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He broke from the nightmare and realized it was just a dream. No more haunted, empty faces threatening to drown him in rivers of blood, just... everyday life. Sitting up, he brushed his hair out of his face, noting the way his hands shook. Light was just now peeking over the horizon, but he knew there was no way he could get back to sleep now. Ah well, there was always the laundry. Himura Kenshin rose, beginning his day. Let's Get Serious Kamiya Kaoru was alone in bed when she woke up. Which made sense, since she'd been alone when she went to sleep. It was only proper, as an unmarried girl such as herself oughtn't be sleeping with anyone, anyway. But still... it was a little lonely. She had heard stories of Westerners who slept with sheep in their beds, for... companionship. She had heard other stories saying it wasn't sheep, but dogs the white men shared their beds with, and for companionship of a much less physical sense. But Kaoru didn't want a dog, or a sheep for that matter. She already had a Yahiko, that was more than enough pets. No, what she wanted was what some of her female acquaintances claimed she already had, and she would quickly if not somewhat sadly refute them. What, or rather, -who- she wanted was probably up and about now, already washed and dressed and working on breakfast or thinking about laundry or something else utterly unassuming and domestic. Who she wanted was her very own Himura Kenshin, to have and to hold and hang out and do exciting things with, like... um... cook dinner, and, er, do laundry. She decided to ignore the fact that she could do all that now. Why Kaoru had mused about being the lone occupant of her futon this morning, as opposed to every other morning she woke as the lone occupant of her futon was because -while- sleeping she'd been with someone. She'd had the dream again. Not the one where she was Queen of the Amazons and a host of bishounen served her chocolates on silver platters -- actually, she did have that one quite often; she wasn't quite sure why she always woke up before the lap dances -- but no, not that one, the other one. In it, she and Kenshin were sitting side-by-side. She sneaked a glance at him out of the corner of her eye. She found that it hurt to look out of the corners of her eyes for too long. Finally, she turned and looked at him. He looked at her. She smiled. He smiled back. Then he turned back to staring out into space. That continued for another ten minutes or so, until she woke up. "Mou," she commented weakly. That had been depressing. Not even in her dreams could she get anywhere with Kenshin. She set her jaw. Well, that was going to change. Because she wanted him to like her. No, because he really -did- like her, he just hadn't told her yet. He -had- to care for her, at least a little bit. Why else would he have saved her life all those times? Kenshin didn't seem the type to do it just for the free roof over his head. He'd better not be, anyway... Kaoru decided not to pursue that like of thought anymore, since it would probably just make her angry. And she didn't want to be angry. She wanted Kenshin to like her. And really, she couldn't think of any reasons why he wouldn't. She was attractive; if not drop dead gorgeous, she was at least pretty. She could be deadly cute if need be. She was kind and caring and peaceful -- well, when she wasn't yelling or bossing anyone around or beating the crap out of anyone. And that was often enough. ...Well, maybe it didn't really happen all that often at all. The dark-haired girl sighed. Maybe she wasn't giving off the right aura of womanhood... Did she seem like Kaoru the Tantrumy Little Girl? or Kaoru the Mature Woman? Megumi never tried to beat up Kenshin. Mrs. Tanaka down the street didn't force her husband to cook dinner every night. She sighed again. Kaoru had to face it: at least around the house, she was as prone to using her fists as Sano. And, she lamented, Kenshin was probably just as unlikely to marry her as the spiky-haired fighter. "All right then, it's settled," she announced. Kenshin was worth giving up violence. Senseless violence, anyway. The Doll's Festival mockups of herself and Kenshin that Tae had given her remained silent with what Kaoru took as approval. "Just like you have him," she pointed from the Kaoru doll to the Kenshin one, "soon, the real Kenshin will be mine. Just you watch." He watched. He saw the Battousai, calmly filling a washbucket, probably getting an early jump on the laundry that seemed to take up an inordinate amount of his time. He saw a lovely house. Cute, if overly