a wounded look, his voice soft and threatening to break as he whispered, “Without it... I would be a penniless wanderer... alone in this world... unloved... and unwanted...”

He was hurting and frightened, Kaoru could see it on his face and she longed to ease that pain even as her body screamed for rest and relief from the agony that roared through her veins.  I want to help him... I want to ease that fear he clings to that I will hate him for his past.  She leaned heavily into him, using his body to support her own as she reached up, cupping his face gently, voice very soft and loving.  “Kenshin... Look at me...”

The swordsman was shocked to feel her body against his and her hands on his face and at first he tried to hide, unable to bring himself to meet her gaze. But her voice called to him and he lifted his head, his eyes meeting hers, fear giving way to relief at finding only love and forgiveness in those deep brown pools.

  Kaoru saw the emotions roll across the rurouni's handsome face and she rested her forehead gently against his,ignoring the blood as she whispered,  “I love you... and I accept you as you are.  Your past is your past.  I did not press you on it because I knew you were not ready to tell me.  Learning the little bit I do know now...  Is confusing... and I confess I am... shocked and surprised to know you were married before..  But I want to listen to your story, Kenshin...  I want to know what happened to you, because you are the one I chose to be with.  Your burdens are also mine to bear.  So you don't have to be afraid anymore to share your pain with me.”