Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is the creation of Nobuhiro Watsuki, with the manga and anime rights belonging to Jump Comics and Sony Entertainment, respectively. FF is non-profit, meant for entertainment only. FF can be archived anywhere, just let me know where. Please send no flames, I'm sensitive. For all other comments 0_o you may contact me at [email protected]

Chapter Nineteen

*************

It was the first of the month and their second week in Kyoto. November had finally come, bearing not such good news. After avoiding the media for close to three months they had finally found them. Kaoru sat on the couch looking through some magazines. She’d bought her usual three at the newsstand like she did every first of the month.

Shock had rendered her speechless for several moments after finding that there were pictures of them in all three of the magazines. Pictures of them kissing and holding hands. As well as pictures of him simply holding her. It was odd to say the least. Odd because of how they appeared. They looked like a couple. A loving couple and it’s no doubt how people would see them. How the world would see them.

She sighed and leaned her head on the back of the seat. It was Wednesday so it would be a couple of days before she saw him, which meant it would be a while before he saw the article or the pictures. He was so short tempered. This was going to make him hit the roof. If the pictures didn’t do it then the article certainly would.

Her eyes focused on a particular picture, staring intently at the scene the couple made.

She closed her eyes and tossed her arm over her brow. Why did they have to print the picture of her kissing him at the jewelry store?

She could think of doing only one of two things. Tell him herself or let him find out. Though there was always the chance he didn’t know. If he didn’t know then there was always the chance of him finding out if they stepped out of the house. They could stay home; the only problem was that Saturday would be their third month anniversary. Something he had reminded her about on Sunday. He was counting which in itself surprised her but the fact that he remembered or cared to remember, it got to her.

Sighing she slumped further into the cushion’s of the couch. She didn’t want to spend the whole weekend trapped in the house with him. Her medication was working of course but she wanted to avoid taking it if she could. When they where out, it wasn’t so hard to be with him as it was when it was just the two of them. She could do without the pills if they went out.

The binds on her emotions were weakening, allowing more and more to come through. It’s why she’d sought the haven only drugs could provide. She didn’t like that she did it but she’d sworn to do whatever it took.

These last two weeks in Kyoto had felt like the longest weeks of her life, she couldn’t really explain why but she was anxious to get back, she missed the comfort of her home, it was her sanctuary. She felt safe even during the worst of her spell. Her cell began to ring, bringing dread to her heart. He’d seen the pictures.

Quickly she picked up the phone, “Hello.”

“Koneko.”

Joy filled her heart at the sound of her father’s voice. “You didn’t call me yesterday so I thought I’d call you today.” She chewed on her lip, feeling guilty. She always called him on the same days. She’d forgotten to call him the day before though. “I’m sorry papa. I honestly forgot what day it was.”

“What’s keeping you so busy you forgot you papa?” His tone was jesting and so Kaoru didn’t panic at the inquiry.

“I’ve been reading a book and I can hardly put it down, still I shouldn’t have forgotten. I’m sorry Papa.”

He laughed. “It’s all right Koneko. I’ve called bearing good news.”

Kaoru frowned a bit. “What is it Papa?”

“I’m coming home for the holidays.”

Kaoru almost swooned, if she hadn’t already been sitting she would have collapsed. “When Papa? When are you coming home?”

“November twenty-second, I’m supposed to leave New York Tuesday night so I should be home Wednesday about eight a.m.”

Kaoru felt her vision swimming. What would happen now? Kenshin. She couldn’t see him while her father was home. “Kaoru?” The sound of her father’s voice brought her back out of her reverie. “Yes, Papa. I’m very happy.” She paused to clear her throat. “It’s been two months since I’ve seen you; ” a thought suddenly struck her. “I’ve grown taller.”

Kenji smiled. “Was it a whole inch?”

Kaoru scoffed. “I don’t think I’ll tell you now.” He laughed knowing it was less than that then. “”I’m sorry, “ He apologized really wanting to hear all the going on’s of her life, all the details even the minor ones. “How tall are you now?”

Kaoru pulled on the tip of her ponytail rather reluctant to tell him now. He was tall of course so half an inch wasn’t anything to him but for people who’d been vertically challenged all their life it was a big deal. “I’m 5’3.”

