Part 2: Paying a Visit.
He finally made up his mind to go, with the urgings of the well- intended employees, and a little advice from his therapist.and finally into his own decision. There are a lot of good points to start with, one, he is surprising Soujiro for a visit since he didn't reply back to the letter. Two, he looked a far cry from before, only Soujiro would recognize him.
Reluctant to spend the cash, Kamatari used also some of his savings to prepare for the journey. He is not taking it by foot, and instead purchased a ticket to the one of the revolutionary inventions of western technology: the train. It will take only half an hour, at least, to go from Osaka to Tokyo. He brought himself some clothing, and other useful things. Maybe he could spend the money given to him for souvenirs in the market place once he reached there. They would be happy, he thought.
Then he wondered what would be everyone's reaction, if they learned Soujiro invited another fellow ex-mercenary in the house. It's natural not to trust him at first sight. "Then I'll make sure they'll trust me, they do it with him." He said to himself, and near the train station there are flea markets. With having enough money, been set aside for almost five years, it's enough to make a round trip over seas. And he indulged at the goodies presented at the stalls, for instance, Kenshin have a little boy. He made sure that he brought some toys, and sweets. The women perhaps, he had not yet lost the feminine touch and brought a few kimonos and some hair accessories. The men, probably some good Sake, and oh, more food.
Half-an hour later, he was dragging four carry-ons, not yet included his baggages, as he made his way into the train. A man, probably the train's special service, carry his things upon going into the train and then finally also upon reaching Tokyo. Services for like that, are said to be expensive, but he have the money to pay him. Another good point, he can go to the capital of Japan for he has well-earned and enough cash. He can indulge in almost anything he wanted. From there point on, having reached the rough road outside the station, it's an impossibility to carry on all the things he have. It's still miles from the residence, and then that's where he thought of renting one of those coaches. Having do so, he never felt anything like heaven. The seats are covered with dark and smooth velvet, covering the soft foamed cushion below, curtains hang on small windows, to cover lightly the early afternoon sun. The walls of the coach are well covered by neat furnish and hard wood, that it lessen the noise one can hear from outside, only the trotting and clanking of the horse's hooves can be heard. He even dressed well enough, in away that an average young English man would be.
He slowly went to sleep, drifting with the thoughts of what would be awaiting him from there
****
"Have anyone seen Sou-chan?" Misao called out, and she was greeted by the same way every time Soujiro's name is mentioned.
"Ergh." Sanosuke mumbled, Yahiko who is sharing a meal with him replied, however with a much decent answer. "He was talking with Kenshin- san, at the back of the house. Does that always after lunch."
The kid has finally grew some manners, Misao thought. If she is not mistaken, Yahiko is growing into a fine young man. The deepness in his voice, and his growth spurt having been now at the height of his teens, is starting to show. He even has to change his wardrobe several times, since everything starts to become so short in the same time. Maybe in a year or two, he could be as tall as Sanosuke.
And she is still flat as a pancake, she sighed. It's been years, when Kaoru announced she is having with child, then Kenji was born, now a hyperactive little boy. At least Kaoru have some change, she envied her. She is so lucky to have Kenshin. The pregnancy and mother hood have added color to her cheeks, and a little flesh and healthy plumpness in her body. And she never looked so much better, "There is such thing as late bloomers," Kaoru was once told her. "They said, sometimes a woman's true beauty emerges when she becomes a mother. Maybe if you find yourself the right man."
Oh please, make him the right man for me.
Then she took a glimpse of Soujiro, having reached already the back yard. He certainly also improved in his looks as well with his sword skills for it looks like Kenshin is lecturing him on it, and maybe if they get to have children.they would even be the best fighters of Japan. He with the knowledge of swordskill and her of ninjiustu. And she will be a proud, and well-developed looking mother, and Okina will finally have a great-grandson to bounce to his lap, and gave Aoshi a little more house duty. Soujiro, with his finally coming terms with his past with the maturity and experience of an adult, is a perfect healthy candidate to be her husband.
"Ne, Misao!" Soujiro called up, "Are you okay? You seem to be staring like that for minutes."
Soujiro realized she was staring at him, how foolish! She stammered, her face turning slowly to bright red. "G-Gomen! It's nothing, really!"
"Is it nothing, and why you are looking at me like that?" Soujiro wondered, "Is there anything you want to tell?"
It seemed an eternity for her to make out a reason, and Kenshin who is listening quickly understood. With his well-knowing smile, he said, "It seems you two have a talk, I'll be going inside.time to put Kenji to his usual early afternoon sleep."
Misao felt like she would melt without an ally, what's wrong with her? Soujiro have been living with them for nearly a year, and she is still troubled to ask him such things. They could get intimate at times, but there was not much serious talk. Or if Soujiro realized her feelings, he is practically dense of what she wanted. Just like it was with Kenshin and Kaoru in the early days.
"What do you think of me? Do I have a body of a boy?" she blurted out, giving Soujiro a startled expression. Realizing that she acted before she thinks, Misao mentally gave herself a kick in the butt.
"There is nothing wrong with the way you look,"
"Really?! I-I mean, you mean it? Its just some people say."
"Who cares what other people say, Misao, it's the matter of liking the way you are.that what makes one beautiful." He approached her, with that same amiable smile on his slightly tanned face. She could feel her heart skip a beat, for it sounds like Soujiro meant his words. He looked around, as if seeing they two are finally alone. He is going to say something, she can feel it, like the heat rushing to her skin. It is going to be nice, him and her finally alone.
"I could never look like them, those women.how I wish,"
"If you ever been like them, they I could have never fallen for you at that day in the inn." There is a sparkle in his eyes, and the light touch of his hand to her own, is starting to make her knees weak. Rarely do they get to have a moment to be honest truly to each other. "Misao, seeing you in boy shorts and sprinting around with no care of the world.that's what make you stand out from the rest, you are special."
"I'm special?"
"To me you are, I could never be so grateful also for giving me a second chance."
"Me either."
They were just inches apart, their faces are near enough, and with the mutual silent consent that came from each other, both slowly leaned to share their first kiss.
"Hey there, Soujiro! Some one is looking for you outside!" Sanosuke called out, opening the screen door so roughly, that it hit Misao's head. Soujiro was caught in surprise, that he jumped back, and Misao fell down the ground. They gave each other uneasy glances, before gathering their wits and dusting themselves. Misao look sharply at Sanosuke before she mumbled, "I will just stop by the kitchen in a few minutes." It was so near, yet so far. "Looks like I interrupted something," he guessed, when she finally walked off from sight. "Well don't just stand there, you got a visitor."
"A visitor?" Soujiro rarely get any chance to have a visitor, and if he do, it might be some of those in the police who are keeping an eye on him. For Buddha's sake, he didn't hurt any man during five years.what would they think he is planning to cause some trouble?
He spotted it outside, a coach having halted by the residence entrance. Whoever gets himself to rent those must happen to be quite rich, Soujiro thought. So it wasn't anyone from the police, so who is he? Kenshin is there, he was supposed to start cleaning the front yard of the fallen leaves but he felt uneasy at the sight of the carriage taking a stop. And Kaoru is talking to the person inside it, with the little Kenji on tow. He does not like it, for whoever the mysterious visitor is.it does not want to come out, and the notion that he is talking to his wife and son a little too long, that he suspect that he might abduct them.
