It was 1885 that autumn in Tokyo.
Normally Himura Kenshin avoided the Ginza for anything but a few quaint restaurants and a few special herb stores. But now he was wandering in the city, he was looking the display windows of the great depaato. He had never seen Kaoru or Megumi wear such clothing before, and he had never considered them unfashionable, but times and fashions moved faster than the wind. He had decided perhaps it was time for a change. Kenshin considered the clothes carefully.
Perhaps a French lace parasol like the western ladies carried. Entirely fashionable and nearly impractical. Kaoru would winge. But they all were tired of her old red one with the white peonies painted on the tip. Why should she remain behind the times out of practicalities sake? Wasn't her birthday a time for a special treat for her? He could give it to her at Miss Megumi's special Biifu Paati. He was looking through all the parasols at a place far more expensive then the general store.
He found one covered in rose and white lace. Kenshin opened the parasol and held it on his shoulder.
"Does this hold out any of the rain, madam?" He asked
"Oh that is not that kind of umbrella. It's just a parasol. It's for show." The shop girl said. "You might want-"
"That is exactly the umbrella I want." Kenshin snapped the parasol closed with a chuckle. "It is appropriate for a woman. I want her to have a parasol as beautiful as her smile."
"For a lady. Your gurofrendo?"
"What did you say again?" Kenshin put his hand to his chest, what on Earth did that mean. He had certainly heard many insults in his day.
"It means lover. It's a foreign word, the ladies use it."
Kenshin tried his hardest not to blush. To ask such a thing in public. It was very inappropriate. How could she have found out his situation with Kaoru? He had never tried to broadcast, paranoid thoughts raced through his mind.
"Well it doesn't sound like it is for a wife."
"No no." Kenshin shook his head.
"My mother!" Kenshin blurted out thinking of no one else that would be respectable enough to receive a gift. He could never embarrass Kaoru thus. She would never be able to face any shop keeper in the Ginza again. Living with an unmarried woman. The scandal would ruin the entire dojo, and Kaoru's reputation.
The shop girl began sniggering at his comment. Cheerfully the girl prepared a beautiful box to wrap up the umbrella. The second he slunk out of the store, the shop girls converged and chuckled and pointed at him, as he could see through the window. He hunched over to hide his blush. People had no manners any longer. He began walking down the street. More than umbrellas and dresses had changed in this world
As he was slinking off into the crowd, he bumped into another person as he swung around the box. Their boxes touched. Kenshin looked up to apologize. But his breath left him.
"You."
"Mr. Himura?"
Kenshin looked at him. The boy was just as tall as he was. A soft voice, still barely lowered. He was in a dark suit, his clothes now completely western style. The boy had been shocked to see him. The boy's face reflected that simple emotion.
"Soujiro-san."
Kenshin felt some odd relief come over him, watching the look of surprise on Soujiro's face.
His mind could not erase everything that had happened. Kenshin felt his hairs prickle, despite the clothes, despite even the uncharacteristic sound of slight surprise in his voice; it was still Soujiro Seta,
"Mr. Himura." The genuine look was supplanted by the chilly grin, his starry dark eyes still wide, "You must not have seen me. I saw you in that store over there. I stopped to say hello."
With that Soujiro had returned into his life
"We just collided." Kenshin said breathless. "Forgive me. Is your package alright?" Kenshin checked his box.
Soujiro was still small, Kenshin felt disappointed. He had sometimes wondered about the boy, hoping he had grown tall as a tree and twice as broad. Kenshin knew it was bothersome being small and slender, he always secretly wished he himself had grown more. Kenshin's waist was as small as a boy's, and in low light people confused his age.
Soujiro changed little in body. His face soft and hairless, his lips in a faint smile, his eyes wide and beautiful, except there was something. Maybe his limbs lengthened just enough to inhuman grace. He had compact tight body, an Ageless evolution into his complete body, with no teenage awkwardness. Nothing betraying the strength he must have acquired. He reminded Kenshin too much of himself.
"I try to take surprise well. But sometimes I get scared." Soujiro said queerly.
"It is good to hear you say so," Kenshin nodded. "There was a time when you would have not admitted it. /That you would have said it was weakness, and would have sought to loosen my head with your sword./
"I don't get scared very often." Soujiro said, his smile softening into something wistful almost sad. To watch facial expressions color Soujiro's speech was something new. Kenshin felt as if he was talking to a real person. Despite his apprehension, Soujiro had changed. Perhaps all the things Kenshin had hoped for the young man had come to pass.
"Gomen Ne. I was on my way home. Kaoru is expecting me. I snuck away to buy her a present. It's going to be her birthday this week."
"What is it?" Soujiro peered with inquisitive wrinkle to his brow.
"Would you like to see it?" Kenshin lifted the corner of the box.
Soujiro peeked inside. "Oh what a fancy parasol. Is it from France?"
"I think it is," Kenshin scratched the back of his head. Soujiro clapped his hands.
They walked side by side, as friends would. "I'm sure she'll love it."
"You are still with Miss Kaoru after all these years." Soujiro nodded.
Kenshin grinned, "Yes."
"I don't think that I've met her. She must be a beautiful woman," Soujiro said
"She's twenty on Wednesday." Kenshin said
"Twenty." Soujiro marveled "A real grown up lady then."
"She was a lady long before her age. Now she's an old lady."
Soujiro politely chuckled. Why was he blathering about Kaoru's age and birthday presents? His mind was racing, and his heart was in his throat, what was coming over him. Kenshin sighed trying his hardest to think of anything to say at all.
Soujiro crossed his arms as he walked. "You don't want to be around me. I know. I can tell the way you look."
"Well." Kenshin stopped walking.
"I am good at reading people." Soujiro averted his gaze. Much better than showing my own emotions."
"I have little time to spend today. You caught me on a busy day. There is a party." Kenshin smiled nervously himself. But it was to no avail. A mask could not work on a person like Soujiro.
He faced Soujiro timidly, "I was not expecting this."
"You never thought I would return from wandering. That I would show up to bother you again. I-"
Kenshin clutched his arm, "But I am trying to be optimistic."
Soujiro accepted his touch, "I can't expect anymore."
Kenshin hadn't seen the young man since he was a boy, no since he was something like a boy: a monster in a boy's body with no humanity in his voice, no life in his body, and no look of surprise.
Now something had changed, now they had grown and were standing in the Ginza, speaking to each other about ordinary things.
When I last met you, you were very confused, very lost. You need not worry about my discomfort; I only hope you have found answers in your wandering."
"I can't say that I'm sure what exactly will happen, or how I feel. I only hope you have found your peace." Kenshin nodded.
"I wander no more, Mr. Himura. I live here in Tokyo."
"You are here for good now?" Kenshin asked
"Your city is wonderful." Soujiro laughed, much happier than usual.
Kenshin sighed "I can't take credit for the city."
"It makes me very happy. The colors and the sights and all the people. Cosmopolitan and new. Edo is so. well it's not Kyoto. It's.. It's- "
"It can be /that/ sometimes." Kenshin laughed at his boyish enthusiasm, "If you know the right people."
"Well I am working with Yukio Mistumori," Soujiro strutted. "He's a very powerful business man. He is a famous silk manufacturer." Soujiro smiled at him. "He has more money than anyone." Soujiro said it with a gleeful spring in his step.
"Silk is a good business. Hard honest work." Kenshin said "There is lot of money to be made in the west. In England and in France and such."
"Yes they do all that in the factories now. No more hand picking. He's been everywhere. Even the west on his father's ships. This year he is accompanying the finance minister to England and France."
"I think I would like to see the west. San Francisco and New York and England and go everywhere too. And the North Pole and the Wild West and the Cowboys and the Blacks of Africa and. and see all the kinds of people. The Gaijin-"
Soujiro's thought trailed as his enthusiasm built, probably he like Kenshin was speaking faster then he was thinking.
"Are you as nervous as I am?" Kenshin said. "I find it hard to speak at all."
"I think I am. My thumb won't stop moving, and the words are hard to say."
"That is what nervous should feel like." Kenshin nodded.
"It is hard for me to say things." Soujiro said, "I've rarely felt that too. I usually know what to say too."
"Kenshin, how are you doing?"
