A Date With A Senpai
Chapter 13
Author's Note:
I know it took me *this* long for chapter 13 and I would like to apologize for almost abandoning this fic. I just couldn't get the scenes together. And I got sidetracked and well...got really busy with another bunch of different things. I hope that you'll like this end. It's no that much really, as I have said before I'm terrible at endings! And well, I did a...I can't say sappy...I try not to make Sano sappy...God no! But it's a piece for Sano and Megumi. Reviews, comments and flames are always welcome! And special thanks to Elspeth-san for all the help and encouragement. So sorry for the headaches I've caused you beta-reading for me^_^
And uh, a little warning. I think I might have turned this into some sort of a cheese fest...mushy stuff...well, you're warned.
A Date With A Senpai
Chapter 13
I'll hold time for you
So we can have forever
[and] make it last longer*
"That was stupid a guess." Sano said as he argued with Megumi. "I know Kenshin better than you do. My guess is that he brought her at some fancy restaurant away from the village. But don't tell Tae about it." He added lowering his voice.
"Nope. They'd be on the dojo, right about now." Megumi countered watching as Sano dumped another rice ball in his mouth, drank sake and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. So sexy she thought, trying not to smile. "You are such a slob." She commented dryly.
"And you are a party pooper." He said after gulping down the food. "Tae!" He called out and smiled as Tae peeked from the kitchen. "Great! Absolutely the best food in all of Nihon!" He exclaimed. He turned back at Megumi. "Hey, you haven't eaten anything yet." He observed. "Are you too nervous to eat in front of me?" He teased. He just couldn't help it.
"No. I lost my appetite. Thank you very much." Megumi answered haughtily.
"Ya know what your problem is?" He suddenly snapped. It was the sake kicking in. But heck, he didn't care. It was time they talk about what was going on between them. He realized that they had been trying to dodge it with the name-calling and all the hidden innuendo in their catty remarks.
"*I* have a problem?" Megumi asked arching an eyebrow. Dinner had been long and with Sano getting on her nerves, she wished she had brought all of her medicines including the poisons with her. For what purpose? She had to think of that one yet. But she was not ready for this. Maybe she never will be. If Sano forced her to open up, she'll have to do something drastic to shut him up. 'Yeah? Like what? Like kissing him the way you did last night.' The knowing voice inside her head said. The memory of their shared kiss caused another blush to creep in her face.
"Yes you. You can't say it can't you? You're afraid to admit it." Sano stated simply ignoring how gorgeous Megumi looked with the faint blush staining her cheeks..
"I don't know what you're talking about." Megumi replied flatly. She had successfully, over the past few years managed to keep her heart from messing up her head. With Sano it became a much obvious problem because she was just as attracted to him. And as much as she tried to deny it, the attraction ran deeper than she expected. And she didn't like it. She was content on being independent...had always been, until he came along and ruined almost all of her life long plans. And the stupid chicken head obviously had no clue on what kind of trouble he was.
"Yes you do." He figured that Megumi was feeling the same thing that had been plaguing him. They were both afraid. And it seemed a little silly to him to be afraid of something that can actually bring joy...
'As well as pain'. A knowing voice hissed in his brain. He grimaced at the thought. They had been through so much that unknowingly; they had become jaded and bitter. But after seeing Kenshin and Jou-chan exchange those longing looks that speaks so much that he was almost half convinced that they were kissing inside their own heads, he wanted so much to be a part of something...magical like that. Hell, it was probably everyone's dream, no matter how fucked-up their lives have been.
He was not going to let Megumi go! He had found someone who he knew he could share everything with. Especially not after sharing that kiss with her. And if it does not happen now...the passionate kiss and all...he just might do something as stupid as falling off a goddamn tree all over again. "I'm not going to be Kenshin and you're not going to be Jou-chan. So stop pretending already Megumi. That kiss meant something and you know it!"
"No and I'm not having a conversation with a drunk about this. I'm going home." She declared standing up. Sano was quick to grab her.
"You're not going anywhere Foxy until you tell me." Sano said his voice low.
She was mad, but because she knew he was right. So what if she was in love with Sano? He'll most probably laugh in her face and tell her that he was just teasing her. That he was and never will be ready to commit to anyone. He was a man who longed for adventure, not a boring domestic life. She glared at him. "What difference would it make?" She asked him slowly.
"Hell, Megumi a lot! C'mmon, you're the one who kissed me and you're the one who's treating me like you wished that kiss never happened at all. Stop playing with my head." He said angrily standing up and looming over Megumi. He was getting frustrated as hell and he didn't like it one bit. He would be a prick of a hypocrite if he denied that the name-calling was getting into his nerve. He thought that they'd be over that stage now. Of course he had his own shares of nasty name-calling but he was just teasing her. He was expecting a lot more from this date. And he was not going home with a memory of her calling him a chicken head punk. Not tonight.
"Fine." Megumi said through her clenched teeth. Obviously, somewhere down the line Sano managed to squirm himself inside her heart and no matter how hard she tried she can't just brush him off like any other men who all have attempted and failed in winning her heart and her trust. She looked at him eye leveled. "You win Sagara! I'm in love with you! There happy?! Another ego booster for your swollen....umph...."
He kissed her.
A long, hard passionate kiss that left them both breathless and unaware of the their audience who had suddenly felt the heat in the air.
Finally, after Yahiko was tempted to douse them with a bucket of cold water, the couple parted. Both were breathing heavily their eyes dancing madly.
Sano smiled at her. "Didn't saw that coming huh, Foxy?" He asked lightly caressing her cheeks with his bandaged hand. The well-worn material felt rough against Megumi's skin, but she liked it. Oh, she liked it a lot!
"I didn't." She admitted. "But I know one thing Sagara." She said as she smiled up at him her warm cinnamon eyes laughing merrily.
"Yeah? What is it Koibito?" He asked, teasing her with the term of endearment. He was half expecting that she'd push him away or maybe another kiss. After all, it was becoming quite evident how irresistible he was for her.
