Married with Kaoru

by Zurthuryx Hemtolig Qosdarlu

It's influenced a little bit by the TV sitcom Married...with Children. Read as Kenshin and his friends have misadventures. Status update: it's been a while since we wrote a new chapter and put it up here, but we're not done yet. We're just working on another story right now (see our profile for more info). Sometime we're going to start working on it again. Thank you for reading.

4. Episode 4

ALL IS NOT FAIR IN LOVE & WAR

Introduction

This is the origin of Married… with Kaoru. This story will explain how Kenshin, Sano, Megumi and Kaoru met. When Kenshin and Sano enter Tokyo, they are seventeen and fourteen years old. Kaoru and Megumi are sixteen and fifteen years old. It is very long, but it had to be this way in order to make logical sense. It is also different from our other stories. As you probably know, our other stories have just been straight up comedy. This story, however, contains comedy, action, romance, and drama. This is also the hardest Married... with Kaoru story we've written so far. It took us about two weeks to write and proofread the entire thing. Originally, we were never going to explain how they met, but some reviewers wanted to know how Kenshin and Kaoru got married. We then decided to do it. We also thought that if we were going to explain how Kenshin and Kaoru got married, we should explain how Sano and Megumi got married. Thank you for your support!

Kenshin was hanging some laundry up at his home. While this was going on, Kenji was in the backyard playing around with Yahiko. They were making mud balls and throwing them at trees, and eventually each other. Kaoru came out of the house and came up to Kenshin. She had more laundry for him to do.

"Here Kenshin," said Kaoru with here usual piercing voice, "I have some more laundry for you to do."

She then dropped the basket on the ground in front of Kenshin.

"You've got to be kidding me," said Kenshin. "How in the hell can we have this much laundry? Only three people live here."

"Oh, stop your whining," said Kaoru. "You have to finish this soon because you have lots more chores to do."

"Oh gee, Kaoru," said Kenshin sarcastically. "I can hardly wait to do those other chores. I can't think of anything else that would be more fun."

"Save the sarcasm and just finish the laundry slave boy." She then went back inside to make some soup for lunch.

"Feeble-minded Kaoru and her aggravating chores of death," muttered Kenshin to himself. "Why did I ever marry that woman?"

Kenshin then stared off into space and had a flashback to end all flashbacks...

Sano was carrying Captain Sagara, who had been wounded by gunfire, through some woods. The imperialists were following behind them. They eventually made it to the edge of a cliff, where Sano collapsed because he did not have the strength anymore to continue.

Sagara, with what strength he had, said "Leave me here, you've gotta run Sanosuke."

"No, I'm not going to leave you Captain," said Sano.

"Sanosuke, you've gotta get outta here."

He picked himself up and grabbed Sano. He then threw him over the cliff knowing that he would be safe. He then turned around to face the enemy, only to be met with a barrage of bullets.

"Captain Sagara!" screamed Sano as he plummeted towards the earth.

As Sano laid there on the ground crying and pondering the thought of how his beloved Captain now belongs to the ages, a mysteries figure appeared out of nowhere and came up to him. He extended his hand, and Sano grabbed it. He pulled Sano to his feet and assured him that no harm would come to him. Little did Sano know that this man would be an important figure in his life. Little did Sano know that this man was Hittokiri Battousai or simply: Kenshin Himura.

After four years, the revolution finally came to an end. During this time, Sano and Kenshin became good friends. So after the revolution had ended, Sano and Kenshin decided to wonder together. They both had dreams of settling down somewhere and having a place to live. So they then began their wondering journey.

They had all kinds of adventures during their wondering phase. For instance, they came across the Holy Grail. Clumsy Sano dropped his zanbatou on it and broke it. They then got scared, buried the pieces, and took off. Later, they even met a man by the name of Nobuhiro Watsuki or known by many as the "Man on the Silver Mountain." He was a sorcerer who lived in a cave by himself on top of the Silver Mountain. His whole mystical, philosophical, sorcerer shtick kind of made Kenshin and Sano feel uncomfortable. Because of that, Sano and Kenshin didn't stay too long. After Mr. Watsuki tried to put a hex on them, they decided that it was time for them to leave. Lastly, they both came across the United States embassy. Without knowing what the building or property was, Sano and Kenshin entered it. They walked around the entire thing without one single guard discovering their presence. They eventually got bored and left. Without realizing it they technically invaded America.

After three months of wondering, they came across the city of Tokyo. It was there where they would live long and prosper.

Since they had no money, they performed odd jobs for people. They delivered stuff, brought food to shut-ins, and chopped wood for people. Hell, at one point, they even tired to start their own business, which by the way, failed miserably. Apparently, people did not like the idea of two revolution veterans offering to clean their homes with the help of their swords. At night, they would sleep under trees and reminisce about the revolution days.

After a few weeks of mind-numbing labor, Sano and Kenshin earned enough money to rent an apartment. It wasn't extravagant, but it got the job done. It was one room, and had one little closet and a window. After they earned some more money, they bought some blankets and pillows. They slept on the floor because they couldn't afford a futon. After a couple days, one of the pillars that held the roof up was starting to deteriorate. To stop the roof from collapsing, Sano stuck his zanbatou up against the broken pillar. It was tall enough to reach the ceiling and strong enough to keep it from falling.

To save money, they took old cooking pans that the Akabeko threw out. As for food, they mainly ate tofu because it was the cheapest food in the marketplace. They even looked through trash for food. Their world slowly started to come together in one way or another.

One day as Kenshin and Sano were traveling past the Kamiya Dojo to get to the marketplace, two people were watching them. It was none other then Kaoru Kamiya and Megumi Takani. They were sitting on the steps in the front of the dojo talking. Even though they noticed Kenshin and Sano, their curiosity of them was fleeting.

"You know Kaoru, those two wanderers are kind of cute."

"I can't believe you're taking interest in those two filthy bums. Now back to business. I asked Dr. Genzai and he promised to leave a position open for you, when you are done with the training of course."

"That's wonderful. I'm really excited to be a doctor because I could break down the sexist job barrier here."

"Don't forget me. I'm training to take over the Kamiya dojo one day. I shall be a teacher!"

"You know Kaoru, maybe we should take a break and do something fun. How about getting together with those two wanderers? They seem new here, so maybe they could use some guides or something."

"You want to get together with those two disgusting bums? Well…I guess they are kind of attractive, especially the red-haired one."

"That's good because I sort of like the one with the huge sword. Men who wield a gigantic blade of mass destruction are so sexy!"

"Megumi, do us a favor by taking a cold bath."

As evening approached, Kenshin and Sano were stirring in their little shack. They were eating a healthy meal comprised of some old tofu that was half price, and some over-cooked noodles the Akabeko restaurant through out. During their feast of kings Sano made conversation to Kenshin. "Hey Kenshin, can I ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"By any chance did you know anyone in the revolution by the name of Katsuhiro Tsukioka or Katsu for short?"

"Sorry. Why do you ask?"

"He was a friend of mine during it. Like me he was a part of the Seikihoutai. I was just wondering if you have any updates on him. I'm sure that he's still alive and well though. Ah man I'm tired! I'm thinking of turning in for the night."

"That sounds good. By the way Sano, your friend should be fine if he's anything like you."

Kenshin and Sano toppled over onto the floor and fell fast asleep. The next morning the hustle and bustle of the workday naturally awakened them. Kenshin awoke first and poked Sano with his sheath. On accident it got jabbed in his right nostril. At first Sano did not react, but then… "Arrrrgh. Man down, man down!"

"Pardon me. Since it looks like only a flesh wound, let's get going," said Kenshin.

"What do we have planned for today Kenshin?"

"Glad you asked. Today we're going to the local flower shop and ask them if they need any help. Yesterday they seemed pretty busy."

"Doing deliveries or helping out at the shop could be nice. Maybe tonight we can eat things that are eatable."

Kenshin and Sano washed up and prepared for the long day ahead. They took their weapons with them and headed out into the marketplace. It turned out the flower shop was down the street from the Kamiya dojo. They passed it again not knowing Kaoru and Megumi were outside again. They were sitting on the stairs playing cards. Megumi noticed Sano's zanbatou when she looked up from her hand. Ecstatic, she exclaimed, "Look Kaoru! It's fireball and spiky-hair."

"Megumi I think it's about time you take some of your own medication. Oh wait, you mean the bums."

"Call them what you want but I think we should follow them this time."

Kaoru blanked out for a minute. Then she said, "Okay. They seem mysterious enough."

Instantly Kaoru and Megumi got off the stoop and followed the wanderers. They stayed far enough behind so as not to arouse suspicion. When they arrived at the flower shop, they busied themselves at the clothing shop next to it. Meanwhile Sano and Kenshin were inquiring about a job.

"Sano. Stay here and I'll ask."

Kenshin went inside and about a minute later came back out. He had a saddened yet frustrating look about his face.

"They said they're not usually this busy, so they don't need our help. They said thank you though. But I have a backup plan. We'll go back home, drop off our weapons, and go to the river. Maybe we can catch some fish with make-shift fishing poles."

Sano and Kenshin headed back home oblivious to the ladies stalking them. They opened the door, went inside, and closed it. Inside they were collecting their thoughts. Kaoru and Megumi were standing at the side of the house. Once it was safe, they approached the front door. All of a sudden Kenshin's eyes got big and he stood still.

"What is it Kenshin?" asked Sano.

"I felt a presence, that I did."

With caution Kenshin slowly sneaked up to the door. He gradually opened it to a world he did not create. Kenshin was staring at two young ladies who were staring back at him. Kenshin did what any gracious host would do. He yelled "Sano, we have some robbers that may take us hostage!"

