DISCLAIMER:
I don't own RK!



*Chp 16b - THE PRETENDER*
or The A/U to the A/U


She drew closer and was able to make out more. By the faint yellow light, she saw worn tabi, tattered hakama, faded gi....a familiar face....

Kaoru cried in surprise, dropping her bokken and bag.

, he responded. Just the sight of her was enough to resolve all of his inner conflict. He was suddenly aware of a great need to hold her in his arms. He flung aside his lantern and they ran the last steps towards each other, arms outstretched.





The resounding crack of their head-on collision echoed through the silent night. The were both crouching on the ground, grasping their aching heads in agony.

Kaoru collapsed dizzily on to the road, supporting her weight on one hand, the other still massaging her forehead, Is it really you? oWw.. she gingerly felt the tiny bump appearing on her temple, I guess it is. Are you all right? she asked in concern.

Kenshin (who had had a pretty full day so far) could only groan.

Is Sano back too? We were so worried... you just disappeared without a trace... she was anxious, almost tearful, as she helped him into a sitting position. He managed a weak smile.

At first, I thought - maybe you had been hurt, but then I told myself, Kenshin is so strong - that couldn't happen. So then I thought - maybe you'd decided to go off wandering again. But then I told myself, No, I can't jump to conclusions, it's unfair. Then Ogami-san came along, and she said you had gone some place and you couldn't decide whether to come back or not... Kaoru's voice had been growing in strength, and was now approaching stridency.

Maa maa, Kenshin recognised the telltale signs of Kaoru working herself into a fit.

So then I sent Sano. But then we didn't hear anything for two weeks... two WHOLE weeks, she was on her feet, her eyes blazing furiously, And then I start having terrible thoughts about another man -

Kenshin's heart did a flip. Who????!!! he wailed internally. I'll gut him later, his inner voice slid in coolly.

And then YOU come traipsing down the lane with your little lantern - Lalala, everything's all right, hello I'm back - AS IF nothing happened, AS IF I haven't been out of my head with worry, AS IF I.... She made a strangled sound through gritted teeth and waved two fists in his face.

URRGH!!! KENSHIN NO BAKA!! She screeched and lunged for his neck.

Kenshin squeezed his eyes shut, readying himself for the onslaught. He could easily have run - he usually did - but given the special occasion, he decided to let her have her little victory.

He opened one eye. Kaoru had evidently changed her mind about separating his head from his neck.

This is my chance, