Author's Note:

So, this was inspired after seeing a post of all the times Kaoru's remarked on or imagined Kenshin being tied up or on a leash. Considering the reversal of roles in their relationship, it's fair to say it extends into intimacy as well. Also, this is my first attempt at a mature fic, so please forgive any mistakes. Enjoy the femdom. XD

Kaoru wiped her forehead with her sleeve and inhaled deeply. The kata she had just performed was almost perfect, but she had practiced it since morning and her muscles ached at the consideration of another try.

I need a break. She decided, propping her shinai on the rack.

As she sipped water from a cup and leaned against the wall, she calmed down and observed the yard. It was autumn now, and the trees were adorned in bright red and orange. Yahiko was at the Akabeko for the day, so it was thankfully quiet. And Kenshin was collecting laundry from the clothesline.

He had a scarf around his neck, and though it wouldn't have been out of place in the chilly weather, he kept adjusting it over the right side. Beneath the cloth, she knew there was a dark love bite and blushed when she recalled how she put it there. Still, there was a silly, prideful feeling at the sight of her husband, acting so unusually self-conscious.

He caught her staring, and he smiled at her. "Oro? Are you finished, Kaoru?"

Ack, he noticed! But we're married, aren't we? I can look at him as much as I want! Still, isn't that weird of me?

She shook her head, fighting the flash of guilt that swept through her. "Not yet. I want to get this kata right. Um, sorry!" She set the cup down and closed herself in the dojo again, well aware of his gaze on her.

She concentrated on her swings and steps, determined not to think about anything else, especially not a love bite under a scarf. At some point, Kenshin's voice drifted towards her.

"Kaoru? We're going to see the maple leaves and then the theater tomorrow, so this one was thinking that he could iron your clothes."

Huh? Oh, that was nice of him. She lunged forward, bringing her shinai down and thinking aloud. "There are some nice kimonos in my drawers. I haven't decided which one yet, since I haven't worn any of them lately. You can pick."

"Really? Is it alright for this one to do that?"

"Yeah." She replied, her mind on the next few steps.

"Then, excuse this one." His footsteps faded away, and she felt odd, as if there were something she had forgotten. Something important. But she shook it off and kept moving through the kata.

One, two, three, and done! She grinned to herself. Yes, that was finally perfect!

And suddenly, she remembered.

"Oh, no!" She yelped, letting her shinai clatter to the floor before sprinting into the house.

She found the paintings when she was fourteen.

It was completely by accident, as she was cleaning out the storage shed. Her grandfather's works of art were tied neatly in a stack, and she curiously sifted through them. There were a few landscapes, and plenty of portraits of her grandmother and her father. But at the bottom, the subjects were very different.

A man and a woman were lying on a blanket, locked in an embrace. Legs were splayed, clothing pushed up to the knees, and mouths meeting in a brilliant swipe of crimson.

She had dropped the stack, feeling warm from embarrassment, but the papers scattered over the floor. The first had been the tamest, to say the least. There were about ten in total and they were like shunga, the erotic woodblocks passed furtively between adults. But the painted faces did not have the blank, empty expressions those had; instead, they were smiling or coy or on the verge of desperation.

There was one in particular that stilled her. It was unusual in that the woman was lying on top of the man, with a clever grin on her face as she held her partner's hands under one of hers. She was clothed and otherwise proper, while his chest was exposed in a swath of pale skin and his legs stretched wide. His lips were parted in a silent gasp, as her free hand trailed down to a shadowed place below his stomach.

She had stared at that one for a very long time, before picking herself up and hurriedly tying the papers back together. Then, she had stuffed the stack into an empty box, shut the lid unceremoniously, and nearly tripped over herself as she left.

But she didn't forget them at all. She had smuggled her favorites out of the shed more than a year ago, anxiously thinking that if Kenshin went inside, he would find them. And so, she had hidden them at the bottom of one of her drawers.

Kaoru practically slid as she shoved her door open. "Kenshin, wait!" The kimonos were folded neatly beside him, but her gaze fell to his hands, holding the paintings. A faint blush had reddened his face, and she knew it was already too late.

I wrapped them up under my kimonos, and I completely forgot about them. Damn it! He must think that I'm weird and not normal, and perverted. And why isn't he saying anything?!

She stomped forward, taking the papers and scowling. "Kenshin…"

"Oro, this one-"

"Geez, just get out!" She snapped and immediately regretted it.

He seemed taken aback but stood carefully and walked past her. She clutched the paintings to her, as if to slow her erratic heartbeat, and he softly called out to her. "Kaoru, this one is sorry. And this one thinks the blue one with butterflies would be nice."

She couldn't bring herself to reply, too ashamed of herself.

I shouldn't have done that, we're married and we can't keep secrets from each other. But it's so inappropriate, and I don't want him to think any less of me. And just when I thought I couldn't be embarrassed around him anymore!