feisty kids to share it with. The biggest troubles in life dirty dishes, or an emergency run to the market for more tofu. He stopped watching, disgusted. How could they allow Himura Battousai to live in this seemingly pastoral bliss? How could -he-, having been wronged by the Battousai's own hands, allow such a person -- he was loathe to use the term "man" -- to continue in this undeservedly easy life? The simple answer? He could not. The not-so-simple answer factored in such things as his nigh-fanatical devotion to the destruction of the Battousai as counterpoint to the questionable logic of challenging the man, as he had already suffered defeat at not only the Battousai's hands, but those of lesser men. In actuality, the not-so-simple answer tried to change its result to something more akin to leaving the Battousai alone, maybe skipping town and starting up someplace near Yokohama, enjoying the weather, maybe starting up a little family. Needless to say, the mysterious figure was not listening to the not-so-simple answer. The mysterious figure was busy laughing. An evil and perhaps closetly maniacal laugh at the fall the Battousai surely would experience at his hands. A long and full laugh, as life, from here on out, would be very, very good. And because of this laugh, it caused him to miss the 'oro' of surprise, and the splash that followed it. In retrospect, it probably wouldn't have made a great deal of difference, as the policeman patrolling the area soon hurried him along, seemingly none too pleased at having a freaky laughing peeping-tom on his beat. Kaoru as well heard nothing out of the ordinary as she finished her morning ablutions and walked to the yard to do some practice before breakfast. But then, she was lost in thought, still trying to narrow her plans to win over Kenshin from 'yeah, that's a good idea' to perhaps something involving some action. Faintly, she heard a sizable amount of water being moved, then noticed the washtub rolling towards her before falling over on its side. Following the trail of spilt suds, she saw her laundry spilled into a heap on the ground, tangled around two sets of ankles. Following those ankles upwards was Kenshin, in the arms of some unidentified woman. Blinking, she stepped forward, vein on her temple beginning to throb. Oh, this wouldn't do, not at all. "Ohayou, Kenshin!" She clamped her hand onto his shoulder, and the pair separated. Actually, it was closer to Kaoru wrenching him out of the other woman's grip, but whatever worked. He scrambled backwards, panting. "Oro..." he turned, eyes meeting Kaoru's. "Kaoru-dono." His tone was desperate, that of one caught between a rock and a hard place. Or rather, a hard fist, in this case. She would pound him good for this one, oh yes-- /Kenshin was worth giving up violence./ . . . Now that just wasn't fair. "Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin repeated, lowering his guard from where he had braced himself for impact. Slowly, painfully, Kaoru unclenched her fist and pried her fingers off of his shoulder, giving a smile that barely reached her lips, much less her eyes. "Kenshin. I see you have a guest." Rubbing the back of his head nervously, he gave an apologetic smile. "Ah.. hai. Guest. Yes. Um, this is," "Tanimura Moemi," the woman piped, flipping mahogany locks over her shoulder. "Himura-sama and I go a ways back, ne? I figured I would come down for a visit." She turned more towards him, an innocently playful smile on her face. "I hope I haven't been too... -forward- in my introduction. It's been a long time." "Of course," Kenshin replied, still looking ill-at-ease. "So," Kaoru piped up, hopeful. "This is who, your older sister?" Moemi laughed unpleasantly. "I'm not quite family yet," she chuckled coyly. "Now, little miss, I don't believe we've been introduced. You're what, Himura-sama's baby cousin?" Baby? Cousin? -Baby-? "No," she snapped, "I'm Kamiya Kaoru, the woman Kenshin lives with." The brunette paused a minute, looking from Kenshin to Kaoru, then smiling again. "And what an interesting life it must be," the woman oozed. They exchanged a pointed look, sizing each other up. She was older, that was the first thing Kaoru noticed. But she wore her age quite well -- maybe not as young looking as Kenshin, but far from matronly. She wore a simple but beautiful burgundy and navy kimono, the dark colors emphasizing her pale skin. Large, almond-shaped emerald eyes peered from hooded lids. Her lips were red and full; pouty, one might say. Kaoru immediately felt self conscious of her quick ponytail and worn, off-white training gi. She hadn't planned to have to