Chapter35 The Storm Appears

Kaoru smiled as she watched Kenji and Kenshin run around the shallows of the lake, splashing the water at each other. Kenshin's eyes widened as Kenji tripped and began to fall forward. Kaoru didn't even flinch. She knew Kenshin wouldn't let the four-year-old fall.

She was right; Kenshin sprang forward with lightning speed, catching his son before he went face first into the water.

Kenji blinked up at the older man, grinning as Kenshin set him upright. "Careful little guy. It's no fun to get a face full of water." Kenshin winked at him and Kenji nodded vigorously.

Kaoru lay back on the grass under the sakura tree, looking through the green leaves at the clear blue sky. She closed her eyes momentarily as the wind blew gently, lifting a few strands of her hair.

"So warm…" She sighed and opened her eyes to see Kenshin standing over her, a wide smile on his face.

"Enjoying yourself?" He asked as he plopped next to her.

She sat up on her elbows, smiling. "It's a perfect July day. Not to hot, just right." She said.

It had been two half weeks since Kenshin had come back into her life and she was enjoying his company immensely. It almost felt as if they were a family, out here together, spending time with one another, as families should.

"You two looked like you were having fun out there." She commented lightly.

Kenshin nodded. "That kid has a lot of energy." He watched Kenji run circles in the water, laughing happily at the splashes he was making.

"Yeah. Don't know where he gets it from." Kaoru smiled and they both chuckled lightly. Kaoru watched Kenshin look to the sky and felt her heart flutter. He was even more handsome then she remembered him being, his red hair glinting in the patches of sun, the light shining through his lavender eyes.

"I remember this tree…" He said softly.

"Yes. It's my favorite tree. I have a lot of memories here. Good and bad." She remarked and he looked at her, cocking his head lightly.

"Bad, huh?"

She smiled, saying, "You don't remember?"

The ex-Hitokiri looked as if he was racking his brain, and then shrugged. "Should I?"

"Maybe you blocked it out." She joked. "Let me give you a hint. Kei-kun was 'serenading' me that night…"

His eyes widened as it dawned on him. "That was the night that the girl…Yui I think her name was, kissed me and you were watching…" He looked at her as her eyes glazed over slightly in recollection.

"That was also the night that…" She began but trailed off, a small blush painting her face.

"That…?" Kenshin continued.

"That we…you know…" She felt her blush deepen and Kenshin's eyes lit up in remembrance.

"Oh, yeah…that was the same night, wasn't it?"

She looked up at him, finding he had a huge smirk on his face. Kaoru pursed her lips, shaking her head. "There you go, getting all cocky on me! I guess some things never change!" She laughed and he shook his head.

"Nope, they don't."

He observed her from the corner of his eye, watching as the light from the sun reflected off her hair between the shadows cast by the leaves, illuminating her brilliant blue highlights. 'Gods, she's still beautiful…' He felt his heart twist. 'I wish I could tell her right now that I still feel the same…but, I don't want to ruin things…these passed weeks have been so nice…'

He decided to veer away from that subject. "Kaoru?" Kenshin looked at her questioningly.

"What is it, Kenshin?"

He looked down at his feet. "I was wondering…when are we going to tell Kenji who I am?"

She sat fully upright, staring at him. "I…well, I guess now would be as good a time as ever. I just wanted to give him some time to get used to you first, before we told him…" She trailed off and he put his hand on her back.

"It's ok, Kaoru, we don't have to if you are not ready." He said kindly and she shook her head.

"No…we can't keep avoiding this. He needs to know."

Kenshin turned his head as Kenji came running up to them, shaking the water from his legs as he went. "Hey, you look a little wet. Been playing in the lake or something?" Kenshin joked and Kenji grinned at him.

"You wewe just playing with me in it, you know!"

Kenshin laughed as Kenji plopped himself right on his lap, leaning into his chest. "So I was."

Kaoru smiled at him. "Kenji, Kenshin and I need to talk to you about something. You might not be able to understand everything right now, but that's ok. I just need you to try for me, ok?"

Kenji blinked at her, saying, "Ok."

Kaoru sighed as she searched for the right words. "Kenji, do you remember asking me why Ayame and Suzume have a Too-san, but you don't?" She asked.