"I've felt so much better things. You know? And you were the one who gave me that. I used to be only amused. Sure sometimes. sometimes I may cry. But now I can laugh as well." Soujiro's face softened "I just get very very excited, about all the wonderful things there are."
"It was what I had always hoped for you Soujiro, to be yourself and feel whatever life has to offer."
They arrived at the crossroads and Kenshin looked up "This is my turn. Are you heading this way?"
"No I have to go another way."
"I wish you well Soujiro." Kenshin bowed.
"Will I see you again, Mr. Himura?" Soujiro asked
"I did not know. Now we are both in the same city, it may happen again." Kenshin smiled "I would like to see the person you have become."
"Perhaps one day we will meet again when we can talk further. And I can meet your lovely Kaoru."
"I only hope so. I hope next time whenever we should meet it would not seem so awkward." Kenshin said
"That is for sure. Goodbye." Soujiro stepped off the curb carrying his white box as he faded into the distance. ***
Soujiro arrived at his apartment, a sturdy stone and iron building with stout walls. A very Western style building.
He hopped up the stairs on one foot whistling. He had never at all expected to see Kenshin shopping on the Ginza. Perhaps the next time that they met they could meet there. He was exactly the same as he was all those years ago, same eyes, even the same shirt. Kenshin was still wearing old fashioned clothes. Actually Soujiro couldn't remember a time he was in Tokyo when he saw anybody dressed in the old style. Perhaps all this fine and high living had made him sheltered. He had gotten used to the finer things in life and forgotten the old ways.
He put the box on the bed.
A young messenger arrived and knocked on the door. Soujiro shut the box and rushed to the door.
"A message from Mitsumori." The young man bowed, and handed him an envelope.
"I'll take it in the office." Soujiro motioned him in.
One whole room was an office with western style furniture, to keep it tidy and comfortable. A wide desk with many papers sat on it. Most inconsequential in Soujiro's mind, some mail. He moved a paper weight. A very fancy looking dagger with two sharp edges.
"Does Mr. Mitsumori need me now?" Soujiro asked plopping in the chair.
"Later on. He has a special engagement." The messenger handed it to him.
"A letter." Soujiro chuckled "Oh it must be confusing. You didn't read it did you?" Soujiro said playfully.
"Read it sir?"
"Oh it probably can get dull. Might be fun to peek at letters. That's what I would do if I were a messenger
The messenger shook his head. "No sir it's sealed. I don't want to lose my job."
Soujiro's hand went absently for the blade on his desk. The messenger squirmed.
"You don't want to lose your head." Soujiro balanced the knife on its point on his finger. "This is very serious business that he entrusts completely to me. He wouldn't trust someone else."
The man laughed nervously. The way the sunlight gleamed off the blade made him feel queasy. Soujiro grabbed the knife in the air causing the man to jump.
He jumped a foot in the air. "What?"
"Oops." Soujiro looked at him "I didn't mean to scare you. Why do I always do that?" Soujiro pouted. Why would he stab a stranger for no reason? The problem with his life. No one knew if he was serious or kidding, no one really trusted him like Mr. Yukio could. He slit open the envelope, making his intentions clearer.
"It's nothing. That knife looks sharp. You shouldn't play with knives. What I tell my kids."
Soujiro placed the knife down. "It would be foolish of me to get hurt in such a fashion."
The boy skimmed for useful information through most of the stuff, a lot of subterfuge. Yukio was not a very direct person, but he always got what he wanted.
"I'll be ready when he says. Tell him to come at 6."
"Six is early."
"Well you don't know Yukio or the way he acts," Soujiro nodded. "If I tell him six. He will be ready at seven. If I tell him seven all of my plans will be ruined and he won't be here until a quart past eight. I just have to get ready."
He tipped the messenger, who wandered off.
"I'm glad I went shopping today. This is a very lucky day." He said to the box as he put away all the new things he bought away.
Part One: Biifu Paati
Kaoru looked angry as Kenshin wandered in with his package. He should have come earlier, since the party was going to be held at the dojo. Even though Megumi insisted she could handle this party herself. But Kaoru couldn't help but interfering. So she was the only one to help. Kenshin really should have come earlier noting the heavy garlic and cinder smell coming from the kitchen.
"Why are you so late? Honestly what have you been doing this afternoon?"
"Oro."
"Everything is complete madness Kenshin and you weren't even here to see any of it." Kaoru grabbed his hand and drug him into the building.
"Dr. Megumi has been busy working on her Beef Party."
"Oh I had to help her," Kaoru said. "Poor thing isn't a domestic person like me."
"Well I'm sure that food isn't the most important part of a party anyway." Kenshin said softly. "What is most important is the togetherness- "
"Well that's not it.-"
"Now Kaoru, I'm sure Megumi's party will go alright. You've worked very hard on it and Yahiko promised he would behave like a human being for once."
"But that's not." Kaoru shook her head "Are you even listening to me?"
Kenshin walked into the house.
"Beef provides vigorous health and nutrition. To make you big and strong." Dr. Megumi said clearly, or rather recited.
Aoshi Shinomori sat in the room holding beef on a tooth pick, staring intently. "I am big and strong." The tall grave man put down his food "I don't think I'm hungry."
"Mr. Aoshi,"
"Don't be antisocial." Misao said chewing on her beef, "This is a beef party."
"I'm not hungry and if I was I would feel uncomfortable eating this. I often abjure meats. They play havoc on my digestion."
"A little beef won't hurt you Aoshi-sama," Misao said. "Perhaps I could go make Aoshi some soup, instead."
"Beef is the key to a healthy diet, as well as milk bread and butter, hearty and nutritious foods full of protein and vitamins." Dr. Megumi said "If you incorporated red meat into your diet, your skin and hair will be healthier."
Aoshi nibbled the beef. He had certainly not grown to his height because of beef and milk. It was just nature to be tall. But if Kenshin almost wished it was true. He wouldn't mind being as tall and stately as Aoshi. Even if he did have to eat beef all the time.
"Careful not too much Aoshi-san. You won't fit in the house if you grow any taller." Sanosuke ribbed him.
The crowd at the party was quite diverse. Sano couldn't resist a free meal or a good chance to confront Dr. Megumi. And Dr. Genzai and his two grand daughters had come as well, as well as Tsubame's sisters from the Akaebano.
"Kenshin." Aoshi dropped his beef on the floor.
"Megumi was teaching us about the virtues of vitamins and minerals in Beef." Misao chirped.
"Beef is a secret of the west. Also milk, cheese and butter, which are consumed in great quantities in the west." Megumi continued reciting.
"She's been going like that for a long time." Sano said. "Can't enjoy any of it."
"No one believes me. I think that diet maybe an important factor in health and well being."
"Yes and probably everyone else does too by now." Kenshin nodded.
Megumi sighed "Ken-san, you are impossible sometimes. I can handle the direct insults, but you. Why don't you at least try some?"
"You know some rice wood go great with this. If I can stomach all the lecturing." Sano put more food in his mouth.
"Well at least it's not Yahiko ruining this party. I thought clearly he would make another scene." Kaoru whispered to Kenshin.
"The night is still young." Kenshin muttered.
"Do you always have to mutter under your breath when you talk about me?" Yahiko piled an impressive amount of beef on his small bowl and drank three cups of milk. But said little.
Aoshi, who now had a clear mouth was debating with Megumi, "For years our ancestors have eaten little meat and survived vigorously."
"That was before doctors had the knowledge of nutrition they do now," Megumi said. "And now it is easier than ever to acquire healthy food.
"I never liked Western food. It is too rich. It gives one indigestion, gout, no doubt it hardens the blood.*" Then Aoshi wiped off his hands.
"You are living in the past," Dr. Megumi said.
"I like what I like. Whether it is from the past or future."
"I think I will make Lord Aoshi some rice."
"Sit down Misao. I will drink some tea. It will suffice."
"He is so determined not to try western food that he looks peaked just looking at it." Megumi muttered "You'd think it would make him sick."
"Shh." Kenshin shushed her.
Aoshi took a glass of tea with his meal and drunk some down to wash the greasy taste off his tongue.
Aoshi spit out the milk, "Ulk it's awful. like fire."
