Standard Disclaimers Apply.
Chapter 9
Kenshin dropped his baggage on the living room floor as he looked around inside Kaoru's home. Hmm…so this is going to be my new home, eh.
When Kaoru saw Kenshin's thoughtful face, she placed her hand on his shoulder and asked, "Anything wrong, Kenshin?"
Kenshin turned to look at Kaoru and replied, "Nothing, I am just looking around your home."
"It's our home now, Kenshin," Kaoru said blushing. Looking the other way, she said casually, "I guess you're tired already, being back from Kyoto and then moving. I'll show you to your room." Kaoru lifted one of Kenshin's boxes as she climbed up the stairs.
Kenshin did the same and followed her on the way up. He said, "Kaoru… are you sure about this?"
"About what?"
"About letting me stay… You know, this really isn't proper," Kenshin said softly.
Obviously affected with what Kenshin said, Kaoru stopped her tracks and sighed, "I know it isn't proper… but… I don't really care about what other people say."
"But Kaoru…"
Kaoru continued walking upstairs. When she reached the last step, she turned around and exclaimed, "Kenshin, we are not doing anything wrong! That's what matters, isn't it?"
"Kaoru, I know that. I just don't want to blemish your name. I don't want them to think ill of you. You're too pure and innocent for that," Kenshin said as he went to her side. He slowly raised up his hand to touch her cheek but she slapped it away.
"Kenshin… I don't care!!! Can't you see? I'm so tired of being alone… with no family!" Kaoru yelled in frustration as she sunk on the floor, crying.
Kenshin kneeled down to hug her as he caressed her back. "I know what, Kaoru. I feel the same way. It's not that I do not want your company. It's just that…"
Kenshin's words were cut short when Kaoru whispered, "But I need you to be with me…"
"…As I need you," Kenshin replied.
"Don't leave me, Kenshin," Kaoru said as she clung tighter to him.
"…I won't. I'll stay. But still… I won't let anybody think any less of you. I'll protect you with everything I have got," Kenshin let out an audible sigh as he assisted Kaoru to stand up.
Kaoru stood up with a smile on her face. She whispered, "Thank you." She wiped away her tears and grinned, "Enough about those things, okay? Now close your eyes… I have a surprise for you.
Kenshin did as he was told. Kaoru slowly opened the door to his room and led him inside. Kaoru said excitedly, "Alright now open your eyes."
Kenshin opened his eyes and smiled, "Thank you, Kaoru… I really appreciate it." He hugged Kaoru and looked around the room.
"I had it designed for you while you were away. Hope you like it. So? Try to rest if you wish, after you fix your things. I'll be in my room," Kaoru said closing the door behind her.
Kenshin laid on his new bed as thoughts filled his head, This is the beginning of my new life… with Kaoru.
~~~~~
Kenshin woke up that night because of the loud noises coming from downstairs. He glanced at his alarm clock. Seeing it was already time for dinner, he drowsily changed his clothes before going to the dinning room.
Misao, Aoshi, Sano, Megumi, Yahiko and Kaoru greeted him with a warm smile as he descended the stairs.
"Oi! Kenshin!!!!! I thought you'd never wake up!" Misao said cheerfully.
"Yeah, Yahiko-chan had been dying to talk to you," Sano nudged Yahiko.
Yahiko turned beet red and bit Sano on the head, "Don't call me chan!!!"
"Ohohoho!!!" Megumi laughed as she said, "Looks like Yahiko-kun here, fell in love with that little girl from Kyoto. What's her name? Hmm…"
"Tsubame," Aoshi finished.
"Oh… Tsubame is going to move in next school year. Tae will manage our franchise here," Kenshin replied.
Yahiko blushed as he stared into space daydreaming.
"Dinner's ready!!!" Kaoru called out from the kitchen.
Kenshin assisted Kaoru in setting the table and sincerely said, "Smells good, Kaoru!!! Looks like you've really improved!"
Kaoru blushed and whispered, "I wanted to surprise them… this is take-out. Shhh!!!"
Kenshin sweatdropped.
~~~~~
Being with the gang certainly proved tiring for Kaoru, it was a long day and what she needed was a warm bath to soothe her nerves. She untied the ribbon from her hair and slowly undressed herself. She wrapped her body with a towel as she hummed her way towards the bathroom.Misao's totally gonna get a severe bokken-whacking when I see her!!! She forgot to close the shower again! Mou!!! She rolled her eyes irritatingly as she dropped her towel to the ground. She faced the mirror and slowly ran her fingers on her soft hair. I wonder what Kenshin is doing. He is probably thinking in his room again. I know how wounded he still feels. He's just good in hiding his emotions.
Still caught in her thoughts, she unconsciously went over the shower and pulled back the curtain. Kaoru's eyes widened in shock at the beautiful figure standing in front of her. Her eyes trailed downwards and bolted out of its sockets. When reality finally sank in, she shrieked at the top of her lungs, "Aaaaiiiiiiieeeee!!!!!! Hhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeennnnttttttttaaaaaiiiiiiii!!!!!!!"