"Who is in that carriage?" Soujiro asked,
"I don't know, Kaoru told me it's some young man looking for you. He does not want to go out, unless he sees you.told that is dropping by after you wrote him a friendly note." The young ronin could see there is a pang of tension written to Kenshin's face, ".and he is been stalling Kaoru long enough under the sun."
"I think he meant no harm," "Hmm, so you know who this visitor of yours is?
"I think I got a clue."
****
"That's a nice young little boy," Kamatari forced a small smile, making his face a little prominent behind the curtain. "Looks very much like his father,"
"Thanks, you happen to be an acquaintance of my husband before?" Kaoru peeked in the available opening by the window, very intrigued by the mystery man. She was strolling for some air, hoping it will lull little Kenji to sleep, when this extravagant carriage passed and stopped in front of her, asking if it's the Kamiya Kasshin Dojo. The person asking inside it made himself only a little visible, as if not wanting to be recognized, and also inquired if there is a certain Soujiro Seta staying with them.
He won't come out unless Soujiro shows himself. Who is he? She wondered. All she could make out is the voice, belonging to a young man.and some item of clothing suggested that he is dressed like a gajin the fact he is Japanese.
"No, not really. I can see him from here.and I say, he looks very much the young boy you are carrying."
"Oh, I see.oh there you are Soujiro!" Kaoru turned around, "There is this man who wants to see you,"
Soujiro nodded and the mother and son takes its leave, when both are now a few feet away, Soujiro drew the small window curtains wide open. "Kamatari! I know it's you! You don't have to hide yourself.they just wont easi."
"Shhh!!!" Kamatari hushed with his gloved finger. "From now just call me Hojoun! I just dropped by for your sake, I don't want any of them to be alarmed of my presence!"
"Well sure, okay.but you even have to tell them."
"If I do, they might think the sky is falling. Let's just say I'm a casual friend during your traveling in incognito days." And the sky would be really falling, Soujiro let out a sly smile and shook his head. Kamatari in every inch has lost the familiarity that anyone would recognize now. Dressed like a casual English man, he looks like an educated Japanese of a higher aristrocatic class. Gloved hands, and a white crisp collared shirt covered by a fine deep burgundy brown coat, it is topped by a long ivory shawl that draped from the coat's wide collars. He matched it with a hat, not the tall one, in a way it could shelter his face from the rough sun. Instantly, the coach man stepped down and helped him with his baggages, and Soujiro counted more than four. "If you are going to STAY that long, you might as be well serious in telling everybody." He remarked,
"Those are not all mine, others are gifts."
"You brought THEM gifts?"
"Heck, it's a proper way for an unexpecting visitor, ne? Besides, that way they would acknowledge me well, it's a proper manner." He snorted, then giving the coachman his tip and finally too k leave.
"You sure do have changed a lot after from last year, anyone could mistake you for a refined upperclassman."
"I think I got it from the therapist, a very fatherly gajin. Thought me some etiquette and fine manners.saying it's also for keeping up with the times."
"And you have done him proud!"
"Just help me with the luggages.I can't carry them all by myself."
"Well, okay." ****
The Kenshin-gumi is watching from a distance, all of them gawking as they finally see the mysterious visitor finally having stepped out of his coach. Sanosuke made a low whistle, "Who is the English looking guy? Looks important to me."
"He is Japanese, he is just happen to dress like the English." Kaoru replied. She never get to see him properly well awhile ago, but she was impressed what stands now. Never having seen young men dressed like such, she began complementing the crisp style and fashion the man is wearing. It looks sharp, and handsomely, that she joked if she were still single she could marry a man who dress as fine as him. Kenshin shot her a look, but she laughed it out easily,
"Looks like a doctor," Yahiko quipped,
"Or some boring exchange student."
"What does he wants with him?" Misao's voice cut out the air of intrigue with them. Everyone has quizzical glances, "We don't know who he was Misao, but the man wants to see Soujiro.and he does not say who he was." Kenshin replied,
"I don't know Soujiro have.friends."
"Well its about time some one claimed as one," Sanosuke called out, "look, I think Soujiro is waving to this direction, I think he wants us to help carry his friend's things."
"Nani? That man is staying here?!"
"Well don't just stand there! Let's help him!" Kaoru exclaimed, that for a minute, she forgot about her son and with the others, curiously rushing to Soujiro's aid. Leaving Kenshin with an "oro" expression, and a wide-eyed Misao.
****
His tempting big luggages might have drawn almost everyone like a magnet, and Kamatari can't help but smile to see that everyone is intrigued by him.
"Minna-san, this is my friend.Hojoun." Soujiro introduced him, and Kamatari told him awhile ago to what else to say, "He took a masteral degree on Asian Studies in abroad, and came back here few years ago to teach in some of Japan's recognized schools."
Kamatari finally took off his hat, and bowed lightly, saying "pleased to meet you." When he looked up again, he swore that everyone is gaping. He blinked twice, thinking his mind is playing his imagination of the sight Kaoru blushing, did he actually looked that.good?
"How the heck did you guys met?" Sanosuke asked, then Kaoru elbowed him lightly by the chest, whispering "You baka, that is an educated man in front of you.show some respect!"
"That's okay," Kamatari replied, "I happen to meet Soujiro few years ago at my place, asking for directions. After that, we became friends and share stories of our travels and exploits," he crossed his fingers behind his coat, hoping they would brought the story. He continued, "He recently wrote to me, while I was taking a break from the semestral classes I teach in Osaka and told me about him residing for awhile in Tokyo and tells a little about everyone else. It's when I decided to stop by,"
They are looking at the pile of luggages, "Oh, and I brought a little for everyone else, to express my advanced gratitude."
In a matter of like what seems to be on cue and the most natural thing to do, Kaoru and company starts to shower him with hospitality, the boys instantly carrying everything else they could get their hands on, as they showed him to the way to the house. To them, any educated visitor of western learning is treated with respect, especially if he brings SOMETHING with him. And Kamatari is proud it worked like a charm, for he has no plans on revealing who he really was. It's a better way so he could casually observe what the Kenshin-gumi's are really like.
"I'll be staying for two weeks," he pointed out to Soujiro, "Then after that, I'll resume business back in Osaka."
The long-haired ronin looked at him, ".can't you stay a little longer?"
"Two weeks is long enough." he grumbled, and he could see there is a hidden knowing smile on Soujiro's face. It annoys him if he does that, sparking the bit of jealousy he use to have when he try to rival him in shi-shi-o's attention.
"Not long enough for a little soul searching, who knows you might get to find."
"The right woman! Yes I know!" he answered back, much to Soujiro's surprise. "You and my therapist keep on saying the same thing!"
"Kamatari, if five years have made who you are now.I think that is the only thing missing."
