Chapter 9
By Crystal
*Screw the disclaimers ^^;;*
It's been around a month and a week or two since I've been the wife of a medicine seller. Life's been better than I thought it'd be... Kenshin's been opening up a bit more... I guess. And I guess I'm feeling more comfortable around him and the kids. Kids... Not our kids. Of course not. I mean, it's only been two months since we've married. And we haven't done... Anything.
Kenshin just came back this morning because the kids from the village dragged him along to go play with them. My favourite little boy... Hisashi Toku, was it? I think it was him, he's so cute and adorable... Makes Kenshin play horse riding with him. He's been smiling a lot lately... And I guess I'm happy for him. Pretty happy actually.
Right now, Kenshin's tending the fields while I'm here by the river washing clothes. It isn't really my favourite chore... But I guess I can't really expect Battousai to wash clothes now, can I? Kenshin doing laundry... I don't think I can picture that... Anyhow, I guess he's been better at chores... I've been teaching him how to cook a bit, and he does have some talents.
"Neechan!" That sounded like Enishi... I must be missing my little brother more than I thought... "Neechan!" Okay... I'm probably hallucinating... "Neechan!" Maybe not...
"Enishi..." I was surprised, of course... How would my little brother know where I lived? This information was suppose to be secret. Unless Iizuka-san leaked it out to the Shinsengumi, which he most likely did. I swear... All that man loves is money... Money, money and money.
Enishi walked up to me with a big smile plastered on his face, obviously very happy to see me. As I was too, but I couldn't help but think that Iizuka-san had sent him here, which he probably did. "I came, neechan." I gave him a little hug and we both walked to the house, where I waved for Kenshin to come over.
"This is my younger brother Enishi." I introduced him and I felt Enishi hug me tighter.
Kenshin frowned slightly, "Younger brother?"
"Yes, I sent him letter occasionally." That was a lie, I didn't like lying to him... No, I hated it, but what else could I have done? Told Kenshin that Enishi was probably working along the Shinsengumi so you can kill him? Of course not! Although, I am pretty sure you won't kill him... He is, after all, an innocent boy... A little boy... actually. "He came to visit."
He nodded, "I see. I'm sure you have lots to catch up on, I'll go check on the fields." Now that was a thing I liked about my husband... He'd never go into my privacy and I don't think he really cared... But I do like to think he does care. Sometimes anyways. When he walked out, I felt Enishi glare at Kenshin's back and I knew Kenshin felt it too, though he didn't react to it. Probably used to all the glaring people gave him. He is the infamous Battousai, after all.
I turned around to my brother, "You appeared suddenly, so I was surprised. Is father doing well?"
"I guess so." He was that sweet little boy again, not the one with the voice that was harsh and mean... But he was doing that just to protect me. I know.
"How long has it been since you left Edo?" I asked him curiously.
"About six month, soon after you left." Toshiko was left home with father. I couldn't help but feel a bit worried. Father was rarely home, but with Enishi home, he'd at least take care of her, but now... It seemed like the only person taking care of Toshiko was probably Kao-chan or her father. I trusted them enough.
"Where are you staying then, Enishi?" I asked and opened my mouth again. "How did you find out I lived in this place?"
He smiled all of a sudden, sending a shiver up my spine. I didn't get why I was so scared... Maybe I was expecting an answer like Iizuka-san told me, but his smile told me differently. "Of course I'd know... I was receiving your letters." That was certainly not what I expected and I dropped down whatever I was doing, which was writing a letter to my father. Ink splattered all over the sheet of paper I had been writing on. That was an answer I never expected... Even though it indirectly told me that Iizuka-san had given him the address, it shocked me. Maybe if he had said it out directly, I wouldn't be so shocked.
"Finally, be happy neechan." I looked at him, still shocked. I don't think I know what he was talking about. "Finally, the time has come to show that bastard heaven's judgement." I frowned, where had Enishi learned all the swear words... I felt my blood boil at the thought of Iizuka-san. "That is your wish, right neechan? That's why you left all by yourself. How can you stay in this lonely place with that bastard." I heard his voice turn murderous at the mention of Kenshin's name. How can this be my wish? Enishi turning murderous against my husband? How can I be happy when my sweet brother has learned how to swear like that? How can I be?