The little boy nodded. "Yeah."

"Well, what did Kaasan tell you about him?"

Kenji shrugged a bit. "That he was on a twip?"

She smiled as she agreed. "That's right. And I also said that he would come back one day, didn't I?"

"Yeah." Kenji responded.

"Well, what I'm trying to say is…is well… Kenshin is your Too-san, Kenji." She decided that putting it bluntly would help him to better understand.

Kenshin stiffened, waiting for his son's reaction. Kaoru held her breath for a bit, watching him intently.

Kenji looked a little confused as he sat up, looking up at Kenshin. "You'we my Otoosan?"

Kenshin relaxed as he shifted Kenji on his lap so that they were face to face. "Yes, Kenji. I am. What do you think of that?" He asked.

The little boy still looked a bit confused, but answered, "Is that why ouw haiws awe both wed?" He asked innocently and Kaoru let out her breath in a laugh.

"Yes, Kenji. That's why you both have red hair." She said and Kenji smiled a small smile.

"Ok. Can I go play some mowe?" He asked them.

Kenshin chuckled as he lifted him from his lap, setting him on the ground. "Sure. Go have fun, but be careful not to get a face full of water, ok?" Kenji nodded and then sped off.

Kaoru and Kenshin looked at each other a moment, and then both laughed.

"Well, that went as well as it could have, huh?" Kenshin asked.

"Yeah…I still think he doesn't quite comprehend it, but with time, I'm sure he will call you father. He likes you a lot."

Kenshin smiled gently as he watched Kenji resume his splashing in the shallows, feeling love for the little boy growing steadily inside of him.

"The transition would be a lot easier if we were married…" He said almost inaudibly. Kaoru caught the words and felt a jolt of sadness run through her. Kenshin's eyes widened when he realized he had said that out loud. "Kaoru, I didn't mean it like that…" He said quickly and she turned her gaze away from him.

"It's ok, Kenshin. You can't help how you feel."

The ex-Hitokiri reached out a hand to her, but stopped, hesitating. 'Could it be that she thinks that I would only marry her for Kenji's sake? I need to tell her how I feel…how I still feel after all these years…' "Kaoru…"

He began, but she stood abruptly, saying, "We should go. It's getting a bit late and I need to get back to help with dinner." She kept her face turned from his and he felt his heart clench with dejection.

"Ok, let's go." He stood, calling to Kenji. "Come on son, let's go." Kenji ran to him, arms outstretched and Kenshin caught him, lifting him high above his head as Kenji squealed. "Let's get you home so we can get you dry. Kaasan says it's almost time for dinner." Kenji wrapped his arms tightly around Kenshin's neck, resting his head on his shoulder.

The trio walked in silence and Kenji pulled his head away from Kenshin, looking at him. "How was youw twip?" He asked innocently.

Kenshin blinked, taking a minute to realize what Kenji meant. "Oh, my trip…it was nice."

"Did you miss us? I always miss Kaasan when she goes on twips…" Kenji stated. Kenshin's eyes softened and he nodded. "Of course I missed you. I missed you both very much." He eyed Kaoru, making sure she was listening. Her eyes remained focused ahead, but he saw the feeling in them.

"Awe you going to stay hewe with us now? With me and Kaasan?"

Kenshin felt guilt seep into him, like it had so many times over the passed two and a half weeks. "Yes, son. I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay by your sides."

Kenji seemed done asking his questions and he laid his head back to Kenshin's chest. Kenshin noticed how close he was to Kaoru as he felt her hand brush by his side. Looking down, he reached for it slowly, touching his pinky finger with hers. Feeling her go rigid, he moved to pull away. He was surprised when she blatantly grabbed his hand, lacing her fingers with his, her face pink, as she remained staring ahead. A small smile came to his lips, and he squeezed her hand, turning his head forward.

As they neared the dojo, Kenshin noticed Megumi outside, sweeping. She turned to them and stopped, her heart melting at the sight before her. There was Kenji asleep in Kenshin's arms as Kenshin and Kaoru walked hand in hand.

'That is how they should be…' "Hello guys, Sano is about to start dinner." She called. "We have good timing, I suppose." Kenshin winked as they passed Megumi, who pinned Kaoru with a happy stare. Kaoru just smiled lightly as they continued into the dojo.

