Of Secrets and Lies

Chapter 10

Christmas Time

"Your so lucky getting Kenshin-san to stay for Christmas! Our Otou-San wouldn't even consider it," Bemoaned Tae wistfully as she did her hair up in the changing room windows. It was the twenty-second of December and therefore the last day of school before the term ended to begin anew on the eighth of January. While Tae posed in the mirror Kaoru, Sae and Misao were sat on the benches awaiting the bell to ring.

"Yeah but Uncle Koshijiro is good like that. I mean he took in Sanosuke for three years! He makes Kenshin look like a Prince!" Declared Misao tying her trainers. Kaoru nodded in agreement. Even though she considered Sanosuke as a big brother she could not defend his manners. Anyway her head had been in the clouds for weeks just awaiting today. Her stomach was buzzing with nerves and excitement. Tonight after school Misao, Sanosuke, Yahiko and herself would pile into the Kamiya car to go and collect Megumi in Aizu. They'd even be spending the night in a hotel so they had plenty of time to do the shopping. The build up to Christmas had been amazing...for instance there was the memorable day when Misao, Kaoru and Kenshin had single handily put up the Christmas tree and decorated the living room - even if Yahiko had bluntly said the place looked like a paper chain and tinsel bomb sight Kaoru had been proud of it.

"Fair point. He owes us too much money!" Growled Tae as Sae nodded in agreement. The changing room door opened to reveal the smiling figure of Keiko who bounced up to them each with white envelopes. Winter Cards - there were too many different religions in Kyoto to call them Christmas cards so they went by winter cards - Kaoru smiled warmly at Keiko as she opened hers.

"Thanks Keiko. Any plans for the holiday?" Asked Kaoru.

"Nah just the usual. Otou-san's taking us on holiday in January though. I'm missing the first week of school to go touring France! I can't wait," Said Keiko excitedly. Kaoru nodded enviously thinking of Keiko tanning herself on a beach while Kaoru had to go back to school, "Though Okaa-san says I have to join after school chemistry when I get back to revise for the exams," Added Keiko sourly.

"Exams? They aren't til March the twenty-first!" Cried Misao in horror.

"Yeah but I want to be a Lawyer like Otou-san so Okaa-san is making me stick in hard this year. Anyway I hope you have a good new year! See you when I get back to school!" Called Keiko as she left the changing rooms. Kaoru smiled at her card which displayed a happy looking robin in the snow before tucking it into her bag.

"Nice girl isn't she?" Said Misao idly. Kaoru nodded in agreement and then looked up as the changing room doors were once again flung open only this time not so gently. The figure of Sagara Sanosuke could be seen and Tae and Sae shrieked in surprise while Kaoru and Misao glared.

"Sanosuke...this...is...the...girls...changing rooms," Snarled Kaoru furiously. Sano grinned stuffing his hands in his pockets but then winced as Tae smacked him around the head viciously.

"Ow! Oi is this the thanks I get for visiting my favourite girls?" Asked Sano putting his hands above his head defensively to knock away any more blows. Kaoru scowled. So he was skiving once again. Did he get some sort of kick from getting detentions? How could he ever hope to pass his exams if he kept missing the classes?

"I thought you were meant to be in History?" Said Kaoru grouchily.

"Yeah well..." Said Sanosuke sheepishly well aware he would have to find a peace offering for Kaoru, "Jou-chan it is last period...I thought we could all walk to the car together. Kenshin's in the boys changing rooms...but he won't come in here for some reason," Shrugged Sanosuke.

"Gee I wonder why?" Said Kaoru sarcastically as Misao pointed towards the girl sign upon the door. Before the ninja could get to justify her own opinion there was a shriek outside the door. The voice of Fuji-sensei could be heard and it was at such a high frequency Kaoru was surprised that the bat population of Kyoto hadn't swarmed the room. Sanosuke winced as the door was flung open to reveal the short stout figure of Fuji-sensei whose hair was on ends bristling with anger.

"Sagara Sanosuke! Your meant to be at History! Get out of the girls changing rooms right now!" She screeched, "Completely inappropriate while these young ladies are getting changed! You need to learn proper respect!" Then she turned looking out the door at something Kaoru could not see, "And you Himura! If I catch you in here I'll make sure your stuck in detention for the rest of the next term!" With that the furious teacher dragged a pleading Sanosuke out of the room who on his way past Kenshin begged for help. Kaoru, Tae, Sae and Misao burst into fits of laughter as Sano's shouts could be heard down the corridor.