"Milk is good for you. It is the healthiest and most perfect food in the world," Megumi said.
"Good for cats perhaps." Aoshi pushed his milk aside. "It tastes bad."
Megumi tsked, "You had milk when you were a baby."
You could actually hear his stomach rumble after he drank the milk. Perhaps Megumi shouldn't try to compete against Aoshi's bad indigestion, for clearly he was making an effort to be sociable. Some forces could not be tamed.
They found themselves talking about the news in the Mainichi. About the finance ministers trip to England in the upcoming months.
"Oh the English love our raw silk. Something has to cloth all those beautiful western ladies, and you know how complicated their dresses are."
The girls nodded.
"Yosh." Sano nodded along with them.
Kenshin gave him an odd look.
Sano continued "All those corsets and those crinoline and petticoats. It's like they are trying to build a house under their shirts, complete with frames."
"Sanosuke." Kaoru rolled her eyes, using his full name "How would you know about that? We are in mixed company." Kaoru motioned to the little Genzai sisters.
"Yeah I knew this very interesting young English girl and she. well let's just say."
Kenshin frowned. Yahiko had woken from his coma, and Misao was chuckling. The buffoon was talking about his experiences with ladies underwear and his experience with ladies. Ayame and Suzume were rapt. Kaoru's expression went from enraged to horrified. Only Megumi ignored him "But I'm sure they want to know all about your exploits." Megumi leveled him with a quick jab "Don't you Ayame?"
Even Sano had a sense of modesty, and as all eyes were gaping at him and his baudy conversation, he started clamming up and looking at his feet.
"Oh. and we played bridge, and it rained and ur. yeah."
"Did you write her letters?"
"How did you see her underclothes then?"
"Never mind then Suzume. You just well." Sano said.
"Is it true that they wear like wooden frames under their skirts to make their butts look big?" Ayame asked
Sano was glad to change the subject "No that's to make their stomachs look tiny. Maybe if they didn't eat pig meat and cream they wouldn't need it."
As soon as the girls left Sano's side
"Sanosuke. Oro, you should not talk about the business of what is under a lady's skirt. I think it is inappropriate conversation. Especially in front of Yahiko and the girls. There was a time when no one would mention such things." Kenshin folded his hands.
"Well you know the way these new fangled western clothes are catching on in Tokyo, perhaps one day Yahiko will need to learn how to open up all those complicated stays and hooks and buttons-"
Kenshin was turning redder every second.
"It is just undergarments. They sell them in the store." Yahiko said. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about."
"It's unmentionable." Kenshin said. "Yahiko you are far too impressionable to hear about such things."
"Why?" Yahiko whined
"Because you have an interest in them." Kenshin said "If you mature enough to talk about such things you would not possess such an avid fascination."
"I dunno Kenshin. I'm far older that Yahiko here and it still seems like a good conversation to me." Sano said.
Kenshin smiled, "Oh well age does not indicate degree of impressionability."
"Hey, you saying I'm childish." Sano said.
"It is one of things I admire about you Sano-kun." Kenshin nodded.
"Peh." Sano snorted "Always with those back handed compliments. I'm with Megumi on this one."
Dr Genzai chuckled hopefully changing the subject to something more educational then the nutritional value of Beef or ladies under garments. "It reminds me of that old story."
"Not that one." Yahiko said.
Dr. Genzai tapped his cane. "It's a good story."
"I want to hear the story." Misao said.
"Oh no, it's untoward. Lady Misao."
"Oh tell the story for me, Dr. Genzai." Dr. Megumi touched his arm. "My party is getting dull."
"Well I can't resist two pretty ladies." Dr. Genzai began telling his old joke. "Well two monks were on the road. And they see this lovely woman. Even more lovely than our Miss Megumi, waiting at the river looking worried and dismayed"
Sano grumbled. Old flattering cuss.
"Oh now Miss Megumi knows I only have the utmost respect for her intelligence and beauty and skill."
"He's worse then I am," Sanosuke said, "Going after a young woman not even a quarter his age.
"I've been around a whole lot longer then you." Dr. Genzai chattered, "I've had time to practice.
Yahiko stood up
"It is disrespectful to wander off when an old man is talking." Kenshin said
"I heard that stupid story like twenty times." Yahiko said.
Kaoru glared at him "Yahiko. Don't disrespect your elders. Dr. Genzai was in the middle of his story." Kaoru scolded him. "Sit down before he notices."
Yahiko crashed back down in his seat and glared at everyone.
"It is disrespectful to the elderly."
Kenshin could tell when Yahiko zoned out. He had heard this old story many times as well.
Yahiko had changed. The boy had been like a great oni living on his own deprived from human company. At first he thought it was because Tsubame had left her home to go work in a Ladies factory far away. He thought that he was merely pining the loss of his sweet heart. The boy was very moody lately.
For example, He would shovel huge amounts of food into his mouth vanish for hours and practice by himself. He morosely lead his few classes, glumly spent his time reading with his spectacles over his nose. They gave him a much more serious look, that of a brooding intellectual. Kenshin wondered if he kept them on to make himself look more impressive. He was the only one of his friends with a pair of spectacles. Yahiko was at an age where a family could become oppressive. But it was this time he was most likely to get in trouble. It would be a tough year.
The joke was winding down, and the group of them was becoming comfortable, they found Aoshi some tea, and they began relaxing.
"And the young says to the older.
'Sensei, I can't handle it any longer. I must know. I've waited three years to ask you why you touched that girl. It's driving me crazy."
'You're telling me I carried that pretty girl over the river and this upset you, '
'Yes. And it was wrong.'
'But you carried her over the river through the woods and into the village and into the temple and for all these months."
They began to laugh.
Megumi laughed "Well told."
"I don't remember when I've heard that old story told so well." Aoshi said studiously. Not revealing any sort of reaction.
"I don't get it. What's funny?" Misao asked.
"So how long will you be staying with us?" Kaoru asked.
"We are here for a short trip actually."
"You can't mean that. You must stay at least for the month."
"There are several things to do in Tokyo in a short time. To see the Opera perhaps. Or go shopping in the Ginza or to see the great Palace."
"If you so rarely find yourself in Kyoto how else can we see our dear friends?" Misao smiled as she clutched Kaoru's hands. Kaoru grinned.
"Well you are staying in the main rooms. Kenshin will be sleeping in the guest house. It's get too cold out there."
"We couldn't put you out." Lord Aoshi said. "We would not mind sharing the guest house. We are the guests."
"Oh it is perfectly fine with a brazier. It is often quieter at night anyway." Kenshin said. "You should get the decent rooms."
"The walls are thin inside the house. And truthfully many are not accustomed to sleeping in a busy house." Aoshi said "Our home in Kyoto is quite expansive and empty, Misao and myself."
"Of course Grandfather." Misao butted in.
"Hn. We have few servants you see," Aoshi said. "Misao is a fine homemaker. We keep to ourselves during the day."
"I don't want to hear old Yahiko snoring." Misao snorted, patting her arm around him. The whole party chuckled. Misao laughed.
Yahiko grumbled "I don't snore."
"I'm just kidding, you." Misao leaned on her elbow. "You've certainly haven't improved your attitude in these years. I remember when you could take a joke."
"I also remember when you would rough me up because I was smaller then you." Yahiko glared at her. "You deserve a hair mussing," He pointed his finger.
"You are still a pain." Misao said "No matter how big you get."
"Why do you even bother talking about it, Kenshin? You're probably end up sleeping in Kaoru's room anyway. You always do. I'll sleep outside."
Kenshin dropped his piece of beef. The cat snatched it up.
"Yahiko." Kaoru turned bright red. "You shouldn't say such things."
"I'm not a baby. I know what you are, Kaoru. Who cares? Nobody in this house cares. Nobody in the entire world cares what you're doing in private. So what Sano's babbling about underwear? He's an idiot. You and Kenshin sleep-"
"Yahiko."
"I didn't see I needed your permission to do anything. This is my house." Kaoru said. "I let you live here. It's not the other way around."
"You sure like saying that, don't you?" Yahiko slid his glasses down.
Kenshin stood up with a hurt look on his face.
"Kaoru."