Holding back his laughter, Kenji smiled. “That’s great, when I get home we can celebrate. We’ll got to that place you liked so much when you where little.”

Her ears perked up. “You don’t mean Kansai's do you Papa?”

“No, did you want to go there instead?”

Kaoru shook her head. “No what place are talking about Papa?”

“The place with the fish,” he hinted. Kaoru gasped. “That place in Yokohama from where you bought me my first fish.” She filled in. “I don’t know if I can eat there with wanting to save another fish.”

Laughter broke past his lips, remembering his little koneko at the age of six, wanting to save the fish that was to be there dinner. “Well we can go anyplace in Yokohama you want.”

“Why Yokohama?”

“I have a business arrangement I need to take care of while there. See it’s a holiday here in the state but not in Japan.”

“So you have to work,” Kaoru finished sadly.

“Aa but I took it because it allows me some extra time with you. I won’t have to go back till Sunday.”

Kaoru kept herself from sighing she wouldn’t make her father feel guilty, he didn’t deserve it. He was a good man and a loving papa. “So are we going to be staying in Yokohama?”

“Very observant koneko,” He voiced proudly. “Yes we are, we‘ll be staying at one of my partner‘s home.”

“So I should be packed by Tuesday,” she paused. “Should I take a taxi to the airport or what do you want me to do?”

“I’ll rent a car and pick you.”

Kaoru quickly interrupted. “But papa you’ll be tired from your flight. You really shouldn’t drive.”

“Don’t worry yourself, you papa isn’t so old he can’t miss a few hours of sleep.” He soothed. “I have a meeting so I have to go. I just wanted to call and give you the news. Call me Thursday.”

“I will papa. I love you.”

“I love you too koneko. Be careful and don’t stay out too late. Or talk to strangers for that matter.”

Amusement settled on her features as she shook her head. “I know papa. Don’t worry. I’ll call you Thursday.”

“All right, goodbye.”

“Bye papa.” Kaoru said ending the call. Her papa had a tendency to worry too much. Though a talk with him always put her in good spirits. She rose off the couch and made her way to the kitchen. She’d make a bit of tea before she began to think of how she would tell Kenshin.

Kaoru boiled the water for her tea, while she looked for the chamomile leaves she’d bought. She pulled a mug from the coverts before she went back for the leaves, preparing to make her tea.

Less the ten minutes later, she found herself outside in the yard, sitting on the ground. Kaoru held the cup close her chest taking sips from time to time. There were a lot of things she needed to do before Friday night. There were things to buy, meals to prepare and reservations to make. There was a lot to think about as well, the photos in the magazines and her father’s visit.

She took a deep breath and then a sip from her cup. Kenshin was very understanding, so he would understand her need to spend some quality time with her papa. She didn’t want to lie more than she had to and this thing with her father, she would like to be able to tell him the truth. As for the pictures, she knew he would be mad for a little bit nothing she couldn’t overcome, she just hoped that the media didn’t follow them around because then she wouldn’t be able to control his reaction. She wouldn’t be able to dissuade him away from his anger, which meant battousai’s presence would be called forth.

A shiver ran down her spine. She knew why but she refused to acknowledge any such thoughts. All she knew was that battousai held the upper hand and it was in her best interest to keep him from emerging. Kaoru took another sip of her tea before she set the cup off to the side. She laid back and propped her arms behind her head. Her eyes glazed over as she stared at the sky. In all their life’s they’d married before she’d turned twenty-one. Her eyes closed at the thought. It wouldn’t do her any good to reminisce over time past. Ignoring the twinge of her heart, she allowed slumber to rob her of thought.

*************

It was dark and chilly. The night was eerily silent he noted as he opened the door to his current home, quietly letting himself in. The house was dark and cold. Like always, he couldn’t understand her fascination for the cold. He made his way up the stairs in but a few strides. All week, he’d looked forward to coming home. His body despite his everyday exercises, felt strained from the work out he’d put it through the last three days.