This wasn't happening... Not when I was alive, no way in hell... I moved forward and embraced Enishi and he stopped talking immediately. "Go home to Edo alone." I knew my voice was harsh and what I said was harsher. After all, he was just doing this all for me... But... If this is the only way to get him out of this conflict, then so be it.
"What are you saying?" He asked, shocked.
"You are the oldest son of the Yukishiro family, right? Don't get involved in this matter." I said firmly.
"I don't care about the house! I want to help my neechan!" I know Enishi loved me... But I didn't want him here... In the middle of the war and everything... With the Shogunate and with the Ishin shishi... He was too young to see blood... To young to understand the meaning of war and death. After all, I don't think I knew what death was too well at the age of eight. Even though I did know what death was by the time my mother passed away giving birth to my brother. But that was when I was ten. "That's why..."
"Go home, Enishi." I knew he wanted to talk more, but I didn't want to hear it... "Understood?"
I saw tears at the brim and threatening to leak out, "What's the matter?" He pulled away from my embrace. "Why do you protect the bastard?!" I winced slightly at the colourful words Enishi used. "He's your enemy. He stole your happiness! He's the one you're suppose to hate, isn't he?"
Why do I protect Kenshin? It's because he's my husband... And I love him dearly... Even though I guess I never admitted it to anyone and I denied it myself, I knew I loved him more than I had loved Kiyosato. Kiyosato was only a crush I had ever since my childhood until... Until... I met Kenshin... People must think I have no loyalty, I guess they could say that... But I really do love him. I really do... I was being unfair to Kiyosato, but at the same time, he was never really fair to me. The time when I had wanted to marry, he had left Edo for Kyoto... And gotten himself killed... By my husband right now. Kenshin's my husband right now... And my loyalty lies with him.
Enishi was wrong... He was my enemy, not anymore. Right now, I would do anything to save him... It's true he stole my happiness... But in return, he gave me another happiness. A happiness better than the one before. I don't mean to offend Kiyosato or the Kiyosato family... But... Thinking back now, I have never been this close to Kiyosato... I have never even called him by his first name. Akira... But Enishi was right... Kenshin was the one I'm suppose to hate, but instead, I love him. I must really be screwed up in the head, I know.
A while later, I persuaded Enishi to go back to Edo and I gave him the letter I wrote and a pack of stuff. "Give that to father. Tell him to think of it as me. Onegai, understood?"
"Neechan..." His head was hung low.
"Do you understand?"
Instead of answering my question... "I've told them where they can reach you." He then shot Kenshin a hateful glare, even more hateful than the ones before... I know Kenshin felt it and was suspicious of the glare my brother kept shooting at him, but I guess I can always say it's just that he doesn't like the idea of me having married. I hated lying, but like I said before. What else could I do? Let the Ishin shishi catch my brother?
* * * * *
It's been a week since Enishi visited and we're working in the fields right now. Winter's approaching and we're harvesting. I'm inside the house getting another one of those wooden things for Kenshin to put the daikons in. He's probably pulling out the daikons rights now. I walk towards him and without even looking up, he starts a conversation. I'm glad, it's not always me starting the conversation anymore. Hopefully, this one will be longer than the last one.
"We made it before winter." He said.
"Yes."
"I wasn't sure we'd be able to harvest them, but actually, they grow pretty well." Usually now, I'm the one with the short answers. But I don't think he minds... I don't think I'll mind either if he replies with short answers. As long as he talks to me. As long as this living continues... But I know, in my heart, it's ending sometime soon. Very soon.
* * * * *
I've been thinking... And looking at Kenshin unconsciously, I guess. I like looking at him while he eats. He looks so... peaceful. Actually, he looks peaceful anywhere. Sleeping, eating, walking, talking... I can go on...
"Yes?" I suddenly blinked and was out of my thoughts.
"Nothing, it's just you eat as if it's really good." I guess I can't consider that as a lie. He does eat it like he's really enjoying it. And I'm happy. I've been trying to lie less and less to him and I'm glad. Makes me feel happier.
"Is that so?" Sometimes, I think he's in love with that sentence. I hear it out of his mouth at least once a day. But the same can be said with me with the 'yes'. It's just my reaction to say yes all the time... I guess.