Kenshin held the same reaction as Kaoru. He was so shocked at the incident that he just stared at Kaoru's body with awe. He blushed at the end of his roots as blood dripped from his nose. He was knocked out of his stupor when a pail him on the head. He fell swirly-eyed and muttered, "Ororororororoooo!!!!!"
Kaoru immediately grabbed her towel and rushed to her bedroom, feeling her head on the verge of explosion. She shook her head violently to erase the image imprinted on her mind. She walked back and forth, blushing a new shade of red. Oh my gosh!!! This is the first day he is living here and this already happened!!! I wonder what will happen next week… "Ohohohoho!!!" Kaoru gave her version of the laugh that would even scare Megumi. Kaoru no hentai!!! Stop thinking that!!!
After her inner battle, she decided to postpone her bath because of the not so traumatic incident. She dressed up and laid on her bed. She closed her eyes, dreaming [not fantasizing] of her red-head. Could it be that I am falling for him?
~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Kenshin recovered from his daze and managed to finish his bath. He went back to his room to dress up and he laid on his bed. He stared at the ceiling, blushing furiously, recalling the earlier incident. She is really beautiful. Precious. Really precious. She is such a wonderful friend with a pure and kind heart
~~~~~
Days passed and the Kamiya house became livelier. The gang hanged out in Kaoru's house more often. Moreover, Kenshin and Kaoru already got used to their living arrangements. Neighbors did not spread any rumors or did any untoward acts like Kenshin dreaded.
Shortly, the voids in their hearts were filled and the healing process finally ended. The two hearts found solace in each other.
One night, before going to bed, they greeted each other good night before they went their separate ways. As Kaoru laid on her bed, she whispered to herself, "I think I am falling in love with Kenshin." With that, she closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.
Inside Kenshin's bed, he tossed and turned, struggling to fall asleep. Sighing in frustration he sat up and looked out the window, I can't stop thinking of her. Could it be? Could it be that I am falling in love with her? No… I shouldn't take her kindness the wrong way. She would do this for anyone else because she is that good. But… why does my heart whispers that it is longing for her now? Why?
Author's Notes:
Gypsy-chan- oh no! I made Gypsy-chan cry… I am so sorry. Don't worry! No more deaths! Just pure waffs to come!
Susan- Hehehe… Hope you enjoy this!
JK the Nuriko-sama Worshipper- I've already read it and posted a review =) So, do you update on a daily basis?
Lady Lightningblade- Ok, as you say. I'm actually drilling my mind inside out for the plot of my new fic 'deadly family ties'.
Koneko-dono- Thanks! I will! Actually, he is a god father. I never doubted that, it's just that he never openly expressed it.
Himura Kaoru- Oh shucks! ::blushes:: Thanks! I also enjoy reading your fics too!
JML- really ironic! I agree with you!
M@ry- thanks… it really inspired me to work!
AngelsExist- I guess Kaoru and you had the same thing in mind!
Bunny- thanks! I hope I'll be able to keep up with your expectations.
Anh- I know it's sad. Sorry. I had my purposes.
Emerentiana- Hope you liked this chap!
E-chan Hidaka- I hope it didn't turn out to be too depressing!
KnK4ever- Thanks! Its really flattering to know that someone out there checks ff.net for updates. Don't worry, I'll try not to disappoint you.
Takato Taikashi- Oh thank you! Actually, I've started on a new fic that has a way more intricate plot than this. Its really frying my brains!! ^_^;;
Midori-chan- thanks for everything. Again, I'm sorry for the prologue incident.
Battousai Angel- Of course! More fluff on the way!
Raphie- Hehehe… not just that! =)
Dementedchris- Actually, I had Hana-chan to thank for that. She helped me all the way. Can you believe I revised that chap 4 times!
Omochi- Nope, it wasn't the stairs
Lady Legolas- That is one of my purpose… they'll get closer… really closer… just wait and see.
Sync*in- don't worry… I promise more intensive waff to come!
Marstanuki-chan- Whew! Me, too!!! That is my fave scene! I always love it when they sleep together… not in a hentai-ish manner.
Marta- sorry for the email thing. Thanks for the review!!! Reviews inspire me to work!
Jo-chan- good luck on your university exams! Thanks for finding time to read my fic! Hope this entertains you.
Misao-chan- You can expect more than kisses in the next chaps to come…
l.k.- you can expect a new chap every week! =)
Demon-wolf- I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for reviewing all my fics!!! I mean it! Thanks!
Apologies and thanks to Hatokirei, Dementedchris, Mimi k, Marta_misau and Jinnystars- I am so sorry if I didn't acknowledge your email sooner. Sorry, I forgot to check that add. Please feel free to email me at kokoro@kookoo.ph instead.
*sorry, if I haven't updated "Kaoru is preggy… Woe is Kenshin". I promise to post a new chap next week. =)
*Minna, please also read Deadly Family Ties. It's the new fic I had been really working hard on… I'd really appreciate if you'd also read and review it. =)
Preview of Next Chapter:
Photo Shoot for the Play Bill