They stared at their plates. It was a small meal and they did not have the rice that he was suppose to get. When they were finished eating, they would sill be hungry. Not only that, but he also brought in another mouth to feed which left even less food. Now all eyes were glaring at him. He gulped and slowly scooting his seat away. After a few more seconds of death glares they ignored him and started to eat.

He sighed. Reaching for his own bowl, he looked over at the small female in front of him. She was just staring at her food. Did she not like stew? Slowly, she picked up a piece of meat and placed it into her mouth. He smiled, glad she was eating. He started to eat his own food, until--

"This is the most god-awful food I have ever eaten in my entire life." Kagome blurted out.

Everyone's eyes widened, and Kenshin almost dropped his bowl in shock. Kagome was very outspoken, yes, but there were some things you should keep yourself… if you want to live. They slowly raised their heads, to look at Kaoru's reaction. Her eyes were blazing with rage, and she was glaring at the girl.

"You made this?! That's horrible!" She spoke again.

"Well, if you don't like it-- Then don't eat it!!" Kaoru yelled.

"I won't!" Kagome yelled back. "I don't want to ruin my sensitive taste buds to this garbage!"

"If you think your so perfect-- Next time, why don't you cook the food!?" She raised her fist in a challenge.

"Maybe I will! I might be a little rusty, but it will be a whole lot better then this crap!" She slammed the bowl onto the floor and stood up. Kaoru also stood up and they headbutted each other, snarling. Kenshin tried to calm them down.

"Fighting won't solve any-"

"SHUT UP!" They both yelled in unison. Then continued to bark insults at each other. Kenshin sulked and ate his food in silence.

"You should never try to break up a cat fight." Sano decided to speak a few words of wisdom to him.

"You know what?! I'm sick of your face! I'm going to bed!" Kaoru roared and stomped to the door. "Goodnight!!" She slammed the door, angrily.

"Oh yeah!!" Kagome yelled at the closed door. "Well, I'm going to bed too!" She huffed and stomped off to the other exit. The males glanced at each other before sighing. Kagome peaked her head out from behind the door. "I don't know where my room is…" She scratched the back of her head sheepishly. The men fell over and started to laugh.

Kagome and Kenshin were walking down the dark corridor. It seems he was the only man she trusted to walk her to her room. He couldn't blame her, Sano might have hit on her and Yahiko refused, so naturally he was the only one left. He sighed.

It was rather quiet walk, but Kenshin did not mind. He was slightly worried about the young girl though, she seemed like the talkative type. Is something bothering her? Glancing over his shoulder, he stopped in his tracks.

She was a good 20 feet away. When did she lag behind? He stood there and watched her slowly place one foot in front of the other, walking towards him. Her head was up, but her eyes were closed. Was she enjoying the small walk? Did she want to go at a slower pace?

"Miss Kagome?" He tried to get her attention.

"Yes?" She opened her eyes and looked at him.

"You are barely moving; That you are. Is something the matter?" He was slightly worried for the tiny female.

"Oh, no. I'm fine. My mind was just wandering, that's all. So no need to worry."

"I am able walk slower; That I could. If that is your wish?"

"Thank you." She smiled at him. He just nodded.

They then started at a much slower pace to the room. The tread was quite peaceful. He rather enjoyed the calming stroll. He closed his eyes and sighed. After a few minutes he felt eyes upon his frame and looked at the small girl. She blushed, embarrassed being caught, and turned her head. He chuckled.

"Miss Kagome?"

"Yes?" She looked back at him.

"Why do you wear back clothing?" He asked.

"I know what you're thinking." She immediately said. He blinked, confused. "I wear pants that do not shuffle when I move, and I have a sleeveless Kimono. This means I want to be quiet, and be undetected. My clothes are black, which means I do not want to be seen at night. You think of me as a spy, or maybe an Assassin? Correct?" His eyes widened. How did she--? "Any observant person would think that of me." She spoke. "But I am happy to say, I am not an assassin. But I wonder; why would anyone want to kill you-- Mr. Kenshin?" She grinned up at him.

He was at a lost for words. She was very clever, and even though she spoke only the truth, it seems she was holding back. What was she hiding?

"It's because of a friend, that I wear this color." She spoke- Not waiting for his answer, knowing it will never come. "He wears all white; they say we are as different as night and day."

"I am sorry I misjudged you; That I am." She just shook her head and smiled warmly at him. He smiled back, and stopped in front of a screen door. He turned, opening it for her and she walked inside. She told him that he was a gentleman, opening the door for her. He blushed at the compliment. "Goodnight, Miss Kagome."

"Goodnight, Kenshin." She waved to him, before she closed the door.