Before the police were alerted, Megumi managed to calm Kenshin down. "We're not here to steal your…uh…valuables."

"Yeah. We just thought we would stop by and welcome you to the community." Kaoru said quickly.

"In that case come in. We don't have much, but we make it up through our hospitality," Kenshin said bashfully.

"Nice save Kenshin," said Sano. "So who do we have here? You two have had to come from hell because you're hot."

Megumi and Kaoru blushed awkwardly. All four of them sat down and tried to talk to one another. Kenshin sat in the corner kind of timid. No girl has ever liked him before because he was to busy with his job being the manslayer. Also his past would tend to scare away the ladies. What experience he lacked, is what Sano thought he had. This illusion made Sano more open minded to the women. Megumi grabbed Kaoru and whispered to her. "Now's your chance. Go over to the one in the corner."

Kaoru moved over to the corner where Kenshin was. With a deep breath she said, "Let me introduce myself. My name is Kaoru Kamiya. And You?"

Underneath his sweaty brow, Kenshin talked in a hollow tone. "Himura, Kenshin Himura. Please forgive my actions. For you see, I'm not really a ladies man."

Meanwhile Sano had a more aggressive tone. In the manliest voice he could sustain he said, "My name is Sanosuke Sagara but all my friends call me Sano for short."

Megumi bathed her voluptuous long hair in the sunlight streaming from the room's only window. With a hint of sensuality in the air she said, "My name is Megumi Takani."

This lovely woman mesmerized Sano. In fact his eyes got really big and he started fidgeting until he slapped himself back into reality. Megumi all of a sudden noticed his zanbatou standing in the corner. She went up to it and started to touch it.

"Be careful!" yelled Sano. "It supports our ceiling. For without it, the house would fall and we would be dead."

Megumi saw the crack in the beam and backed away from it. She turned back to Sano and said, "We should start heading home because it is around lunch time."

Kenshin said, "Thanks for stopping by" as he was tying a string around a stick he found in the woods.

Sano was also preparing a makeshift fishing pole. Kaoru and Megumi started to cross the threshold to the outside. A moment later they came back in with a proposition. "Concerning your…circumstance, why don't Kaoru and I treat you to a luncheon?"

Kenshin looked up at her and said, "We don't want to be a bother. You don't have to if you don't want to."

"But the thing is we want to," said Kaoru. "You let us into your house, so now it's our turn for a favor. Besides we can get to know each other better."

Realizing Kenshin could blow their only opportunity for a real meal Sano said, "Yeah, What they said. Now what did you have in mind?"

"We were thinking about some beef-hot-pot at the Akabeko restaurant. Have you ever eaten there before?" asked Megumi.

"Yeah we've eaten there before," said Sano. "But not in the inside."

"Huh?" exclaimed Kaoru and Megumi.

"It's a long story," said Kenshin.

Megumi, Sano, Kaoru, and Kenshin all went down to the Akabeko as they planned. Sano left his weapon at home while Kenshin forgot to leave his in the heat of the moment. At the restaurant Sano sat next to Megumi and Kaoru sat next to Kenshin. For drinks, they all ordered saké. Later on they ordered the would-be popular beef-hot-pot. While waiting for the food to arrive, the girls tried to converse with the boys. Kenshin and Sano sat quietly sipping their saké.

After taking a chug from the alcoholic beverage, Sano looked at it with delight. "Man, where have you been all my life?"

Megumi looked over in Sano's direction. She was curious about this man. She asked, "Sano Sagara. That's kind of a weird name. Did you make that up yourself?"

Kenshin put his hands over his eyes and grieved. "Oh man. It begins."

"Glad you asked," Sano said with a hint of hyper-ness in his voice. "It all goes back to my days in the revolution. I was in a civilian army that was an extension of the government's official army. We were led under Captain Sagara, hence my name. He was a great man, before the damn imperialists executed him! He believed in protecting the weak, justice…"

In the midst of this engaging conversation, Kaoru was talking with Kenshin. Her notice of his sword sparked the conversation. "Nice Sword" she exclaimed.

"Thank you Miss Kaoru. It's a sakabatou, or a reverse blade sword. It aids me in my Hiten Mitsurugi sword technique."

"So you're a teacher then?"

"Not exactly. I worked for the government as an assassin. I killed many a people and earned the name Battousai the Manslayer. I am no longer an imperialist though, just a mere wanderer."

"How exciting" she said with passion.

"You really don't mind me killing people in cold blood?"

"It's a tad gross, but frankly it doesn't phase me."

In Kenshin mind, the light bulb went on. He thought to himself that this was probably the only chance he was going to get at true love. "She doesn't mind my past. I better not blow this," he thought.

Because it was lunch hour, the restaurant was quite busy. This pushed back the orders so the food arrived slower than usual. Megumi got bored to the point where she fell asleep. Sano didn't notice and kept talking mindlessly. Eventually the food came as well as Sano's silence.

"…stupid imperialist bastards!" he shouted as he slammed his fist on the table.

All was silent while Kaoru and Kenshin stared at him with dead eyes. Megumi awoke and shouted, "Why did you have to die Captain Sagara?" She shook her head as everybody turned towards her. She yawned and took a swig of her saké. Once the food cooled off for a few minutes, everybody dug in. After they were done they sat and chatted some more. Sano was so nervous about his first impression at table manners that he crushed his glass. The saké in it flew all over Megumi's kimono. She jerked back but quickly calmed down. Sano looked down at the shards of glass and then at Megumi for three takes.

"I take full responsibility and shall punish those who produced such a faulty glass. However, if I'm the one to blame I apologize."

"It's all right Sano. I can get the saké out when I do the laundry later. Bad things happen; it's just the way it is."

"Listen, I want to make it up to you. I'll pay the bill. You three go on ahead."

Kenshin, dumbfounded by the fact that Sano had enough money (or any at all) to pay for the meal, got up and marched on out. Megumi and Kaoru followed behind. As they were walking away from the restaurant Sano walked up behind them. A minute later a waitress came out of the restaurant flabbergasted. "That man didn't pay his bill!"

Kaoru and Megumi walked the two men home. When they got to their apartment, Kaoru had an idea. "Hey why don't you two stop by our house tomorrow around two. We could have some snacks and give you a tour of our house."

Kenshin and Sano agreed. They waved goodbye and went into their house for rest. They sat down and leaned against the wall of the house pondering today's events. Sano went first. "Megumi has to hate me. I am such a clumsy oaf around women."

"Listen. That is just your imagination."

"Imagination. Yeah and its being projected onto the current reality that I inhibit. It is readjusting my schema or perception on the world while counter-attacking my psyche into believing it is a fantasy. The falsified truth is actually coherent realism."

Kenshin questioned "What?"

Sano questioned back "What?"

"I for one thought it went more smoothly. I think tomorrow will go well too. I am starting to get used to Kaoru; she has some nifty essence to her."

"Well I'm going to try extra hard at being suave tomorrow. You don't come across a woman like Megumi every day. I will rise above the ashes like a phoenix!"

Back at Kaoru's house, she and Megumi were doing their studies. In the middle of studying Kaoru decided someone had to bring up today's events. "Megumi. What did you think of Sano?"

"I don't know. He's kind of a macho jerk. I also think he has a Captain Sagara complex and needs to be institutionalized."

"He tries too hard, but I think he has good intentions."

"That makes sense. I'll see how tomorrow plays out. So what did you think of Kenshin?"

"I adore him. He is quiet and kind of sensitive. It's nice to see a man that is not overly macho. His eloquence is intoxicating."

"Well, having some soldiers around could be nice. I mean they can at least take care of themselves," Megumi stated.

Around the evening at the apartment, Sano was running around mad. Kenshin had to tackle him to the ground and pin him down. He kept yelling, "We can't take care of ourselves, we barely qualify as living. We don't even have a clock. How are we supposed to show we're responsible?"

"Sano! Listen to me. Think of Captain Sagara and his morals."

Sano finally relaxed. Kenshin took his bet and let him free.

"I'm mentally stable now. What do we do?"

Kenshin paced back and forth for some time. "Aha! There is a way."

"Does it involve us being cheap labor because we are, or becoming fighters for higher?"

"Not exactly. The marketplace seems like its not hiring, and we were already fighters in the revolution."

"Oh yeah. That kind of slipped my mind," said Sano with a dumb look on his face.

"We have weapons so why not use them. There are plenty of trees down here that we can cut and sell for firewood. We'll take our slue to the marketplace."

Kenshin and Sano worked through dinnertime in order to make their dream come true. They went into nearby woods and started hacking down all sorts of trees. After they properly prepared the chunks, they were placed in a huge pile. Kenshin went down to the marketplace and staked out a spot. He made a sign and Sano brought up the rear carrying the chunks of wood. Before they knew it, the shop was open for business. Since the marketplace was closing down, all the townsfolk were heading home. A lot of them passed Sano and Kenshin's shop and took advantage of it. Around bedtime Sano and Kenshin made a hefty profit and were now searching for a clock. They wandered back home to see a sign that was advertising a used one. It turned out the clock belonged to a neighbor of theirs. Kenshin and Sano went over and made their purchase. Back home they basked in the used clock's glory.

"Our first house appliance!" Sano cheered.

"I can barely contain myself!" Kenshin squealed.

They didn't know how to set the clock but they were too tired to care. After their hard night's work they laid down to sleep. At eight in the morning the clock went off.

Sano and Kenshin almost peed their clothing as they jumped off the floor screaming, "We're under attack!"