Koibito. Lover. Another thing Megumi found that she liked. She arched an eyebrow at her and tried to hide the satisfied smiled in her lips. "You're paying the tab tonight, Koibito." She returned wrapping her arms at Sano's neck.
Sano grinned at her. "Oh. Well, I have a secret." He said in a husky voice, nuzzling at her earlobe. She giggled and he felt his heart jump at the tremors running through their bodies. "I have no money, Kenshin promised to pay for the food." He said through her neck. She was getting a little nervous. He could tell by the way that her pulse seemed to jump in her skin. He raised his head and watched her brown eyes widen.
"Hontou?" She asked softly.
Sano nodded gravely.
"What do we do now? I'm not going to pay Sagara." Megumi asked pressing her body against Sano.
Sano's eyes glistened playfully, hugging her tighter and with Megumi's shout of surprise, hauled her over his shoulder. "We run." And off the Chicken head went with the Fox screaming both insults and endearments.
Tae watched with dazed eyes as Sano and Megumi disappeared through the corner. Her jaws hanging open. They had just run off! Without paying for their tab! Why those...she turned at Yahiko and Tsubame who had also disappeared from her side. Tae's mouth snapped shut as she slumped by her chair, big sweat drop and all. "I'm going to get...everyone for this!" she vowed solemnly. Everyone, especially the red haired rurouni who had orchestrated this little party!
She heard him right. She had to. Or else she was going to murder him. "K-Kenshin?" She asked again, her blue eyes searching for his face. 'Ai shiteru.' The words reverberated inside her head.
He smiled at her. Reassured her once more as his hand slid up to her neck and gently pushed her towards him. Kenshin wasn't aware of how they had managed to change their position in a more intimate manner. She was kneeling in front of him and his free arms supported her waist. She seemed to have momentarily forgotten her mortal fear of heights. But that was fine with him. He certainly wasn't going to remind her that they were more than 8 feet above the ground. He watched as she blushed once again and at that same instant, he knew that he would never get tired of watching her. He felt her knees part to make room for him and when she didn't protest he hugged her. With a soft gasp Kaoru held him tighter.
"Aren't you going to say anything Kaoru?" He asked, his breath teasing her neck.
She heard the fear of rejection in his voice and she mentally scolded herself for being so stupid. She gently pushed him away to look at his face. She burst out laughing, because he was pouting up at her and she had never seen him like this before; so unguarded and informal. When she saw the flash of fear and pain in Kenshin's eyes she did what she could only think of to reassure him that she felt the same. 'Baka Kenshin! You should know by now you adorable idiot!' And with that thought she almost jumped at him, sending him sprawling at the rooftop.
Taking her with him, Kenshin found himself pinned underneath Kaoru. Her weight a welcome warmth and pressure to Kenshin. He felt the warm sensation build inside his heart and then spread all over his body as Kaoru lowered her head and brushed her lips against him once more. She murmured with great tenderness the words that Kenshin have dreamt of hearing.
"Ai shiteru Kenshin no baka!" She said giggling merrily at the shocked expression on Kenshin's face and then she proceeded to shower him with soft little kisses across his face.
Kenshin didn't dared asked her if he heard it right. Out of fear that she'd take back what she just said or she's kicked him off the roof. Regaining his confidence he pressed her body closer and stilled her. She gazed at him questioningly and he silently guided her mouth in his. His first thought that this could not be happening to him, that this was a wicked dream and he would eventually wake up and find himself alone in his futon. But when she responded tentatively, her lower lips brushing against his, Kenshin was finally snapped back to reality. He moaned softly not able to stop himself from kissing her again.
Her first real kiss! The thought itself seemed to have taken most of her energy and she was thankful for his strength. She was a little nervous at first, she feared that she was too clumsy or that her lips wasn't soft at all and oh Kami please don't make her smell like sweat! She relaxed a little when Kenshin didn't seem to notice any of those things. And she found herself becoming bolder with every touch, with every exchange of breath. She leaned closer as Kenshin tilted his head to deepen the kiss.
His mind was reeling from the intensity of the kiss. It was as soft as the early spring breeze and yet it was leaving half of his brain and his insides into a big pile of mush. He was nearing the edge where he knew that his control would be easily broken. But maybe it was time that he threw caution to the wind. He slowly licked Kaoru's lips, causing her to let out a soft moan, a sound she wasn't even aware of making.
Kenshin was the one who broke the kiss. He watched Kaoru's face for a moment. Her eyes closed, her red lips slightly parted. He sighed as he ran a finger on her cheeks, making her open her eyes.
"Nani?" Kaoru asked a little dreamily. "Something wrong Kenshin?" She felt a momentary panic when Kenshin pushed himself up, holding her at arms length.
"Iie." Kenshin answered, rubbing his palms over her shoulders. "It's just..." he leaned forward and brushed his lips lightly against hers, he just couldn't help himself. He vaguely heard Kaoru nervous giggle when his mouth found it's way to her jaw, tracing it with little kisses, following the arc of her neck and then to her ear. He murmured quietly, "It's...this is hardly the time nor the place to do this...".
"It's not?" Kaoru asked playing with Kenshin's collar, not so accidentally running her finger across his exposed flesh. She could feel the jump of his muscles and she giggled, delighted that she had that affect on him. "So what are you suggesting?" She asked a little skittishly.
Kenshin grinned and in one fluid motion, scooped her up her feet, taking her as he stood up.
"What--" Her eyes grew wide as she caught a glimpse at the playful glint in his violet eyes. She wrapped both arms around his neck and snuggled closer. "Kenshin...don't you even think about it...." She warned. 'This date isn't finished yet.' She thought warmly, not when she was having so much fun.
Kenshin winked at her, "Don't even think about what?" He asked benignly. "We're just going to go down. Where it's safe." He said smiling down at her.
She tilted her head trying to get a clue on what he had in mind. "Kenshin...."
And before she could even finish her sentence, he jumped off the roof and landed facilely on the gravel, barely making any sound at all.
