Kaoru usually didn't pay much attention while she was out and about town, doing her shopping. But when the name of her only student reached her ears, she couldn't help but put herself in a better range of hearing. Why would strangers be talking about Yahiko?

"The little boy now residing with Kaoru-san and Himura-san. He's a surly little thing, hardly ever smiles!"

Kaoru snorted. Yahiko'd blow a gasket if he could hear how this woman was talking about him: little this and little that. And surly too!

"Well, he's got a bit of an attitude now. He apparently rescued his shy little girlfriend recently! I heard about it from my neighbor; she watched the whole thing from her window. On the sly, of course, she didn't want to get involved with the yakuza thugs. But she said he was very brave."

"Oh, that is too adorable! I'll bet he swept little Tsubame-chan right off her feet!"

Kaoru beamed to herself, partly due to the descriptions of Tsubame and partly due to the nature of the chatter between these two matrons. It was just so motherly…

"I'm glad that Kaoru-chan is taking care of him now. The little dear, he was almost a lost cause if he stayed on with the yakuza. It's really a shame that they're so active. It makes me fear for my own children!"

"Oh, I know what you mean. Mei-chan is a little bit friendly with Tsubame-chan whenever we go to Akabeko. She is just so timid! It must be because of how her family was treated by the yakuza thugs. Terrible men."

"…It's a little ironic really, how different those two children are, and yet how well they seem to get along. Have you ever seen Yahiko-chan with any friends?"

"…No, actually! I don't think I ever have!"

Kaoru paused, staring blindly at the selection of fish. Now that they voiced it, she realized that she'd never heard or seen of any boys Yahiko's age that he spent time with. She'd never thought about it before, but, he didn't seem to have any friends besides they're little make-shift family.

And that was sad…

He didn't complain though. He seemed quite content to do his training and work at the Akabeko every day, filling the rest of his time at home lazing around or talking with whoever was available. And he did spent a lot of time with Tsubame, she supposed, though what the women said of her was true—she was very timid, and probably didn't talk very much. She wondered if she was getting better now, after promising that she'd try to be braver after seeing how Yahiko protected her.

Well, there was a way to find out!

"Konnichiwa, Tae-san!"

Kaoru greeted her friend cheerfully upon entering the threshold of the restaurant. Tae was in her usual place at the front podium, ready to greet guests. Her eyes lit up seeing Kaoru.

"Oh, Kaoru-chan! Welcome!" She paused a beat, and then realizing that Kaoru was alone a slight furrow appeared between her brows.

"Himura-san isn't here too? Oh no, did you two have a fight?"

"What? No! Don't be silly, Tae-san, Kenshin and I are fine! I actually stopped by while I was doing some shopping. I wanted to get in a little gossip." She smiled seeing how the mention of gossip brought a special glitter to Tae's gentle gaze.

"You know I always have time for that!" the waitress said with a small chuckle. "But even if you're just running errands, Kaoru-chan, you and Himura-san should spend that time together! It's good for building your relationship!"

"Yeah, yeah…" Kaoru responded, blushing and waving her off. She really got flustered when Tae did this. But she supposed it was just what best friends did…

"Anyway!" she said, jumping to change the subject. "I heard these two women talking about—" she lowered her voice, "Yahiko and Tsubame."

"Oh?" Tae leaned forward, smiling wider.

"And I was wondering if Tsubame-chan seems like she's been less timid. Have you noticed anything?" Kaoru realized what a pointless question that was once Tae started in on her long answer of everything she'd observed in the last week and a half.

"Oh, yes! She and Yahiko-kun have been talking a lot more! She's even looked him in the eyes a few times! It's really so sweet, Kaoru-chan, he's been more patient with her lately too. And don't tell him this, but I've caught him blushing whenever she looks at him and then looks away again. And just earlier today, he was joking with her about those men he saved her from, and she laughed like it was the funniest thing she'd ever heard! I'm sure it would be since they were so horrible to her. You and Himura-san have been very good for Yahiko-kun, he's really a wonderful boy. You can just tell that he really cares for all of you—"

As she talked and talked, she forgot to keep her tone down and Kaoru hurried cut her off.

"Tae! Hush, they might hear you!"

Tae obeyed, but didn't seem at all sheepish.

"If you and Himura-san follow in their example, Kaoru-chan, you two will be married in no time!"

"Argh, Tae-san!" Kaoru slapped a palm to her face, trying to hide her pink cheeks.

Tae smiled a little triumphantly to herself. It was so painfully obvious that her friend and the gentle Rurouni were attracted to—and perfect for!—each other. She would continue pushing them toward each other every chance she got! Or she couldn't reasonably call herself a dedicated friend and matchmaker!