AN: I don t own Kenshin la da da da da. The only warning I can think of is sugary goodness, (Major Syrup Action) throughout. Hee hee. I mean it IS the wedding chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 6

Kenshin turned when he heard the soft rapping on his door. It was time. Took long enough. That it did. He had been reflecting on everything life had taught him from his birth to the present day. As he went through the days of his life he always stopped to savor the days that he and Kaoru had spent together. Sometimes he would get stuck on them and smile helplessly.

The first time he saw her, her eyes bright with righteous anger. Her smile when he told her he wanted to stop wondering. Her lucky right hook, and the ones that followed. She was so full of life and emotions. She never stopped believing in him. Her faith in him was unshakeable. It made him feel horribly unworthy, but at the same time he felt secure like never before. Like her faith had kept him happy even when dark secrets of guilt and pain littered his tired heart.

Because of her love he knew he could never fail, in anything. Things had certainly changed the last two weeks when he realized that even she had dark secrets of her own. She had been struggling with demons, not too unlike his. They were demons nevertheless. Now together they could face them, with renewed strength.

After this day they would have the strength of each other to live life with absolute vigor. To be bound to her, would be nothing less than heaven. He prayed that it would last for ages and his children's children would feel the presence of such love and happiness.

He was so happy, he would never have dreamed of being so lucky. It felt so wonderful to be needed by someone else, and of course to need them in return. To be so wanted. Ever since he had come here, she gave him true feelings behind his smiles.

"Come in Sano." He stood and smoothed out the wrinkles of his new gi. Instead of the usual magenta top, it was replaced with imperial red. The collar was lined with black silk. His pants were black silk as well, with red silken stripes running down the sides of them.

"Looking very distinguished, Kenshin." Sano said observantly. He noticed that Kenshin even looked taller. "Not so girly-like." He chucked when Kenshin shot him a look. Then it hit him, Kenshin had been building up some muscle. He wondered what it was that he did during his three-month absence. He decided not to ask, since after the ceremony there would be plenty of time for talking. He smiled when he remembered the alluring presence of sake during the feast. Kenshin noticed the obvious smile.

"What is it?" "I was just wondering when you were going to come out so we can get this thing over with and get to the party." Sano said minding his need for sake.

"Now now, Sano. The ceremony itself is very short. It will be over before any of us know it."

"But doesn t that scare you a little, in just a few minutes you will be committed, tied down, to ONE woman and her home. Just like that poof!" Sano made it sound like something terrible.

"Sano, I thought you of all people approved of this."

"Of course I do, but then again I am not the one marrying her. So I guess you could say I am bias." Sano teased Kenshin. He always had, so why should his wedding day be any different.

"Kaoru is all the woman I need. With that said, I think you are right, It is time to get started, that it is." Kenshin said as he turned to walk through the door and into the rest of his life. Kenshin was taken aback. There were many more people than he anticipated. He saw Megumi sitting with the girls.

*It has been almost a year since I have seen you.* Yahiko was sitting next to a very happy Misao. Misao was obviously with Aoshi in more ways than one. Kenshin smiled. He was happy for her. He almost tripped on nothing when he saw Saito s wife. How did that wolf manage to wed such a well-bred woman? Sano had gone to sit in the crowd and Kenshin saw his friends from the Akabeko. Kutsu was with him as well. A little further to the back were most of Kaoru s students, old and new. In front of the crowd was an ornate tea table with decorated pillows. Kenshin walked up to take his place. He stood and waited for Kaoru to come to him.

Suddenly, the crowd became quiet. He heard light footsteps behind him. He fought the urge to turn and see her. His beloved Kaoru. Finally, she made it into his sights when she stopped to stand beside him. With one look upon her, she looked like a jade green angel. Only a heavenly being was capable of such beauty. The green silk he had helped her to pick out brought out the darkness in her tan skin, making her blue eyes into jewels of sapphire. And the blue flowers matched the pins in her hair. Her hair was in perfect twists and buns and the pins dangled their little diamonds making reflections of the sun on her face. She looked like a goddess to him. He could barely keep his jaw from dropping in awe. He was honored to know that she was much more beautiful on the inside, but needless to say this was a stunning change. She must have seen the way he looked at her because not even the rice powder could disguise her blush.

Kaoru found it hard to take her eyes off his roaming over her body. She felt like she was being worshiped with his eyes. It was nice to be admired like this. She smiled nervously at him and he took hold of her shaking hand. Kaoru then noticed the new clothes he had worn for this occasion. He looked so regal and elegant.