Yahiko had enough of the Kenshin's "planned" date. It was cleverly done, he had to give the rurouni the credit for that. He was sure that Kenshin had the best intention in mind, but having to play "waitress" just for an hour wasn't on his list of fun things to do. And since Sano and Megumi had also bailed out, he decided to make his escape, lest Tae saw him and make him wash the dishes as payment for the food Sano had shameleslly gobbled up in front of his "date". And that would really ruin his day. Of course Tsubame's smile had more than made up for the humiliation of having to wear such a silly attire as the apron. He was glad though that he was back on his normal clothing and he wanted to give Kenshin a piece of his mind, not to mention tease Kaoru out of her wits. He must admit that his sensei looked cute enough. Tanukis are, to some people, cute. So why would Kaoru be an exception? He smiled at the thought.
And so he found himself on his way home. What he saw there had drastically changed his mood. He couldn't be happier. The scene laid before him was enough to inspire more than a hundred name-calling and teasing that would last him and his busu-sensei for a lifetime.
He was rounding off the corner when he heard the soft giggling inside the dojo yard. He craned his neck and saw Kaoru and Kenshin standing by the porch their foreheads pressed together laughing quietly in the night.
"Nani?" He muttered.
Kenshin and Kaoru.
He blinked several times, unable to actually believe that the two were finally a…a...a couple?!
Yahiko briefly shuddered at the thought. He wasn't sure what Kenshin did and how, but he had obviously been successful with it. The young boy let out a smirk. 'Well, you got what you wanted Busu.' he thought fondly. "I've never thought this day would come."
"What day?"
Yahiko jumped back biting out a yelp. "Sanosuke you idiot! Don't do that?!" He hissed turning red in the face. He hoped Sano hadn't noticed.
"Scared you huh?" Sano asked grinning noting Yahiko's red cheeks and quick breathing.
"What's with the goofy smile?" Yahiko asked getting ready to pester Sano when he remembered the kiss he had just witnessed and the innocence he had just lost. He rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me Megumi fell for you?" He asked half smirking.
"Can't help it if she thinks I'm too damn sexy." Sano returned the derisive grin and added a suggestive wink
It was the reply Yahiko had been expecting. "Right." He answered mockingly. And he thought Megumi had more sense than his Busu-sama, apparently not.
"So what's up with our two friends over there?" Sano asked prying over the large tree Yahiko was hiding from.
"Well, I guess all the mushy stuff would be a hell lotta better than a bokken in the head every now and then." Yahiko answered nodding slightly.
"Huh?"
"If Busu's gonna be this love struck for the rest of her life, then I am certainly hoping that it would lessen her violent tendencies." He stated feeling like a total grown up.
Sano looked at him quizzically. "Whatever." They watched for several more minutes.
Kenshin was looking like the lovesick idiot Sano was expecting and Jou-chan like a merry cat who has her paws closed on a contented little mouse.
"Kenshin's in trouble isn't he?" Yahiko asked slightly amused by the turn of events.
"Yup. Big trouble." Sano answered smiling widely.
The couple finally kissed. Sano and Yahiko looked at each other and made gagging motions.
"Eeeuwww." Yahiko commented. "Adults do the most disgusting things." He muttered.
"Well, before they do anything that would disgust you even more, let's get out of here shall we." Sano said glancing from the couple to the dirt road leading towards Megumi's clinic.
"What other disgusting things?" Yahiko suddenly asked interrupting Sano's thoughts.
"D'ya really wanna know?" Sano asked, the mischievous glint in his eyes hidden by the fall of his hair. Megumi can wait. This was going to be better than anything Sano had ever thought of.
Yahiko nodded excitedly his eyes brimming with curiosity.
"We're going to have a man to man talk then. Let's go." He said gleefully taking Yahiko's collar and lifting him off the ground. Sano heard a muttered oath and turned the boy towards him so that they were face to face. "If you have brains, I suggest that you shut your mouth or ruin Kaoru's moment and then die." He warned his voice pliant yet lethal.
Yahiko gritted his teeth and growled at him.
Perfect. He knew the boy wouldn't be screaming any insults at him. "We are going to have so much fun Yahiko-CHAN!"
Sano had to restrain himself from cackling like a crazed rooster as he ran off taking Yahiko with him.
Poor kid.
When they finally came up for air Kenshin had to shake his head for a few seconds to clear the thoughts swarming in his passion laden brain. Kaoru had her face snuggled on his chest. His gi was already halfway open. Her palms were pressed against his exposed flesh and his muscles wouldn't keep still. Even if he willed them too. He sighed and lifted Kaoru's chin so he can see her face. She looked a little flushed and her blue eyes were almost like liquid fire, passion laced and yet still having the childlike wonder shining in them.
Her back was against the wall and he had been kissing her for...Kenshin had no idea. One moment they were on the porch giggling softly, innocently and still a bit shy and then the next instance...
He ran his finger across her cheeks. He heard her sigh and he echoed it with a small-satisfied smile and a kiss on her forehead. "We shouldn't." Kenshin managed to say.
"Shouldn't what?" Kaoru asked tilting her head.
"We shouldn't be doing this." He said finally after a moment of considering what words he should say to explain what he was feeling right now.
"We're not doing anything wrong Kenshin." Kaoru scolded him lightly. She stood on her toes and gave him a long slow kiss.
He found himself responding eagerly. Pressing her body closer to him. He sighed and broke the kiss. "Koiishi...I...you're still..." He paused. He was making no sense at all and Kaoru was smiling up at him expectantly.
"What?" Kaoru teased, running her small fingers inside his gi. Tracing unseen curves and lines across his smooth skin. "What should we be doing then?" She asked playfully.
"Talking." Kenshin answered lamely.
Kaoru's rich laughter pierced his heart.
"We've done enough talking Kenshin. Remember? We've talked the whole night and the night before." She idly informed him, her arm meeting at the back of his head to press him closer. The fall of his crimson hair made it seem that they were the only people in the world. Hiding them from everything that silently threatened them apart.
