CHAPTER 11
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.....all original characters/ideas are mine to claim.
AN: hi! Sometimes, I wonder if people read the Author's Notes at all. ^.^
WARNINGS: None really, maybe a little kissing scene between Kenshin and..well, read on.
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- Unexpected Situations -
The three of them stared at each other for a moment before Suzume broke the silence by asking,
"Who are you?" To no one in particular.
They ignored her, and Soujiro took another step forward. "It's a big surprise to see you here - since when did you decide to baby sit?"
Kenshin grit his teeth. He had no intention to get really angry while the children were around. He put Suzume down and told her gently to go back into the house. She nodded and made her way back in, occasionally glancing back over her shoulder.
Soujiro waited patiently, and Kenshin ignored him for a while to glare at the newcomer briefly. The newcomer stared back with wide blue eyes. Soujiro glanced over at the figure, and being ever the gentleman, greeted it formally.
He turned his attention back to Kenshin who had put on an indifferent look. He clasped his hands behind his back, watching as Kenshin arrogantly swiped his red locks out of his way. "I read the newspaper this morning," he decided to say, "and so I decided to drop by Kamiya's house."
Soujiro didn't look convinced, and looked his friend in the eye. Kenshin decided he'd have to sound more confident. "I saw that she had siblings to take care of, and that her father was in the hospital. So, I wanted to go see for myself; you know, bring the M.R.I further recognition." He earned a satisfied nod from Soujiro.
"I've come here on a request from Kamiya-san to check on her siblings. I hope they're okay?"
Kenshin nodded. "They're fine - though I can only wonder how: look at this place! Talk about lowly. This place is just like her - ugly, worn and dirty."
"Don't talk about Kaoru that way!" The figure cried defensively.
"As if you don't think so too, Makimachi-san." Kenshin scowled.
She returned the scowl. "I happen to think she is a beautiful woman."
Kenshin snorted and Soujiro's smile got bigger. "Regardless, what are you doing here?"
Misao produced the paper from behind her back. "Same thing you are - I was worried for the children. I do not, however, think to use this as a means to help the Aoiya chains"
Kenshin was going to make a snide comment, but never got a chance to, as Suzume came back outside, rubbing her nose with a dirt-gritted hand. Her face was also dirty, along with her clothing.
"Ken-nii, Suzume is hungry."
He bent down and gathered her into his arms. She climbed willingly into them, and was about to pop her thumb into her mouth, but he gently took it away, softly berating her. "Let's get you cleaned up first, before I take you somewhere to eat, little one."
She nodded eagerly, and Kenshin faced Soujiro once more. He was annoyed to see a teasing glint in his friend's eyes. "Not a word from either of you about this to Kamiya." He warned. In a softer tone, he told Soujiro to tell Kaoru not to worry - her siblings were fine and would be taken care of. "If she asks how, just make something up." He added.
Soujiro inclined his head, the glint still in his eyes. Kenshin let out a soft growl but didn't do anything more in fear of getting Suzume scared.
He met Misao's eyes with cold blue ones, and nervously she swallowed, nodding quickly.
With that, he returned to the house.
The other two looked at each other for a moment. Soujiro jumped slightly when a door slammed shut. He met Misao's eyes and blushed.
"Makimachi-san, I apologize - I didn't think to say anything when....."
"That's okay, Seta-san." Misao waved it off. She gave him a smile.
He returned it shyly, his blush deepening. "Well, uh....." He stuttered. It was surprising: Soujiro hardly ever stuttered. At the present moment, he was at a loss for words. "Um.....I hope we can talk again....." He offered clumsily.
She nodded awkwardly, confused. "Sure, okay....."
He nervously shifted his feet, unable to say more. When she realized he wouldn't say anything else, she made to go back into her car. "So then....." She gave him a small wave and got in. He let his breath out slowly: he hadn't even realized he was holding it. He watched after the retreating car wistfully, before getting into his own.
