I'd call it a dark AU, except the tone is very similar to the later arcs in the canon storyline (starting with the Juppongatana arc). An older, tired Kaoru and a somehow (darned if I can put my finger on it) different Kenshin, in a modern setting. Works perfectly well. :)

Wow, it is a Friday night and I'm home searching for an entertaining story and...just brilliant! This fanfiction really struck a cord with me, it was very well written, flowed easily and I could feel the emotions of the characters.

Fantastic story!

Oh whow... Excellent, excellent work! I love this. :D

I like the bittersweetness in the fic, and the sense of hope in the end. Words may me decieving, but emotions don't lie. What Kenshin and Kaoru feel for each other are genuine, soundly proven by the way you ended the fic.

Five years is a long time, and it changes people beyond what's expected. Both Kenshin and Kaoru changed, and I can tell Kaoru's grown up. She was naive to marry Kenshin so quickly, but she's not a little girl anymore, and she's matured. Her and Kenshin's actions and reactions fit their characters well.

You did a great job with this piece.

RHRF

wow. of all the fanfics i've read in here, you're the best writer.

THE BEST AUTHOR! _

i've read almost all of what you have written and, if i may say so, i am now an avid fan :D

Very lovely one-shot!

This was amazing. I don't know how I ever missed this from you. I love everything you write, and this was no different. You write absolutely fantastic RK AUs.

Excellent, excellent work.

dammit..need more...you are too good of a writer and its too good of a story to stop

Sigh...

That made me happy.

:)

o...is this really only a one shot? It has so much potential! Love it!

I love a good AU and this is a good one. The world you create reminds me a lot of what's on the news today: War, bloodshed and loss. A perfect setting for this homecoming story. I like the way you lay out the three settings, (though the Aoshi/Misao happy story went long). The wariness of the homecoming was sweet in its own way.

Hey There _

It's been quite a long time since you've updated this story _ I was wondering if you'd still be continuing it? Please do! I really like the idea of the story _ And also honor bound _

Take Care &

Always Smile,

Fuuko-san

Yes, I suppose it is more honest towards the characters. I like it ] But then again, I like all your stories.

Aw... That is so sweet XD

Ari chan

WOW! Loved it...cool twist