Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki and numerous other, less-interesting people. 's just as well, given that, if I did own it, there'd probably be a lot more inane humor. Like this fic. Which, by the way, is not for profit.

Forgetfulness
by misaoshiru

"Kenshin."

He looked up warily. "Yes, Kaoru-dono?"

"I'm going to kill you for this."

A sigh. "You've mentioned this already, that you have."

"That makes it true."

"Does it?"

"...I am so going to kill you."

Another sigh, then a groan. Kaoru had been at this all day, and she showed no signs of letting up. For an instructor of katsujin-ken, swords that give life, she was very creative at threats to take it away.

Kenshin's personal favorite so far was probably the one involving Sanosuke, more sake than his shishou's liver could absorb in a year, and a very large bag of birdseed. Not that he'd ever let the rooster-head hear about it, of course. Then, he'd have two friends (one of whom was his wife) after his head instead of one. Math was fun, except when it involved potential dismemberment.

"This one said he was sorry..."

"Sorry's not good enough, Kenshin."

"Not even if sessha bought you some of that imported chocolate that you like so much?" Bribery didn't sit well on his conscience, but when Kaoru was this mad at him...

She looked like she was considering it for a moment, then... "No. Not even chocolate can right this wrong."

Ouch. Ouch. If not even chocolate could slake Kaoru's thirst for vengeance, he'd really screwed up royally this time. "This one still doesn't see what the big deal is," he grumbled beneath his breath. Apparently, Kaoru heard. Damn. She really was getting too good at listening in.

One thud, an "Oro!" and an unspoken 'That's gonna hurt in the morning, that it will' later...

"What's the big deal? What's the big deal?! Himura Kenshin, I'll tell you what the big deal is! You forgot our anniversary, that's what the big deal is!"

...Oh. That explained that. Still... "...So?" he said, somewhat weakly.

"So? Kenshin, I can't believe you'd be so insensitive! I'm going out!" Shit. Tears. Running toward the gate. Oh, Gods, this was a snafu if Kenshin had ever seen one.

"K-Kaoru, wait! This one...this one apologizes, and...if there's anything that this unworthy one could possibly do to make it up to you, please tell!"

"Well..." Kaoru sniffed and thought about it. Then, she whispered something in her husband's ear.

Kenshin turned a deep crimson. "Yes, ma'am."

Glossary:
Katsujin-ken: As the story text says, it roughly translates to "swords that give life."

Sake: Rice "wine," although I gather it's generally of a more alcoholic nature than western wine. Also a term for alcohol in general.

Shishou: Another name for that arrogant drunk guy who taught Kenshin Hiten Mitsurugi-ryuu. Translated as "master."

Sessha: "This unworthy one." How Kenshin refers to himself in the Japanese.

Snafu: No, it's not Japanese, but... For those who don't know, it's short for "Situation Normal All (insert f-verb here, in the past tense) Up."

For Mi-chan. Happy birthday! (less-than-three)