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It was late night when Kaoru opened her eyes. She wished she didn't have to stay in bed. She wasn't used to being bedridden. She wanted to get up and stretch, and was going to, but she caught sight of Akira coming in. He was holding a stuffed doll. Correction: a stuffed rabbit.
It was blue in color, with long floppy ears and a white belly. It was average in size, and he was holding it around its waist. Kaoru felt a smile well up.
Akira pulled up a chair, and handed her the toy, before taking her hand. "A gift to keep you company." He said quietly.
She picked it up gingerly. "Thank you." She said. She paused before she admitted, "I'm so glad you came. I was waiting for you." Her heart pounded on its own and his smile widened.
"Were you?" He asked, contemplative.
She nodded, embarrassed. She had no idea how to explain the feelings she felt. She had no idea how he would react. She decided to change the topic, and quickly withdrew her hand from his, commenting on the gift.
"You're so nice to bring me a present." She giggled, fingering one of the bunny's ears.
"I'm glad you like it." He said sincerely.
A silence hung for a moment, but they were comfortable with it. They needed no words to fill in the quiet; each other's company was enough.
Slowly, ever so slowly, she leaned forward and Akira gathered her into his arms, holding her against him gently. "I want to go home..I don't want to stay here anymore." He heard her say. Her voice had gone back to a whisper, sad and quiet. She pulled at her blanket and then touched her face. "Why did this have to happen to me?" Tears filled her voice and she glared hatefully at the tubes coming out of her arms and legs. "This reaction...I look so...ugly...why?!" She covered her face with her hands and started sobbing. "Who was mean enough to do this to me?"
Akira's hug tightened consolingly. "Shhhhh...." He said soothingly. "..Don't say that...you are not ugly." He allowed her to cry, rocking her back and forth gently. "You will never be ugly - those rashes will disappear in time." He continued to hold her while she sobbed. "Shhh now, you're tired. I want you to get your rest."
After a while she stopped crying and realized, embarrassed that she was in Akira's arms. "I'm sorry," she started, going to push away, "I burden you with my problems..."
Akira shook his head. "No...you don't. I want to be here for you - at any time, Kamiya-san."
A lump caught in her throat. "Thank you, Kiyosato-san."
"Akira- call me that. There's no need for formalities."
She blushed. "Then I would have you call me Kaoru." She said.
He nodded. "Yes....Kaoru." He pushed her back down into bed gently. "Get your rest. I worry for you."
Kaoru lay back, feeling dizzy. She held his hand tightly as he was about to get up and leave. "Don't go yet." She told him. "Please? Stay here until I fall asleep."
He nodded. "Okay." He sat back down. "Okay."
She smiled and closed her eyes.
She fell asleep holding his hand.
When he was certain she was asleep, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead gently....
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Kenshin wearily sat back on his heels. He was so tired - he had never had a day quite like this one before: cleaning and washing, playing with the children, cooking to feed them...just reflecting on the day was tiring enough.
He looked down at his hands, which were red and swollen from doing laundry hour after hour. They never got that bad even if he practiced with a sword. His right hand had a few cuts from the kitchen knife. He had never really cooked before, and was surprised to find that his cooking had been edible and quite tasty. Despite his fatigue, he was proud.
His muscles were sore all over, and he wanted nothing more than to collapse and go to sleep. At the present moment, he could have cared less where he slept so long as he did. His clothing were dirty and soiled, his hair that he took so much pride in, was messy and out of place.
'So, this is what it feels like to be poor...." Kenshin thought, stifling a yawn with his hand. '....I kinda feel sorry for them....."
He had grown attached to Suzume and Ayame. They were simply adorable; young and innocent, demanding yet easy to please. Yahiko spent his free time studying and so, Kenshin never thought to bother him.
He was snapped out of his thoughts as Suzume came back into the room, holding her night yukata in one hand. Half of it sagged to the floor, causing her to drag it behind her. She rubbed her eye tiredly. Kenshin smiled and helped her to change and then helped her to take out her worn, stained futon. He was disgusted - his bed could fit more than 10 people on it, and here this child was, sleeping on what he thought was a dirty rag.
