Disclaimer: I do not own RK. All I know is that I'm addicted to it =)
~o~o~o~
He was walking with his son at the school pathway. It was the first-graders' recital day that day, and all parents were invited to watch the event. But as he saw the other parents and guests waiting near the auditorium, he became more and more uneasy – and seemingly out-of-place. Who wouldn't? When he's the only one dressed so formally he almost looked like the guest speaker or the school principal. Add to that was Kenji's unwavering energy as the kid introduced his dad to his friends.
"Hey Takeru! This is my dad." Kenji announced as he held tightly on daddy Kenshin's hand.
"Hello, Kenji's dad." The nerdy classmate waved at the older redhead.
"Keiko! This is my dad." Kenji continued the introduction as if it was something his classmates needed to know.
"Is it really your dad, Kenji?" The innocent, brown-haired girl could not believe her eyes. "He looks exactly like you!", Keiko voiced out her observation.
"Yes of course! I'm good-looking just like my daddy." Kenji smiled at his classmate, then looked up to his dad. He was proud as any son could get.
Kaoru giggled silently as she saw how Kenji proudly made that declaration, without any hesitation whatsoever. But what's funnier was her boss' seemingly embarrassed face. Imagine, the terror boss who always looks so stiff and manly and uptight – actually looked uncomfortable being called good-looking by his own son. How adorable could the two of them get?
A short while later, Kenji was grabbing his mommy's hand instead. "Let's go over there, mommy." He was pointing to the classroom filled with various costumes and props, as well as a number of kids having their face paints for the presentation.
"It's good to see you again, Mr. Himura." Kenji's teacher acknowledged the redhead's presence. "I'm glad you're able to attend the recital this year."
"I've wanted to visit here as often as I could, Tokio-sensei." Kenshin courteously answered with a genial smile. "It's just that – my schedule doesn't always allow me."
Tokio laughed softly. "And now that you're here.. I'd like to personally congratulate you for Kenji's good grades this past period. Your child is also more participative in class now."
"That's very good to hear, sensei." Kenshin curved another smile, this time a wider one.
"It seems that his mother's return has a good effect on your son, Mr. Himura. Kenji is definitely improving even on their extracurricular activities.", the teacher added with much delight.
But then, the teacher paused and felt the need to know more about her student's mother. "I wonder where Madam Kaoru had been all these years?"
Kenshin forced a smile. Of course, he also did not know where Kaoru had been all this time. She's been with them for like what – three months? How would he know?
But the version of the estranged-mother-used-to-work-abroad story had to be consistent, so Kenshin answered: "She worked in the US for one of our business ventures there. But I asked her to quit the job to attend to our son instead."
That was really smooth, Mr. Himura. It was so naturally said it almost seemed to be real. Kenshin could not believe himself as well. Was he actually starting to enjoy the whole fake-husband-and-wife thing?
Tokio continued to update him about the school's upcoming activities, but Kenshin was clearly not paying attention. Because he was looking at Kenji and Kaoru from afar. He knew it was really not him to stare at somebody other than his son, but he just couldn't take his eyes off – her.
Oh, would you just look at her hair? Isn't it fascinating – the shiny black hair tied to a high ponytail? And would you look at her face? Her eyes, her nose, her lips. So delicate and gentle. And oh, that smile! Yes, Kenshin. Look at her smile, isn't it –
Kenshin wanted to punch his forehead to get a hold of himself again, if it was possible. That's enough teasing, you talkative brain! He needed to hear what the teacher was saying so that he won't miss on any of Kenji's school activities.
Yeah right, Kenshin. If you say so.
~o~o~o~
"Give me your hand, Kenji." Kaoru instructed while she tied the balloon's string to the kid's wrist. It was part of their costume for the first number, and Kenji was all dressed up for his part.
"Can I play with Yutaro now, mommy?", the little redhead was anxious to get his costume fixed up so he can already play.
"Alright – but be careful baby. You don't want to mess up your costume." Kaoru reminded, but Kenji was already running towards his friend.
