Rurouni Kenshin © Nobuhiro Watsuki
Beta Reader: Kokoronagomu
Cat Tales
49
Kenshin slowly placed Kaoru against a fallen log, taking care of the burns on her back, and then slumped back down at her side. Sweat plastered the back of his shirt and the bangs on his red hair to his skin, it was not a sensation he found pleasant. "Kaoru…"
"I'm fine," the female Esper said with an edge to her voice. Apparently this was not the first time he asked. "I should have gone with Enishi," she finally said with a bitter tone.
Cold swept through the winds and it only made their bodies shiver under the onslaught. Night had caught up with them in the woods. While the wild animals posed a minor threat to them, it was the drop in temperature that had them more worried.
"You didn't have to come with me," agreed Kenshin sourly. He shifted a little away from the black-haired, blue-eyed female, "You didn't have to save me either."
A rough bark left Kaoru's lips, "I went with Enishi to protect you," she shot angrily, "Do you think I would have let that Halfling hurt you?" She tried to cross her arms over her chest but the motion made the muscles of her back stretch and she hissed involuntarily.
Kenshin reached for her but withdrew at the last moment. Then his violet gaze hardened, "I do not need your protection, Kaoru," he forced out of his clenched teeth, "Though I appreciate it."
Rage settled on her blue orbs and an ugly frown marred her face, "How do you know? You are but a mere human! Nothing like me!"
Her voice cut through Kenshin's heart like a sharp katana and his body jerked up and away from her. Red, messy hair came undone with the force of his rage and it covered part of his face randomly, "Then why did you protect me? Then why are you still here with me? Just go with Enishi and leave me be!"
Kaoru's eyes widened and tears sprang up when he turned his back to her and stalked towards the forest angrily. She stood up, ignoring her pain, and ran after him, "Kenshin! Please, wait! Kenshin!"
To be continued..
Words: 354
Posted at RK_Challenge on April12th, 2012
Prompt: A moment