They got washed up as usual and ate a hearty breakfast of fruits they purchased with the leftover money. With only a few hours before their rendezvous, Kenshin and Sano decided to make them selves look extra exceptional for the ladies. They stood in front of Sano's zanbatou checking how they look.

"Kenshin, where's are 'special occasion' clothes? We have to drop the ladies to the floor with our fashion."

"Sorry Sano. What we're wearing is it."

"Okay, we'll improvise" he said with a gleam in his eye.

First they tried to ware their clothes inside out, but they looked rather stupid. Then they tried to give themselves different hairstyles. Every time Kenshin got rid of his ponytail, an Afro appeared. Sano tried to slick his hair back but it always came out a mullet. After 30 minutes they realized they could only get worse. They sat around imagining what the future held until 1:45. At that time they left their weapons home and ventured into the other realm. They finally arrived at the mansion, or as they called it. Kaoru and Megumi were not outside so Kenshin and Sano went in after them. With all the passages and rooms, they were intimidated. A little ways into the journey Kenshin got separated from Sano. Sano made his way to what appeared to be a living room. The two women were sitting on futons reading some books.

"Why, hello ladies." Sano said suavely. "The soldier of fortune has arrived."

Kaoru peered behind Sano and saw that nobody was there. "Where's Kenshin?"

"Uh oh. I guess I lost him in the maze of death."

"Don't worry. We'll find him," Megumi said positively.

All three of them went through every nook and cranny, but could not locate him. All of a sudden they heard some hollow tones and banging. They traced the noises back to a closet near the end of the hallway. Kaoru opened the door and Kenshin fell out onto the floor.

"Oh crap. My spleen!" Kenshin yelped.

Sano picked up Kenshin, draped him over his shoulder, and followed the two ladies outside. Once they got into the courtyard, Sano dropped Kenshin onto the ground.

"Ow," mumbled Kenshin.

"Sorry," said Sano as he rolled his eyes.

Megumi turned to face her obnoxious guests. With happiness in her eyes she exclaimed, "This is where we will be enjoying our snacks and drinks. Kaoru will go prepare them now."

"I hope everybody likes rice balls and green tea," she sung as she skipped away into the house.

Kenshin and Sano accompanied Megumi to a tree and sat in the shade. They had such vivid conversations.

"So Megumi, what do you do for a living?" Sano asked.

"I feel kind of silly saying this but here it goes. I'm training to become a doctor. When I finish training I will become part of Dr. Genzai's practice."

"That is really fascinating. It's good to see a woman in the job-world for once. By the way, do new patients get a free physical exam?"

Megumi couldn't help but laugh at Sano's bizarre comment. Then they heard footsteps and looked up to see Kaoru carrying a tray of goodies towards them. She sat down next to Kenshin and distributed the food. "I'm not much of a cook but Megumi and I are still alive. I guess that shows something."

Kenshin peered down at the rice ball in front of him. In his mind he said "Why are they triangular? They're supposed to be spherical."

Sano peered down at his cup of tea and thought "I must be going blind because all I can see in this cup is black."

Not wanting to be impolite guests, Kenshin and Sano ate their food diligently. Not knowing if they would live through the night, they still kept a positive attitude. Kaoru got anxious and asked, "So what do you guys think?"

Kenshin took the fall and said, "You have a different way of cooking. There is something unique that separates yours from everybody else's. It's nice to see food with a personality."

Sano took a sigh of relief due to the black bullet they just dodged. He gave it a go and said, "It sticks to your ribs. I always say what doesn't kill you can only make you stronger."

"Thank you guys, I really appreciate that. By the way Sano, I naturally tend to cook stronger foods. You have a good tasting sense."

In Sano's mind he kept saying, "Just run with it and don't look back."

"Since we're done here, how about a tour of the house?" Kaoru proposed.

Everybody agreed that it was a good idea. The first stop was the Kamiya dojo. When Kenshin and Sano stepped into the dojo, they couldn't believe their eyes. Sano lost interest kind of quickly but Kenshin seemed excited. "Who runs this place?"

"I do Kenshin. I mean I'm going to. Right now I'm training to become a teacher of the Kamiya Kasshin style."

"I have never heard of that style before. What is it?"

"My dad taught it before he passed away. In fact, this style has been in my family for a long time. It's a non-lethal style that promotes protection. You use it to defend people rather than slaughtering for fun…"

Sano started to walk around in the background and stumbled upon a bokken. He picked it up and started playing with it. He thought "What a piece of junk. I would be invincible against an opponent using this dumb walking stick."

Sano put the bokken back on the rack. He yawned and saw Megumi in the corner readjusting her kimono. He strutted in over there with a piercing look in his eyes. "Hey fox doc, why don't you and I blow this yawn factory?"

Megumi lifted her eyebrow and stared at him for a moment. "Listen rooster-boy, mind your manners. Your ego is bigger than your sword. We're being nice so do the same."

He looked down at the floor embarrassed and took a deep breath. He raised his head to Megumi's again. "Excuse me. I get a little high strung around women. You're right though, I should show some respect. Maybe a third meeting will convince you."

"Are you asking me out on a date?"

"That depends on your answer."

"Hmmm. It looks like underneath your macho façade there is a decant man yearning to get out. Yes but I'm keeping my eye on you. If you pull anything I'll cut you off just like that."

He rushed on over to Kenshin to tell him the good news. Kaoru realized that maybe it was about time she did the same. This was a good opportunity. She was nervous but gathered the courage and went for it. She grabbed Kenshin by the hair and pulled him closer to her. "Kenshin, I was just wondering if you'd like to get together another time."

"Let me see when me and Sano have a free schedule. Two people being available at the same time is kind of tricky."

"No. I mean just you."

"Uh…Oh! Sure that would be wonderful. What time?"

"Come over to my place at 6:00 P.M. tomorrow. Don't be late."

"I shutter to think if I was," Kenshin whined.

Kenshin and Sano headed back home just in the nick of time for supper. All their earned money was gone, so it was back to scavenging around. Luckily they found a patch of eggplants nearby and helped themselves. Outside Sano prepared a fire with some sticks and stones he found lying on the edge of the forest. He took a rock and used his zanbatou as a flint. After a couple of tries he sparked a fire. Using a couple of sticks, they roasted the eggplants.

"Kenshin, nice work on the date. You're so good you didn't have to do anything and you got one."

"Well it's better than acting the way you do. If I had I would've been killed by now."

After arguing for an hour they decided to hit the hay. After all, Kenshin had to get ready for his big night out on the town. But he couldn't sleep; he lay awake staring at the ceiling. He was imagining what his first date would be like. The only possibility that crossed his mind was this: sparing with Kaoru in the Kamiya dojo with bokkens. It was fun, not to mention the exercise value. That scenario jogged through his mind a hundred times. To him it would be abnormal not to do it.

Kenshin and Sano got up at 8:30 A.M. Sano and Kenshin ate their breakfast of crappy thrown away food like usual. After breakfast, Kenshin had to prepare for his big date.

"So, what are you going to do on your date?" asked Sano.

Kenshin said, "I thought that Kaoru and I would spar in the dojo or something."

"You have no concept of this kind of stuff, do you?" said Sano.

"What are you talking about?"

"You have to take Kaoru out to dinner, and then do something afterwards. Also, through this whole date, you have to engage in some sort of conversations."

"Where to I take her for dinner? The Akabeko?"

"No. You need to take her to a place that's a little more…uh…special. How about that new restaurant that's at the edge of town? It's called the Kioken."

"How do you know about a new restaurant?"

"Where do you think I got these new bowls from? Now as for afterwards, you can take her to the lake for a nice romantic evening of magic."

"Okay, but what conversations should we have?"

"How the hell should I know? Just make stuff up as you go along."

"Got it!"

At the Kamiya dojo, Kaoru was having a panic attack because she didn't know what to wear for their date. She couldn't decide between her yellow, red, light blue or dark blue kimono. Megumi tried her hardest to calm her down, but it wasn't working.

After a few hours of completely unnecessary nonsense that could've easily been avoided, Kaoru said, "I think that I will go with the red kimono. I will also wear the light blue obi. Megumi, what hair ribbon should I go with?"

"How about the pink ribbon?"

"Good idea." She then went to her closet and began rummaging through it.

After a while of looking and chucking stuff around the room, she became upset and screamed, "I can't find it! What am I going to do?"

"Relax!" said Megumi. "Here it is. While you were looking through your closet and throwing stuff out, you threw it out too." She then gave it to Kaoru.

"Oh, thank heavens!" gasped Kaoru.

At Kenshin and Sano's apartment, Kenshin was preparing himself mentally for the engagement. He mediated and tried to keep himself from becoming too nervous. When it came to be 5:50 P.M., he ventured out of his house and headed to the dojo. He was both excited and horrified at the same time. When he got to the front, Kaoru was sitting on her porch waiting for him.

He then went up and approached her. He didn't really know what to say, so he just kind of winged it.

"Hello Kaoru," he said. "Do you like food?"

"Yeah, I suppose so," she replied.

"Good! How about we go down to the Kioken for some dinner?"

"Let's go then."

As they walked down to the restaurant, Kenshin noticed something intriguing about Kaoru. He couldn't take it anymore, so he had to ask her.

"Kaoru," said Kenshin, "Can I ask you a question?"

"Why sure," replied Kaoru.

"The hair that drapes in front of your ears. Are those sideburns?"

"No, there not."

"Okay. I was just asking because I think their cool."

"Uh, thank you." Kaoru thought that this was a weird conversation, but she was happy because this was the first real compliment that Kenshin gave her.