She had never felt so safe and secured in her life.
Kenshin on his part had never felt so free and contented. To hold her was enough for him, although there were parts of him that wanted more than just to watch and kiss. The need to be with her was actually as strong as his need to protect her, more so since it was from him that she needed protection from.
She seemed to have read his mind and she playfully slaped him in the cheek. "Kenshin no baka! Don't start with that train of thought. You don't need to protect me from anything, more more from you."
He had both of his hands on her small waist to keep her steady. When she was angry she always seemed to be capable of anyhting, and right now he was half afraid and half wanting that she'll jump him and just do as she please. "Well then, we should be resting." He suggested rubbing his nose against hers. He smiled at her blush waiting for her decision.
Kaoru seemed to be considering this as she was finally stilled for a moment. "Ok then." She said taking her arms off him and letting it fall limply at her side.
Kenshin let out a sigh, which was somewhere between disappointment and relief.
Kaoru chuckled. "Come on Baka." She said grabbing his hand and leading him to her room.
The panicked noise that Kenshin made caused another deep chuckle from her. His hand had almost immediately became so cold and a little sweaty.
"Koaru wait...we shouldn't...we...I mean I want to...but...sessha...sessha...orororo..."
Kaoru quieted him with a persistent kiss and then stepped back to enjoy the baffled expression etched on his face. His almost golden eyes betrayed his true feelings and Kaoru could feel the shivers that ran down her spine. It was very tempting to tease Kenshin some more, but he was right. "We won't do anything Kenshin."
"We won't?" He asked in a slightly disappointed voice, realized it and shook his head again. He can't seem to get his mind to work properly, especially after the way she had kissed him like that.
"Hai. We don't need to rush things. But..." She stopped, shy and reluctant all of a sudden.
"But what Koiishi?" Kenshin asked not daring to get anywhere within arms reach.
"But I'd like to sleep next to you and wake up beside you." Kaoru answered softly her blue eyes meeting his.
Kenshin sighed. She asks so little and yet at the same time, she asks too much. How can that possibly be? His rational mind asked him. He had the answer to that.
She's so much like a child and yet she's this incredible woman that made every part of his body ache to just be with her and hold her beside him. She's vulnerable and yet strong and he would often find himself thinking that maybe she's even stronger than him and the Battousai.
For all of Kaoru's seeming contradictions, he loved her even more. There was always something new about her. And he wanted to discover everything about her...all of her
She was giving him this opportunity. And they don't even have to *do* anything yet.
"I promise I'd be good." Kaoru teased walking towards him seductively.
"Oro?" Kenshin exclaimed, flushing to the roots of his hair. That sounded like something Megumi would say but coming from her, she made it totally sound so innocent.
Kaoru giggled. "I won't bite." She added.
Kenshin was going to have a nosebleed.
"Aw, c'mmon Kenshin. Please?" Kaoru asked reaching out to him.
Kenshin was helpless as she pulled him inside her room. He swallowed hard as her scent assaulted him. Her jasmine scent is much stronger in here, on her pillows, on her futon...
"Koiishi..." He began reluctantly scanning her room and then almost fainting when his eyes found her taking her obi off. Against the soft light of the only candle lighted inside her room, she looked absolutely ethereal and delicate. For a moment his oxygen supply was sucked out of him and he felt lightheaded. "Kaoru...wha-ha-t are you do..doing?"
Kaoru lifted her head and blushed. "Baka! You're supposed to turn around!" She screeched immediately closing her almost open kimono.
"O-oro!?" Kenshin said still standing there missing Kaoru's words. When she threw the boken that hit his head on perfect target, Kenshin finally got the idea. Of course by then he was already on his back staring at the ceiling.
The sound of clothes rustling and falling on the floor snapped him back to reality. He stopped breathing the whole time he as lying there. The shadows that played against the smooth ceiling didn't help either. It made him feel more...uneasy. When the light went off and he heard Kaoru snuggling in her futon, he took this as a sign that it was his turn to change.
"Kaoru?" He asked softly.
"Hai?" Her voice was just as equally muted as his.
"You're not looking are you?" He asked inanely.
Kaoru muttered an oath and was annoyed that she had already thrown her bokken at him. "Of course I'm not!"
Of course, she was lying. And Kenshin knew it. But, as Sano would always tell him, what the hell?
Finally, he did something Sano would be proud of. Kenshin smiled to himself when he heard Kaoru's sharp intake of breath. He knew very well what she was experiencing. 'Two can always play the same game Kaoru.' He thought fondly as he silently made his way to her futon.
She didn't think twice when she felt Kenshin's arm going around her waist. She snuggled into his neck and sighed.
"Better." Kenshin asked.
"Hai." She whispered back.
"I wish I can see you." Kenshin said kissing the top of her head and then resting his chin at the exact same spot.
"You will. Maybe next time." Kaoru returned softly.
"There will be a next time, right?" He asked lightly, his need to be reassured surfacing once again.
"We have forever Kenshin. I wouldn't worry about a next time." Kaoru murmured.
They we're silent for a few moments. Relishing the fact that they were finally together. The almost soundless night was slowly lulling Kaoru to sleep. She reached for Kenshin's face and touched his face. "Ai shiteru." She said softly drifting off to sleep.
"Ai shiteru Kaoru." Kenshin answered. "And thank you."
Outside, the blue streak against the dark sky was signaling the beginning of a brand new day. It was guaranteed to be one of the best days Tokyo had ever had. Because this day was started from love, hope and the fulfillment of a dream.
-END-
Last Notes:
So um…was it a bad ending? What do you guys think? C&C's please….
I'm really grateful to those who have taken their times to read and review my fic! I'm glad that you enjoyed this one, as much as I enjoyed writing this I hope! Whatever the outcome of this fic, I owe much of it to all of you and to your comments and reviews!
*Heh, techinically, it's not a haiku, but this seems to fit Kenshin and Kaoru's feeling for each other, so I just had to put it.
