I am not a Japanese guy. End of story.

Kami-sama Strikes Again (Literally)

By Shiara-dono

Chapter 4

Maybe I should just get her some flowers. Hmm… that's what I'll do. Kenshin pondered on this thought for a moment. Later, when she's busy, maybe… He continued to follow Kaoru.

After a brief problem where Kenshin slipped up and said, "Sessha would like to buy this rice, that he would," they headed back toward the dojo. Yahiko met them at the door.

"Hey Ugly, you're supposed to train me, not go shopping!"

Kenshin put his hands up in apology. "It is not sessha's fault for looking this way, th—"

"Huh? Owww…" Yahiko cried, as Kaoru hit him over the head with Kenshin's sword. "What was that for, Kenshin?"

Hee hee… more fun time. "I don't think K… Miss Kaoru is ugly at all. I think she's as beautiful as the most precious flower, that I do."

Kenshin's mouth fell open. "M… m… Kenshin?" Even if it is true…

Sanosuke came over and slapped Kaoru on the back. "Knew you had it in you somewhere."

Yahiko growled. "Anyway, are you going to train with me today, Kaoru?"

Kaoru caught her breath. I didn't think of that!

"Actually, Yahiko, I thought you could train with Kenshin today."

"What?"

"O… oro?"

"Well, after all, he's been here for three years, so he should know the Kamiya Kasshin style by now."

"That's true, I have learned it." Kaoru smiled. "Okay with you, Yahiko?"

Yahiko was all but bouncing off the walls with happiness. "Sure! It's been my dream!"

Kaoru went and put the rice and miso in the kitchen. Little brat, I'll show you! She thought to herself. You'd think by now he would have given up the whole "Ugly" thing! She set Kenshin's sword in his room, and then went to face off with Yahiko. Both fought hard and with all their strength, but in the end, it was Yahiko who collapsed first.

"I can't believe you're this good just by watching! He panted.

"Well, you're getting better at Hiten Mitsurugi just by watching, that you are. Keep up the good work, Yahiko." Kaoru put her bokken on its rack, and headed to the bath house. Sure enough, there was Kenshin already preparing a bath for her.

She smiled at him gratefully. "Thanks!"

"Uh, Miss Kaoru?"

She turned back to him. "Yes?"

Kenshin flamed red. "Uh, n… nothing… never mind, Miss Kaoru. Enjoy your bath."

Kaoru smiled again. She wasn't dumb; she knew what was on his mind.

Kaoru slipped inside, and very cautiously undressed, firmly staring at the ceiling. Then she got into the bath. She sighed. This feels so nice. She reached up and pulled off the hair tie, ducking under the water, and scrubbing sweat from bright red locks of hair. She surfaced again, and curiosity got the better of her. Blushing the whole time, she looked at the body she was in. Quite a few scars. I wonder if the memories hurt him. Well, duh, of course they do. Will he ever let me help him heal? After a few minutes more, she got out, dried off, and got dressed.

Kenshin was waiting outside. She'll see the scars, that I know. What will she think? Battles I can deal with, but not this. Not— He looked up, startled. Kaoru was watching him. Her eyes were shadowed, and he noticed she had untied his hair. She's bothered, she is. I feared as much.

"Do they hurt, the scars? She asked.

Kenshin looked down. "From time to time."

Kaoru nodded. Then she surprised Kenshin with a hug. "You can take a bath now." With that, she walked off.

Kenshin stared at his hands for a while longer, then stood up.

Hey y'all. Wow, that's the longest chapter I've wrote thus far. Don't worry, Kaoru only looked at the arms and torso. And I haven't forgotten about the gift. That comes later. Ja ne!