Disclaimer: I do not own RK. Warning on the slight lemon-y contents of this chapter. Other than that, please enjoy =)

~o~o~o~

It was night time and the formal ceremony has ended. Their family and friends have already left and the newly-wed couple were also on their way home.

Kaoru felt a little awkward sitting at the passenger seat beside her new husband – just the thought of calling Kenshin as her "husband" made her blush.

"Are you okay?" Kenshin pressed his hand against hers to check on her. He was driving the car to the mansion.

"I guess I'm still not used to us being together... like this, you know?" She answered in all honestly – which was understandable to Kenshin.

"No need to overthink things. We'll have each other along the way." Kenshin offered a promise of riding the tide together. His genuine smile erased all of Kaoru's anxiety.

The big white mansion that was the Himura residence was already within sight. As the car was put to a halt, Kaoru reminisced the last time she'd been there. It was a bittersweet memory. She thought it was the last time she'd ever be there.

"Let's go inside?" Kenshin extended his hand as he stood by the passenger door. Kaoru looked at his hand and something within her clicked. This was her new life now, and Kenshin was a new constant in it. Kaoru relished the warmth of his hand that offered her an assurance. There was really nothing to worry about, she said to herself.

"Welcome home." Kenshin said.

"I am home." Kaoru answered.

There was a feeling of warmth and familiarity as she looked at the surroundings again. Nothing has really changed – from the arrangement of the furniture, the decors on the living room, even the distinct scent of the house.

"Can I take a look around?"

"Of course, this house is yours now. You can do anything you want." Kenshin soon left to collect their things from the car.

Kaoru was particularly looking for that one place. A small room at the end of the hallway. When she had located her previous quarter, she immediately turned on the light. The room was bare. The beddings were not there anymore, there was no decor or anything.

Kenshin followed her into the room, curious to know what's on her mind.

"This brings back a lot of memories. I've spent a lot of time in this room." She began her recollection – those days when she was still his son's nanny.

"It didn't change a lot since you left." Kenshin suddenly recalled something. "I remember I slept here once. On this very floor." He was tapping his feet on the concrete floor.

Kaoru laughed softly. "Yeah, I don't know what got into you.. when you could've slept in your own room which is five times bigger than this."

"It is our room now." Kenshin said matter-of-factly. She became silent at that, another brush of pink painted her cheeks.

"What? It's not your first time there, right?" Kenshin playfully remarked. "I remember it clearly – " It was him who has the upper hand now.

Please don't remind me of that embarrassing phase of my life. She of course knew what he was referring to. That time when Kenji forced her to sleep with his dad. Sharing a room with Kenshin was the last thing on her mind back then. She remembered that she slept on his luxurious, fresh-smelling bed and how he vacated that said bed and slept on the couch instead. She did not expect that from him, and she also did not expect that Kenshin-her-previous-terror-boss looked like a baby while sleeping.

"And then you... you tried to kiss me."

Kaoru was now blushing profusely. Her cheeks and ears felt really hot.

Kenshin moved closer to her, his face wearing that signature smirk of his. "Well, I won't mind if you try to do it now."

He waited for a response or any reaction from her. But seeing her stoned as a statue at his teasing, he decided to let it go. He can save more of it for later. "I'll see you at our room. I'll be waiting.", he said with emphasis on the last word.

Kaoru saw him leave, and she exhaled a breath she didn't know she was holding. She sat on the bedside to collect her thoughts. Why was she acting that way? It's only natural that the two of them will be sharing a room together.

But then thoughts about the inevitable made her heart beat fast again. This is not a drill. It really is about to happen.

"Just relax Kaoru. This is all part of your married life. And there's nothing wrong with it." She mentally reminded herself. Despite her apprehensions, she was really determined to make it a perfect night.

With this newfound confidence, she began walking to the master's bedroom. Her hands trembled as she held onto the knob. One deep breath and she slowly opened the door.

Their private space was really big – with the infamous luxurious king-size bed situated at the center. There was a walk-in closet on one corner and a mini-living room on another. Kaoru felt shivers from the coldness of the room. It did not help that she was already feeling nervous inside. Her eyes scanned the room but there was no sign of Kenshin – yet. She heard some rustling sounds from within the bathroom.

Careful not to make any sound, she tiptoed to retrieve something from her luggage. It may not sound appropriate to read a book at that particular instance, but who knows? Maybe if the book was about "Tips & Tricks On How To Survive Your Wedding Night", then it should be okay?

Kaoru cradled the said book into her arms like her life depended on it. She carefully flipped on the pages to make sure she did not miss any important point.

