WHEN THE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND YOU

By: Chiki Yumeshisa

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin……all original ideas/characters are mine to claim though. No stealing please.

Warnings: Funeral scenes, Twister, and tests! . Be afraid. Be very afraid. MELLOWNESS TIME FRAMES RANGE BETWEEN DAYS AND WEEKS FOR SOME SCENES! Alert! No flames please as you have already been warned.

AN: Ah! LATE update this week because the site was giving me troubles on Sunday. That said, I hope none of you are upset about it. Thanks for the reviews. Once again, my apologies for posting late, but see, the chapter was done and ready to go, it's the website's fault.

On with the show! (or story)

Chapter 37: - Changes -

Okita also got to his feet, as his father stormed into the room. He grabbed Hikaru's pale arm with his crushing grip, raising it up and shaking it.

"Explain yourself!" He cried, angrily. "Is this what you've been taught?"

Her lip trembled. She had broken some of the ground rules he had made for her. She had almost thought of herself as equal to Okita. She was terrible! Her brown eyes filled with tears.

"Can't you even obey simple rules!" Okita-san raged, "Get out of my sight, you curd!" And with that, he threw her backward, her colorful robes flying in a disarray, as she crumpled to the floor. He looked to backhand her, and she covered her head in fear, with a gasp, and waited for the impact to hit.

But it didn't come because Okita stepped in the way blocking the strike. His eyes were fierce and his shout was almost deafening.

"Don't you dare lay a finger on my fiancée, father!"

And in confusion, Okita-san stepped back. His son continued. "Last time I checked, she wasn't going to be your wife, but mine. So I will be the one to tell her what to do, and when to do it. Not you."

Hikaru watched the whole exchange, breathlessly. What would happen? Would she get kicked out?

An eternity seemed to pass, before Okita-san let out a sly grin, nodding. He clapped his son on the back, heartily. "Good! Good! I'm glad to see that you are finally willing to learn your place, my boy." His eyes narrowed to Hikaru, who cowered away. "Make sure you teach her hers."

Okita didn't move a muscle, he just watched as his father walked away. In truth, he was terrified, but he was also proud: he had managed to get what he wanted without there being a fight. He was secretly relieved: he hadn't wanted Hikaru getting hurt. He turned to her.

"Kobayashi-san……."

She pressed her hands to her face, her head bowed. "Get up." He told her quietly.

"I'm sorry, sir…..I shouldn't have acted that way….please forgive me."

She flinched back, when Okita knelt next to her, offering her his handkerchief. "What are you talking about, Kobayashi-san? Come on, now……"

She stared at the cloth in his hand for a few moments, before shaking her head. "I was wrong to break the rules. I was wrong to even think that I……..I could be normal like any other girl…..you must hate me……"

Okita began to wipe her face for her, seeing that she wouldn't get the cloth herself. She stood frozen into place, more than perplexed. "Don't be silly. You are normal, and it wasn't wrong of you to think that way. In fact, I encourage you to." He tilted her chin to him again, his eyes sparkling. "I don't think I could ever hate you."

She hesitated, before asking, "A-aren't you going to order me around like you said you would?"

"No." He answered. "I just had to say something to get him off our backs." He helped her to her feet. "I'm really sorry about all that. My father can hurt me all he wants, but it's the last thing I want for him to hurt you."

She shakily dusted off her kimono. "It is my fault, sir…." She began.

He shook his head. "I don't want to hear that. And I told you before, my name is Okita. Can you please call me that?"

Despite her misery, she smiled, nodding. She had taken the handkerchief from him to compose herself, and now she tried to hand it back. He held up his hand, declining it. "You can keep that. It's quite late, so I suggest we head off to bed anyway."

She glanced at the forgotten meal behind them. "Yes, but first let me……"

"I'll take care of it." Okita told her firmly. "Get yourself some rest. I don't have maids and butlers for nothing, you know. I'm sure they know how to handle it."

Hikaru seemed hesitant. "A-are you sure?" She started to ask.

He gestured to the doorway. "I'm more than sure. Good night."

She glanced back again, taking a cautious step forward. "Good night…….." she sounded bewildered. She had thought that she would be punished, if not kicked out. And Okita was so different from his father, it almost took her breath away.

Once she was gone, Okita sighed. It was proving more difficult by the day. He took out his cell phone, and called Ai, who answered in a sleepy voice.

"Merry Christmas, Sou…….." Okita murmured.

She chuckled. "You too, Soushi. How have you been?"