impress him this early in the day! No, don't panic, she could do this. Think calm. Think positive. "Ano," Kenshin began. "Yes, Kenshin?" Kaoru barked. See? Calm. Sortof. "Yes, Himura-sama?" Moemi asked, tone amiable. The man blanched, but continued. "I was about to... er, it's time for..." He took a breath. "Would you care to join us for breakfast?" He sneaked a pleading look at Kaoru. Her eyes narrowed further. All right, screw positive. There -would- be a good explanation for this. Or else. "Certainly," Moemi said, gliding closer to Kenshin. "Anything for you, Himura-sama. I appreciate the consideration." Kaoru appreciated the self-control of her sphincter, for keeping her from vomiting. "I'll start the rice then." Kenshin attempted a smile, gaining some momentum now that he was back in familiar territory. The woman looked dismayed. "-You're- doing the cooking?" She failed to conceal a disapproving glance at Kaoru. "Well, it's only fair, since I'm boarding with Kaoru-dono. Plus, I'm a better--" "Don't worry, Kenshin, I'll get it today." Kaoru really could have killed him. He didn't have to bring up relative cooking abilities. "Are you sure?" "Positive. This'll give you and your friend some time to get a little closer." If that's physically possible, she muttered. "Ah... all right," Kenshin said, nodding. Kaoru actively paid him no notice as she turned towards the house, stumbling over the still-overturned washbucket. She lifted it, and if as she tossed it over her shoulder it happened to bean Kenshin directly in the head, that really didn't count as violence in her opinion, so it worked out. Kaoru bustled through the kitchen, practically throwing things onto plates and bowls. She -could- cook -- she'd done it for a good ten years. Never mind the fact that Father had arranged most of the meals... She'd show them all. An easy, traditional breakfast. Rice -- oops, a little burnt. Salmon -- no, they'd eaten the last of it last week. Then, just pickles -- but she couldn't get the jar open. And the tea! She rushed to put water on. The miso had clumped into one large ball, and refused to powder into soup. "How does Kenshin -do- this?" She kicked out in frustration, surprised when her foot ran into flesh. "Oi, oi, Jou-chan... what's the big idea?" Sagara Sanosuke stood before her, eyes lidded in a dark grimace. "Sano! Eh... I didn't see you there." The girl sweatdropped slightly, then changed, narrowing her eyes. "What are you up so early for?" "Can I not visit my favorite dojo in Tokyo without being beaten or given the third degree? Visitors get so little consideration," he sniffed. "Talk to Kenshin if you want someone overly friendly to visitors -- he enjoys getting close to strangers." "Eh?" he grunted in question. He peered after her as she began brutally spooning the less burnt portion of the rice into a large bowl. "Jou-chan... something bugging you?" The girl stopped, looking at Sano like he was having troubles grasping some elementary concept... which, incidentally, he was. "No, not at all," she said, sarcasm dripping from every pore. "Open this," she commanded, thrusting the jar of pickles at him. He complied, silently for once. This would blow over. She could deal with this. Food soothed the savage beast, or something like that, right? Now that she'd made this spectacularly tasty breakfast, Kenshin would have no choice but to see that she was all the woman he needed. "What was that?" Sano asked. She blushed, realizing she had been speaking at least some of that aloud. "Shut up and take this," she snapped, shoving a tray of food into his hands. Grabbing the tea, she stalked out of the kitchen, vowing to find the truth, so there would be some justification to her previous lack of violence. In the dining room, the other three were already seated around the table, Moemi next to an uncomfortable Kenshin, while Yahiko sat across from the pair. They were engaged in light conversation primarily about Yahiko's fighting ability, while Kenshin deferred commenting and Moemi acted politely interested. "Okay, food's ready!" Kaoru interrupted, plopping her tray on the table. Sano followed, albeit markedly less fiercely, and sat next to Kenshin. Barely masking a scowl, she kicked the white clad man over and sat next to him. Moemi looked from her to the empty side of the table. "What's wrong?" Feeling her face redden, Kaoru struggled for an excuse. "That's... that's for..." Pattering feet. "Ken-niichan! Where are you?" It was Ayame and Suzume, Dr. Genzai's charges. Never before had Kaoru been so happy to see the little moochers... "Ayame-chan, Suzume-chan. Please, sit down." She indicated the empty space. "How is Genzai-sensei?" "He's out on house call. Said we could visit." "Who's Ken-niichan's friend?" "Who indeed?" Kaoru muttered. Giving a polite, half-lidded smile, Moemi introduced herself again. 