Mornings After

By hye kyo

Disclaimer: Nope, RK isn't mine…

Author's Notes: So sorry for the late update. Things were getting really heavy here…anyway, we are nearing the end and I hope I don't get writer's block soon so I would be able to put the next one up…Anyway, on with the story…


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Chapter twenty nine: hiding

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Misao stood up as the train stopped at the first terminal. "I'm going to get something to eat, do you want anything?"

Kenshin glanced at Kaoru who seemed to want to go with Misao. He cleared his throat and said, "Ah, no…I'm not really hungry myself. How about you Kaoru?" and he arched a brow.

"Ah…" she swallowed hard. Misao leaving would mean a time with Kenshin alone and Kenshin was becoming a bit too dangerous for her, making her feel things she had no control over. But the opportunity was too good to pass so she said, "No, I had a heavy breakfast anyway." And she frowned at the pun she might've said. She hoped Kenshin would not get it.

But he did and he was smirking knowingly as Misao walked away. "Heavy breakfast eh?"

Kaoru blushed and stood up, "I'm going to the powder room."

Kenshin stood up too, "I'm going too."

And before she could protest Kenshin already had her hand in his and was leading her to the powder room. He glanced to see if there were people inside but seeing that it was unoccupied he quickly pulled her inside and dragged her to a cubicle. He locked the door.

"Hey," she hesitated.

"Hn," he muttered as he had her back against the wall. He grinned as he placed one hand beside her head and the other on her waist. "I'm going to kiss you."

"Kenshin," she panicked, suddenly trying to break free. "There are…people…Misao…she might…"

"Hn…" and he had his mouth against hers in a deep kiss.

She tried to stop him but in vain, her mind was protesting but her body was responding to him. And slowly she had her arms snaking about his shoulders, pulling him closer until she felt his hands creeping inside her shirt. "Kenshin…" she tried to push him away but his hands felt good.

"Are you saying something?" he grinned and he kissed her again.

Kaoru never imagined making out at the train station restroom. And never had she imagined making out with Kenshin in the first place. She was pushed against the wall, one leg trying to hold herself in place lest Kenshin decide to sprawl her on the bathroom floor. That morning had been a flurry even though it started innocent enough, with Kenshin suddenly arriving and telling her he is going to kiss her and coaxing her with his kisses to make love to him. And it was really good that no matter how hard she tried to make herself stop him she wasn't able to.

He felt the urge to get off the train, hail a cab and bring her with him to his apartment to make love to her. But well he knew she wouldn't allow that, especially since they already pissed Misao early that morning. He still couldn't believe he had made love to her that morning, when he hadn't even thought of doing so before coming over. Well, of course he had been wanting to kiss her and hold her and make love to her and he had been dreaming about doing those things to her many nights now but heck, who would've thought when the morning started innocently enough.

"Kenshin," she murmured, but Kenshin was busy kissing down her neck.

But no of course not he wasn't regretting what happened that morning. He was thankful for it. All they needed to do now was talk. And he would make sure that after the talk she would agree to be his and just his alone. Oh, he was getting possessive, but he doesn't mind.

"Kenshin," she murmured again, trying hard not to moan at the feel of his hand trying to unclasp her bra.

"Kaoru?" he asked as he caught her mouth in his again.

But she shook her head, feeling an ache building deep within her. Okay, she'd give in, allow him to make her feel. She doesn't give a damn if someone would come in and find them making out. She doesn't give a damn if that someone happens to be Misao. She reached out for his belt and started undoing his fly.

He almost laughed but felt something vibrating. He looked at her quizzically and Kaoru shook her head and told him to forget about it. She was becoming impatient.

Kaoru knew that they probably look like two hormone-driven, libido-gone-crazy derelicts making out there in that cramped cubicle. But she doesn't care as she tried to pull him closer. "Kiss me," she whispered just as the door to the bathroom creaked.

"We have company," Kenshin murmured, glancing behind.

"Don't care," she hissed and initiated a kiss which almost made Kenshin groan. She smirked smugly just as the vibrating started again.

"Pick it up," he whispered into her ear as his hands rested on her belly.