"I'm coping." He answered good-naturedly. They had become best friends again, and he was comfortable with that. She seemed to be as well. Of course, neither could forget the past very easily, but they let it ride. "I hope things work out between us." He paused. "How about you?"

"Well, I'm leaving." She announced. "I got into the government school I told you about."

Okita smiled, letting his head thump slightly against the shoji doors, as he watched the maids and butlers clean up with disinterested eyes. "So you're really going to be a doctor? I wish you the best of luck."

Ai nodded, smoothing out the wrinkles on the bed she was lying on. Since her favorite color was green, the Shinomori's had made the room decorated to her tastes. Okita continued. "Just make sure you don't forget me."

Now, she rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, I'll make sure that I do that right away. Of course not, silly."

He stretched, and after a little lapse in the conversation, Okita murmured, "Before you go, Ai, I have something I want to give you. Okay?"

Ai nodded. "It's late…."

"I know. Good night." He answered. He suddenly felt so tired. He got up to go get ready for bed.

All of a sudden, Soujiro entered, a game board under his arm. His smiling face seemed slightly annoying at the ridiculous hour in the morning. "Yo!" He greeted cheerfully. "I came over later than expected.

Okita growled. "Do you realize what time it is?" Soujiro was supposed to have come over for dinner, but he was more than late. It was early morning for goodness sake!
Soujiro glanced at the clock, registered it for a moment, and then looked back at him, shrugging. "Yeah……..wanna play Twister Okita-san?"
He growled again. "Call me by my real name, Soujiro! And no-"

He didn't even get time to finish his sentence, as Soujiro began to open the box. "Reiko-san said she'd play!" He sang.

Okita choked. What?
At that moment, his elder sister came in, dressed in a baggy pair of pants and a loose tee-shirt. "Hey guys! Let's play!" She cried.

It was going to be a long night.


0-0-0-0-0

"K-Katsu!" She cried in surprise.

"I could recognize your voice anywhere." Katsu said warmly. "I'm glad you can still remember mine."

Kaoru grinned. She twirled the phone's cord around her finger. "You actually found me. How?" Leave it to Katsu to surprise her. She could almost see his careless shrug.

"Your ex-boyfriend goes to Takunara. He gave me your number."

That's right……, Kaoru thought, Katsu made it into Takunara too……

"I overheard Kiyosato-san and Yukishiro-san's conversation. There is only one Kamiya Kaoru that I know and am really familiar with." Katsu was continuing. "So I wanted to check it out for myself and see if it was true. You just upped and left without so much of a word to me. And then, I overhear you were going to the topmost richest school. Congratulations."

She leaned against the wall. "Thanks, Katsu. How have you been?"

"I'm good." He answered. "We never did get to compete at the last algebra exam before you left." He pointed out.
"I would have beaten you, square on." She retorted.

"Oh please," Snorted Katsu in good humor. "You know you're inferior to me."

She laughed. It was good to hear from him again. They had attended the same middle high together, and had even signed up for the same high school. The two had been fiercely competitive and had wanted to continue their competition until they went to University. Changes in Kaoru's life made that impossible though, and she felt bad for just leaving him. They talked for a long while, about school and about friends. Katsu didn't seem to care that their statuses were different when it came to school names. He still thought he could beat her in anything.

Kenshin woke to a foul smell. It bothered him, threatened to choke him. It was only obvious. He had fallen asleep next to the door leading to the adjacent kitchen. I didn't leave the stove on, did I? He thought, in a panic. He pushed himself to his feet, feeling groggy. He wiped away the traces of tears on his cheeks.

He could hear Kaoru's laughter ringing down the hall.

"Merry Christmas to you too." She was saying to whomever it was on the phone with her. When she hung up, Kenshin stepped forward.

"Who was that?"

She was still grinning. "It was an old friend, named Katsuhiro Tsukioka. We were just catching up on old times."

(Katsuhiro Tsukioka is Sanosuke's best friend from the Sekihoutai group in the anime series)

Out of the corner of his eye, Kenshin saw a cloud of black smoke wafting out from the kitching, snaking its way toward the. Kenshin ran into the room, smothered by the dark billowing clouds, caushing him to cough, and cry out, "Well, you're food's catching up on heat!"

Kaoru paled, picking up the fallen dishrag and running to the kitchen too. She began to fan at the smoke frantically. "Oh my god! I forgot all about the breakfast! I'm so sorry!"

"Turn it off! Turn the stove off!" Kenshin was crying.

