A/N: I know, I know you probably hate me but I did give this chapter a lot of thought! Sorry, it took so long. I had writers block for a while and then idea's rushed into my head. Anyway hope you'll like it! (Before I forget! I keep forgetting to write this: Discliamer, I do not own R/K characters.)
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Ch 10: Moving on...
The next morning Kaoru woke up and stretched. Sano was in range of her arms and she accidentally smacked him on his face. Sano grunted and then turned the other way ignoring her. She didn't even know she smacked him. Then she realized that someone was holding her waist. She had forgotten he was there. She slowly turned around, and met Kenshin's smiling face. Then feeling embarrassed she jumped out of his arms in shock, then tried getting off the bed but was pulled back and landed softly on his warm chest. She tried to jump off again but to no prevail. "Sorry." she whispered while blushing madly. She was lying on top of him still with her back on his stomach.
Kenshin just chuckled at the his flustered Koishii. She forgot he was in the bed then when she jumped away she fell on him, when he pulled her back.. "You do not need to be sorry, Koishii. That you do not." He then released her, and she rolled off the bed.
Kaoru smiled at him, then rushed to the bathroom to brush her teeth. She heard Sano mumble something to Kenshin, but figured he was talking in his sleep.
Kenshin got out of bed and stretched like Koishii had only this time Sano didn't get hit. He watched Kaoru from the doorway, her tangled hair, sleepy look, and slow motions. 'She really is beautiful! My Koishii.' With that thought in mind he went into the bathroom with her, and wrapped his arms once again around her waist and said, "Good morning, Koishii."
Kaoru was in shock at the sudden entrance of Kenshin. She gleamed with delight when he had said good morning, and she responded with a dazzling smile, "Good morning. KenKen."
Kenshin whispered into her ear, "I'll be back, I need to go change. Then when I come back we can ditch Sano for breakfast at my place."
Before she could reply, Sano jumped out of bed crying outloud, "Breakfast?!"
Kenshin was amazed at how quickly Sano could get up at the sound of food. He turned towards Koishii saying, "Hiko's going to be out, so I figure it would be nice to eat there. I can cook."
"Well, it sounds good. Afterwards we can go to the store to get some food for my house.", she replied with a small smile.
"Sounds good.", said Sano in her ear.
"Sano, who said you were invited?", she smirked.
"Well, me of course! Besides Kenshin's way too nice to ignore one of his best friends. Isn't that right Kenshin?", said Sano glaring into Kenshin's eyes.
"Yep. Your right.", replied Kenshin with his one arm wrapped behind his head.
Kaoru just nodded an ,'Okay, you can come', look towards Sano.
Kenshin left Kaoru's and jumped across the balcony to his side. Then he ran inside. He shuffled into his bathroom, brushed his teeth, combed his hair, and then changed his clothes. He slipped on his black 'Kendo' T-shirt, with his favorite blue jeans. He jumped back to her balcony, knowing it was already locked.
Kaoru shoved Sano out of her room after Kenshin left then locked the windows along with the doors. She then checked to see if everything was locked before she went into the bathroom to change into fresh clothes. When she was finished she had on a pink ,'Save the Planet' ,T-shirt with black caprice. Her hair was brushed and she put little makeup on and than she put on her jasmine lotion and body spray. She then waited for Kenshin.
Kenshin was on his Koishii's balcony and with ease he slid a safety pin into the key holder, and it gave way. He lightly slid open the door and noticed Kaoru sitting at her bed, fumbling with her purse. He slowly closed the door and embraced her.
Kaoru shrieked, "Agh!", as she felt someone hug her from behind. She heard a chuckle and turned her head. Kenshin was there with a smirk. She was embarrassed and brought her hands up to cover her face but he pulled them away. She blushed crimson and then to make matters worse, he wouldn't let her go no matter how hard she tried to pull away. She softly whispered, "You scared me KenKen."
Kenshin put her head against his chest and said, "I'm sorry Koishii, but I couldn't resist whisking you away like that."
Kaoru turned and hugged him. "That's okay."
"Isn't that SWEEEEEEEEET!", cried Sano from the doorway with a grin.
Kaoru turned her head from Kenshin's chest and faced Sano with a threatening glare.
Sano backed off still smirking and casually asked, "Are you ready yet?"
"Yes we are ready.", replied Kenshin with a smile.
"We'd better hurry or Sano will just DIE from hunger.", giggled Kaoru.
"Yes we had better. My house is like hours from here.", said Kenshin teasingly to Sano.
"Okay, okay can we just go!", Sano replied feeling annoyed. "Last ones there is a rotten egg!",he yelled as he ran down the stairs.
Kenshin pulled Kaoru to him and said, "Ready to make the big leap."
Kaoru gulped then nodded her head.
Kenshin pulled her towards the window and with a tight hold he lifted her like a feather to the other side.
Kaoru held on tight and hid her face in his chest. He smelled good. ' I'm insane! Now is not the time to think about how he smells.'
When he was on the other side, Kaoru still had her head in his chest. She did not realize they had landed. He chuckled to himself, causing her to lift up her head.
"You can let go now."
She blushed and tried to let go but found out that he still was not letting her down.
"I would if you let me."
"My bad." Kenshin blushed. He totally forgot.
"You know, we shouldn't keep Sano waiting. She said as she walked out of his room.
"True, but I think he needs to suffer some more."
Kaoru's eyebrows perked up.
"What did you have in mind?"
Kenshin grinned and said you'll see.
As they made there way down the stairs, Kenshin whispered, "Kaoru, go hide behind the couch and stay very quiet."
Kaoru nodded and with a smirk she hid.
Kenshin could hear Sano banging on the door and when he opened it he lustfully grabbed Sano by his shoulders and said provocatively, "Sano, sorry to keep you waiting. Don't worry Kaoru's not here. I just want to spend some time with you."