He walked through the open door into the bedroom, setting his bag down on the floor in it’s usual spot before he began to disrobe. His eyes trailed to the sleeping form on the bed, lying peacefully while she dreamt. Coming home seemed so much better when there was someone waiting. He drew the covers back and slid in. Like always he scooped her into his arms, bringing her closer to him. Kaoru snuggled into the warmth, laying her cheek against his bicep, breathing in his scent with her every breath.

Kenshin leaned just the slightest and kissed her forehead. She mumbled and fisted her hand. He wondered why she did that. His left arm, rubbed her back soothing noting the softness of the material, he smiled.

Her lashes fluttering open where the first sign of her waking up. Kaoru yawned against his skin before she really opened her eyes. “Kenshin,” she mumbled sleepily.

“Aa.”

“I went to sleep early.” A yawn escaped her lips again. “Hoping I would be up by the time you got home.” She sat up rubbing her eyes.

“Why?” He asked beginning to rise. Kaoru turned halting his movements. “I wanted to give you your gift.” She said hopping off the bed. “Stay there a sec.”

Kaoru quickly ran into the bathroom, took a valium and brushed her teeth. She took the gift from underneath the sink and raced back out to the bedroom.

Carelessly jumping back on the bed, she squealed as she landed on him. His arms came around her shoulders, holding her in place so he didn’t topple her with his movements as he sat up. Kaoru moved off him just slightly before she handed him her gift.

“Here, I’ll turn on the light.” She said as she moved behind him and turned on a lamp next to the bed. Her hands took rest on his bare waist while she looked over his right shoulder.

He felt her breath against his neck as he unwrapped the present. He was taken back the actual gift.

“They’re wrist guards,” Kaoru explained as she picked up one of the two. “A collector's item from the nineteenth century, Edo dynasty.” She leaned on his back as she continued. “They‘re rumored to have belonged to the Hitokiri Battousai himself.” She turned her face and looked at him.

There was a moment of blankness over his features as he looked from her to the gift. “You don’t like them,” she said as she began to draw back.

“It’s not that.” He quickly interjected, pulling on her hand and settled her on his lap. “I’m just surprised. I collect this kind of stuff.” He trailed off. A smiled blossomed on her lips. “So you do like them then?”

“Aa,’ he said putting the box aside.

She halted his hand. “No put them on.”

His left eyebrow rose and she blushed in response. “I just wanted to see what your hands looked like with them on.”

He nodded and strapped them on. He fisted his hands feeling the familiar grip on his arms as he tried them on. Kaoru’s gaze was focused on his hands and with the slightest touch, her fingers began to trace over his right hand, feeling the hardened material. It was very possible he’d once used these, she thought, fought and killed in these.

Her eyes where slow in moving up his bare arm, she could almost see the dark blue gi, she could see him as he was. Her eyes moved over his face, avoiding his left cheek she focused on his eyes instead.

Kenshin’s hand had settled on her thigh while a familiar dryness filled his throat and something in him began to stir. This moment, it felt like they’d already had it before. It was impossible of course but he couldn’t shake the feeling off.

Her eyes were soft when she looked at him, caressing him with her gaze. “Happy anniversary.” She murmured just loud enough for him to hear.

Flecks of gold began to swirl in the depths of his gaze, responding to something in her stare. “Happy anniversary,” he responded just as low before he bent down and laid a kiss on her lips.

Kaoru‘s left hand wrapped around a wrist guard as he deepened the kiss, fueling the spark into a flame. He kissed her with a controlled intent. Slowly he pulled back, gaining his breath and reading the expression on her face.

“I haven’t bought your gift.”

Kaoru nodded. “That’s ok.” A gift isn’t so much what she wanted, not right now. She pulled his head back down with her right hand, keeping her left on his wrist. He sensed the need behind the gesture and so he remained complacent, allowing her freedom to pull him, bending him to her will with the touch of her skin and the brush of her lips.

Kaoru kissed him softly, not understanding why only knowing that she had to. Feeling a need stronger than mere desire, she needed to be close to him, as close as she could be.

He found her lips to be soft and inviting, luring him into a web he couldn’t quite see. Gentle kisses turned firm, growing hard with intensity. Her kisses became more insistent until finally he let go of his control and began kissing her ravenously, drawing her into the murky depths of desire. Wanting to drown them both in the passion that flared between them every time the touched.