He stood there, staring at the screen. After a few seconds he smiled to himself, before walking to his own room just down the hall.

It was dawn, and Kenshin was already up and dressed. He immediately headed towards Kagome's room. He believes she already memorized her way around the dojo, from their small walk. But he did not want to misjudge the girl yet again. So he wanted to meet her, before she got up, and take her where she needed to go. Not wishing the girl to get lost.

When he arrived at her room, he noticed a small opening in the door. His eyes narrowed and he placed his hand on his sword. Sliding the door open he quickly stepped inside. His eyes whizzed around the room, looking for an intruder, but he found no one. Purple orbs landed on the folded futon. Did she already leave? He sighed and removed his hand from his hilt. He knew it was only for one night, but he was slightly disappointed she left so quickly.

"Are you looking for someone?" A voice behind him spoke. His eyes widened and he turned around.

"Miss Kagome?" Kenshin was more then a little surprised to see the female. He did not sense her presences, nor did he hear her sneak behind him.

"It's nice to see you up so early, Mr. Kenshin." She spoke idly to him. "What?" Looking at his shocked expression she frowned. "You believed me to be gone? As you can see, I have not left yet. If that bothers you--?" She trailed off, letting the question fade. Kenshin quickly waved his hands in front of his body, in surrender.

"Of course not, Miss Kagome. I very much enjoy your company; That I do" She smiled brightly at him.

"Great! Just what I wanted to hear!" Kenshin blinked, confused. "I wanted to ask you something. Do you know of any shrines that have a sacred well?" Her eyes shined with curiosity, waiting for an answer.

"A Well…" He paused, thinking. "I believe there are two shrines, and only one has a well that you speak of; That it does." She squealed in glee at his answer.

"Wonderful! Let's go!" She quickly grabbed his wrist and dragged him around the dojo. What has he gotten himself into?

Just as he guessed, Kagome memorized the area around the dojo already, and lead him out to the gate. They were now walking side by side, towards the Shrine he said he would guide her to. If she already memorized the Dojo, then that must mean she already knows how to get there from the bridge. He knew it was probably wrong for him to think of this. She was a young and seemingly harmless girl, but she was always looking out for something. Maybe he was once again thinking too much of the smaller women, or…?

He looked over at her, focusing his gaze onto her eyes. Just as he thought. Her eyes were cast ahead, yet every time she passed a person or any movement came into view, she would quickly glance over, then around her surrounding before looking ahead once more. Since they were in the middle of the city, her eyes were now contently moving, catching every move and person. Her speed was remarkable.

Now seeing her for what she was, he looked upon her more seriously. Why was she so cautious? As if she was ready for anyone, or anything, to pop out and attack her. Was she running away from something? Is that why she was a wanderer? Does she know something she shouldn't have? Was she like him? He does not know the answers to these puzzling questions.

She was very beautiful, and seemed frail. Not the kind of person who could fight, or knows anything of value. But he could be wrong, Miss Megumi was also blessed with beauty, yet when he first met her she knew many secrets, and was in much trouble; That she was.

Looking at the petite female beside him. He smiled. He was of short-stature for a male, yet she only came to his chin. Her size had nothing to do with whether or not she could fight, but her hair did. It was long, stopping at her lower back, and it moved freely in the wind. He admitted that he too had long hair, yet he could fight. But she did not have her hair tied back; it would get in the way if she were to battle with someone.

So he finally came to the conclusion; that she was of no threat to him, or his friends, and finally relaxed his grip on his sword and his body. He heard her sigh and he looked at her once again. She was still looking ahead, but started to talk to him.

"It's nice to see you finally trust me enough to relax." She told him. His eyes widened a small fraction and he looked down at her, serious once again. "Ah, I see you're tense again, Do not be so surprised I can feel your discomfort." She closed her eyes and sighed. "Please, do not be so serious around me; makes it harder for me to calm down, when around such stressing atmosphere."

He tried to relax, but he found it quite difficult, being so close to an enigma such as her. Just when he thought he figured her out, she quickly pushed his thoughts away, showing she was not as harmless as he first believed. She was doing more then observing, she was figuring out everything. Every person, place, object, she studied them, and just as quickly figured out who they are, and what they were thinking, through emotions and movements. She did so with the utmost precision and detail, taking in the slightest change. Though he easily masked his emotions, she saw through them-- Who was this woman?

It took a few minutes before he could relax he tense muscles. He should not be so stressed over it. If she wanted to attack him, she would have already. So he complied with her small plea, and calmed himself. He heard her sigh in delight, and open her eyes.

"Thank you." She whispered, and looked around.