"Serves him right," Laughed Misao picking up her bag, "Hey Kenshin...the old bats gone you can come in!"

Kenshin looked around him nervous that the figure of Fuji-sensei would return in all her glory. Finally he sighed and took a few anxious steps towards the door until he was standing in the doorway. Kaoru smiled and waved feeling the bubble of excitement rise.

"So are sure you've got everything you need from your house?" Asked Kaoru kindly.

"Sessha is sure Kaoru-dono," Smiled Kenshin, "You must be looking forward to seeing Megumi-dono again de-gozaru," Kaoru nodded while Misao sprung into life animatedly jumping from changing bench to changing bench in a frenzy. Tae giggled as she placed the final pin in her hair.

"I can't wait! Wait until you see Aizu Kenshin! And then we can stay up late and talk! And watch movies! And then at Yumiko's New Years Party the place will be swarming with mistletoe so we can all find partners! I can't wait this Christmas is going to be the best!" Cheered Misao brightly. Kaoru nodded watching her demented hyper little cousin sharing the same enthusiasm while the twins giggled in the background. A few moments later the bell rang marking the end of the Autumn term. Kaoru grinned leaving the changing room arm in arm with Kenshin and Misao.

'Let the good times commence...'

"Wow...Aizu is so beautiful in winter," Admired Kaoru. Kenshin nodded in agreement as he too took in the glowing lights surrounding every building in colours of silver and gold. An ice rink had been set up in the middle of the shopping centre while everything else had glamorous shades of white tinsel draping across it. He watched as Kaoru took in the sight her blue eyes sparkling with the lights. The car journey the previous day had at first been fun but then as night had fallen after a few hours Yahiko had got irritable and grumpy which in turn had sparked a few arguments between him and Kaoru. Misao had fallen asleep and her head had lolled onto Kenshin's shoulder while Kaoru's had flopped against the window. When they had finally arrived at eleven o'clock not many words were exchanged as they checked into the hotel. Misao and Kaoru had wandered dozily into their rooms while Yahiko's head only had to touch the pillow for him to sleep...still everyone had awoken bright eyed in the morning eager to take Kenshin out for Christmas shopping and to show him Aizu.

"It is isn't it Kaoru-dono," Smiled Kenshin taking in the way the light bounced off her hair and into her eyes then he shrugged away such thoughts as Misao came bouncing over larger than life in her vivid green jumper and matching hat. Kaoru herself was wrapped up in trousers and a red jumper while her hair was in it's usual ponytail. Behind Misao trailed Yahiko and Sanosuke unhappy at the prospect of shopping all day.

"So where will we go first?" Asked Misao brightly, "Uncle Koshi said we were all to stick into pairs encase anything happens..."

"I'm with Sanosuke. I hate shopping...I want to go to the arcade," Grumbled Yahiko fidgeting in the canary yellow jumper he'd been forced to wear. Kenshin chuckled before looking back at Misao and Kaoru. Christmas presents were a mystery that evaded him. Even in his younger years all he had needed to purchase for his shishou was sake. Now he could think of at least eight people who needed presents and most of them were girls. What on earth was he supposed to get them? Certainly not sake...'The idea of Misao-dono on Sake is dangerous...all we need to do to end the revolution is feed her too much caffine...' He amused himself for a moment of imagining a caffine fulled Misao battling her way past all of Shishio's men.

"You can't just go to the arcade? What about every-ones presents?" Pestered Kaoru indigently.

"We'll get them later Jou-chan. I'm with Yahiko...shopping just ain't my thing. What about you Kenshin? Fancy going to the arcade until these girls finish?" Asked Sanosuke. Kenshin paused...going to the arcade would mean he had less time to buy presents. If he wanted to buy good presents he'd have to watch Kaoru and Misao in the shops to see how they studied items. It would be easier to read what they wanted that way...strange how sword-mastering techniques could help even in the most simplest of tasks.