When finally he released her lips she swayed in his embrace feeling too light in the head and too short of breath. She pulled back to see his face and found her self transfixed by an amber gaze. Eye to eye she stared at the man of her dreams, her heart skipped a beat. Would this be another cruel dream?

“Will you still be here when I wake up?” Her voice was a soft rasp, light with longing and a feeling he couldn‘t quite place.

“Aa.” He kept the rest to himself, promising her today and forever might be too soon. Kaoru nodded finding that to be enough. All her dreams where treacherous beings showing her a happy past, this would be no different she thought, this would be just another dream. She closed her eyes and tucked her head just under his chin, listening to his heartbeat. It beat to the rhythm of hers perhaps because it belonged to her. “Mine.” She said laying a kiss on his skin just over where his heart drummed against his chest.

Kenshin nodded, agreeing to what he thought she meant.

*************

A soft rhythmic drumming pulled on her senses, persuading her to come back out of slumbers grasp. Slowly she opened her eyes, hearing the palpitation of his heart. Kaoru was slow to rise momentarily surprised to find him in bed again. Dryness had settled in her mouth, a side affect to her prescription no doubt. She knew if she moved he would wake, sighing she took the chance anyways and reached over to her nightstand, retrieving a water bottle she’d placed there the night before, after taking her sleeping pill.

The water soothed her dry throat but it did nothing for the drowsiness she still felt. She lay back down again, snuggling against his side. There were things they needed to do today. She propped herself on one of her elbows and looked down at his sleeping form. It didn’t take long for her emotions to begin thrashing against one another, rousing feelings she rather not know. Kaoru laid her head back on his chest, seeking shelter in his warmth.

Kenshin’s arm came around her waist, pulling her on top of him. “What’s wrong?”

Kaoru smiled against his chest feeling the bad ebbing away. “I'd made plans for us to spend the day out in Otsu but we should have left sometime ago.”

“It’s only twelve,” his voice rumbled deeply before he cleared his throat. “We could be there in an hour, less than that if there’s no traffic.”

Kaoru lifted her head up, suddenly delighted by the thought. “We can still go then?”

“Aa,” he confirmed.

Blushing she rolled off him, taking the blanket with her as she stood. He laughed at her shyness and she blushed even more. She averted her eyes from his naked form and quickly strode into the bathroom for a shower.

Kenshin watched her until she closed the door. Thinking, she really was the cutest thing. Shaking his head Kenshin stood, put on his boxers and headed down stairs for a small bite before she finished her bath.

He was surprised to find many containers of food in the fridge, he could only guess as to why. Probably another picnic he thought. He opened a container from the bottom, surprised again to find curry chicken. It was weird how she could sense his likes and dislikes. He began to eat from the container planning on eating only a little bit. But before he knew it the container was empty.

He wanted to be sorry that he ate it all but it was much too good and so it was hard to feel guilty. He washed the dish and quickly made his way upstairs. He had enough time to change the bedding before Kaoru stepped out of the bathroom clothed in her terry robe.

Kenshin walked past her when she caught his hand. “Don’t take too long.” She said laying a kiss on his chin. Her eyes narrowed then, as she smelled his breath. “Kenshin,” she began. “Did you eat all of it?”

Surprised to say the least he gapped at her for a sec. “That was for tomorrow.” She sighed then shook her head. “Did you like it at least?”

He nodded. “Well as long as you liked it, I guess that’s all right.” She smiled and patted his back. “Go shower.”

“Yes ma’m.” She only smiled at his response. Kaoru waited till she heard the shower before she pulled a rolled piece of tissue from her pocket, an extra Valium and sleeping pill just incase they decided to spend the night. She tucked the small tissue into her lipstick case, securing it close before she put it in her purse.

She laid out his clothes and then changed into her own. Dark fitted jeans and a soft pink v-neck was her choice for the day. They would be walking the rest of the day and so she’d decided on white keds. It went with the white cami that peeked from her v-shirt.

She hoped Kenshin liked the clothes she’d gotten him. Her fingers rubbed the material of his pants when the bathroom door suddenly opened.

His hair was dark, tousled and wet. Wearing a towel around his waist, he looked at her and the items laid on the bed. “What’s this?” He said coming closer to the bed.

