Chapter 7
By Crystal
*Screw the disclaimers ^^;;*
I cooked dinner tonight like I did every other night. It's been a week since we moved to here, I didn't mind it much, no. But... I guess, it's a bit boring sometimes. I would go out and take small walks, do the laundry, cook and go to the market sometimes. I didn't even know what Kenshin did during the day.
I looked at the meal that I had prepared in front of me. It didn't look right, it seemed like something was missing... Ah... yes, the daikons. I had forgotten to buy the daikons yesterday at the market, so I ended up cooking without any daikons. The dish doesn't look as nice anymore. I looked at Kenshin who was slowly eating his meal, probably thinking about Kyoto. I never did have much idea of what he was thinking when he kept quiet. Not that he had any idea what I was thinking...
I took a breath of fresh air, "Sumanu." I wasn't exactly too sorry, but I guess it's just because I wanted to start a conversation with my husband. I rarely talk to him during the day unless it's really necessary. It's starting to get on my nerve sometimes, a house in the mountains without anyone to talk to. He's even worst than an icicle. I don't even know why I married him in the first place. Oh right, I didn't have a choice. Ignore my last comment.
"Eh?"
God I wanted to scream, couldn't you have said something like 'what?' instead of making a stupid sound? Actually, I had quite expected that out of you... So ignore that last comment too. I'm starting to sound like a total moron, I know... "There wasn't any daikons to grate."
"I don't mind..." I heard him say. That's great! You said three words tonight! I think that's more than what you've said the whole day today. I'm so proud of you, Kenshin! Not.
"But it just seems like something is missing." Don't you think so too? It doesn't sound as nice, I mean. Really, and no I'm not a nutcase. Unlike some people, I care about how the food I prepared looks.
I waited for his answer, which I got none, so I finished up my dinner quietly. Three words and still counting for today... Hopefully, he'll say another word tonight. At the sight of me finishing up my dinner, he quickly stuffed the rice left in his mouth and handed me his bowls and plates and I thanked him. Still no answer. I went to wash the bowls and dishes in the little tub filled with water, hearing him play his top.
I think that's the only thing left from his childhood. I wanted to ask him that question, but I never brought myself to say it. It was most likely painful. I mean, if it wasn't, how else would you get to be the most feared hitokiri in Japan? He'd have to have something terrible, like a childhood to turn into something like that.
"We'll make a field."
"Eh?" My eyes widen a bit, then turned back to normal. I didn't hear him speak after my surprised reaction, I must've been hallucinating. Yeah, must have been myself, he wouldn't all of a sudden talk about fields... That was what I thought he said, right? Fields... I wonder what for.
"I don't know about daikons, but we should be able to grow something." I felt my eyes widen as I stared at the dishes in the small tub for what seemed like an eternity before he spoke again, I could hear him playing with his favourite top clearly. "When I was a kid, I helped around the house a lot." Another pause. I think I really should go see the doctor. A field? For daikons? From the mouth of Himura Kenshin? "It shouldn't be too hard."
Now I've seen it all, the infamous Battousai talking about growing daikons in the fields. I probably would have been laughing my head off if I wasn't so emotionless. The only thing I got out of my mouth was, "Is... that so?" Don't blame me, I mean, can you really help but be surprised when the Battousai was talking about daikons and fields.
A little while later, I saw him sleeping in his usually sleeping position... I can't help but think if it's good for his back, sleeping like that everyday must be painful. Perhaps one day... I'll get him to sleep on his back.
'July 18, 1864
Tonight at dinner, I told him that I didn't have any daikons to grate and he had said that he didn't mind. Later after dinner when I was washing the dishes, he said that we could grow something in the fields outside the house. Every time I see his face, I can't help but look at his scar. The terrible scar that won't ever disappear.'
I put my journal back in the drawer and took out my mirror. The mirror Kenshin bought me and opened it up. I looked at myself in the mirror, seeing the imaginary line on Kenshin's face. I traced the line going vertically down my cheek. After a few minutes of just sitting there, I put all my belongings in the drawer and went to my futon. Blowing out the candle light, I slipped into my futon. Hopefully, I will have dreamless night.