They stopped and Kaoru let go of Kenshin's hand as he set Kenji down. He was about to let him go when Kenji's eyebrows furrowed together. "No…" He whined as he held fast to Kenshin's arms.

Kenshin chuckled as he picked him back up. "You want me to hold you more?" Kenji nodded, a sour look still on his face as he buried his head back under Kenshin's chin.

Kaoru was still amazed with how much Kenji had taken to Kenshin, and in such a short amount of time. The boy had practically clung to him everyday for the last two and a half weeks. 'I guess it's because Kenshin is so personable with him…he plays with him constantly. That's where he and Enishi differ, I suppose…' She thought.

"I'm going to help in the kitchen, ok?" Kaoru said to Kenshin, who just nodded as he held Kenji close.

"He sure loves his Too-san." Megumi commented as she and Kaoru headed to the kitchen.

"We told him who Kenshin really was today." Kaoru stated and Megumi looked amazed.

"Really? How did it go?" She asked.

"Well, as you can see, quite well. I don't think the transition will be very difficult at all." Kaoru felt her heart sink as she remembered Kenshin's words earlier.

'The transition would be easier if we were married, huh?' She thought miserably.

In any other circumstance, she would have been thrilled that Kenshin had mentioned them married. But, she felt her heart ache when she thought of him only wanting to marry her for Kenji.

"Kaoru? Are you alright?" She looked to find Megumi staring at her worriedly.

"Yes, Nee-chan, I'm fine. Just thinking, that's all. Nothing important." Megumi knew better but didn't press the matter. Kaoru would tell her if she needed to.

"What can I do to help?" Kaoru asked as they entered the kitchen.

Sano turned, saying, "Hello, Jou-chan. Have a good time at the lake?" He asked as he continued to chop vegetables.

She nodded, smiling. "It was very nice. Kenji had fun in the water. We should all go together sometime. Your girls would love it."

Megumi nodded. "We should before it gets cold again. Here, you can help stir the miso." She handed Kaoru the stirring stick, which she accepted and stuck into the soup.

Kaoru sighed as she watched Kenji play with his rice, getting more on himself than in his mouth. She was about to reach forward when Kenshin did it for her.

"Hey kid, try putting it in your mouth." He said lightly, wiping the rice away.

Kenji looked stubbornly at him. "I don't wanna. I don't want wice tonight." He folded his arms, pouting.

Kenshin shook his head. "You sure are a fussy eater, aren't you?"

Kenji huffed, glowering at Kenshin.

"How about I help you eat a few more bites, then you can play?" Kenshin offered. Kenji shook his head.

"Kenji, listen to your Otoosan, or I will send you to bed." Kaoru warned and Kenshin blinked at her, but said nothing. All eyes were on the three of them, waiting to see how this situation played out.

The little boy's eyes began to tear up as he whined, "I don't wanna!"

Kaoru sighed, putting a hand to her temple, rubbing it. "Kenji, I am warning you. Kaasan isn't playing around. You either eat what you have, or you go to bed hungry." Kenji still shook his head stubbornly and Kaoru stood. Her son began to cry, knowing what was coming. She came around to him and put her hands on his sides, picking him up.

He reached out and clung to Kenshin, fisting the material of his clothing in his hands as he began to wail. "No! I don't wanna go to bed! I want to stay hewe with Too-san!" Kenshin's eyes widened as he stood, gently prying Kenji's fingers from him. He reached out and Kaoru allowed Kenji to go to him.

Kenshin ran his hand down his son's back soothingly. "Shh, it's ok, Kenji. How about I come and tuck you in? Would you like that?" Kenji still cried as he clung to Kenshin. "You are tired aren't you?" Kenshin continued.

"I don't want you to go…" Kenji said between his cries.

Kaoru sighed as she realized why Kenji was so upset. 'He thinks Kenshin will go away and leave again…'

For the last five days, this was a daily occurrence when Kenshin went to leave. It had gotten to the point that they had to put their son to bed before he did. However, this was the first time the boy had called him father…

Kenshin realized it too, speaking softly to the boy. "Don't worry Kenji. I told you I was staying by your side now, remember?" He asked. His son's cries began to lessen, until he was sniffling. "Let's go to bed."