"This unworthy one should probably remain with Misao-dono and Kaoru-dono," Said Kenshin apologetically earning himself looks of delight from Misao and Kaoru who promptly stuck their tongues out at Sano and Yahiko. Then grabbing him by the arms they pulled him from the two boys and into the nearby department store that sold clothes. Various items of girls clothing were hanging on shelves such as dresses, ribbons, jeans, blouses, skirts and...more private varieties which Kenshin tried to avoid looking at. Instead he focused his attention on Kaoru and Misao who were eyeing up a silver dress.

"That looks nice...maybe we should get it for Megumi?" Suggested Kaoru. Misao shook her head examining the price-tag with disgust.

"Not at that price!" Snorted Misao before turning and giving Kenshin a strange look...an almost hungry expression in her green eyes that made Kenshin sweat. Then Kaoru turned and gave him the same look and he gulped. Their change in Kii was not comforting...why did he suddenly feel like a hare being backed into a corner by a pair of foxes?

"Kenshin..." Began Kaoru in a sweet tone of voice which Kenshin had learned to dread, "You still haven't told us what you want for Christmas..."

"And believe me," Continued Misao (how could such a small girl look so frightening?) "We have methods of making you tell us." Once again Kenshin gulped. The most obvious answer was that they didn't have to buy him a thing. They had already refused the money he'd tried to give them for his up-keeping. Somehow he had a feeling that if he pursued the same line of inquiry that he might not make it to Christmas. 'Kaoru-dono is more scary than Shishio, that she is...'

"Orororo...um...nothing expensive?" He suggested meekly.

"That is not an answer," Stated Kaoru, "What is it you want? Clothes? Chocolate? DVDs? CDs? Jewelery? Books? Pick one or else I will not be responsible for our actions."

"Oro...well...um?"

"Tell us now Kenshin!" Shrieked Misao grabbing the front of his blue t-shirt and shaking him until he was seeing stars.

"Orororo...um..." Kenshin thought hard. He'd never really needed anything. He didn't want them buying him anything expensive. Chocolate wouldn't make things too complicated for them. Certainly he didn't need clothes and the idea of him in big chunky jewelery was ridiculous. He had enough books and dvd's to survive on. Possibly he needed a few belts to keep his trousers up...maybe a new hair bobble because his current one was getting worn out, "Chocolate would do fine Misao-dono."

Misao loosened her grip and smiled triumphantly. Kaoru grinned victoriously as well as the two of them had just conquered an entire army. The hours that followed Kenshin spent being trailed from shop to shop. Finally he'd chosen to buy Misao a green dress he'd seen in one of the shops that he knew she had liked. He bought the twins matching bracelets and Tsubame-dono a bag of chocolate treats. He'd bought Sanosuke a new game for his console and he'd bought Yahiko a cd of his favourite band. Megumi-dono and Kaoru were left. Then he found inspiration outside the jewellerry shop where Kaoru and Misao had paused to take in the splendour of all the sparkling jewels wistfully.

"Look at that engagement ring! It's got tons of diamonds," Cooed Kaoru pointing at an extravant ring. Misao beside her was eyeing a emerald necklace much like the monkey in Aladin had eyed the forbidden treasure. Kenshin was sure that in a past life Misao must have been a bandit of some sort...for it was definately playing on her mind.

"That necklace is gorgeous too..." Added Kaoru enviously pointing towards a delicate silver necklace with a small lily shaped pendant with a Sapphire in the middle. Kenshin stared at the price...it wasn't too unreasonable. After-all that was pure sliver and a real blue Sapphire. He smiled knowing he'd just found another present. Now he just had Megumi...but he had no idea what to buy for the older girl. 'She is studying to become a doctor...maybe a book on Medics? I suppose she'll already have plenty of them though...'

Eventually the day ended with Kaoru and Misao skipping off to the arcade while Kenshin tagged along behind them weighed down by all the shopping bags. Once they made their way back to the Hotel they met Megumi who smiled hugging each of her relatives in turn before facing Kenshin.

"Ah! Ken-san! I'm glad your staying for Christmas. I'm sure you'll be able to keep Kaoru-chan busy," She teased. Kenshin brushed it away...by now he was used to the Doctors teasing. However Kaoru turned bright red and glared. Snapping a retort at her sister. Kenshin laughed watching them all. They all seemed so happy...and they fitted together neatly and comfortably. 'I'm honoured they consider me as part of them...I could never have asked for better friends...' He felt a slight twinge of guilt though. Lying to them was easy...easy because they trust him so much but hard because each time he felt like another lead weight was attaching itself to him.