'That wasn't quite the answer to the question, was it,' Kaoru thought, passing round tea. "So, Tanimura-san. What brings you here?" Sano asked, idly piling rice into a bowl. "Well, I'm from Izumo. While out on travels some years ago, I met with a brilliant man, handsome, intelligent, skilled. Himura-sama." She turned to Kenshin, who looked back blankly. "Sano? The rice?" Yahiko asked. "Oh," he said, finally noticing his bowl was filled to overflowing. "Long night." "Tea?" Suzume begged. "Miso!" Ayame declared. "Miso," Suzume agreed. Only slightly daunted by the lack of interest in her story, Moemi continued. "So... that time, you made me a promise, and now I'm here to collect." She turned, gazing at Kenshin earnestly. "I'm here to become your wife." Silence fell like a dead body. Kaoru felt the world turning white. "Excuse me," a soft voice broke the silence. Kenshin. "I'm sorry, I have no recollection of this. When did this happen?" Her face tightened imperceptibly. "It was fourteen years ago today." "Oro?" They facefaulted, Yahiko spraying food from his mouth. "Yahiko-niichan, you've gotten Ken-niichan all wet," Ayame pointed out. The room was silent for two beats, then three. There was an audible plop as partially-chewed rice fell to the table. Moemi smiled benignly. Ayame and Suzume beamed back. Kaoru and Sano sat stonefaced. Yahiko's eyebrows raised, mouth in an 'o'. Kenshin blinked slowly, lips pursed. "So, Moemi-neesan and Ken-niisan are gonna get married?" Ayame blinked cutely. "Married!" Suzume echoed. "No," Kenshin, Kaoru and Yahiko objected simultaneously. Kaoru noticed her voice was noticeably more forceful than the others', and reddened slightly. "Tanimura-dono, I'm afraid I can't consent to this," he said, shaking his head. "I don't believe I've ever met you before..." Moemi frowned. "You don't remember?" Kenshin shook his head slowly, his thinking coming up blank. "No..." "Are you -sure-?" she pleaded. "..." He thought back harder... The boy with the sword frowned, what little faith in human kindness he held dropping by the minute. He was cold, probably sick, and-- *GROWL* ... He clutched his stomach, embarrassed. "Hey oniisan, you okay?" He turned to see a girl with looks that could only be described as 'cute', offering him a rice ball. She smiled and introduced herself as he gobbled down the food. "I'm Tanimura Moemi." "Himura Kenshin," he said over a mouthful of rice. "Oh." Kenshin brightened somewhat. "Saa... that was a long time ago. Thank you again for helping me back then. "She and her mother nursed me back to health when I was sick," he explained for the benefit of the others. "How's your mother doing?" "She's fine," Moemi's smile became a little strained. "She's eager to see you again, for you to fulfill your promise." "Oro? Promise?" Kenshin repeated stupidly. Kenshin knelt before the child. "Yep, I'd better get going. Thanks for all your help." He gave an easy smile, trying to avert the trembling lip of the girl facing him. "Are you going to come back?" Moemi asked, face serious. "I'll try." "That's not good enough. Marry me?" "Maa..." the teen hedged, scratching his head. "Pleeese?" She looked into his eyes and blinked a few times cutely. "Uh..." He'd never see her again... If it made her happy for now, why not humor the kid? "Sure, whatever." He sweatdropped as she grabbed him in a bear hug. "Promise," Kenshin remembered stupidly. "Shoulda known something like that'd come back to bite you in the ass," Sano noted around a wide yawn. "Pretty precocious kid," Kaoru muttered. "He's got chicks he doesn't even remember..." Yahiko shook his head with admiration. "Kenshin is -such- the man." Ignoring the three, Moemi spoke straight to her 'prince'. "So, Himura-sama... are you ready? Come back with me, ne?" "M-maa..." the man hedged, scratching his head and looking furtively around the table. Kaoru turned away at his gaze. Moemi's eyes narrowed. "Or... you aren't already..." Her gaze sat firmly on Kaoru. "Oh -NO-! Of course not!" the pair said, arms raised in denial. "I'd never do such a thing," he laughed nervously. "Yes, and he's so -old-," Kaoru answered, somewhat pleased by his slight wince. He hadn't needed to be -that- assertive in his denial. Did he really have feelings for this woman? Had they really had a relationship, fourteen years ago? She bit her lip, eyes unable to avoid the sight of Moemi cuddling up to Kenshin like she