"Normally, you'd be living like this everyday, working in the fields and eating what you picked."
A pause and he put his bowl down. For a second, I was afraid that it was something I said that was wrong, but I was quickly proven that it was not when he started talking. "After coming here, I've done a lot of thinking... I thought I was swinging my sword to protect Mitsurugi Ryu..." A pause again, "...To protect the happiness of helpless people, but I was only trying to convince myself that this is true." He takes a deep breath of air, "But I realize all I can do is protect this simple lifestyle. Now I know personally about happiness. Living in the country with you, I could clearly examine why I thought and why I will in the future. You taught me the answer."
I feel myself a bit shocked. At him revealing all this, I realized it was hard for him. But more shocking, he had said that I had taught him the answer. In return for that talk he gave me about his thoughts, I think it's only fair that I tell you my past. "May I speak a little too?"
"Huh? Aa..."
"My home town was in Edo, my father works hard, but he's a nice person. My mother was sickly and she died shortly after giving birth to Toshiko, my sister. I'm both a sister and a mother to the both of them. Enishi's a sweet little brother. We weren't rich, but we lived peaceful lives." I took a deep breath, "I was set to marry a middle class son who was my childhood friend..." I saw Kenshin's shock and his eyes widen, "My brother was a little upset, but otherwise, everything was going smoothly."
I felt my hand grip my kimono hard, he was after all, my fiancé... "Before the wedding, he went to Kyoto. I couldn't hear a word about him, so I went to Kyoto to look for him... But I met you. That's what happened." I looked at the top I find Kenshin playing a night all the time. Sorry... Sorry, I will... Protect you, Kenshin. I looked outside and see snow coming down, sparkling. Yes, sparkling. If you ever look at snow closely under a light, you can see it shine. I can stand there all night long looking at them.
* * * * *
I guess it's another day after work. We're walking back home now, the roads were covered with snow and I was having trouble walking. Kenshin in front didn't seem to be bothered by the snow, at all. Surely, we were talking more and more to each other, but the walking distance was just as bad. Usual distance. It was better in Kyoto before we left for Otsu. Either way, I'm happy, I guess.
"We'll be there soon." That's good, I feel my foot going numb. I smiled inwardly as I remembered that it was him again that started a conversation.
"Hai." There goes my favourite word again.
"This is it for this year." I looked at him, puzzled. No, I did not have any idea what he was talking about. "The next time we go will be after the snow melts." He said. Oh, so that's what he's talking about. "If this life style continues until next year." For a second there, I thought I heard him say that regretfully and I truly think I didn't dream that. After all these month of living together, I knew what he felt. He never liked killing... He had one of the purest heart in the Ishin shishi, even though he never showed anyone... But he was given the worst job of all. If I had a choice, I rather someone else took his place. Suddenly, my foot was just too numb and I fell down. I was breathing hard, it was cold and even colder when your rear was touching the snow.
Kenshin extended his hand towards me, "If you don't hurry... You'll catch a cold." He looked away, a light pink blushing barely visible was on his face and he said something that had shocked me, "Ore wa... Kimi wo... Kimi wo mamoru." I gasped a bit and felt my face burn... At that very second, all I wanted to do was embrace him tightly. And I did, he returned the embrace slowly. I felt his breath on my ear and he pulled away from the embrace.
"We really should get home first. If we don't get home soon, we'll catch hypothermia." I nodded and let him hold my hand as he lead me back home. Home... He had called the place where we lived home for the very first time.
Kimi wo mamoru - I will protect you.
XenoMark - Arigatou! I hope he's even closer now ^^ And yes, we all love the rurouni... I even love the battousai. He's simply too cool!
DiaBLo - I'm pretty sure it's called a uwagi. Or that's what my friend that learns Japanese says. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Blizzard - I see it's the first time you reviewed. Thanks!
True Love - First time to review too! ^^
Author's Notes : Next update should be up within a week, hopefully. Next updated will be 'The Difference Between Rain and Tears'. Probably tomorrow or the day after that, since I'm already three pages through. There should be some major change for this whole story line soon. Open to suggestions and ideas! Thanks all!