Yahiko stood up and shouted "And /I'm/ going to sleep in the guest house. I don't feel like staying here anyway." Yahiko said "It's too crowded. And Kaoru would probably just run out in the middle of the night to be with-"
"Yahiko. Please not with the company." Kenshin hushed him. "Kaoru
"Hush yourself, Kenshin."
"I'm sick of pretending like it's not happening." Yahiko shouted. "No one cares. This isn't the old days. Times are changing."
The whole crowd of them stared at the impudent boy, and Kenshin and Kaoru conspicuously not staring at anyone.
"You know what. Forget all of this. I'm leaving then. If you can't see what's going on you are blind, you can't hide from the whole world." Yahiko said "I'm leaving."
"You may not."
"I promised my friends I'd meet them," Yahiko said.
"But the party." Kaoru said, this time sounding hurt.
"Some party." Yahiko snarled. He slumped over, "Food nobody wants to eat, and /wonderful/ company."
Dr. Megumi frowned.
Kenshin held his arm "We don't want you out, running around causing trouble this late at night."
Yahiko shook him off. "Yeah God forbid I stay here where everybody sneaks around after dark, sleeping with each other. I might get a bad influence."
"Well then go. I don't see why I bother. I'm not your mother. I'm not your sister. I'm nothing to you then. I mean so little to you, you can shame me like this. And Kenshin."
"You have to face facts." Yahiko shouted.
Kenshin stood up
"This is shameful," Kenshin said. "You two are such stubborn oxen," Kenshin said. "If you will not apologize then I am leaving."
Kenshin was always the first one to leave when things got hot. ****
The whole room was silent, even the mutters had stopped. Dr. Genzai was having an apoplectic fit keeping quiet. Misao had stopped moving. Megumi's party was completely ruined, and Yahiko and Kaoru were sharing such cruel words that even Kenshin's skillful diplomacy was breaking down. Now all three of them had left the place.
Aoshi looked about and grabbed a glass of milk
"So Milk is more nutritious then tea is it not?"
"Oh yes. Yes filled with minerals."
Aoshi winced, "I don't believe I've had a glass since I was a small child."
****
Sano shook his head and muttered to Misao, "I can't believe the little twerp said that. Did he call Missy a.well-"
"Sanosuke. Don't make it worse."
"But he did call Kenshin a. well-"
"I think it is time to leave." Dr. Genzai chuckled so forcefully that he sounded mad.
"But it's early," Ayame whined.
"Why are Yahiko and Kaoru so mad? I share a room with my sister."
"TIME TO GO!" Dr. Genzai grabbed onto there hands
"Maybe they need more rooms in the house." Ayame shrugged.
"Exactly, clever girls." Dr. Genzai patted Ayame "Overcrowding has lead to bad tempers. We'll not talk about it again."
The Doctor quickly headed toward the door.
"We'll be back tomorrow. You can say Good Bye then." He bowed and dragged the girls behind him without even giving them a chance to say a decent goodbye.
Sano had found his way to more beef. "I mean he just said it. I've not even stupid enough to just blurt it out. I can't believe it was him."
"Sano shut up."
"He's a young man. He's not a child any longer."
"I can't believe that brat." Misao said "He should have some respect. I mean everyone knows what's going on between Kenshin and Kaoru; you aren't supposed to say anything, no matter how wrong we think it is."
"Misao please just drink some milk." "Is my beef so horrible?"
"No. No no." Everybody shook their heads. ***
Kenshin waited outside in the garden area. The night was cooler than he was, and blew a soft wind over the world. Yahiko was gone from the party.
"It is a shameful thing for a man and woman to live together who are not married."
Yahiko has born that shame as well without his choice. Out of nothing but love for us both. He saw our pain. But he does not see our decision.
Marriage never crossed their minds, because it was not natural thing for them. Kaoru was bold and free and independent. For her to be married would change her.
And Kenshin, he closed that door long ago. He had his wife and the pain of that union. Now he sought something superior, something he and she could live with.
She could not live that way. It was not for her. To take a custom, for something that was written in destiny.
Kenshin heard a rustling from the buildings.
Aoshi was waiting outside wandering. He looked up at Kenshin.
"Marry her."
Kenshin felt incredibly annoyed that Aoshi would say that. "What are you doing up?"
He placed his hand on his stomach, "I was keeping Misao awake with my shifting. And then she wanted to talk about her feelings. I find she she'll stop when I wander away. She is troubled. She'll be troubled in the morning."
"I hope she finds peace. It can be very horrible not to sleep. It will make you sick"
Aoshi stretched "And don't you change the subject. Why don't you marry Kaoru?"
"Oh." Kenshin first sounded. The red headed swordsmen shook his head "I don't have to talk about this."
"You know it is for Misao I'm telling you this." Aoshi walked toward him. "Misao is your dear friend and she pains to see you unhappy and living you like this."
"Well, then." Kenshin closed his mouth. Aoshi cleared his throat. Kenshin was talkative and energetic, but he could donate that energy to hiding himself behind a smile. And closing up the ears in his head.
"Yes I know it is not her business," Aoshi said. "Or my business. But someone has to tell you what is right. And Yahiko is too young to know any better. He is a child."
"You are a man?" Kenshin asked playfully. Too playful for the context. "You understand what it is to be married. You have to leave your wife in the middle of the night so she will 'stop her talking.'" Kenshin's tone became almost mocking. Perhaps his sleeplessness was making him cranky. "
Kenshin huddled his legs to he chest. "I think that Yahiko may be onto something. That I should not care what others think."
Aoshi moved towards him "You do."
Kenshin frowned, "But I have the-"
"You do." Aoshi cut in tersely. He had no grace of words.
Kenshin crossed his arms and turned around. The tall Okashira sat down beside him. Aoshi continued in his colorless, phlegmatic way, crossing his arms "It is not fit Kenshin. A man and a woman sharing a house when they are not married."
Kenshin said "I do care what others say. It is a burden. Kaoru may not go to the nearby market to by tofu, because they will talk about her. And always the dojo, I am afraid I will shatter her life again."
"Then marry her. Make her an honest woman.
"Because that would change her life too. To be a man's wife. A man like me. Not even the first in my heart. I will not hurt her. It is been so wonderful the way we have lived."
"What man's wife would run a dojo? What man's wife has a tongue like hers? She can't even brew a decent sencha. I do not want her for a wife like that. We have invented something new. It is not the marriage you speak of."
"If she loves you maybe she would change her life." Aoshi straightened up. Kenshin only became more huddled "And you have changed for her."
Kenshin curled tighter into his ball.
Aoshi sat down sprawling his legs "Don't marry her then. You have even me confused with your riddles."
The sat side by side
"Aoshi?"
"Hn."
"Why did you marry Misao?"
"Because. I needed for her to be my wife." Aoshi said. The master of mystery. Who never said anything he did not mean. How could a shinobi be so blunt? "So I let her in. And I have made her happy. As happy as a man can."
"Do you understand what it is like between Kaoru and I? I don't think I could be with someone I really didn't like." Kenshin said.
"I feel I have to change something. But I don't know what I can do. My heart and mind will not meet. I've felt this tension before. Now that Yahiko is involved."
"Is it not his business either?" Aoshi asked just as sharply as Kenshin asked him questions.
"He's a boy."
"Innocent. He did not make your decision. But he lives with them," Aoshi said.
"I don't want to hurt Yahiko."
"If you hurt yourself, it will hurt him. He loves you as a father. or a brother.. No definitely a father."
Kenshin nodded "I love him too. In my way. Because he is not my son or my brother. He means something very special to me."
"But there is no right path after this long. Every thing is lost and dark. I am older. Not wiser. I still do not know my own mind. It's been almost 10 years since I have met Kaoru, and I still am lost."
Aoshi leaned on his hand listening. "I won't talk about it again." Aoshi shook his head "I can't marry Kaoru. I can't make you get married. I can't marry you." Aoshi sat down "Fool. Puzzling Fool."
Aoshi took a deep breath "But it is a lovely night to be alone. Perhaps something will free your mind tonight."
Kenshin and Aoshi sat for another half hour and went to there rooms. Aoshi went back to Misao's knot of arms and Kenshin, to his quiet room to think and to hear the sounds of breath against the thin walls.