To complete the void, the emptiness inside.he remembered that reading in the letter. "Only time would tell, then if I fall for one then let's call for a celebration." He sarcastically replied, as both were nearing the house. Kamtari's pure intent in going to Tokyo is for Soujiro's sake.to see how such idyllic life could be so pleasurable, to see what the Kenshin- gumi's are like.and looking for a mate to prove he have gotten over his extreme feminine side is the least of his priority. I am here to relax, and have a moment of reflection.not to look for some friggin bride, he said to himself. He tipped his hat lightly, as a respectful gesture to Himura who has now have his hair cut off short. The hitokiri gave him a wary glance. So Kenshin haven't lost touch for his keenness, as he suspected. Kenshin is trying to fill the image of him and if he have seen him before, and it's where Kamatari observed that the former Battosai is in fact much smaller in close-up real life.
"You got such a beautiful wife, you are very lucky to have her Himura- san." He spoke in compliment, but the red-haired slasher merely fidgeted when he said the word "beautiful". Kenshin is rarely known to act dour in front of people. Is he jealous?
Behind him stood a much smaller figure, and he recognized it immediately as Misao. She looks almost the same when he last remembered her, except she has gained a little weight and her hair tied up in a wild bun, instead of letting it down in her usual braid. Misao still does not know how to dress, he sighed. She is wearing those ridiculous boy looking short clothes, and a memory came to his mind that he felt his own smile involuntary crept to his face. When he noticed she have seen it, for Misao's face is starting to act up, he spoke "You must be Misao, looks like you haven't change."
"We have met?" she said curiously,
"Um, no.Soujiro, yes.he writes me letters during my stay in Osaka. Most often he describes you in them." That was close, and he took one big sigh of relief when she wasn't looking. He heard Soujiro snicker, and ignored it. Guessing, that he got carried away...Kamatari usually mock Misao, and he knows it is irresistible for him not to annoy her the moment they met.
He was lead to a room, a guest room where he was lucky to share with Soujiro and get his things unloaded. As soon as he finished unpacking, he pulled off everything he is wearing on, except for the white collared long sleeves with loosen up suspenders and his deep brown slacks. It is absolutely crazy to wear all that tacky outfit for a minute inside the room. "I think I need to rest, it's been a long tiring journey. Just wake me up if something comes up, ne?" he said, then stretching his arms, he fell to the cot and instantly fell asleep.
"Sure, Kama. I mean Hojoun. Take your time." And by means, he needed tons of it. The Kenshin-gumi is always a very active bunch, and it couldn't be so easy to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon, not unless one is overwhelmed with exhaustion. Now and then, some surprise visitor will come in and out of the household. The Oniwabanshu's and Misao happen to show up last week, and the number would double when Okina and Aoshi would follow up later that evening. It would overwhelm Kamatari to see all the former enemies in one roof, but years in reformation gave him a sense of complacentness. He managed to control his teasing for Misao a minute ago.
As Soujiro quietly leaved the room, he listened to the short commotion outside. Before he slept, Kamatari requested them before they enter the house, that the content of the four big hand-carry's are for everyone. And now, Soujiro can see from the dojo area, (where it was much bigger to open big things, since the rest of the place is small) that they have all gingerly open the four baggages, all the contents scattered and eagerly passed to almost everyone's hands until someone would claim it. Each bare small tags, which seems to have their names inscribed on. From what he could make out, Sanosuke is grabbing the fine Sake's and the packed food. Kaoru gushed upon seeing some set of clothes, trinkets and hair accessories, Kenshin and Yahiko got themselves few pieces of nice clothes and sandals.not to mention toys and sweets for little Kenji. There is almost an excess in everything.
So, Kamatari is serious when he said he brought everyone gifts! But the way it look, he could have brought too much.stuff enough to fill in a shelter. He must have make a fortune way back in Osaka, Soujiro thought.for the man haven't even bother to travel for five years. He also noted awhile ago, Kamatari is wearing fine clothing and is riding a rental, yet exsiquisite carriage. The cost for that one is more than an earning of a regular resident.
"Soujiro! Your friend is friggin rich!" Sanosuke exclaimed, "He brought almost everything for anyone!"
"Err.yeah, he earns a lot for being an upper class teacher."
"Look, he also got you some items.the usual, clothes.more clothes.does this look like a sword?"
Soujiro quickly grabbed which looks like a wrapped sheathed sword, he remembered that the one he is using now is quite rusty. "Hai, I think I requested for one." he scratches his head, "I just don't know that he is going to take it seriously!"
"Hey, the last luggage has unnamed items." Kenshin called out, as he helpfully and neatly unloaded the things in the last hand carry, unlike the messy way Kaoru threw excitedly everything at the previous ones. "It carries the same necessities too. I wonder who it was for?"
"Miscellaneous." Yahiko noted, reading the mark written inside the baggage. "I think it's for anyone to whom he forgot to mention.and there is a lot of it."
Kaoru, who with the all of them looks the most happy turned to Soujiro. "Tell your friend, domo arigato! This is too much!"
"Yes, I'll tell that to him later, he is taking a rest for now." He bowed lightly, taking his own share of gifts and exited gracefully. As he proceeds to go to the guestroom, he wondered what possessed Kamatari to bring so much, it's okay to bring home gifts but the way he sees it, and as kaoru said.it's too much. Soujiro took out the wrapped sword from his grip and curiously opened it. It is another pair of Nihontou to replace his old one, exquisitely beautiful that he wondered where he could get such like that, when these days no one makes swords anymore. Whatever it is, Kamatari have a great deal in possessing enough finance to support himself, enough to make him look regal in front of an average Japanese and the excess, is enough to support two families all in one. It would be nice, he thought.if Kamatari can share his wealth with a significant other instead.
"What a funny thought, it could never happen." He softly chuckled, as he dropped his things and drew the sword from its grip, testing its weight and quality. "Kamatari himself knew better being a woman than the regular female,"
But yet, it is possible Kamatari could fall for one. First, after the battle of Mt. Hiei he knows Kamatari as a deadly scythe wielding cross dresser with such utteral devotion and having unrequited pangs of love to their former master Shi-shi-o, that his death have gave him less reason to live. Then, a few years after, he find him thoroughly recovered and leading a new life and COMPLETELY looking like a real man. It is such an understatement of the century, and it made the possibility that Kamatari might eventually learn to love a woman. During their short brief bonding at Osaka, Soujiro can't help notice that most of the young women employees find Kamatari beautiful, mysterious and attractive. There are the obvious mild blushes and their soft giggles, but he brushed them as merely infatuation and is not interested with the opposite sex, even if it takes them to even seduce him. But eventually, Soujiro can't wait for him to again see Kamatari eat his words.
"Hello there, Soujiro. Staying here for sometime?" someone called by the entrance. Its woman with long laid hair and pale skin having only pure red lips to accent her pallid face, and it looks like she is carrying a small package.
"Why, it's you Megumi-san," Soujiro smiled, having been acquainted sometime with at least the Kenshin-gumi's female doctor. Megumi has the habit of stopping by noon, carrying food, knowing well that Kaoru's culinary capabilities is not doing any good, even though she is now a mother of a growing little boy. Her presence brings a little life and more bustling energy to the household, she never ever forgot to point out Kaoru's cooking and Sanosuke's bottomless appetite, and herself is good in making witty and candid remarks that could be annoying and funny. Sometimes he imagined she look like a fox every time she laughed. He continued, "Anou.if it's the food you are worrying about, I think they don't have a problem with that for now."