Kaoru rushed to the stove, fumbling for the knob, and in the process, knocked over the pot full of water and miso mix. Fortunately for her, it didn't fall on top of her, but rather, fell to the side of the stove, and some splashed onto her arm.

Hissing in pain, she gave a little yelp, and backed away as the fire alarm began to people in protest, waking the rest of the household up.

So much for her surprise breakfast.

Kakujin and Hiroto got to work quickly in opening all the doors and windows of the house to let out all the smoke.

Kenshin reached Kaoru's side just as she slumped against the refrigerator's door, in pain. He grasped her shoulders, shaking her. "Are you okay? What on earth were you thinking, leaving your cooking alone?"

She looked up at him with terrified wide blue eyes. He sighed, not wanting to reprimand her any more than he already had. He set his jaw angrily, keeping his anger in check. He was upset that she had hurt herself, and furthermore, because he had been unable to stop her from getting hurt. If only he had gotten up sooner and earlier, none of this would have happened.

He couldn't help but blame Kaoru's stupidity. Couldn't she have checked what she was doing? Didn't she smell the smoke?

Kaoru could tell he was angry. She watched him get the medical kit she kept up in the cupboards just in case. His jerky movements told her that he wasn't all too happy, and that he was brooding. He silently began to apply the medicine to her wounded arm, without so much of a word. She hated that. "I'm sorry……" She whispered.

He pulled the gauze, frustrated. "It's fine." He said curtly. He began to pack up the kit, putting the tools away.

She nodded, mutely, knowing it was her fault to begin with.

Kenshin then started to clean up the kitchen. He noticed the box of miso mix next to the spilt water. A bit of his anger cooled down. He saw Kaoru sullenly fingering her burn wound, her face thoughtful.

He picked up the box, and without turning around he quietly reprimanded, "Be careful."

She looked up as he turned around, brandishing the box. He poked fun. "If you want, I'll teach you how to make miso soup."


0-0-0-0-0

The devastating news of Magdaria's death reached everyone in no time at all. Amakusa had arranged a funeral service for her on the day after Christmas in a cathedral, and Sanosuke was determined to go, even though it hurt so much. Megumi insisted that she'd go along with him, because she felt partway responsible – after all, she had been the doctor in the situation……

Misao, Omasu, Okon, Tae and Kaoru were shocked. It was another striking blow to their hearts.

And for Kaoru, it weighed heavier on her already profound loss over the past incidents. She liked Magdaria because the girl had been to caring and quiet, and she had been one of the few that accepted her right away.

Since she was going, Kenshin decided to go. After all, this was the girlfriend of his best friend, and a best friend of Kaoru's. Yahiko stayed behind with the two bodyguards.

Since Misao was going, Soujiro wanted to go too – just in case she needed comforting. The problem was, would he have the guts to go comfort her? Okita was going because his fiancée had been friends with her as well.

As word got out, it turned out that the majority of the school was to attend. They would rather go to that than sit through lessons. And besides, they all knew that it was Sanosuke's girl

There were some eulogies that were said, and had people crying in their seats.

Almost everyone was dressed in their Kojimachi Private High uniform, save Kenshin and a few others. He watched sadly as his best friend went up to say a few words to his loved one.
His heart ached for the guy – his heart wrenching words were slow and chopped up. He could hardly speak past his sobs. Sanosuke was never the type to cry. He must have really loved her…….

It was then that he realized - what would happen if it had been Kaoru?

What would he feel?

How would he react?

Sanosuke's words faded in his mind, and Kenshin could clearly see himself up there at the podium, taking his best friend's place, and in Magdaria's place in the coffin, was Kaoru. He felt his heart thump madly in his chest. In his mind's eye, he could see that Kaoru looked like she was sleeping.

Her hands were folded one on top of the other, her eyes closed for eternity, those long black tresses neatly combed and framing her face. He walked away from the podium, not quite believing his eyes. He stopped briefly by the open casket, staring at her.

Why did this happen?

Tears formed in his eyes, as he reached out a hand to touch hers. So cold…….so still…… his knees buckled and he fell to her side by the coffin, not wanting to let go. Maybe…...if he died too, he could be with her for eternity. Maybe, death would be less harsh than this pain he'd have to endure.

"I love you…." He murmured, tears falling down his cheeks.

Kenshin jumped, shaking his head. Sanosuke was on his knees next to Magdaria's coffin, his hand curled around her now limp one. He was crying.

It was all my imagination, Kenshin realized. Kaoru's not dead…….