Still at least for this Christmas he would relax and forget. Allow himself to be Himura Kenshin best friend of the Kamiya family and honoured guest for the Holiday season. Some how he much preferred being surrounded by his friends than surrounded by his swords and colleagues. 'No wonder...Christmas with them would be as much fun as Kaoru using my head as a target post.'

The next day brought with it another pleasent experience. Kaoru had no idea how each year her household could fit so many members in it. Kenshin and Sanosuke had been stuffed in Yahiko's room or more adequetly described as Yahiko's cave. Kaoru had Misao sleeping with her in her bedroom while Megumi had Omasu and the rest of the female Aoi-ya members in her room. The male members slept in the sitting room on the floor while Okina got Koshijiro's bedroom while Koshijiro got the floor in his study. The house was exactly how Kaoru liked it. Full of life and noise. Music blared from every room as jazzy Christmas songs filled the house. The smell of baking could be smelt in every room and old video's of translated western Christmas films were watched. Megumi and Omasu had taken charge of cooking Christmas dinner with Koshijiro. Kaoru was annoyingly forbidden to go near the kitchen. Misao bounced around the place like a hyperactive five year old wrapping presents and singing loudly.

"Oh I wish it could be Christmas everyday!" She sang prancing around the living room while Kaoru, Yahiko and Kenshin played Monopoly with Sanosuke. Kenshin laughed along with them. Kaoru smiled...she was happy he was enjoying himself. It made her feel happy to watch him smile as he moved his silver boot shaped piece along the board. Christmas Eve was the best. 'I wish we could all be together like this everyday!'

"Aw! Kenshin now I owe you money!" Groaned Sanosuke forking out the right amount of notes.

"Nothing changes there then," Joked Kaoru.

"So how are we all going to fit into my room this year?" Asked Yahiko moving his car along the board landing himself in jail. Kenshin looked mildly confused for a moment so Kaoru allowed herself to explain another Kamiya Christmas tradition. Ever since she was little every younger member of the family had slept in Yahiko's room. Kaoru could recall waking up feeling a pleasent amount of toys from her stocking on her body and Misao or Megumi's excited voice in her ear. Sometimes she wished she still believed in Santa. It had certainly made the even more magical.

"We all sleep in Yahiko's room tonight," Grinned Kaoru, "We each have stockings...when we go to sleep Otou-san will come in and fill them up so when we wake up we have some presents to open! Which reminds me you've got Kita's old stocking," Mentioned Kaoru refering to the male Oniwabanshu member. Kenshin smiled slightly.

"Thank you very much Kaoru-dono," He said. Kaoru grinned. Tonight was going to be the best. Even better than movie night. They could stay up late and play games and relive classic childhood moments. Yes, in her mind nothing was better than Christmas eve.

"Not a problem!" Shouted Kaoru as Misao broke into another chorus before darting out of the room to investigate the kitchen. She moved her own dog piece across the board and put out the money to buy Regent Street. She nervously hoped Kenshin liked his present...he had certainly been a difficult buy so eventually she decided to buy him a range of items. Like a small bag of chocolate, a new belt, some aftershave and a new bobble since she noticed his current one was wearing away. Kaoru loved buying presents...there was just something satisfying about wrapping them up and seeing them glitter under a christmas tree. In the distant future she couldn't wait to do the same for her own children...although that was of course the distant future.

Later that night after several childhood movies such as Beauty and the Beast and a Christmas movie called the Santa Claus the five of them had departed to bed where individual sleeping bags were laid on the floor with each owners stocking on top. Kaoru seizer her own red and white reindeer stocking like it was an old friend. She'd had it for as long as she could remember and it was slightly worn. Misao hugged her own blue snowman one while Megumi picked up her usual green santa one. Yahiko grabbed his worn multi-coloured robin one and even Sanosuke eyed his patched blue one displaying a few patterns of snow and elves. Kenshin however picked his one up like a curious child examining the frayed scarlet snowmen from all angels.

"Don't you like it?" Asked Kaoru anxiously.