"Hmm.why is that? You finally also learned to cook for her?"
"Oh, no no.you see, I have a visitor from Osaka, he decided to drop by here for a few weeks, and he brought some food and other things as a token of gratitude for letting him stay."
Megumi seems curious on hearing about it, knowing that she only knew Soujiro a few days ago and suddenly he told them he has a friend. She turned around and hear some excited voices at the other side of the house. "You are right, from what I can hear now, it seems the whole gang is full aplenty of what ever it is. Who is this friend of yours anyway?"
"Oh, he's Ka." he paused, ".Hojoun! His name is Hojoun, an upper-class teacher in Osaka. I met him when I happen to pass there during my traveling days, we became close friends afterwards."
She imagined that Hojoun is a puffy, boring, bleary looking old man with spectacles and a walking stick, wearing a sophiscated western suit to go with "upper-class" standards. Megumi proceeds to go inside, and Soujiro offered his assistance in carrying her things. She can't believe that a few days ago, she met the man who looks like a boy got almost killed kenshin- san with a lethal blow in the Battle of Mt. Hiei several years back. She didn't know what brings him back, being a change man and all, but hinting it has something to strangely do with Misao. "So," she tried to strike a conversation, "Is Hojoun a first name, or a last name?"
"It's actually both, my mother gave the same name as my last name" came a rather half-annoyed voice that caught her in surprise, it came from around her back and near the bathroom. She turned around and gasped, her eyes widened, the boring old teacher she is assuming to see quickly evaporated.
Kamatari have just freshly woke up from his brief rest and have washed his face and arms, and is not obviously pleased that he is the topic of a conversation. The woman who is intrigued by him, looks like.
"Megumi?" he blurted out in surprise, he have seen Megumi a couple of times before and he is familiar with the faces of the Kenshin-gumi as so far. But he realized they don't know him, and it will make them wonder. Another slip of the tongue, just like when he suddenly called out of Misao awhile ago. He wanted to knock his head on the wall for another erroneous mistake,
"Umm.I don't believe we met." she said, apparently still in surprise and her expression unreadable. But deep inside, Megumi finds herself secretly smiling, her heart skipping a beat ".but I do hope so, in my dreams."
"In your what?" Kamatari hoped what he heard is wrong, and it's starting to get scary for him already. Women, the women in the Kenshin-gumi household are starting to act strange around him.
"Ah, i-it's nothing!" Megumi quickly bowed in apology, feeling a bit ashamed of what she absentmindedly said. "Please forgive me, Hojoun-san, I'm being so rude!"
"Just call me Hojoun. It's okay really." He can see Soujiro has comeback, and at the sight of seeing the two talking, "Megumi-san, I'll call Kaoru to inform of your arrival." he smiled and quietly left for another direction. Kamatari frowned lightly, wondering what games Soujiro is putting him on, leaving him alone, with one of the women.
"Oh take your time, Soujiro." Megumi called out, "I'll get acquainted with your friend for awhile," And acquainted she would. The Hojoun guy in front of her, is an arresting good-looking man, although a little dour. And she wants to admit, a bit strangely sensual too. There is some feminity in his features, which will make him beautiful rather than handsome, with his soft brown eyes set against a fair skinned face and short damp gray hair to accentuate his disapproved gaze. He have carelessly rolled up the white sleeves up to his elbows, clinging wet having washed himself roughly and his collared shirt shamelessly unbuttoned down to expose his bare chest to relieve himself after a long hot travel.
"Nothing will grow out of it if you're staring to me like that," he pointed out roughly, when Megumi was at lost looking at him. She blinked, and gushed lightly, letting out a yet apologetic smile, that seems more mischievous. Kamatari noticed, she does look like a fox lady if she does that. "Oh, I'm sorry again.it's just."
"It's just what? Is there something funny the way I look? "
My, he is quite defensive, she thought. Megumi finds Hojoun interesting and challenging, the man absolutely is disinterested with women, and quite dense to notice that they are falling for his looks. "My, nothing is wrong Mr. Hojoun, you're perfectly look good.and drop dead good for that." Then she wheeled around, letting out a small witchy laugh going to the dining room to prepare her goods. leaving Kamatari feeling sick and dumbfounded. God, that woman has a chilling witchy laugh worse than his, and what did she mean by being drop dead gorgeous? SHE wants to flirt with him? Knowing well how a woman thinks, Kamatari grimaced and decided to go back to his room.
"Sleeping so early? You can hang out with me for awhile, they are not that bad."
"Soujiro! Darn it, don't leave me like that!" he spat, turning around to meet his comrade furiously. But he just smiled, the same usual irritating smile if he is going to said something he'll find less amusing. "Just save your words," he mumbled, " I'm not going to get acquainted with their women, especially with that Megumi."
"Megumi is a fine person to converse with, Kamatari."
"It's HOJOUN!" Kamatari corrected, ".and if you think that fox-lady is a good friend to begin with, she is looking to me like she is going to eat me alive!"
"Kama.I mean Hojoun, don't you see?"
"I don't know, what?" he crossed his arms, leaning to the screen door, Soujiro at least sounds serious now. Then he'll have the lad to explain why he LEFT him with that woman, and he better have a good reason. "You have to deal with it, besides it's you who wanted to be a real man.they find you exceptionally good-looking for being one. Few are blessed, you know."
"Hold it, they find me EXCEPTIONALLY good looking?"
"Of course, did you notice the way Kaoru blushed and Kenshin-san seemingly jealous for the first time? Misao looking at you curiously then, she rarely gets quiet unless it strikes her. The way Megumi looked at you upon seeing you come out the bathroom? When they see you, it's like the clock stops."
Kamatari stood silent for awhile, and when the words finally made sense to him his eyes slowly widened. "Look Hojoun, you made the decision to be this type of person. Surely it is a blessing that the only thing missing in your life is coming to you, and in generous numbers to speak."
"Whatever, BUT I'm telling you, I'm not in a hurry to make a commitment!" he countered, then after heaving a big sigh he shot him with a look. ".and looks like you are enjoying seeing me getting queasy on it!"
"Not really Hojoun, I'm just wondering what it would be like.you know, if you really do fall in love."
"Then you'll the first one to know," Kamatari shrugged, then moving through his things, looking for clothes to finally change into. He brought out all assortment of earth colored long sleeved shirts, and Soujiro wondered if his comrade has somehow staled his taste into his fashion sense. "If those women find me so darn good looking, I'm going to give what they wanted.but I'm not going to be serious about having a relationship for now."
"Hmm, is there something that scares you about it?" "Yeah, your sugary sweet descriptions in your letter utterly mortified me," he casually remarked, as he starts undressing and changing his slightly damp clothes. Soujiro laughed at the joke, he knows that he might have indeed sound corny describing the bliss of romance, and those who's head is more ground in reality would find it weird. Noticing Kamatari would need a little privacy in dressing up and to think things over, he took his leave. "Just don't forget to come out later for dinner!"
"Just make sure it's not Kaoru's cooking!"