By Crystal
*Screw the disclaimers ^^;;*
It's been around a month and a week or two since I've been the wife of a medicine seller. Life's been better than I thought it'd be... Kenshin's been opening up a bit more... I guess. And I guess I'm feeling more comfortable around him and the kids. Kids... Not our kids. Of course not. I mean, it's only been two months since we've married. And we haven't done... Anything.
Kenshin just came back this morning because the kids from the village dragged him along to go play with them. My favourite little boy... Hisashi Toku, was it? I think it was him, he's so cute and adorable... Makes Kenshin play horse riding with him. He's been smiling a lot lately... And I guess I'm happy for him. Pretty happy actually.
Right now, Kenshin's tending the fields while I'm here by the river washing clothes. It isn't really my favourite chore... But I guess I can't really expect Battousai to wash clothes now, can I? Kenshin doing laundry... I don't think I can picture that... Anyhow, I guess he's been better at chores... I've been teaching him how to cook a bit, and he does have some talents.
"Neechan!" That sounded like Enishi... I must be missing my little brother more than I thought... "Neechan!" Okay... I'm probably hallucinating... "Neechan!" Maybe not...
"Enishi..." I was surprised, of course... How would my little brother know where I lived? This information was suppose to be secret. Unless Iizuka-san leaked it out to the Shinsengumi, which he most likely did. I swear... All that man loves is money... Money, money and money.
Enishi walked up to me with a big smile plastered on his face, obviously very happy to see me. As I was too, but I couldn't help but think that Iizuka-san had sent him here, which he probably did. "I came, neechan." I gave him a little hug and we both walked to the house, where I waved for Kenshin to come over.
"This is my younger brother Enishi." I introduced him and I felt Enishi hug me tighter.
Kenshin frowned slightly, "Younger brother?"
"Yes, I sent him letter occasionally." That was a lie, I didn't like lying to him... No, I hated it, but what else could I have done? Told Kenshin that Enishi was probably working along the Shinsengumi so you can kill him? Of course not! Although, I am pretty sure you won't kill him... He is, after all, an innocent boy... A little boy... actually. "He came to visit."
He nodded, "I see. I'm sure you have lots to catch up on, I'll go check on the fields." Now that was a thing I liked about my husband... He'd never go into my privacy and I don't think he really cared... But I do like to think he does care. Sometimes anyways. When he walked out, I felt Enishi glare at Kenshin's back and I knew Kenshin felt it too, though he didn't react to it. Probably used to all the glaring people gave him. He is the infamous Battousai, after all.
I turned around to my brother, "You appeared suddenly, so I was surprised. Is father doing well?"
"I guess so." He was that sweet little boy again, not the one with the voice that was harsh and mean... But he was doing that just to protect me. I know.
"How long has it been since you left Edo?" I asked him curiously.
"About six month, soon after you left." Toshiko was left home with father. I couldn't help but feel a bit worried. Father was rarely home, but with Enishi home, he'd at least take care of her, but now... It seemed like the only person taking care of Toshiko was probably Kao-chan or her father. I trusted them enough.
"Where are you staying then, Enishi?" I asked and opened my mouth again. "How did you find out I lived in this place?"
He smiled all of a sudden, sending a shiver up my spine. I didn't get why I was so scared... Maybe I was expecting an answer like Iizuka-san told me, but his smile told me differently. "Of course I'd know... I was receiving your letters." That was certainly not what I expected and I dropped down whatever I was doing, which was writing a letter to my father. Ink splattered all over the sheet of paper I had been writing on. That was an answer I never expected... Even though it indirectly told me that Iizuka-san had given him the address, it shocked me. Maybe if he had said it out directly, I wouldn't be so shocked.
"Finally, be happy neechan." I looked at him, still shocked. I don't think I know what he was talking about. "Finally, the time has come to show that bastard heaven's judgement." I frowned, where had Enishi learned all the swear words... I felt my blood boil at the thought of Iizuka-san. "That is your wish, right neechan? That's why you left all by yourself. How can you stay in this lonely place with that bastard." I heard his voice turn murderous at the mention of Kenshin's name. How can this be my wish? Enishi turning murderous against my husband? How can I be happy when my sweet brother has learned how to swear like that? How can I be?