-----
Chapter 13
Author's Note:
I know it took me *this* long for chapter 13 and I would like to apologize for almost abandoning this fic. I just couldn't get the scenes together. And I got sidetracked and well...got really busy with another bunch of different things. I hope that you'll like this end. It's no that much really, as I have said before I'm terrible at endings! And well, I did a...I can't say sappy...I try not to make Sano sappy...God no! But it's a piece for Sano and Megumi. Reviews, comments and flames are always welcome! And special thanks to Elspeth-san for all the help and encouragement. So sorry for the headaches I've caused you beta-reading for me^_^
And uh, a little warning. I think I might have turned this into some sort of a cheese fest...mushy stuff...well, you're warned.
A Date With A Senpai
Chapter 13
I'll hold time for you
So we can have forever
[and] make it last longer*
"That was stupid a guess." Sano said as he argued with Megumi. "I know Kenshin better than you do. My guess is that he brought her at some fancy restaurant away from the village. But don't tell Tae about it." He added lowering his voice.
"Nope. They'd be on the dojo, right about now." Megumi countered watching as Sano dumped another rice ball in his mouth, drank sake and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. So sexy she thought, trying not to smile. "You are such a slob." She commented dryly.
"And you are a party pooper." He said after gulping down the food. "Tae!" He called out and smiled as Tae peeked from the kitchen. "Great! Absolutely the best food in all of Nihon!" He exclaimed. He turned back at Megumi. "Hey, you haven't eaten anything yet." He observed. "Are you too nervous to eat in front of me?" He teased. He just couldn't help it.
"No. I lost my appetite. Thank you very much." Megumi answered haughtily.
"Ya know what your problem is?" He suddenly snapped. It was the sake kicking in. But heck, he didn't care. It was time they talk about what was going on between them. He realized that they had been trying to dodge it with the name-calling and all the hidden innuendo in their catty remarks.
"*I* have a problem?" Megumi asked arching an eyebrow. Dinner had been long and with Sano getting on her nerves, she wished she had brought all of her medicines including the poisons with her. For what purpose? She had to think of that one yet. But she was not ready for this. Maybe she never will be. If Sano forced her to open up, she'll have to do something drastic to shut him up. 'Yeah? Like what? Like kissing him the way you did last night.' The knowing voice inside her head said. The memory of their shared kiss caused another blush to creep in her face.
"Yes you. You can't say it can't you? You're afraid to admit it." Sano stated simply ignoring how gorgeous Megumi looked with the faint blush staining her cheeks..
"I don't know what you're talking about." Megumi replied flatly. She had successfully, over the past few years managed to keep her heart from messing up her head. With Sano it became a much obvious problem because she was just as attracted to him. And as much as she tried to deny it, the attraction ran deeper than she expected. And she didn't like it. She was content on being independent...had always been, until he came along and ruined almost all of her life long plans. And the stupid chicken head obviously had no clue on what kind of trouble he was.
"Yes you do." He figured that Megumi was feeling the same thing that had been plaguing him. They were both afraid. And it seemed a little silly to him to be afraid of something that can actually bring joy...
'As well as pain'. A knowing voice hissed in his brain. He grimaced at the thought. They had been through so much that unknowingly; they had become jaded and bitter. But after seeing Kenshin and Jou-chan exchange those longing looks that speaks so much that he was almost half convinced that they were kissing inside their own heads, he wanted so much to be a part of something...magical like that. Hell, it was probably everyone's dream, no matter how fucked-up their lives have been.
He was not going to let Megumi go! He had found someone who he knew he could share everything with. Especially not after sharing that kiss with her. And if it does not happen now...the passionate kiss and all...he just might do something as stupid as falling off a goddamn tree all over again. "I'm not going to be Kenshin and you're not going to be Jou-chan. So stop pretending already Megumi. That kiss meant something and you know it!"
"No and I'm not having a conversation with a drunk about this. I'm going home." She declared standing up. Sano was quick to grab her.
"You're not going anywhere Foxy until you tell me." Sano said his voice low.
She was mad, but because she knew he was right. So what if she was in love with Sano? He'll most probably laugh in her face and tell her that he was just teasing her. That he was and never will be ready to commit to anyone. He was a man who longed for adventure, not a boring domestic life. She glared at him. "What difference would it make?" She asked him slowly.
"Hell, Megumi a lot! C'mmon, you're the one who kissed me and you're the one who's treating me like you wished that kiss never happened at all. Stop playing with my head." He said angrily standing up and looming over Megumi. He was getting frustrated as hell and he didn't like it one bit. He would be a prick of a hypocrite if he denied that the name-calling was getting into his nerve. He thought that they'd be over that stage now. Of course he had his own shares of nasty name-calling but he was just teasing her. He was expecting a lot more from this date. And he was not going home with a memory of her calling him a chicken head punk. Not tonight.
"Fine." Megumi said through her clenched teeth. Obviously, somewhere down the line Sano managed to squirm himself inside her heart and no matter how hard she tried she can't just brush him off like any other men who all have attempted and failed in winning her heart and her trust. She looked at him eye leveled. "You win Sagara! I'm in love with you! There happy?! Another ego booster for your swollen....umph...."
He kissed her.
A long, hard passionate kiss that left them both breathless and unaware of the their audience who had suddenly felt the heat in the air.
Finally, after Yahiko was tempted to douse them with a bucket of cold water, the couple parted. Both were breathing heavily their eyes dancing madly.
Sano smiled at her. "Didn't saw that coming huh, Foxy?" He asked lightly caressing her cheeks with his bandaged hand. The well-worn material felt rough against Megumi's skin, but she liked it. Oh, she liked it a lot!
"I didn't." She admitted. "But I know one thing Sagara." She said as she smiled up at him her warm cinnamon eyes laughing merrily.
"Yeah? What is it Koibito?" He asked, teasing her with the term of endearment. He was half expecting that she'd push him away or maybe another kiss. After all, it was becoming quite evident how irresistible he was for her.