Sano shrieked in horror, "NOOOOOOO! Get Away!", as he tried to push away.
Kenshin then forced Sano onto the ground and whispered into his ear, "Now, where were we?"
Sano face was pale and he was terrified. "Get OFF MAN!"
Kenshin grinned evilly, "Are you confessing that I'm your man?"
Sano's eyes got bigger, "Are you saying you swing two ways?"
"No, Kaoru just wanted to get you.", said Kenshin laughing.
Sano then looked around for Kaoru and then there she was hiding behind the couch. "Kaoru! You set this UP!!"
Kaoru nodded while holding in laughter, finally she couldn't contain it anymore she fell down rolling on the floor laughing. Sano quickly pushed Kenshin off and raced toward Kaoru. He was quickly surprised to find Kenshin quickly pull Kaoru up and race up the stairs. Sano angrily said, "You're not getting away with this, Kenshin, Kaoru!"
When he made it to the top of the stairs, all the doors were closed.
Sano groaned, "Now I have to look through all the rooms!"
Kenshin took Kaoru back to his room. Kaoru let go of Kenshin and went to find another place to hide in case Sano got there. She found a closet with a lock, and she went into it without hesitation. She was about to lock it when Kenshin quickly came in. As soon as he shut the door, Sano came in with an evil grin.
"I found ya'll!"
Kaoru was about to shriek but Kenshin quickly put his hand over her mouth. She saw him fumble for something on the wall, then all of a sudden she started falling backwards. She was too freaked out to even scream.
Kenshin caught Kaoru right before she fell.
As soon as she looked at the wall she noticed that it was like nothing happened.
He put his finger to her lips, while he lead her down his secret passageway. Hiko had made that for Kenshin when he was younger, so that he would have somewhere to avoid trouble, even better avoid him.
Kaoru let him lead her, while her eyes traced over the nicely built hallway. He then opened a door and led her into another room, but it was small.
Kenshin turned towards her and said, "Now, we can talk."
Kaoru walked in and started giggling. Kenshin turned towards her with an amused expression on his face, "What's so funny?"
"It's so cute! Is this where you used to get away when you were in trouble?"
"Yeah, that was very often. It's been a while since I've been here. You're the first person I've brought here."
"Awe how sweet." Kaoru laid down on the floor looking at the ceiling. Kenshin laid down next to her doing the exact same thing.
"Koishii, how long does it take for Sano to cool off?"
"It depends. He can stay mad for a long time, and then he could forget things quickly in a matter of minutes. I say to make him cool down quickly, you feed him."
Kenshin sighed, "How long is Sano going to be here? When can it just be me and you again?"
"Well, from what he tells me he could leave any day now he's waiting for Megumi to come back. You know she may be here already she may not want him to come home. I should call her."
"That you should."
Kaoru pulled her phone out of her pocket, and dials Megumi's number. She never cared for that girls number, but now Megumi's number seemed useful after all.
Megumi answered it at the third ring, "Hello?"
"Hi, Megumi are you back yet?"
"Yes, why?"
"Well, Sano's been waiting for you at my place and well I'm tired of him eating all my food and messing up my relationship."
Megumi's ears perked up, "Your in a relationship?!"
"Yes."
"Is he cute?"
"Yes."
"How cute?"
"Adorably cute."
"What's his name?"
"Kenshin."
"ooooooooo sounds dreamy."
"Yeah, so anyways Sano knows all about it and he can fill you in. I really need him to leave."
"Okay, I only say yes because he knows a lot of details and he's very expressive."
"Thank you so much! I owe you!"
"I'll be sure to remember that."
With that Kaoru hung up and found Kenshin watching her with curious eyes. "What?"
"I'm adorably cute?"
"You know, I could have been lying."
"I know, but when you lie you tend to look away from me. So back to the subject at hand. You think I'm adorably cute?"
"Absolutely yes, otherwise I would not have hooked up with you at the very beginning."
"I feel hurt.", he pouted.
"Well too bad.", she pouted back.
"I think you got this wrong. Because if you weren't adorably cute, then I would never have asked you out."
"That would have been fine with me."
"Really?", he said amused. He quickly sat up on his elbows.
"Yep, I didn't move just to get a boyfriend. You just happened to show up."
"Actually, I meant to show up."
"Are you lying?"
"No, I would never lie to Koishii."
"Your lying."
"You don't know that."
"Yes I do, because when you lie your eyes get all big and you try to change the subject."
"Do not."
"Do too."
"Enough, already please."
"Okay, I've tortured you enough. Uh oh!"
"What!"
"Sano, we forgot all about him."
"Your right. He's probably messing up the kitchen. My KITCHEN!"
"Hey did you know Kenshin rhymes with kitchen and you are good in the kitchen."
"Only you would notice that.", as he rolled his eyes.
"I didn't think about it till now. Kenshin..Kitchen…Kenshin…Kitchen. Strange and yet so true."
"Shut up.", he said with a smirk.
"Well, aren't you going to go save your kitchen, Kenshin?", she giggled.
"Of course.", he replied as he got up from off the floor, holding out a hand to her. "Come on."
"Okay.", she replied as she grabbed his hand and stood up.
Kenshin led her down another hallway and that opened up a door to the kitchen. When they entered they were in the pantry. They heard munching and crackling sounds. They both put there hand on the handle and opened it together.
Sano looked up in surprise. "You finally decide to show up.", he said with a mouth full of Kenshin's last bag of potatoe chips.
"I see you found my chips?", Kenshin said as he looked around. His eyes fell upon the three soda cans on the table empty. "I'll go start cooking."
"Hey, Jou-chan did you hear? Megumi's come back.", said Sano with a smile.
"Really?", she replied with an astonished look.
"Yeah, she really misses me. She wants me to come back right away, so I wanted to ask you if I could leave today, but only after lunch."
"Sure, I'd never want you to stay any longer, if Megumi misses you."