They finally arrived at the restaurant. Kenshin and Kaoru got a quaint spot in the corner. When it came time to order, Kenshin chose the yudofu and Kaoru chose the ramen. This was the part that Kenshin feared most. He had no idea what he was going to talk about during the period of waiting for their food. Luckily, Kaoru broke the ice and started a conversation.

"So Kenshin," she said, "Why did you and Sano come to Tokyo?"

"After the revolution, Sano and I had to go find a place to live. We wandered for three months and then we came across Tokyo. It seemed like a nice place to live, because nobody knew who we were."

Their food came, and at a good time because Kenshin and Kaoru were starving. They ate their food, while having more meaningful talks about everything from the revolution to what its like living off the streets.

When it was time to pay the bill, Kenshin was worried because he was virtually broke. There wasn't a problem because Kaoru paid the bill. After the tab was paid, they went on their way.

"So what do you want to do now?" asked Kaoru as they stood in the street.

"I have an idea," said Kenshin as he thought back to Sano's idea. "Let's go to the lake for a nice romantic evening of enchantment."

"Sure. That's sounds interesting," replied Kaoru.

They both headed off to the lake. It was a couple minutes after 7:00 P.M. so the sun was just beginning to set. The sunset gave the lake a beautiful orange color. Kenshin and Kaoru set in front of the lake watching the sun disappear off into the distance. Kenshin had a warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of his stomach. At first he thought that he was getting sick, but then realized that it was something else.

He said to Kaoru, "I never met anybody like you before. There is some sort of natural connection between us. We get along together perfectly. That's probably because you act so much like a man."

"Excuse me," asked Kaoru very surprised.

"Well, you teach martial arts classes and your cooking has a depressing personality," exclaimed Kenshin.

"Well guess what Kenshin? You look like a girl," responded Kaoru in a harsh voice.

"No I don't!"

"Oh, please. You have violet eyes, a small stature, and brightly colored hair."

"I may look like a girl, but at least I do guy stuff. You, on the other hand, look like a guy and do guy stuff. You don't have one ounce of femininity in your blood at all."

"You're a rude and insensitive jerk, do you know that?"

"God, you're such a bitch. I don't know why I even wasted my time going out on this stupid date with you."

"Do you really believe that?" questioned Kaoru as a tear rolled down her cheek. More tears followed, and then she began to cry.

Kenshin then took a good look at her and came into reality. He realized that he was the jerk here, not her. He thought of himself as some sort of monster. He couldn't believe that he hurt her feelings to the point where she would actually cry.

"No." replied Kenshin. "I'm sorry I said those things about you. I just have no experience with women or dating at all. You probably hate me now, so I will just leave."

As Kenshin was about to get up, Kaoru grabbed his kimono and said, "Apology accepted." She stared into Kenshin's violet eyes for a while. With love as the essence of conflict, she rearticulated to a different position. She leaned in for an established kiss.

Kaoru let go with Kenshin caught between two realities. He then said, with a blank look on his face, "Oro!"

"Kenshin, is that a good or bad sign?"

"Considering that our genders as well as our gender personalities are opposite, I would have to say it's a good sign. Call it destiny, fate, or Sano's intervention, but we should be together."

They both sat together looking over the lake at the beautiful sunset. The bronze shadows reflected off the grass, trees, and everything else. After a few minutes of the mushy garbage Kenshin had a thought. "I went on a date today and got my first kiss." He proudly stood up with his forefinger in the air and shouted at the lake, "Today I'm a man!"

Kaoru pulled her head back and gave Kenshin a real disturbing gaze. Kenshin then extended his same forefinger at Kaoru shouting, "…and you're a woman!"

As stupid as that sounded Kaoru jumped up and gave Kenshin a big hug. They decided that the date was officially over, so they headed for home. Kenshin dropped Kaoru off at her house and walked back home. In his mind he was thinking, "There is only one thing to do at a time liked this: strut." And so he did. He got back to his apartment where Sano was meditating in the middle of their only room.

"Ah my son, did you succeed?" Sano said all mystically.

"Yes master."

"You have passed the ultimate test my son. Your training is complete. You are now worthy of the title 'manly man'."

The next day Kenshin and Sano arose to a warmer morning. Kenshin still basked in his swirling pool of success. Sano was thinking that if it went that well for Kenshin, then his date success would be beyond all comprehension. Sano and Kenshin meditated in their apartment for an hour to mentally prepare for the ladies. Afterwards they got a little more ambitious.

"When is your date with Miss Megumi?" Kenshin asked as soon as he remembered it.

"She said she'd let me know sometime tonight."

"In the meantime let's do some male bonding," Kenshin said with excitement.

"I don't swing that way pal. I'm all man."

"Get your mind out of the gutter for just one second. I mean we can have a boy's day out. We can go on adventures like we did when we were wanderers."

"How about fishing; we never got around to it the last time."

"Capital idea Sano." Kenshin pointed his forefinger at the door and yelled "To the fishing hole!"

Kenshin and Sano grabbed their makeshift fishing poles for the long haul. The stream they were thinking of was about a mile from their apartment. The ground sloped downwards on each side into a crevice, where the stream was. A wooden bridge with railings ran over the stream. Kenshin and Sano proceeded for the top of the bridge to fish.

"Kenshin, are you sure this is the right place? The river is all brown and cloudy. This might be a sewage system."

"It looks like a bowel disorder is sifting through, that it does. On the contrary, I don't think its river related appearance would lie."

The muddy waters below distracted them from the old rotting bridge. It lay there a long time without any repairs being made. It was flimsy and unsafe. After they cast their lines out, Sano leaned against the railing to hard. In a flash it broke and Sano fell off the bridge. He grabbed the side of it with his hands. The debris fell below him while he was dangling there helpless. It took a second before disoriented Kenshin figured out what was going on.

"Kenshin! When I fall to my murky doom, please put me out of my misery. However ignore that if I'm dead when I hit it."

"Not on my shift!" Kenshin screamed with the once forgotten manslayer rage.

Kenshin bent over and reached for Sano's hand. With all his strength he pulled his friend up towards the bridge. Once Sano had a foothold he got up the rest of the way under his own power. As soon as he was saved they both raced off the deathtrap. They hit the ground hard and stopped. With direction in accordance with the bridge, they witnessed it crumble into the water below. Just then some sword policemen came wandering down on the opposite bank. They just got off their shift and were enjoying some saké.

"What a way to go, into a coffin made out of liquid crap," Kenshin said as he shook his head.

"It's the feds! Run for it," Sano shrieked.

The two of them blurred towards the forest from which they just emerged. They never looked back to see if anyone was actually chasing them though. They did not stop until they hit the marketplace. It was a good position because of the crowdedness.

"I think we lost them Kenshin. What do we do now?" Sano said panting.

"This would be a good opportunity to browse the shops for gifts. We could buy Kaoru and Megumi something. Oh shoot, we don't have any money."

"Relax, I got some. I found some old bowls in the trash and sold them to a pawn shop."

Kenshin put his hand over his eyes. "You never cease to not amaze me, do you?"

Sano and Kenshin now went in search of the perfect gifts for their lady friends. Since they knew Kaoru and Megumi pretty well by now, finding gifts would not be too difficult. Sano bought Megumi some bottles for her herbs and other medical things. She was training to be a doctor, so Sano figured that she could use as many supplies as possible. Since Kaoru was going to teach classes in her dojo, Kenshin thought that a book that could be used to keep track of her students and such would be of great use to her. After they purchased their gifts, they headed back to their apartment. When they got inside it, they decided to stick the gifts in the closet. When Kenshin opened the closet, there was a tanuki inside.

"Sano," screamed Kenshin, " There is some sort of wild animal in here. You must protect the clock at all costs."

"Understood," said Sano. He then ran to the clock.

Kenshin tried to coax the animal out of the closet, but it wouldn't go. After a few failed attempts, it jumped at Kenshin chest and knocked him on the ground, and then ran through the rice paper wall.

"Great," said Sano, "Now we have to repair something." Sano then went over to Kenshin and hoisted him off the ground.

After Kenshin was picked up, there was a knock at the door. The door then slid open and Megumi walked in.

She said, "Just to let you know Sano, you can come pick me up for our date tomorrow at 7:00 P.M."

"That sounds great," said Sano.

"Good," she said. "I guess I'll see you then. Bye." She then flashed him a smile, and walked out of the room closing the door behind her. After she left, Kenshin and Sano ate their dinner, had more pointless discussions and then went to bed. They awoke the next morning feeling pretty good. The whole day went by with Kenshin giving him all sorts of advice.

"First, she will probably pay for your food and whatnot. Make sure to thank her for that," said Kenshin.

"I think I can do that," replied Sano.

"Good! Another thing is that make sure you don't talk about Captain Sagara or the Sekihoutai."

"How come?"

"Uh…because it wouldn't be a good idea to use up all your "A" material in the early stages of your relationship."

"Good thinking!"

"Oh, yeah! One last thing! What ever you do, do not tell Megumi that she resembles a man in any way, shape or form. I cannot stress that enough."

"Why?"

"Just trust me on this one."

"Okay?" With that, Sano then looked over at the clock and saw that it was 6:50 P.M. He then grabbed his bottles and made his way over to the Kamiya dojo.

He walked very carefully as to not break the bottles. Since he sacrificed him and Kenshin's social status for these, breaking them was not an option. He went up the steps to the dojo and opened the door. Megumi was inside checking her light purple kimono.

"Hello Megumi, it's the delivery boy. I have a gift order for a set of jars filled with passion." He swung his head back while he gazed at her.

"How thoughtful of you," she said as she walked over to Sano.

"You can store your herbs and medical stuff in these."

