A/n Hi everyone. Hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long. I want to thank all my reviewers on their great reviews, thank you for all the congratulations. I agree that it was good Kenshin let Kaoru out of the deal, felt a little too much like blackmail on Kenshin's part. But of course Kaoru's heart wouldn't let him just leave empty handed.
Well I won't talk long. On to the story!

Disclaimer, I don't own anything


"Just a plain, simple band." Kaoru said.

Elevator music played in the background as Kaoru stood on the thick dark carpet of the jewelry store. The man in a suit, with slicked back hair and a plastic smile stood behind the glass jewelry cases waiting for the slightest indication as to what might interest them.

"What kind of ring did you have with Saitou?" Kenshin offered.

Kaoru looked up from the case. "Oh, it was gorgeous. But like him-it didn't last."

"And here I thought diamonds were forever."

Kaoru shook her head. "Not if you pawn them. I needed the money for clothes and healthy food for Yahiko. Saitou was in-between jobs again."

Kenshin cocked an eyebrow "Was that the first sign of trouble in your marriage?"

"Hardly."

"I'm sure the lady deserves a very nice ring after such a bad experience." The salesman said with a slight accent.

Kaoru hardly expected Kenshin to use anymore money than he had to in the next nine months. He wouldn't fall for such obvious cheap sales tactics.

"What did it look like?" Kenshin bent over the glass countertop, looking at the sparkling gems inside. The bright lights shooting into the jewelry case highlighted the gold in Kenshin's red hair.

"Nearly a carat, marquis, on a gold band."

"Sounds pretty."

"It was, but we put it on my credit, I'm still paying for it."

Kenshin shook his head. "Would you like something like that…if…"

Kaoru glanced at him. "If you could afford it?" after giving her ten million yen, Kenshin was sure to need to watch his funds.

The salesman wasted no time; he whipped out a small clipboard and paper with a pen. "No need for cash, sir. Just a bit of information and no money down, you can finance the whole thing."

"Good news sweetheart." Kenshin grinned. "Let's try this one."

Kaoru bent to look where he was pointing. It was a large pear shaped diamond; the accompanying wedding band had diamonds inlayed all across the band. The salesman sprung into action. He took the key from the ring on his belt and unlocked the case. "Don't you think that's a bit expensive, dear?"

"Nothing's too expensive for the woman who'd going to be my wife." Kenshin grinned back.

"Very good choice sir. The diamond is obvious high quality, just look at the clarity." The man said, his eyes starting to gleam as he took the small velvet box, removed the ring and handed it to Kaoru.

She slipped the ring on her finger. Oh was it lovely. It glittered rainbows at her with every tip of her hand. It was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen, much less worn on her hand. "How much?" she whispered, despite how awestruck she was.

"Don't worry about the price, leave that to me." Kenshin said softly, leaning slightly over her shoulder to look at the ring glittering on her finger.

He sure was playing part of devoted fiancé well. But why bother putting on such an act for a salesman they would never see again. The phone rang and the salesman excused himself. "What kind of game are you playing?" she whispered under her breath. "I thought we were looking for a plain band. Are you trying to disappoint me by waving this in my face first?"

Kenshin's smile was dazzling as the ring on her finger. "I'm just looking for some leverage, that I am."

"Leverage for what?" She asked, having no idea what he was talking about.

"I want to be part of the birth."

Kaoru blinked. "No. I already told you that." She wiggled the ring off and set it back on the counter.

"Ah but no is so final."

"And it's not your favorite word, I know…but that's my answer."

Kenshin turned to the small tray of rings and picked up a simple, plain, inexpensive gold band in one hand and the pear shaped diamond in the other. He turned back to Kaoru and moved his hands like a scale.

"He comes to the birth." He said as he raised the beautiful glittering ring. "Or he doesn't" he raised the plain band and dropped the other. "It's not a difficult decision Kaoru." He said with a grin.

Kaoru set her hands on her hips. "I can't believe you. Here I was starting to think you were a pretty decent guy, and here you are tying to buy your way into my delivery room."

"Don't say it like that; you're making me sound like some kind of pervert. I just want to be there when my child is born, what's wrong with that?"

The salesman cleared his throat, having returned from his phone call. Embarrassed Kaoru turned to the salesman as Kenshin set the rings on the counter in front of her. The diamond was just beautiful and tempting. But she wasn't about to let Kenshin in the delivery room, she already felt as if she had sold her soul. She pointed to the plain band and the salesman popped it back in the box and wrapped it up. "He doesn't go to the delivery." She said before turning and walking out of the shop to the car.

