Author's Note: And I'm back with this AU! :D Since 2017 is bound to be rocky, some slice-of-life won't hurt at all. Please let me know what you think!
As she stood before her door, Kaoru stared in amazement. "Really? This is all you have?" Kenshin had dropped off a duffel bag before he made a last trip to his ruined apartment. Now, he had just driven up with a large backpack.
He nodded. That really was all. "This one doesn't have many belongings."
"And one of them is a moped." She pointedly looked over his vehicle. She had remembered him driving her home on it, but she hadn't seen it in the daylight until now. "Magenta is an…interesting color."
He gave a wry smile as he dismounted. "It was used, but it was the best one offered. Is it alright if this one leaves it in the shed?"
"Yes, of course. There's plenty of space." She gingerly lifted his duffel bag with her good arm and frowned. "What is in here? Don't tell me you collect rocks."
"Oro!" He smiled as he took it from her. "It's because of this one's cooking utensils."
She thought of offering her own, but if Kenshin was more comfortable with his, she wouldn't argue. "Okay. Let's start with the kitchen, so I can show you where I keep everything." She had stayed up late last night, scrubbing the stove. But at least, she wasn't embarrassed when they went inside.
The house had been built in the Meiji era, but it had undergone multiple renovations since. Kaoru now lived in the eleventh remake, and while she appreciated indoor plumbing, it was still too big and quiet for her.
After motioning him to leave the bags on the floor, she began to inform of the kitchen layout. "Alright. So, the drawers down here…Kenshin?"
He had been looking around in awe, but he gave a sheepish shrug when he met her gaze. "Forgive this one. You were saying?"
She shook her head, smiling. "If you want a tour first, you could say so."
"This one didn't want to intrude more than he already has. This one can wait, Kaoru-dono." He drew closer, reaching over to unzip the duffel bag. He smelled nice: clean and ordinary.
Like soap. He runs a laundromat, remember? She scolded herself before saying aloud. "Alright then." Quickly, she helped him sort out the kitchenware. He had managed to pack a sizeable pot as well as a frying pan, and she didn't know whether to be impressed or stunned.
"No cups?" The bag had been emptied, and she surveyed the countertop once more. There were plastic plates and bowls bought from the hundred-yen store, spoons to match, and wooden chopsticks. She assumed the taped box held knives.
"This one only had one and it broke during the move to Tokyo." He explained. "This one has been using disposable cups."
"Then, you can take one of mine. I have a set of cups, and ceramic dishes too. Feel free to use them."
To her surprise, he swallowed with hesitation. When he spoke, it was in a murmur. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. But really, it's not a problem." She turned to move the spoons into their rightful drawer. "Where did you live before moving here?"
He put away the bowls as he answered. "On the road. This one worked odd jobs, so this one has always been moving. The last place was Shizuoka, but this one came to Tokyo to start the laundry business."
"I see." She pressed her lips together. "That didn't sound like an easy life."
"It was bearable, but it was a little lonely." He sounded solemn, and she briefly wondered how long he had lived like that. But he changed the subject. "Kaoru-dono, where are the pots kept?" She directed him to the cabinets, and he found her rice cooker stored there too. "This is a good one." He remarked.
"Really? Because I always end up getting porridge from it." She confessed.
"You may be adding too much water."
"But how is it going to cook right?"
"It will work. Can this one show you later?"
"Like I said, feel free to use it. You still have to keep your promise about cooking your rent." She added with a grin, and he smiled back.
"Yes, of course."
Once the kitchen was in order, she gestured to the adjacent sitting area. "The television doesn't have satellite, but if you want more than news, we can discuss that. The table's big, but Otou-san and I always invited the students to dinner, once the competitions end." Her gaze drifted to the altar in the corner, but she abruptly looked away. If she kept going, she couldn't think about how much she missed him. She took a breath and walked on. "There are two bathrooms. One's for guests, if you go around the kitchen. The other's in the hall closer to the bedrooms, and that has the tub." She didn't bother to open the doors, and he nodded when she pointed them out.
There were four bedrooms, and Kenshin's was the furthest one down the hallway. She had felt slightly guilty about sequestering him there, but that room seemed to be the only option. She couldn't quite bring herself to remove everything from her father's, and the other spare was brimming with kendo gear.
However, Kenshin didn't mind. He stepped inside, his eyes taking in the bare walls and floor. He turned to her, with a wide smile. "Thank you, Kaoru-dono. This one will surely sleep well."