Suzume seemed comfortable though, as she snuggled into bed. Kenshin pulled her blanket up, tucking it under her chin.
"Ken-nii....Kao-neechan will come back soon?" It was the umpteenth time she had asked that, but Kenshin patiently replied,
"She may be back by tomorrow."
"Really?" She asked, blinking sleepily. "Will Ken-nii cover over tomorrow to play?"
He paused, and nodded. "Aa....I'll come back tomorrow and play." He promised.
She was asleep very quickly, snoring slightly. After resting himself for a few more moments, Kenshin got up to help Ayame get ready for bed as well. He found her in her living room, fast asleep on the tatami. He picked her up and lay her next to her younger sister.
He wanted to make sure all the kids were settled before he went home. Yahiko, however, wasn't easy to find. He finally found the boy in the back room, practicing kendo. Kenshin was quite surprised.
They had cleared the back room and had converted it to be like a mini dojo. Bokkens and Shinais hung on the walls on racks. So.....this was how Kaoru practiced her budo.
Yahiko swung down and then turned to face him.
"What do you want?"
"I was just....." Kenshin trailed off. Yahiko glared at him. He could feel a very rebellious spirit in the child - it took his breath away. "I'm really sorry to interrupt your training." He finally said.
Yahiko never answered, he merely pursed his lips together in annoyance. Kenshin realized that he wasn't exactly the friendliest person. He kept to himself and had left Kenshin to his business. He hardly spoke and when he did, it was in curt, short sentences. He had left the kids to his care without a second thought, studying for the better half of the day.
"Do you find it difficult?" He asked, as he watched Yahiko swing his shinai down once more. Yahiko scowled and turned to face him.
"Of course not."
"Can I try?" He asked. It surprised him: he barely ever asked to do something - he just did it.
Yahiko smirked. "If you want. I'll try to go easy on you."
Kenshin was miffed. The indirect insult reminded him of the snide comments Kaoru made. He decided not to brood on it, and instead picked up a bokken. He wanted to teach the brat a lesson, so he feigned innocence.
Without warning, Yahiko attacked. With a cry of surprise, Kenshin evaded the thrust and continued to do so as the blows rained down repeatedly.
The boy had a good technique, smooth and strong as he searched for an opening in Kenshin's defense. He was more than surprised when Kenshin returned the attack, knocking him off his feet.
He got off the floor, eyes wide. He really hadn't been expecting that.
Thinking it had been a fluke, Yahiko went for him again, this time not holding anything back, and this time, Kenshin was ready for him.
Almost immediately, Yahiko fell again. He tried three more times before giving up. Woodenly, he sat in the corner, watching as Kenshin loft himself in the art. Executing moves precisely and swiftly. He was amazed. His style was unique: graceful but deadly.
"You could have told me you knew how." Yahiko pouted, once Kenshin was done.
"I'm sorry. I know I should have." Kenshin replied, returning his borrowed bokken to its case. He smiled apologetically. "You were really good though." He commented. "With a little more practice, you could be one of the best."
"Your style is amazing!" Yahiko interceded. He glanced admiringly at the elder boy. "I wish I could be as good as you."
Kenshin pressed his hands together. "No, you don't need my technique. Yours is enough. Practice is the key." He made his way to the door. "Anyway, I must be going home. Take care."
Yahiko nodded. "Ano....Kenshin, you'll be back right? I want to practice with you once more." Kenshin inclined his head, earning a grin.
"Oh....and thank you...for everything." He said quietly.
Kenshin froze. The grateful notice made him feel proud. "You're welcome." He replied sincerely. "I will be back tomorrow."
By the time he left the house, it was really late. The night had settled in, and outside, crickets chirped their individual songs out of beat and without unison. Kenshin was more than willing to go home.
He was in his limo, half asleep, when the thought hit Kenshin: Yahiko followed in Kaoru's footsteps: studying and practicing Kendo. He could help but wonder what Kaoru was doing.