"Note 1: Be calm"

Contrary to this advice, her heart was pounding really fast. After all, she's in the same room with Kenshin, and they were alone together. Kaoru fought to stay calm. It did not help that the sounds from within the bathroom already subsided, which meant he'll come out any minute now.

"Note 2: Understand your partner's needs"

A man such as her husband Kenshin had needs – and they were all detailed inside that book. As Kaoru scanned through them, her vision began to swirl. She really hoped she could make it through the night.

"Note 3: Be responsive to his actions"

She had not yet recovered from the trauma of the last item, and here she read more of those – in extensive detail. At this point, Kaoru started experiencing shortness of breath – and was her nose starting to bleed?

"Note 4: Be adventurous and open-minded"

This last panel showed different illustrations so shocking and incomprehensible to Kaoru, that she immediately closed off the dreaded book. She put it back to her bag where she was sure it would never see the light of day.

And just when she thought she had time to recuperate, something cold, with a bit of warmth, and a hint of fresh-smelling, hugged her from behind. Before she realised it, Kenshin already locked her in his arms, his head resting on her right shoulder as he planted a soft kiss on her neck.

"Glad you didn't take long." His voice was husky as he kissed the side of her neck. Kaoru shivered as that part was a sensitive spot, and she was tickled a lot. God, he smells so good!

Before her knees could give up on her, Kaoru managed to escape from his grasp and she turned to face him. What greeted her was a heavenly sight of Kenshin's form with his wet hair clinging to the half-unbuttoned sleeping robe he was wearing. God, he looks so fine and handsome!

Kaoru got frozen to where she was standing by the way Kenshin was staring at her. Come on Kaoru. Think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts!

But how can she do so? When without any warning, Kenshin started undressing himself. "Wait Kenshin... would you like to... umh – have some tea first? I'll just prepare something in the kitchen. I'll be right back."

Kenshin grabbed her wrist. "That's not necessary – " and he immediately pulled her closer to him. "Just stay here." Kaoru could smell the scent of aromatic lavender from his skin.

When it looked like her first attempt at somehow delaying things was not going anywhere, she decided to focus her attention to the TV on top of the console.

"Umh actually, there's this show I am closely following. I think it's airing around this time. Yeah – can we watch it first?" Kaoru took the remote and pressed on the buttons randomly. Her channel search stopped at the nature documentary channel where a lion was currently devouring its prey.

"So this is your favourite show?" Kenshin sat beside her on the bed side, struggling to hide the amusement at her awkwardness. He positioned himself farther into the mattress, so now his upper body rested on the headrest. Kenshin called Kaoru to lay beside him.

While she obliged, Kaoru's nervousness hasn't subsided one bit. She carefully placed herself close enough to Kenshin, though she was afraid to make any further contact. It's as if getting close to him would sting her.

"Come closer." He implored her for a snuggle. Kenshin placed his right arm over her shoulder as he comforted his obviously nervous wife. "Are you okay?"

"Yes." She nodded stiffly.

"You don't look like it."

Kenshin caressed her arm to hopefully calm her down. Slowly, her muscles started to relax and she shifted some of her weight against Kenshin. His chest was sturdy enough, so Kaoru rested her head on top of it.

What are you doing Kaoru? You are not supposed to mess this up! Remember the 4 tips: be calm, understand his needs, be responsive...

Kaoru forgot the others on the list. So she mentally recited again.

Be calm, understand his needs and ...

She was really struggling. She did not want to miss out on anything.

Be calm and... what was that again?

She never got to finish the notes she had on mind as her eyes were starting to get heavy and her vision was slowly turning dark.

~o~o~o~

She was feeling light. Her head rested well on the soft white pillow, her whole body was covered under a thick, luxurious blanket and the weather from her view of the window was perfect. Kaoru was still half-awake but the sunlight indirectly shining on her face forced her to wake up already. Hair still tousled from deep sleep, she got herself up and checked the surroundings. King-sized bed – check! Another set of pillow and blanket neatly folded beside her – check! Big room with walk-in closet and mini living room – triple check!

Kaoru's eyes grew big at the realisation. She instinctively inspected herself for anything different – but no, all she felt was that she was well rested and full of energy. She tried her best to recall the happenings of last night. She remembered she was reading that book of wonder, Kenshin invited her to the bed, she rested on his chest, and she – she fell asleep on him!

How in the world can she mess up their time together like that? Kaoru was totally disheartened. This was all not a part of her plan. Her husband did not deserve it.