The normal chatter was interrupted by a commotion, courtesy of one little girl's cry. The balloon she was supposed to tie slipped out of her hands and flew to the ceiling.
"What's the matter Keiko?" Kenji hurriedly ran to his classmate, concerned.
"M-my.. balloon.." Keiko sobbed heavily as if the balloon was her most precious possession.
"Stop crying. I will help you get it." Kenji held her shoulder to calm and assure his classmate. "Wait right here."
Kenji walked back to his mommy Kaoru, his eyes begging for help. "Mommy, can you please help me get Keiko's balloon back? Please?", he pointed at the high ceiling.
Kaoru looked up at the balloon, then to her little redhead. She was glad to see Kenji stand up for a friend like that. So without second thoughts, the nanny replied: "Of course. Mommy will get it for you."
She examined the classroom for anything she could step on. The chair was too low, and so was the small table beside it. But there was the shelf – and it was high enough for her to reach for the string. So Kaoru climbed up the book shelf, and balanced herself as she extended her arm.
"Go mommy go!", the nanny heard Kenji cheering for her. It wasn't a big deal, really. But she liked the moral support anyway.
The other classmates followed Kenji's lead, and they all started cheering for mommy Kaoru to get that balloon.
"Go mommy go!" The kids chanted.
"Almost there – ", Kaoru muttered as she took another step forward.
One more step and Kaoru was finally able to reach the balloon's string. She held it happily, waving back at the group of anticipating kids. She was about to go down when one leg got stuck on the shelf – and she slipped.
Blag!
A loud thump was heard as Kaoru fell on the floor, unbalanced. "Awwww!", she exclaimed while she held her aching leg.
"H-here you go, sweetie." She gave the balloon to the worried Keiko, her lips forcing a smile despite the pain.
Out of nowhere, Kenshin came charging at the scene of commotion. He immediately checked on Kaoru.
"Were you hurt?", he asked in a voice full of urgency. He examined her leg for any bruise or wound she might have.
Kaoru was stunned and she remained unmoving for a moment. She couldn't believe the mere touch of Kenshin's hand on her leg would give her paralysis.
The nanny could also not believe what she's seeing on his eyes. Was that Sir Kenshin's look of concern? If yes, then why would he?
"N-no." Kaoru weakly said.
But Kenshin was not convinced, and his brows furrowed even more. "Not even a scratch?"
Now, the boss' message of worry stupefied her altogether. Breathe Kaoru. Breathe. But she found it hard to do so. Can someone tell her – is her Sir Kenshin too damn charming when he's worried?
She dared not to break the eye contact with him until Kaoru was able to reply another weak: "No."
"Mrs. Himura, are you alright?" The teacher came running to check on Kenji's mom.
But Kaoru did not react. Really, who is this Mrs. Himura the teacher was calling out? It was definitely not her – because her name is Kaoru Kamiya. But then again, the name Kaoru Himura doesn't sound so bad either. In fact, it wouldn't hurt if she can get used to it. Kaoru Himura. My name is Kaoru Himura. Mrs. Kaoru Himura. I am Mrs. Himura! Kaoru giggled at the thought.
The absentminded nanny came to her senses when Kenshin offered his hand to her. Kaoru hesitated at first, because she was pretty much preoccupied with memorizing her new full name. But as she continued to look up at him, Kaoru knew he was just trying to help her get up.
She took Kenshin's hand and – sparks! She felt sparks all over her body. Those tiny, tingly things activated by her boss' hand. She didn't know such things existed. Oh Kami, please don't make me explode at this very minute!
Kenshin pulled her up, his force was just enough to get Kaoru back to her feet. He was relieved she did not get hurt – as per the nanny's claim, at least. But why was he so concerned again?
"Mommy, you're blushing!" Kenji noticed and pointed his finger at his mommy's visibly red face.
"Blushing?" Kaoru blinked and put her palm on her cheek – it felt really hot. "N-no.. I'm not!", she strongly denied.
"Yes you are…" The child giggled to make the already embarrassing situation worse.