"I'm starting to believe that the decant man inside of you is finally coming out." She took the tray away from him. "I'll put these in the back and we can be on our way."

Once she was done, Sano escorted her outside. All of a sudden Sano stopped at the bottom of the porch. He froze in his place and stared off into space.

"You don't know what to do for our date do you?" Megumi said annoyed.

"No. This is something completely different. You're so special that everyplace this town has to offer is too inferior for you. That is why I can't think of a place to eat."

"I know a place we can go that isn't too inferior for me," Megumi said. "It's called the Soba-ya."

"Is that what I think it is?" said Sano with a fearful tone. "A sober restaurant that doesn't sell alcoholic beverages?"

"You couldn't possibly be more wrong. It's a noodle house. Follow me because I've passed it before."

Both of them made their way to the noodle house. Along the way, Sano was trying to remember all the tips that Kenshin gave him. They arrived at the Soba-ya a little later then Megumi would have liked. They would have gotten there sooner if Sano had not kept pestering the shop owners about whether they have heard of Captain Sagara or not. They got a spot that was somewhere in the proximity of the center of the building. Their table had a huge crack in the middle and the pillows they sat on where ripped and pretty flat. Sano chose the tsukimi udon and Megumi chose the kitsune udon. While waiting for their food, Sano decided to make a move.

"So Megumi," said Sano, "Do you like stuff?"

"What kind of stuff?" replied Megumi.

"Stuff you like."

"What?"

The food then came and Sano and Megumi dived in. They thought the food was mediocre, nothing special. Sano kept praying that Megumi would pay the bill because even though he had money, he didn't feel like using it. After they were finished, Megumi paid, and then they were on their way.

"What do you want to do now?" asked Megumi while they were standing in the street outside the noodle house.

"I know!" said Sano. "Let's go gambling!"

"Gambling?" question Megumi.

"Sure. We'll have lots of fun babe."

After a few moments of searching, Sano found a gambling establishment.

"This is my first time as well," said Sano as they stood outside the door. "I thought it would be fun for both of us to experience something new together."

Sano opened the door and they walked in.

"Hey Sano," said the bartender. "I haven't seen you since yesterday. Hey, this time you've got a girl with you!"

"Yep. We're on a date," said Sano.

Sano took Megumi over to a place where some people were playing dice. After a couple rounds, Sano was 15 yen in the hole.

"Hey barkeep, how about a round of saké for my girlfriend and me!" yelled Sano.

Megumi was getting mad. "First off," said Megumi, "I am not your girlfriend, we've only known each other for a couple days. Second, how are you going to pay for saké? You don't have any money left."

"Well, you have money. You can pay for it," said Sano.

Megumi was too shocked to say anything. She couldn't believe that Sano had enough balls to say something like that.

After a few more rounds, Sano won almost five times what he originally had. He got so excited that he grabbed Megumi and kissed her. Megumi then slapped Sano across the face sharply.

"How dare you!" she said. "You have been nothing but a selfish jerk this entire time. I'm leaving."

She then turned away and started to walk out of the establishment.

As she headed towards the door, Sano yelled out, "Megumi come on. I'm sorry. Megumi!"

It was to late, she had already left the building.

As she walked down the street, there was a group of men sitting in front of a shop watching her.

"Hey, I think that's that girl who's training to become a doctor," said one of them. "The medical field is for men only. Women don't belong there."

"Let's go teach her a lesson," said another one.

They all got up and made their way over to Megumi. Two of the guys grabbed her from behind. One of them then put his arm around her neck so she couldn't move her head. A man then appeared in front of her. He had a black beard and menacing brown eyes.

He said, "Listen you little harlot. You should know your place in society. Women are to be kept at home where they cook, clean, and serve their men. They shouldn't have jobs outside the household." He then pulled a dagger from his pocket and held it up.

"For your crime, we now must punish you," he said with an evil grin as we moved the dagger towards Megumi.

"Stop!" yelled Sano as stood in the shadows a distance away from them, "Let her go this instant! The only crime she has committed was breaking some stupid sexist tradition. Women have the right to have a job if they want."

"Who the hell are you? Some kind of 'womanly man', " asked the man with the beard.

"I'm just a friend," responded Sano. "If you let her go, we'll just be on your way and cause you no trouble."

The man with the beard took Megumi and put the dagger to her throat.

"If you pull anything," said the man, "I'll slit this wench's throat!"

He then took the point of the dagger and stuck it a little ways into her throat. A trickle of blood ran down her neck as she winced in pain.

He then said, "How can you possibly think you can win. There's five of us and one of you. Boys, go mess him up!"

Four men charged at Sano. Being distracted by three of them, one managed to slash his stomach with a dagger. Sano grabbed his stomach and bent over. The other three made a move and pummeled him. Since stamina was his best trait though, he got back up on his feet within a matter of seconds. All four rushed at him again, but he caught them all of guard this time. With a blur of punches all of them fell down. They lay in the dust semiconscious.

"Holy crap!" said the man.

"Now," said Sano, "If you could be so kind; let her go." He then put his hand around the dagger he had hidden in his coat. He had taken one from one of the men during the fight.

"Oh, I think not!"

"Fine. Have it your way." He then whipped out the dagger, threw it at the man, and hit him in the leg. He screamed in pain and let go of his hold on Megumi. Megumi, who was furious, kicked the guy between the legs, and pushed him over. She went up to Sano, and then they both hugged each other. Blood was dripping all down Sano's clothes. He was weary and barely could stand anymore.

"Megumi. Are you all right?"

"Yes but you're not. I'll take you to Dr. Genzai."

"No, I don't want him to take care of me. I want you to. This way you can get some practice in."

"All right but remember I'm only a student. There could be risks involved."

Realizing that Sano might go unconscious soon, Megumi did something drastic. She leaned over and kissed him. Sano opened his eyes and looked at Megumi. She met her eyes to his without saying anything, because her eyes said it all.

"Come on Sano. I'll take you back to the Kamiya dojo."

Megumi carried Sano back to her place. Inside Kaoru heard footsteps and someone groaning in pain. She opened the door to see Sano bleeding everywhere. Megumi was next to him holding him up.

"Megumi! I didn't think you hated him that much."

"I didn't do this, it was drunks. Help me carry Sano inside and then go tell Kenshin what happened."

Megumi and Kaoru lugged Sano into the living area of the dojo. Megumi rushed into another room to get her medical supplies. When she came back Kaoru dashed off to fetch Kenshin. She ran all the way there without ever taking a breath. Inside the dojo Kenshin was looking at Sano's zanbatou, comparing it to his sword.

"Why does Sano have a bigger sword than I do?"

Kaoru flung the door open with adrenaline flowing. Kenshin turned to her and Said "Kaoru! You're porch was broken before I came over to pick you up."

"What? No. Sano was injured and he's at the dojo; come with me."

Kenshin quickly grabbed his present for Kaoru and followed her to the dojo. They ran up the porch into the dojo and went to the room Sano was in. Sano was laying on a futon but awake. He was talking to Megumi.

"This stinks. How come every time we kiss, something bad is involved?"

"You know, you could be more cheerful."

"Why should I be?"
"I don't know, maybe because you're alive!"

Kenshin and Kaoru sat across from Megumi. "How is he Megumi?" Kaoru asked.

"I managed to stop the bleeding. Now I'm going to cleanse the wound and put some stitches in. Later I'll work on his bumps and bruises. I'd say he's going to make it."

"Poor Sano," Kenshin said as she shook his head. "Only you can turn a simple date into a fight against the grim reaper."

"Don't worry Kenshin. He's coming back for round two. This time you're his opponent though."

Megumi interrupted and said, "Kenshin you can stay over if you like. This way we can all keep an eye on him."

Kenshin nodded his head.

"Come on Kenshin, I'll show you to your sleeping quarters," Kaoru said optimistically.

Megumi stayed with Sano while Kaoru and Kenshin left to get some shuteye. The room they were going to was located a bit down the hallway. Kaoru slid the door open and Kenshin followed behind. Kenshin stared down at the floor to see a futon lying there. "Um…Miss Kaoru, are we going to share one bed?"

"Of course not," Kaoru said as she whacked him in the back of the head. "Your bed is over there." She pointed past her bed to reveal the second one.

Kenshin wiped his hand across his forehead. "That's a relief."

"Now excuse me for a moment. I've got to change into my nighttime Kimono." Kaoru left Kenshin in the room by himself and went to change in another. While she was gone Kenshin prepared his gift. Kaoru came back and saw Kenshin standing there with a big grin on his face. She had no idea what he was doing.

"Miss Kaoru, I took the liberty of buying you something." He handed the book over to her.

"What is this?" Kaoru asked. She examined it for a moment and flipped through the pages. "This is a record book. I could use this for my classes. How sweet of you to do this. Thank you Kenshin."

"I'm glad you like it. Once I found out you were becoming a teacher, I thought you could use something like that."

She rapped her arms around Kenshin and gave him a hug. She then went over to her futon and laid down on it. Kenshin went over to his futon, but tripped on the side and fell on it.

"Good night Kenshin," said Kaoru.

"Good night Miss Kaoru," said Kenshin as he was attempting to get under the sheets.

After a couple of minutes Kenshin and Kaoru realized that just weren't tired. They looked at the ceiling trying their best to fall asleep. It was due to all the excitement of the last couple of hours. Kenshin twisted and turned but nothing worked. Eventually he just gave in to it. "Nuts to this," he mumbled.

"Miss Kaoru, are you still awake?"

"Yes Kenshin. I can't sleep."

"Me neither. I feel awkward staying over here, especially in your room. Yet I feel comfortable because it's you I'm staying with."