* * * * *
This morning, we went to the market to buy some stuff to plant the daikons. Kenshin's digging the soil while I'm planting the daikons. I was in a pretty good spirit until...
"Yo! You're in good spirits." I heard the man I despised. About half an year ago, the man I despised was the Battousai, now he is my husband. The man I loathed now was the man that had help me make a plan to kill the one I hated so many months ago. Ironic, isn't it?
We went inside while I served the both of them green tea. Then I knelt beside Kenshin. "Hmm?" Iizuka-san said thoughtfully.
"What is it?" Kenshin said.
Iizuka-san smiled, and I didn't like that smile at all. "No matter how I look at it, you two really seemed married." Oh, that's nice. I bet he said that because he wanted me and Kenshin to get closer together so I can find out his weakness. I could have done this all by myself without him. Well... That's kind of fake, since this IS his plan. Anyhow, I didn't want to listen to his voice. I hated it and anyhow, I bet my 'husband' wanted me to leave so the two of them could talk alone without anyone.
I stood up abruptly and walked to the door where I turned around to look at my husband, "I'll go plant the rest of the vegetables." I slide open the door and hurried to close the door, but before I did, I just had to see that man's horrible grin. Gah, I hate him.
"Did I say something wrong?" I heard Iizuka-san say. Of course you did, and you know you did too you... Never mind.
"No, more importantly..." That's just great Kenshin. Yes, yes, that's the way to be a man. Leave your wife outside in the fields to do the planting while you don't give a darn about her. That's just great.
"The situation is not good." Of course it's not. Kyoto is a battlefield! How would the situation be good? Any way, people are dying everyday due to the war. I was walking farther and farther away from the house, the voices diminishing more and more. "After the last anti-shogun battle, there's been a purging of the gangs and anti-government groups..." That was the last sentence I heard from the conversation.
A little while of going out to plant the vegetables, I heard the shoji slide open behind me and felt Iizuka-san's gaze on me. I continued to work on the fields, pretending not to notice his gaze and a minute later, he slid it shut. I sighed a sigh of relief.
I don't know how long I was working under the sun for, but after what felt like hours, I heard the shoji slide open once again and I turned around, seeing the both of them walk out. I stood up and walked towards Iizuka-san to bid him farewell. Even though I hated the man, there was no way I could've let him left without a farewell.
"See you, Tomoe-san. From today on, you're the wife of a medicine seller." I tilted my head in confusion. Medicine... Seller...? Since when did Kenshin become a medicine seller? I saw him leave and looked at Kenshin. He explained everything to me, about the work and all. He said that Iizuka-san said that people with a job weren't looked at with suspicious.
Dinner had already been served a while ago. Right now, I'm sitting on the floor, staring at the moon while arranging flowers. It was a starless night... I looked at the flowers I had arranged. It was certainly improving with ikebana. After all, I did learn it from my mother, who arranged flowers very nicely. After it was finished, I put it aside and stared at the moon while listening to Kenshin make medicine with the rolling wheel behind me.
Suddenly, the sound stopped and I felt his presence behind me and then beside me, standing there like he did in the inn before the whole thing during the Gion Festival. "I'd forgotten about the full moons these last few years." Well, it's hard to remember the full moon when you're out killing until midnight. Once you get back, you keep scrubbing your hands until they're bloody then you go to bed. You rarely even look at the sky.
"In the evening, I saw a sunset. What is going to happen in the future? How long are we going to live like this?" I certainly didn't mind living like this... But having a messenger come and tell your husband news of the war wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I was thinking about how my marriage was going to be.
He looked a me for a second before answering, "For a little while. I don't know more than that." He turned away and walked back to his medicine making. As the sound began again, I used the corner of my eyes to see him, then resumed watching the moon.
* * * * *
It's already morning and Kenshin was waiting for me outside, all his medicine stuff ready for today. The first morning of being the wife of a medicine seller. I brushed my hair until it shone and tied it up in my usual low ponytail. Added a tiny pit of hakubai-kou on my neck and walked to the entrance...