Normally Himura Kenshin avoided the Ginza for anything but a few quaint restaurants and a few special herb stores. But now he was wandering in the city, he was looking the display windows of the great depaato. He had never seen Kaoru or Megumi wear such clothing before, and he had never considered them unfashionable, but times and fashions moved faster than the wind. He had decided perhaps it was time for a change. Kenshin considered the clothes carefully.
Perhaps a French lace parasol like the western ladies carried. Entirely fashionable and nearly impractical. Kaoru would winge. But they all were tired of her old red one with the white peonies painted on the tip. Why should she remain behind the times out of practicalities sake? Wasn't her birthday a time for a special treat for her? He could give it to her at Miss Megumi's special Biifu Paati. He was looking through all the parasols at a place far more expensive then the general store.
He found one covered in rose and white lace. Kenshin opened the parasol and held it on his shoulder.
"Does this hold out any of the rain, madam?" He asked
"Oh that is not that kind of umbrella. It's just a parasol. It's for show." The shop girl said. "You might want-"
"That is exactly the umbrella I want." Kenshin snapped the parasol closed with a chuckle. "It is appropriate for a woman. I want her to have a parasol as beautiful as her smile."
"For a lady. Your gurofrendo?"
"What did you say again?" Kenshin put his hand to his chest, what on Earth did that mean. He had certainly heard many insults in his day.
"It means lover. It's a foreign word, the ladies use it."
Kenshin tried his hardest not to blush. To ask such a thing in public. It was very inappropriate. How could she have found out his situation with Kaoru? He had never tried to broadcast, paranoid thoughts raced through his mind.
"Well it doesn't sound like it is for a wife."
"No no." Kenshin shook his head.
"My mother!" Kenshin blurted out thinking of no one else that would be respectable enough to receive a gift. He could never embarrass Kaoru thus. She would never be able to face any shop keeper in the Ginza again. Living with an unmarried woman. The scandal would ruin the entire dojo, and Kaoru's reputation.
The shop girl began sniggering at his comment. Cheerfully the girl prepared a beautiful box to wrap up the umbrella. The second he slunk out of the store, the shop girls converged and chuckled and pointed at him, as he could see through the window. He hunched over to hide his blush. People had no manners any longer. He began walking down the street. More than umbrellas and dresses had changed in this world
As he was slinking off into the crowd, he bumped into another person as he swung around the box. Their boxes touched. Kenshin looked up to apologize. But his breath left him.
"You."
"Mr. Himura?"
Kenshin looked at him. The boy was just as tall as he was. A soft voice, still barely lowered. He was in a dark suit, his clothes now completely western style. The boy had been shocked to see him. The boy's face reflected that simple emotion.
"Soujiro-san."
Kenshin felt some odd relief come over him, watching the look of surprise on Soujiro's face.
His mind could not erase everything that had happened. Kenshin felt his hairs prickle, despite the clothes, despite even the uncharacteristic sound of slight surprise in his voice; it was still Soujiro Seta,
"Mr. Himura." The genuine look was supplanted by the chilly grin, his starry dark eyes still wide, "You must not have seen me. I saw you in that store over there. I stopped to say hello."
With that Soujiro had returned into his life
"We just collided." Kenshin said breathless. "Forgive me. Is your package alright?" Kenshin checked his box.
Soujiro was still small, Kenshin felt disappointed. He had sometimes wondered about the boy, hoping he had grown tall as a tree and twice as broad. Kenshin knew it was bothersome being small and slender, he always secretly wished he himself had grown more. Kenshin's waist was as small as a boy's, and in low light people confused his age.
Soujiro changed little in body. His face soft and hairless, his lips in a faint smile, his eyes wide and beautiful, except there was something. Maybe his limbs lengthened just enough to inhuman grace. He had compact tight body, an Ageless evolution into his complete body, with no teenage awkwardness. Nothing betraying the strength he must have acquired. He reminded Kenshin too much of himself.
"I try to take surprise well. But sometimes I get scared." Soujiro said queerly.
"It is good to hear you say so," Kenshin nodded. "There was a time when you would have not admitted it. /That you would have said it was weakness, and would have sought to loosen my head with your sword./
"I don't get scared very often." Soujiro said, his smile softening into something wistful almost sad. To watch facial expressions color Soujiro's speech was something new. Kenshin felt as if he was talking to a real person. Despite his apprehension, Soujiro had changed. Perhaps all the things Kenshin had hoped for the young man had come to pass.
"Gomen Ne. I was on my way home. Kaoru is expecting me. I snuck away to buy her a present. It's going to be her birthday this week."
"What is it?" Soujiro peered with inquisitive wrinkle to his brow.
"Would you like to see it?" Kenshin lifted the corner of the box.
Soujiro peeked inside. "Oh what a fancy parasol. Is it from France?"
"I think it is," Kenshin scratched the back of his head. Soujiro clapped his hands.
They walked side by side, as friends would. "I'm sure she'll love it."
"You are still with Miss Kaoru after all these years." Soujiro nodded.
Kenshin grinned, "Yes."
"I don't think that I've met her. She must be a beautiful woman," Soujiro said
"She's twenty on Wednesday." Kenshin said
"Twenty." Soujiro marveled "A real grown up lady then."
"She was a lady long before her age. Now she's an old lady."
Soujiro politely chuckled. Why was he blathering about Kaoru's age and birthday presents? His mind was racing, and his heart was in his throat, what was coming over him. Kenshin sighed trying his hardest to think of anything to say at all.
Soujiro crossed his arms as he walked. "You don't want to be around me. I know. I can tell the way you look."
"Well." Kenshin stopped walking.
"I am good at reading people." Soujiro averted his gaze. Much better than showing my own emotions."
"I have little time to spend today. You caught me on a busy day. There is a party." Kenshin smiled nervously himself. But it was to no avail. A mask could not work on a person like Soujiro.
He faced Soujiro timidly, "I was not expecting this."
"You never thought I would return from wandering. That I would show up to bother you again. I-"
Kenshin clutched his arm, "But I am trying to be optimistic."
Soujiro accepted his touch, "I can't expect anymore."
Kenshin hadn't seen the young man since he was a boy, no since he was something like a boy: a monster in a boy's body with no humanity in his voice, no life in his body, and no look of surprise.
Now something had changed, now they had grown and were standing in the Ginza, speaking to each other about ordinary things.
When I last met you, you were very confused, very lost. You need not worry about my discomfort; I only hope you have found answers in your wandering."
"I can't say that I'm sure what exactly will happen, or how I feel. I only hope you have found your peace." Kenshin nodded.
"I wander no more, Mr. Himura. I live here in Tokyo."
"You are here for good now?" Kenshin asked
"Your city is wonderful." Soujiro laughed, much happier than usual.
Kenshin sighed "I can't take credit for the city."
"It makes me very happy. The colors and the sights and all the people. Cosmopolitan and new. Edo is so. well it's not Kyoto. It's.. It's- "
"It can be /that/ sometimes." Kenshin laughed at his boyish enthusiasm, "If you know the right people."
"Well I am working with Yukio Mistumori," Soujiro strutted. "He's a very powerful business man. He is a famous silk manufacturer." Soujiro smiled at him. "He has more money than anyone." Soujiro said it with a gleeful spring in his step.
"Silk is a good business. Hard honest work." Kenshin said "There is lot of money to be made in the west. In England and in France and such."
"Yes they do all that in the factories now. No more hand picking. He's been everywhere. Even the west on his father's ships. This year he is accompanying the finance minister to England and France."
"I think I would like to see the west. San Francisco and New York and England and go everywhere too. And the North Pole and the Wild West and the Cowboys and the Blacks of Africa and. and see all the kinds of people. The Gaijin-"
Soujiro's thought trailed as his enthusiasm built, probably he like Kenshin was speaking faster then he was thinking.
"Are you as nervous as I am?" Kenshin said. "I find it hard to speak at all."
"I think I am. My thumb won't stop moving, and the words are hard to say."
"That is what nervous should feel like." Kenshin nodded.
"It is hard for me to say things." Soujiro said, "I've rarely felt that too. I usually know what to say too."
"Kenshin, how are you doing?"