Her eyes were slow to pull away from his chest; she swallowed and met his gaze. “They- they’re special edition cargo pants. They looked like your military pants I know but I thought you could wear them anyways. “I wanted to see what you’d look like-” Her words were suddenly cut off by his mouth. The abrupt kiss stopped her babble and it wasn’t long before she sighed, melting into his embrace.

He pulled back watching her eyes flutter open. He smiled at the dazed look in her eyes. He was touched that she’d bought him clothes. It showed she thought of him even when he wasn’t there. “Thank you.” He said laying a soft kiss on her lips.

Kaoru nodded, feeling strangely happy that he’d liked what she’d bought. She looked away as he dropped his towel and began to get dressed. She didn’t understand where her shyness stemmed from sometimes. But she seemed to be easily embarrassed lately. She frowned trying to think about when that could have started.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes, I’m ready to go.” Kaoru kept her head down when she answered which only made him smile. He put his gun into one of the cargo pockets on his right leg and extra two rounds in a pocket of his left, that and his wallet where the only items he never forgot. He strapped his boots on and then walked over to her side. “Let’s go.”

Kaoru grabbed her purse of the bed and stood. Eyeing the way he looked before he took her hand and led her out of the house.

*************

Loud was really the only way of describing the atmosphere. Music and laughter filled every corner no matter which way he turned. Kenshin stood stock still, feeling out of place within the large crowd. Relief washed over his features when Kaoru finally returned from the restroom.

“Sorry,” she apologized. “There was a line.” She grabbed his arm and dragged him around again, loving the atmosphere of the fair. They’d eaten less than twenty minutes ago so it’d be just a bit more before they could actually get on the rides.

“Let’s see how much stuff I can win for you today.“ Kaoru said running on ahead. She paused in front of a booth where she knew for sure that she’d win. She paid the youth working the stand and took the rings from his hand. Tossing the rings onto a bottleneck without any problems, she squealed and jumped in place. “What do you want?“ She said as she grabbed his arm.

He looked at the line of toys, none really catching his eye. He frowned, not knowing what he should choose.

“How about the monkey?” She suggested, eyeing the white stuffed animal. “Oh, the ninja.” She enthused. “Give us the ninja.”

The boy from the stand handed over the ninja to her waiting hands. “His eyes,” Kaoru pointed out. “Are the same color as yours.” Strangely enough Kenshin found that to be true. “I’ll hold on to it for you.” She said, already putting it into her purse though the head stuck out allowing her to zip it only half way close. “That’s okay, he can watch.” She smiled and grabbed his hand again.

Kenshin felt the tension of the last few days easing away as the day progressed. He found the music enjoyable after awhile, the sound of screaming children actually growing on him. It was odd. He hitched up the bear he was carrying adjusting it again to keep it from falling.

Kaoru smiled at him. “Bet you wish now you hadn’t made that deal now, huh?”

He turned his eyes to her gloating features. “No,” He didn’t regret the deal. There was no way she would have been able to carry everything he’d won for her. It was much easier for her to carry what she’d won for him than the other way around. “I knew I’d win more than you.”

“Mou,” she turned her face away, restrapping a monkey around her neck. “There’s two booths left.” She walked on ahead disappointed when she found they were selling things rather than where she could win more things for him. Her lips formed into a pout. “It’s not fair.” She muttered under her breath.

Disappointed as she was she still bought something. “I’ll have a funnel cake.”

Kenshin groaned. How could she eat so much and still remain the size she was. He’d never seen her exercise.

“It’ll be about five more minutes before it’s done.” An elder woman managing the stand called out to Kaoru over the roar of the rides.

“We’ll be back in five, please save mine. I want to go to the last booth.” The elder woman nodded at Kaoru. “Come on.” She said moving on to the last booth.

“Oh, henna tattoos.”

“Your funnel cake.” Kenshin reminded.

“Yeah, she’ll save me one.” Kaoru said hailing one of the attendants.

“What are you going to get?” He asked, standing right behind her.

“A dragon, just like you though yours will be larger.”

Kenshin’s eyebrow rose. “And I agreed when?”