owned him. And, as a small, perverse part of her stabbed, they looked rather comfortable together. Extricating her fingers from where she'd dug them into the tatami mat floor, she stood, shakily attempting a smile. "Let me clear the empty dishes, then." Kaoru began gathering people's dishes, full or not. After Yahiko hit her for trying to take the remnants of his breakfast, she drifted off into the kitchen without even a sharp word. After a brief exchange of glances, Sano rose and followed her. This couldn't be happening. Kaoru slammed the dishes onto the counter, into the washwater, back onto the counter. Her favorite bowl shattered, cutting open her hand, and she sank to the ground, giving a moan of frustration. How could she have thought she had a chance? How could a day beginning so well end up so wrong? "Jou-chan?" Immediately she stilled, wiping her face and quieting down to a held sniffling. She wanted to tell him to leave her alone, but no words came. Sano turned to her, face unreadable. Kaoru realized how pathetic she must look, curled in a ball in the corner. "I'm sorry," she said, a catch in her voice. She turned away, waiting for him to start teasing her. Instead, he was quiet, awkwardly putting his arms around her. "It isn't like you to be all depressed, so cheer up, okay?" At the gruff statement, she moved closer, turning it into a formal embrace. She allowed herself to be held by him, allowed a few tears to escape her eyes and sink into the warm fabric of Sano's coat. "Sano," she cried into his shoulder. "It'll be okay, Kaoru," he murmured, tentatively stroking her hair. "If there's anything you need, then, uh, yeah," he trailed, looking uncomfortable. Then the kitchen door opened, and they both looked up. Kenshin was standing with a tray of dishes, a frozen expression on his face. "Kenshin," they breathed simultaneously, Kaoru automatically pushing away from Sano, and he pulling her closer. "I just wanted to know if you were all right here in the kitchen, Kaoru-dono." The girl looked to Sano, still unsure of her voice. "We're -- uh, she's fine, I think," the teen mumbled, looking at her with -- tenderness? Kaoru weakly nodded. "Aa," Kenshin said. Dropping off the dishes, he quietly left. Sano and Kaoru watched as the kitchen door slid shut behind him. "That was rude," he sniped. "Sano..." She pounded him. "Baka. Let go of me." "Geez, guess you're better," he continued, rubbing his head. "I guess I'll just be going," he said loftily, brushing off his knees and stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Sano," she called after him. He looked back, and she dipped her head shyly. "Thanks." "No problem," he waved off. "You'll just owe me, it's okay." He grinned at her look. "Happy dishes." "Dish... wait!" The kitchen door slid shut once more. "Mou..." "See, while Kenshin -is- the man, and all chicks dig him, there's no way he could ever get married." Yahiko leaned forward, engrossed in his topic. "He's just too cool to settle down. With only one woman, anyway," he qualified with a conspiratorial wink. "So," he splayed his hands, "you see why even though you aren't that bad looking, I can't welcome you with open arms. Understand?" Moemi cocked her head and smiled. "Strangely enough, I do. No one should ever -have- to settle down, I think." He gave an odd look. "Then why are you making Kenshin get married?" "He's pretty settled already, don't you think?" She indicated the table the man had cleared with no prompting a few minutes earlier. "True. I don't understand all that washing stuff. But Kenshin could kick anyone's ass who complained about it, so I don't." "Yahiko," Kenshin said faintly. "Nan da--" The boy jumped, not having heard his approach. "Kenshin! I wasn't--" "Please watch the girls," he said absently. He left the boy as he beckoned to Moemi over the muffled sounds of commotion in the kitchen. "Tanimura-dono, let me escort you home." "That certainly was an... interesting meal," Moemi noted, hands clasped behind her back. Kenshin nodded, a troubled look on his face. At her questioning look, he snapped from his reverie. "Ah, yes," he finished lamely. Kenshin knew he ought to be paying attention to his guest, but he found his thoughts torn between unease at Moemi's appearance and marriage claim, and the ill looks Kaoru had been giving all morning. And, his imagination kept turning back to the look on Kaoru's face when he'd walked in on them in the kitchen. What all -had- he interrupted between Sanosuke and Kaoru? The man felt his stomach begin to tighten, and it wasn't because of Kaoru's cooking... not entirely, anyway. Some sixth sense, the