This wasn't happening... Not when I was alive, no way in hell... I moved forward and embraced Enishi and he stopped talking immediately. "Go home to Edo alone." I knew my voice was harsh and what I said was harsher. After all, he was just doing this all for me... But... If this is the only way to get him out of this conflict, then so be it.
"What are you saying?" He asked, shocked.
"You are the oldest son of the Yukishiro family, right? Don't get involved in this matter." I said firmly.
"I don't care about the house! I want to help my neechan!" I know Enishi loved me... But I didn't want him here... In the middle of the war and everything... With the Shogunate and with the Ishin shishi... He was too young to see blood... To young to understand the meaning of war and death. After all, I don't think I knew what death was too well at the age of eight. Even though I did know what death was by the time my mother passed away giving birth to my brother. But that was when I was ten. "That's why..."
"Go home, Enishi." I knew he wanted to talk more, but I didn't want to hear it... "Understood?"
I saw tears at the brim and threatening to leak out, "What's the matter?" He pulled away from my embrace. "Why do you protect the bastard?!" I winced slightly at the colourful words Enishi used. "He's your enemy. He stole your happiness! He's the one you're suppose to hate, isn't he?"
Why do I protect Kenshin? It's because he's my husband... And I love him dearly... Even though I guess I never admitted it to anyone and I denied it myself, I knew I loved him more than I had loved Kiyosato. Kiyosato was only a crush I had ever since my childhood until... Until... I met Kenshin... People must think I have no loyalty, I guess they could say that... But I really do love him. I really do... I was being unfair to Kiyosato, but at the same time, he was never really fair to me. The time when I had wanted to marry, he had left Edo for Kyoto... And gotten himself killed... By my husband right now. Kenshin's my husband right now... And my loyalty lies with him.
Enishi was wrong... He was my enemy, not anymore. Right now, I would do anything to save him... It's true he stole my happiness... But in return, he gave me another happiness. A happiness better than the one before. I don't mean to offend Kiyosato or the Kiyosato family... But... Thinking back now, I have never been this close to Kiyosato... I have never even called him by his first name. Akira... But Enishi was right... Kenshin was the one I'm suppose to hate, but instead, I love him. I must really be screwed up in the head, I know.
A while later, I persuaded Enishi to go back to Edo and I gave him the letter I wrote and a pack of stuff. "Give that to father. Tell him to think of it as me. Onegai, understood?"
"Neechan..." His head was hung low.
"Do you understand?"
Instead of answering my question... "I've told them where they can reach you." He then shot Kenshin a hateful glare, even more hateful than the ones before... I know Kenshin felt it and was suspicious of the glare my brother kept shooting at him, but I guess I can always say it's just that he doesn't like the idea of me having married. I hated lying, but like I said before. What else could I do? Let the Ishin shishi catch my brother?
* * * * *
It's been a week since Enishi visited and we're working in the fields right now. Winter's approaching and we're harvesting. I'm inside the house getting another one of those wooden things for Kenshin to put the daikons in. He's probably pulling out the daikons rights now. I walk towards him and without even looking up, he starts a conversation. I'm glad, it's not always me starting the conversation anymore. Hopefully, this one will be longer than the last one.
"We made it before winter." He said.
"Yes."
"I wasn't sure we'd be able to harvest them, but actually, they grow pretty well." Usually now, I'm the one with the short answers. But I don't think he minds... I don't think I'll mind either if he replies with short answers. As long as he talks to me. As long as this living continues... But I know, in my heart, it's ending sometime soon. Very soon.
* * * * *
I've been thinking... And looking at Kenshin unconsciously, I guess. I like looking at him while he eats. He looks so... peaceful. Actually, he looks peaceful anywhere. Sleeping, eating, walking, talking... I can go on...
"Yes?" I suddenly blinked and was out of my thoughts.
"Nothing, it's just you eat as if it's really good." I guess I can't consider that as a lie. He does eat it like he's really enjoying it. And I'm happy. I've been trying to lie less and less to him and I'm glad. Makes me feel happier.
"Is that so?" Sometimes, I think he's in love with that sentence. I hear it out of his mouth at least once a day. But the same can be said with me with the 'yes'. It's just my reaction to say yes all the time... I guess.