Speaking of Kenshin, where was he? Kaoru quickly stood up to search the room, but her redhead husband was nowhere to be found. Only his neatly piled sleeping robe lay on the side table.

She then went outside where the fresh smell of coffee and baked bread greeted her senses. Shortly after, she met Kenji on the hallway.

"Good morning mommy Kaoru!" Kenji was smiling from ear to ear. The sight of his mommy back on the mansion was a welcome change to him.

"Hi baby. Did you sleep well?" She played with his hair a little. Kenji nodded and soon dragged her to the dining table.

The two of them sat beside each other for their first breakfast as a family – except that Kenshin was still nowhere in sight. Kaoru absentmindedly looked around for him, while assisting Kenji with his pancakes.

"You know what, mommy… Tsubame says I can mix peanut butter and jelly. I haven't tried it though. Can you put some on my pancake?"

Kaoru heard the kid but she was totally distracted at the thought of last night. She was worried about what happened to Kenshin. She heard Kenji say something about mixing two bread spreads together, so she made him a sandwich with those ingredients. Kenji happily munched on it and continued with his story telling – this time, about his classmates at school.

She was almost done with breakfast when her husband finally made an appearance. Kenshin was carrying some bulky items, which he would bring to the stock room. He then proceeded to get more things from the garage.

Kaoru grew worried since Kenshin did not seem to notice her and Kenji. When he came back a second time, Kaoru invited him. "Kenshin, let's eat breakfast?" She motioned for him to occupy a seat on the table.

"It's okay – I already ate earlier." He briefly looked at the two of them but then left for another round of stockpiling.

He did not return after. At this point, Kaoru could clearly tell that Kenshin was deliberately avoiding her. She could understand, however, that it was all her fault. She wanted so much to make last night a perfect one, but what she did was truly unforgivable. A heavy feeling built up inside her chest, and if she didn't do something about, she felt she might explode.

"Kenji, I'll just go talk to your daddy." She left the little kid to the care of the helper and followed to where Kenshin headed.

She did not see him in the stock room though. So she went back to their room to check further. Kaoru walked inside where Kenshin was busy arranging more things into the luggage.

She was nervous and worried to approach him. "Hey...", her voice was soft yet trembling. Kaoru wrapped her hands around Kenshin's waist and embraced him from behind. Kenshin was shocked at her action, but he did not say a word.

"I'm sorry, okay?" She could not control her emotions this time and she whimpered against his back. She hugged him tighter in apology.

Kenshin noticed that Kaoru was shaking, and a part of him ached too for making her feel that way. He faced Kaoru and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Why are you crying?"

This got Kaoru sobbing more as the emotions built up inside her became too overwhelming. "I'm really sorry for last night. I didn't want to ruin it... it's just that I was acting really stupid and I didn't want to disappoint you but I still did in the end and I'm sorry if I made you mad and – "

Kenshin put a finger to her lips to make her stop. The look of worry on his face assured Kaoru that everything was alright. "You don't have to apologise. And I'm not mad."

She somehow protested at his statement and complained. "Then why are you ignoring me? You did you not wake me up this morning. And you didn't even want to eat breakfast with me."

Kenshin couldn't help but let out a small laugh at how his wife worried herself over such things. "It's not like that. I just don't want to frighten you."

He then coaxed her for an embrace. "Come here.. I should be the one apologising."

Caressing her back to console her, he explained: "I can never get mad at you. I just don't want you to force yourself into doing things you don't want."

"It's not that I don't want to.. I'm just – "

Kenshin did not let her finish and just hugged her tighter. "Shhh... We still have our honeymoon and we need to prepare all our things. Let's just forget what happened, shall we?"

Kaoru clung onto his waist as she sunk her head deeper into his chest. "Okay…", she mumbled against him.

The misunderstanding was eventually settled and now Kaoru was looking forward to their honeymoon. She promised herself that she will make it up to him no matter what.

~o~o~o~

Hakone is a good two-hour ride from their home. The couple chose this as their honeymoon destination because as per Kaoru's request, she did not want to travel too far and she hadn't been to that mountainous town yet. Kenshin, being always busy with his work, has also not been to any part of the countryside yet.

They spent the day strolling around the town, visiting shrines and trying their local delicacies. Kaoru particularly liked the octopus balls because the food reminded her of her childhood – and it was also Kenshin's favourite now.

Kaoru was genuinely happy experiencing the local culture with him. Who would've thought that her once snobbish and intimidating boss would be her husband now? It's just their second day together as a married couple, yet Kaoru was reminded again of how lucky she was to be with him.