one that had warned him so many times as the Hitokiri Battousai, the one he'd felt this morning before being... encountered by Moemi, the one that had increased drastically as he'd run into Kaoru and Sano, was coming on strong now. Something was going to happen, presumably something unpleasant for all parties involved, especially the one named "Himura-sama? Himura-sama, we turn here." Kenshin blinked a few times, looking back to the intersection Moemi indicated. Trotting back to meet her, he changed the focus of his brooding. This Tanimura had changed the status quo, and now the tenuous relationship he and Kaoru had built up was melting like wet tissue paper. The woman -did- seem to have a problem she wasn't telling him about, but he wasn't about to run off to Izumo with her, whether she had been nice to him as a kid or not. He would tell her now, before it got too complicated. "Tanimura-dono," he started. She looked crosswise at him, turning away once she had his attention. "You care for Kamiya-san," she commented, rather than asked. "She's been quite kind to me," the redhead replied, a smile touching at his lips. "She must have done something spectacular, for you to stay as her -- well, nanny almost, for no compensation," she pressed. "It's not--" Kenshin swallowed the remaining words, ignoring the jibe and realizing he had no real answer. "I just try not to be a burden," he said carefully. "But if you were to go, you wouldn't be a burden anymore, correct?" He turned to face the woman. Her eyes were face-forward, walking down the road. She walked just past him, then stopped as well, stance regal. "I had hopes, but I didn't really expect you to drop everything to honor a marriage agreement that's fourteen years old. I'll be returning to Izumo in ten days. I hope that by that time, you will be willing to come with me." "Tanimura-dono," he began. She shushed him with a hand. "I'll see you tomorrow, Himura-sama. Prepare yourself. I can be quite... convincing." Her smile was honey. She pressed close enough so he could tell her scent, rose petals and something else unidentifiable; she reached to him, almost brushing against his cheek, instead pushing a stray lock of hair out of his face. "Mata ashita, ne?" With a flip of red-brown hair, she was off. Flushing, Kenshin idly raised his hand to his cheek. He had watched her make it most of the way down the street and around the corner before realizing that he had neglected to tell her he had no intention of accepting his offer. Unfortunate... Kenshin sighed, finally turning with a shrug. He'd have another chance to see her; she'd promised as much. And, if worst came to worst, the woman was leaving in ten days. Surely, without encouragement, she'd go away without any trouble. That way, everyone could keep their dignity, and no one's feelings really had to be hurt. Yes, that would definitely be the simplest way, wouldn't it? The redhead actively ignored the black cat which crossed his path and the tie to his sandal that snapped almost immediately after the thought crossed his mind. Damned inauspicious symbols. Things were going definitely less than ideally, but Moemi had expected that. She wouldn't push him; that's why she gave him the day to think about it. It also gave her the day to plan. All she needed was a catch, someone close to him, an in to the group... An idea sprang to life, and she began to act on it. "Oi, Kenshin." The rough voice was inimitable. Kenshin turned to see the familiar lanky figure of Sano strolling towards him. Out of courtesy, he waited for the ex-gangster to catch up before resuming his walk down the street. "Nice night," Sano commented, hands in his pockets. "Mm," Kenshin nodded, not particularly encouraging. The pair continued in silence for a few strides until Sano began again. "What's up with this woman?" "Eh?" The slight man started, half expecting the question, half annoyed by its asking. He had gone on this walk to forget about Moemi for a while, not to plow through his all-too-temporary respite. "Woman?" He played dumb, hoping against hope that he would be asking about someone, anyone else. No such luck. "Tanimura Moemi. You and Tanimura Moemi. What do you think of her?" Kenshin pursed his lips, measuring his words. "When I met her before, she was a charming young girl, kind, friendly... enthusiastic." He paused, a small part of him rueing the day he ever decided to talk to her. "Now that she's grown, I'm sure she's the same. Determined." "You could say that. Attractive, isn't she?" He shrugged. "Lots of women are." "I heard about this morning," the teen grinned. "You seem to like the forward