"Thanks. So what are we eating for lunch?"
"I don't know, ask the chef over there.", she pointed at Kenshin with an apron on.
"Okay, so uh Kenshin, what are we eating?"
"My famous sandwiches.", he grinned.
"Oh, boy that sounds mighty good. Whats in it?", Sano groaned.
"It's a secret you'll have to wait and see."
"Don't worry Sano, Kenshins a great cook.", Kaoru said with pride. "Although, now that I think about it, he's only cooked for me once.", as she sat next to Sano thinking about it.
"You Kamiya Kaoru doubt my cooking skills?", Kenshin asked as he turned around to face her.
Kaoru was still thinking, "No, I just wonder, if there's anything your not good at. I just remembered something."
"What did you remember?", they both asked in unison.
"I don't know much about you, I don't even know your favorite color. What your favorite food is? Anything. I don't really know you and yet you're my boyfriend. Wow, that's depressing. I bet you don't know much about me either?"
"That is true, Koishii, but from what I do know about you I can tell you're a good person."
"I guess your okay.", she replied.
"Okay…now back to cooking lover boy!", said Sano as he pointed to the kitchen.
"After this, what do you mean by okay?", Kenshin asked.
"Well, you've been in my life this whole time, you've met a friend of mine, you protect me, I guess you're a good guy, no you're a great guy." Kaoru then looked at him, to find that he was grinning wide.
"That's all I wanted to know.", he grinned and went back to the kitchen.
As soon as Kenshin left Sano asked, "So uh where were you guys?"
"In a closet."
"You mean the one in his room?"
"Yeah."
"Then how did you come down the stairs and end up in the pantry?"
"He took me down to a secret passage way and then he took me here." She would never tell Sano that they were in a room.
"So, did you guys do anything? I mean you were gone for a pretty long time."
"Sano! How could you think of such a thing? That's not going to happen."
"You never know, Kenshin might be kinky?"
"He is not kinky!"
"Who's not kinky?", asked Kenshin as he showed his head in the doorway.
"Sano's not.", Kaoru stuttered.
"Yeah, I'm not. No Aoshii's not.", stuttered Sano. "Lover boy go back to the kitchen. Were having a heart to heart conversation before I leave, so if you don't mind, give us some privacy."
"Okay, okay, I'll leave you alone.", Kenshin replied as he disappeared into the kitchen.
"That was a close one.", she whispered.
"You said it.", Sano whispered back.
"Anyways I'll never allow that to happen, because were not even married."
"What if you do get married, Missy?"
"Then we get married, end of story."
"Who's getting married?", asked Kenshin bringing pancakes on a platter.
"No one!", Sano and Kaoru said in unison.
"If you say so.", said Kenshin. He would get answers later when Sano wasn't around.
When Kenshin set down the platter, Sano lunged for the biggest pancakes and shoved them on his plate. He then casually asked, "Where's the sandwiches?"
Kenshin chuckled, "That's for lunch Sano."
Kaoru busted out laughing. "Sano, did you forget it's still morning?"
"Noo.", Sano answered childishly.
"Whatever, can you bring us the syrup? Kenshin.", asked Kaoru.
"Sure.", he replied and went back to the kitchen. He then returned with homemade syrup. "Here you go.",he said as he gave it to Kaoru.
"Hey! Give me some too!", whined Sano.
"Ladies first.", Kaoru smirked.
"You heard the lady.", Kenshin chuckled. When she was done, he quickly grabbed it saying, "Next comes gentleman."
"What does that leave me as?"
"A boy.", smirked Kenshin. "Or, if you want to you can be a slave."
"No fair.", Sano pouted, as he was given the syrup.
"This is really good, Kenshin.", smiled Kaoru.
"Thank you. I made it just for you."
"I tell you. This is way better the Jou-chan's cooking. Maybe you should give her some lessons."
"Shut up Sano!", she hissed.
"That doesn't sound like a bad idea. As soon as you leave then we can start lessons. Koishii would you like that?"
"Of course.", she replied.
Sano was finished with his plate so he put some more on it. Kaoru was already full, but Kenshin was still eating. Then it came down to the last pancake, both Kenshin and Sano wanted it. The two stuck their forks into it and pulled. Kaoru seeing the problem, quickly pulled out the knife and cut it straight in the middle.
"Now your both even.", she said with a smile.
Kenshin and Sano just shrugged and ate there half pancake in peace. Once that was done, Kaoru helped Kenshin put the dishes into the dishwasher. Sano just watched them really believing that marriage was in there future.
"Well, you guys I better go pack. I'll be back for lunch though.", said Sano leaving so he didn't have to help.
"That's fine.", the couple replied.
When they were done they went into the living room and sat opposite of each other.
Kenshin broke the silence, "Now that we have some time alone, we really need to get to know each other."
Kaoru just nodded and let him talk. "Why don't you ask first, ask any question and I'll answer."
"Okay, so what's your favorite color?"
"Its blue."
"Really? So is mine."
"That's odd, I assumed you'd be more into the color red."
"Just because I have red hair does not mean that I like the color red."
Kaoru giggled, "Okay, my turn. What do you like to do? Besides watch me, kiss me, hug me , follow me, spending your time with me."
"I like to practice Kendo. I like to do the laundry, anything to keep me busy. What about you?"
"I like to sleep, rearrange my room, and sometimes practice Kendo also."
"I didn't know that."
"Okay, so what is your favorite type of food?"
"I like Japanese food."
"Me too."
"My turn, what movie do you like?"
"Volcano High."
"That movies hilarious."
"Yeah it is , want to continue this by jumping on the trampoline?", she asked hoping he would agree.
"Yeah."
They went out his back door and cut across to Kaoru's trampoline. She threw off her shoes and jumped onto it. Kenshin pulled off his shoes and then set them in a neat pile before joining her.
"My turn, are you always such a neat freak?", she asked him amused.
"I would prefer the term neat person."