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"I'll see you tomorrow." Kenshin told her, twirling his seat around absently.
"Yes, tomorrow then." Tomoe agreed, before saying goodbye.
When they hung up, Kenshin got to his feet, stretching lazily. He was very fond of Tomoe, and hoped that the next day would be able to ask her out. He was certain she was everything he was searching for; calm, quiet, polite, pretty, smart, submissive, gentle and well off. He had invited her to lunch again, and she had gladly agreed. Now though, he would have to tell his uncle about his choice.
Not that it really mattered to Hiko: Kenshin had had many girlfriends, but all of them had been daughters of high-class men. He hoped Tomoe would be acceptable.
Hiko was watching television when Kenshin entered - as usual, without knocking. Seeing his nephew, he scowled and turned the system off.
It amused him to see Kenshin looking so bone-weary.
"How was it?"
"It was torture." Was the reply. "There are still piles of laundry to be done."
Hiko smirked. "Well, you have until Kamiya returns to finish it, so don't worry."
Kenshin winced. It was his fault after all. His uncle sure knew how to rub it in. He remembered his purpose in coming there, and proposed what he thought to do. To his relief, Hiko agreed - though on one condition: he wished to meet Tomoe himself.
'That's weird,' Kenshin thought, 'he never met any of the others right away.' He smiled uncertainly. "Sure, okay then, I guess we'll have lunch here."
Hiko clasped his hands behind his back. "A girl of lower class of than you worries me. I only hope your choice was good, and if so, I wish to see her for myself."
Well, at least that was good. He knew that Aoshi and Okita had no say at all in who it was they were allowed to marry. At least he knew he could. Actually, he remembered Aoshi saying something like he already had a fianc�e and it was just a matter of meeting her. In truth, Aoshi didn't care - it was better to be married to someone who was already rich, rather than to somebody who loved you for your money. It was a good analogy, only....it didn't suit Kenshin at tall.
His uncle did like Tomoe, and things went smoothly, according to plan. He began to get closer to her, and became comfortable in her presence.
Two weeks passed quickly, and Kaoru didn't return. Kenshin had gotten used to working under her household, and had become fiercely attached to her siblings, who in turn, had become fiercely attached to him.
Snow had begun to fall, signaling the start of winter struggles: end term exams, and the biting cold. However, one thing did make up for all that: the two weeks of winter break. Kenshin had decided that he would go to Florida - he despised the cold.
Shishio was out of the hospital, most of his body still wrapped in bandages. The doctor had told he could remove it in a couple of weeks, but had warned him that it was imperative to that he keep the bandages on. That did not stop Yumi from being all over him though.
They were at it again, as the little group was huddled outside of the oak doors. Kenshin shivered, glaring hatefully at the lacy snowflakes that fell from the sky.
Amakusa offered him a cigarette, but he turned it down despite the fact that he wanted one so badly: the smoke invading the lungs, warming the body...
Amakusa lit his own, sliding the box back into his pocket. "Are you sure? Why'd you turn down a cig?"
Kenshin shook his head, berating his body for its craving. He wanted to throw up. "Tomoe doesn't want me to smoke."
"What does she have to do with it?" Shishio demanded.
Kenshin shrugged, paling some more. "She's my girlfriend."
"Oooh, girlfriend, huh?" He asked. "So, have you kissed her yet?"
Kenshin reddened. "N-no."
"Oh, Kenny has forgotten how to kiss." Shishio teased.
Kenshin grabbed the bait; he hated that nickname. "Of course not!" He snapped. "Let me show you." With that, he pulled Yumi to him, out of Shishio's embrace, and crushed his lips to hers. Surprised, Yumi never responded, then recovered quickly and began to kiss him back just as passionately.
She opened her mouth, allowing his tongue to slide in curiously, running over hers and then running over her bottom teeth. She allowed it to, returning the motion in kind, pulling his bottom lip with her teeth and gently nibbling on it before allowing him access to her tongue again. She grabbed fistfuls of his hair as he pulled her close to him, arms tightening around her waist.