"Oro! No...Sessha likes it very much. This one would like to mention how grateful he is to you all...thank you for accepting me," He said solemnly as he climbed into his sleeping bag next to Kaoru's own.

"No need! Kenshin your one of us," Said Sanosuke thumping his friend on the back. Megumi and Misao nodded in agreement as they climbed into their beds. Kaoru sat and listened to the warm conversation. Animatedly Misao retold the Cinema story much to the amusement of others while Megumi retold Kaoru's and Misao's sixth Christmas.

"You wouldn't believe it Ken-San. They got up at four o'clock and opened up all their presents! Then they re-wrapped them so nobody would notice. Very badly too I might add...so whose Idea was that?" Asked Megumi laughing as Sanosuke, Yahiko and Sanosuke chortled.

"Misao-chan." Said Kaoru.

"Kaoru-chan," Said Misao.

"Huh! Misao it was your idea to open them all!"

"Your idea to re-wrap them!"

"Your both fools," Joked Yahiko but then Megumi eyed him slyly.

"Ah! Lets not forget Yahiko's lamentations of Mr Binky the Monkey," Said Megumi. Yahiko's ears turned crimson and he hid his face under his duvet. Sanosuke and Kenshin eyed him while Kaoru and Misao fell into a heap of giggles. Yahiko's male pride was on the line as Megumi spoke, "Ohoho yes. When Yahiko was seven he had this stuffed monkey he used to trail with him everywhere...then one day he threw a temper tantrum as Mr Binky went missing in the supermarket. Nothing would quiet him so on Christmas day he was overjoyed when Mr Binky returned unharmed waiting for him under the Christmas tree!" Sanosuke roared with laughter.

"Mr Binky?!" He shrieked.

"Yahiko, sessha did not know you harboured such a gentle nature," Teased Kenshin. Yahiko picked up his pillow and aimed it squarely in Sanosuke's and Kenshin's faces. Kaoru laughed feeeling completely content at that moment in time. The festivites continued well into the early hours of the morning as Kenshin related his own experience with his adoptive father.

"My adoptive father always loved sake," Explained Kenshin. Kaoru listened. It was a rare occasion when Kenshin spoke about his past. In her minds eye she pictured a cute chibi Kenshin at ten years old, "Once after an arguement this unworthy one poured all his sake down the toliet. Shishou came back after work for his drink to find his sake missing..."

"What did he do?" Asked Sanosuke curiously.

"He was fuming but Shishou is sly. He told me the mushrooms I had eaten that day were poisonous...Sessha immediantly believe him and thought he was going to die of poisoning that he did. Even worse he told me that the only cure was Sake...so when he bought some more I downed a whole bottle and then collasped on the couch drunk," Continued Kenshin light heartedly. The room roared with laughter.

"That was pretty mean of him," Pointed out Kaoru through tears of laughter," I mean what if you had over drank?"

"Shishou wouldn't have let me. He just wanted to teach me a lesson," Said Kenshin smiling. Later after a few more tales the room began to get sleepy. Yahiko was the first to give into temptation. Next to go was Misao who had earlier valiantly declared she would not sleep that night. Then Sanosuke until it was just Kenshin and Kaoru awake. Kaoru yawned tucking herself further in turning to face Kenshin peering at him in the darkness of the room tiredly.

"Goodnight Kenshin..." She murmured closing her eyes thinking of the day ahead, "And Merry Christmas..."

"Merry Christmas Kaoru-dono," Whispered Kenshin gently watching her as she fell into slumber.

The next morning Kenshin had a violent awakening. It had taken some time for him to relax in the presence of others and sleep but he still had to fight his instincts once he was woken up. The last month when he'd heard Kaoru's whisle his hands had went for his sword...this time he managed to wake up like a normal person to Misao's frantic cries and shakes. He felt a heavy lump lying across his legs which he guessed were his presents. He'd heard Koshijiro enter the room before he fell asleep. Now he sat up curiously instantly awake.