"I've felt so much better things. You know? And you were the one who gave me that. I used to be only amused. Sure sometimes. sometimes I may cry. But now I can laugh as well." Soujiro's face softened "I just get very very excited, about all the wonderful things there are."
"It was what I had always hoped for you Soujiro, to be yourself and feel whatever life has to offer."
They arrived at the crossroads and Kenshin looked up "This is my turn. Are you heading this way?"
"No I have to go another way."
"I wish you well Soujiro." Kenshin bowed.
"Will I see you again, Mr. Himura?" Soujiro asked
"I did not know. Now we are both in the same city, it may happen again." Kenshin smiled "I would like to see the person you have become."
"Perhaps one day we will meet again when we can talk further. And I can meet your lovely Kaoru."
"I only hope so. I hope next time whenever we should meet it would not seem so awkward." Kenshin said
"That is for sure. Goodbye." Soujiro stepped off the curb carrying his white box as he faded into the distance. ***
Soujiro arrived at his apartment, a sturdy stone and iron building with stout walls. A very Western style building.
He hopped up the stairs on one foot whistling. He had never at all expected to see Kenshin shopping on the Ginza. Perhaps the next time that they met they could meet there. He was exactly the same as he was all those years ago, same eyes, even the same shirt. Kenshin was still wearing old fashioned clothes. Actually Soujiro couldn't remember a time he was in Tokyo when he saw anybody dressed in the old style. Perhaps all this fine and high living had made him sheltered. He had gotten used to the finer things in life and forgotten the old ways.
He put the box on the bed.
A young messenger arrived and knocked on the door. Soujiro shut the box and rushed to the door.
"A message from Mitsumori." The young man bowed, and handed him an envelope.
"I'll take it in the office." Soujiro motioned him in.
One whole room was an office with western style furniture, to keep it tidy and comfortable. A wide desk with many papers sat on it. Most inconsequential in Soujiro's mind, some mail. He moved a paper weight. A very fancy looking dagger with two sharp edges.
"Does Mr. Mitsumori need me now?" Soujiro asked plopping in the chair.
"Later on. He has a special engagement." The messenger handed it to him.
"A letter." Soujiro chuckled "Oh it must be confusing. You didn't read it did you?" Soujiro said playfully.
"Read it sir?"
"Oh it probably can get dull. Might be fun to peek at letters. That's what I would do if I were a messenger
The messenger shook his head. "No sir it's sealed. I don't want to lose my job."
Soujiro's hand went absently for the blade on his desk. The messenger squirmed.
"You don't want to lose your head." Soujiro balanced the knife on its point on his finger. "This is very serious business that he entrusts completely to me. He wouldn't trust someone else."
The man laughed nervously. The way the sunlight gleamed off the blade made him feel queasy. Soujiro grabbed the knife in the air causing the man to jump.
He jumped a foot in the air. "What?"
"Oops." Soujiro looked at him "I didn't mean to scare you. Why do I always do that?" Soujiro pouted. Why would he stab a stranger for no reason? The problem with his life. No one knew if he was serious or kidding, no one really trusted him like Mr. Yukio could. He slit open the envelope, making his intentions clearer.
"It's nothing. That knife looks sharp. You shouldn't play with knives. What I tell my kids."
Soujiro placed the knife down. "It would be foolish of me to get hurt in such a fashion."
The boy skimmed for useful information through most of the stuff, a lot of subterfuge. Yukio was not a very direct person, but he always got what he wanted.
"I'll be ready when he says. Tell him to come at 6."
"Six is early."
"Well you don't know Yukio or the way he acts," Soujiro nodded. "If I tell him six. He will be ready at seven. If I tell him seven all of my plans will be ruined and he won't be here until a quart past eight. I just have to get ready."
He tipped the messenger, who wandered off.
"I'm glad I went shopping today. This is a very lucky day." He said to the box as he put away all the new things he bought away.
Part One: Biifu Paati
Kaoru looked angry as Kenshin wandered in with his package. He should have come earlier, since the party was going to be held at the dojo. Even though Megumi insisted she could handle this party herself. But Kaoru couldn't help but interfering. So she was the only one to help. Kenshin really should have come earlier noting the heavy garlic and cinder smell coming from the kitchen.
"Why are you so late? Honestly what have you been doing this afternoon?"
"Oro."
"Everything is complete madness Kenshin and you weren't even here to see any of it." Kaoru grabbed his hand and drug him into the building.
"Dr. Megumi has been busy working on her Beef Party."
"Oh I had to help her," Kaoru said. "Poor thing isn't a domestic person like me."
"Well I'm sure that food isn't the most important part of a party anyway." Kenshin said softly. "What is most important is the togetherness- "
"Well that's not it.-"
"Now Kaoru, I'm sure Megumi's party will go alright. You've worked very hard on it and Yahiko promised he would behave like a human being for once."
"But that's not." Kaoru shook her head "Are you even listening to me?"
Kenshin walked into the house.
"Beef provides vigorous health and nutrition. To make you big and strong." Dr. Megumi said clearly, or rather recited.
Aoshi Shinomori sat in the room holding beef on a tooth pick, staring intently. "I am big and strong." The tall grave man put down his food "I don't think I'm hungry."
"Mr. Aoshi,"
"Don't be antisocial." Misao said chewing on her beef, "This is a beef party."
"I'm not hungry and if I was I would feel uncomfortable eating this. I often abjure meats. They play havoc on my digestion."
"A little beef won't hurt you Aoshi-sama," Misao said. "Perhaps I could go make Aoshi some soup, instead."
"Beef is the key to a healthy diet, as well as milk bread and butter, hearty and nutritious foods full of protein and vitamins." Dr. Megumi said "If you incorporated red meat into your diet, your skin and hair will be healthier."
Aoshi nibbled the beef. He had certainly not grown to his height because of beef and milk. It was just nature to be tall. But if Kenshin almost wished it was true. He wouldn't mind being as tall and stately as Aoshi. Even if he did have to eat beef all the time.
"Careful not too much Aoshi-san. You won't fit in the house if you grow any taller." Sanosuke ribbed him.
The crowd at the party was quite diverse. Sano couldn't resist a free meal or a good chance to confront Dr. Megumi. And Dr. Genzai and his two grand daughters had come as well, as well as Tsubame's sisters from the Akaebano.
"Kenshin." Aoshi dropped his beef on the floor.
"Megumi was teaching us about the virtues of vitamins and minerals in Beef." Misao chirped.
"Beef is a secret of the west. Also milk, cheese and butter, which are consumed in great quantities in the west." Megumi continued reciting.
"She's been going like that for a long time." Sano said. "Can't enjoy any of it."
"No one believes me. I think that diet maybe an important factor in health and well being."
"Yes and probably everyone else does too by now." Kenshin nodded.
Megumi sighed "Ken-san, you are impossible sometimes. I can handle the direct insults, but you. Why don't you at least try some?"
"You know some rice wood go great with this. If I can stomach all the lecturing." Sano put more food in his mouth.
"Well at least it's not Yahiko ruining this party. I thought clearly he would make another scene." Kaoru whispered to Kenshin.
"The night is still young." Kenshin muttered.
"Do you always have to mutter under your breath when you talk about me?" Yahiko piled an impressive amount of beef on his small bowl and drank three cups of milk. But said little.
Aoshi, who now had a clear mouth was debating with Megumi, "For years our ancestors have eaten little meat and survived vigorously."
"That was before doctors had the knowledge of nutrition they do now," Megumi said. "And now it is easier than ever to acquire healthy food.
"I never liked Western food. It is too rich. It gives one indigestion, gout, no doubt it hardens the blood.*" Then Aoshi wiped off his hands.
"You are living in the past," Dr. Megumi said.
"I like what I like. Whether it is from the past or future."
"I think I will make Lord Aoshi some rice."
"Sit down Misao. I will drink some tea. It will suffice."
"He is so determined not to try western food that he looks peaked just looking at it." Megumi muttered "You'd think it would make him sick."
"Shh." Kenshin shushed her.
Aoshi took a glass of tea with his meal and drunk some down to wash the greasy taste off his tongue.
Aoshi spit out the milk, "Ulk it's awful. like fire."