He finally made up his mind to go, with the urgings of the well- intended employees, and a little advice from his therapist.and finally into his own decision. There are a lot of good points to start with, one, he is surprising Soujiro for a visit since he didn't reply back to the letter. Two, he looked a far cry from before, only Soujiro would recognize him.
Reluctant to spend the cash, Kamatari used also some of his savings to prepare for the journey. He is not taking it by foot, and instead purchased a ticket to the one of the revolutionary inventions of western technology: the train. It will take only half an hour, at least, to go from Osaka to Tokyo. He brought himself some clothing, and other useful things. Maybe he could spend the money given to him for souvenirs in the market place once he reached there. They would be happy, he thought.
Then he wondered what would be everyone's reaction, if they learned Soujiro invited another fellow ex-mercenary in the house. It's natural not to trust him at first sight. "Then I'll make sure they'll trust me, they do it with him." He said to himself, and near the train station there are flea markets. With having enough money, been set aside for almost five years, it's enough to make a round trip over seas. And he indulged at the goodies presented at the stalls, for instance, Kenshin have a little boy. He made sure that he brought some toys, and sweets. The women perhaps, he had not yet lost the feminine touch and brought a few kimonos and some hair accessories. The men, probably some good Sake, and oh, more food.
Half-an hour later, he was dragging four carry-ons, not yet included his baggages, as he made his way into the train. A man, probably the train's special service, carry his things upon going into the train and then finally also upon reaching Tokyo. Services for like that, are said to be expensive, but he have the money to pay him. Another good point, he can go to the capital of Japan for he has well-earned and enough cash. He can indulge in almost anything he wanted. From there point on, having reached the rough road outside the station, it's an impossibility to carry on all the things he have. It's still miles from the residence, and then that's where he thought of renting one of those coaches. Having do so, he never felt anything like heaven. The seats are covered with dark and smooth velvet, covering the soft foamed cushion below, curtains hang on small windows, to cover lightly the early afternoon sun. The walls of the coach are well covered by neat furnish and hard wood, that it lessen the noise one can hear from outside, only the trotting and clanking of the horse's hooves can be heard. He even dressed well enough, in away that an average young English man would be.
He slowly went to sleep, drifting with the thoughts of what would be awaiting him from there
****
"Have anyone seen Sou-chan?" Misao called out, and she was greeted by the same way every time Soujiro's name is mentioned.
"Ergh." Sanosuke mumbled, Yahiko who is sharing a meal with him replied, however with a much decent answer. "He was talking with Kenshin- san, at the back of the house. Does that always after lunch."
The kid has finally grew some manners, Misao thought. If she is not mistaken, Yahiko is growing into a fine young man. The deepness in his voice, and his growth spurt having been now at the height of his teens, is starting to show. He even has to change his wardrobe several times, since everything starts to become so short in the same time. Maybe in a year or two, he could be as tall as Sanosuke.
And she is still flat as a pancake, she sighed. It's been years, when Kaoru announced she is having with child, then Kenji was born, now a hyperactive little boy. At least Kaoru have some change, she envied her. She is so lucky to have Kenshin. The pregnancy and mother hood have added color to her cheeks, and a little flesh and healthy plumpness in her body. And she never looked so much better, "There is such thing as late bloomers," Kaoru was once told her. "They said, sometimes a woman's true beauty emerges when she becomes a mother. Maybe if you find yourself the right man."
Oh please, make him the right man for me.
Then she took a glimpse of Soujiro, having reached already the back yard. He certainly also improved in his looks as well with his sword skills for it looks like Kenshin is lecturing him on it, and maybe if they get to have children.they would even be the best fighters of Japan. He with the knowledge of swordskill and her of ninjiustu. And she will be a proud, and well-developed looking mother, and Okina will finally have a great-grandson to bounce to his lap, and gave Aoshi a little more house duty. Soujiro, with his finally coming terms with his past with the maturity and experience of an adult, is a perfect healthy candidate to be her husband.
"Ne, Misao!" Soujiro called up, "Are you okay? You seem to be staring like that for minutes."
Soujiro realized she was staring at him, how foolish! She stammered, her face turning slowly to bright red. "G-Gomen! It's nothing, really!"
"Is it nothing, and why you are looking at me like that?" Soujiro wondered, "Is there anything you want to tell?"
It seemed an eternity for her to make out a reason, and Kenshin who is listening quickly understood. With his well-knowing smile, he said, "It seems you two have a talk, I'll be going inside.time to put Kenji to his usual early afternoon sleep."
Misao felt like she would melt without an ally, what's wrong with her? Soujiro have been living with them for nearly a year, and she is still troubled to ask him such things. They could get intimate at times, but there was not much serious talk. Or if Soujiro realized her feelings, he is practically dense of what she wanted. Just like it was with Kenshin and Kaoru in the early days.
"What do you think of me? Do I have a body of a boy?" she blurted out, giving Soujiro a startled expression. Realizing that she acted before she thinks, Misao mentally gave herself a kick in the butt.
"There is nothing wrong with the way you look,"
"Really?! I-I mean, you mean it? Its just some people say."
"Who cares what other people say, Misao, it's the matter of liking the way you are.that what makes one beautiful." He approached her, with that same amiable smile on his slightly tanned face. She could feel her heart skip a beat, for it sounds like Soujiro meant his words. He looked around, as if seeing they two are finally alone. He is going to say something, she can feel it, like the heat rushing to her skin. It is going to be nice, him and her finally alone.
"I could never look like them, those women.how I wish,"
"If you ever been like them, they I could have never fallen for you at that day in the inn." There is a sparkle in his eyes, and the light touch of his hand to her own, is starting to make her knees weak. Rarely do they get to have a moment to be honest truly to each other. "Misao, seeing you in boy shorts and sprinting around with no care of the world.that's what make you stand out from the rest, you are special."
"I'm special?"
"To me you are, I could never be so grateful also for giving me a second chance."
"Me either."
They were just inches apart, their faces are near enough, and with the mutual silent consent that came from each other, both slowly leaned to share their first kiss.
"Hey there, Soujiro! Some one is looking for you outside!" Sanosuke called out, opening the screen door so roughly, that it hit Misao's head. Soujiro was caught in surprise, that he jumped back, and Misao fell down the ground. They gave each other uneasy glances, before gathering their wits and dusting themselves. Misao look sharply at Sanosuke before she mumbled, "I will just stop by the kitchen in a few minutes." It was so near, yet so far. "Looks like I interrupted something," he guessed, when she finally walked off from sight. "Well don't just stand there, you got a visitor."
"A visitor?" Soujiro rarely get any chance to have a visitor, and if he do, it might be some of those in the police who are keeping an eye on him. For Buddha's sake, he didn't hurt any man during five years.what would they think he is planning to cause some trouble?
He spotted it outside, a coach having halted by the residence entrance. Whoever gets himself to rent those must happen to be quite rich, Soujiro thought. So it wasn't anyone from the police, so who is he? Kenshin is there, he was supposed to start cleaning the front yard of the fallen leaves but he felt uneasy at the sight of the carriage taking a stop. And Kaoru is talking to the person inside it, with the little Kenji on tow. He does not like it, for whoever the mysterious visitor is.it does not want to come out, and the notion that he is talking to his wife and son a little too long, that he suspect that he might abduct them.