Kenshin was usually not one to enjoy simple things like walking along the quiet neighbourhood and enjoying the scenery. And yet here he was – holding Kaoru's hand as they walked the streets together. Kaoru hid the blush on her cheeks as some old folks looked at them while they strolled. Kenshin noticed her uneasiness, but instead of letting go of her hand, he held it tighter and pulled her closer to him. Kenshin did not mind the display of affection if it meant to say to the whole world that the woman beside him was his wife.

Perhaps the highlight of that trip was the tour of the one of the lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji. They boarded what they called a "pirate ship" and they were toured around the lake. Kaoru dragged Kenshin to the uppermost deck, where they got to experience the serene atmosphere of the lake up close. The view from the deck was too surreal, too romantic – that Kaoru thought those scenes only happen in the movies.

"This is for you." Kenshin gave her a bag with a small item inside. Kaoru opened it and saw two packets – one pink, one blue – wrapped in handmade silk fabric. They called it omamori, or lucky charms. Kenshin secretly purchased a pair when they visited the Shinto shrine earlier.

"It's a charm for couples and it's supposed to be carried all the time. They say the relationship will be blessed and protected with these. Mine's blue and yours is the pink one." Kaoru was left speechless at the surprise gift. Trust Kenshin to always pull something sweet and unexpected.

She did not know how else to repay him but to give him a peck on his left cheek. "I love this. I'll keep it safe, promise!"

Their first day of sightseeing has come to a conclusion and by early nightfall, they have already checked in to the hotel. After getting their room's key, the couple proceeded inside to get their much-needed rest.

"I'm so tired! But I enjoyed a lot today. Thanks for bringing me here, Kenshin." She said before planting another kiss on his cheek as token of her gratitude.

"I had a great time too." Kenshin answered by kissing her forehead.

Nothing prepared Kaoru for what she witnessed next. Kenshin started removing his jacket and scarf, then he unbuttoned his polo shirt. He was halfway through undressing himself when he heard a panicked inquiry.

"What are you doing?" Kaoru asked, voice heightened.

"We're getting started..." was his blunt reply as he continued to part the last buttons of his shirt.

"W-what do you mean?"

"We're getting started... with the bath."

Ahh, so that's what it is! Kaoru was petrified. She was about to scream in panic for a second there. Of course, it's only right that they take a bath after a long day right? What was she thinking, really?

Although relieved, she laughed awkwardly at that last embarrassing sequence and tried to divert the topic altogether.

"I have read good reviews about this place. They say the hot springs here are the best. It would be a waste if we don't get to try it, right?", and another awkward laugh followed.

"I particularly chose this hotel because they allow couples to bathe together."

Kaoru paused. Couples? Together? Bathing together? She felt like erupting. By the way her mind was playing with her now, there was no way she can make it out of that hot bath alive.

Kenshin saw that expression from her again – after all, she was very transparent with her feelings. And he felt like teasing her more. His wife really has this tendency to overthink and be very obvious about it.

"It would be a waste if we don't get to try it, right?" He mimicked what Kaoru said with a smug smile on his face.

She just stood there unmoving – not quite believing the situation she was in. Seeing that the teasing might be a bit too much, Kenshin approached her and gently brushed his lips against her as he assured her: "Don't worry. I told you I won't force you, remember? I'll be going on ahead."

Kaoru saw her husband enter the private onsen of their hotel suite. Somehow, she was relieved he did not insist. But a larger part of her berated herself for acting stupid again. Come on Kaoru, what happened to making it up to your husband? Don't tell me you're chickening out again?

"I'm not backing out!" Kaoru yelled at her conscience. She is after all, the great Kaoru Kamiya – make that Kaoru Himura – and she was not raised to simply back out of any situation. She's a strong-spirited woman – and challenges such as this one won't and can't bring her down.

Determined to make her point, she immediately retrieved her luggage bag in search of that one item she especially reserved for the impending war ahead.

"Where is it? I'm very sure I brought it." She continued searching her clothing articles inside that large luggage bag, but she still couldn't find it. She heard splashes of water from inside the bathroom, signaling her to pick up the pace. She wouldn't want Kenshin to see it – yet.

A few more minutes passed and at last, she found the item crumpled within its intricate packaging. She immediately retrieved it in time before the door of the bathroom opened.

Out went her freshly-bathed, a bit sweaty, handsome redhead husband – in all his half-naked glory. His upper body was now fully exposed, giving Kaoru a peek into his perfectly sculpted chest and hard-toned abs. Oh Kami, thank you so much for this feast! Kaoru was almost hyperventilating.