She pouted but nevertheless took her cell phone from her pocket. She almost gasped in horror as Misao's name registered on the screen, "It's Misao." Good thing the train was starting to move and it was getting noisy. Whoever was outside wouldn't be able to hear them now.

"Pick it up," Kenshin said.

And she did, "Misao?"

--

"I'm in the bathroom," Misao said as she checked herself in the mirror. "I thought you might be in here. I came back and found our seats empty."

"Ah," Kaoru panicked. Kenshin was trying to listen. Aside from the noises the train is making, another good thing was putting her cell phone in silent mode.

"Have you seen my brother?"

Kenshin tried hard not to grin as he heard Misao. That earned him a frown from Kaoru. "No, not really. Listen, I'm inside the cubicle."

"Really?" Misao glanced and knocked on the occupied cubicle. She ended the call. "Hey."

Kenshin gave her a questioning look when she admitted she was in the bathroom. But well, it was that or they all stay there. And Kaoru thought that telling her would be better. "Look, I'm kind of dizzy and feeling nauseous. Go ahead without me, Kenshin probably is just looking around." And she made Kenshin step on the cover of the toilet bowl, just in case Misao decide to peek under. Why are toilet doors so short anyway?

"Are you sure? Don't you need my help?" Misao asked worriedly which made Kaoru feel a little guilty.

"Yeah…do you mind getting me some anti-dizziness medicine from one of the train attendants. I think I probably should take one…" and faked a vomiting sound. She glared at Kenshin.

Kenshin only pouted.

"Okay sure. I'd just wait for you at our seats." Misao said and hurriedly went to the bathroom door and got out.

When Kaoru was certain Misao was out of hearing range she said to Kenshin, "Now get back there. Look at what mess you got us into," and she smoothened her shirt and buttoned her jeans.

Kenshin was smiling, "Right." And he did his fly and belt and closed the buttons of his shirt. He ran a hand through his hair and said, "I'd better get going. You too, you need to rest since you're not feeling well." And he smirked.

Kaoru hit him, "Yeah right." But she smiled and opened the door slightly to check. When she was certain the coast was clear she ushered Kenshin out.

--

They arrived at the onsen a couple of hours later. Kenshin kept glancing and smiling at her which made Kaoru queasy, the whole time checking on whether Misao was noticing them or nor. But whether Misao was trying not to notice or just naïve, Misao probably missed out on the whole thing.

They checked at the front desk and got led to a big room at the second floor. Kaoru checked her reflection at a mirror in the hallway, good thing she managed to put on gloss while in the train, albeit Kenshin's smoldering gazes.

Kenshin stepped in between Misao and Kaoru, opened the door and quickly had his arm around Kaoru's waist as he helped her in, actually going in didn't need much helping.

"Hey," she nudged him just as Aunt Misako came and stared at them.

Kenshin glanced up to see not just Aunt Misako but his father as well so he took quick measures and had his arm around Misao as soon as Kaoru got in. "There," Kenshin smiled at his sister who frowned at him.

Aunt Misako eventually smiled, "And I was thinking that you all aren't going to make it."

"His fault," Misao pointed to Kenshin.

"Yeah, my bad. Sorry," and he smiled.

"Anyway, your cousins are already at the bath." Aunt Misako said, "Have you eaten?"

"I did," Misao raised a hand. "I'm going to the bath." And she quickly rushed inside to change.

"You two must be hungry." Aunt Misako led them inside to the low table already filled with food.

"Very," Kenshin winked at Kaoru.

Kaoru sneered. "Auntie," she said, "Uncle Hojo's here too?"

"He couldn't make it. He has things to do at the farm he said."

"He's just lazy," Hiko sat down, placed a bowl in front of Kaoru and said, "Where's Soujiro?"

"Ah," she noticed Kenshin's slight frown at the mention of Soujiro's name, "He's busy even in weekends."

"Oh," Hiko snickered, "That boy, still clueless when it comes to love." And he laughed which made Kenshin frown even more.

"Ah," Kaoru said nervously, "Let's eat, shall we?"

--

Kenshin sneaked up on her just as she was changing. Kaoru almost let out a shriek. "What are you doing in here?" she quickly slipped on her yukata.