Now curious, Kaoru turned towards Kenshin. "What do you mean?"

"I mean your personality. Don't get me wrong you're a kind lady. It's just that you're more aggressive than most women."

"I'm kind of a tomboy, I'll admit that," she said embarrassingly.

"It's not a bad thing. In the revolution, all the people I hung out with were men. I got used to it so really feminine women through me off. In this case the situation is similar."

Kaoru now had tears in her eyes. This time it was joy though. "It always seemed like men were turned off by that."

Kenshin took a deep breath and turned towards the ceiling. "How unfortunate for them."

Kenshin and Kaoru started yawning. Realizing their current predicament, they decided to give sleep a second chance. They dozed off almost immediately. An hour of calmness went by. Just then, the door opened up and Sano poked his head in.

"Ah ha!" yelled Sano. "I caught you two in the act! He then realized that they were in two separate beds.

Kaoru sat up on her futon and wiped her eyes off. "What the?"

"Sano," yelled Megumi from her room, "Get your butt back here. Now!"

"Yes mame." Sano then closed the door and made his way back to Megumi's room.

"Well, thanks to Sano I can't get back to sleep," said Kaoru to herself. She then looked over into Kenshin's direction and said, "Kenshin, are you awake too?"

"Yes," muttered Kenshin as he had his head buried in his pillow.

"Want to take a walk with me?"

"Sure."

Both of them got out of their beds and then left the room. While they were walking down the hallway, Kenshin took a hold of Kaoru's hand and held it gently. Kaoru led Kenshin outside and they went into the shed. Inside were all sorts of antiques and heritage pieces. Also some junk made its way into it. Due to the darkness of night, the artifacts were barely visible. Not even the moon's glow could provide enough light. Kaoru dug around for a candle and matches. Once the candle was lit, Kaoru got down to business.

"I brought you here so you could see some of my treasures." She got out some old drawings.

"Neat doodles," Kenshin said.

"They're hardly doodles. They're drawings that my grandfather made a long time ago."

"Why are you showing these to me?" Kenshin said as he scratched his head.

"Duh, their interesting. Besides you seem to be opened minded to new things. I felt you would appreciate them more."

She showed Kenshin some old cookware and some mirrors. Kenshin was relatively fascinated with all the objects. Kaoru put all the artifacts back. She blew out the candle and put it back as well as the matches. She led Kenshin outside and closed the storage-shed door behind her. They made their way to the dojo. Kenshin took notice of Kaoru basking in the moonlight at the entrance of the dojo. He gazed and gazed. The whole world appeared to stop for him. He had no idea what was happening to him. In his mind he said, "Uh oh. I think Miss Kaoru's cooking is finally catching up with me." Without thinking he followed Kaoru up to the dojo.

"You want me to spar with you?" asked Kenshin as he looked around in the darkness.

"No." said Kaoru. "I just thought it would be nice to sit and talk in the dojo where it's so quiet and peaceful."

Kenshin and Kaoru sat in front of the entrance and looked up at the sky. They watched as the stars flickered and as the moon showed off its ghostly shape.

"It was always so lonely around here before you showed up," said Kaoru. "Sure, Megumi was here, but it still felt empty. With you here, the void seems filled."

"I feel the same way," said Kenshin. "During my days of wandering, my life was empty too. I had no place to live or no one to care for."

Kenshin then took his hand and gently caressed Karou's cheek. He then laid his lips upon hers. They both lost track of the time, and eventually Kaoru realized how late it was getting.

"We should go back to the room," said Kaoru. "It's getting late. We need to get some sleep."

Kenshin decided to make a bold move for once. "Why don't we sleep here tonight instead?"

"That's sounds alright," said Kaoru.

She got up and disappeared into the absence of light. She went into a corner and sat down. Kenshin wandered blindly into the dojo. He turned a couple of times before taking notice of her silhouette. Kaoru pointed to him and then pointed to the floor by the corner. Kenshin walked over to the corner and slowly sat down. Kaoru snuggled up beside him and put her hand on his chest. She then rested her head there. Kenshin put his arm around her as if not to let anything take her away from him.

The next morning a very flustered Megumi came into the dojo. "So that's where you guys are," she said.

She then went up to them and shook them.

She said, "Come on guys, it's time for breakfast."

They both awoke and wiped their eyes. They followed Megumi into the front of the property. There was a bowl of miso soup sitting over a fire. Sano was sitting by the pot already eating some. "So, where were they?" asked Sano.

Megumi said, "They were in the dojo."

"In the dojo?" asked Sano. "Something had to have happened there."

"Nothing happened," said Kenshin. "Miss Kaoru and I just sat in there and talked. Then we fell asleep."

"Well that's boring," said Sano.

They all sat around the fire and ate their food. Since this was Megumi's cooking, Sano was very happy. Last time he had to suffer through Kaoru's disgusting rice balls. Now he got to enjoy some tasty miso soup made by the fox doc.

After they ate, they sat around and played cards. Sano suggested they played strip poker, but no one was too thrilled about the idea. After an hour of playing cards, swearing, and mindless jabber, they got bored.

"Hey, let's go check out the bridge over that river," said Kenshin. "We almost fell to our deaths while fishing on it."

"It was a gay old time," said Sano.

They all got up and headed to the river. Sano put his arm on Megumi shoulder. As they continued walking, Sano consistently crept his hand lower and lower until it got to Megumi's butt.

With a disgusted look on her face she said, "Sano, please keep your hand above the equator."

"Fine," said Sano. He then brought his hand back up to his original position.

They got by the river, and there was a crew of labors repairing the bridge. They sat down on a log that was located in front of the river.

"You really went fishing here?" asked Kaoru. "The water is all brown and gross. I can't see how any life could possibly exist in it."

Kenshin said, "We were desperate. Remember, we have nothing."

"Isn't this romantic everybody?" said Sano in his most convincing voice.

Megumi said, "Only when I'm with you."

"Ooh, somebody's frisky!" said Sano.

They sat and watched long into the day. Kenshin cuddled up to Kaoru and put his arm around her. Sano nuzzled up against Megumi and placed his arm around her too. Megumi and Kaoru both sighed happily. After a half-hour, Kenshin and Sano walked the ladies home and then returned to their apartment.

After a few more months of dating, Kenshin and Kaoru become closer than ever. One day while sitting in their apartment, Kenshin made the most important decision of his life.

"Sano," said Kenshin, "You know I love Kaoru."

"Yeah," said Sano while he was cooking lunch, "And your point is…"

"I think it is time for the next step in our relationship. I think I'm going to ask her to marry me."

"Now Kenshin, as a roommate, friend, and guide, I say you'd be stupid not to do it."

"There's something special about her that I really connect to. My heart says yes. I don't think anything bad will come out of this."

"How are you planning on proposing to her?"

"I will obtain a ring…"

"Oh, so unexpected!"

"Shut up Sano."

"Okay."

"As I was saying. I will obtain a ring and tie it to one of her bokkens in the dojo. Then I will convince Kaoru to spar with me. Once in the dojo, she will pick up the appropriate bokken and she will see the ring. I'll make sure there are only two bokkens in the dojo at that time, one for me and one for her. This will ensure she will pick up the right one. It is a foolproof plan."

"You know Kenshin, you put way too much work into things like this."

"And that's why our relationship is more meaningful then yours," Kenshin snickered.

"Where are you going to get the ring?"

"The pawnshop has some nice ones. Rumor has it that one of them was pried of a dead body."

"Cool!" said Sano.

"Let's go pick one out," said Kenshin.

Sano and Kenshin went to the pawnshop. There were all kinds of rings. Also, this was one of the few cases where price was an option. Kenshin was thinking of choosing a round .10-carat with slight tones of yellow and small inclusions consisting of cavities.

Sano said, "Don't you think that it's a little too cheap?"

"Well, it's the thought that counts," replied Kenshin.

"Fine. Live in your little fantasy world."

He bought it and went back to their apartment. When the clock struck midnight, Kenshin ventured out of his apartment and made his way to the Kamiya dojo. He got inside and removed all the bokkens except for two. He then tied the ring to one of them with a string. He took the rest of the bokkens and ran back home. The images of the proceeding day flashed in his head as he tried to sleep. The next day he got up to the smell of Sano making breakfast.

"Today is the day my dear Sano. I shall take a wife."

Sano went over by Kenshin and placed his arms on his shoulders. He looked him straight in the eyes and said, "This is probably your only chance for true love. Don't screw this up. For if you do, you will wither as life flows by. Eventually you will die by the hands of loneliness in a squalor of unappetizing internal torment."

"Ah, I feel much better now" Kenshin said sarcastically.

Kenshin walked nervously over to Kaoru's house. Kaoru was sitting on the front porch. Kenshin went up to her and said, "Miss Kaoru, would you care to spar?"

"Sure," said Kaoru, "Megumi went down to marketplace to buy some tofu for breakfast. She won't be back for a while. I have some time to spare."

She then stood up only to be picked up by Kenshin. Kenshin then carried her bridal style to the dojo.

Kaoru said, "Kenshin, my butt needs more support, and that's a direct order."

"You don't have to tell me, "said Kenshin.

As Kenshin carried her up the steps, he tripped on the last one and fell forward landing on top of Kaoru.

"Sorry Miss Kaoru," said Kenshin. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, but you should stop taking Sano's advice," said Kaoru.

Kenshin then picked himself off of Kaoru and then helped her up. They both went inside. Kenshin was getting extremely nervous because this was it. He went over to the wall and took the bokken that didn't have the ring. Now Kaoru was forced to the pick the one that had the present attached. Kaoru took it, but she didn't notice the ring tied to it. Kenshin was so nervous that he that he didn't realize that Kaoru did not see the ring. She then took the bokken and attacked him. Before Kenshin could do anything, she smacked him in the right leg with it. The string broke and the ring went flying off into the dojo somewhere.