Still he felt the tears on his cheeks. Oro…….when had he started crying? It was probably when he thought that it was Kaoru…….He lowered his head, a bit embarrassed for the tears, and a bit upset at himself – he shouldn't have thought that way. His hand reached out to take Kaoru's, and he squeezed it gently, letting her know that he was ready and willing to give comfort.

Soujiro was already giving comfort to Misao, who had turned into his surprised embrace, and started bawling. Magdaria had been with her since elementary, and they had been friends throughout middle school. It was a terrible loss. Soujiro felt bad for the woman in his arms, and pat her back, letting her know that it was okay to cry. Even though he felt sad, he was also very thrilled: wow! The girl of his dreams was in his arms, and he was enjoying every second of it.

Okon and Omasu and Tae weren't taking it so lightly either. They were suckers for drama, and now, a real one was being played out in front of them. And all those who didn't know Magdaria personally, were touched: they had missed the chance to meet a wonderful person.

Amakusa was trying his best not to break down in front of everybody. After all, he reasoned in his eulogy, she was in a better place now – it was better to rejoice than be sad.

He turned a bit, in the pulpit, looking down at his sister's body, and then at his sister's boyfriend, who still wept over her still figure. "Sanosuke…….." his voice rang out over the whole cathedral. Sanosuke looked up, at the mention of his name. Amakusa cleared his voice. Now he saw how wrong he had been. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior at the hospital – I should not have blamed you of her death. I'm sorry…….."

Sanosuke nodded, a half-smile making its way across his face, replacing the frown. "It's understandable….."

With that said, Amakusa felt a whole lot better. He began the closing statements, and everyone made their way toward the cemetery. Kenshin managed to get a ride with Soujiro, who was quite busy trying to settle a torn Misao. He shot Kenshin an apologetic look.

Just their luck, it was freezing outside, and luckily, the snow was melting allowing their feet not to freeze all too quickly. Everyone watched with heavy hearts as Magdaria was lowered into the grave.

Once all the rituals had been cast, everyone started to drift away. Kenshin hung back, waiting for Sanosuke to finish saying his prayers over her grave, and as Amakusa was talking to the people in charge of the cemetery. He read the sign on her tombstone: "May you rest in peace, Amakusa Sayo. In a better place, with God…….."

"Kenshin…." Kaoru started to say, but Kenshin shot her a look, and quietly asked her if he could have some privacy. She nodded, and went towards the glade, where a tree stood, leafless. She was far enough so she couldn't hear what was being said, but she was close enough to still see what was going on. She watched as Sanosuke got to his feet slowly, looking tired and worn out.

Kenshin took a step forward, not knowing what to say. "Sano…….."

"Hey, long time no see." Sanosuke said nonchalantly, stuffing his hands into his pockets. He seemed to be self-conscious. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"I'm sorry about what happened." Kenshin blurted, watching his best friend's eyes.

"So am I……." Sano answered quietly. "She struggled for so long….it's not fair."

Kenshin's eyes traveled back to the tombstone, which was almost completely covered with flowers. He saw that the date of death was on Christmas Eve. He decided not to point that out, and instead, glanced back to his friend, who stood rigid. He noticed something glinting between the folds of Sanosuke's school shirt. It was golden, and when he looked closer, he could see the shape of a cross. Surprised, he asked, "I didn't know that you became a Christian. When…..?"

Sanosuke shook his head, and showed him the cross. "It was Magdaria's. She gave it to me as a gift before she died – to remember her by." He choked on his last words, his hands clenching the small ornament tightly, and Kenshin brought his arms up to comfort his friend.

Since Sanosuke was taller than Kenshin, he had to crouch in order to bury his face into his best friend's shoulder. "Oh, it hurts…….." Sano mumbled through sobs. "I just wish…….."

Helplessly, Kenshin pat his back. It was a while before Sanosuke managed to regain his composure. He wiped his tears away, sheepishly. He tucked the necklace away again, before thanking the smaller boy. "I seem to be losing everyone close to me lately." He buttoned up his shirt, hiding the cross from view. "Even you left. Where did you go?"

"I had a misunderstanding with my Uncle. So I left." Kenshin answered truthfully. "I didn't mean to leave you without a word. It was selfish of me."

"You're damned right it was!" Sanosuke growled. "Leaving us all wondering what happened to you. When will you be coming back?"

Kenshin shrugged a bit, not knowing how to answer that question. He still hadn't made his decision. "I'm not too sure, Sanosuke – the new life I'm in right now is hard. I'll have to see what happens from here on."