Koibito. Lover. Another thing Megumi found that she liked. She arched an eyebrow at her and tried to hide the satisfied smiled in her lips. "You're paying the tab tonight, Koibito." She returned wrapping her arms at Sano's neck.
Sano grinned at her. "Oh. Well, I have a secret." He said in a husky voice, nuzzling at her earlobe. She giggled and he felt his heart jump at the tremors running through their bodies. "I have no money, Kenshin promised to pay for the food." He said through her neck. She was getting a little nervous. He could tell by the way that her pulse seemed to jump in her skin. He raised his head and watched her brown eyes widen.
"Hontou?" She asked softly.
Sano nodded gravely.
"What do we do now? I'm not going to pay Sagara." Megumi asked pressing her body against Sano.
Sano's eyes glistened playfully, hugging her tighter and with Megumi's shout of surprise, hauled her over his shoulder. "We run." And off the Chicken head went with the Fox screaming both insults and endearments.
Tae watched with dazed eyes as Sano and Megumi disappeared through the corner. Her jaws hanging open. They had just run off! Without paying for their tab! Why those...she turned at Yahiko and Tsubame who had also disappeared from her side. Tae's mouth snapped shut as she slumped by her chair, big sweat drop and all. "I'm going to get...everyone for this!" she vowed solemnly. Everyone, especially the red haired rurouni who had orchestrated this little party!
She heard him right. She had to. Or else she was going to murder him. "K-Kenshin?" She asked again, her blue eyes searching for his face. 'Ai shiteru.' The words reverberated inside her head.
He smiled at her. Reassured her once more as his hand slid up to her neck and gently pushed her towards him. Kenshin wasn't aware of how they had managed to change their position in a more intimate manner. She was kneeling in front of him and his free arms supported her waist. She seemed to have momentarily forgotten her mortal fear of heights. But that was fine with him. He certainly wasn't going to remind her that they were more than 8 feet above the ground. He watched as she blushed once again and at that same instant, he knew that he would never get tired of watching her. He felt her knees part to make room for him and when she didn't protest he hugged her. With a soft gasp Kaoru held him tighter.
"Aren't you going to say anything Kaoru?" He asked, his breath teasing her neck.
She heard the fear of rejection in his voice and she mentally scolded herself for being so stupid. She gently pushed him away to look at his face. She burst out laughing, because he was pouting up at her and she had never seen him like this before; so unguarded and informal. When she saw the flash of fear and pain in Kenshin's eyes she did what she could only think of to reassure him that she felt the same. 'Baka Kenshin! You should know by now you adorable idiot!' And with that thought she almost jumped at him, sending him sprawling at the rooftop.
Taking her with him, Kenshin found himself pinned underneath Kaoru. Her weight a welcome warmth and pressure to Kenshin. He felt the warm sensation build inside his heart and then spread all over his body as Kaoru lowered her head and brushed her lips against him once more. She murmured with great tenderness the words that Kenshin have dreamt of hearing.
"Ai shiteru Kenshin no baka!" She said giggling merrily at the shocked expression on Kenshin's face and then she proceeded to shower him with soft little kisses across his face.
Kenshin didn't dared asked her if he heard it right. Out of fear that she'd take back what she just said or she's kicked him off the roof. Regaining his confidence he pressed her body closer and stilled her. She gazed at him questioningly and he silently guided her mouth in his. His first thought that this could not be happening to him, that this was a wicked dream and he would eventually wake up and find himself alone in his futon. But when she responded tentatively, her lower lips brushing against his, Kenshin was finally snapped back to reality. He moaned softly not able to stop himself from kissing her again.
Her first real kiss! The thought itself seemed to have taken most of her energy and she was thankful for his strength. She was a little nervous at first, she feared that she was too clumsy or that her lips wasn't soft at all and oh Kami please don't make her smell like sweat! She relaxed a little when Kenshin didn't seem to notice any of those things. And she found herself becoming bolder with every touch, with every exchange of breath. She leaned closer as Kenshin tilted his head to deepen the kiss.
His mind was reeling from the intensity of the kiss. It was as soft as the early spring breeze and yet it was leaving half of his brain and his insides into a big pile of mush. He was nearing the edge where he knew that his control would be easily broken. But maybe it was time that he threw caution to the wind. He slowly licked Kaoru's lips, causing her to let out a soft moan, a sound she wasn't even aware of making.
Kenshin was the one who broke the kiss. He watched Kaoru's face for a moment. Her eyes closed, her red lips slightly parted. He sighed as he ran a finger on her cheeks, making her open her eyes.
"Nani?" Kaoru asked a little dreamily. "Something wrong Kenshin?" She felt a momentary panic when Kenshin pushed himself up, holding her at arms length.
"Iie." Kenshin answered, rubbing his palms over her shoulders. "It's just..." he leaned forward and brushed his lips lightly against hers, he just couldn't help himself. He vaguely heard Kaoru nervous giggle when his mouth found it's way to her jaw, tracing it with little kisses, following the arc of her neck and then to her ear. He murmured quietly, "It's...this is hardly the time nor the place to do this...".
"It's not?" Kaoru asked playing with Kenshin's collar, not so accidentally running her finger across his exposed flesh. She could feel the jump of his muscles and she giggled, delighted that she had that affect on him. "So what are you suggesting?" She asked a little skittishly.
Kenshin grinned and in one fluid motion, scooped her up her feet, taking her as he stood up.
"What--" Her eyes grew wide as she caught a glimpse at the playful glint in his violet eyes. She wrapped both arms around his neck and snuggled closer. "Kenshin...don't you even think about it...." She warned. 'This date isn't finished yet.' She thought warmly, not when she was having so much fun.
Kenshin winked at her, "Don't even think about what?" He asked benignly. "We're just going to go down. Where it's safe." He said smiling down at her.
She tilted her head trying to get a clue on what he had in mind. "Kenshin...."
And before she could even finish her sentence, he jumped off the roof and landed facilely on the gravel, barely making any sound at all.