"Merry Christmas!" She chirped brightly as Kaoru stirred next opening her eyes and sitting up to rub them. Then came Yahiko and Sanosuke who made an instant dive for their stockings. Finally Megumi stired awake and smiled sleepily. Kenshin lifted his stocking fondly...it was worn but he considered it a treasured item. He pulled out a present which was clearly from Koshijiro as it was a small box of chocolates. Next came some more small presents of which were a bottle of aftershave, some pencils, a few scarfs and finally two satsuma's at the bottom. He reminded himself to thank Okina-san and Koshijiro later. Next to him Kaoru tore into her presents vigerously to reveal three pairs of socks, a scarf, some chocolate and a small teddy and of course satsuma's.

"We need to go wake everyone up!" Cried Misao. Yahiko and Kaoru nodded in agreement. Kenshin wasn't surprised. It was only seven o'clock and they'd probably only had about four hours sleep maximum but he'd never seen them so full of energy. He followed them into the hall and through to the sitting room where Okina was sitting siping on a cup of tea waiting. Clearly they were used to such early wake up calls. Koshijiro moved over to the CD player and more Christmas tunes rang into the air as Yahiko began to tear open his presents with guesto. The Christmas tree look magnificent with the Angel on top but the sea of presents was daunting. Kenshin was surprised to see one labelled from him in Misao's scrawly writing. He opened it...inside was a huge box of high quality chocolates.

"Thank you Misao-dono."

As he continued through his pile he realised he'd probably never recieved so many presents. Five DVD's from Yahiko and Sanosuke. A bottle of colonge from Megumi, A new watch from Koshijro and Okina and from Kaoru an assortments of goods. He felt touched...all these people who cared for him. He was aware of Kaoru watching him tentaively and nervously.

"Do...do you like them?"

"I love them. Thank you very much Kaoru-dono," Praised Kenshin as Kaoru's face lit up like a lightbulb. She continued on with her own much bigger pile. His own gifts were met with many thanks. Misao insisted she'd wear the dress to her New Year's party while Kaoru looked delighted with her necklace...so much so she hugged Kenshin who felt a little overwhelmed by the expression of emotion.

"It's beautiful! Kenshin it must have cost a fortune!" She cried.

"It was nothing Kaoru-dono," Said Kenshin hastily. Later the presents were reduced to huge bundles of wrapping paper. Beside each person was their own pile of gifts. Omasu retreated to the Kitchen returned with glasses of milk for each person and a plate of mince pies. Each person helped themselves and idle conversation struck up. After about ten o'clock everyone was buzzing about the dinner table laying it in preparation for the Christmas meal to be served at two o'clock. No matter how many times he offered to help he got shrugged away until finally Misao yelled and chased him around the house. Then each person had to make themselves presentable. Kenshin got changed into a smart navy gi and a white hakama. He was proud to notice later that as Kaoru sat down at the table in her own red kimono she was wearing his necklace. Everyone was in formal dress and the smell of food was intoxicating...then Kenshin felt his mouth drop as he saw Christmas Dinner.

'They could feed an entire army that they could...' Thought Kenshin. Napkins were laid neatly with glasses of wine. In the middle of the table was the Turkey while plates sky high full of vegetables, roast potatoes, rice, salmon, fruits and all sorts of various mouth watering foods. He was under the impression that the family was trying to fatten him up as they shoved all the food they could possibly fit on to his plate. Sanosuke looked as if he was in heaven as he helped himself to a large portion of turkey looking slightly odd in his own formal white gii and black hakama. At the head of the table was Okina while at the other end was Koshijiro. Kenshin was seated next to Yahiko in his yellow gii and green hakama and Misao in her bottle green kimono. Kaoru and Megumi were seated at the other side of the table. Megumi was in a deep blue kimono. Kenshin continued eating happily. After the meal crackers were pulled and he let Kaoru win the toy mouse inside. Then before desert (he didn't think he could manage any. His hakama was already feeling unpleasently tight) Okina stood up and everyone raised their glasses.

"Firstly I would like to thank Koshijiro and his wonderful family for making this meal and making this such an enjoyable christmas," Smiled Okina to his in law. Koshijiro inclined his head cheerfully as Okina continued, "I would also like to thank Megumi-chan, Omasu-chan and Koshijro for making this dinner for us all. I hope that in the difficult times ahead of us we will always be able to look back on this and smile. I am sure had my son, his wife and Katsumi-chan been here they would be so proud to see what remarkable people their children have become," At this Kaoru, Yahiko and Misao looked unusually grave and Megumi looked slightly watery eyed. Kenshin felt his stomach twist uncomfortably and he was sure it had nothing to do with having that extra portion of rice. The moment passed though and Okina continued, "And we would also like to thank our honoured guest Himura Kenshin-chan.