She looked further down and that damn bath towel hugging Kenshin's hips was too distracting, it felt like it might fall off anytime soon. Kaoru's eyes got glued to that random drop of water flowing from Kenshin's chin, travelling down to his chest all the way down his navel. Is her husband too damn gorgeous or what?

"Your turn." Kenshin spoke as he walked closer to her. From the looks of it, his new wife had spaced out again. "Do you need a towel?"

"I.. I don't think that's necessary. I'm already sweaty anyway." She did not know if she was making any sense, all she knew was that Kenshin had six perfectly-toned abs – and she had counted them just now.

"Are you alright?" Now, Kenshin's face was just a few inches away from her. Kaoru finally snapped out of it – and now, her vision shifted from the distraction that was his abs up to those glossy, purple eyes of his. Kaoru felt her cheeks redden heavily at the sudden realisation. Had she just fantasized in front of him? She just wanted to disappear at that very moment.

"Yeah, yeah.. al-right!" Kaoru stuttered and she quickly turned the other way to the bathroom. "I won't be long." She informed before closing the door behind her.

Finally having time to recover, Kaoru exhaled a deep sigh and she examined herself in the mirror. It was still a bit foggy, but she could see the traces of blush on her face. Damn, she really was a mess when it comes to Kenshin.

Compose yourself, Kaoru. You can't screw this up now. Kaoru nodded at herself in renewed determination. She removed her clothing one by one. She tiptoed to the cedar tub where a luxurious dip was waiting for her. She saw some rose petals scattered on top of the water, the scent of lavender and wood drifting from the mist.

She dipped a foot in, and later submerged her whole body for a relaxing bath. She momentarily closed her eyes to savour in the ambience. It was indeed a luxurious, almost sinful bath.

When she was also done with the shower, she dried herself up and opened the packaging she put on the vanity sink. Inside was a red lingerie her best friend gifted during her bridal shower. She remembered how horrified she was when she first saw what Misao got her. The red item of clothing – if it could still pass as one – was anything but modest. It was mostly full of lace, with ample pieces of fabric for those areas that need coverage. Kaoru considered throwing it away, but since it was Misao who gave it to her, she of course did not.

"I look horrible." She remarked at herself as she saw how skimpy the fit was. It did not help that her chest was being pushed up more than she's comfortable with.

But there's no turning back now. She took one last look before she covered herself in a matching red satin robe.

The doors of the bath soon opened.

~o~o~o~

She almost jumped in surprise as soon as she stepped out.

"Kenshin? What are you doing here?" She felt her heart climbed up her throat at the surprise appearance near the doorway.

"I'm just checking if you've fallen asleep again." Kenshin cheekily replied, though a part of him just couldn't bear the wait.

He stepped back to admire the beauty that was his wife Kaoru. She was still blushing, seemingly uncomfortable at the attention he was giving her. But Kenshin cannot help it. His eyes were just focused on her – and her alone.

She was wearing a robe, the color perfectly complementing her fair white skin. She was clutching onto the overlay of satin on her chest, when Kenshin moved closer to untie her robe. Kaoru stopped him midway, her hands clenched against the satin firmly.

"Don't you trust me?" He asked, his voice so intimate and seductive that Kaoru felt she was melting.

She looked back at him, and what she saw in his eyes was assurance – a guarantee that she was going to be alright in his care. Kaoru eventually let go of her arms protecting her and allowed Kenshin to undress her. The satin robe fell on the floor.

Kaoru gasped at the action, and she covered her chest almost instantly as her skin got exposed to the cold air. She felt shivers all over her body.

"Let me see.." Kenshin implored softly, his eyes turning from gentle purple to aggressive amber in a snap. The gentleness in his voice, however, assured Kaoru that he was still the same Kenshin that felt deeply for her.

As she slowly dropped her hands to her side, Kenshin's eyes roamed from the beauty of her face, down to her neck, then to her lovely curves up front. She looked so delicate, the red lacy article perfectly embracing those mounds. Kenshin felt the gasp coming out of him turning dark and guttural.

And it was only half of the best part. Golden eyes wandered down even further to the slopes of her stomach, her white skin excreting moisture from the hot bath. And further down, the accompanying red garment barely covered her tempting core. It was at that moment that Kenshin confirmed that he absolutely loved and adored this woman.

"You are beautiful."

For indeed Kaoru was beautiful. She was everything Kenshin thought he did not deserve. Yet here she was – with him. This beautiful woman was his wife now. And she's offering him all she can offer.

