Oh I'm so happy I didn't lose all my reviewers! Here's Chapter 10 for you! As much as I think Enishi was a good enemy, he isn't appearing folks. Sumanu de gozaru!

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Chapter X: Realizations

Lake Biwa, September of 1864

I thought you said you were fine! Soujiro mumbled as he helped Shiori along the path towards the little shack in Otsu. It had become routine for the two children to visit once a week, though Kana and the others visited much more to play with Kenshin. Unfortunately, Shiori failed to realize what the lack of attention to her numbing legs was doing.

So I lied! she grumbled, You didn't have to carry me though.

Soujiro shot her an incredulous look. You can't walk Takarashiro-san; what was I supposed to do? Drag you by your hair?

she said, looking down over Soujiro's shoulder, But you didn't have to carry me like this. I feel like I'm 5 years old getting a piggy back ride.

Is that so bad? Soujiro asked, curious.

What do you mean? she asked incredulously.

Is it so bad for you to feel like a child? he elaborated.

Shiori blinked, unconsciously wrapping her arms around his neck tighter as she slipped a bit. I guess notI can't

Soujiro asked, pale blue eyes moving to the side and glancing at her head that was resting on his left shoulder. She feels too light

I promised myself I wouldn't depend on people. I depend on them too much as is

Doesn't seem like it to me, Soujiro said idly, You always seem like you're trying to help someone, be it Kaoru-san or Kana-san. You're like Himura-san like that; you don't remember your own happiness.

What about you? Shiori questioned, diverting to him instead of her. He's sharper then I'd like him to be It seems like you always want to protect Kaoru-san, but you forget about your own safety in the process.

Soujiro's thoughtful expression dropped to a sad look. Kaoru-san protects me all the time and risks herself; I want to return the favor and become stronger so I can protect myself so she won't get hurt because of me again.

Shiori immediately felt bad, her mind running through a way to get him to smile again. He looks better with a smile, no matter how freaky it may be. Come on Seta-san! Don't look so glum! I'm sure you'll get stronger one day; as strong as Kenshin-san even!

You think so? he asked hopefully, his smile returning. I wish I could be like him; he's strong and amazingI'm just weak

Shiori sighed in annoyance, pinching the boy's arm that was wrapped around one of her legs making him yelp in pain. Stop that! Don't you believe me? You'll get stronger one day! I know you will!

Hai! I know you'll learn to find your own happiness too, just like Himura-san! he said, pasting his usual smile on his lips.

I think Himura-san already found his, Shiori murmured lowly, though she didn't expect Soujiro to hear.

What did you say? he asked.

Nan demo nai, Shiori said quickly, hitting his side, Let me down so I can see if I can walk.

Not until we reach the cabin. You're telling them you're problem, Soujiro said.

! Seta-san~! Shiori whined; she sounded every bit like the child she is.

You are!

And so it went the whole way.

* * * * *

Otsu, September of 1864

Is this one good to pick? Misa called over to Kenshin as she, Seiki and Kana helped pick vegetables from the large garden. Haruka and Hachiro were somewhat forcing Kaoru to give them so kenjutsu lessons, though she didn't mind at all; in fact, she seemed to enjoy teaching.

Tomoe stood off to the sides by the river, watching the sakura petals in the clear water pass by in the current. Amazingly, the past month had been enjoyable, not tension filled as she thought it would be. The night she had seen the plum blossoms and heard Akira calmed her raging emotions immensely, her bitter feelings for Kenshin hidden away from her consciousness for the meantime. To her eyes, she could no longer see the assassin who stole her happiness, but a boy stuck in a war he shouldn't be in.

Looks good, Kenshin called over with a silly grin, crouching over a stubborn daikon radish that refused to come out of the ground, Now if only this would come ou-ORO!

Daijoubu ga Ken-nii? Misa asked as Kana and her scurried over to where Kenshin was flat on his back, the pain of a root in his fist.

Hai, Daijoubu desu ka, he laughed scratching the back of his head. His ears perked when he heard two familiar voices, both arguing over something.

Will not!

Will too!

Will not!

Will too!

Sou-chan! Shiori-chan! Kaoru exclaimed, interrupting their bicker as they came out of the forest, What's wrong?

Soujiro started but was stopped by Shiori's hand.