"Who is in that carriage?" Soujiro asked,
"I don't know, Kaoru told me it's some young man looking for you. He does not want to go out, unless he sees you.told that is dropping by after you wrote him a friendly note." The young ronin could see there is a pang of tension written to Kenshin's face, ".and he is been stalling Kaoru long enough under the sun."
"I think he meant no harm," "Hmm, so you know who this visitor of yours is?
"I think I got a clue."
****
"That's a nice young little boy," Kamatari forced a small smile, making his face a little prominent behind the curtain. "Looks very much like his father,"
"Thanks, you happen to be an acquaintance of my husband before?" Kaoru peeked in the available opening by the window, very intrigued by the mystery man. She was strolling for some air, hoping it will lull little Kenji to sleep, when this extravagant carriage passed and stopped in front of her, asking if it's the Kamiya Kasshin Dojo. The person asking inside it made himself only a little visible, as if not wanting to be recognized, and also inquired if there is a certain Soujiro Seta staying with them.
He won't come out unless Soujiro shows himself. Who is he? She wondered. All she could make out is the voice, belonging to a young man.and some item of clothing suggested that he is dressed like a gajin the fact he is Japanese.
"No, not really. I can see him from here.and I say, he looks very much the young boy you are carrying."
"Oh, I see.oh there you are Soujiro!" Kaoru turned around, "There is this man who wants to see you,"
Soujiro nodded and the mother and son takes its leave, when both are now a few feet away, Soujiro drew the small window curtains wide open. "Kamatari! I know it's you! You don't have to hide yourself.they just wont easi."
"Shhh!!!" Kamatari hushed with his gloved finger. "From now just call me Hojoun! I just dropped by for your sake, I don't want any of them to be alarmed of my presence!"
"Well sure, okay.but you even have to tell them."
"If I do, they might think the sky is falling. Let's just say I'm a casual friend during your traveling in incognito days." And the sky would be really falling, Soujiro let out a sly smile and shook his head. Kamatari in every inch has lost the familiarity that anyone would recognize now. Dressed like a casual English man, he looks like an educated Japanese of a higher aristrocatic class. Gloved hands, and a white crisp collared shirt covered by a fine deep burgundy brown coat, it is topped by a long ivory shawl that draped from the coat's wide collars. He matched it with a hat, not the tall one, in a way it could shelter his face from the rough sun. Instantly, the coach man stepped down and helped him with his baggages, and Soujiro counted more than four. "If you are going to STAY that long, you might as be well serious in telling everybody." He remarked,
"Those are not all mine, others are gifts."
"You brought THEM gifts?"
"Heck, it's a proper way for an unexpecting visitor, ne? Besides, that way they would acknowledge me well, it's a proper manner." He snorted, then giving the coachman his tip and finally too k leave.
"You sure do have changed a lot after from last year, anyone could mistake you for a refined upperclassman."
"I think I got it from the therapist, a very fatherly gajin. Thought me some etiquette and fine manners.saying it's also for keeping up with the times."
"And you have done him proud!"
"Just help me with the luggages.I can't carry them all by myself."
"Well, okay." ****
The Kenshin-gumi is watching from a distance, all of them gawking as they finally see the mysterious visitor finally having stepped out of his coach. Sanosuke made a low whistle, "Who is the English looking guy? Looks important to me."
"He is Japanese, he is just happen to dress like the English." Kaoru replied. She never get to see him properly well awhile ago, but she was impressed what stands now. Never having seen young men dressed like such, she began complementing the crisp style and fashion the man is wearing. It looks sharp, and handsomely, that she joked if she were still single she could marry a man who dress as fine as him. Kenshin shot her a look, but she laughed it out easily,
"Looks like a doctor," Yahiko quipped,
"Or some boring exchange student."
"What does he wants with him?" Misao's voice cut out the air of intrigue with them. Everyone has quizzical glances, "We don't know who he was Misao, but the man wants to see Soujiro.and he does not say who he was." Kenshin replied,
"I don't know Soujiro have.friends."
"Well its about time some one claimed as one," Sanosuke called out, "look, I think Soujiro is waving to this direction, I think he wants us to help carry his friend's things."
"Nani? That man is staying here?!"
"Well don't just stand there! Let's help him!" Kaoru exclaimed, that for a minute, she forgot about her son and with the others, curiously rushing to Soujiro's aid. Leaving Kenshin with an "oro" expression, and a wide-eyed Misao.
****
His tempting big luggages might have drawn almost everyone like a magnet, and Kamatari can't help but smile to see that everyone is intrigued by him.
"Minna-san, this is my friend.Hojoun." Soujiro introduced him, and Kamatari told him awhile ago to what else to say, "He took a masteral degree on Asian Studies in abroad, and came back here few years ago to teach in some of Japan's recognized schools."
Kamatari finally took off his hat, and bowed lightly, saying "pleased to meet you." When he looked up again, he swore that everyone is gaping. He blinked twice, thinking his mind is playing his imagination of the sight Kaoru blushing, did he actually looked that.good?
"How the heck did you guys met?" Sanosuke asked, then Kaoru elbowed him lightly by the chest, whispering "You baka, that is an educated man in front of you.show some respect!"
"That's okay," Kamatari replied, "I happen to meet Soujiro few years ago at my place, asking for directions. After that, we became friends and share stories of our travels and exploits," he crossed his fingers behind his coat, hoping they would brought the story. He continued, "He recently wrote to me, while I was taking a break from the semestral classes I teach in Osaka and told me about him residing for awhile in Tokyo and tells a little about everyone else. It's when I decided to stop by,"
They are looking at the pile of luggages, "Oh, and I brought a little for everyone else, to express my advanced gratitude."
In a matter of like what seems to be on cue and the most natural thing to do, Kaoru and company starts to shower him with hospitality, the boys instantly carrying everything else they could get their hands on, as they showed him to the way to the house. To them, any educated visitor of western learning is treated with respect, especially if he brings SOMETHING with him. And Kamatari is proud it worked like a charm, for he has no plans on revealing who he really was. It's a better way so he could casually observe what the Kenshin-gumi's are really like.
"I'll be staying for two weeks," he pointed out to Soujiro, "Then after that, I'll resume business back in Osaka."
The long-haired ronin looked at him, ".can't you stay a little longer?"
"Two weeks is long enough." he grumbled, and he could see there is a hidden knowing smile on Soujiro's face. It annoys him if he does that, sparking the bit of jealousy he use to have when he try to rival him in shi-shi-o's attention.
"Not long enough for a little soul searching, who knows you might get to find."
"The right woman! Yes I know!" he answered back, much to Soujiro's surprise. "You and my therapist keep on saying the same thing!"
"Kamatari, if five years have made who you are now.I think that is the only thing missing."