He had managed to pull all of his hair back and out of his eyes into a samurai s ponytail, high upon his head. He looked like a sun god with liquid fire hair. She smiled at him again in approval for she liked what she saw. He smiled back. His eyes were full of confidence and laughter. Soon the feeling spread to her and she slowly began to cease her quivering. He felt this and proceeded to kneel before the tea table. His strong gentle arms helping her down as well. The crowd was completely silent.

Kenshin reached for the tea cup but was suddenly interrupted when he heard Hiko s voice shouting in the back, "Kenshin you really are an idiot!". Kenshin was horrified. Kaoru looked more than annoyed. She was about to raise hell, but Hiko managed to walk up to them quickly. He slammed down the pitcher of sake.

"ORO!"

"Kenshin, you will marry her with the best sake, not with something as simple and weak as tea! Consider this my wedding gift to you. Baka." With that he walked away to the back where he had been watching his idiot student. Kenshin couldn t believe what had just transpired. He looked at Kaoru apologetically, but he was genuinely surprised when he saw that she was sporting a smile. She looked as though she was about to start laughing. So Kenshin smiled, he was happy that his Master had decided to see over his marriage. It was something to be happy about it seemed. Kaoru certainly didn t mind the intrusion one bit, so he would mind either.

He smiled and filled teacup with sake and handed it to his beloved Kaoru. She smiled and thanked him quietly. As she swallowed she could hear ooohs and aaahhs come from the small crowd gathered at her home. She smiled inwardly. She finished and poured Kenshin s share in the same cup she drank from. He smiled encouragingly all the while for she had begun to shake again. He took the cup and drank in the same manner that she had. It was such a simple gesture but meant so much.

The moment he put the cup down, they had been bonded in law, and in spirit and the crowd went wild with delight. The feeling was glorious, for the both of them. Then one by one the guests came forth and bestowed their gifts.

Misao and Aoshi came forth and handed Kaoru a statue of the fertility goddess, and with that aromatherapy incense to help calm ones spirit.

Tae and Tsubame presented beautiful silks and preserved meat.

Saito and Tokio gave wine from the east and a very large ornate fan to bring good fortune in the future.

Okina offered a beautiful inking of Mount Fuji and fireworks to light later.

Dr. Gensai brought them many special herbs and medicinal teas while the girls brought flowers with tiny fans tied to them.

Then the many students that Kaoru had came forth and brought the more practical things in life, such as blankets, extra futons, new barrels and containers.

Then came Megumi and smiled to the both of them and handed them a large sum of money. She wanted to reach out and hug the both of them, to congratulate them on finding happiness. Later, it will all come later. She smiled again, lovingly, to the both of them.

Then came Sanosake, Kutsu, and their friends from the Akabeko bearing gifts of food for the large feast ahead. Not to mention large amounts of sake.

He looked at her with gentle eyes, tears fighting to come forth. He smiled and fell even more in love with the woman as if it were even possible. He pulled her close to him and thanked her with a gentle but deep kiss that caused most of the people to look away. He could have stayed, with their lips locked for the rest of the night and he would have done so, if it weren t for Sano.

"Hey now! Save all of that for later! Lets celebrate!" Sano was joined with the chorus of joyous shouts of the crowd, they agreed whole-heartedly. Kaoru was the first to pull away and gave Sano an annoyed look, but it was quickly followed with a kind smile.

The weather was so good that a fire was built in the middle of the gathering and a canopy was set up overhead on the side to give a little shade to those who may need it. Everyone was talking and congratulating the newly wed couple. Everyone had something to say to one another and to catch up on the past and to recollect good days.

After the food had been eaten most of the children left and then much to Kaoru s dismay many of the people had started to leave. Soon it was just the handful of close friends and amazingly Saito and his lovely wife staying behind. Kaoru knew that Tokio had everything to do with that arrangement.

Sano and Saito had managed to stay rather polite to one another except for a few underlining insults but nothing serious. Sano was talking about his desire to see China and had planned to go there very soon. Adventure it seemed was now the drive in his life. Misao explained in very little detail how she and Aoshi had gotten married but told the reason of Aoshi s new ability to smile with a little coaxing from the ever-watchful eyes of Tokio.

"So when are you due Shinamori Misao?" she said opening the path to an interesting conversation. Saito looked at Aoshi somewhat surprised. He wasn t there for the announcement earlier. He almost huffed in disbelief but decided not to, Tokio might consider it rude for some womanly reason.

Kenshin's jaw dropped as well, then he smiled proudly at Misao, "I knew you could do it Misao." Misao wondered if she actually showed that much but realized that Tokio was one sharp woman.