"You are a neat freak, I mean person."
"Whatever, same thing. My turn now this is personal, I need you to sit down. How did you meet Enishi?"
Kaoru sat down and said, " He's been to my school several years now, I've know him since Junior High. Last year though, was when he took an interest in me. Its hard to say but I felt in love with him. Things changed though when I realized he wanted me for one thing. I didn't give in so he got mad and left saying he was going to Japan and not coming back. He knew I liked him so he used that advantage to try and brake me. It hurt so much that I was glad that we were moving. It felt like I would be able to start fresh. When I saw him here, I froze. I didn't think it was possible to ever see him again. It brought back all these memories, and I just wanted to forget them. I didn't realize he would go so far as to track my every move, just to try to have another chance at getting me. I'm glad I met you." With a small smile she looked at Kenshin. "What about you though, you said you felt the same hurt, who was she?"
Now was Kenshin's turn to talk, he knew it took her a great deal of courage to talk about Enishi. "Her name was Tomoe, like Enishi, I knew her since Junior High. I was in love with her the first time I saw her. We did everything together we were inseparable. But I noticed that she didn't feel the same way. You remember that guy Akira from the beach?"
"Yeah."
"Well, that was the Akira that she fell in love with. He had just moved recently to our school, and well Tomoe left me to be with him. It hurt so much to see her with him, than when I saw him at the beach targeting you I didn't want him to take you as well. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me. You actually care for me."
"Kenshin, of course I care for you. Why do you think I made the first move on our date? Why do you think I still talk to you even after you saw me in a towel. I even trusted you in my bed. Akira was and is never going to take me, your better than him Kenshin. Your like my better half.", she whispered that last part.
Then fell back on the trampoline trying to think things through. Kenshin did the same thing lying next to her. Both had been in a lot of hurt, and both were recovering with each other. It felt like they made a break through, slowly there hands found each others and intertwined. After what seemed like ages, they both sat up and smiled at each other. Both were starting to realize that they loved each other but neither were willing to admit it.
"Want to help me make my special sandwiches?"
"I'd love to."
Both put on their pair of shoes and left together back to Kenshin's house. Each one not letting go of the other's hand.
Meanwhile…Enishi had been waiting in the front and the only person he saw come out of Kaoru's house was Sano, and he had ran to Kenshin's. When the door opened he was surprised to see Kenshin pull Sano into the house. He pondered over that then shrugged. It wasn't his concern what he and Sano did. His main priority was Kaoru. Where was the girl?
Sano was inside the house watching the two lovebirds chat on the trampoline. They had stopped jumping and now were talking very seriously. After each had spoken they laid back and looked at the sky, while holding hands. Then they got up and left toward Kenshin's. "Them two are hopeless.", he chuckled with a grin. Then he got his bags ready to go.
Kenshin led Kaoru into his home. He held her hand gently, and smiled at her all the way to his kitchen. He turned and said, "Are you ready?"
Kaoru blushed under his gentle gaze. She whispered, "Yes."
Kenshin grinned with pride as he slipped on his apron. "Okay, so the first part we need to get the bread out. I'll get that for you." He went over to the pantry and pulled out a loaf of Italian bread. He set it down on the counter. He pulled out the vegetables from the fridge and washed them.
Kaoru just watched him with his apron on with amazed eyes. For a guy, he really loved to cook, and he wore an apron. He was so happy in his kitchen with his apron. She giggled, "Kenshin in his kitchen."
Kenshin looked up amused, "Are you still talking about that? I thought you were going to help me? Go into the pantry and get the other apron that I have provided for you and don't worry it's pretty according to your standards."
Kaoru went to the pantry and slipped on the dainty blue apron and giggled again, "Of course, I'm still helping you. I just have been watching you in your kitchen and well you looked so happy."
Kenshin chuckled and grabbed her hand. He pulled her towards him and held her hand under his as he cut the loaf into slices.
Kaoru was blushing at the closeness of there hands. He was so gentle when he held it, despite the fact they were cutting with a sharp knife. She inwardly smiled, 'I bet Kenshin would make a wonderful husband in the future.'
Kenshin looked at his Koishii, and she seemed to be dreaming or at least daydreaming. He smiled at her with loving eyes. She had truly been the only one to ever care for him.
Kaoru looked up from her daydream to find Kenshin staring at her strangely. "What's the matter? Am I doing something wrong?", she whispered, as she looked down sadly.
Kenshin nudged her softly on her shoulder, "You did nothing wrong, Koishii. I was just thinking." With that said, he let her go and got out the cheese and ham from the fridge.
Kaoru looked at the meat with intense curiosity, "What kind of meat is that? I've never seen it?"
Kenshin utterly amused replied, "This Koishii, is just ham."
"Really?", she said with a confused expression.
"You've never seen ham in this form?"
"No, I've never had ham."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes, why are you looking at me like that?"
"I can't believe you've never had ham. Ham is like the best thing in the world. What have you been eating in your sandwiches."
"The normal, peanut butter and jelly.", she said in confusion.
"Really? Wow, I thought everyone had ham."
"Well, I guess I proved you wrong.", she smirked, as she stuck out her tongue childishly at him.
"Then, you give me the honor of allowing you to try ham, and you are going to love it. Your peanut butter and jelly day's are over."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that."
Kenshin replied with a shrug, then he turned on the oven and stuck several pieces of bread slices with ham and cheese inside on a pan.
Kaoru just watched clearly out of curiosity. "Why do you put them in the oven? Why not just eat them cold?"
"Koishii, they taste way better if they are warm and toasty, then if they are cold."
Kaoru made an 'o' with her mouth.
Kenshin could not believe how clueless Kaoru was in the kitchen. He thought, 'Marriage to Kaoru in the future might be very interesting.' He could already see him helping her in the future each morning. 'Wait! Was I just thinking about marrying Kaoru?', he looked around in panic. Kaoru didn't seem to notice, she was just watching the oven curiously. He lightly smiled, "Koishii, would you help me cut the vegetables?"