To complete the void, the emptiness inside.he remembered that reading in the letter. "Only time would tell, then if I fall for one then let's call for a celebration." He sarcastically replied, as both were nearing the house. Kamtari's pure intent in going to Tokyo is for Soujiro's sake.to see how such idyllic life could be so pleasurable, to see what the Kenshin- gumi's are like.and looking for a mate to prove he have gotten over his extreme feminine side is the least of his priority. I am here to relax, and have a moment of reflection.not to look for some friggin bride, he said to himself. He tipped his hat lightly, as a respectful gesture to Himura who has now have his hair cut off short. The hitokiri gave him a wary glance. So Kenshin haven't lost touch for his keenness, as he suspected. Kenshin is trying to fill the image of him and if he have seen him before, and it's where Kamatari observed that the former Battosai is in fact much smaller in close-up real life.
"You got such a beautiful wife, you are very lucky to have her Himura- san." He spoke in compliment, but the red-haired slasher merely fidgeted when he said the word "beautiful". Kenshin is rarely known to act dour in front of people. Is he jealous?
Behind him stood a much smaller figure, and he recognized it immediately as Misao. She looks almost the same when he last remembered her, except she has gained a little weight and her hair tied up in a wild bun, instead of letting it down in her usual braid. Misao still does not know how to dress, he sighed. She is wearing those ridiculous boy looking short clothes, and a memory came to his mind that he felt his own smile involuntary crept to his face. When he noticed she have seen it, for Misao's face is starting to act up, he spoke "You must be Misao, looks like you haven't change."
"We have met?" she said curiously,
"Um, no.Soujiro, yes.he writes me letters during my stay in Osaka. Most often he describes you in them." That was close, and he took one big sigh of relief when she wasn't looking. He heard Soujiro snicker, and ignored it. Guessing, that he got carried away...Kamatari usually mock Misao, and he knows it is irresistible for him not to annoy her the moment they met.
He was lead to a room, a guest room where he was lucky to share with Soujiro and get his things unloaded. As soon as he finished unpacking, he pulled off everything he is wearing on, except for the white collared long sleeves with loosen up suspenders and his deep brown slacks. It is absolutely crazy to wear all that tacky outfit for a minute inside the room. "I think I need to rest, it's been a long tiring journey. Just wake me up if something comes up, ne?" he said, then stretching his arms, he fell to the cot and instantly fell asleep.
"Sure, Kama. I mean Hojoun. Take your time." And by means, he needed tons of it. The Kenshin-gumi is always a very active bunch, and it couldn't be so easy to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon, not unless one is overwhelmed with exhaustion. Now and then, some surprise visitor will come in and out of the household. The Oniwabanshu's and Misao happen to show up last week, and the number would double when Okina and Aoshi would follow up later that evening. It would overwhelm Kamatari to see all the former enemies in one roof, but years in reformation gave him a sense of complacentness. He managed to control his teasing for Misao a minute ago.
As Soujiro quietly leaved the room, he listened to the short commotion outside. Before he slept, Kamatari requested them before they enter the house, that the content of the four big hand-carry's are for everyone. And now, Soujiro can see from the dojo area, (where it was much bigger to open big things, since the rest of the place is small) that they have all gingerly open the four baggages, all the contents scattered and eagerly passed to almost everyone's hands until someone would claim it. Each bare small tags, which seems to have their names inscribed on. From what he could make out, Sanosuke is grabbing the fine Sake's and the packed food. Kaoru gushed upon seeing some set of clothes, trinkets and hair accessories, Kenshin and Yahiko got themselves few pieces of nice clothes and sandals.not to mention toys and sweets for little Kenji. There is almost an excess in everything.
So, Kamatari is serious when he said he brought everyone gifts! But the way it look, he could have brought too much.stuff enough to fill in a shelter. He must have make a fortune way back in Osaka, Soujiro thought.for the man haven't even bother to travel for five years. He also noted awhile ago, Kamatari is wearing fine clothing and is riding a rental, yet exsiquisite carriage. The cost for that one is more than an earning of a regular resident.
"Soujiro! Your friend is friggin rich!" Sanosuke exclaimed, "He brought almost everything for anyone!"
"Err.yeah, he earns a lot for being an upper class teacher."
"Look, he also got you some items.the usual, clothes.more clothes.does this look like a sword?"
Soujiro quickly grabbed which looks like a wrapped sheathed sword, he remembered that the one he is using now is quite rusty. "Hai, I think I requested for one." he scratches his head, "I just don't know that he is going to take it seriously!"
"Hey, the last luggage has unnamed items." Kenshin called out, as he helpfully and neatly unloaded the things in the last hand carry, unlike the messy way Kaoru threw excitedly everything at the previous ones. "It carries the same necessities too. I wonder who it was for?"
"Miscellaneous." Yahiko noted, reading the mark written inside the baggage. "I think it's for anyone to whom he forgot to mention.and there is a lot of it."
Kaoru, who with the all of them looks the most happy turned to Soujiro. "Tell your friend, domo arigato! This is too much!"
"Yes, I'll tell that to him later, he is taking a rest for now." He bowed lightly, taking his own share of gifts and exited gracefully. As he proceeds to go to the guestroom, he wondered what possessed Kamatari to bring so much, it's okay to bring home gifts but the way he sees it, and as kaoru said.it's too much. Soujiro took out the wrapped sword from his grip and curiously opened it. It is another pair of Nihontou to replace his old one, exquisitely beautiful that he wondered where he could get such like that, when these days no one makes swords anymore. Whatever it is, Kamatari have a great deal in possessing enough finance to support himself, enough to make him look regal in front of an average Japanese and the excess, is enough to support two families all in one. It would be nice, he thought.if Kamatari can share his wealth with a significant other instead.
"What a funny thought, it could never happen." He softly chuckled, as he dropped his things and drew the sword from its grip, testing its weight and quality. "Kamatari himself knew better being a woman than the regular female,"
But yet, it is possible Kamatari could fall for one. First, after the battle of Mt. Hiei he knows Kamatari as a deadly scythe wielding cross dresser with such utteral devotion and having unrequited pangs of love to their former master Shi-shi-o, that his death have gave him less reason to live. Then, a few years after, he find him thoroughly recovered and leading a new life and COMPLETELY looking like a real man. It is such an understatement of the century, and it made the possibility that Kamatari might eventually learn to love a woman. During their short brief bonding at Osaka, Soujiro can't help notice that most of the young women employees find Kamatari beautiful, mysterious and attractive. There are the obvious mild blushes and their soft giggles, but he brushed them as merely infatuation and is not interested with the opposite sex, even if it takes them to even seduce him. But eventually, Soujiro can't wait for him to again see Kamatari eat his words.
"Hello there, Soujiro. Staying here for sometime?" someone called by the entrance. Its woman with long laid hair and pale skin having only pure red lips to accent her pallid face, and it looks like she is carrying a small package.
"Why, it's you Megumi-san," Soujiro smiled, having been acquainted sometime with at least the Kenshin-gumi's female doctor. Megumi has the habit of stopping by noon, carrying food, knowing well that Kaoru's culinary capabilities is not doing any good, even though she is now a mother of a growing little boy. Her presence brings a little life and more bustling energy to the household, she never ever forgot to point out Kaoru's cooking and Sanosuke's bottomless appetite, and herself is good in making witty and candid remarks that could be annoying and funny. Sometimes he imagined she look like a fox every time she laughed. He continued, "Anou.if it's the food you are worrying about, I think they don't have a problem with that for now."