"Uh right before spring sets in." She said shyly. But when she looked at Aoshi he just exuded pride and joy for the coming of his child.

"I congratulate you both." She smiled, but Kenshin noticed a deep sadness to that smile. Saito shifted nervously in his place and reached for the sake.

"I think Saito has the right idea. We should drink up!" Sano said as he grabbed a whole pitcher for himself. The women just sipped on their sake, but the men decided to have contest at Sano s urging of course. Megumi sat next to Kaoru and told her a secret.

"Kaoru, I just wanted to tell you how happy I am for you two. I think of you as a sister, if not that, a daughter then." She then hugged a surprised Kaoru, and then privately disclosed her secret. "I have fallen in love with an American. He had come to my clinic for foreign herbs and medicines to bring back home. We spent a lot of time together and we fell in love. He wants to take me back to America with him for two years. There we will be married." When she finished she laughed in delight. Kaoru was so happy for her.

America!

It was wonderful to be able to go somewhere else so different than home. To learn new things and languages. How exciting! She smiled and hugged Megumi back. Then Misao rose and came to join the women who were seemingly gossiping. As did Tokio and Tae. Tsubame and Yahiko seemed to have disappeared somewhere during the course of the day.

"So are you nervous about tonight?" Misao blurted out. Kaoru nearly choked on her sake. The women laughed at her obvious discomfort. Kaoru realized that they had no idea that she didn t know if she was innocent or not. She decided to go along with their vulgar chatter. Misao and Tokio of course were the ones to bestow their advice.

"Don t worry, Kaoru, it will all be fine. If Kenshin makes love the way he lives, you have nothing to worry about." Misao said encouragingly. "I am sure that he will take very good care in not hurting you too bad." she smiled and blushed.

Kaoru played the innocent, "Hurting me?" she stammered.

"Yes, it hurts to have your virginity taken." Tokio added, before Misao could scare poor Kaoru to death. "But when you love that person it doesn t hurt at all, well not here." She said as she pointed to her heart. Kaoru was surprised to find that Tokio truly loved Saito that much.

"When I was married to Saito, it was arranged and I was so scared we didn't consummate the marriage for two months. Saito waited for me, and I love him for it, till this day. I know you won't believe me when I tell you this, but Saito was so very tender with me our first time. You wouldn't know it to look at him as he is." she looked in Saito s direction and he smiled knowingly.

He knew she was disclosing all of their bedroom secrets; he would get her for that later.

"Really?" Misao said, "Aoshi was rather rough on me, my first time. But it wasn t cruel or mean. It was just a moment that seized the both of us and gave us the most wonderful experience of our lives. We both wanted to hurry and see what was at the end of the tunnel so to speak. Afterward, we just considered ourselves married." She laughed nervously, she was exposing it all, but it was something so beautiful she wanted to share it. "My only regret is that he hadn't smiled for me yet. Oh but he smiled like an idiot when I told him I was having a baby." Misao lovingly rubbed her belly.

"Misao, I would like to hear this story one day." Kaoru said sincerely. It sounded so deep and full of emotion. Like a romantic story to be passed down through the generations.

"Gladly! Aoshi and I will be here for a week. I can tell you somewhere between now and then. But for now I would like to keep an eye on Aoshi. He is drinking way too much! He will embarrass himself!" She pointed to him and he acknowledged her with a nod. His face was getting red and relaxed but he still maintained his grim expression. It seemed as though he was trying to keep himself together with meditation, he must have drank more than he could handle.

Sano obviously made that possible, when he out drank everyone. They tried to catch up it seemed. Even Saito had taken to slouching against the porch. He kept a steady gaze on his wife, thinking of the wicked things he planned to do to her tonight.

Kenshin just sat and spoke with Sano, not phased one bit it seemed. Sano knew better though. Kenshin was just as drunk as he was, but he had an amazing ability to hold back the natural swooning.

"It is getting late, Kenshin, if you catch my drift." Sano said receiving appalled looks from Saito and Aoshi. That was none of his damn business!

"And besides we are running out of sake. I am sure you are more than ready to get some closure to this day." Kenshin finally gave Sano an angry look.

"Do you always have to be so vulgar?" Kenshin then laughed to lighten the mood. He really didn t know why he got so angry at Sano s jesting.

*They don t know the whole story, except for maybe Saito, he could have possibly figured it out*

He and Kaoru would have to find out if Jupei had been telling the truth together tonight. The thought made him hope and pray that for Kaoru's sake, Jupei was telling the truth. But he didn t want to think of that now. He looked at his beautiful wife and imagined pulling the pins from her hair and feeling the softness in his hands. He smiled wistfully.