Kaoru followed his voice away from the oven and to his face. "Sure."
Kenshin once again gently pulled her in front of him and grasped her hand. He then guided her hand with his own over the knife and cut the tomatoes. He couldn't help but smell her hair, it smelled so good.
Kaoru giggled, "KenKen that tickles."
Kenshin chuckled at his foolishness and replied, "Sorry Koishii, I couldn't help it."
She blushed deeply and was grateful he was in back of her and couldn't see. Once the tomatoes and lettuce were prepared, he led her to the fridge to bring out the mayo, mustard and ketchup.
Kenshin got the bread from the oven, wearing oven mitts. He heard Kaoru giggle. He slowly turned to her as he set the bread on the stove. "What's so funny?"
"Your mitts! They match your hair!", she giggled once again. Before he could comment she quickly added, "Anyway, back to the sandwiches."
"Okay, I think we should first put the lettuce on then the tomatoes. I don't put mustard or mayo on anyone's sandwiches, because not everyone likes it."
Kaoru nodded and did what she was told. "You know Kenshin, these sandwiches really smell good."
"Koishii, there supposed to smell good. You helped me make them so they have to smell good, after all you smell good too."
"KenKen, that's just too Korny. How do you expect me to react? That is no way to Woo someone.", she gasped as she felt breathing down her neck.
"Koishii, I don't need to woo someone because I already have, you."
Kaoru laughed out loud at his statement. "Kenshin, please."
Suddenly there was a loud knock on the front door. "Sano! I completely forgot."
She quickly dumped Kenshin and rushed to open the door. Kenshin quickly followed. "Since when do you open the door at my house?" he asked amused.
"I don't know. Since I became the woman who you decided to WOO!"
"So I'm guessing you want to take it a bit further?"
Kaoru spun around too quickly because she bumped into Kenshin's chest. "What do you mean by taking it a bit further? It's already been a bit further. We practically hit first base on our first date! That is something I would have never done!"
"But you initiated it." Kenshin smirked.
"Shut up."
Kaoru quickly opened the door and in came Sano.
"Jou-chan! What's this? Since when did you get married to Kenshin?"
"What do you by that comment Sano. Do you see a ring on my finger claiming to be Kenshin's? I don't think so."
"Jou-chan, your wearing the compliment apron to Kenshins'. Don't you know that? They only make compliment aprons for married couples."
"Kenshin is that true!", she shrieked in horror.
"Sort of, if you look at it that way.", Kenshin gulped.
She put her hands on her hips and shook her head, "When Sano leaves, were going to have a long discussion about this."
Kenshin gulped again, "Yes Ma'am."
The lunch flew by and after they had all finished, Sano was ready to leave. Kenshin and Kaoru walked out the door with Sano and towards his car. Kenshin shook his hand, "Gonna' miss you Sano." Sano nodded his head then turned towards Jou-chan giving her a hug.
"Jou-chan, I'm gonna miss raiding your fridge, and seeing your face everyday. I wish I could stay longer but duty calls."
Kaoru just laughed and replied, "I'm going to miss you too."
Sano chuckled, "Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone." Then he let her go and turned towards Kenshin again, "Don't hurt Jou-chan, if I find out you do then you'll be in for a lot of hurt.", he smirked and popped his knuckles.
Kenshin nodded his head. He watched Sano wave goodbye and drive off in his car.
Kenshin turned back towards Kaoru and smiled. "He is gone. What a relief."
Meanwhile Enishi was glad to be rid of one person. Now all he had to do was get rid of one more. As he watched them walk back into the house, he realized that he had missed lunch so he quickly left to go to a drive-thru.
Kenshin had seen Enishi and when he saw him drive off, he thought it would be great if Kaoru got groceries from out of town. He turned to her, "Koishii, you needed to go to the store right? How about we go out of town for it. Enishi just left, so if we leave now, he wont be able to find us."
"That will be great. Let me just go to the other house to grab some money and lock the door.", she said.
Before he could protest she had already left. 'I was going to buy the groceries! Oh well I'll let it slide this time.'
Kaoru rushed into the house toward the counter and grabbed her navy blue hand bag. She grabbed her keys that laid next to it along with the credit card in the top drawer. With everything she needed she left, locking the door behind her.
Kenshin had already started his car and was in the driveway. He sighed just watching her walk to his car. He never knew he could feel this way.
Kaoru opened the passenger's door and easily slid in. She slipped on her belt and smiled at him, "I'm ready."
Kenshin couldn't help but smile back. "Let's go."
Then they quickly drove off in the opposite direction of Enishi. The car was silent for a good while, Kaoru was still thinking about the apron. 'Did he intentionally give me that apron, or was it by accident? Does he expect us to be together forever? Should I ask him?' She looked at him with a quizzical expression, but before he could look at her she quickly turned away. She played this for several minutes, thinking about what he would say and how she would react.
Kenshin had been playing her game and was getting bored. He stared at her and when she looked away he asked, "Is something bothering you?"
"No, I was just thinking."
"Thinking? About what?"
"Nothing"
"Nothing?"
"Nothing."
"Koishii, are you hiding something from me?"
"No, why would I hide something from you? Are you hiding something from me?"
"No."
"Then no I am not hiding something from you.", she said obviously getting annoyed.
Kenshin just blinked trying to think about what was bothering her. After some deep thought he figured it out. He turned to her, "Are you mad about the aprons?"
She said, "Nooo. I was just thinking about the meaning of the aprons."
"Well, then your thinking about the aprons."
"No, I'm not. The meaning Kenshin, the meaning, do you understand what the meaning is?"
"No."
"Well you should since you picked them out."
"I didn't pick them out, Hiko did when he had a girlfriend."
"Pheew. That is a relief."