Yahiko had enough of the Kenshin's "planned" date. It was cleverly done, he had to give the rurouni the credit for that. He was sure that Kenshin had the best intention in mind, but having to play "waitress" just for an hour wasn't on his list of fun things to do. And since Sano and Megumi had also bailed out, he decided to make his escape, lest Tae saw him and make him wash the dishes as payment for the food Sano had shameleslly gobbled up in front of his "date". And that would really ruin his day. Of course Tsubame's smile had more than made up for the humiliation of having to wear such a silly attire as the apron. He was glad though that he was back on his normal clothing and he wanted to give Kenshin a piece of his mind, not to mention tease Kaoru out of her wits. He must admit that his sensei looked cute enough. Tanukis are, to some people, cute. So why would Kaoru be an exception? He smiled at the thought.
And so he found himself on his way home. What he saw there had drastically changed his mood. He couldn't be happier. The scene laid before him was enough to inspire more than a hundred name-calling and teasing that would last him and his busu-sensei for a lifetime.
He was rounding off the corner when he heard the soft giggling inside the dojo yard. He craned his neck and saw Kaoru and Kenshin standing by the porch their foreheads pressed together laughing quietly in the night.
"Nani?" He muttered.
Kenshin and Kaoru.
He blinked several times, unable to actually believe that the two were finally a…a...a couple?!
Yahiko briefly shuddered at the thought. He wasn't sure what Kenshin did and how, but he had obviously been successful with it. The young boy let out a smirk. 'Well, you got what you wanted Busu.' he thought fondly. "I've never thought this day would come."
"What day?"
Yahiko jumped back biting out a yelp. "Sanosuke you idiot! Don't do that?!" He hissed turning red in the face. He hoped Sano hadn't noticed.
"Scared you huh?" Sano asked grinning noting Yahiko's red cheeks and quick breathing.
"What's with the goofy smile?" Yahiko asked getting ready to pester Sano when he remembered the kiss he had just witnessed and the innocence he had just lost. He rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me Megumi fell for you?" He asked half smirking.
"Can't help it if she thinks I'm too damn sexy." Sano returned the derisive grin and added a suggestive wink
It was the reply Yahiko had been expecting. "Right." He answered mockingly. And he thought Megumi had more sense than his Busu-sama, apparently not.
"So what's up with our two friends over there?" Sano asked prying over the large tree Yahiko was hiding from.
"Well, I guess all the mushy stuff would be a hell lotta better than a bokken in the head every now and then." Yahiko answered nodding slightly.
"Huh?"
"If Busu's gonna be this love struck for the rest of her life, then I am certainly hoping that it would lessen her violent tendencies." He stated feeling like a total grown up.
Sano looked at him quizzically. "Whatever." They watched for several more minutes.
Kenshin was looking like the lovesick idiot Sano was expecting and Jou-chan like a merry cat who has her paws closed on a contented little mouse.
"Kenshin's in trouble isn't he?" Yahiko asked slightly amused by the turn of events.
"Yup. Big trouble." Sano answered smiling widely.
The couple finally kissed. Sano and Yahiko looked at each other and made gagging motions.
"Eeeuwww." Yahiko commented. "Adults do the most disgusting things." He muttered.
"Well, before they do anything that would disgust you even more, let's get out of here shall we." Sano said glancing from the couple to the dirt road leading towards Megumi's clinic.
"What other disgusting things?" Yahiko suddenly asked interrupting Sano's thoughts.
"D'ya really wanna know?" Sano asked, the mischievous glint in his eyes hidden by the fall of his hair. Megumi can wait. This was going to be better than anything Sano had ever thought of.
Yahiko nodded excitedly his eyes brimming with curiosity.
"We're going to have a man to man talk then. Let's go." He said gleefully taking Yahiko's collar and lifting him off the ground. Sano heard a muttered oath and turned the boy towards him so that they were face to face. "If you have brains, I suggest that you shut your mouth or ruin Kaoru's moment and then die." He warned his voice pliant yet lethal.
Yahiko gritted his teeth and growled at him.
Perfect. He knew the boy wouldn't be screaming any insults at him. "We are going to have so much fun Yahiko-CHAN!"
Sano had to restrain himself from cackling like a crazed rooster as he ran off taking Yahiko with him.
Poor kid.
When they finally came up for air Kenshin had to shake his head for a few seconds to clear the thoughts swarming in his passion laden brain. Kaoru had her face snuggled on his chest. His gi was already halfway open. Her palms were pressed against his exposed flesh and his muscles wouldn't keep still. Even if he willed them too. He sighed and lifted Kaoru's chin so he can see her face. She looked a little flushed and her blue eyes were almost like liquid fire, passion laced and yet still having the childlike wonder shining in them.
Her back was against the wall and he had been kissing her for...Kenshin had no idea. One moment they were on the porch giggling softly, innocently and still a bit shy and then the next instance...
He ran his finger across her cheeks. He heard her sigh and he echoed it with a small-satisfied smile and a kiss on her forehead. "We shouldn't." Kenshin managed to say.
"Shouldn't what?" Kaoru asked tilting her head.
"We shouldn't be doing this." He said finally after a moment of considering what words he should say to explain what he was feeling right now.
"We're not doing anything wrong Kenshin." Kaoru scolded him lightly. She stood on her toes and gave him a long slow kiss.
He found himself responding eagerly. Pressing her body closer to him. He sighed and broke the kiss. "Koiishi...I...you're still..." He paused. He was making no sense at all and Kaoru was smiling up at him expectantly.
"What?" Kaoru teased, running her small fingers inside his gi. Tracing unseen curves and lines across his smooth skin. "What should we be doing then?" She asked playfully.
"Talking." Kenshin answered lamely.
Kaoru's rich laughter pierced his heart.
"We've done enough talking Kenshin. Remember? We've talked the whole night and the night before." She idly informed him, her arm meeting at the back of his head to press him closer. The fall of his crimson hair made it seem that they were the only people in the world. Hiding them from everything that silently threatened them apart.