"Milk is good for you. It is the healthiest and most perfect food in the world," Megumi said.
"Good for cats perhaps." Aoshi pushed his milk aside. "It tastes bad."
Megumi tsked, "You had milk when you were a baby."
You could actually hear his stomach rumble after he drank the milk. Perhaps Megumi shouldn't try to compete against Aoshi's bad indigestion, for clearly he was making an effort to be sociable. Some forces could not be tamed.
They found themselves talking about the news in the Mainichi. About the finance ministers trip to England in the upcoming months.
"Oh the English love our raw silk. Something has to cloth all those beautiful western ladies, and you know how complicated their dresses are."
The girls nodded.
"Yosh." Sano nodded along with them.
Kenshin gave him an odd look.
Sano continued "All those corsets and those crinoline and petticoats. It's like they are trying to build a house under their shirts, complete with frames."
"Sanosuke." Kaoru rolled her eyes, using his full name "How would you know about that? We are in mixed company." Kaoru motioned to the little Genzai sisters.
"Yeah I knew this very interesting young English girl and she. well let's just say."
Kenshin frowned. Yahiko had woken from his coma, and Misao was chuckling. The buffoon was talking about his experiences with ladies underwear and his experience with ladies. Ayame and Suzume were rapt. Kaoru's expression went from enraged to horrified. Only Megumi ignored him "But I'm sure they want to know all about your exploits." Megumi leveled him with a quick jab "Don't you Ayame?"
Even Sano had a sense of modesty, and as all eyes were gaping at him and his baudy conversation, he started clamming up and looking at his feet.
"Oh. and we played bridge, and it rained and ur. yeah."
"Did you write her letters?"
"How did you see her underclothes then?"
"Never mind then Suzume. You just well." Sano said.
"Is it true that they wear like wooden frames under their skirts to make their butts look big?" Ayame asked
Sano was glad to change the subject "No that's to make their stomachs look tiny. Maybe if they didn't eat pig meat and cream they wouldn't need it."
As soon as the girls left Sano's side
"Sanosuke. Oro, you should not talk about the business of what is under a lady's skirt. I think it is inappropriate conversation. Especially in front of Yahiko and the girls. There was a time when no one would mention such things." Kenshin folded his hands.
"Well you know the way these new fangled western clothes are catching on in Tokyo, perhaps one day Yahiko will need to learn how to open up all those complicated stays and hooks and buttons-"
Kenshin was turning redder every second.
"It is just undergarments. They sell them in the store." Yahiko said. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about."
"It's unmentionable." Kenshin said. "Yahiko you are far too impressionable to hear about such things."
"Why?" Yahiko whined
"Because you have an interest in them." Kenshin said "If you mature enough to talk about such things you would not possess such an avid fascination."
"I dunno Kenshin. I'm far older that Yahiko here and it still seems like a good conversation to me." Sano said.
Kenshin smiled, "Oh well age does not indicate degree of impressionability."
"Hey, you saying I'm childish." Sano said.
"It is one of things I admire about you Sano-kun." Kenshin nodded.
"Peh." Sano snorted "Always with those back handed compliments. I'm with Megumi on this one."
Dr Genzai chuckled hopefully changing the subject to something more educational then the nutritional value of Beef or ladies under garments. "It reminds me of that old story."
"Not that one." Yahiko said.
Dr. Genzai tapped his cane. "It's a good story."
"I want to hear the story." Misao said.
"Oh no, it's untoward. Lady Misao."
"Oh tell the story for me, Dr. Genzai." Dr. Megumi touched his arm. "My party is getting dull."
"Well I can't resist two pretty ladies." Dr. Genzai began telling his old joke. "Well two monks were on the road. And they see this lovely woman. Even more lovely than our Miss Megumi, waiting at the river looking worried and dismayed"
Sano grumbled. Old flattering cuss.
"Oh now Miss Megumi knows I only have the utmost respect for her intelligence and beauty and skill."
"He's worse then I am," Sanosuke said, "Going after a young woman not even a quarter his age.
"I've been around a whole lot longer then you." Dr. Genzai chattered, "I've had time to practice.
Yahiko stood up
"It is disrespectful to wander off when an old man is talking." Kenshin said
"I heard that stupid story like twenty times." Yahiko said.
Kaoru glared at him "Yahiko. Don't disrespect your elders. Dr. Genzai was in the middle of his story." Kaoru scolded him. "Sit down before he notices."
Yahiko crashed back down in his seat and glared at everyone.
"It is disrespectful to the elderly."
Kenshin could tell when Yahiko zoned out. He had heard this old story many times as well.
Yahiko had changed. The boy had been like a great oni living on his own deprived from human company. At first he thought it was because Tsubame had left her home to go work in a Ladies factory far away. He thought that he was merely pining the loss of his sweet heart. The boy was very moody lately.
For example, He would shovel huge amounts of food into his mouth vanish for hours and practice by himself. He morosely lead his few classes, glumly spent his time reading with his spectacles over his nose. They gave him a much more serious look, that of a brooding intellectual. Kenshin wondered if he kept them on to make himself look more impressive. He was the only one of his friends with a pair of spectacles. Yahiko was at an age where a family could become oppressive. But it was this time he was most likely to get in trouble. It would be a tough year.
The joke was winding down, and the group of them was becoming comfortable, they found Aoshi some tea, and they began relaxing.
"And the young says to the older.
'Sensei, I can't handle it any longer. I must know. I've waited three years to ask you why you touched that girl. It's driving me crazy."
'You're telling me I carried that pretty girl over the river and this upset you, '
'Yes. And it was wrong.'
'But you carried her over the river through the woods and into the village and into the temple and for all these months."
They began to laugh.
Megumi laughed "Well told."
"I don't remember when I've heard that old story told so well." Aoshi said studiously. Not revealing any sort of reaction.
"I don't get it. What's funny?" Misao asked.
"So how long will you be staying with us?" Kaoru asked.
"We are here for a short trip actually."
"You can't mean that. You must stay at least for the month."
"There are several things to do in Tokyo in a short time. To see the Opera perhaps. Or go shopping in the Ginza or to see the great Palace."
"If you so rarely find yourself in Kyoto how else can we see our dear friends?" Misao smiled as she clutched Kaoru's hands. Kaoru grinned.
"Well you are staying in the main rooms. Kenshin will be sleeping in the guest house. It's get too cold out there."
"We couldn't put you out." Lord Aoshi said. "We would not mind sharing the guest house. We are the guests."
"Oh it is perfectly fine with a brazier. It is often quieter at night anyway." Kenshin said. "You should get the decent rooms."
"The walls are thin inside the house. And truthfully many are not accustomed to sleeping in a busy house." Aoshi said "Our home in Kyoto is quite expansive and empty, Misao and myself."
"Of course Grandfather." Misao butted in.
"Hn. We have few servants you see," Aoshi said. "Misao is a fine homemaker. We keep to ourselves during the day."
"I don't want to hear old Yahiko snoring." Misao snorted, patting her arm around him. The whole party chuckled. Misao laughed.
Yahiko grumbled "I don't snore."
"I'm just kidding, you." Misao leaned on her elbow. "You've certainly haven't improved your attitude in these years. I remember when you could take a joke."
"I also remember when you would rough me up because I was smaller then you." Yahiko glared at her. "You deserve a hair mussing," He pointed his finger.
"You are still a pain." Misao said "No matter how big you get."
"Why do you even bother talking about it, Kenshin? You're probably end up sleeping in Kaoru's room anyway. You always do. I'll sleep outside."
Kenshin dropped his piece of beef. The cat snatched it up.
"Yahiko." Kaoru turned bright red. "You shouldn't say such things."
"I'm not a baby. I know what you are, Kaoru. Who cares? Nobody in this house cares. Nobody in the entire world cares what you're doing in private. So what Sano's babbling about underwear? He's an idiot. You and Kenshin sleep-"
"Yahiko."
"I didn't see I needed your permission to do anything. This is my house." Kaoru said. "I let you live here. It's not the other way around."
"You sure like saying that, don't you?" Yahiko slid his glasses down.
Kenshin stood up with a hurt look on his face.
"Kaoru."