"What do you mean by that?", he asked now getting annoyed.
"Oh, nothing it's just a relief." She smiled innocently at him.
"So your saying you wouldn't marry me?" he asked her accusingly.
"No, I'm just saying I wouldn't marry you now. Were still in school!" she exclaimed, "Wait, are you still in school?"
"Yes, I'm a senior. What grade are you in?" he asked now interested. He didn't want to date someone too young.
"Me too! Pheew. Another relief." She exclaimed.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Kenshin asked questionably.
"That means I'm not dating someone who has already graduated.", she laughed.
"Now I'm hurt." Kenshin pouted playfully.
"That's good." she pouted playfully back.
"Oro?"
"It means I have an effect on you." she laughed.
"Oh, and I don't have an effect on you?" Kenshin smirked.
"I don't know. Maybe, but I'm not telling you." She smirked back.
"And why not?" He asked raising his eyebrow.
"Cause you'll have to find out yourself." she looked at him mischievously.
"That's not fair!" Kenshin was amused. He wanted to know his effect on her.
"Is too!" She stuck out her tongue and giggling.
He just shook his head, and casually asked, "Do you want the radio on?"
Kaoru nodded her head in agreement, "Yes, please."
He chuckled then leaned over to switch it on. The music was very low, so he turned it up and was surprised to hear, Papa Roach's, 'Scar'. Then he saw her hand reach over to the volume and turn it up. He turned in surprise.
Kaoru was rocking out with the beat and her lips were singing the words. She shaking her head up and down, and playing air guitar with her hands. She loved this song. Once the song was done she smiled. "Okay, I'm done."
Kenshin was amused, "Are you sure?", he asked with an eyebrow up.
She grinned, "Yes. Are we almost there?"
He grinned back, "Yes, we are. In fact its just around this corner up ahead."
"Good."
"Okay, then. Its this one.", he said as he turned the corner to the Walmart.
"I love Walmart.", she smiled.
"You do? Well then it's a good thing I chose it."
"Yep."
They parked and walked into the store hand in hand. Kenshin looked at Kaoru with pleading eyes to tell him what she needed as he grabbed the basket. She simply put her purse in the cart and let him follow her. They went aisle by aisle, row by row, an hour had went by and Kenshin was tired. He was dragging his feet as he pushed the cart, Kaoru on the other hand was enjoying herself. In every aisle she went to she found something she needed. She noticed that Kenshin was pouting, wanting to leave. She pouted back, "This is payback."
Kenshin uttered, "Oro?"
She smirked and led him into another aisle, and her eyes lit up at the chocolate. She instantly grabbed about four to five bags of candy.
Kenshin was stunned, "Aren't you worried about your weight?"
"No, this isn't for me its for both of us, and when Sano comes over unexpectedly."
"He still gonna' show up?"
"Why wouldn't he not show up? He's like my older brother."
"So, he comes over all the time?"
"Yeah, in fact he might be over here in the weekend."
"That soon."
"Of, course because Megumi gets tired of him."
"Then I'm going to have to do something about that."
"Why, he's perfectly harmless."
"No, he's not because he's harming all the time, that I spend with you.", he pouted.
She pouted back, "You like spending time with me?"
"Of, course Koishii. If I didn't like spending time with you then I wouldn't be here now."
"True.", she smiled. She then smirked and continued to let him follow her around the store.
Kenshin groaned and followed her with his head down. After what seemed like several hours, she led him to the cashier. He was glad they would be leaving. He turned to her, "Your finally finished."
She simply replied, "Of, course."
Kenshin helped her put her with the groceries at the checkout. His jaw dropped when he noticed how much it cost. '$175'
Kaoru just took out the credit card and paid. She didn't even notice the price instead she just paid for it and left with Kenshin trailing behind her.
Kenshin rushed to unlock the car, but instead of getting in the car she helped him with the groceries. He noticed she was having trouble lifting a bag filled with a lot of cans so he swiftly picked it up for her, only to have it jerked away from him.
Kaoru held onto the bag and said, "I got it. I don't need your help."
He simply watched her struggle and then when she almost dropped it, he caught it for her. With a smirk he said, "You need any help?"
She just nodded her head no then got more groceries. With Kenshin helping her it didn't take long to unload it all. She was about to put the basket up, when he rushed to it first and pushed it away. She was stunned for a few seconds then shrugged it off and went inside his car. She patiently waited, and finally he showed up with the keys dangling in his hand.
He turned to her, "Okay, all set."
She humbly replied, "Yes, and thank you for bringing me all the way here for groceries."
He chuckled, "Your welcome, it was my pleasure."
She smiled at him and then stared out into the window. They jammed out with the radio all the way home. When they got home she looked at her silver metallic Mercedes benz. She let out a sigh, she hadn't driven it since she met Kenshin.
Kenshin followed Kaoru's eyes after she let out a sigh. He said, "Is there something wrong with your car, Koishii?"
She laughed, "No, its just that I haven't driven it since I met you."
"Maybe, later tonight we can take a drive in it?"
"Are you sure Hiko would be okay with that?"
"Of course, anything to keep me out of the house is fine with him."
"Did he know where you were whenever Sano was here?", she asked while getting some groceries and walking to her door.
"Of course, I left a note.", Kenshin said, while following her with several bags in hand.
Kaoru left the bags on the porch and continued bringing more. She was thinking about how weird it would be for Sano to leave a note for his mom. She said out loud, "I don't think I have ever seen him write one."
"Seen who write one?", he asked curiously.
"Oh, Sano I was just thinking about him."
"You weren't thinking about me?", he pouted.
"No, because your right here.", she pouted back.
"So, if I left all of a sudden, would you think about me?"
"Probably wonder where you went."
"That's it?", he pouted.
"What? Its not like I am going to tell you that I think about you all the time." She then pondered about what she said, and once she realized what she said she got red in the face. Not wanting to face Kenshin she quickly grabbed a few bags of groceries and went into the house.