… . . …

"I don't understand how offering to buy you a five hundred and eighty-six thousand Yen ring to allow me to come to the birth would make you so angry." Kenshin said as he drove Kaoru home.

Kaoru glared out the passenger window. "There are some things money can't buy, have you ever heard of that?"

Kenshin scowled, "I was just trying to offer you a reasonable trade. If you don't want to see it like that then enjoy your gold band."

"Don't worry, I will." Kaoru sniffed.

"Fine."

They drove in silence down the tree lined streets until they reached Kaoru's house. Kaoru got out of the car without saying goodbye and slammed the door shut. She marched behind Kenshin's car and up the steps to her house. Kenshin watched her as she dug around in her purse and then in her pockets. Then after a moment more she turned back around and walked towards him. Kenshin's lips twitched upward at the sheepish look on her face.

"I'm locked out." She confessed into his open window.

"And the key that was under the mat?" Kenshin's smile was innocent.

"Is in the pocket of the pants I wore the other day."

"Because…"

"Because I was trying to keep you out. You know all this; stop trying to rub it in."

"You're trying to keep me out because I stocked your fridge, that you are." He shook his head. "You make a lot of sense." He said as he jammed his car into park and shut it off. Kenshin climbed out of his car and sighed softly to himself. "Should we try crawling through a window?"

Kaoru thought about it for a moment. "No, these are the old thick glass with the latches on the top; I'm pretty good at keeping them locked because I live alone."

"Back door?"

"Locked."

"You make the rounds to make sure you're locked up tight and yet you keep a key under the mat of your front door? That's about as smart as turning down a five hundred thousand yen ring."

"Enough about the ring already. I'm already regretting it without your help."

"Well let that be a lesson to you." He watched with a smile as Kaoru's eyes flashed.

"I'm pretty sure you'll offer me something else in the next nine months anyway." She said with a sniff as she turned back to the house.

Kenshin moved quickly to keep up with her. "Well now that I know it's open for a trade, I'm sure I can think of something."

The two argued lightly back and fourth as they checked every window and door they could reach, everything was locked tight. Kenshin stood in the overgrown back yard and looked around. The garden had seen far better days. A little love was all it would take to bring it back to its glory. But with a sick brother and med school, He was sure the garden was the last thing on Kaoru's mind. "I think your bedroom window would be the easiest to crawl through." He called to Kaoru. "Do you want me to break it?"

"No!" Kaoru rushed over. "It's already past six. I won't be able to get anyone to replace for me until tomorrow." Plus it would cost her an arm and a leg. "Just take me to the hospital. Misao will be there after work, she has a key."

"Where does she work?"

"At the Wong Supermarket near here. She's a cashier."

"Do you want me to take you there?"

"No, she might not have the key with her; I'll just wait at the hospital."

"But those supermarkets don't close until eleven." He frowned, not liking the idea of Kaoru's lack of sleep.

"It's okay, I think she gets off before eleven tonight. Besides I was just going to grab my backpack and head to the hospital to study anyways. Getting locked out saved me from studying."

"Then why don't you sound so pleased about it?" Kenshin asked as he followed her out of her yard. Kaoru turned and smiled at him over her shoulder.

"Because I'm pretty sure I'm going to flunk my finals in two weeks."

… . . …

"Now that you're not angry with me anymore, do you want to stop at my house before I take you to the hospital?" Kenshin drove with one hand on the quiet road; he looked casual and relaxed with his tie loosened quite a bit and his collar unbuttoned. Kaoru could catch a glimpse of his pale chest ever so often as he turned the wheel. She wondered what kept Kenshin from getting enough sun. Most likely she looked worse than he did.

She still had yet to see his house. Kaoru's uncle had yet to call her, and she was sure she wouldn't hear from him until the wedding day so that took off some of the pressure. Yet she knew very little about the man she was going to marry on Saturday. Kaoru glanced at Kenshin again as a wave of butterflies hit her stomach. She couldn't believe she was going to marry a man like Kenshin in only a few days. Quickly she shoved the fluttering feeling away. She was only doing this to thank him for saving Yahiko. "Who said I wasn't mad at you anymore?" Kaoru propped her head on her elbow resting on the window's ledge and turned to watch him drive.

Kenshin's grin was arrogant. "I'm too endearing to be mad at, that I am." He turned to watch the road. "Besides, in nine months, you'll be rid of me."

Kaoru was sure that would be the least of her problems.

"Do you want to call the hospital and check on Yahiko first?" Kenshin flipped out a shiny, silver chrome cell phone.

Kaoru thanked him as she dialed the number and gave the switchboard operator Yahiko's name and room number. The phone rang once before it was picked up.

