Updated : 28/5/2009
Re-edited by my Beta Reader Kokoronagomu so many thanks go to her !!!
Authors Notes: This an AU fic, I do not and never will own Rurouni Kenshin no matter how hard I pray or wish.
BLOSSOM
How I loved the children, they reminded me of happier times before the war, before the killing, before the bloodshed. Their faces as bright as the sun as they play games always asking me to joinI couldnt exactly understand it myself, the ruthless cold killer, known as the Hitokiri Battosai was playing with children.
There was just something magical about these children, as my so-called wife watched from the window of our house.
Looky Looky I bwaught a fwiend today!
I felt a tugging at my hakama; it was Jiro a local boy I had recently become friends with. Behind him stood a young girl, her hands crossed over her body and her blue eyes piercing mine.
Jiro was nine years of age but this girl looked older only by a fraction though. I bent my head to her level and smiled at her expecting her to smile back however, she didnt.
Whats your name?
I askedstill smiling trying to put the girl at ease.
What does it matter?
She questioned turning her head the other way so she didnt have to face me. I was shocked; no one talked to me that way, not without fear of having their throat slit.
Kaowu thats not nice, Kenshin-chan is my fwiend be nice to him.
The girl sighed and unfolded her arms.
Im Kaoru pleased to meet you.
She gave a small little bow and didnt wait for me to respond in a similar manner but turned to Jiro.
Happy now?
Jiro nodded his head enthusiastically and ran to where the other kids were, however Kaoru stayed behind.
I started to walk in the same direction as Jiro but stopped and looked at Kaoru.
Its your loss if you dont want to join.
I continued to walk towards the other kids who were laughing and giggling at their antics. Kaoru remained where she was and sat to watch us, I was surprised to see that Tomoe had come out of the house and taken a seat next to Kaoru.
For a while neither Kaoru nor Tomoe said anything, they just continued to watch Kenshin play with the children chasing them around trees and picking them up and laughing with them.
Is he your husband?
Kaoru finally asked not even looking at Tomoe.
Yes, Im lucky to have such a good husband.
Kaoru finally laughed, Tomoe looked on, confused by the sudden outburst.
Him? That scrawny guy is a good husband?
I know he doesnt look like much but he does everything he possibly can for me.
Kaoru pondered the information for a moment.
Tell me something, are you dying Miss?
Of course not and my name is Tomoe.
Well if you have two legs, two arms, and your health, you dont need him to do anything for you, you can do it yourself.
With that said Kaoru stood brushing off any remainder of dirt and grass and walked over to Jiro.
Jiro its time to go. I promised your Mother we would be back before dark.
Kaoru once again took the same stance waiting for Jiro to reply.
I dont wanna, pwease can we stay a wittle wonger.
No Jiro.
There was no room for argument in her tone of voice.
Its alright Ill make sure to get him back safely.
No.
Kaoru stated once again taking Jiro by the hand.
Buh-bye Kenshin-san.
Jiro waved as Kaoru walked in front of him not even bothering to say anything, Jiro had to run to catch up to Kaoru.
Once all the children had started to leave, I took a seat next to Tomoe; breathing in deeply it was so refreshing to do something normal for a change. Battosai was at peace for now.
That girl Jiro brought with him, she is very strange indeed.
You mean Kaoru, theres something not right about her, shes like a kabuki dollyou dont really want to see the play but the more you do the more it draws you in.