"That's not true, Kenji. Come here you – " She began dragging him away, without looking at the subject of her daydream of course.
As Kenshin watched the two of them walk away, the hand that touched Kaoru was still left there – hanging. He looked at it and he felt something absurd – like really, really absurd. Though he did not know when or how or if there really was something at all. Kenshin tried to dismiss the idea. But whatever it was, he was certain he already felt it before.
~o~o~o~
"Parents! This way please." One teacher ushered the guests to their designated seats.
Kaoru walked silently beside her boss, her mind trying to repress that small encounter back at the classroom. Kenshin, as usual, walked as if nothing happened. Because being the person that he is, Kenshin did not want to get distracted by some weird, unexplainable feelings.
The boss easily found the seats reserved for them. Well, it was not that hard to read the signage: "Kenji Himura's parents."
He walked to the seats, saying the occasional "Excuse us" along the way. Kaoru followed after him, but her movements were timid. After much effort to calm herself, Kaoru found the courage to occupy the seat beside Kenshin – also, as if nothing happened. She sat stiffly at the cold cushioned seat, her eyes wary of the boss' movements.
The lights dimmed and the show began. And then came the adorable bunch of first-graders dressed in colourful costumes. Kenji was easily recognizable for his striking red hair. The little Himura was smiling widely at the audience – his confident stance was a far cry from the uncontrollable and seemingly introvert child he used to be.
"Good graces everybody… Good day to everyone… We are here to sing the alphabet, one by one…"
The kids sang in unison, to which the audience had given a warm round of applause.
"I… I'm going to sing for 'I'… 'I' is for innocent… 'I' is for intelligent… 'I', I love 'I'…"
Kenji sang his solo part with all his heart. And his proud "parents" could not hide their amazement. He was just the most adorable letter "I" they have ever seen.
"Ohhh…" Kaoru exclaimed. She can't help it – her precious little Kenji was just too charming beyond compare.
The sparkle on her blue eyes was saying she's one proud mommy, no matter how weird their setup was. Kenshin found himself staring at the nanny for no particular reason. Look at her eyes, Kenshin. Beautiful, sincere blue eyes looking up at your son. How you wished she was looking at you instead?
Kaoru noticed it so she looked to her side. As expected, the boss was indeed looking at her. But the redhead was quick to snap out and he quickly looked back to the stage.
Another roar of applause welcomed the second and third presentations. The children's costumes were changing each time. As for the fourth and final song, Kenji and the boys were garbed in soldier outfits.
"The soldiers can help… Just watch them work… Long hours of everyday… Hoorah! Hoorah! Hoorah!"
There was laughter all around at the little boys' antics. Kenshin also found himself entertained by his little man. He cannot believe Kenji was so talented. Where did he get that from?
The group bowed at the end of the performance. Afterwards, the host introduced the students one by one.
"Oh – " Kaoru said at the conclusion of the recital. "It's so beautiful."
"Yes, it is." Kenshin agreed.
It was not supposed to be a big deal – but he was looking at the woman beside him when he said that, not at the kids on stage.
Kaoru held her breath at the unexpected remark. She met his gaze and there was silence. Really awkward silence. Kaoru asked herself – can she ever breathe normally when her Sir Kenshin is around? Even for once? Because who knows, she might pass out if it wouldn't stop. Oh, curse those attractive violet eyes.
"Daddy! Did you see me? Did you see what I did?", Kenji came running to meet his parents.
Delighted as ever, Kenshin welcomed Kenji with a tight hug. "Of course, Kenji. You were wonderful back there."
"Really? Mommy Kaoru taught me everything. We practice at home sometimes. Maybe you should ask her to teach you too, daddy."
Kenshin smiled. But since Kenji was waiting for an answer, he said: "I would love that."
~o~o~o~
A/N: Giggles all around! Kenshin is just too sweet, don't you think? And little Kenji, of course ;)
For the nth time, this one would like to give you her gratitude, that she is =)
See you all on the next chapter. I'll try my best to update really, really soon! Ja mata ne! =)