Sanosuke nodded. "I see. Then take care of yourself, Kenshin. If you ever need help, you can always come to my place."

Kenshin shot his friend a watery smile, and watched as Sanosuke walked away, not once looking back. He didn't have the heart to. After a long while of just standing there, he made his way up to where Kaoru was waiting, her fingers knitted together. She looked up at him as he offered his hand to her to help her stand up. She took it.

Without looking at her, Kenshin told her, "Let's go home."

0-0-0-0-0

A week passed. New Year came and left, and Kenshin had gone with Kaoru and Yahiko to the nearest temple to pay respects and get some cards. It had been fun, and tiring.

Card – good luck charms, when you pop them open, there is a coin and a charm that tell you a fortune for the New Year. It is about the size of a business card.

He had gotten a good fortune. It read, "Good things will befall you this year, and you will be able to conquer all." He was happy with that. He was getting nervous because his test for Queen's High School was coming up, and he didn't feel very confident. He had never had to do this in his life. He hoped that the card read true.

Queen's High had no uniforms, and luckily because he had no money to get one. He had returned his Kojimachi Private High one to the store, getting some money back. With that, he was able to get some decent jeans and a tee-shirt. He wasn't used to non-brand clothing, but he could no longer complain.

He stayed up nights to read through the books that Kaoru supplied for him, while taking care of Kenji. He found the material to be very hard, but he forced himself to. Kaoru patiently taught him, sitting by his side sometimes to listen to him recite dates and facts.

She came upon him one night, as he was sitting by the living room table, reciting out loud to himself. He sounded tired and bleary. Time and again, he would turn to hush a cranky Kenji.

She listened for a few minutes, afraid to interrupt. He was getting all the facts right, and she didn't want the information to fly out of his head once she entered the room. He stumbled a few times, but finally finished the long list that Kaoru had been trying to carve into his head.

She entered then, and gleefully wrapped her arms around his neck. Being as tired as he was, his reflex hadn't told him that she was there, and he was surprised when the strong smell of Jasmine filled the air and soon after, he was in a crushing grip.

"You did it!" She cried, happily. "You memorized it." She pulled away a little and he tilted his head back to look up at her. His purple eyes were dim with fatigue, but the light of pride shone in them.

"I did, didn't I?" He pat the baby in his arms as it started to cry. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Kaoru grinned down at him. "Yes, you did it. And I believe you can pass that test easily."

Kenshin gave her a weak smile back. "We'll see." His mind wasn't really on the fact that he had done well, it was on the meaning behind it. He took her arms from around his neck and pulled her to sit down next to him.

"I've got something I want to tell you." He said seriously.

Her breath caught in her throat as his eyes seemed to bear into her. She hoped to hear that he loved her. She was aching to tell him her feelings, but was worried that she'd break their new-found friendship. She knew that he would probably never feel the same way about her…….but she could always dream…..

Kakujin and Hiroto were sitting down playing cards silently at the far end of the room, having promised their young master that they would make no noise and that they would listen to him recite. They hadn't listened to him, really, but now they perked up, eagerly. Each one shot a look to his partner. Finally, the young master had gotten the courage. How would he say it though?

They were all disappointed when Kenshin announced quietly, "I've been keeping something from you for a long time." He shifted his weight before saying, "My uncle has been sending people here to get me back. Nakamura-san came too, and I promised her that I would make up my mind." He looked down, rubbing his ankle with his thumb, trying to find the right words to say.

"I finally made up my mind though. I've decided that I'm not going back. I'm going to get into Queen's and…….and work. I've gone for the interview and I got the job.

"It will be hard, but I can't bring myself to ever go back." The words "do you know who I am? I am the one who raised you – took you in, and your insolence is how you repay me?" rang in his head. He felt so ashamed and hurt; he didn't have the courage to go face his Uncle again. And even if he did, nothing would ever be the same. He didn't want that. It was better that he stayed away.

Kaoru nodded slowly. "If that is what you plan, then go ahead." She told him quietly. "I'll help you, if I can."

He nodded gratefully. "I won't stay forever though. I'll try and save enough to get me my own place so that I won't be such a burden to you."

"No, you're not a burden." She told him sincerely. "If you want to stay here, I have no objections. It's just that…..Are you sure? What about Nakamura-san? Did you tell her?"

Kenshin looked away, not wanting her to see his face, his tears. He missed her with a vengeance and he didn't want to tell her. "No. I'm not going to."