Kaoru saw the ring go flying, so she went after it. She found the ring by the entrance and picked it up. She then said to herself, "What is this?"

Kenshin then hobbled over to her to explain. Finally his injured leg gave out and ended up kneeling one leg. He took the ring away from her and grabbed her hand. He then took his other hand and put the ring on her finger. With all his courage, he said, "Kaoru, will you marry me?"

Days of love, like an arrow shot right through the heart. Kaoru was so happy that she started to cry. That single second of time seemed to drag on for an eternity. In what seemed to be slow motion, she hugged him and said, "Oh, Kenshin! Of course I will."

She let go of him and then he fell over like a ton of bricks onto his back. He was lying on ground holding his leg and screaming in pain.

"Kenshin, this is no way to behave when we're engaged," said Kaoru.

Megumi then walked into room and saw Kenshin lying on the ground in pain and Kaoru next to him with a bokken.

"Kaoru," said Megumi, "I didn't think you hated him that much."

"No, Kenshin proposed to me!" exclaimed Kaoru happily.

"Proposed what?"

"Marriage!"

Megumi ran up to Kaoru and hugged her. "It looks like the manslayer wasn't untouchable after all. I'm so happy for you."

They then started jumping up and down while screaming.

"Ah!" said Kenshin, "I'm not suppose to expose my ears to high frequencies."

Kenshin limped back over to his apartment with great joy. When he got inside, his limp was the first thing Sano noticed.

"Let me guess," said Sano, "She didn't take it very well."

"Quite the contrary. She accepted my offer."

"Wow! This calls for a celebration!" He then pointed to the door and shouted, "To the gambling parlor!"

At the gambling parlor, Sano and Kenshin must have had at least a half-a-dozen cups of saké each. This time, luck was on there side. Sano came out with 50 yen ahead on dice and Kenshin out with 36 yen ahead on cards. They went home and then fell asleep all the while dreaming what they could use their newfound money for.

Kenshin and Kaoru got married a year after they first met. Kenshin moved into the dojo with Kaoru and Megumi. Kaoru got pregnant three months later and gave birth to Kenji nine months later. Sano stayed behind and lived at the apartment.

Kenshin was soaking in the bath one morning. He needed some relaxation after the last couple of strenuous days. He got out of the tub and dried off with a towel. He put his clothes back on and walked back to his bedroom. After sliding the door open, he saw Kaoru sitting on their futon nursing Kenji. His hands went over his face to shield his eyes from this unpleasant sight. "Ah! I'm scarred for life," he yelled.

"He's hungry," Kaoru said forcefully.

Megumi poked her head through the door. "Breakfast is ready. Just come when you're finished." She turned and went back to the kitchen.

"I'm finished," Kenshin said. He raced out to the kitchen. Kaoru got done with Kenji and made her way there also.

Megumi had a noodle dish prepared with all sort of vegetables mixed in. She had a big bowl in the center of the table. There were smaller bowls around it. As she was serving the food she said, "I invited Sano over for breakfast. Now that you're gone Kenshin, he's probably lonely in that apartment of his." Sano made his entrance into the kitchen. He pulled up a seat next to Megumi.

Kenshin just had to make a smart-ass remark. "You come over here so frequently that it's like your living here. Is your only goal in life to mooch off aunt sucker?" He then pointed to Megumi.

"Kenshin," said Megumi, "It doesn't bother me."

Sano said, "I finally figured out what we are going to do on our date today."

"Oh, what did you have in mind?" asked Megumi.

"I thought we could have a pick nick dinner sugar buns. Then we could hike up a hill and watch the stars."

Kenshin then grabbed his throat and let out some gags. "I think I'm going to hurl!"

Kaoru then whacked Kenshin in the back of the head.

Kenshin said, "Ow! What was that for?"

"You're being rude," said Kaoru. "Just for that, I'm putting you on diaper detail."

"Ah, man!" said Kenshin.

With that, a gentle breeze sifted through the air.

"What's that smell?" said everybody as they all held their noses.

"Guess what Kenshin?" said Kaoru. "You just got called for active duty." She then handed Kenji over to Kenshin.

Sano pointed at Kenshin and started laughing at him.

Kenshin then gave Sano a stare and said, "This mission is too hard for one man. I demand reinforcements."

"Damn it!" Sano then reluctantly followed Kenshin into the bedroom to help with the deadly task.

During the mission, there was incoming fire from Kenji. During the attack, Sano took refuge being Kenshin. Kenshin sustained massive damage, while Sano was left unscathed. After the mission was completed, Sano and Kenshin took Kenji and went to the kitchen. Sano then took a piece of cloth and cut it into the shape of a heart.

"What's this?" questioned Kenshin as Sano gave him the heart.

"I'm giving you a purple heart because you were wounded in battle," said Sano jokingly.

"Thanks," said Kenshin irritated.

The day went by pretty normal. Kaoru gave Kenji a bath, which did not have the best of endings. Kaoru got drenched and Kenshin thought it was hilarious. Kenshin also did some chores such laundry and sweeping out the dojo. Evening finally came and it was time for Megumi's date with Sano. Sano came to pick Megumi up at 7:00 P.M. After they both left, Kaoru wanted to have some fun.

Kaoru got on their futon and called Kenshin into the room.

"What do you want?" said Kenshin as he walked into the room.

"Show me the way to paradise," said Kaoru with a lust in her eyes.

"Isn't one kid enough?" said Kenshin.

Kaoru then pulled Kenshin on to the futon. Muffled screams could then be heard from the room.

As they walked to the pick nick area, Sano held hands with Megumi. Sano choose a spot that was in the shade of a big cherry blossom tree. He took the blanket out of the basket and put it on the ground.

"Welcome to flavor country!" said Sano with a big grin on his face.

He then pulled out sashimi rapped in seaweed, rice balls, sushi, fruit, and gyokuro. They ate their food solemnly. Afterwards, they decided to sit and talk before their hike up the hill.

"Megumi," said Sano, "You're welcome to sit in my lap."

"Isn't that being a little improper 'Mr. Big Sword'?" said Megumi.

"My intentions are scrupulous."

"Uh, okay."

She sat down in Sano's lap and leaned against his chest. The heat radiating from his body to hers made her feel safe and secure. Sano rapped his arms around her waist and began to sway her from side to side.

"Sano," asked Megumi, "What do you think of nature?"

"I like grass," said Sano.

"Well, I like flowers that grow out of the grass."

He picked an azalia and put it in her hair.

"Oh, how sweet!" exclaimed Megumi.

He then grabbed her hair and moved it out of the way. He tenderly kissed the back of her neck. Megumi giggled with delight.

Time passed by quickly, but Sano and Megumi didn't notice. They were too busy in their own little world of enchantment. All of a sudden, a cherry fell from the tree and hit Sano in the head. He then snapped back into reality.

"I believe it's time to take our leisurely hike," said Sano.

"Ooh, I can hardly wait for what lays ahead!" said Megumi as she plopped out of Sano's lap. Sano packed up their stuff and made their way up the hill.

It was a little before 9:00 P.M. Sano and Megumi were lying on the ground staring at the stars. They lay next to each other so personal space was available, but so security was available too. The dancing stars that twinkled above hypnotized them. They gave Sano a warm fuzzy feeling, which he mistook for heartburn. If the sun would suddenly explode and cast the world into a freezing apocalypse, it wouldn't faze them.

"Sano," said Megumi, "I want to thank you again for saving me the other day. That was the first time where you showed your true colors. You really do care about me don't you?"

"It was no problem," said Sano. "I didn't want you to get hurt. I remember the times I walked alone. Then when I found you, you made me come alive."

"At first, you were such a jerk. Now, you are one of the sweetest men I have ever met. Beneath your outrageous masculinity, you have real admiration for women. I've never seen a man try so hard to win a girl's affection. Before you entered my life, I was incredibly lonely. All I wanted was to be loved by someone. My dream has finally come true."

"I have longed for a woman who is strong and who stands up for her beliefs. I thought I could never find a woman like that. Lucky for me I was wrong. You are the women I envisioned falling in love with. You're seriousness and slyness really create alluring appeal. You are more forward when it comes down to liking someone. Having a self-sufficient woman around was my fantasy. In that way, you remind me of myself. The mysterious sensuality you have intrigues me. In summary, you light my fire baby."

"It took some hard work, but I managed to mold you into an acceptable man." Megumi passionately said.

They talked and talked some more. Well, there was that one incident where Sano fell asleep during Megumi's lecture on opium. She shook him so hard his heart skipped a beat. Ignoring that, it was a romance for the ages. Later in the night dark clouds approached the twinkling stars above. Thunder soon commenced, followed by lightning and a flashflood. Sano and Megumi were right in the middle of the downpour. They were drenched from head to toe, but still laid there in their loving trance. Megumi got a rather devious look on her face and got up. She jumped on top of Sano and pulled him down the hill. They flew down the side together reaching rather high velocities because of the wetness. They both slammed into a huge mud pit at the bottom. Sano landed on Megumi and kissed her. Their mouths were so filled with mud, that they almost suffocated themselves. Sano then got up out of the mud and helped Megumi up.

"That's what I'm talking about," said Sano. "It just isn't an adventure if you come out not looking like you were buried alive."

"Despite the fun darling, what do we do about our clothes?" Megumi questioned.

"Leave it to the pawn, I mean the chore boy, I mean Kenshin. He'll wash them."