type." "What's that supposed to mean?" "What are you all offended about? You like a take-charge sort of girl, one who'll lead you around, tell you what to do. Kinda like Jou-chan." "Oro?" Kenshin was glad it was dark, because he was sure he was blushing to his toes. "Kaoru-dono?" "Well, you like her, don't you?" Like her? If that meant he'd willingly spare his life to make her happy, he'd agree to menial tasks with abuse in return, he'd keep up a happy pleasant face instead of ever showing his real feelings, then yes, he liked her. He liked her a lot. But that was as far as it could ever go. For the Battousai, the cold, efficient, brutal killer, penance was wielding a sword to protect innocents. Penance did not include getting close to said innocents so that they might be hurt. Ignoring the fact that he already was too close, as conflicts with Jin-E and the Oniwabanshuu had already shown, he couldn't really afford to get any closer. He was unworthy to even bring up the idea of anything more. It was for her own good. For all of them. "It's not... like -that-," he lied. "I consider her a dear friend, and I hope I'm the same to her. I really don't see any need for anthing more." There, that sounded natural enough. "Really?" Kenshin couldn't tell if he was disbelieving or... eager. "So is that why you're hanging with this new woman?" "I-- No." The redhead sighed, an errant hand running through his bangs. "I'm sure that someday soon Kaoru will find someone to be happy with for the rest of her life." "Not you?" The voice was tinged with mocking. Kenshin shook his head, lost in thought. Not even something he would allow his mind to consider. "Not me." They were both silent, the dirt and rocks of the road crunching under their feet. Wait. Had he really sounded all that pathetic? Slipping his pleasant mask back into place, he turned to the younger man. "Why do you ask?" "No reason, no reason." Sano grinned smugly, a fishbone dangling from his lips. "Just was wondering, if it was -Jou-chan- who'd gotten a suitor, if you'd be feeling the same way." He seemed to glance idly at the shorter man, judging his reaction. Accordingly, Kenshin said nothing to hint at the turmoil that inexplicably sparked through his heart at the concept. "Well?" Sano urged. "Kaoru-dono must do what will make her happy. I will always support her in that." "Really." The tone was thoughtful now. He said no more, letting the silence sit until they reached a fork in the road, one which Sano did not turn at. "You're coming to the dojo?" Kenshin asked, hoping the answer would be no. "Ah? Looks like I am." "Oh," Kenshin commented. Why was he coming anyway? Hadn't he seen Kaoru and the others already today? ...Why did Kenshin even care? "Just because you were just there this morning, so I didn't think you'd be around for dinner," he commented, realizing he was sounding somewhat snippy. If Sano noticed, he made no visible sign. "Yeah, wanted to see Jou-chan for a sec. But if you're offering dinner..." "It's still Kaoru-dono's turn to cook." Sano grimaced. "Che, again?" "How can she improve if she doesn't practice?" he chided. "And she is improving. She's really not that bad." "Going to jail for ten years instead of being executed isn't 'that bad'. That doesn't mean I want to go." But it didn't seem to stop him from coming over, Kenshin noticed, scolding himself for feeling so sore about it. It wasn't a big deal. Sano ate with them all the time. It was kind of late now to start complaining over it. And there wasn't any reason to, anyway. Because it didn't bother him. No. Not at all. Kenshin frowned as Sano grumbled the whole way home. It had to be done; Kaoru had been preparing throughout the day for this, and so she ought to be ready. She was ready. She had no idea what to say. "So," Kaoru began. "So..." Sano waited. "Er... I need... yrhlrp," she mumbled, ducking her head and blushing slightly. "You need what? Once again, in Japanese this time." Kaoru's lips thinned at his mock-serious expression. She just knew that he understood exactly what she was trying to say, and was doing his best to give her a hard time. Infuriating little punk. "I need your help," she uttered stiffly. The teen affected a look of surprise. "My help? Whatever for, Jou-chan?" "You know what for!" she protested. He pretended to think for a second. "There's just some things Yahiko-chan's gonna have to find out for himself." "No!" she bit, face flaming. "With Kenshin! I need your help with Kenshin!" "Jou-chan, he already knows about the birds and the bees... I think." "You're loving this, aren't you." Kaoru scowled. "Yup," Sano grinned