“I always wanted to date a guy with a tattoo.” Kaoru explained. “And since you’re my boyfriend-”

“You think that means I have to.” Kenshin finished for her.

Kaoru nodded. “Please Kenshin. Pretty please.”

He thought about it. It wasn’t a big deal and she did want them to be matching tattoos. There was no harm in going along with it. It was only henna, “maybe,” he said, dragging out her plea.

Kaoru scrunched up her face, not sure of how to convince him. “I’ll share my funnel cake with you.”

The corners of his mouth hitched up. “So you weren’t going to share?”

“Well maybe I was going to give you a bit.” She acceded. “How about,” she paused while she thought. What could she give him? Baka, she thought suddenly. She really was slow sometimes. “How about a kiss for your troubles?”

An eyebrow arched. “A kiss?”

She nodded, drawing closer.

“Miss?”

Kaoru stopped and turned to attendant she’d hailed.

“What did you want to get?”

“My boyfriend and I are getting matching dragons. I’ll be going first.” Kaoru explained.

“All right, follow me.”

“All right.” Kaoru turned and tucked a bill into Kenshin’s pocket. “For the funnel cake,” she said before she walked away to where the attendant stood. Kenshin sighed and then went back to the previous booth to wait for her cake.

It was twenty minutes before she finally emerged from behind a red curtain. Kenshin rose from where he’d been sitting, concern written on his face as she approached him.

“It’s your turn.” Kaoru said. “Leave the stuff there.”

“It’s getting late and you haven’t had dinner.”

“We’ll eat once you get yours, come.” She helped him unload the stuffed animals off his back, setting them carefully on the floor before she pulled on his hand. Dragging him back through the same curtain she’d just stepped out from.

“You’ll have to take off your shirt,” She said, already tugging it up.

“Just where did you want them to put it?”

“On your back.” She said exposing his stomach.

“Oh, my?” Both Kaoru and Kenshin turned to the artist; the woman blushed and turned her face away. Embarrassed by the renegade words.

Kaoru smiled, looking over his body possessively. He was beautiful, strong and built just the way she liked him. She tugged on his shirt again, reminding him of the task at hand.

Kenshin sighed and pulled the shirt off with one swift moment. He sat on the chair and waited. Kaoru moved around behind him. “I want it from here,” she said touching high up on his back. “To here,” which was just above where his pants started.”

“Twenty minutes.” The woman assured.

Kaoru walked back around and knelt in front of him. “Do you want anything to drink? Water, soda or juice,” she offered.

“I’m fine.”

“I’m going to go buy some juice but I’ll be right back.” Kaoru leaned up on her heels and kissed his chin. Kenshin only nodded.

Kaoru rushed out and back to the previous booth. She was glad to find there was no line. “Small pineapple juice,” she ordered. “On second thought make that a medium.” Kenshin may say he doesn’t want any but he’ll drink it once it’s there.

She paid for it and began searching her purse for her pill. She found the Valium table had fallen out of its confine. Bothered a bit she looked for the sleeping pill as well which she found in a corner of her purse. She tucked the small pill into her jeans before she popped the Valium tablet into her mouth, taking a long sip from her drink to wash it down.

She turned again and headed back to where she’d left him. This had been fun, she thought, more than she could have imagined. Kaoru pushed the curtain aside and stepped back into the small space. She knelt in front of him again, holding the straw to his lips. “Drink.”

Kenshin drank the icy liquid, finishing it into large gulps. “I knew you’d be thirsty.” Kaoru said running her fingers through his bangs. “I was thinking we could stay here tonight, that way you wouldn’t have to drive back when it’s late.”

“We’ll stay if you want but I don’t mind driving back. It’s better at night, less traffic.”

Kaoru nodded in understanding. “We’ll eat out here then.” She said, dropping her hand to his arm. “Before we drive back.”

“That’s fine.”

*************

It was morning she realized when she opened her eyes and still fully clothed. She put her hand to her head trying to remember. They’d spent all of Saturday at the fair, leaving somewhat late. Afterwards they’d driven to a restaurant where she‘d had something to eat as well as to drink. That she realized must have been her mistake. Alcohol and medicine don‘t mix, even though it was just a glass of light wine, it seemed like that did her in. At least she didn‘t have a headache.