Finally, he pulled free, breathing hard. Yumi's lips were swollen and red like his, and she gave him a coy smile. The rest looked on in shock and amusement. Shishio looked positively stunned: after all, Kenshin had kissed his girl! He smirked, and Kenshin shot him a hot glare. It was only fair.
Not being able to stand the smoke and the cravings, Kenshin went into the building. Soujiro followed, glad to have an excuse to leave.
"Himura-san, I had no idea you and Yukishiro-san became more intimate." He said, trying to catch up to Kenshin's brisk pace. "What a surprise - for how long?"
"Two weeks."
Soujiro grinned. "And you're already kissing another girl."
It was Kenshin's turn to smirk.
As Soujiro was about to comment on Kaoru, the bell rang, signaling the end of first period. Someone collided headfirst into him, breaking off his words.
Dazed, he looked up to see Misao, extending her hand to help him up. "I'm so sorry." She said, as he took her hand. The impact had caused him to fall. She helped him to his feet, and he brushed his uniform off. Had that been Kenshin, he would have made a rude remark.
"I'm really, really sorry Seta-san." She told him, as he looked at her in surprise. A blush had crept to his cheeks again. He hoped that she thought it was from embarrassment due to the fall, when in fact, it was due to something totally different.
He grinned and shook his head. He found he couldn't say anything, and if he did, he would stutter like a fool, and so chose not to.
Her attention reverted to something on the floor. She bent down and picked it up, a frown on her face. In her hand was a small necklace. It had a small blue jewel hanging in the middle. "Oh no..the clasp is broken." She mourned.
Soujiro bent down to look at it. "I can fix it." He offered. "It was my fault."
She put the necklace into his offered hand. "Thanks, but I was the one who was running. I should have watched where I was going..."
Kenshin snorted. "Yeah - you should have. Tell me: does hanging out with the wench cause you to act like her as well, because of it's the case, then I'll steer clear."
Misao shot him an angry look, but held her tongue. She wasn't about to argue with him. She returned her attention to Soujiro who was smiling apologetically, while Kenshin's cell phone rang.
"Hello? Oh, hey Tomoe. I'm about to go to class." He paused. "Don't worry, you're not bugging me....I see. Well then I'll see you at lunch and then you..." With that, Kenshin began to walk to class, still talking on the phone, forgetting all about Soujiro and Misao.
Soujiro handed the necklace back. He had managed to pop the clasp back into place, and he gently put it around her neck. "The stone matches your eyes." He said thoughtfully. She turned around to thank him, and he met her eyes shyly. "It looks nice on you."
Her cheeks warmed, and she took a step back. "Uh..thanks...."
He watched as she retreated down the hall.
"Ah - Makimachi-san!" He called out, but she had already disappeared into the crowds. "Never mind..." He murmured.
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Kaoru closed her book. She was extremely bored - she had already read through all her textbooks and all the hospital books she could find. Despite the fact that school was boring, she actually looked forward to going back.
Akira wandered in, dressed in his uniform, which meant that he had come straight from school. She smiled upon seeing him: ever since she had been admitted into hospital, he had made it a point to visit her every day.
He gave her a gentle hug and then sat down at her side.
"I have good news and bad news." He told her seriously. "Which one would you rather hear first?"
She shifted in bed worriedly. The words, "Bad news" struck fear into her heart. She wondered what it could possibly be and dreaded it, so she said, "Good news first, please."
He grinned. "Well, the good news is, you can be out of here by the end of the week." He paused, catching her eye. "The bad news is, exams start next week."
She let her breath out in a rush. And here she had thought it would be something terrible. Still, lying in bed at the hospital hadn't helped her studies much. She decided to dwell on Akira's first statement.
"I'll be out soon? Oh, I can hardly wait!" The rashes had begun to subside, and she was able to get out of bed and walk around on her own. By the end of the week, she would be fine.
"...I wanted to thank you, Akira, for always being there for me. I don't know why, but I'm grateful."