Yahiko stood up and shouted "And /I'm/ going to sleep in the guest house. I don't feel like staying here anyway." Yahiko said "It's too crowded. And Kaoru would probably just run out in the middle of the night to be with-"
"Yahiko. Please not with the company." Kenshin hushed him. "Kaoru
"Hush yourself, Kenshin."
"I'm sick of pretending like it's not happening." Yahiko shouted. "No one cares. This isn't the old days. Times are changing."
The whole crowd of them stared at the impudent boy, and Kenshin and Kaoru conspicuously not staring at anyone.
"You know what. Forget all of this. I'm leaving then. If you can't see what's going on you are blind, you can't hide from the whole world." Yahiko said "I'm leaving."
"You may not."
"I promised my friends I'd meet them," Yahiko said.
"But the party." Kaoru said, this time sounding hurt.
"Some party." Yahiko snarled. He slumped over, "Food nobody wants to eat, and /wonderful/ company."
Dr. Megumi frowned.
Kenshin held his arm "We don't want you out, running around causing trouble this late at night."
Yahiko shook him off. "Yeah God forbid I stay here where everybody sneaks around after dark, sleeping with each other. I might get a bad influence."
"Well then go. I don't see why I bother. I'm not your mother. I'm not your sister. I'm nothing to you then. I mean so little to you, you can shame me like this. And Kenshin."
"You have to face facts." Yahiko shouted.
Kenshin stood up
"This is shameful," Kenshin said. "You two are such stubborn oxen," Kenshin said. "If you will not apologize then I am leaving."
Kenshin was always the first one to leave when things got hot. ****
The whole room was silent, even the mutters had stopped. Dr. Genzai was having an apoplectic fit keeping quiet. Misao had stopped moving. Megumi's party was completely ruined, and Yahiko and Kaoru were sharing such cruel words that even Kenshin's skillful diplomacy was breaking down. Now all three of them had left the place.
Aoshi looked about and grabbed a glass of milk
"So Milk is more nutritious then tea is it not?"
"Oh yes. Yes filled with minerals."
Aoshi winced, "I don't believe I've had a glass since I was a small child."
****
Sano shook his head and muttered to Misao, "I can't believe the little twerp said that. Did he call Missy a.well-"
"Sanosuke. Don't make it worse."
"But he did call Kenshin a. well-"
"I think it is time to leave." Dr. Genzai chuckled so forcefully that he sounded mad.
"But it's early," Ayame whined.
"Why are Yahiko and Kaoru so mad? I share a room with my sister."
"TIME TO GO!" Dr. Genzai grabbed onto there hands
"Maybe they need more rooms in the house." Ayame shrugged.
"Exactly, clever girls." Dr. Genzai patted Ayame "Overcrowding has lead to bad tempers. We'll not talk about it again."
The Doctor quickly headed toward the door.
"We'll be back tomorrow. You can say Good Bye then." He bowed and dragged the girls behind him without even giving them a chance to say a decent goodbye.
Sano had found his way to more beef. "I mean he just said it. I've not even stupid enough to just blurt it out. I can't believe it was him."
"Sano shut up."
"He's a young man. He's not a child any longer."
"I can't believe that brat." Misao said "He should have some respect. I mean everyone knows what's going on between Kenshin and Kaoru; you aren't supposed to say anything, no matter how wrong we think it is."
"Misao please just drink some milk." "Is my beef so horrible?"
"No. No no." Everybody shook their heads. ***
Kenshin waited outside in the garden area. The night was cooler than he was, and blew a soft wind over the world. Yahiko was gone from the party.
"It is a shameful thing for a man and woman to live together who are not married."
Yahiko has born that shame as well without his choice. Out of nothing but love for us both. He saw our pain. But he does not see our decision.
Marriage never crossed their minds, because it was not natural thing for them. Kaoru was bold and free and independent. For her to be married would change her.
And Kenshin, he closed that door long ago. He had his wife and the pain of that union. Now he sought something superior, something he and she could live with.
She could not live that way. It was not for her. To take a custom, for something that was written in destiny.
Kenshin heard a rustling from the buildings.
Aoshi was waiting outside wandering. He looked up at Kenshin.
"Marry her."
Kenshin felt incredibly annoyed that Aoshi would say that. "What are you doing up?"
He placed his hand on his stomach, "I was keeping Misao awake with my shifting. And then she wanted to talk about her feelings. I find she she'll stop when I wander away. She is troubled. She'll be troubled in the morning."
"I hope she finds peace. It can be very horrible not to sleep. It will make you sick"
Aoshi stretched "And don't you change the subject. Why don't you marry Kaoru?"
"Oh." Kenshin first sounded. The red headed swordsmen shook his head "I don't have to talk about this."
"You know it is for Misao I'm telling you this." Aoshi walked toward him. "Misao is your dear friend and she pains to see you unhappy and living you like this."
"Well, then." Kenshin closed his mouth. Aoshi cleared his throat. Kenshin was talkative and energetic, but he could donate that energy to hiding himself behind a smile. And closing up the ears in his head.
"Yes I know it is not her business," Aoshi said. "Or my business. But someone has to tell you what is right. And Yahiko is too young to know any better. He is a child."
"You are a man?" Kenshin asked playfully. Too playful for the context. "You understand what it is to be married. You have to leave your wife in the middle of the night so she will 'stop her talking.'" Kenshin's tone became almost mocking. Perhaps his sleeplessness was making him cranky. "
Kenshin huddled his legs to he chest. "I think that Yahiko may be onto something. That I should not care what others think."
Aoshi moved towards him "You do."
Kenshin frowned, "But I have the-"
"You do." Aoshi cut in tersely. He had no grace of words.
Kenshin crossed his arms and turned around. The tall Okashira sat down beside him. Aoshi continued in his colorless, phlegmatic way, crossing his arms "It is not fit Kenshin. A man and a woman sharing a house when they are not married."
Kenshin said "I do care what others say. It is a burden. Kaoru may not go to the nearby market to by tofu, because they will talk about her. And always the dojo, I am afraid I will shatter her life again."
"Then marry her. Make her an honest woman.
"Because that would change her life too. To be a man's wife. A man like me. Not even the first in my heart. I will not hurt her. It is been so wonderful the way we have lived."
"What man's wife would run a dojo? What man's wife has a tongue like hers? She can't even brew a decent sencha. I do not want her for a wife like that. We have invented something new. It is not the marriage you speak of."
"If she loves you maybe she would change her life." Aoshi straightened up. Kenshin only became more huddled "And you have changed for her."
Kenshin curled tighter into his ball.
Aoshi sat down sprawling his legs "Don't marry her then. You have even me confused with your riddles."
The sat side by side
"Aoshi?"
"Hn."
"Why did you marry Misao?"
"Because. I needed for her to be my wife." Aoshi said. The master of mystery. Who never said anything he did not mean. How could a shinobi be so blunt? "So I let her in. And I have made her happy. As happy as a man can."
"Do you understand what it is like between Kaoru and I? I don't think I could be with someone I really didn't like." Kenshin said.
"I feel I have to change something. But I don't know what I can do. My heart and mind will not meet. I've felt this tension before. Now that Yahiko is involved."
"Is it not his business either?" Aoshi asked just as sharply as Kenshin asked him questions.
"He's a boy."
"Innocent. He did not make your decision. But he lives with them," Aoshi said.
"I don't want to hurt Yahiko."
"If you hurt yourself, it will hurt him. He loves you as a father. or a brother.. No definitely a father."
Kenshin nodded "I love him too. In my way. Because he is not my son or my brother. He means something very special to me."
"But there is no right path after this long. Every thing is lost and dark. I am older. Not wiser. I still do not know my own mind. It's been almost 10 years since I have met Kaoru, and I still am lost."
Aoshi leaned on his hand listening. "I won't talk about it again." Aoshi shook his head "I can't marry Kaoru. I can't make you get married. I can't marry you." Aoshi sat down "Fool. Puzzling Fool."
Aoshi took a deep breath "But it is a lovely night to be alone. Perhaps something will free your mind tonight."
Kenshin and Aoshi sat for another half hour and went to there rooms. Aoshi went back to Misao's knot of arms and Kenshin, to his quiet room to think and to hear the sounds of breath against the thin walls.