triumphantly. "So, let me make sure I've got this straight: little Kaoru-chan wants me to help her woo poor old Kenshin?" He reveled in the dirty look she gave him, returning a sunny smile. "And so the question: should I be true to males everywhere? or help little Kaoru?" "I'm not little," she growled. "Now you sound like Yahiko." "But I'm not! I'm not a child! I'm seventeen years old. My mother was married by the time she was my age, and I don't even have suitors to turn away. Why does everyone treat me like a child?" she cried, stamping her foot. "Maybe because you act like one," Sano noted, none-too-tactfully. "Think about it. You spend most of the day dressed in men's clothing. You fight all the time, you're violent, you eat like a pig, you're as graceless as a drowning rat... need I go on?" Kaoru's expression wavered between incensed and miserable. "What do -you- know?" she accused finally. "A lot, actually. Watching girls is a specialty of mine." She clenched her fists, then dropped them, useless, to her sides. "You're right. I'm just a child. One who'll never grow up or get what she wants." She turned away, forlorn. It had been stupid to think he would really help her, just because he'd acted nice earlier. Sano's face softened. "Hey, hey, I didn't say you weren't salvageable. For some unknown reason, Kenshin's put up with you all this time. That's not for nothing." He raised her chin to look at him, giving a crooked smile. "No worries, Jou-chan. The one and only Sagara Sanosuke is on the case. I will remake you. You will be irresistable. The Sagara charm cannot be stopped, and it can even work for you." "Why does this sound like you're trying to sell me something?" "Hush," he commanded, holding up a hand. "You begged for my help, and now you're complaining?" "'Beg' is a strong word," Kaoru began, but he would have none of it, still holding up a hand as he turned from her. "Don't talk to me, ungrateful. If that's how it's gonna be," he sniffed, mock offended. Kaoru rolled her eyes. "Whatever." She found herself smiling despite herself. "See you tomorrow then." "Only if Kenshin's cooking," he returned. "Stick it in your ear, roosterboy." The ex-gangster made a rude gesture, grinning at her disapproving flush, and left, slouching past where Kenshin was finishing the laundry in the yard, and down the street. What a rude, lewd, uncouth... idiot. And she had just put him in charge of planning her romantic conquest of Kenshin... "Kaoru no -baka-," she moaned, falling back onto the tatami. Looking carefully both ways before crossing, the mysterious figure crept over to his watching place on the fence to the Kamiya grounds. Peering through a knot in the fence, he was pleased to see Kenshin crouched over his washtub with a markedly different expression on his face and in the line of his shoulders than earlier this morning. Something obviously had gone wrong for the Battousai today, and that could only be a good thing. A preview of things to come. "You think you're miserable now, Battousai? Well, this is just a taste of the hell you'll be feeling when I'm done with you! Bwah-hahaha-erk." "Hey, get out of here," a short man said, throwing the mysterious figure out of the way. Judging the results of a conflict between the two men who had appeared behind him and himself, the mysterious figure wisely scurried away, peeping from a corner. The tiny man peered through the knot as well, then looked to his tall companion. "Doesn't look so good. Perfect time for us to make our move, right?" The tall man made no discernable reply, but the short one grinned anyway. "Yosh! Tomorrow then." And the pair walked off, beaning the mysterious figure on the head as they passed. His second-to-last thought before surrendering to unconsciousness was that he'd have to make his move for the Battousai before these newcomers did. His last thought was 'owie'. Kenshin noticed none of this, focusing again on the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. He really, really shouldn't let Kaoru cook again anytime soon.
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Let's Get Serious
By: ee970
Kaoru decides to make progress in her relationship with Kenshin. However, Kenshin seems to be beginning relationships of his own... Spoilers for first season OOCness abounds. Sortof...stalled. Eheh.
Rated: Fiction T - English - Romance/Humor - Kaoru, Kenshin - Chapters: 2 - Words: 16,128 - Reviews: 26 - Favs: 5 - Follows: 2 - Updated: 3/27/2002 - Published: 12/10/2001 - id: 492082
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Full 3/4 1/2 Expand Tighten
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