A/N: In which I disclaim any ownership of Rurouni Kenshin. This fanfic is not to be confused with the movie of the same name...which I also do not have any rights to.

Chapter One of The Proposal.
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The shadow cast by Enishi's Island had reluctantly faded into the past. For the Kenshin-gumi, the revenge-driven Jinchuu was now a gloomy memory.

Although occasionally a particular redhead's sleep was troubled, tormented visions and haunted images of hollow sapphire eyes. He wakes suddenly, his heart pounding in terror. With the lingering odor of coppery blood taunting his senses, Kenshin needed reassurance that it had indeed been just a dream. His calloused feet whispered as he crept down the long hall.

He passed Yahiko's room, the young boy's snoring loud in the still night. Several strides carried him further down the twilight passage, Kenshin paused before another portal. This door might have eased open a fraction, perhaps allowing a troubled gaze to spy the shadowy bundle within. And maybe, just maybe, the gentle scent of jasmine soothed frazzled nerves further. Outside that rice screen barrier, the wanderer quietly sighs with relief.

-~-~-The same morning...but at a more humane hour-~-~-~

The morning sun warming the dojo's roof. Breakfast on the table.

'Another beautiful day,' Kenshin thought happily.

Kaoru's chopsticks pointed at a dark haired youth, "since you're here that means Sano's back in town."

"Yeah," Yahiko mumbled with a mouth full of food.

"Finish eating then answer Yahiko-chan," Kaoru scolded.

"Don't call me little!" the boy hollered.

"You gotta grow up first," she taunted.

Kenshin held up his hands trying to calm the combatants, "this one thinks you should not fight, that is true."

"Busu!" Yahiko sneered and got bopped by his teacher in response.

"Did Sanosuke say why he was back in town?" Kenshin asked trying to prevent more violence.

Yahiko rubbed the newly formed knot, "not really. He just complained about women being aggravating, mumbled something about a fox then told me to head home. He said that he'd be in town for a little while."

"That means he'll be here mooching soon enough," Kaoru stated matter-of-factly.

"You are probably right Miss Kaoru," he agreed, "Though this one wouldn't call it mooching, that I wouldn't."

"You're too nice Kenshin," She huffed seemingly irritated, "that's all you can expect from that bum."

On the other side of town Sanosuke sneezed.

Kaoru stood, "I'd better get ready. I've got a job to help teach today. Are you coming with me, Yahiko?"

The boy shook his head, "I'll be working a couple hours at the Akebeko today."

"Alright, Student, 500 grip strengthening swings before I get back," She orders.

Yahiko's half-hearted grumbling in reply.

Softly chuckling at their argument, more like siblings bickering really, Kenshin loved these days.

After he escorts Miss Kaoru to a neighboring dojo, with her promise of being back before dinner, he returns to the Kamiya Dojo to begin the daily chores.

Hours fly by in a blur of dishes and laundry. His housework interrupted momentarily to prepare Yahiko and himself lunch. The young teen quickly leaving for his shift at the Akebeko restaurant.

Kenshin cleans the floors and finishes the afternoon with some gardening. Taking note of the sun's position, he fires up the bathhouse kiln. A voice calls as he is preparing dinner.

"Welcome back Miss Kaoru. The bath is ready."

"Thanks Kenshin," her footfalls echoing softly as she heads toward the rear of the house.

Kenshin is suddenly on alert when two Ki's enter the property. Both were strong and ready for a fight.

'Sano and Yahiko,' he sighs hearing their voices quarreling, 'What are those two fighting about this time?'

The rurouni bravely headed for the battlefield.

"Yeah right," Yahiko scoffed, "No one in their right mind would..."

Sano's louder assertion, "I saw him! He's filthy rich!"

"A rich guy? Kaoru?" Yahiko shook his head disbelieving.

Kenshin entered the front yard, "This one wishes to know what happened today?"

The tall brawler shuffled his feet, looking guilty, "oh...erm...nothing."

"Kensh-" Yahiko's reply was muffled by Sano's large hand.

"I think it would be best if Kenshin heard it from Jou-chan," the street fighter glared at the younger boy, "don't you agree, Yahiko?

Reluctantly the samurai's son nodded. Sano released his grip, sidestepped, turned tail and ran.

Yahiko gasped in alarm and chased after the taller man yelling, "Coward! Chicken!"

Kenshin shook his head at their evasive antics and resolved to ask Kaoru-dono.

~-~-~Dinner

"Where did the two bottomless pits go?"

Kenshin shrugged, "this one does not know, Miss Kaoru."

"Oh well," she cheered, "more for us."

After dinner was cleared away, Kaoru poured tea for both.

Kenshin thanked her then asked ever-so-casually, "Sano did mention that you had something to talk to this one about?"

"Hmm?" Kaoru sipped her tea, "oh that's right."

His violet gaze watches her, patient, curious.

She smiled serenely, "I received a proposal today."

"Ororo?"

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A/N: Update and editing dedicated to Ayla27 who was my first reviewer for this chapter. Ayla27 said the story could be better and was right. Thank you for the con-crit. Chapter 2 is in progress and will be up soon. TTFN –Manta-Rae