"Hmm.why is that? You finally also learned to cook for her?"
"Oh, no no.you see, I have a visitor from Osaka, he decided to drop by here for a few weeks, and he brought some food and other things as a token of gratitude for letting him stay."
Megumi seems curious on hearing about it, knowing that she only knew Soujiro a few days ago and suddenly he told them he has a friend. She turned around and hear some excited voices at the other side of the house. "You are right, from what I can hear now, it seems the whole gang is full aplenty of what ever it is. Who is this friend of yours anyway?"
"Oh, he's Ka." he paused, ".Hojoun! His name is Hojoun, an upper-class teacher in Osaka. I met him when I happen to pass there during my traveling days, we became close friends afterwards."
She imagined that Hojoun is a puffy, boring, bleary looking old man with spectacles and a walking stick, wearing a sophiscated western suit to go with "upper-class" standards. Megumi proceeds to go inside, and Soujiro offered his assistance in carrying her things. She can't believe that a few days ago, she met the man who looks like a boy got almost killed kenshin- san with a lethal blow in the Battle of Mt. Hiei several years back. She didn't know what brings him back, being a change man and all, but hinting it has something to strangely do with Misao. "So," she tried to strike a conversation, "Is Hojoun a first name, or a last name?"
"It's actually both, my mother gave the same name as my last name" came a rather half-annoyed voice that caught her in surprise, it came from around her back and near the bathroom. She turned around and gasped, her eyes widened, the boring old teacher she is assuming to see quickly evaporated.
Kamatari have just freshly woke up from his brief rest and have washed his face and arms, and is not obviously pleased that he is the topic of a conversation. The woman who is intrigued by him, looks like.
"Megumi?" he blurted out in surprise, he have seen Megumi a couple of times before and he is familiar with the faces of the Kenshin-gumi as so far. But he realized they don't know him, and it will make them wonder. Another slip of the tongue, just like when he suddenly called out of Misao awhile ago. He wanted to knock his head on the wall for another erroneous mistake,
"Umm.I don't believe we met." she said, apparently still in surprise and her expression unreadable. But deep inside, Megumi finds herself secretly smiling, her heart skipping a beat ".but I do hope so, in my dreams."
"In your what?" Kamatari hoped what he heard is wrong, and it's starting to get scary for him already. Women, the women in the Kenshin-gumi household are starting to act strange around him.
"Ah, i-it's nothing!" Megumi quickly bowed in apology, feeling a bit ashamed of what she absentmindedly said. "Please forgive me, Hojoun-san, I'm being so rude!"
"Just call me Hojoun. It's okay really." He can see Soujiro has comeback, and at the sight of seeing the two talking, "Megumi-san, I'll call Kaoru to inform of your arrival." he smiled and quietly left for another direction. Kamatari frowned lightly, wondering what games Soujiro is putting him on, leaving him alone, with one of the women.
"Oh take your time, Soujiro." Megumi called out, "I'll get acquainted with your friend for awhile," And acquainted she would. The Hojoun guy in front of her, is an arresting good-looking man, although a little dour. And she wants to admit, a bit strangely sensual too. There is some feminity in his features, which will make him beautiful rather than handsome, with his soft brown eyes set against a fair skinned face and short damp gray hair to accentuate his disapproved gaze. He have carelessly rolled up the white sleeves up to his elbows, clinging wet having washed himself roughly and his collared shirt shamelessly unbuttoned down to expose his bare chest to relieve himself after a long hot travel.
"Nothing will grow out of it if you're staring to me like that," he pointed out roughly, when Megumi was at lost looking at him. She blinked, and gushed lightly, letting out a yet apologetic smile, that seems more mischievous. Kamatari noticed, she does look like a fox lady if she does that. "Oh, I'm sorry again.it's just."
"It's just what? Is there something funny the way I look? "
My, he is quite defensive, she thought. Megumi finds Hojoun interesting and challenging, the man absolutely is disinterested with women, and quite dense to notice that they are falling for his looks. "My, nothing is wrong Mr. Hojoun, you're perfectly look good.and drop dead good for that." Then she wheeled around, letting out a small witchy laugh going to the dining room to prepare her goods. leaving Kamatari feeling sick and dumbfounded. God, that woman has a chilling witchy laugh worse than his, and what did she mean by being drop dead gorgeous? SHE wants to flirt with him? Knowing well how a woman thinks, Kamatari grimaced and decided to go back to his room.
"Sleeping so early? You can hang out with me for awhile, they are not that bad."
"Soujiro! Darn it, don't leave me like that!" he spat, turning around to meet his comrade furiously. But he just smiled, the same usual irritating smile if he is going to said something he'll find less amusing. "Just save your words," he mumbled, " I'm not going to get acquainted with their women, especially with that Megumi."
"Megumi is a fine person to converse with, Kamatari."
"It's HOJOUN!" Kamatari corrected, ".and if you think that fox-lady is a good friend to begin with, she is looking to me like she is going to eat me alive!"
"Kama.I mean Hojoun, don't you see?"
"I don't know, what?" he crossed his arms, leaning to the screen door, Soujiro at least sounds serious now. Then he'll have the lad to explain why he LEFT him with that woman, and he better have a good reason. "You have to deal with it, besides it's you who wanted to be a real man.they find you exceptionally good-looking for being one. Few are blessed, you know."
"Hold it, they find me EXCEPTIONALLY good looking?"
"Of course, did you notice the way Kaoru blushed and Kenshin-san seemingly jealous for the first time? Misao looking at you curiously then, she rarely gets quiet unless it strikes her. The way Megumi looked at you upon seeing you come out the bathroom? When they see you, it's like the clock stops."
Kamatari stood silent for awhile, and when the words finally made sense to him his eyes slowly widened. "Look Hojoun, you made the decision to be this type of person. Surely it is a blessing that the only thing missing in your life is coming to you, and in generous numbers to speak."
"Whatever, BUT I'm telling you, I'm not in a hurry to make a commitment!" he countered, then after heaving a big sigh he shot him with a look. ".and looks like you are enjoying seeing me getting queasy on it!"
"Not really Hojoun, I'm just wondering what it would be like.you know, if you really do fall in love."
"Then you'll the first one to know," Kamatari shrugged, then moving through his things, looking for clothes to finally change into. He brought out all assortment of earth colored long sleeved shirts, and Soujiro wondered if his comrade has somehow staled his taste into his fashion sense. "If those women find me so darn good looking, I'm going to give what they wanted.but I'm not going to be serious about having a relationship for now."
"Hmm, is there something that scares you about it?" "Yeah, your sugary sweet descriptions in your letter utterly mortified me," he casually remarked, as he starts undressing and changing his slightly damp clothes. Soujiro laughed at the joke, he knows that he might have indeed sound corny describing the bliss of romance, and those who's head is more ground in reality would find it weird. Noticing Kamatari would need a little privacy in dressing up and to think things over, he took his leave. "Just don't forget to come out later for dinner!"
"Just make sure it's not Kaoru's cooking!"