"Yahiko's room." The boy chirped into the phone and Kaoru couldn't help but smile.

"Hi Yahiko-kun, its Kaoru."

"Hi Kaoru-chan"

"How is everything?"

"Good. One of the doctor's just gave me a sticker book and Miss Yamata is here."

Miss Yamata was Yahiko's preschool teacher when the boy had been younger. She was very kind and knew just how to keep a young child entertained. "Are you going to be okay without me for a little while?" The boy was preoccupied with his guest. "Yahiko?"

"Yes Kaoru-chan?"

"I'm going to be another hour or so, will you be alright without me until then?"

"Sure, Miss Yamata brought a bunch of books with her; I bet she's going to read to me."

A lump grew in Kaoru's throat as she was overwhelmed with gratitude towards this relative stranger. That someone unexpected would drop by and add a bit more joy in his life took such weight off her shoulders even for just a little while. "Tell Miss Yamata that Kaoru-chan is very…grateful that she could stop by."

"I will Kaoru-chan"

"Talk to you later Yahiko" She pushed the End button after Yahiko said his goodbyes. She set the phone on the armrest between their seats and she kept her face adverted from Kenshin so he wouldn't see the shimmering emotion in her eyes. But it seemed impossible to keep anything hidden from Kenshin.

"What is it?" He asked softly.

"Nothing." Kaoru sniffed. "Yahiko's old preschool teacher is there with him, she'll keep him company until I get back. She's a…wonderful person."

Kenshin reached across the car and closed his fingers over hers. The gesture startled Kaoru as she glanced down at his hand resting on her hand on her lap. He gently lifted her palm and brought it to his mouth where he placed a kiss on her fingers. It was a simple, sweet gesture that spoke of how much he understood. For he too had to endure the soul-wrenching loss of a loved one. Even though his was swift and hers was drawn-out, it was the same pain. Kaoru felt comfort and strength as Kenshin held her, like she had plugged into an outside energy source. But all too soon, he let go.

She wanted to cling to him, to continue to fill the run-down battery inside of her. But she kept her hands balled into fists and kept them rooted to her lap. She couldn't lean on Kenshin; there would be hell to pay in nine months if she did. Kaoru knew she had to carry her own burdens. They were silent for most of the drive.

Road construction slowed the fifteen minute drive out of the main city to a thirty minute crawl. Kaoru took the chance to switch her mind off. She didn't think about Yahiko, or school or Kenshin or the baby she was to carry. Soon the traffic died down and they moved into a quieter part of the city. Trees and shrubs lined the narrow streets as they climbed higher up the hill.

"We're almost there." Kenshin said, speaking for the first time since he'd kissed her hand. He slowed for some boys playing baseball in the street then turned a corner and pulled into the driveway and parked in front of the garage. The house looked to have been built around the same time as the rest in the neighborhood. Only a new coat of paint set it apart from the rest.

"It looks like a nice place." Kaoru said as she followed him on to the deck to the back of the house. The back yard extended partway up the hill. Quite a large property.

"It has potential." Kenshin said. "Tomoe and I were going to plant a vegetable garden over there." He pointed to a grassy part of the yard by the back fence. "And she wanted a herb garden by the kitchen door. And wildflowers by that old gazebo" He paused as if memories were flooding back faster than he could process them. Kaoru watched them flicker behind his eyes. "We had lots of remodeling planed." He finished quickly as he continued to the back door.

"You never got it done?"

"No, we stopped the roof from leaking and did a few things inside the house but I never added the fourth bedroom and extra bath, and I've lost interest in it."

Kaoru let the subject drop as Kenshin unlocked the door. She stepped into a room that his wife had obviously furnished. Hard wood floors, oriental rugs, wainscoting on the bottom half of the walls, and beige and white striped wallpaper finished the effect, topped off by a thick crown molding. It was western style and warm. Kaoru could instantly picture Kenshin's wife pouring over wallpaper books for just the right match to the leather sofa and the plaid side chairs.

"Wow" Was all Kaoru could say as her eyes darted from one detail to the next.

Kenshin gave her a wry grin. "Tomoe was quite the decorator, that she was."

Tomoe must have been a lot more than that. For he looked both proud and lost when he said her name. Kenshin lead her around the rest of the house, showing her everything except for what lay behind one door next to the master room. From the floor plan, Kaoru guessed it was a second bedroom. Perhaps Kenshin thought it was too messy. He had already shown her his office, which had a large desk and cabinets full of files everywhere. She wouldn't be surprised if it was a room with files strewn everywhere. Someplace for extra storage for backup papers.