He watched her closely, out of the corner of his eyes. She was not swiveling her blue orbs, taking in every movement and sound like before. No, instead she was relaxed, and slowly soaked in the air around her, while glancing at every building and stores. Every now and then her eyes would focus on an object that caught her attention, or wave at people that passed by.

Did his own feelings towards her make her more cautious and tense? Did he really affect her in such a way, that she could not relax herself? Why did his own feelings bring out such a reaction to her? She was indeed, very strange.

Once they got to the shrine steps, he saw her eyes sparkle with joy and excitement. Happiness was practically oozing out of every core of her body. Why does this shrine hold such joy to her? She then started to tremble. Was it from the happiness, as well or was it nervousness? He did not know.

They slowly took one step at a time. It was not long before they reached the top. He looked around. The place was small. A house was in front of them, a large tree to the left, and the well she was so fond of was to the right.

It was very quiet, and he did not like it. His hand gripped his sword once again. His body tensed. If she was a spy, or an assassin, now would be the perfect time to attack him. He was alone, but he made sure he was on guard. He heard her huff, and he looked over at her, body ready for an attack.

"It's useless trying to talk you out of your ideas-- Isn't it?" She rolled her eyes and started walk towards the well.

He sighed. It seems she noticed his tense behavior yet again. Nothing slides by her watchful eyes, does it? He shook his head and followed her to the well. It was open to the public, but there was rubble, plied beside it. It looks like they are going to build a structure around it very soon. A sign was place in front of the wooden building, showing information about its birth and how it was blessed.

They both walked pass the sign and strait to the well. She peered down into its deep abyss. Is there something at the bottom? He looked as well, only seeing dirt.

"It has dried up…" She spoke softly, as if saddened.

"Yes, the water is no longer there; That it is"

"The water--?" She spoke confused, and then looked back at the well. "Oh, yes, the water. That's what I meant." He raised his eyebrow in question, looking at her.

She slowly ran her hand over the frame, and sighed. Her eyes slowly drooped in heartache. After a few seconds tears started to quickly form in her eyes and he looked on, shocked.

"Of course it would be. My luck has always been the worst. No doubt this stupid well would be bone dry!" She gripped the wooden frame till her knuckles were white. Kenshin was dumbfounded; he didn't know what to do. She was sad over a dried up well?

"I'm sure if you're thirsty, Miss Kagome, we can find some water in town; That we can. Please don't be sad over it." He tried to calm her down.

She raised her hand up to her face, and lifted her head to the sky. She started to laugh, yet the sound was sad.

"I'm sure your right, Kenshin. Water-- In town." She sighed, bringing her head down. She was no longer crying, and for that he was happy. He did not handle well with tears. She walked a few steps ahead of him, then turned around smiling. "Well?" She reached her hand out for him. "You coming? We must go to town then, I am very thirsty." She smiled warmly at him.

He smiled back, and they started to descend down the stairs. He could tell she was quite distraught over not finding what she was looking for at the well. Her pace was slowed greatly, and he was practically dragging his feet to keep up with her. As they were nearing the market place, her speed started to slowly pick up, and so did her mood. For that, he was glad.

"Kenshin?" She asked him, smiling.

"Yes?" He smiled back, happy she was alright now.

"Do you have any money?" Asking curiously.

"Yes; That I do. But I don't see why--" She quickly grabbed his wrist, and he looked down at the hand confused. "Oro?" She then started to quickly drag him all over the market place, catching him by surprise.

"I don't see why you had to buy so much stuff, Miss Kagome; That I don't." He questioned her behind a large stack of boxes and barrels. "You used up all my money; That you did." He sounded slightly upset. "And I do not understand why I am the one carrying all of it; That I don't" She just giggled at his predicament

"Well, you're big and strong, while I am very tiny. I might hurt myself if I tried to carry it." She argued. He sighed in defeat. "Besides, there wasn't much food in the kitchen-- How am I suppose to cook anything with out any ingredients?" She asked.

"I believe Miss Kaoru was only angry; That she was. She did not really mean for you to cook--"

"That doesn't matter" She spoke up. "I never break my word-- and I said I would cook, so I am." She smiled at him as they entered the gate house of the Dojo. "Anyway. Just think of it as a parting gift before I leave. What better way to say 'Thank you' then a belly full of good food."

"Miss Kagome…" He spoke, surprised at her show of kindness.

She just smiled at him, and they started to walk to the kitchen. He placed the food down and she quickly pushed him out of the door. Trying to persist, he asked if she needed help, she quickly said no and shut the door. He was left standing there, blinking. He sighed and walked away, going to tell Kaoru that she did not have to cook tonight. That ought to make her happy; That it should.