Kenshin was just smirking while he grabbed more bags to take into the house. He pursued her and when he reached her he took her in his arms, "Koishii, I think about you all the time too."
They stood like that for several minutes before Kaoru broke the silence.
"Uh..Kenshin? Aren't we forgetting the groceries?"
Kenshin chuckled, "I guess I got carried away. How bout' we put them up now?"
Kaoru nodded her head in agreement and freed herself. She took the out the contents in the grocery bags and put them away.
Kenshin brought in the rest of the groceries and put them away. At first he had to ask her where they went, but after a while he knew. When they finished he put his arm around her, "Koishii we are finally finished."
Kaoru liked having Kenshin around, he was really a big help. "Kenshin, thanks for helping. If you don't mind, I need you to leave, I need to exercise."
"Oro?"
"What? I don't want you around when I exercise."
"Okay, fine I'll leave but I'll be back to cook dinner for you."
"Thank you Kenshin.", she said while pushing him to the door. "By!" Once Kenshin was out of site she ran up the stairs to change into her uniform to practice Kendo. She then noticed the window was open but before she could shriek, she saw that Kenshin wasn't in there. She let out a huge sigh of relief. Then she ran down the stairs and out the door to the dojo.
Kenshin looked up in surprise from his yard, he was doing laundry again. He just saw Kaoru run to the dojo wearing a Kendo uniform. He hadn't known she did Kendo. He wanted to watch but he knew she wouldn't want him there. He let out a sigh, "I wonder why she wouldn't want me there? Is she that bad? Or is it something else?"
Kaoru was now in the dojo and she swiftly grabbed her bokken from the wall. This was her first time practicing Kendo at her new home. She got into a stance, while holding the bokken firmly on in her hands. As her body slowly remembered every step, each move, tears began to well up but she kept it in. She promised that she wouldn't cry and she wasn't about to break that promise. She held her stance, and then practiced slashing imaginary opponents. She slowly let go of all her pain and started to smile. After an hour, she was panting and was really tired. She would have to stop for the day, besides she had to do laundry as well. It had been a while, since she had done any. She then set her bokken back on the wall and left the dojo gleefully.
Kenshin had been done with the laundry for a while. He walked around the yard for a while and was growing impatient. When he finally saw her reemerge, he sighed with relief then quickly hid. He didn't want her to know he was worried. He just saw Enishi out in the front, and didn't want anything to happen to her. He looked at his watch and noticed that it was four o'clock. He smiled, "Time to start dinner.", then left for Kaoru's.
Kaoru took the laundry from her room and went to the laundry room downstairs when she heard the doorbell ring. "Its already time for dinner?", she said to herself, as she dropped her clothes and left for the door. She opened it and was not surprised to see Kenshin there. She simply said, "Come in."
Kenshin smiled at Kaoru, she looked cute with that uniform on. She was a little sweaty from her workout but that did not affect her in a bad way.
Kaoru felt Kenshin's stare so she looked down at herself. 'God! I must look dirty!' She suddenly felt embarrassed so she looked away from him. Her face began to flush so she quickly said, "I need to go finish the laundry." She rushed out of the room.
Kenshin watched her leave with amused eyes. 'I wonder what made her leave?', he asked himself. Then he went into her kitchen and called out to her, "Koishii?" She answered back with a muffled voice, "Yes?" He replied, "What would you like to have?" He heard a giggle, "Spaghetti." He chuckled, "Spaghetti it is."
Kaoru was separating the whites from the darks and she noticed she had a lot of whites. 'I'm so glad I have a dryer. I wouldn't want Kenshin to see them hanging on the line outside.' When she was done, she went upstairs for a quick shower. She made sure that the bedroom doors were locked and her windows were closed and locked as well. Grabbing her clothes she locked the bathroom door behind her.
Kenshin had heard Kaoru upstairs and was busy frying the hamburger meat and boiling the noodles. He hoped that she did not take long showers, he wanted her here for when the food was done. He noticed he didn't have his apron on, but shrugged because he didn't have the time to go back for it. Maybe she had one. He looked around in the closet and found a small snug pink one, it would have to do. He slid it on and surprisingly it fit just right.
Kaoru feeling refreshed and relieved from her shower was dressed in her favorite pair of knee high warm up's and her loose old navy red shirt. She slid down the stairs, but stopped because she was going to fall on the handles. She laughed at herself then walked to the kitchen, only to be shocked at what she saw. She saw her cell phone on the side and picked it up. She got the camera ready, then she called to him, "Kenshin?"
Kenshin looked up only to see a phone flash. He cried out, "Oro?" Then he heard Kaoru laughing. He looked at her and she was really laughing, she was half standing on the counter holding her stomach. She looked at her phone and busted out laughing. He lunged for the phone, completely forgetting about the food, but she slid it in her pocket, and ran behind the couch in the living room.
Kaoru was huddled in a corner, she slowly made her way across the wall to the exit. She heard Kenshin scurrying about, but didn't know where he was. She held her breath as she heard him come near her. Then a red head appeared blocking the door. He apparently didn't know where she was but he knew she couldn't hide forever. She slowly slid against the wall away from him, carefully so as not to attract attention. There were two doors so she made her way to the other one. She checked to see if he was still there but he wasn't. So she waited patiently holding her breath again. This time she saw him at the other exit, then he disappeared. She took her chance and this time ran to the exit he had just disappeared from. As she ran she saw from the corner of her eye that Kenshin was running behind her. Still in that apron, she laughed and ran faster yelling, "Kenshin, aren't you forgetting the food?"
She heard him chuckle, "Its already done." She ran to a door, but it was blocked by him when she tried again he blocked it as well. She decided to change tactics so she ran for him. She pushed him down, then continued running. She heard him get up as she ran to her room. She pushed open the door and felt him pull her back she yelped. Giggling she jerked away turned and pushed him back, she slammed the door and quickly hid the phone in her panty drawer. She then quickly moved away and ran to the center of the room.