Kenji nodded as he sat back and rubbed his eyes, sleepiness coming over his face.

Kenshin headed to his room as Kaoru followed. Once inside, he laid Kenji down and covered him.

The four-year-old stared at him a moment through hooded eyes, saying, "Will you be hewe tommowow?"

Kenshin nodded as he placed a kiss on his forehead. "Yes, Kenji. And the day after that, and the day after that…"

Kenji smiled, looking for Kaoru. "Kaasan." He said quietly and she stepped forward.

"I'm right here." He reached for her and she bent down, hugging him as she kissed his cheek. "Goodnight, sweetheart."

"Night…" He closed his eyes and his parents turned to leave, shutting the door quietly.

Outside, they began to walk slowly back to the dinner table.

"Well, you can't leave now…even if you wanted to. Not now that he does something like this every time you leave." Kaoru said chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

Kenshin stopped, grabbing her hand and forcing her to turn to him. "Kaoru, I really have no intention of going anywhere ever again. I mean it." He said seriously. She stared at him, noticing the determination in his eyes.

She looked down as they began walking again. "I know, Kenshin. It's taken a bit, but I think I believe you now."

"I love him, Kaoru." 'And I love you too.' He truly wanted to say, but bit his tongue.

She nodded. "I know you do. He loves you as well. I still find it incredible that he attached to you so fast." Kenshin nodded in silent agreement.

They reached the table and sat back down, feeling the weight of everyone's stares. "What?" Kaoru finally snapped and they went back to eating.

"Is he asleep now?" Megumi asked and Kaoru nodded. "He was so tired…I think that's why he was so grumpy."

Kenshin smiled. "He was asleep practically right after his head hit the pillow."

Sanosuke chuckled. "Yeah, they do that. Wide awake one minute, then dead to the world the next."

Kenshin nodded as he shoved some luke warm rice in his mouth.

"Hey, a shooting star…" Kaoru pointed as it streaked it's way across the night sky. Kenshin smiled. "Guess we have to make a wish." He closed his eyes and Kaoru watched him a moment.

When he opened them, she asked, "What did you wish for?"

He chuckled, saying, "If I told you, it wouldn't come true. At least that's how the story goes." She sighed, looking once more to the twinkling stars.

"He called me Too-san." Kenshin finally said.

Kaoru nodded, her gaze remaining upwards. "I was really surprised, actually. I mean, we just told him five days ago…" She said quietly.

"Did it bother you?"

She stared at him, responding, "Of course not. That's what we want him to do, right?"

He smiled. "Yeah…I guess I just wasn't expecting it so soon…" He sighed and she sat up on her elbow, hand to her cheek.

"How did it make you feel? I mean, hearing your son call you that for the first time?"

He blinked at her, searching for the answer. "I…I was very pleased. I want to be in his life and having him recognize me as his father so soon really makes me happy."

Kaoru smiled softly at him, saying, "I'm so glad that things are working out for the better." She lay on her back again, gazing up.

He stared at her, feeling his heart flutter like always as he took in her appearance. The stars shone softly on her, bathing her face in a soft silvery glow.

She eyed him, feeling her cheeks warm under his scrutiny. "What is it? Do I have something on my face?"

Kenshin shook his head, never taking his eyes from her. "I just…still think you are beautiful, that's all."

Warmth pooled in her stomach as she gazed at him. They were not very far apart and she desperately wanted to reach her hand out to his face.

She turned her own back to the sky, asking hesitantly, "Kenshin…do you have anything that you regret?" She immediately felt the air tense around them both, knowing she had brought up a difficult subject.

His mouth was dry, his heart twisting in anxiety as he thought, 'I knew this would come up sooner or later…we can't keep avoiding this forever…' "I have many regrets, yes…"

She watched, as he seemed to be having an internal struggle. She felt her mood change rapidly as bitterness welled within her. 'He can't tell me that he doesn't love me anymore. He wants to be here for Kenji…but not for me…' She thought, feeling a lump in her throat.

Kenshin fought with himself, thinking, 'What do I say…I can't just say that leaving her is the biggest regret of all…what if she finally tells me that she has gotten over me?'

He had come very close to telling her that he still loved her many times, but always stopped himself in fear that she might not feel the same way.