They hadn't been married for very long, only two months. The wedding night had been awkward, but sweet, and she had found out that Kenshin really didn't know much more than her. When they made love after that, it was still awkward. She hadn't realized how much of her own body she didn't know, and how nervous she could feel when he touched her. Now, they were comfortable with each other, although she still wasn't sure what he liked and too shy to ask. She really did want to be a good wife to him, in the ways that she could, but her reaction was…childish. Not the kind of behavior she should display, not at all.

I've ruined everything. She thought miserably and blinked back traitorous tears.

Kaoru tied her obi and glanced at herself again in the mirror. She adjusted her hair ribbon, chewing at her bottom lip.

Well, I am wearing the blue kimono with butterflies. So, he should notice that I forgive him, right? No, I still need to talk to him and say I'm sorry.

Just as she was about to leave her room, she heard his concerned voice. "Kaoru? Is everything alright?"

You silly idiot. Her mouth trembled in a smile as she opened the door. Kenshin was standing nearby, in a navy gi and with their boxed lunch in his hands. "I'm fine."

He visibly relaxed and returned her smile. "You look lovely." He offered his hand to her, and she took it.

It was a quiet day, and as soon as she made sure they were alone on the street, she seized her chance to speak. "I'm really sorry, Kenshin."

"Oro? What for?"

"For yelling at you and acting so immature."

"Kaoru, there is nothing to forgive. This one shouldn't have looked into the wrapping; that was too intrusive."

"Still, I shouldn't have told you to leave. It's your room too." She said. "But, I was afraid that you'd think I'm strange."

"This one wouldn't think that all." He said softly. "This one loves you, Kaoru. And it's alright for you to be interested. After all, this one doesn't have much experience, so this one is willing to do whatever you want to try."

"Even," She lowered her voice, too flustered although no one else was there. "If the woman's on top?"

"…did you like that?" He wasn't being judgmental, she realized. He was only curious, and by the way his lashes were lowered, he may have been open to it.

"I don't know." She confessed. There was a pull within her, and it was intriguing yet unfamiliar.

"Well, we have time to figure that out." He squeezed her hand.

When they reached the forest, they settled in a secluded area under a large maple tree. Now that the issue was off her shoulders, she could enjoy herself.

"Mm, this is good." She sighed between bites of sweet potato tempura. "Kenshin, thank you."

He didn't reply at first, and she turned to see his gaze fixed on her mouth. He startled slightly and answered. "This one is glad." But he was nervous, his chopsticks clacking together and his cheeks reddening.

"Geez, so distracted!" She teased and reached over to playfully pinch his side. He squirmed and gave a breathless laugh, and for some reason, she liked that. She liked it a lot.

She quickly changed the subject to the leaves, red as her husband's hair and lit in patches of sunshine. The weather was pleasantly cool, and lunch was delicious. It was nice, but still, it took a few minutes for her to calm.

After they had finished eating, she remarked. "We still have another half hour, before the show starts. Do you want to take a walk?"

"Let this one rest for a moment. This one is a little tired." He admitted, leaning back against the maple bark and slipping his hands into his sleeves.

Oh. Wait, maybe he didn't get enough sleep last night. He did get up early to make this lunch, and since I was acting like that, he must have worried.

She cupped his shoulder, gently moving him closer to her. "Then, here. You can put your head in my lap."

"Oro? Kaoru-"

"Don't worry, no one's around to see." She moved him, and he gingerly laid over her thighs. But his initial wariness quickly subsided, and he lightly dozed.

Kaoru wound a long lock of his hair around her fingers, softly humming. A breeze swept by, rustling a few leaves, and she carefully plucked them off his arm. The cool air must have bothered him, because he shifted, his face turning inwards to her stomach.

She froze. He was still asleep, but the situation reminded her of last month. He had spread her legs apart then, lowering towards her. She had stiffened, nervous that he was looking instead of only touching and apprehensive of what he was going to do. He noticed and stopped, choosing to kiss her mouth instead.

I think…he would have kissed there. If he did that now, I probably wouldn't mind. Her imagination suddenly took the memory of his soft, careful lips and superimposed the sensation where she felt warmest. That…would feel really good. I wonder if he'd look at me, watch me. I'd want him to.

As if he knew her thoughts, he dazedly opened one violet eye. Clearly, he didn't mind his position, because the corner of his mouth turned up and he huskily murmured. "Good morning."

She tried not to shiver and determinedly ignored the hot ache just under his head. She cleared her throat, barely hearing herself over the roaring pulse in her ears. "Kenshin? I think it's time to go."

He sat up, pecking her lips as he did so. She squeaked, as he only grinned and echoed her earlier statement. "No one's around to see."

Kaoru loosely braided her hair, as Kenshin slid into the futon. As he fell back onto his pillow, a wide smile bloomed on his face.

"What is it?" She asked, smoothing a flyaway strand into place.

"It's nothing. This one was only admiring."