Kenshin inched closer to her, his hands – fighting with heavy restraint – gently cupped her chin as he slowly planted her a kiss. It was a brief kiss at the beginning, that was closely followed by a deeper, longer kiss that sent Kaoru panting. She felt her knees were starting to buckle.

"P-please hold me." She breathed weakly, her mind consumed in pure bliss.

Kenshin complied by securing one hand at her back for support, his other hand gently caressing her hair as he angled her for another kiss.

"I won't let you go." He said behind a hazy breath before the hand supporting her spine travelled up to unhook the small piece of garment covering her chest. Amber eyes gazed at the new exposure, and Kenshin can't help but appreciate every single revelation she offered that night.

His gaze shifted to the remaining article of clothing. Kenshin slid a hand on her waist and the accompanying material covering her lower part was finally removed. At the sound of crumpled fabric touching the floor, Kenshin's other hand wandered back to her chest and gave it a much-needed attention. His other free hand soon joined in as both of his hands played with those sensitive cups.

Kaoru was already losing balance from the sensations his hand was giving. And she too wanted to put her hands to work. She lifted them up and placed her palms against his chest, relishing in the stiffness of his muscles. Her soft fingers slowly traced the dents and contours of his chest until such fingers landed on his abdomen. She had always been staring at those hard pack of muscles, and it was only the first time she was touching them for real.

Kaoru broke the kiss as her slim fingers were about to travel down to remove his towel, when Kenshin held her wrists to stop her from going any further.

He did something else in return. This time, Kenshin kissed that part of her he was previously playing with – and Kaoru uttered a sound she did not know she was capable of producing. He was kissing her sensitive place desperately that Kaoru cannot do anything but bite her lip in ecstasy.

"Ken-shin… too much..", she pleaded before he moved to the other side and did the same thing he did the other.

At this point, Kaoru was almost losing her sanity – and she felt something build up inside her. She was almost reaching. Kenshin was aware of this, and he too felt like he cannot hold back much longer. He stopped the activities of his mouth on her skin, and in one swift motion, he lifted Kaoru up bridal style.

He slowly walked the two of them to the bed, with him saving the last bits of control he could muster. Kenshin laid her on the mattress carefully, before he dropped the towel down from his hips.

Kaoru let out an audible gasp at the sight of Kenshin's pure form. She found it hard to breathe and was not prepared yet when Kenshin climbed the bed too. He positioned himself on top of her, his hands outstretched on both sides of her head, helping him balance his weight. He was not moving, yet.

"Kaoru, can I?"

"I'm all yours, Kenshin."

Those were the last comprehensible words spoken that night. At her permission, Kenshin slowly dropped his weight on top of her as their bare skin touched for the very first time. He showered her with kisses that were not just exclusive to her lips anymore.

The smell of hot cider and the unique scent of jasmine emanated in the air. The heat embraced them as they joined in the dance – his hands touching her in the most sensitive, reactive places, and his lips tasting her skin and trailing along the curves of her body.

His longing to explore her was insatiable – and Kaoru was losing her mind. She kept her eyes closed as she savoured in the sensations he was giving her. Those uncharted territories that only Kenshin was ever allowed to enter – Kaoru surrendered them all.

That night, the red lingerie stayed sleeping on the wooden floor.

~o~o~o~

"Good morning, beautiful."

Her head was feeling light as a feather. Her head rested well on the soft pillow. Kaoru was almost awake when she heard this greeting. And absentmindedly, she replied back. "Morning – "

Wait! Where was she again? Kaoru opened her eyes and saw a pair of lovely violets looking directly at her. Kenshin rested his head against his right hand as he directed his body sidewards to face Kaoru. She felt hypnotized by the way her husband was staring at her. If being married meant waking up to this handsome sight every morning, then she would never ever complain in her life.

But when Kaoru realised the condition they were in – both lying on the bed naked as the day they were born with only a blanket covering them – her daydreaming stopped and the happenings that led to that situation came flashing back. Kaoru cannot remember feeling any more drained than she was last night. She was red as a beetroot.

"How was your sleep?" His voice was hoarse but gentle. He saw his wife cover herself more with the blanket, which Kenshin quickly removed. "No need to be shy. It's just me."

"But I'm... I need to.." Her head started to spin at the reminder of last night. And if her brain wouldn't stop replaying all the details, she felt she might explode anytime. Before that happens, Kaoru decided to leave the bed and go about her morning routine.