Kenshin walked into the room, finding Kaoru to be in the center of the room with a smirk.
She said slyly, "I don't have my phone."
He chuckled, "Where did you hide it?"
She laughed, "Somewhere that you can't find it."
He shook his head and walked to her. He pulled her close and whispered into her ear, "Where did you put it?" He knew she wouldn't tell him but he felt like he should at least try. He heard her whisper back, "I hid it somewhere that you can't find it." He chuckled and replied, "Why did you hide it?" She smirked, "So that you couldn't find it and delete your picture. You were wearing a pink apron and well I know you would not want anyone to see it." He shook his head and then looked around to see if her eyes were on something. He noticed that they would not look at her dresser. He smirked and released her and lunged for her drawer. He was pulled back and his face turned into shock.
Kaoru had pulled him back and pushed him on the ground she shrieked, "Don't look in there!" He recovered from his shock and smirked, "Why don't you want me to look in it? Do you have something to hide?" She blushed furiously as she said in a whisper, "That drawer has things in it that I don't want you to see." His eyebrows perked up, "What things?", he asked casually. She turned crimson red, "Just some things alright!" He chuckled, "Well if you don't tell me, then I will look for myself." He then got out of her grasp and went for the drawer. She pulled him back with unbelievable strength. He was in awe, as she yanked him away from the drawer. She whispered in his ear the contents of the drawer. He blushed, and walked away from the drawer. He decided not to look in it after all. As he thought about the things within the drawer, he began to think unwholesome thoughts. He now blushed furiously while trying to think about other things.
Kaoru was watching Kenshin. She noticed his blush and this made her blush. She didn't want him to find the phone, but she also hadn't wanted him to find out what she had in the drawer either. She decided to change the conversation, "I'm hungry.", she pouted. She then looked at him again and realized he was still wearing his apron. She giggled.
Kenshin looked up and asked, "Why are you laughing? I thought you were hungry."
Kaoru laughed, "I am hungry, its just you look so darling in that pink apron. The ruffles give a nice touch especially with your red hair."
"There is nothing wrong with red hair. Besides I am not the only one wearing red today."
"But I'm not the one wearing a pink apron.", she replied sticking out her tongue and running towards the kitchen.
Kenshin let the comment slide, he would get her back later. He followed her and found her hovering over a steamy plate of spaghetti. She slyly stuck her finger in it and pulled a noodle out letting it slide slowly in her mouth. She looked up at him and gave him a thumbs up. He smiled with pride as he took the plates and put them on her table. "Do you want anything to drink, Koishii?"
Kaoru got up, "Yeah, what do you want?"
Kenshin smirked, 'She really is independent.' He replied, "A Dr. Pepper."
Kaoru took two glasses from her shelf and filled them with ice. Then she took a new bottle of Dr. Pepper and filled the glasses with it. While doing all of this she was humming a meaningless tune. She took the glasses and went back to Kenshin. She set a glass in front of him and then went to her own seat. She sipped it with pleasure.
Kenshin was watching Kaoru with amused eyes. She always seemed to surprise him. They ate in silence enjoying the moment. When all of a sudden the phone rang.
Kaoru got up and went for it. She picked it up, "Hello?"
"Hey! KAORU! Its MISAO! How dare you move without Telling ME!", Misao shrieked.
"Nice to hear your voice too.", Kaoru groaned.
"So what have you been up to?"
"I got a car. Hung out with Sano got groceries. Went to the beach. Jumped on the trampoline, ran , ate at Pizza Hut, met a guy…."
"You MET A GUY!"
"Yes."
"Who is he?"
"A guy."
"I'm being serious."
"So am I."
"So whats his name?"
"Its Kenshin."
"Sounds dreamy..when did you meet him?"
"I met him a few days after I moved here."
"How?"
"He ran into me when I was jogging."
Kenshin overhearing this jumped up, "Hey! You ran into ME!"
Kaoru shook her head and worded to him, "I'm on the phone."
Misao overhearing someone else whispered, "Are you with him right now?"
"Yeah, he made me dinner."
"Is he a better cook then you?"
"What? You don't like my cooking?"
"No, that's not what I meant."
"Yes, he's a good cook. I admit it."
"That's good. So..I wanted to ask you something."
"What is it?"
"A personal question."
"Shoot."
"Have you mad out?"
Kaoru's face turned crimson and she slammed the phone shut. 'How dare Misao ask me that!' She then said aloud," That is not any of her business!"
"What's none of her business?", Kenshin asked with his eye brows raised.
"Nothing.", she replied while eating more spaghetti even though she was already full.
"Koishii, I know your full."
"So.", she replied with a stuffed mouth.
"Well, don't force yourself to eat. Its unhealthy."
"Fine.", she said while spitting the food out in a napkin.
Kenshin then took up the dishes and put them in the sink, before he could wash Kaoru was there.
Kaoru said, "Why don't we use the dishwasher. I always do. We still have to take a test drive in my car."
"Okay.", he replied while helping her put the dishes in the dishwasher.
With that now complete and the table spotless. Kaoru gleefully grabbed her keys and ran upstairs quickly to get the cell phone. She made sure the picture was saved on a memory chip before removing the chip. Then she ran back downstairs, grabbing Kenshins hand she ran out the door to her car.
Kenshin just let her pull him. He watched her amused as she got in the car. As they drove off they both realized that Enishi was following them.
Kaoru turned to Kenshin, "I forgot he was here. Can't he realize that I don't like him anymore and I actually found someone right for me."
Kenshin smiled at that last part before replying, "Its okay, I know this place like the back of my hand. This is my territory. Follow my instructions and we'll lose him in no time."
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A/N: I am currently writing the next chapter and its pretty good! Be patient! I will post it soon! Also it will be way longer than this chapter!