"I hope so. Oh! I'll get your bedding from the closet. You can sleep on a futon, right?"
"Yes, this one prefers it."
"I figured as much. By the way, this room's window has the best view of the yard. See, the maple tree's budding."
He glanced out. "So it is." He looked very calm, as the sunlight shone on his red hair. The tension seemed to leave his shoulders, and his lips curved upward. His scarred cheek creased a little, as if lightening the mark. "Kaoru-dono?"
"Huh?" She jolted. She had been staring, she realized, and warmth flooded her face. "W-what is it?"
"Is that a garden?" He was referring to the weedy patch near the fence.
"Oh. Right, that was my mother's. It's overgrown, isn't it? The plants haven't been properly cared for; she passed away when I was in elementary school. Do you want to try?" She was rambling, desperate for her voice to block out the sound of her accelerated heartbeat.
"This one would like to, if it's alright. It's cheaper to grow herbs at home." He mulled it over, murmuring a list of plants she didn't know. Then, he smiled at her. "Would you like anything?"
It didn't take her long to decide. "I like sunflowers. If you could find jasmine too, that would be great. So, um, you can decide everything else while I get your futon." The embarrassment hadn't quite left her, and she hurried off.
Within a week, they had fallen into a routine. Her classes started early, but instead of groaning at the sound of her alarm clock, she was lured out of her bedroom by Kenshin's cooking. He had mentioned that he only learned from the Internet, although it was more likely that he was a chef in his past life. Even toast was somehow good.
She had long tired of eating meals in silence, during breakfast, so she took it upon herself to talk to him. Usually, the subject was about kendo and her students. He was genuinely interested, although he politely declined offers to observe practice. Well, he'd accept one of these days.
Then, they went their separate ways and she'd give a cheerful smile. "I'm off, see you later!"
"Walk safely." He would wave in return, before heading in the direction of his laundromat.
The last lecture ended after lunch, and she taught for two hours at the dojo. The rumors had subsided, and she had Kenshin to thank for that. He hadn't taken any of the credit, but her father's former coworkers had informed her, while they were ensuring that he wouldn't harm her. As overprotective and nosy as they were, she appreciated how supportive they were, and quite a few of her students were their children. This network of social connections had saved her from being overwhelmed by Otou-san's death. It was hard to feel like crying, when a child performed a perfect kata and the parents applauded with delight. And if she stayed at the dojo, she wouldn't have to go home, not until the last student left.
Most of the time, that student was Yahiko. Kaoru wasn't aware of all the details, only that his mother had been hospitalized for a while. He didn't like to talk about it, and he busied himself by furiously cleaning equipment until his stepfather arrived. Kaoru sensed that their relationship was sour, but when she tried to bring it up, Yahiko would spit the old insult of 'hag' at her. She had talked to the police officers among the parents, yet the only advice she received was to watch for proof of abuse. She did her best, before for the day. After she had showered and begun her homework, Kenshin returned to the house by gently excusing his intrusion. She made sure to warmly greet him, hoping that his formality would wear off.
"Even if it's just for now, you live here, so you should say it." She had told him.
"Oro…" But each time, his protest was a little weaker.
It was the end of the week, when he finally said the words she had been waiting to hear. His voice was soft, but sure. "…This one is home."
She beamed. "Welcome home!"
It was a simple routine, but it was a comfortable one.
They prepared dinner together, with Kenshin handling most of the work. Kaoru still left the rice to him, but she wasn't bad at cutting vegetables. She set down the knife to wipe her forehead, and she stole a glance at Kenshin. He was grilling the fish, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. His arms were slender, but he flipped the fish like it was nothing. He must have noticed that she stopped cutting, because he suddenly met her gaze.
Crap! Um, I have to say something…
"You know, you don't always have to cook." She blurted and immediately clarified. "Not that your cooking isn't great, it is! But since you're new to Tokyo, I want to show you the best restaurants. Well, the best ones that are cheap."
Ack, I made it worse, didn't I?!
"That's a good idea." He gave her a smile. "Then, this one will leave it to you, if you're thinking of anything in particular."
"O-okay." She returned to the vegetables with renewed vigor. Her focus wasn't disturbed again, until someone knocked at the door. "I'll get it." However, when she opened up, she was startled to see who the late visitor was.
Yahiko stood before her, his hair disheveled from sprinting. His backpack was slung over his shoulder, and he glowered. "I ran away."
"Yahiko…" She reached out to him, but he stormed past her to enter the house.