"Kenshin!" She laughed, pleased, and folded back the blanket to join him. "Today was fun, wasn't it?" She wrapped an arm around his waist.

"Yes, it was. You liked the show." He pressed a hand to her cheek, which quickly heated under his touch.

"O-oh. Yeah." It was a good comedy, but there was one scene that she really liked. The male lead had been cuffed and thrown in jail; he went to his knees, begging forgiveness from his annoyed sweetheart. She had extended a graceful hand, lifting his chin and clicking her tongue.

Everyone else had laughed, but Kaoru had felt unusually, terribly excited by the sight.

"Should we do this again? I liked being with you today." She added.

"This one would be honored to." He tilted his head to kiss her and scatter her thoughts.

At some point, she remembered that breathing was important and hazily noticed that he was above her now. His mouth paid gentle attention to her jaw, and suddenly, she knew what she wanted.

She managed to speak. "Um, Kenshin?"

"Mm?"

"Can you lie down?"

He blinked, puzzled for a moment, but he seemed to understand and gripped her lower back, reversing their positions as he turned. "Like this?"

"Yeah." It was strange and thrilling, looking down on him. His hands had fallen to her hips, lingering there, and she was propped up on her elbows. Her fingers slipped under the cloth covering his chest. "I want to see. Can I?"

"Yes." He breathed, and she slowly removed his robe. She could see him from the navel up, and he gazed at her patiently but longingly. She trailed her fingers across his skin and the occasional ridge of scar, biting her lip as she studied his expression. His eyes were half closed, yet his shoulders were taut, waiting to move.

"It's hot." She brought a hand up to loosen her collar, and he lifted his own to help. "No." She pushed his fingers away and grinned. "Not yet."

He made a sound of protest but obeyed, clenching his fists at his sides. A thrill seared through her, straight to her stomach. She brushed his bangs away from his eyes with one hand, keeping the other occupied at his ribs. "Kenshin, keep your hands there, okay?"

"Then, should this one keep them like this?" He moved his arms above his head, locking his fingers together. He blushed and added. "It would be less tempting, if they were here."

She had to force herself to nod. "Y-yeah. But if you get tired, you can stop."

"This one has plenty of endurance."

"Geez!" She pouted at the innuendo and tugged his robe past his hips, throwing it off to the side. "I'll make sure you're not all talk."

At first, she paused. I've never touched him there before. Maybe, I'll just touch the same way, like I did with his chest. It's still a part of his body. I just hope I'm not doing it wrong.

She stroked him slowly, lightly, while she became more certain of the motions and that he liked it. He gasped and quivered under her, and her fascination grew as she watched him strain and grit his teeth.

"Do you like this, Kenshin?" She sounded unusually calm, despite the throbbing warmth and wetness between her legs.

"Kaoru…yes." His voice nearly broke as she pressed her thumb down.

Her mouth ached from grinning; she didn't realize how much she liked teasing him. "Then, should I just let you go like this?"

His only answer was a frustrated groan. Red strands of hair clung to his temples and the cords in his wrists were drawn tight. His violet irises were reduced to mere rings and his skin glistened with sweat.

He looks so beautiful like this, but I don't know if either of us can wait any longer.

"Or," She undid the knot of her sash, letting her robe fall open. She spread her knees apart, so she could move just above him, without quite touching him. "Or, can we do it this way?"

"This way." He moaned and bucked under her, and she was too eager to laugh.

"Then, tell me if it hurts. We've never really done it like this…" She trailed off. Her face burned, as she slid him into her. Her robe was barely hanging onto her, but she focused on his ecstatic, coaxing expression. And there, he was with her, pleasure shocking her nerves. She gasped and tried to keep still as she told him. "I'll move now, is that okay?"

"Yes." The word was strangled, full of want.

It was awkward at first, but he moved his hands to her hips, to guide her into a rhythm. Some part of her wanted to be self-conscious, and she stifled it, concentrating on the slick movements and the desperate ache between them. He convulsed beneath her, his grip suddenly insistent as her name rolled off his tongue. The heat spilling inside her was enough to bring her to the edge, and she cried out, seizing up around him.

When she came to her senses, she removed herself to lie down beside him. He was panting for air, and she touched his jawline. "Kenshin? Are you okay?" She asked, worried.

He pressed her to him, for a close embrace and a lazy kiss, before murmuring. "That was wonderful."

"It wasn't weird?"

"It was good, so this one doesn't really care if it was strange." His eyes closed languidly. "Are you alright, Kaoru?"

Why had she been so concerned? They both enjoyed it, hadn't they? She smiled, feeling warm and relieved. "Mm, I'm better than alright. I thought it was really good too."

"Should we do it again?"

"Kenshin!" A laugh escaped her, and she kissed him again for good measure. "You should rest first. We have plenty of time."

Moonlight spilled over them, and the air was quiet, except for the sounds of their breathing. While she ran her fingers through his hair and he calmed in her arms, she thought of what else they could try next.