Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin! Though I am willing to make an offer on it…or even buy stock!

Stock Index: RK 1921.18 13.11 Don't ask…

On with the story!!!!

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"Yahiko, what if this was on the street? You would be dead right now! Never ever leave your face open like that. How many times do I have to tell you? It just goes in one ear and out the other-"

"Ok, ok!!! Shut up, Ugly." Yahiko returned to his former sparring stance to prepare himself for Kaoru's rehearsed attack. He felt his heart begin to beat. Kaoru had been extra tough on him today and his performance was less then exceptional. He glanced over at Kenshin who was observing the lesson from his usual spot. Kenshin motioned to Kaoru's left with his eyes.

So I should watch her left side…Yahiko nodded with understanding.

Kenshin tried his best to stifle a yawn. Yahiko had been practicing this move for over 45 minutes! Kenshin simply didn't understand why the kid couldn't make such as simple defense attack.

"Just keep calling me 'Ugly', shrimp!" Kaoru muttered absently as she mechanically performed her side slash for the millionth time. While expecting Yahiko to go for her right side again, she was met with a surprise. CRACK!! Yahiko blocked her blow from the left and then circled the bokken around, thus connecting with Kaoru's nose!

"You brat!!!!!!!!" Kaoru roared as she cupped her hand over her bleeding nose. "You!!!"

"Oro…Yahiko, go get Kaoru-dono a rag." Kenshin made his way over to Kaoru.

"No, no! It's ok Kenshin. Yahiko, don't go anywhere. It was a good move! I want you to practice with Kenshin while I go take care of this."

Yahiko was too triumphant to hear. "Did you see that Kenshin?! I actually understood your signal!"

"You were signaling him?!!!!" Kaoru glared at Kenshin. "Yahiko get me a wet rag!"

Yahiko high tailed it from the practice room.

"Kaoru-dono …" Get a backbone, Himura, Kenshin told himself. "This one does not think you're being reasonable today." As a matter of fact, she hasn't been reasonable all week.

"Here!" Yahiko tossed the rag into the dojo and left before he could be scolded further.

Kenshin picked up the rag and began to gently dab Kaoru's nose.

"I guess you're right Kenshin…it's just that I…lately…" She looked up into his eyes. "Kenshin?"

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It smells good. The blood. Battousai smiles at that smell. It is said that the sense of smell brings back the most vivid memories. Blood is like a drug. It's metallic scent permeates the air. Now doesn't that bring you back, Himura?

Kenshin swallowed and the dabbing slowed to a stop. He knew the impulsive affect that the smell could have on him at completely random times. Completely isolated times. Usually it was when fighting, but never such a minor mishap as this. He felt quite shaken that Battousai was so desperate to resurface.

He wiped the last bit of crimson from her nose. "It looks like it's stopped, Kaoru-dono."

TBC!!!! I hope you liked it!