"Where are you going?" Kenshin stopped her with a hand on her arm. He pulled his wife back to the bed and asked her to cuddle beside him. At the contact of their bare skin together, Kaoru's face grew even hotter and who knows if she stopped breathing for a moment.

Kenshin could again sense her tension. He gently combed her hair with his hand while Kaoru rested against his chest. He wanted her to relax so he changed the topic. "I've already ordered our breakfast. It should be here in a while."

'Ring! Ring!'

Kenshin's mobile phone that was sitting on the side table began to ring. It was his personal phone and only a few select people can call him at that number. He picked up the phone and put it on loudspeaker.

"Good morning daddy Kenshin! Hi mommy Kaoru!"

At the sound of Kenji's voice, Kaoru instantly got up and she rested her back against the headrest. "Morning baby. How are you? Why are you up so early?"

"I just wanted to know what you're both doing on your honeymoon." was the child's innocent response. They heard him giggle afterwards.

"We had a lot of fun." Kenshin teased much to the discomfort of the wife beside him.

She then interjected. "We went to a lot of places here, baby. We went to temples and we even rode a pirate ship!"

"Woah – a pirate ship? As in a real pirate ship where Captain Hook is?"

"Yup! We can go back here again – the three of us – on your school holiday if you want." Kaoru said enthusiastically. "What do you want us to bring you home? Any toy that you want?"

"Nothing mommy…" The child briefly paused. "But Tae-san said I can ask for a baby brother. So – can you bring me one?"

This got Kaoru choking at the unexpected request. Kenshin then took the phone from her. "We'll see what we can do, little man. Take care there okay? We will be back in two days."

And Kenshin put the phone down. He now faced Kaoru with a dangerous expression on his face. "Well, you heard him."

Kaoru did not have time to react because Kenshin already tackled her down to the bed. Knowing that she was completely overpowered by him, she stopped any form of resistance and gave him permission again.

The breakfast that he said he ordered all completely forgotten. They had something else in mind.

~o~o~o~

A few months have passed and every thing had settled down. Married life had been pretty splendid, if Kaoru was to be asked. She very much enjoyed the work cut out for her as Kenshin's wife and as Kenji's second mom. Her time was mostly occupied with attending to Kenshin's needs in the morning before he goes to work, and spending the rest of the day at Kenji's school. Her little redhead was now in second grade and there were more school activities that required her assistance.

It was almost time for Kenji's class dismissal. Kaoru patiently waited for him at the guardians' waiting area.

"Mommy!" The little redhead soon emerged from inside their classroom. He was waving a paper and soon ran towards her direction. "Look mommy! I got a perfect score at Math! See.. see.." he was stretching out the hand that held the paper.

"Wow, isn't it great, Kenji? Your dad will be very happy to hear this." She ruffled a bit of his red hair. "Would you like to tell him yourself? We are going to visit him."

Excitement glistened in his eyes. Soon, the two of them were heading towards the Hiten office. The company vice-president had just finished an online meeting with their overseas counterparts. He heard a few knocks on the office door.

"Daddy!" The smaller version of himself ran towards Kenshin. He was smiling widely and he hugged him immediately as if they had not seen each other just that morning.

"Mommy wanted to surprise you so here we are!"

"Hi – ", Kaoru soon followed inside. She was a bit shy at the way Kenshin was staring at her. Her husband has that certain way of making her feel uneasy. "I just thought the three of us could go to the park and have some picnic. That is, if you're not busy."

"Yey! I love picnics!" Kenji seconded the invitation.

Kenshin looked at the two of them with such happiness and contentment in his eyes. "Sure, let me just buzz Misao to cancel my other appointments."

The three of them boarded the car and made a pitstop at the nearest grocery to buy the afternoon snacks. There was only one place on both Kenshin and Kaoru's mind – the place where the two of them spent their first date together.

Kenji glanced up at the two oak trees at the midtown park. He was in awe at how gigantic those trees look like, with their branches intertwining at the center.

Kaoru settled at the nearby bench and placed the family's simple feast on the table provided, which consisted of ready-made sandwiches, assorted fruit drinks, salad, and some sweets that Kenji specifically picked. And there's this one white box that she didn't open yet.

"Thanks for this." Kenshin wanted to show his appreciation of his wife and planted a quick kiss on her forehead.

She blushed at the sudden contact. Surely, the park was not a place to show displays of affection like that. But her husband obviously did not mind any of that.

"Actually Kenshin, this is for you." She opened the white box that revealed a small circular buttercream cake. It was a simple chiffon cake with white and blue icing bearing the words "Happy Birthday" in it.