Or perhaps he'd created a shrine for his dead wife.

The thought gave Kaoru the creeps but she shrugged the thought away. "So what kind of music do you like?" she asked as they made their way back to the living room.

Kenshin nodded in the direction of a large cabinet of CD's "Pick something, I'll make us dinner."

"Actually I better get back to the hospital; Yahiko is used to me being there most of the time."

"His teacher is there with him remember? I'm sure he's having a great time, that I do. Besides, I'm sure the hospital would call you if they need you."

Kaoru put her hand in her pocket and glanced down at the cheap cell phone she always carried with her, she checked it for an answer that she already knew, the screen was blank, no messages, and no missed calls. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Then let's eat, it won't take long." Kenshin said with a smile as he turned to the kitchen.

Kaoru browsed the CD's as she listened to bottles clinking and the fridge door opening and shutting several times. She picked a CD of contemporary instrumental music and put it on. She wandered around the living room looking at the paintings on the wall, the long wooden sheaths that held katana swords mounted tastefully in various places. An oak pendulum clock ticked from the mantle of a small fireplace. The table behind the sofa held a lamp, a neat stack of magazines and a framed photo of Kenshin with a woman with long blue-black hair, kind eyes and a gentle smile. She had creamy skin and wore a one piece bathing suit that showed off her curvy figure. They were on a boat or something-perhaps on their honeymoon? The wind was playing havoc with their hair, but Kenshin stood behind her, his cheek pressed to hers and his arms around her middle. They were both laughing into the camera

God they looked happy.

Checking to make sure Kenshin was occupied, Kaoru picked up the photograph so she could take a closer look. She had a dusting of light freckles, cupid bow lips and a pert nose. She was nothing short of beautiful. She tried to picture her pregnant, round with Kenshin's baby and Kaoru suffered a twinge of envy. She had it all, few women were so lucky.

Except Tomoe's luck had run out. A drunk driver had-

"What would you like to drink?" Kenshin poked his head out of the kitchen. Kaoru was so startled she nearly dropped the frame. Kenshin's eyed darted to the picture and back up to Kaoru. "That's Tomoe, my wife." He said simply.

"I thought so." Kaoru quickly put the frame back where she found it. "She was lovely."

Kenshin returned to the kitchen. "Tea okay?" He called out a moment later.

"Yeah, that's fine." Kaoru answered as she sat on the leather couch. The supple hide molded to her body and smelled like good quality leather. It was obviously a very expensive piece, far better than anything she ever had. Kaoru snuggled deeper into the cushion and leaned her head back and allowed her eyes to close to give her a few minutes of peace.

She was playing with Yahiko when he was a toddler. Blowing raspberries on his round tummy as he squealed with laughter. Her uncle Gensai was there with a video camera to capture every moment of his third birthday. Saitou was there, looking as handsome as ever with a small cupcake sized cake ready for Yahiko. They were still dating, not yet married.

… . . …

Kenshin carried two plates filled with leftovers one of his sisters had insisted he take after one of their outings. He set the plates in the dinning area and returned for their drinks when he noticed that Kaoru had fallen asleep. He thought about waking her up so that she could eat. He was sure she wasn't getting enough nutrition in the few bites of food she took here and there when she remembered her hunger pangs. But she looked so exhausted. The bones in her cheeks were more prominent than ever, the dark circles under her eyes were more pronounced. No, it was better for her to get some sleep. He grabbed a quilt from the linen closet and draped it over her. He kept himself company by reading the newspaper as he ate. She was still asleep when he finished so he went out to his car and fetched his briefcase. An hour more had past and he was finished with his work but Kaoru was still out.

Again Kenshin thought about waking her up, he knew she wanted to get back to the hospital, afraid that Yahiko might need her they had been gone for almost three hours already. But Kaoru had snuggled into the quilt and was sleeping so soundly, it was obvious that she needed the rest and Kenshin couldn't find it in himself to wake her.

He wrote her a quick note telling her to call him on his cell phone when she woke up. He left it on the coffee table in front of her. He then found the car keys and slipped out the back.


A/n Aww isn't Kenshin being a great guy…sorta. lol that thing with the ring bit, that was kind a low, but fun to write. So Kenshin is going to take Kaoru's place by Yahiko's side, this could be eye-opening for the man.

Oh, and shameless plug time: For those who are following my My Love Series, I finished Accept my Love. This means that the anticipated and very much awaited for Aoshi-Misao story Endure my Love is about to be posted. (in about two weeks or so.) Editing is in the works and it will be up soon, keep you eyes open.

Thanks for reading everyone! Reviews are loved!