"What!" Kaoru practically shrieked. "You have to! She has every right to know. As does your Uncle."

"I can't tell her, Kaoru. I don't want to break her heart." He told her hoarsely.

She placed her hands on her hips in exasperation. "Well, it will break her heart more if you don't. And besides, no one else can but you. She's got to hear it from you."

He didn't respond. He chose not to. His head started to spin and he turned to Kakujin and Hiroto, who had stopped playing and was watching their young master curiously. They had stayed with him, in hopes that maybe one day he would return. This news was a shock. "I want to release you two." He said quietly. "I don't want to hold you bound to me like this: you don't deserve it. Please, go back to my Uncle and work for him."

"Young Master….." Kakujin started to say.

Kenshin held up his hand to silence him. "No. This is my last instruction for the both of you. Please, obey it."

Hiroto stood up and nodded, Kakujin getting to his feet as well. They both seemed confused and surprised. They both gave him a salute, and slowly exited the room. Kenshin didn't watch. It was time to get rid of all of his past life, even if it meant giving up his friends and family too.

"Kenshin, are you sure?" Kaoru asked, once she heard the front door slam shut. She noticed he was looking away, his bangs covering his face. She hesitantly got up and did as she had done before. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and comforted him.

0-0-0-0-0

As Kaoru was finishing up the dishes, she hummed a tune under her breath. She recited the table of elements in her head for the mere fun of it, hoping that it would pass the time faster. She was waiting for Kenshin to return with the groceries she had sent him out to get. And besides, she was hungry. Of course, after the incident that had happened, Kenshin didn't trust her fully with the use of the stove without him being present.

He seemed more subdued lately, not saying much, reducing his sentences to mere words sometimes. Kaoru was beginning to get really worried about him. It wasn't like him at all to suddenly become so quiet and…..well, obedient. Sometimes, she would catch him staring off into the night while she tried to teach him. And when she scolded him about it, he would instantly go into apologizing.

It was quieter now that Hiroto and Kakujin were gone. And although she hated to admit it, she missed their comments and the way they made fun of Kenshin. It was as if all life had been drained out of Kenshin, and he didn't want to function properly anymore.

Kenji began to cry from the living room, and she heard Yahiko's annoyed bark. He was studying and had been interrupted. "Kao-nee! When are you going to be returning this annoying thing!"

She came out, wiping her hands on the dishrag. "Soon. I think I have another two weeks to go." She picked it up, scowling. "Don't yell at it, Yahiko, or else the chip will react and think that I'm abusing the child."

Snorting in disgust, her brother went back to reading.

She heard the front door open, as she was cradling the child, trying to find the plastic bottle. It was probably hungry. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard a little voice call out, "Kao-neechan! We're home!"

A rush of giddy excitement filled her and she stumbled toward the door, only to see two little girls running eagerly toward her, their little arms spread open and waiting for a hug. She complied naturally, gathering them into her embrace. She could hardly believe her eyes.

"Ayame-chan……..Suzume-chan…….what are you……..?"

Suzume grinned, nuzzling her face into Kaoru's yukata. "Ken-nii dropped by and picked us up. He said you could play with us!"

"Let's play, Kao-nee!" Ayame chorused. They began to tug at her robes. She hushed them, promising them she would, and she stood up, to welcome Kenshin in as he stepped in the doorway.

And in her surprise, she dropped the baby she was holding.

"Kenshin!"

He smiled self-consciously, as she covered her mouth in alarm. He averted his eyes, a little embarrassed at her shock.

Kenshin's hair had been cut.

"Does it look that bad?" He asked, wryly.

She slowly made her way to him, still in shock. Ayame saw Kenji and picked him up, following her older sister towards Kenshin. "Why……..? When?" She fingered the short strands, her blue eyes clouded in confusion.

He hoisted his bag up a bit more on his shoulder. "I got it done at the barber's today, while I was in town." He answered, casually. He had cut it so that it didn't even reach his shoulders. It was cut to just above his nape, the red strands hanging loosely now, instead of tied back into a ponytail. "It was getting hard to handle anyway – hard to clean. And besides, I decided, a new life, a new look…..you know what they say……."

Kaoru still couldn't believe it. "A-are you sure, Kenshin?"

He gave her a tight-lipped smile. "It's already been done, Kaoru."

"But……."

"If you don't like it, you could just tell me." He said quietly, entering the house fully and walking past her. He had fallen into his sullen mood again, and it baffled her.

