They Think We Don't Know

They Think I Don't Know

They think I don't see.  Oh, but I see everything.  How their eyes hold a gentleness that belies any of their insults.  How they stare just a little too long at each other.  It makes me wonder how long they've been at it.

They think I don't know.  At first, I didn't, true, but as time passed, it became obvious.  How they'd touch when they thought I weren't watching.  The way they'd stand as close as possible, trying not to be too obvious.  The way he'd smile at her and she'd blush and look away.

I admit, at first, I was clinging to her.  But it was time to let her go.  I trusted the boy.  I'd known him as long as I can remember.  Still, she was my first.  I sigh heavily, knowing he'd take care of her. 

"Sano?  What are you thinking?"

I look over at my wife of almost eighteen years and smile.  "About Kiyone."  I say, squeezing her hand.

"And Kenji, no doubt."  She smiles, the smile that never fails to turn my brain to mush.  "He'll take good care of her.  He is Ken-san's son, after all."

I grin.  "Aa...Sou desu, Megumi."  With that final though, I put my arms around her, and feel her head roll against my shoulder.  "They're going to have to get married soon."  I muse aloud.

"Hn.  They look at each other with lovers eyes."  She yawns, settling comfortably down in my arms.  "Get some sleep, rooster-head.  I'm sure you're going to need to talk to Kenji in the morning."

"Aa, fox..."  I say, smiling.

            *                                    *                                    *

Kenji looks up at me through wide eyes as I grin at him.  "Is there a problem, Sano-ojisan?"

I grin wider, almost my Zanza grin.  "I guess I should wait till your father gets in here, ne?"  Upon those words, Kenshin walks in, cheery as usual.

"Ohayo, Sano.  Daijobu de gozaru ka?"  He asks, sitting, still smiling big.

"I just need to talk to you and Kenji about an arrangement with my daughter."  I watch Kenji's eyes widen.  "Yep, Kenji, I know.  I figured it out awhile ago."  I watch the blood drain out of his face with amusement.

"Figured what out?"  Kenshin asked, baffled.

Kenji's mouth worked soundlessly.

"Figured out that Kenji here's been having swordfights with my daughter."

Kenshin smiled.  "I didn't know Kiyone studdied Kenjutsu."

I lean against the wall.  I'm going to enjoy Kenshin's reaction to this.  I just hope he doesn't kill the kid.  "She doesn't.  That's not the kinda sword I was talkin about."

Kenshin's eyes bulged to three times normal size.  "ORO?!?!?!"

Kenji turns white as a sheet, blushing furiously, despite the blood rushing away from his face.  "We, I mean, we haven't-"

I grin.  "I know.  I had Megumi speak to her.  I also know if ya don't marry her quick, I'm gonna have to borrow a sword from Saitou an remove your head."  I paused, guaging for response.  "And I don't mean the one on your shoulders."

Both Himura's oroed.  I grinned.  In a few short hours, it was agreed that Kenji would marry Kiyone, and they'd live 'happily ever after'.  Or as happily as they can with twins on the way and inlaws like us.  I grin larger.

Megumi-The nag, will always say what Kenji and Kiyone can't do while she's pregnant.

Me-The tease, will make it a point to embarass them beyond belief, and at every possible opportunity.

Kaoru-The P.O.ed, will make sure Kenji is cleaning the dojo everyday for the next ten years, without fail.

Kenshin-The confused, still hasn't quite grasped what is happening, so he will wander around in a daze, until Kiyone goes into labor and makes him a grandfather.