Where I stopped and took out my tanto. I held it tight, wondering if I should bring it or not... Bringing it meant that I still haven't fully forgiven Kenshin... And if I left it, it meant I forgave him. Fully.
I immediately stopped thinking when the voice of my husband reached my ears, "I want to get back before the sun goes down. Are you ready yet?" I stood there for another second.
Until I was ready to answer. "Yes, I'm ready." I walked slowly to the desk and opened the drawer and left the tanto I had for months in the drawer. Whether or not I had fully forgiven Kenshin, I did not exactly know. Part of me still blames him for killing him and the other part blames the person that taught him the sword style. The only thing I knew was, I did not want him dead, I did not want to kill him. I will not let him be killed because he killed my fiancée. That is my promise to God.
I went back to the entrance door and stood there for a few seconds to think before I slid open the shoji and welcomed the sun. It felt refreshing... The wife of a medicine seller... That was what I was going to be. Many people say promises were meant to be broken, but no matter what... I'm going to keep this promise. Even if it means sacrificing my life.
Daikon - Radish
Ikebana - The art of Japanese flower arranging
Hakubai-kou - White plum perfume
DiaBLo - Yeah, Tomoe was really unemotional in the OVAs (mangas maybe? Haven't read them yet). But I decided to make her more emotional, I mean, even people that don't show emotions have emotions inside... I think so anyhow.
XenoMark - I won't give up on that one ^^ Thanks.
Yui Shinomori - Thank you!~
Heaven's child - I know, lots of people say that. Thanks! ^^
Blueraingurl - I don't know, but that would've been my reaction if I heard someone talking about irises during a life and death situation.
Author's Notes: 'The Difference Between Rain and Tears' Chapter 19 will be updated next, then it'll probably be 'Crimson Puddles'. Or I might leave that to next week. I don't know, but 'The Difference Between Rain and Tears' is certainly getting updated next since I'm already halfway through Chapter 19. I'm trying to do this while rotating so I get at least one chapter per fic updated weekly. Anyhow, I hope everyone a good day. Later all!
By Crystal
*Screw the disclaimers ^^;;*
I cooked dinner tonight like I did every other night. It's been a week since we moved to here, I didn't mind it much, no. But... I guess, it's a bit boring sometimes. I would go out and take small walks, do the laundry, cook and go to the market sometimes. I didn't even know what Kenshin did during the day.
I looked at the meal that I had prepared in front of me. It didn't look right, it seemed like something was missing... Ah... yes, the daikons. I had forgotten to buy the daikons yesterday at the market, so I ended up cooking without any daikons. The dish doesn't look as nice anymore. I looked at Kenshin who was slowly eating his meal, probably thinking about Kyoto. I never did have much idea of what he was thinking when he kept quiet. Not that he had any idea what I was thinking...
I took a breath of fresh air, "Sumanu." I wasn't exactly too sorry, but I guess it's just because I wanted to start a conversation with my husband. I rarely talk to him during the day unless it's really necessary. It's starting to get on my nerve sometimes, a house in the mountains without anyone to talk to. He's even worst than an icicle. I don't even know why I married him in the first place. Oh right, I didn't have a choice. Ignore my last comment.
"Eh?"
God I wanted to scream, couldn't you have said something like 'what?' instead of making a stupid sound? Actually, I had quite expected that out of you... So ignore that last comment too. I'm starting to sound like a total moron, I know... "There wasn't any daikons to grate."
"I don't mind..." I heard him say. That's great! You said three words tonight! I think that's more than what you've said the whole day today. I'm so proud of you, Kenshin! Not.
"But it just seems like something is missing." Don't you think so too? It doesn't sound as nice, I mean. Really, and no I'm not a nutcase. Unlike some people, I care about how the food I prepared looks.
I waited for his answer, which I got none, so I finished up my dinner quietly. Three words and still counting for today... Hopefully, he'll say another word tonight. At the sight of me finishing up my dinner, he quickly stuffed the rice left in his mouth and handed me his bowls and plates and I thanked him. Still no answer. I went to wash the bowls and dishes in the little tub filled with water, hearing him play his top.