She followed him, her little sisters in tow. "I didn't say that, Kenshin. I think it looks good. It's different…….but it's nice."

He opened the refrigerator and started putting away the groceries. "Thanks." He said monotonously.

Kaoru watched him. Her voice grew small. "Don't be mad." She whispered. "I really do like it."

His hands froze. His voice came out less harsh. "I need to get used to it too. But I will in time." He began to put away the items again. "I'll be taking that test sometime this week."

Kaoru picked up Suzume, who was begging to be carried. "You'll do fine, I know." She squeezed the child to her, happy to be able to see her sister again after so long.

He stood up, dusting his hands off, and smiling down at the kids. "I think so too. Now, you guys leave me here and go play, while I make dinner." He winked at Kaoru. "I thought you'd like to see them again. I'll bring them back home before the day is out."

She gave him a bright smile, and ushered her siblings out of the room. He heard them squeal out Yahiko's name and start bugging him too. He was glad that he was able to make Kaoru happy.

Running a hand through his cropped hair, he pulled up his sleeves and began to gather his ingredients. He had bought extra – he had started his job two days after he had made Kakujin and Hiroto leave, and had used his first paycheck to make an extra special meal. It was time for some sushi.

Working wasn't very easy, and he found he didn't quite like working in an office. The filing he had had to do had given him more paper cuts than he could count. It was quite onerous to have to match up load numbers and put them in order. It was annoying that the numbers ranged from 2 digits to more than 6. However, he was happy that he was able to accomplish something by himself. So…..this is what it felt like to earn your own money. It was difficult.

He began to boil the rice and prepare the vegetables. He could hear Kaoru in the next room, chatting non-stop with her little sisters. Again, the thought that they were so happy despite their poverty baffled him. He didn't quite yet understand………

The knife slipped and sliced his finger a bit.

He lifted the finger away from the food and stared at the cut.

Blood.

His mind turned to Kaoru, and then he began to clean the wound.

I thought so…


0-0-0-0-0

Kenshin walked in the darkness. It was quite cold….but it might have been because of the open window of his bedroom.

He paused. His bedroom? He had left this……far behind…….but….?

In confusion, he turned around to survey his surroundings. In the dimness, he realized that it wasn't quite his room: it was his room from when he had been much younger. He wondered what he was doing there.

A dream?

It probably was. But then, why was it so cold?

He heard a sound, and he shifted to see where it had come from. His heart froze when he saw a figure come into the room. It was his Uncle, his black hair tied up into a ponytail at the base of his neck. His powerful arms gripped a sword, his white cape draped over his shoulders.

He watched as the sword clattered to the floor, seemingly forgotten. He heard him cry, "Kenshin!"

I'm right here……..

He found he couldn't speak. He just watched as his uncle rushed toward the open window, and crouched by it. Curiosity perked the teenager, and he made his way to see what it was that his Uncle was doing.

The scene seemed strangely familiar, and he held his breath, hoping that nothing bad had happened to Nakamura.

He saw a puddle of blood, and the scent of it made his head reel in disgust. His Uncle lifted a figure, his white cloak starting to get stained with the red liquid.

Kenshin's heart stopped for a split second.

In Hiko's arms, he held……..Kenshin……..

Oro…….that's me…….Kenshin thought frantically. It was a tiny version of himself; around the age of five or six years.

Nakamura suddenly appeared behind Hiko, leaning over the small boy's body. Kenshin saw that the little boy had a deep wound by his upper right shoulder. It was bleeding profusely, and the little boy seemed to be in shock, crying. He heard the boy whimpering, "Uncle Hiko………Uncle Hiko…….Uncle Hiko….." again and again and again.

"I'm right here Kenshin……." Uncle Hiko was saying. "We've got to get him to a hospital right away." Nakamura nodded, and rushed to get help.

"Don't leave, Uncle Hiko?" the child Kenshin was begging.

"I won't. Just hold on, Kenshin." His uncle told him. "I shouldn't have left you alone…….Oh God, it's all my fault……."

Kenshin was frozen in his spot, unable to go after them, and unable to even call out.

He came awake, finding himself in a futon, in the bedroom that Kaoru had given him.

It was still cold.

The window to the bedroom was open too.

It had been a dream.

But at the same time, Kenshin remembered that scene. It had been when Jineh had attacked him back then. His Uncle had left the room, and had left Kenshin alone. He had been seriously hurt and had had to have his arm in a sling for almost two months. Jineh had managed to escape, but because of the incident, Hiko had made sure that Jineh's company was shut down.