"Normally, you'd be living like this everyday, working in the fields and eating what you picked."
A pause and he put his bowl down. For a second, I was afraid that it was something I said that was wrong, but I was quickly proven that it was not when he started talking. "After coming here, I've done a lot of thinking... I thought I was swinging my sword to protect Mitsurugi Ryu..." A pause again, "...To protect the happiness of helpless people, but I was only trying to convince myself that this is true." He takes a deep breath of air, "But I realize all I can do is protect this simple lifestyle. Now I know personally about happiness. Living in the country with you, I could clearly examine why I thought and why I will in the future. You taught me the answer."
I feel myself a bit shocked. At him revealing all this, I realized it was hard for him. But more shocking, he had said that I had taught him the answer. In return for that talk he gave me about his thoughts, I think it's only fair that I tell you my past. "May I speak a little too?"
"Huh? Aa..."
"My home town was in Edo, my father works hard, but he's a nice person. My mother was sickly and she died shortly after giving birth to Toshiko, my sister. I'm both a sister and a mother to the both of them. Enishi's a sweet little brother. We weren't rich, but we lived peaceful lives." I took a deep breath, "I was set to marry a middle class son who was my childhood friend..." I saw Kenshin's shock and his eyes widen, "My brother was a little upset, but otherwise, everything was going smoothly."
I felt my hand grip my kimono hard, he was after all, my fiancé... "Before the wedding, he went to Kyoto. I couldn't hear a word about him, so I went to Kyoto to look for him... But I met you. That's what happened." I looked at the top I find Kenshin playing a night all the time. Sorry... Sorry, I will... Protect you, Kenshin. I looked outside and see snow coming down, sparkling. Yes, sparkling. If you ever look at snow closely under a light, you can see it shine. I can stand there all night long looking at them.
* * * * *
I guess it's another day after work. We're walking back home now, the roads were covered with snow and I was having trouble walking. Kenshin in front didn't seem to be bothered by the snow, at all. Surely, we were talking more and more to each other, but the walking distance was just as bad. Usual distance. It was better in Kyoto before we left for Otsu. Either way, I'm happy, I guess.
"We'll be there soon." That's good, I feel my foot going numb. I smiled inwardly as I remembered that it was him again that started a conversation.
"Hai." There goes my favourite word again.
"This is it for this year." I looked at him, puzzled. No, I did not have any idea what he was talking about. "The next time we go will be after the snow melts." He said. Oh, so that's what he's talking about. "If this life style continues until next year." For a second there, I thought I heard him say that regretfully and I truly think I didn't dream that. After all these month of living together, I knew what he felt. He never liked killing... He had one of the purest heart in the Ishin shishi, even though he never showed anyone... But he was given the worst job of all. If I had a choice, I rather someone else took his place. Suddenly, my foot was just too numb and I fell down. I was breathing hard, it was cold and even colder when your rear was touching the snow.
Kenshin extended his hand towards me, "If you don't hurry... You'll catch a cold." He looked away, a light pink blushing barely visible was on his face and he said something that had shocked me, "Ore wa... Kimi wo... Kimi wo mamoru." I gasped a bit and felt my face burn... At that very second, all I wanted to do was embrace him tightly. And I did, he returned the embrace slowly. I felt his breath on my ear and he pulled away from the embrace.
"We really should get home first. If we don't get home soon, we'll catch hypothermia." I nodded and let him hold my hand as he lead me back home. Home... He had called the place where we lived home for the very first time.
Kimi wo mamoru - I will protect you.
XenoMark - Arigatou! I hope he's even closer now ^^ And yes, we all love the rurouni... I even love the battousai. He's simply too cool!
DiaBLo - I'm pretty sure it's called a uwagi. Or that's what my friend that learns Japanese says. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Blizzard - I see it's the first time you reviewed. Thanks!
True Love - First time to review too! ^^
Author's Notes : Next update should be up within a week, hopefully. Next updated will be 'The Difference Between Rain and Tears'. Probably tomorrow or the day after that, since I'm already three pages through. There should be some major change for this whole story line soon. Open to suggestions and ideas! Thanks all!