Kenshin felt his face burn scarlett as everyone in the vincity turned and looked at him. Okina smiled warmly, "Your a good boy Kenshin-chan and we're happy to have the honour of having you for Christmas and New Year." Kenshin looked at his table cloth. These people...they trusted him and welcomed him in. Why did he suddenly have the supress the urge to confess all to them. However their horrified faces stopped him...no. He could not. Instead he stood up feeling that it was required he say something at least to show his thanks.

"T-Thank you...everyone. I-I'm not worthy of being here...I mean thank you for everything Sir..." He said feeling quite uncomfortable and self concious of the twelve people staring at him. He sat down unable to say anything else. How can you explain to a family how rare their trust is and how appreciated they are and how unworthy his is to be in the presence of such truly good people.

"Kenshin...don't be silly," Said Misao sharply.

"Yeah!" Agreed Yahiko.

"We want you here," Said Sanosuke.

"Kenshin...when will you get it into your thick head that your as much a part of this family now as Sanosuke or Yahiko. We might only have known you for four months but you've been there through a lot and I'm not just talking about cinema rescue missons. When the Yakuza had Yahiko you were there and...and you helped. You calmed down Megumi and reassured me. You found out about the Oniwabanshu and you haven't breathed a word. Face it Kenshin your sort of stuck with us all now," Said Kaoru firmly her azure eyes staring into his own.

"Thank you Kaoru-dono," Said Kenshin quietly.

"Anyway. To family," Said Okina raising his glass.

"To family!" Repeated the whole room.

Desert turned out to be the mother of all Christmas pudding along with ice-cream, jelly and fudge cake. Kenshin was surprise he was still able to move through the doorways and he wondered vaguely if fat people could still practice swordsmanship or should he now consider a career as a sumo. As the day progressed everyone moved around either singing or playing with their new things. Yahiko and Sanosuke had comandeered the games console while Kaoru and Misao were battling it out on a new computer game. Kenshin watched them all feeling truly blessed.

Then his phone buzzed.

And his heart sank. He read the text feeling that he would quite like to take his phone and burn it. However this was not an option as he read the text he felt like he wanted to bang his head repeatedly off the wall. 'How much longer can you last leading two seperate lives?' He could hear Katsura's voice ringing in his ears as his stomach continued to squirm. The stress of being Himura Kenshin and Hitokiri Battousai was enormous...and he'd lied when he told Katsura it wasn't interfered with his work. Everytime...he saw their faces. He saw her face...her dark eyes...her hair...her body only they were replaced with either Kaoru or somebody else.

'What would you do if she found out? Follow protocal or risk history repeating itself?' He felt horrible and rotten inside at the thought. He was a monster...but for once could he not indulge in the illusion that he was not? That perhaps he could be normal and have a family. Naive...he was naive. He glared at the phone but then turned around to face Kaoru who was smiling cheerfully.

"Text? Who from?"

"My uncle..." Said Kenshin, "He's wishing me a Merry Christmas," He lied hoping Kaoru didn't detect the bitterness in his tone. She didn't as she gestured towards her bedroom where Misao was throwing at tantrum at the computer as she lost the level in her game.

"Oh? Well do you want to play me next? Misao lost..."

Kenshin nodded and followed her swiftly deleting the text.

Tomorrow 4pm

Minster Gaitou. Number 10 Park Lane.

It was on Boxing day evening that Koshijro was on the couch smiling happily. Next to him he was aware Kaoru had fallen asleep her head slumped against his chest while in between her and the sleeping Misao Kenshin sat watching the same programme with mild interest. Koshijiro surveyed him curiously. Apparently he'd popped out early to visit his Uncle. According to Kaoru, Kenshin's Uncle was some what of a slave-driver. From the way she talked he guessed she did not much like him. The Master of the Kamiya Kasshien shot Kenshin a polite smile before he yawned and stood up moving Kaoru's head gently so she was laying peacefully on the couch. He brushed a strand of dark hair out of her face lovingly before standing up.