Nan demo nai! Just a little squabble! she laughed, oblivious to Hachiro who was seeing red and glaring at Soujiro.

You can't walk, can you? Seiki said, pointing to Shiori who immediately scowled at him, I knew it.

You and your big mouth, she muttered, resting her chin on Soujiro's shoulder again as Kaoru and her other friends began fussing over her.

Why didn't you tell us? Kenshin asked, worry written over his face as he came over.

Can you take her Himura-san? Takarashiro-san's heavier then I thought, Soujiro said, yelping when Shiori kicked him.

Kenshin said, kneeling down. Shiori blinked once before carefully getting off Soujiro's back and up Kenshin's. You're too light for an eight-year-old.

I'll go run and get my Okaa-san! She'll be able to help you! Seiki exclaimed before running off, his house only 10 minutes away.

We'll go with you! Haruka yelled and began tugging Misa and Hachiro along despite the latter's protest.

I'm fine, really! Shiori protested weakly, though it was obvious no one was going to believe her.

Tomoe shook her head, motioning for Kenshin to set her down on the futon. Akira was like you Shiori-chan; he never told me when he wasn't well. You forget what injuries can do when they go unattended for too long.

she questioned, head tilting to the side.

My fiancé who died, Tomoe elaborated, As a matter of fact, he always said he wanted to have a daughter. You'd probably get along with him if he were still around.

Gomen nasai Yukishiro-san, she said quietly, You must miss him a lot.

I do, Tomoe said with a small smile, But he's still watching over me. He still warns me when I'm about to do something wrong.

You really believe that? Kenshin murmured thoughtfully, his eyes clouding over in deep thought. Seiji-nii and Makiko-nee both told me that once. Are Okaa-san and Otou-san watching over me as well? What do they think of what I've become?

Tomoe nodded. I always believed that when a person dies, they rise to the heavens and become the stars we see at night, watching over the people they left behind. When the stars die out and fall from the sky they are reborn, entering the world in a new family to have another chance at life.

You sound like my Okaa-san, Kaoru murmured wistfully, She believed that too. Otou-san always said she was a dreamer and often saw her parents in her dreams, guiding her down the right path until the day she died.

Soujiro listened as Kaoru, Kenshin and Tomoe recalled their parents, his eyes falling downcast. I don't remember my Okaa-sanor my Otou-san for that matter. He died andOkaa-san left me with them and ran off. Did she even love me?

* * * * *

Seiki's mother came and went, taking the children back to their homes when she was finished. Her order was for Shiori to stay with The Himura's' for a week and to keep movement on her feet minimal. Shiori promised to obey the woman's command

But by no means would she obey it quietly.

I should hope I'm not this crippled! Shiori whined, tossing all acting out the window. She was truly annoyed and frustrated, showing it in a manner typical for a child; Kaoru wouldn't even let her get up to eat at the table with them.

You heard Aiwa-sensei, Kaoru said, You have to stay off your feet as much as possible for them to heal properly.

But Kaoru-san! she wailed desperately, It's been 5 days all ready! Surely I can at least move a few feet to eat at a table like a normal person!

Surely you can wait two more days Shiori-chan, Kaoru sighed in exasperation. She loved children to death but Shiori was being very stubborn about this. The girl is active like meshe's restless from sitting around...That and I've never been one with a surplus of patience.

Maa, maa Shiori-chan, Kenshin chuckled as he stepped into the room Shiori and Soujiro were sharing with him, It's only 48 more hours.

The statement elicited another whine from her. Kenshin-san! I can't stay put for another 48 hours! I'll rip my hair out before then!

Chuckling, Kenshin squatted down next to her bedside, ruffling her hair that had been let loose. It'd be a shame for you to rip out such pretty hair like yours Shiori-chan. Smiling when she seemed to cheer up he said, Tell you what. If you'll behave for Kaoru-san the rest of tonight, tomorrow I'll take you and Sou-chan out to walk around a bit; explore the area.

Shiori and Soujiro -- who stuck his head around the corner -- exclaimed, both beaming. Quickly nodding her assent, she took the tray of food obediently, Kenshin chuckling as he went to go sit outside for awhile before turning in.

Soujiro queried, following him outside.

Kenshin turned his head, setting himself down in his trademark one knee position against a support pillar. Hai, Soujiro-kun?