Kenshin sheepishly grinned, "I just want to surprise you."

She hit him, "This is not funny." And she opened the paper paneled doors and looked outside. No one was around.

"I want to kiss you," he murmured, grinning.

"Kenshin, not this time," she said, straining her ear to listen for footsteps.

"We are alone here," he said.

She stopped glancing at the door and turned to him, "Okay, just one kiss. And then leave."

"Yes ma'am," he smiled eagerly and took her in his arms, kissing her.

Kaoru almost felt her resolve collapsing, but she thought she heard footsteps so she quickly pushed him away and said, "There are people coming, go now."

He pouted but nevertheless said, "Okay." And he slipped in through the other door and disappeared.

The doors opened. It was Misao and one of their cousins, Omasu.

"Kaoru?" Omasu said, her face beaming, "Oh, it's been a long time!" and she tackled Kaoru into a hug.

"Where's Okon and the others?" Kaoru asked.

"Okon's waiting," Misao said, "Shiro and Kuro are at the men's baths. Where's my brother?"

"I don't know," which actually is the truth, "I left before he finished eating."

"Anyway, you look gorgeous. Is that how it is when you are in love?" Omasu giggled.

Kaoru blushed. Really? Her lips looked a bit swollen right now, not that she can tell but well, she could feel it anyway, so how does she managed to look gorgeous? Maybe it was all because of the red on her cheeks due to the adrenaline rush she's having since morning, thanks to Kenshin of course, which makes her look healthier.

"We were coming for you actually," Misao said, slipping one arm through Kaoru's, "Let's go."

--

She removed her yukata and was about to dip in the bath when Okon said, "Kaoru, what is that?"

Kaoru followed Okon's pointing finger to stare at the reddish mark just above her left breast.

Okon arched a brow and hissed, "Kiss mark?"

"Of course not," she flushed. Damn, stupid Kenshin, I'll kill you, she growled inwardly. "It's mosquito bite," she said the first thing that came to her mind, "I scratched it."

"I have an ointment for mosquito bites," Omasu said.

Kaoru let out a sigh of relief, good thing Omasu's a little gullible. "Thanks."

--

"Hey," Shiro waved as Kenshin arrived at the bath.

"Hey," Kenshin waved back and hurried. "Where's Kuro?" he asked as he joined him.

"Peeing," Shiro laughed, "How are you? Long time no see."

"Yeah, it's been a while," Kenshin nodded, feeling the warm water enveloping him.

"I haven't seen Kaoru yet."

"She's probably with the girls right now."

"Yeah?" Shiro grinned, "I bet she looks prettier now."

Okay, so he knew Shiro had a crush on Kaoru once in middle school but eventually his infatuation with her disappeared, him being way younger than her and all. He arched a brow, "Don't' tell me…"

"No, it was just a crush and that was a long time ago," he laughed, "Besides, I have a girlfriend."

"Really?" Kenshin laughed. He sighed, that was good.

"How about you?" he asked, leaning against the stones trailing the edge of the spring.

Kenshin shrugged and smiled.

"I heard Tomoe's back. I am not so sure if I'm sensing a reconciliation."

"You're becoming nosy," he retorted, "No, there would be no reconciliation."

He frowned, "Why not? I thought…"

"She's getting married," he said nonchalantly. Thinking about it now, it doesn't seem to bother him anymore. He almost let out a chuckle.

"Oh, so you have someone new?"

Kenshin glanced around and leaned closer. With a finger shifting between pointing to Shiro and back to himself he said, "This is just between the two of us okay?"

"Yeah, I like secrets," Shiro said eagerly.

Kenshin cleared his throat, giggled like a schoolboy and whispered, "I actually have."

"Oh…" Shiro's eyes widened, "And who is the lucky girl? Someone we know?"

"Someone…" he laughed.

"When do we meet her?"

"Soon…" and he laughed again, trying hard not to blush.

--

Kaoru was walking past the springs and was looking up at the sky when Kenshin came. She still feels nervous every time he was around, even though she had known him almost all her life. So many things happened. On just a day. One whole day. And she still couldn't believe.