He want quiet, and she wondered if he were okay.
"Akira?"
He slowly looked up. "Ah..Kaoru....I don't know how to explain this....I mean.."
The feeling of alarm went through her again. "What? What is it?" She asked.
"I-I've got something else to tell you...I don't know how you will take it..."
Her instant thought was of her father, then her siblings. Tensely, she grabbed his arm.
"What?! Nothing happened to them is there?!" She gasped desperately.
Akira realized he had frightened her out of her skin. He pat her arm. "No, no - that's not it." He paused, taking a deep breath. "I think...I think I've fallen in love with you." He admitted.
She stared at him shocked.
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Kenshin watched from his seat on the floor. A bokken lay at his feet, which he picked up absently. He felt so tired: the whole day had been hectic with tutorials and reviews in preparation for next week's exams.
Sano returned to his seat beside him. "Oh man, that hurt." He mumbled. He fingered a dark bruise on his arm.
Kenshin shrugged. He was wearing the magenta top. He had thrown it into his locker quickly upon returning from the restaurant incident. He had donned it for training that day.
He felt sick. The urge to vomit came up as he once again, fought to keep the craving for a cigarette at bay. Dizzily, he covered his mouth. He should have listened to Nakamura-san when it had been easy to quit....
"You okay?" Sano asked, seeing Kenshin pale considerably.
He nodded, and nearly choked when he heard the teacher say, "Class, I'd like to introduce Kamiya Kaoru - our first female trainee."
There she stood, tall and proud. Her skin was back to being a smooth ivory white. Her black hair was pulled back into a ponytail.
"Welcome back, Kamiya-san!" Soujiro called out.
She smiled and nodded.
Kenshin wanted to melt - she was okay!
"You're lucky." Sanosuke whispered, as if reading his mind.
Forgetting about everybody else, Kaoru looked at Kenshin. She couldn't believe he was in the club too.
"Oh, save me." She said. "HE'S here."
Kenshin got up. "So, you joined, huh?"
She held her head up proudly. "I don't see why," He continued, scathingly, "You're so not qualified."
Her blue eyes glittered angrily. "We'll see about that."
He lifted his bokken in response. "Welcome back." He said, a sarcastic smile on his face.
"I'd rather be back in the hospital than to see your ugly face."
"My ugly face!" Kenshin repeated. "After seeing yours, I think I'll need to go to the hospital myself."
"Why must you be everywhere I go?!" She cried, a hint of annoyance evident in her voice.
He gave her a shallow bow. "Why, don't you know, my lady? The world revolves around me."
She raised her bokken. "I accept your challenge, Himura."
He grinned. "I won't hurt you that badly." He told her.
With a cry, she attacked. Her skill was much more advanced than that of Yahiko's. He found her swing much stronger too. 'Not bad.' He thought, as he stepped back because of her attack.
Something fell out of his pocket, and rolled, hitting Soujiro's foot. It was an orange plastic cylinder. Curiously, he picked it up. Kenshin held his breath, wanting to snatch it away, but Soujiro read the label aloud, his voice confused.
"Shredded shrimp." He looked up at Kenshin, whose eyes were wide. Realization washed over Soujiro's features. "Himura-san...what's this all about?"
To Be Continued......
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AN: Gomen gomen! I know this was one of the shorter chapters, but truth be told, the story wrote itself. Again, I apologize, I should have written, "at the beginning it will be A/K and T/K - It will change in time. I'm a hardcore K/K fan, and I won't let that couple down.
TO ALL OF YOU: MY GREATEST THANKS! I'm hoping that next chapter will be longer and we all know that next week is return to school/work! Hope you all had a wonderful new years and a relaxing break!
Chiki: Ah ha Kenshin, you deserved it. Oh, the joys of being an author.
Kenshin: *growls* Why you...!
Chiki: Hold it! Is that any way to treat your mistress? With the click of this mouse, I can erase you! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
CHAPTER 12
(home)
(WTWRAY)