"My wife would be proud of them both," Said Koshijiro filling the silence. He didn't know why he was telling the boy this but Kenshin seemed like a wise type and Koshijiro wasn't blind. He knew Kaoru's feelings went beyond friendship and as far as that went she had his blessings. However it was his duty as a father to make Kenshin aware of how dear Kaoru was to him so he was warned how much Koshijiro would go through to keep her from harm, "Sometimes she and Misao remind me so much of Keiko and Katsumi...I was worried about Kaoru for a while..."

At this Kenshin looked up at Koshijiro on surprise.

"I was...Kaoru wasn't going out very much. She was so quiet and secretive and rarely showed enthusiasm for anything beyond kendo...I was worried for her. It wasn't healthy...she seemed to loose her spirit for a while...but then she made friends with you and she's became more like the little girl I used to know," Confessed Koshijiro. Kenshin now looked quite shockd at what he was hearing but nodded.

"You must understand Kenshin-san. I love my children very much...and Misao. Although she's not related by blood she's as good as my own and so is Sanosuke. Kaoru is very much like water...calm and flowing one moment but rough and wild the next. Try to contain her for too long and she'll burst a dam if so to speak," Said Koshijiro, "Yahiko's more fiery while Misao's up in the air. Megumi was always the sensible logical earthy type and as for Sanosuke...well enough said. The boy has been through a lot..."

"Koshijiro-san..." Started Kenshin politely, "How exactly did you find Sanosuke? Kaoru-dono mentioned that you took him in a few years ago..."

"Yes," Said Koshijiro remembering the day well, "In my work as a Guidence Councellor I meet a lot of troubled children...but Sanosuke I met at Social Services. He was alone with no parents and had some serious anger problems. He was always in fights at school and outside it. There seemed to be little hope for him but I worked with him for a few months. He was only fifteen at the time...but he made some amazing improvements...we formed a close bond and Yahiko met him a few times. The two took an instant liking to one another so rather than let Sanosuke be booted out of the home when he turned sixteen I offered him a place to stay...he's been here for over three years."

"What you did was very honourable," Complimented Kenshin, "A lot of people would not have bothered...in this era."

"Yes." Said Koshijiro sadly, "On the news an hour ago...apparently some other poor person's been assassinated. The Governments not much better though. I know of people who starve on the street most nights and there's no help for them. Shishio's very cunning though by loosening ties with the Western Nations...they dare not interfere because of what a big industry we are. They merely report them sometimes as terrorist cases...they will not help because they fear loosing our trades."

"Yes...he is..." Murmured Kenshin.

"I only hope my children grow up safely. They are my main priority...if something happened to them you must understand Kenshin-san I would do anything...anything to avenge them," Said Koshijiro gravely, "They are my entire world...I hope you feel the same way."

"Sessha understands Koshijiro-san..." Said Kenshin levelly.

"Good," Said Koshijiro gruffly before lightening his tone, "I'll leave you in peace from an old mans ramblings. I wish you a goodnight Kenshin."

With that he left the room leaving behind him a very thoughtful Kenshin. Kenshin dwelled upon Sanosuke's story and watched Kaoru's sleeping figure. What would he do for her? For her or any of his friends? Already he'd saved Yahiko...he was worried he was too envolved at that point...but now he knew he was. Like it or not as Kaoru had so plainfully put it the previous day Kenshin was stuck with them. Of course his rational side was protesting that it was wrong...but watching the two girls sleep peacefully Kenshin knew quite how far he would go for them. He would disobey protocal for them...but he knew this would never happen. He would never alow such a situation to arise. At any lengths he would protect his secret and their safety.

'Sleep peacefully Misao-dono...Kaoru...dono...'

There's chapter Ten for you. I hope you enjoy and review cause I'm not budging until I get four reviews for this chapter. It took a while to write. Yes I made Kaoru and her family Christian although I'm aware this isn't a primary religion in Japan I know that it has a diverse culture and that there are Christians there...and also because it's the only religous festival I can really describe. Sorry If your offended but my RME teachers Idea of a good class is making us watch 18 rated war movies.

The next chapter is quite a big one as an old face returns. It's called New Years for the more obvious reason. Also if you can guess who Kenshin's target was in this one then your a very smart cookie.

R&R

Bluemoon Out xxx