I think that's the only thing left from his childhood. I wanted to ask him that question, but I never brought myself to say it. It was most likely painful. I mean, if it wasn't, how else would you get to be the most feared hitokiri in Japan? He'd have to have something terrible, like a childhood to turn into something like that.
"We'll make a field."
"Eh?" My eyes widen a bit, then turned back to normal. I didn't hear him speak after my surprised reaction, I must've been hallucinating. Yeah, must have been myself, he wouldn't all of a sudden talk about fields... That was what I thought he said, right? Fields... I wonder what for.
"I don't know about daikons, but we should be able to grow something." I felt my eyes widen as I stared at the dishes in the small tub for what seemed like an eternity before he spoke again, I could hear him playing with his favourite top clearly. "When I was a kid, I helped around the house a lot." Another pause. I think I really should go see the doctor. A field? For daikons? From the mouth of Himura Kenshin? "It shouldn't be too hard."
Now I've seen it all, the infamous Battousai talking about growing daikons in the fields. I probably would have been laughing my head off if I wasn't so emotionless. The only thing I got out of my mouth was, "Is... that so?" Don't blame me, I mean, can you really help but be surprised when the Battousai was talking about daikons and fields.
A little while later, I saw him sleeping in his usually sleeping position... I can't help but think if it's good for his back, sleeping like that everyday must be painful. Perhaps one day... I'll get him to sleep on his back.
'July 18, 1864
Tonight at dinner, I told him that I didn't have any daikons to grate and he had said that he didn't mind. Later after dinner when I was washing the dishes, he said that we could grow something in the fields outside the house. Every time I see his face, I can't help but look at his scar. The terrible scar that won't ever disappear.'
I put my journal back in the drawer and took out my mirror. The mirror Kenshin bought me and opened it up. I looked at myself in the mirror, seeing the imaginary line on Kenshin's face. I traced the line going vertically down my cheek. After a few minutes of just sitting there, I put all my belongings in the drawer and went to my futon. Blowing out the candle light, I slipped into my futon. Hopefully, I will have dreamless night.
* * * * *
This morning, we went to the market to buy some stuff to plant the daikons. Kenshin's digging the soil while I'm planting the daikons. I was in a pretty good spirit until...
"Yo! You're in good spirits." I heard the man I despised. About half an year ago, the man I despised was the Battousai, now he is my husband. The man I loathed now was the man that had help me make a plan to kill the one I hated so many months ago. Ironic, isn't it?
We went inside while I served the both of them green tea. Then I knelt beside Kenshin. "Hmm?" Iizuka-san said thoughtfully.
"What is it?" Kenshin said.
Iizuka-san smiled, and I didn't like that smile at all. "No matter how I look at it, you two really seemed married." Oh, that's nice. I bet he said that because he wanted me and Kenshin to get closer together so I can find out his weakness. I could have done this all by myself without him. Well... That's kind of fake, since this IS his plan. Anyhow, I didn't want to listen to his voice. I hated it and anyhow, I bet my 'husband' wanted me to leave so the two of them could talk alone without anyone.
I stood up abruptly and walked to the door where I turned around to look at my husband, "I'll go plant the rest of the vegetables." I slide open the door and hurried to close the door, but before I did, I just had to see that man's horrible grin. Gah, I hate him.
"Did I say something wrong?" I heard Iizuka-san say. Of course you did, and you know you did too you... Never mind.
"No, more importantly..." That's just great Kenshin. Yes, yes, that's the way to be a man. Leave your wife outside in the fields to do the planting while you don't give a darn about her. That's just great.
"The situation is not good." Of course it's not. Kyoto is a battlefield! How would the situation be good? Any way, people are dying everyday due to the war. I was walking farther and farther away from the house, the voices diminishing more and more. "After the last anti-shogun battle, there's been a purging of the gangs and anti-government groups..." That was the last sentence I heard from the conversation.
A little while of going out to plant the vegetables, I heard the shoji slide open behind me and felt Iizuka-san's gaze on me. I continued to work on the fields, pretending not to notice his gaze and a minute later, he slid it shut. I sighed a sigh of relief.