"I'm sick of him. I don't want to live with him anymore, so I'll just-" He stopped, at the sight of Kenshin setting the table. "Is this a date? Blech."
"That's not what this is!" A hot flush of embarrassment flooded her. "He's living here until his apartment gets fixed. Anyway, just tell me about what happened."
"I already told you, I'm just sick of him." He sullenly replied, and she frowned.
Kenshin spoke up. "Yahiko, can we tend to your ankle?"
"Huh?" Kaoru glanced over her student. It was slight, but he was favoring his right leg. At Kenshin's remark, he had tried to switch over, but the adjustment made him wince. She scowled. "You are hurt! Here, sit down and let me have a look."
He must have been tired, because he grudgingly obeyed. His ankle was a little swollen, she noticed, and there was the beginning of a bruise.
Kenshin brought over the first aid kit. "Are you hungry, Yahiko? Dinner is almost ready."
"I'm not hungry."
"In that case, stay still." She undid some tape off the roll and set to work. She wasn't a master, but her bandaging was adequate. "Not too tight?"
"No." Then, his stomach growled, and she and Kenshin laughed. "Hey!"
The meal was a little lighter than usual, but the company was worth it. After the dishes were cleared, she addressed Yahiko. "I can't prepare the spare room in time, but you can take my room."
"And where are you going to sleep?" He snorted.
"On the couch, of course."
Kenshin didn't take to that idea. "Kaoru-dono, that won't be necessary. This one can sleep on the couch while Yahiko takes this one's room."
"You're both my guests, so you can take the rooms." She argued. "I'll clear the other spare tomorrow." It would probably take all day, just to get the kendo gear out of the house, and her arm was still healing. But the options were limited.
He turned to Yahiko. "What would you prefer? It's up to you."
"…I'd rather take yours. As if I can stay in a girl's room." Yahiko made a face.
"I'll have you know it's clean." She defended. "Kenshin, is this really alright with you?"
"Yes, the couch isn't bad at all."
And so, for the first time in a decade, three people slept in her house.
In the morning, there was another visitor. Kaoru was barely awake, but she faintly registered Kenshin stepping out. He closed the door behind him, and she tiptoed out of her room to press her ear against the wood.
"…arrested last night. The mother led us back to here, but to think you'd be here as well..." It was an unfamiliar voice, and there was the brief click of a lighter. "I heard the owner of this house is a young woman. Who knew, you had connections in this city…"
Indignation flared within her. Whoever this was, he was incredibly rude!
"Saito…" Kenshin's intense tone surprised her. For a brief moment, it was as if the air had chilled.
"I was joking." Papers rustled. "Here are the documents. They should be returned by today." Then, he left, judging by the squeal of car tires.
Kaoru gingerly walked backwards, and just in time. Kenshin returned inside, widening his eyes when he saw her.
Luckily, her voice was still drowsy. "Morning, Kenshin."
"Good morning, Kaoru-dono." He smiled, but it was strained. "Yahiko's stepfather was arrested, and it seems that these documents must be filled out, for Yahiko to remain here."
"I see." She took the papers. "Who dropped them off?"
"It was a police officer."
That didn't sound like anyone from her father's division. But how did Kenshin know this person, when he was new to Tokyo? She wanted to ask, but she stopped herself. Kenshin had his own past, and that didn't matter to her. Kenshin was the man who owned a laundromat, who helped her when she was in trouble. Already, the garden was faring well under his touch; there were little sprouts already. And he was happy. He looked so pleased when she complimented his food, and he was genuine when he talked to her. If his past added weight to his smile like that, she wouldn't bring it up.
She glanced through the papers. "Kenshin?"
"Yes, Kaoru-dono?"
"You'll have to help me clear the spare room. And tonight, we're going to eat hotpot at the Akabeko."
"Oro? To celebrate Yahiko's moving in?"
"For both of you." She corrected. "My treat."
He pressed the back of his hand against her forehead, and tested his own. "Ah, there's no fever."
"Geez, of course not!" She huffed. "I just want to celebrate, since we all don't have to be alone anymore…well, if you don't want to-"
"This one wants to. Very much." He was serious, and her heart suddenly pounded.
The moment was shattered by Yahiko's shout from the bathroom. "Hey, how do you turn on the hot water?"
"This one will show him." Kenshin excused himself. "After breakfast, this one will help you."
"Thank you." She managed to nod, and as soon as he was out of sight, she hurried down the hallway.
If she started cleaning up now, there would still be time to prepare for tonight's dinner.