"Hey," he said, slipping his arms around her waist.

"Get away," she whispered.

"Why?" he purred.

She managed to push him away. "You're clingy aren't you?"

"Yeah," he grinned, "So what?" and he took another step to pull her into his arms.

But she was fast and she quickly took a step back.

"I want to get away from this place," he murmured.

"You're perverted," she blushed.

"I wasn't referring to anything perverted. Now who's perverted?" and he chuckled.

She smirked, hiding her blush, "Let's go back. I'm starving."

"I want to go somewhere private," he took her hand and leaned as he whispered, "And I was being perverted when I said that."

She hit him, "Pervert!" and she stomped off, "I'm going back in."

Kenshin could only grin as he hurriedly followed her.

--

She heard Misao tugged at her sleeve as she looked at the ceiling. "What?"

"Good you're still awake," Misao whispered. Okon and Omasu are already sleeping on their futons.

"What?" she repeated. Kaoru was having a hard time sleeping, always seeing Kenshin's face in her mind, always remembering the feel of his mouth against her, the feel of his hands touching her. Just thinking about it now makes her want him. She shook her head.

"Kenshin's acting weird lately eh?"

She frowned. Then realized what possibilities are present in Misao's questions. She began to sweat, "What do you mean Misao?" keeping her voice as low as possible.

"I don't know…I suddenly have this feeling that he's hiding something from me," she was looking up at the ceiling as well.

"Maybe you're just imagining it."

"Nope, call it…sister's intuition…"

"Is there such a thing?" Kaoru hoped Misao wouldn't detect the nervousness in her voice.

"Believe me," she turned to her, "I know my brother more than anyone else in the world. I know him more than our parents do. And when I say he's hiding something, he really is hiding something." She paused thoughtfully and continued, "Do you know something?"

"Me?" her voice almost sounded like a croak, "Of course not." And she faked a laugh, "How would I know something?"

"Maybe he tells you things. You seem to be a lot closer these days…"

She faked a frown. And then told herself, if you only knew…much closer than you think…And she almost laughed at herself.

"So?"

"I'm telling you, I know nothing," Kaoru stood up, "I need to pee."

Misao smirked at her.

--

Kenshin was grinning to himself remembering the events that happened earlier when he saw her coming. He stopped, waved and slipped his hands inside either pocket. "You can't sleep?"

"I can," she tilted her chin, trying to not meet his eyes, "I just need to use the bathroom."

"It's dark in there, want me to accompany you?"

She glanced at him and she regretted having done so for suddenly she felt a familiar ache build deep within her. She cleared her throat and said in a raspy voice, "I…I really don't…mind…"

Kenshin's smile grew wider as he quickly took hold of her hand and rushed to the storage shed.

Kaoru closed her eyes, urging him to kiss her but opened them once again when he did nothing. She asked, "W-what?" She suddenly felt a bit self-conscious.

"We need to talk," he murmured seriously.

She drew in a deep breath, "W-what about?"

"We have to talk about us," he whispered.

"We can't right now," she looked away, suddenly gaining back her senses. Why had she allowed him to bring her there suddenly when there was the possibility of getting caught?

"Why not?"

"Not here."

"But Kaoru—"

"After this…we'll talk after this…"

"As soon as we get back to Tokyo?" he held her.

"Y-yes…" and suddenly she felt unsure.

"Promise?" he looked like kid.

"Okay…promise…" and she drew in a deep breath.

He grinned and started pulling her for a kiss.

But she held a her hand up to stop him, his lips meeting the palm of her hand all of a sudden. "I changed my mind…I'm going to the bathroom…" and she freed herself from his hold.

"Hey," he was pouting.

"I remember Misao's still awake…and she's waiting for me," she whispered. She turned to face him and saw the dejected look on his face. She felt a little guilty for leading him and for being such a tease so she eventually took a step closer and gave him a kiss.

He grinned against her mouth.

"We'll settle this…everything…once we go back to Tokyo," and she pulled back and went away. Misao was probably still waiting for her.

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A/n:

So there. I don't know when I would be able to put the next one up. Hope I'd be able to soon…

BTW, I haven't replied to most reviews yet…