Can I ask you something Himura-san? Kenshin nodded as the boy sat across from him. How can I get stronger like you Himura-san?

Blinking Kenshin stared at Soujiro for a moment before smiling. You're all ready strong Soujiro-kun.

I'm never strong enough to protect Kaoru-san or myself, he murmured, knowing Kenshin would hear him.

That same annoying memory flash happened, Kenshin's smile turning a bit lopsided. The boy's like me, wanting to get stronger to protect his loved ones. Just remember you have people who care for you. I believe Kaoru puts it best when she told Haruka-chan and Hachiro-kun to use your desire to protect as strength behind your attacks.

Soujiro was about to ask something else when Kaoru came out saying, Sou-chan, Shiori-chan wants to talk to you.

OK Kaoru-san. Thanks Himura-san, he said before running back into the house. He waited for Kaoru to say something as she sat down where Soujiro had been, settling for a comfortable silence.

It's raining, Kaoru said idly, holding out her hand as the water droplets descended onto the earth.

Sticking his own hand out, Kenshin murmured an agreement, relishing in the feeling of the water as it hit his hands. So cool and gentleI always turn it into something hideousred rain

Kaoru's brow knotted as she stared at the roses she and Tomoe had planted, the white and red flower petals falling to the ground and being beaten by the rain. Red rainwhat did Okami-san mean? She continued to stare, her eyes eventually falling on the red petals and the rain drops on them. Red rainblood? Could she have meant blood? Unwillingly, her mind traveled back to the night of her almost rape, visions of when Kenshin killed the last man replaying in her mind. The bloodit had been like rainKenshin? Was she talking about Kenshin?

Is something troubling you Kaoru? Kenshin queried, watching in interest as Kaoru's face changed with so many emotions. Skilled she is, but I can still see her emotions clear as day. Such a beautiful creature He did a double take at his last thought. Where the hell did that come from?

You know where that came from baka! His conscience chimed in, You're falling for her; hook, line and sinker!

Kenshin would have debated with himself -- a clear sign to him that he was going crazy -- had Kaoru not said, It's nothing, but I was just thinking of how good you are with kids. Kana-chan, Shiori-chan, Misa-chan, Seiki-chan and even Sou-chan love you.

Children bring me some comfort Kenshin said, They remind me of why I joined the Ishinshishi. Plus they never seem to be afraid of meeven if they know what I am.

I'll bet you'd make a good father one day, Kaoru commented, oblivious to Kenshin's surprised squawk.

She'll never stop surprising me I guess Kenshin said, extremely uncomfortable. I never thought about that but I guess it would be nicemy own family and children. Perhaps a son to pass the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu toor a daughtershe'd be like Kaoru Unknowingly, Kenshin sighed out loud as he thought, I wonder if Kaoru could ever love meI guess my conscience was right; I AM falling for her. I could never offer her anything though, only stained hands. A pristine beauty like her could never love a tarnished assassin.

Something wrong Kenshin? Kaoru asked while an amused smile quirked her lips as he blinked out of his trance and immediately reddened, quickly denying anything. He's so cuteI hope I can find a husband like him one dayor maybe I better go in; I'm bushed. Yawning, she stood and asked, Are you coming in yet?

In a bit, Kenshin said, Oyasumi nasai Kaoru.

Oyasumi nasai, Kaoru said smiling and kneeling next to him. She leaned over and kissed his scarred cheek, much to his surprise. She smiled as his amethyst eyes snapped open in surprise, quickly turning and walking into the house. He is too handsomeNo wonder I'm falling for him.

Startled, Kenshin's hand went up to his scarred cheek, eyes still glued to where she had entered the door. Her lips had been warm and smooth, that brief contact seemingly easing the pain that scar represented to him. She kissed me Slowly, a silly grin escaped his lips, Kenshin's eyes closing blissfully as he savored the still lingering feeling of her lips. Maybe one dayafter I atone for my sinsKaoru would consider meI could be worthy of her

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OK, I KNOW many were disappointed about the lack of a kiss so far, so did that help just a bit? I can't have them kissing lip to lip just yet!

I have another poll for you all! Should I have another filler/fluff chapter or should I skip ahead to the Yaminobu and Tomoe thing? You decide! Leave a review and tell me!