I don't know how long I was working under the sun for, but after what felt like hours, I heard the shoji slide open once again and I turned around, seeing the both of them walk out. I stood up and walked towards Iizuka-san to bid him farewell. Even though I hated the man, there was no way I could've let him left without a farewell.
"See you, Tomoe-san. From today on, you're the wife of a medicine seller." I tilted my head in confusion. Medicine... Seller...? Since when did Kenshin become a medicine seller? I saw him leave and looked at Kenshin. He explained everything to me, about the work and all. He said that Iizuka-san said that people with a job weren't looked at with suspicious.
Dinner had already been served a while ago. Right now, I'm sitting on the floor, staring at the moon while arranging flowers. It was a starless night... I looked at the flowers I had arranged. It was certainly improving with ikebana. After all, I did learn it from my mother, who arranged flowers very nicely. After it was finished, I put it aside and stared at the moon while listening to Kenshin make medicine with the rolling wheel behind me.
Suddenly, the sound stopped and I felt his presence behind me and then beside me, standing there like he did in the inn before the whole thing during the Gion Festival. "I'd forgotten about the full moons these last few years." Well, it's hard to remember the full moon when you're out killing until midnight. Once you get back, you keep scrubbing your hands until they're bloody then you go to bed. You rarely even look at the sky.
"In the evening, I saw a sunset. What is going to happen in the future? How long are we going to live like this?" I certainly didn't mind living like this... But having a messenger come and tell your husband news of the war wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I was thinking about how my marriage was going to be.
He looked a me for a second before answering, "For a little while. I don't know more than that." He turned away and walked back to his medicine making. As the sound began again, I used the corner of my eyes to see him, then resumed watching the moon.
* * * * *
It's already morning and Kenshin was waiting for me outside, all his medicine stuff ready for today. The first morning of being the wife of a medicine seller. I brushed my hair until it shone and tied it up in my usual low ponytail. Added a tiny pit of hakubai-kou on my neck and walked to the entrance...
Where I stopped and took out my tanto. I held it tight, wondering if I should bring it or not... Bringing it meant that I still haven't fully forgiven Kenshin... And if I left it, it meant I forgave him. Fully.
I immediately stopped thinking when the voice of my husband reached my ears, "I want to get back before the sun goes down. Are you ready yet?" I stood there for another second.
Until I was ready to answer. "Yes, I'm ready." I walked slowly to the desk and opened the drawer and left the tanto I had for months in the drawer. Whether or not I had fully forgiven Kenshin, I did not exactly know. Part of me still blames him for killing him and the other part blames the person that taught him the sword style. The only thing I knew was, I did not want him dead, I did not want to kill him. I will not let him be killed because he killed my fiancée. That is my promise to God.
I went back to the entrance door and stood there for a few seconds to think before I slid open the shoji and welcomed the sun. It felt refreshing... The wife of a medicine seller... That was what I was going to be. Many people say promises were meant to be broken, but no matter what... I'm going to keep this promise. Even if it means sacrificing my life.
Daikon - Radish
Ikebana - The art of Japanese flower arranging
Hakubai-kou - White plum perfume
DiaBLo - Yeah, Tomoe was really unemotional in the OVAs (mangas maybe? Haven't read them yet). But I decided to make her more emotional, I mean, even people that don't show emotions have emotions inside... I think so anyhow.
XenoMark - I won't give up on that one ^^ Thanks.
Yui Shinomori - Thank you!~
Heaven's child - I know, lots of people say that. Thanks! ^^
Blueraingurl - I don't know, but that would've been my reaction if I heard someone talking about irises during a life and death situation.
Author's Notes: 'The Difference Between Rain and Tears' Chapter 19 will be updated next, then it'll probably be 'Crimson Puddles'. Or I might leave that to next week. I don't know, but 'The Difference Between Rain and Tears' is certainly getting updated next since I'm already halfway through Chapter 19. I'm trying to do this while rotating so I get at least one chapter per fic updated weekly. Anyhow, I hope everyone a good day. Later all!