They both declared the date officially over, so they went back to the dojo. In the midst of all the rain, they managed to find the Kamiya dojo. By time they reached it, the storm passed on to destroy other regions. They got up to the front of the dojo when Kenshin opened the door. With bugged out eyes he glared at them. He did not say anything though.

"Kenshin my boy, glad to see you," said Sano. "Wash our clothes."

Megumi went into the bathroom and got a towel. She then went into her bedroom to dry off and put on a dry night kimono. She placed her dirty clothes in front of the door. Kaoru came into the main room. She was holding Kenji, who was wrapped in a towel. "Kenshin, show Sano to our bath. He can clean himself up."

"I don't want to make a big hassle. All I need is a towel to wipe myself off."

"All right Sano," said Kaoru. "Just go into the bathroom and grab a towel. There should be some in the cupboard."

Kenshin lead Sano to the bathroom. He wiped off all the visible dirt and came back out.

"Now Kenshin, show our guest to our futon. He can wait there while his clothes are being washed and dried."

Once again Kenshin lead Sano to the appropriate destination. Kenshin stood outside the closed door while Sano was inside undressing. Once he was done he said, "Kenshin, you can come in now."

Kenshin walked into the bedroom. Sano was laying naked on his futon under the covers. He whipped his arm out and threw his clothes at Kenshin. His pants landed on his head. All the while doing this, Sano was laughing at him. Kenshin got furious but kept his cool. Sano sat on his pillow and started to rub his butt against it.

"No!" Screamed Kenshin. "Kaoru! Sano is wiping his butt against my pillow!"

Kaoru yelled from the living room. "Stop your whining Kenshin!"

With power searing in his veins, Sano loosely looked at Kenshin. "Make sure to pick up Megumi's clothes as well. Now be gone slave, I grow weary of your mindless antics." He waved his hand at Kenshin.

Kenshin stormed outside the bedroom mumbling. A few minutes went by and another knock was heard at the door.

"Come in," said Sano.

Megumi came in and sat on the futon next to him.

"Wasn't that kind of mean of making Kenshin do our laundry?" asked Megumi.

"Nah, he lives to serve," said Sano.

Megumi then leaned in and kissed him. Kenshin then opened up the door to return Sano's clothes.

"Holy Vegemite!" screamed Kenshin. "Great, now I have to burn the futon."

"Relax slave," said Sano. "Nothing happened. Just give me my clothes and I'll be on my way."

Kenshin tossed his clothes at him. Megumi and him then left the room.

While they were standing in the hallway, Kenshin said, "Are you sure you guys didn't uh…conjugate?"

"Yes Kenshin," said Megumi as she rolled her eyes.

Sano got dressed and left the room. He hugged Megumi and kissed her goodbye. Sano asked Kenshin if he would walk home with him. He agreed.

As they were walking, Sano said, "I think its time for me to propose to Megumi."

"You don't want to do that," said Kenshin almost yelling.

"Why not?" asked Sano puzzled.

"Sano," said Kenshin, "Do you understand reality? All women are nice and compassionate before you say 'I do.' But then after the big day, they turn into bloodthirsty demons. They just nag and yell at you. They constantly try to ruin your fun. Before you know it, you're just a poor being with no soul who is forced to tend to their every need for eternity. You just become a shell of your former self."

"Kenshin, you're full of crap. I love Megumi and I want to spend the rest of my life with her."

They finally got to Sano's apartment. Sano waved goodbye as he entered his lonesome bachelor pad. Kenshin then went back to his house. He entered his bedroom hesitantly.

"Come on Kenshin," said Kaoru as she padded the empty spot next to her, "Get on the futon. It's time to go to sleep."

"No way," said Kenshin. "Sano was lying on this thing naked. To make matters worse, he rubbed his ass against my pillow. I can't even understand how you can lay on that thing."

"Stop being a baby," said Kaoru. "There's nothing wrong with it. Get on the futon now. I want to cuddle."

"Now I'm defiantly not getting on it."

"Do it!"

"Oh, fine. But I won't like it." He then got on it and got under the covers. Kaoru moved up real close to Kenshin. She then took his arm and put it around herself.

"What happened to me?" asked Kenshin in his mind as Kaoru rested her head on his shoulder.

The next day Kaoru and Kenshin got up to Kenji screaming. Kenshin was still half a sleep when he went into the bath. He came out with a towel wrapped around him. He walked into his bedroom to get dressed. Kaoru was holding Kenji but he was still screaming. Kenshin covered his ears and said, "Where in the heck is that clock me and Sano had. At least that thing made a loud obnoxious sound in key."

"Now that you're fully awake my sexy samurai, go shop for some food for today," said Kaoru.

Kenshin said, "For the last time, I'm not a samurai." In a sarcastic tone he said, "Now my queen, what do you desire?" He then bowed to her.

"Eggplant sounds good. Get some green tea too. I have to keep my sexy samurai nice and healthy."

Kenshin put his hands over his face. "Uh!"

He finished getting dressed and took the money Kaoru gave him. He slowly walked outside trying to avoid the disastrous chores just around the bend. He thought, "I shouldn't be doing all the shopping. This is more of a woman's job. And why do we have to eat eggplant? I'm eating just as bad as when I was single."

He got the eggplants and green tea just like he was supposed to. Kaoru gave him just enough money so that he couldn't have any fun with the leftovers. On the way back to his house he passed Sano's apartment. He stood in front of the door for a moment. "I'll see what Sano's up to. He could use a visit and I could use a break from Captain Bring-down."

He went up to the door and knocked on it. No one answered. He knocked on it again but again nothing. He slid open the door open to find Sano lying on the floor. Sano was on his side and peered up at Kenshin. He was moaning and holding his stomach.

"Whew, I'm sure glad to see you. I'm not feeling well. My stomach is irritating me, but I have no idea what it could be. Could you get Megumi for me? I don't want to leave my apartment because it might be contagious."

"Sure buddy. You do so much for me that I should return you a favor."

Kenshin ran outside and went back to the dojo. On his way there he realized Sano never did anything for him. He dashed into the courtyard and into the house. He put the groceries in the kitchen. His next mission was to find Megumi, who was in her medicine closet. When he reached her he was panting heavily.

"Megumi." He was trying to catch his breath. "Something happened to Sano."

"How original of him to get into trouble."

"His stomach is ill. He doesn't know what it is but because it might be contagious, he decided to stay home. He wanted me to fetch you."

"This could be a relapse from his previous injury. I'll go now."

She packed up her medical supplies. She bided ado to Kenshin and left for Sano's apartment. She hurried over as fast as she could. Sano's moaning could be heard from the apartment next to his. She went inside and found him lying helplessly on the floor. Sano sat up and looked at her. Through the pain he spoke. "I think I might be suffering from L.D."

"L.D.? You've got a liver disorder? In that case lay off the saké. Consuming large quantities can do bad things to your body."

"Hell no! You don't understand. I'm suffering from a love disorder. The symptoms include constantly thinking about you, liking you, having warm fuzzy feelings, migraines, acid reflex, brain hemorrhages, rotting flesh…"

"I get the point. Well sort of," Megumi said as she scratched her head.

"I believe the only cure is for you to say 'yes'." Sano got up on his knee and pulled out a ring. "Will you marry me?"

"Consider yourself no longer critical, but stable instead."

Sano put the ring on Megumi's finger. He got up and they shared a lengthy kiss. Megumi suggested that they go back to the dojo and announce the news. Megumi skipped all the way back to the dojo with Sano following behind. She put on a stern face and entered the dojo. Kaoru and Kenshin were in the living room reading. Kenshin took notice of Megumi's stern attitude and started to cry. He got on his hands, knees, and started to pound the ground with his fist.

"Damn you stomach disorder!" He shouted. "You took another a victim. Damn you to hell!"

Sano popped out in front of Megumi. Kenshin looked up to see Sano standing there. He pointed his finger at him. "You're supposed to be dead."

Megumi took Sano's hand and broke the news. "Sano proposed to me. We're engaged!"

Sano said, "Kenshin, this was just a ploy. I was never really sick. The whole point of it was to win the hand of my lady."

Kenshin pointed his finger at Sano again. "You used me Sagara! You used me!"

Kaoru had tears streaming down her face. She got up and hugged Megumi. She held out the ring to Kaoru. Kaoru examined it and said to Sano, "Where did you get this ring?"

"I got it at the pawn shop where Kenshin got his. It's the same ring except for the slight tones of green obviously."

Sano and Megumi got married a couple months later. They got married three years after they met. Megumi moved into Sano's little apartment. After they saved enough money, they bought the house next to the Kamiya dojo. They moved into it and the rest is well…history.

"…Oh, yeah!" exclaimed Kenshin as he started to return into reality. Kaoru came back outside and marched towards Kenshin.

"Lunch is ready," said Kaoru. "Hey, why aren't you done with the laundry yet? I give you one simple task to do and you can't even do that."

Kenji and Yahiko came up to them because they were curious about what was going on.

"Sorry," said Kenshin. "I was having a really long flashback about our origin."

"Oh, I want to have a flashback," said Kenji. He then stared off into space. After a few moments he said, "Hey, its not working for me!"

"That's because you weren't born yet simpleton!" said Kenshin.

"Listen," said Kaoru. "Just come inside for lunch."

As they were heading indoors, Kaoru said to Kenshin, "After lunch, you have to finish the laundry. Then you have to sweep out the dojo, chop firewood, and gather water from the lake. Also, this time, I want no more flashbacking or doodling around. Do you understand?"

"Yes," said Kenshin as he had his fingers crossed behind his back.

The End