Why had he gotten that dream? He got out of bed, to close the window. He took a breath of the cold air, which stung at his cheeks. His numb fingers managed to pull the shutters closed.

Shaking his head, Kenshin made his way back to bed. He had to get his rest: the test was tomorrow.

He was still baffled by the time he got up in the morning. Kaoru was already awake, dressed in a bathrobe and flower printed pajamas. She looked tired, but she smiled brightly at him. "Good morning!"

Kenshin smiled back and nodded. He got ready for his big day. He realized he was really nervous. He had never had such a big test to do before. Even exams didn't bother him, but this…..

Kaoru was already ready for school when he came out. She looked wide awake now. "You have your test today, don't you?" She asked.

He nodded again.

Her hands clasped his arms. "Don't be worried, you'll do great. I believe in you." She told him. "I would come and root for you, only, I have school too. But I'm sure you'll be fine. Just don't be late for the exam or else you won't be able to write it."

Kenshin inclined his head once more, and her worried blue eyes looked up at him. "Are you okay? Is there something wrong?" She asked.

He sighed, realizing that he was less worried than she was. He gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Kaoru. You'll be late for school."

She brightened. "Try not to be so distant, Kenshin. It makes me wonder if you're really all right." She leaned up and gave him a small hug. "I'll see you after school!" She said quietly. "I'm off."

"Take care." He told her.

The feel of her warmth still lingered in his arms, and the scent of Jasmine was still in the air.

He could do this, he knew!

He closed the door behind him, taking care that it was locked firmly before walking to the bus stop. Imagine that…….he thought ruefully, I'm taking the bus! He didn't mind one bit though, as he liked the feel of walking.

He took a seat at the very back, and began to review everything he had learned. He was still reciting it in his head when he reached the tall building where he was to write the exam.

The butterflies returned. He glanced at his watch. He was 10 minutes early. That gave him time to relax before actually starting the test. He cleared his mind, as he was accustomed to doing before a Kendo match, and made his way up to his designated classroom.

Students were rushing in the hallway, not wanting to miss their exams. Kenshin quickened his pace too. But it slowed once he reached the door to his classroom.

His footsteps died down as he stopped all together, staring in blank shock.

A figure stood by his class, leaning casually by the door.

Kenshin took a step back.

"There you are……." The voice drawled.

"Uncle Hiko…….what are you doing here?"

To Be Continued...

AN: . Please don't hurt me guys! The chapter wrote itself! (Ducks for cover) I hope you guys liked it! Should I give a preview for the next chapter? Very well! Kenshin goes to Yahiko for advice………on women!

Chiki loves you guys! With all the reviews and the encouragement, she is on a roll!

IMPORTANT: Answers to questions that have been asked. Please read!

CLASS ROOMS: In Japan, depending on what school you go to, it is common that the teacher is the one that moves classes, while the students stay put in one class. Why is this done? Well, firstly, to create stronger bonds with other students. Secondly, to make sure that students aren't always in the hallways. That is partially why the halls are always so clean! (That and the fact that students clean up after themselves when the school day ends). Lastly, I believe it is because that is tradition. It's been that way for a long time.

Some schools however, have begun to change, and have students switch classes instead. Perhaps, the teachers are just lazy. (coughs) But I would suppose not: The system of the student moving classes gives them the opportunity to make friends with other students. It all depends on what school is attended.

CLUBS/ACTIVITIES: When it comes to after school activities, the school board wishes for every student to participate in something. After all, school can't be all about work. Choir is usually a required subject in most schools, though I do believe this is only for elementary school kids. Band is an after school activity that is required in some schools, for others, it is optional. I hope that answers Lilfrozenfire's questions.

CHARACTERS: in this story, characters are based on certain people in my life. For example: Ai Sou is based off of a friend of mine named Ki. She had the problem of going to a government school. Okita is based off a friend named Yoite who has a sad past. Hikaru is based off Yoite's girlfriend/fiancée, Keiko. Etc. etc. so all side stories are original, with some added spice. NAKAMURA-SAN, HIROTO, KAKUJIN, and AI are all original characters. NAKAMURA-SAN is based off my own maid. ; The Weird One, and any others that had questions about characters, this answer is for you.

MARRIAGES: No, nowadays, arranged marriages are NOT common. Though it still happens, it's very rare. Less than 5 of Japan still carries this tradition, I would say. Usually, in arranged marriages, there is a trade off for a son or a daughter. Higher class people usually do this. Luna-chan, did that help?