They stared at their plates. It was a huge meal. Everyone was shocked. Who went shopping? They all looked at Kenshin, then Kagome. They both laughed nervously. The group had stars in their eyes, showing joy. He was glad they were happy; That he was. But size does not matter if the food does not taste good; That it doesn't.

They all looked back down at the plates. Everyone picked up a bowl of food. Slowly they placed their chopsticks into the steaming meal before pulling out a piece. Kenshin saw that Kagome was waiting, to see their reaction he guessed, and was not taking a bite of her food yet. At the same time, they all plopped the food into their mouths. Everyone's eyes widened and they dropped their chopsticks in shock.

"Was it not to your liking--?" Kagome's whispered, splitting the silence in the room.

Turning their heads they all stared at her, still wide-eyed. They all started to scream words of joy and praise. Shouting to the heaves at the wonderful taste that flooded their mouths and into their empty bellies. Kagome laughed nervously.

"It's not that good." Kagome tried to lower the praise. They quickly shouted in objection to her.

"What the hell are you talking about? This is great!" Sano said mouth full of food, spiting small chunks into the air.

"Yeah! It would beat Kaoru's Cooking any day of the week!" Yahiko shouted, cramming more food into his already full mouth.

"I must admit--" Kaoru spoke up, before taking another bite. "This is very good." She then gobbled the rest of her meal down like a pig- the same as the others. Kagome smiled at the compliments and took a bite of her food as well.

"Hmm… needs more salt." She stated, before taking another bite. They all looked at her as if she was crazy, and then continued to gorge themselves. She looked up at the redheaded man, sitting across from her. He was slowly taking small bites, tasting each plate before moving to the next. "Do you not like it, Kenshin?" She asked him.

He reached the last plate he has not tried yet, his rice. He raised the bowl up to his lips, then plopped the food into his mouth. Even the rice tasted Heavenly! It sent such a pleasurable feeling through him, he couldn't hold in his happiness anymore. He looked at the girl who questioned him. His eyes went wide, and instantly filled with joyous tears. She laughed at his expression, and then smiled, saying she was happy he enjoys it. He just nodded slowly and placed another bite of rice into his mouth. Unlike the others, he was going to savor this wonderful food.

After they were finished with their meals, they sighed in delight. Miss Kaoru, Yahiko, and Sano were laid sprawled out on the floor. Their swollen bellies protruding out greedily. Kagome and Kenshin just laughed at their antics, sitting beside each other. Until Kagome sighed and stood up.

"Well, it seems I have already over stayed my visit so I must be going now." She smiled kindly at them all. "It was nice of you all to let me stay here. Goodbye." She bowed deeply in thanks before turning and leaving.

All of them lying on the floor looked at each other, then as if reading their thoughts, nodded at the same time, and quickly stood up, running after her. Kenshin just smiled, and slowly stood, following them. Sano was the first to catch up to the black caddied woman.

"And just where do you thank your going, Missy?" He asked her, placing his hand on her shoulder to stop her.

"I don't have any place particular in mind-- I just wander around- that what I do, I'm a wanderer." She answered.

"Not anymore you're not!" Yahiko chirped from behind Sano, Kaoru not far behind.

"Yes, I do say, your cooking is quite good--" Kaoru said, but got interrupted.

"It's GRRRRREAT!" Yahiko corrected. Kagome laughed, being reminded of the tiger seen in so many cereal commercials.

"But I don't see why my cooking has to do with anything--"

"It has to do with everything!" Sano's voice over powered her smaller one, and he lifted her up in the air, while spinning her around. She blushed, embarrassed she was lifted so easily.

"Yeah! You're going to live with us from now on- So you can keep cooking these delicious meals!" Kagome stared at the small boy, eyes wide.

"I am going to do-- What?! I'm not a slave!" She glared at him.

"Of course not." Sano said. "You will be staying here on your own free will! We just won't allow you to leave!" His laughter bellowed through the air. Kagome's eyes widened again, not finding his horrible joke funny. She glanced down and saw Kenshin, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at him pleadingly.

"Kenshin! Talk some sense into them, please!" She begged.

"It seems their minds are made up, I'm afraid." He raised his hands in defeat and shrugged his shoulders. "Welcome to the family, Miss Kagome" He greeted her, smiling.

She sighed in defeat, and Sano placed her on the ground. Yahiko and Kaoru shouted in joy and hugged her to death, while Sano and Kenshin stood back, laughing. Her eyes weld with tears, but this time it was from happiness. A family… That sounded very nice to her.

And that is how Kagome became part of the Kenshin's crew, as their new chef! Oh, what joy. (-_-)