He sighed inwardly. 'I have to stop evading this…I can't keep running from her. I'll tell her how I really feel, and if she doesn't feel the same way still, then I will deal with it. Like a man should.'

The red head took a deep breath, preparing to spill the truth, but stopped when he saw tears in her eyes. "What is it, Kaoru?" He asked and she turned her head away as she stood.

"It's ok, Kenshin. You don't have to tell me anything. I think that I already know."

He got up, looking wide eyed at her, feeling helplessness overtake him as he listened to her tone. "Kaoru, what do you mean?"

She remained turned away from him, clenching her fists. She finally turned and he was taken aback by her stare. It looked devoid of any emotion and it unnerved him greatly. "It's ok, Kenshin. I can live with this."

His mouth dropped open as he felt confusion sweep over him. "Live with what?" He asked carefully.

"If you want to marry me for Kenji's sake, then I accept that. After all, it would make the transition easier."

He could practically feel the bitterness as it seeped from her and he found himself reaching towards her, mouth gaping as it sunk in. "You think that I would really marry you just for Kenji?" He said astoundingly.

She laughed, no humor in the sound. "Ok, then, maybe you could just move in. Then we wouldn't have to get married. Kenji would just ask why we sleep in different rooms when he's old enough to notice." Hot tears slipped unbidden down her cheeks as her heart thudded painfully in her throat.

Kenshin shook his head in disbelief. 'Is this how she has been feeling all along?'

Before he could respond, she had rounded away from him, going to the edge of the roof. Stopping, she looked down, her eyes hidden by her hair. "Good night Kenshin." She leapt down swiftly and was gone to her room in a flash.

He stared at the spot where she had been moments earlier, a torrent of emotions running through him. On one hand, he was upset because Kaoru had been feeling this all along and couldn't tell him. On the other hand, he felt a spark of optimism light within him.

'So she really doesthink that I would only want to marry her for Kenji's sake…if that thought makes her this upset, then that means…'

His eyes widened as hope crossed his face, and found himself smiling widely as he leapt down to the ground. He looked to the direction that Kaoru had disappeared to, contemplating on whether or not he should try to talk to her tonight.

He shook his head, making his way to the gate. "I'll let her alone tonight."

Opening the door, he shut it softly behind him. "But when I come back tomorrow, I'll tell her how much I still love her."

Kenshin grinned as he stepped lightly, feeling relieved and happy as he thought, 'She must still love me…'

For the first time in five years, he felt pure happiness flow through him.

"Things will set finally set themselves right, the way they should be."

Kaoru opened her eyes, feeling her head immediately begin to ache. She groaned softly as she rolled over, tucking herself into a ball under her covers. Last night flashed before her mind and her eyebrows furrowed together.

"I am so stupid…I should have just told him how I felt. That way, he would just tell me himself that he didn't feel the same way and I could stop this silly hoping." She said to herself.

She glanced out her window, noticing the sun was up already. "I need to get up…Kenji probably has been up for awhile…" She felt guilt hit her as she thought of Megumi having to take care of her son. Megumi always denied having any problem with it, but Kaoru didn't want to take advantage of her sister.

"Uh…I don't want to get up!"

There was a soft rap on her door and Megumi's voice rang out softly. "Kao-chan? Are you awake?"

"Come in Nee-chan. I'm up." She answered and her sister slid the door open. Megumi's eyes widened slightly at Kaoru's depressed appearance, but let it go, instead saying, "You have a visitor."

Kaoru felt anxiety twist at her insides as she sat up. 'Kenshin's here already?'

She didn't know if she was prepared to hear what he had to tell her yet. "Ok, tell them I'll be right there. Thanks Nee-chan." Megumi smiled as she shut the door.

She got dressed quickly and grabbed a brush, running it through her hair. She set it down and looked in her mirror once before heading out the door.

Rounding the corner, her heart began to beat faster with anxiety. She stopped, surprise filling her momentarily as she saw Enishi standing there.

He saw her and smiled as he waved. "Ohayou, Kaoru. Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

Kaoru forced a smile as she walked over to him, shaking her head. "No, it's ok. I just haven't been feeling very well, so I guess I over slept a bit." He smiled widely at her and she felt her nervousness rise. 'I need to tell him…'

Kaoru cleared her throat, asking. "How was your trip?"