She had never felt so safe and secured in her life.
Kenshin on his part had never felt so free and contented. To hold her was enough for him, although there were parts of him that wanted more than just to watch and kiss. The need to be with her was actually as strong as his need to protect her, more so since it was from him that she needed protection from.
She seemed to have read his mind and she playfully slaped him in the cheek. "Kenshin no baka! Don't start with that train of thought. You don't need to protect me from anything, more more from you."
He had both of his hands on her small waist to keep her steady. When she was angry she always seemed to be capable of anyhting, and right now he was half afraid and half wanting that she'll jump him and just do as she please. "Well then, we should be resting." He suggested rubbing his nose against hers. He smiled at her blush waiting for her decision.
Kaoru seemed to be considering this as she was finally stilled for a moment. "Ok then." She said taking her arms off him and letting it fall limply at her side.
Kenshin let out a sigh, which was somewhere between disappointment and relief.
Kaoru chuckled. "Come on Baka." She said grabbing his hand and leading him to her room.
The panicked noise that Kenshin made caused another deep chuckle from her. His hand had almost immediately became so cold and a little sweaty.
"Koaru wait...we shouldn't...we...I mean I want to...but...sessha...sessha...orororo..."
Kaoru quieted him with a persistent kiss and then stepped back to enjoy the baffled expression etched on his face. His almost golden eyes betrayed his true feelings and Kaoru could feel the shivers that ran down her spine. It was very tempting to tease Kenshin some more, but he was right. "We won't do anything Kenshin."
"We won't?" He asked in a slightly disappointed voice, realized it and shook his head again. He can't seem to get his mind to work properly, especially after the way she had kissed him like that.
"Hai. We don't need to rush things. But..." She stopped, shy and reluctant all of a sudden.
"But what Koiishi?" Kenshin asked not daring to get anywhere within arms reach.
"But I'd like to sleep next to you and wake up beside you." Kaoru answered softly her blue eyes meeting his.
Kenshin sighed. She asks so little and yet at the same time, she asks too much. How can that possibly be? His rational mind asked him. He had the answer to that.
She's so much like a child and yet she's this incredible woman that made every part of his body ache to just be with her and hold her beside him. She's vulnerable and yet strong and he would often find himself thinking that maybe she's even stronger than him and the Battousai.
For all of Kaoru's seeming contradictions, he loved her even more. There was always something new about her. And he wanted to discover everything about her...all of her
She was giving him this opportunity. And they don't even have to *do* anything yet.
"I promise I'd be good." Kaoru teased walking towards him seductively.
"Oro?" Kenshin exclaimed, flushing to the roots of his hair. That sounded like something Megumi would say but coming from her, she made it totally sound so innocent.
Kaoru giggled. "I won't bite." She added.
Kenshin was going to have a nosebleed.
"Aw, c'mmon Kenshin. Please?" Kaoru asked reaching out to him.
Kenshin was helpless as she pulled him inside her room. He swallowed hard as her scent assaulted him. Her jasmine scent is much stronger in here, on her pillows, on her futon...
"Koiishi..." He began reluctantly scanning her room and then almost fainting when his eyes found her taking her obi off. Against the soft light of the only candle lighted inside her room, she looked absolutely ethereal and delicate. For a moment his oxygen supply was sucked out of him and he felt lightheaded. "Kaoru...wha-ha-t are you do..doing?"
Kaoru lifted her head and blushed. "Baka! You're supposed to turn around!" She screeched immediately closing her almost open kimono.
"O-oro!?" Kenshin said still standing there missing Kaoru's words. When she threw the boken that hit his head on perfect target, Kenshin finally got the idea. Of course by then he was already on his back staring at the ceiling.
The sound of clothes rustling and falling on the floor snapped him back to reality. He stopped breathing the whole time he as lying there. The shadows that played against the smooth ceiling didn't help either. It made him feel more...uneasy. When the light went off and he heard Kaoru snuggling in her futon, he took this as a sign that it was his turn to change.
"Kaoru?" He asked softly.
"Hai?" Her voice was just as equally muted as his.
"You're not looking are you?" He asked inanely.
Kaoru muttered an oath and was annoyed that she had already thrown her bokken at him. "Of course I'm not!"
Of course, she was lying. And Kenshin knew it. But, as Sano would always tell him, what the hell?
Finally, he did something Sano would be proud of. Kenshin smiled to himself when he heard Kaoru's sharp intake of breath. He knew very well what she was experiencing. 'Two can always play the same game Kaoru.' He thought fondly as he silently made his way to her futon.
She didn't think twice when she felt Kenshin's arm going around her waist. She snuggled into his neck and sighed.
"Better." Kenshin asked.
"Hai." She whispered back.
"I wish I can see you." Kenshin said kissing the top of her head and then resting his chin at the exact same spot.
"You will. Maybe next time." Kaoru returned softly.
"There will be a next time, right?" He asked lightly, his need to be reassured surfacing once again.
"We have forever Kenshin. I wouldn't worry about a next time." Kaoru murmured.
They we're silent for a few moments. Relishing the fact that they were finally together. The almost soundless night was slowly lulling Kaoru to sleep. She reached for Kenshin's face and touched his face. "Ai shiteru." She said softly drifting off to sleep.
"Ai shiteru Kaoru." Kenshin answered. "And thank you."
Outside, the blue streak against the dark sky was signaling the beginning of a brand new day. It was guaranteed to be one of the best days Tokyo had ever had. Because this day was started from love, hope and the fulfillment of a dream.
-END-
Last Notes:
So um…was it a bad ending? What do you guys think? C&C's please….
I'm really grateful to those who have taken their times to read and review my fic! I'm glad that you enjoyed this one, as much as I enjoyed writing this I hope! Whatever the outcome of this fic, I owe much of it to all of you and to your comments and reviews!
*Heh, techinically, it's not a haiku, but this seems to fit Kenshin and Kaoru's feeling for each other, so I just had to put it.
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