She walked over to the bathroom, washing her face and teeth before she combed her hair. Kenshin never got to see her tattoo. Sighing she took her medication before she changed her clothes.

Her head was half way through her shirt when she realized Kenshin might not be home. Which meant that he might see a picture of them somewhere. “Oh no.”

She finished dressing as quickly as she could, before she ran down, hoping to find him somewhere below.

“Kenshin.” She called out when she reached the bottom of the stairs. “Kenshin,” she said as she peeked into the kitchen. Her racing heart began to pound the closer she drew to the yard.

She slid the door open, somehow she knew. “Empty,” she murmured. Standing in the cold a full minute before she closed the door. Desolate, she walked back to the living room. Though halfway there she heard the slamming of a door.

His car door, she thought as she raced to the front door. “Kenshin.” She met him halfway across.

The disgruntle look on his face quickly faded away at seeing her in his clothes. He caught her in his arms, holding her in place. “You didn’t leave a note.” She said tossing her arms around his neck.

“I wanted to get your gift.” He explained.

“You didn’t have to; you got me the bracelet already.”

He nodded; “Still I wanted to get you something.” He pulled a small box from his pocket when he suddenly turned. “I don’t believe this.”

Light flashed across Kaoru’s vision blinding her to the spot. “Kenshin.” She called out, feeling him gone. She rubbed her eyes, blinking to clear her sight. His arms came around her suddenly, leading her back inside.

“What was that Kenshin?” She said once they were inside.

“Stupid photographers, nothing to worry about.”

Kaoru held her tongue finding it better to remain silent then to add to the growing problem. “I’ll make us breakfast.” Was all she said, leaving him alone to his thoughts.

Kenshin stayed behind, walking into the living room. He pulled out the roll of film he’d taken from the photographer’s camera. Bastard was lucky Kaoru was there or he would have done more than to toss his camera, grunting he let those thoughts drop. He bent in front of the fireplace, tossing in a few logs before he fixed a fire; he let the flames blaze before he tossed the roll into the hearth. Turning on his heel Kenshin left, walking away from the flames in search of Kaoru. He walked into the kitchen and spotted her right away. Moving around as she prepared their food, he took a seat at the table and watched her.

Looking at her body he wondered where she’d had them put the tattoo. Even though it was henna the large dragon on his back looked real enough. He’d spent some time looking at it after he’d woken up which brought him back to the same thought. “Where’s your tattoo?”

Kaoru turned with a ladle in her mouth, a smile began to curve her lips. She put the spoon aside and walked over to him till she was within arms reach. Turning her back to him she lifted her shirt up.

He blinked trying to clear his thoughts. His fingers were cold against her skin causing her to shiver when he traced the design low on her back. The dragon was at least five times smaller than his but still just as well drawn. The legendary beast stretched out magnificently, so low on her back, one of the claws lay over her tailbone.

“Do you like it?”

“Aa,” his voice rumbled deep in his throat, making Kaoru turn around. His hands however held her in place as they settled on her hips in a strong grip. He wanted to know why she’d picked a dragon as the design they both now wore. How could she have known that if he‘d had a choice, he‘d have place it right in the same spot, low on her back so that only he could see it when they were alone. How could she know so much of his wants? He laid a kiss on the marred skin, licking the outline of the dragon.

“Kenshin,” she rasped. “Our food?”

His mouth settled high on her buttock, biting down the supple flesh. Kaoru cried out and arched against his hold, struggling again to turn around. Reason flashed across his thoughts and he knew he should let her go. But desire ruled over him, dominating his acts and dictating his demeanor. His breath was hot against her skin as he struggled to keep his movements slow. He lusted after her but the feeling was born out of his affection and emotions rather than mere desire alone. He wanted her desperately because he loved her and when they where joined together her heart beat along with his, crying out for more.

“Please,” Kaoru called to him trying to loosen his hold on her waist. Afraid he might be hurting her, he let go, swallowing the lump in his throat all in an effort to compose himself but he found not even enough time for that. Kaoru straddled his knee and tossed her arms around his neck, bringing his head down for a kiss. She swallowed his breath, devouring the inside of his mouth.