She folded her hands in front of her as he responded, "It was long and tedious. I'm glad it's over. We finally talked the many land owners around there into allowing for the construction of our railroad there."

She nodded as she tried to seem interested. Smiling, she motioned for him to follow her to the porch, where she sat down.

Sitting close to her, he beamed, "So how have you been these weeks?" He asked and she smiled, though no light reached her eyes. He caught it and was immediately concerned.

"Um…Enishi, there's something we need to discuss…"

Her voice was slightly cracked and he felt his heart sink. 'Don't tell me…'

"I have to tell you this. I can't keep lying to myself…or to you for that matter." She continued and his eyes widened. "Enishi, while you were gone, I realized something…something very important."

She looked seriously at him and he blinked. "What is it, Kaoru?" He asked, feeling dread growing in his stomach. She sighed as she looked down.

Finally, she met his gaze, willing herself to be strong as she said, "Enishi, I realize that I can't return your feelings…and I can't keep trying when I realize now that it would be a loosing battle. You are a kind man, who has been nothing but nice to my son and I. And I thank you for that. But…" She trailed off as she saw the utter rejection in Enishi's eyes.

Kaoru felt sorrow tug at her and she looked down again. "I'm so sorry, Enishi. I truly am."

He looked at his feet, feeling refusal to accept her words rise in him. "What happened while I was gone, Kaoru?" He stared at her.

She was silent for a time, but finally answered, "Kenji's father returned."

He looked up at her, disbelief in his eyes. "How…how did he find you? I mean, I thought that it was a one-night stand? You didn't even remember his name? So how is it possible that he remembered yours after all these years?"

He was totally confused and Kaoru felt like the worst person in the world. "Enishi, I-"

Kaoru was cut off as the gate burst open and Kenshin walked in, a huge grin on his face, calling as he went, "Kaoru? Where are you? We need to…talk…"

She watched as he slowed to a stop, his eyes wide as he saw the other man beside her. 'Oh great! He has the WORST timing ever!' She felt as her breath constricted. She turned to Enishi and her eyes opened wide.

His usually kind face was a mask of hate, and it was then that she could feel it coming from him in waves as he stood, gritting his teeth. "Himura Kenshin…" He ground out, clenching his fists.

'He knows him?' She asked silently and looked to Kenshin.

Her heart stopped as she viewed his face as well. It was clear of emotion, his eyes dull and lifeless.

'What is going on?' She thought frantically.

"Yukishiro Enishi…" His voice was dangerously low and Kaoru shivered involuntarily. She hadn't heard that silky tone from him since their Hitokiri days.

Enishi took a step towards Kenshin, raising a fist, his voice forceful. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing." Kenshin snapped back coldly. Kaoru winced as his eyes flitted to her before returning to the other man.

"I was visiting Kaoru when you rudely interrupted our private conversation!"

Kenshin felt jealousy rage through him and allowed his anger to come to his eyes. "Well. Don't let me interfere any longer then."

He whirled away and Kaoru stepped forward, calling out, "Kenshin! Don't go!"

He stopped, but didn't turn. "I will let you finish your private conversation before we talk." Kaoru watched him open the gate and flinched as it slammed shut behind him. She turned to Enishi, who's face was red with rage.

He felt his anger rise rapidly as everything finally made sense; the red hair, the name Kenji… "So, he's the father…"

She nodded dumbly. "I didn't know you knew each other…" She said quietly and he looked at her, feeling disgust rise within him.

"He killed my sister."

Her eyes widened. Suddenly, everything fell in place. "Why didn't I realize who he was before…?"

Enishi. The name of Tomoe's brother. Tomoe…the woman who had given Kenshin his first scar.

"I can't believe this Kaoru. What is going on?" Enishi stopped at the gate, pinning her with a stare that was akin to dislike.

Kaoru's eyes widened as her palms began to sweat. "I…Enishi, I'm so sorry…I didn't realize- where are you going?" She yelled out as he turned on heel and stalked away.

"To settled matters with the Battosai." He stated as he walked through the already open gate,

Kaoru felt her mouth go dry, panic seeping into her. "What is he planning to do?"