[Back at Akane's apartment]
Akane lay in bed, reflecting on the whirlwind of events between her and Kenshin. "He's not normal," she muttered to herself.
"The way he acts, the things he says... almost like he knows everything already. I should probably write this down." She reached for her diary, flipping it open to a fresh page.
Written in Latin, a language she and Tom used as their secret language, this diary had become a secret chronicle, hidden from the prying eyes of any who might stumble upon it.
With a sigh, she began to record the day's events, her handwriting swift and neat. "At least no one in this world can understand this language, Latin isn't exactly a well known language." she murmured.
Closing the diary with a soft thud, she stretched. "I should take a bath before Kenshin gets back." Stripping off her shinobi attire, she tossed her clothes haphazardly across the floor and padded off to the bathroom.
Not long after, Kenshin arrived at the apartment. "I'm back, nee-san," he called, scanning the room for her.
His eyes landed on the trail of clothes leading to her bedroom. "Good grief... she's so messy." He sighed, bending down to pick up the scattered garments and place them neatly aside.
"Honestly, for someone her age, she sure wears..." He trailed off, his fingers grazing the fabric of her underwear. A lesser man would have lost himself in temptation.
But before his thoughts wandered further, something on the bed caught his eye: her diary. Kenshin's curiosity piqued.
Fifteen minutes later...
Akane stepped out of the bathroom, steam rising from her skin. A towel was wrapped around her hair, but otherwise, she was completely naked—a habit she had grown comfortable with, living alone.
When Kenshin's gaze met hers, he froze. His eyes trailed over her form, taking in her toned body, modest curves, and the soft flush of her skin.
Akane's face reddened, both from the warmth of the bath and the realization that she was fully exposed. Her initial embarrassment quickly gave way to irritation as Kenshin continued to stare without a word.
"Hey! I know they're small, but you don't have to stare like that! They'll grow, you know! I'm still young!" she snapped, crossing her arms over her chest defensively.
Kenshin stood slowly, his eyes softening. Without a word, he moved toward her and kissed her gently. Akane's eyes widened in surprise, but she found herself leaning into the kiss, her irritation melting away.
"You're perfect, nee-san. You're so beautiful I couldn't help staring... Mary." His voice was thick with emotion as he hugged her tightly.
Akane stiffened, her breath catching in her throat. "What did you just call me?" she whispered, pulling back just enough to see his face. Her heart raced, fear and confusion welling up inside her. "Why did you call me that name? Who... who are you really?"
Kenshin's voice trembled. "It's me, Tom. I was reborn, just like you." He let go of her, tears brimming in his eyes. "It's been so long... I'm sorry, Mary. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you in our last life. I'm sorry I didn't see your pain. I love you. I've always loved you."
Akane's hands trembled as she cupped his face, her thumbs brushing away his tears. "It's okay," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "We can start over now. I'm not Mary anymore... I'm Akane Uchiha, daughter of Ichiro Uchiha and Kana Uzumaki, kunoichi of the Hidden Leaf, and your sister."
She smiled softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I've let go of the regrets from that life. I promise you, I'll be strong this time. I won't give up on life. I love you, Kenshin Uzumaki, my precious little brother."
With that promise, their lips met again, this time with more certainty. Kenshin's heart raced, but it wasn't just the kiss—it was the relief, the joy, the weight of lifetimes of love and pain washing over him.
He cupped her face, deepening the kiss as the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, locked in a moment that transcended time.
A sharp gust of cold wind from the open window snapped them back to reality. Kenshin pulled away, his face flushed as he glanced at the window. "You should probably get dressed before you catch a cold."
Akane shivered and let out a small laugh. "It's your fault for getting all emotional before I had a chance to put on clothes!"
Her stomach suddenly growled, and she blushed furiously in embarrassment. Kenshin chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess we're both hungry. I'll make something. Do you have any meat, vegetables, and roux?"
"I have meat and vegetables, but no roux. I'm broke," Akane sighed, sitting on the bed. Being a genin didn't exactly pay well.
Kenshin smiled reassuringly. "That's fine. I'll run out and grab some. It takes too long to make at home."
About half an hour later, Kenshin returned with a small bag. "I couldn't find any open shops, but I ran into Shizune-san. She gave me some roux."
Akane perked up. "So, what are you going to make?"
"Mom's favorite—cream stew," Kenshin said as he unpacked the ingredients. "It's something easy to digest and really delicious. Mom loves it when it's not fresh, says it tastes better that way. I'm thinking chicken this time."
Akane's mouth watered at the thought. "And how long will it take?"
"Probably about half an hour or so," Kenshin replied, setting to work.
As he began cooking, Akane watched from the table, feeling a warmth spread in her chest that had nothing to do with the food. She wasn't sure what tomorrow would bring, but for now, in this moment, she was content.
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Everyone, thanks for your support with the previous chapter. As always, please give me your power stones if you want to support me and let me know if you have any helpful suggestions/criticisms.