"See, I was right, wasn t I?" Sano slurred when he noticed Kenshin's smile. Kenshin couldn t help but laugh at his drunken friend and his assumptions.

"I think I will be going now, Misao looks to need her rest." Aoshi stood when he saw the tired eyes of Misao, she wouldn t have the heart to say goodbye herself.

"Have a good night, Himura." Aoshi bowed respectively and headed towards Kaoru and the gossiping throng. "Thank you for coming, Aoshi." Kenshin said in kind.

"Are you ready, Kaoru? I think Kenshin is running everyone off now." Tokio said as Aoshi walked up to them.

"Himura Kaoru, thank you for having me and Misao. Sadly, we must depart. Misao needs her rest." Kaoru blushed at her new name being used then looked at Misao who, when she really looked at her, seemed more than tired. She smiled anyway and hugged Kaoru.

"I will come see you in a couple of days, Ok?" Kaoru nodded emphatically.

"Thank both of you for coming and thank you for your gifts. I hope that soon you will allow me to give you a delayed wedding gift." Misao bowed then rose with the help of Aoshi.

"I suppose we should see where Okina has gone to." Aoshi muttered more to Misao than anyone else. He seemed annoyed at the old man for keeping Misao from her much needed rest. She just nodded and let him take her hand. Before they left they turned and waved goodbye. Both of them were smiling. Kaoru just couldn t get over how much Aoshi had changed.

Does marriage really change someone that much? She didn't feel much different, but then again she hadn t bonded physically to Kenshin yet. The idea made the blood rush to her face and her ears. She was so scared, but excited to see that side of Kenshin. She was also horribly unsure of her self. She hoped that no matter what the outcome she would make Kenshin happy. Megumi noticed Kaoru s nervous expression and gently took her hand giving her a look of understanding.

"I have to get going as well, Kaoru. Thank you for inviting me. I hope I can come back before I leave to America so you can meet Joseph. Have a good night, Kaoru, and don t worry." She said as she placed a tender hand to Kaoru s face. Kaoru nodded and smiled.

"Thank you Megumi, for everything." Megumi nodded then left in the same manner as Aoshi and Misao after she said her goodbyes to Kenshin and Sano of course. Sano stared at her as she left and then proceeded to take one last swig of his sake.

"I am out already. I will see you tomorrow Kenshin. I am going to have the rest of the party with Kutsu. He should have more sake." He stood and swaggered a bit before he gained his footing once he did he was just fine.

"I will see you around no doubt, Saito. Have a good night Kenshin."

"You too Sano." He turned around and winked at Kaoru on his way out, then bowed for Tae and Tokio s sake. Kaoru nodded and smiled warmly. Sano certainly made up for lounging around when he provided the feast for everyone. Then he left. Kaoru began to shake, that time was drawing near and Tokio handed her the rest of her sake.

"Here drink the rest of this. Drink until you feel warm, it helps." Kaoru drank at her urging then felt the tingly sensation spread throughout her body.

"Better now?" Tokio inquired. Kaoru nodded and placed the cup down. Tokio snuck a glance at Saito and saw that he was more than ready to go. She almost frowned; she wanted to stay just a little longer to help Kaoru with her wedding night woes. Then she saw the glimmer of lust when he smiled.

*Oh so that is how it is, Saito* She nodded to let him know that she was ready to leave. She gave Kaoru one last look of encouragement then stood. "Goodbye, Kaoru, I will come to see you again. Have a good night." She bowed and found her way to Kenshin and said her goodbyes to him as well. Saito quickly stood and took her arm.

"Good night, Batt Himura." Kenshin stood with them, "I will walk you out." He said as he nodded to Tae. Tae understood and took Kaoru's arm.

Kaoru immediately realized what was happening and turned to walk to her room, or rather to her and Kenshin s room. Tae followed quietly behind.

Tae helped to undress her and placed the marriage robe on Kaoru s quivering body. She really didn t know what to say to the nervous bride so she kissed her on the cheek and quietly left the room. Kaoru of course thanked her for everything. Now she was alone with her thoughts. Scared but anxious to see Kenshin. To be alone with him. So she could really show him how much she loved him. Her prayers were answered when she saw his shadow approach the door. Anticipations set in quickly as he entered their room. He could feel her intense ki radiating from her shaking form. He quickly closed the distance between them and took her into his arms.

AN: Ahhhhhhhh I left you hanging but that is why I posted two chapters : ) Enjoy!