"Happy birthday Kenshin!"

He was appalled. Last time he checked, his birthday comes in six more months and not that day. What was she up to this time?

"I know it's not your birthday yet… but I just thought that I need to make it up to you for missing it last time." Kaoru was smiling sincerely at him. "I won't miss it again, I promise!"

"Happy birthday daddy!" Kenji greeted too as he peeked at the letterings on the cake.

Kenshin was lost for words. His wife really was an unpredictable one. How could he be so blessed with such an amazing woman like her – he really cannot fathom.

"Let's play a game." Kaoru initiated as she handed each of the redheads with their portion of the sandwich. "It's called 'I-see-something'. You will describe something you can see and let the others guess it. But this 'something' has to be seen by the others too, okay?"

This received an unsure look from the father and son duo. So Kaoru continued: "I'll start first. I see something.. with red hair, and it's cute with big eyes, and it's munching on a cookie."

"It's me?" Kenji answered with a hint of confusion, but the look from his mom confirmed he was correct.

"That's too easy. It's my turn now." Kenshin boasted a bit. "I see something.. hairy and fluffy.. it is brown with a bit of white.. and it's looking at us right now."

The other two looked around the park for anything or anyone matching the description. Soon enough, Kenji pointed out. "Hey, it's that cat over there daddy. I won!"

Kenji was quite proud of how good he was at playing the game. It was then his turn to ask. "Okay, I see something.. blue and black.. it has lines in it and it's long.. and umh – it's smooth?"

That was a hard one. Kenshin and Kaoru actually took time to look around, but when Kenji kept staring at the answer, it was Kenshin who got it first. "It's my necktie, is it?"

This garnered a mischievous grin from his little man. "Okay, it's mommy's turn. I see something.. with long black hair. It has a big tummy but it's not because it ate a lot."

Now, that was a totally difficult item. Kenshin and Kenji stretched their necks to look around their surroundings. Kenji could not find any black-haired cat or squirrel in the area. Kenshin, who was presumed to be better than his son at this guessing game, also struggled.

Kaoru was mocking them a bit. "Are you guys giving up? Looks like I'm winning this round."

But the two redheads were persistent. They even left their seats to look farther around. They came back still clueless though. Kaoru asked them both to settle down. "Time's up, you two! I'll tell the answer."

A bit disappointed at being unable to guess correctly, father and son seated back and waited for the correct answer.

"Something with black hair and big tummy.." Kaoru repeated. "Well, it's... me? Me in 9 months specifically."

A few seconds passed and there's nothing but silence from the two. Kenji blinked at her, seemingly asking for more explanation. But the older redhead's reaction was different. Mouth agape at the shock of his lifetime, Kenshin excitedly stood up and immediately placed his hands on her tummy.

"Y-you mean to say.." Kenshin was still in disbelief. "We're... really having a baby?"

"I took a test this morning and turned out positive. I wanted to let you know right away, but I thought telling you both at the same time would be better."

"Wait mommy – does it mean I'm gonna be a big brother?" Kenji's voice was beaming with the same excitement as his dad.

"Yes baby – it might be a little brother or a little sister for you." Kenji hugged her tummy afterwards as he whispered: "Hello little baby, I'm your big brother Kenji."

Kaoru's heart was beating so fast at the emotions overwhelming her. She truly was the happiest at the gift of life growing in her. That, and the gift of family courtesy of Kenshin and Kenji.

As her husband and son gave her a tight embrace, Kaoru realized that she really could not ask for anything more.

~o~o~o~END~o~o~o~

A/N: Whew! That was a handful to type and read. But I did enjoy every single moment of these chapters. I wanted to give proper closure to all character conflicts and interactions – I hope I was able to make it work with the scenes inserted.

I feel satisfied knowing that Kenshin and Kaoru did have a happy ending – and now, they have a bundle of joy in the coming months! So exciting, isn't it?

This story began on July 2013 and 7 years later, I was finally able to finish this. Thank you so much to every reader who spent their time reading this story. I really hope that this story somehow made you happy – as much as it did to me.

Thank you for the reviews, the follows and favorites. I appreciated each and everyone of you, dear readers! Please feel free to let me know your thoughts too, if it's not too much to ask =)

I would like to give a shoutout to my cousin for helping me put up some scenes and for brainstorming with me for these last 2 chapters. I couldn't have done this without her – so thanks, thanks a lot cuz!

This writer is truly thankful for all your support! I hope to write another story again in the near future.

Until then, please stay safe and stay healthy during this challenging time. Jaa matta ne! =)