He gripped her tightly around the waist so much so he was afraid he’d crush her with his hands. Her fingers undid the band of his hair before threading through large sections of his locks. Heat emanated from her body scorching him through the material of his shirt. Until finally he rid himself of the hindrance and tossed the shirt to the floor.

Kaoru’s free hand smoothed over his back while her other remained in his hair, moving his head to guide the kiss. She bit him repeatedly, suckling on his tongue, pressing herself so close; he couldn’t help but groan when she moved.

His arm had come around her waist, holding her to him while the other kneaded her breast. Arching against his hand, she mewled into his mouth when he squeezed the pliable flesh, pinching the hardened nub. His touch was unrelenting and she whimpered in response to the persistent caress.

She bit his throat, sinking her kitten teeth into his flesh before she lapped and sucked on the spot. Kenshin groaned at the intensity of the suction, feeling all the blood in his veins rushing south. She simply overwhelmed him when she rubbed her knee against his groin. “I love-” he cut himself off. “I love that you want to but I think we should head upstairs.”

She nodded and stood, quickly pulling him behind her. Kenshin swallowed hard, calling himself a million times the fool. He’d almost told her he loved her. The words had just slipped out; he was lucky this time. Next time he might not be able catch himself in time. He needed to make her fall in love with him fast. He stole a glance of her, feeling his thoughts settling with the promise of his task.

Focusing back on her, Kenshin picked her up before she took another step and tossed her over his shoulder none too gently. “Kenshin,” she gasped as she tried to hold on, he only smiled and patted her bottom as he took the stairs two steps at a time.

This thing between them was enough for now but he would find a way to make her fall in love with him soon enough. He smiled as he tossed her on the bed. It was all a matter of time.

Small Notes: The reason for the pills is explained at last. The binds on her emotions were weakening, allowing more and more to come through. It's why she'd sought the haven only drugs could provide. And from she says, you know that she takes them because she feels she has to not because she wants to.

Kenji's unexpected visit puts a hitch in her plans with Kenshin but it's nothing she can't overcome. She loves her father and is going to spend quality time with him, no matter what.

There are certain things we touch upon in this chapter that aren't completely explained.

1. Kaoru isn't willing to lie to him more than she has to despite the ways she feels.

2. Battousai's presence. She knows he holds the upper hand and she tells herself it's in her best interest to keep him from emerging but at every corner and at every turn it seems that if it's possible for him to appear she pushes him in that direction until amber fills his gaze.

3. She refuses to acknowledge certain feelings as of yet. Feelings that make her shiver or squeeze her heart with a familiar twinge, always when thinking about him.

4. "Mine," a word uttered after she kissed his chest. Kaoru and Kenshin, each have a different idea of what it means.

This is the original version of the chapter and so it does contain the Fair scene.  In the edited version we skip the whole day at the fair, jumping some pages to the morning after. Kaoru wakes up a bit off, chiding herself for the glass of wine she had the previous night. She knows better.

The Valium as a reminder, lasts twelve hours. Alone it's supposed to help her represses the anxiety she feels when she sees him. So far we haven't seen her on the medication alone. It's always the sleeping pill, altering the way the drug works.

Kaoru is halfway through changing when she realizes Kenshin might not be home, though subtle, the thought of him being gone is troublesome and she goes out of her way to look for him.

Why a dragon tattoo?

The Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, just about every attack has something to do with a dragon.

Ryu Shou Sen - "Dragon Flight Flash"

Ryu Tsui Sen - "Dragon Hammer Flash"

Sou Ryu Sen (Kaminari) - "Twin Dragon Flash"

and so on . . . . . .

Since this is battousai, master of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu it was only fitting the symbol for him be a dragon.

Why did Kaoru get one? She got a small version of his tattoo on her lower back and intentionally or not she marked herself with his sign.

Something his subconscious picks up on it, inciting a strong desire he almost can't control and in a moment of weakness, his sentiments spill from his mouth. Luckily he catches himself in time, twisting his words so that she doesn't drawn on what he almost said.

It's becoming harder not to tell her, his will is weakening and so he decides what he needs to do, is hurry things along. He's bent on making her fall in love with him and figures it's only a matter of time before she does.

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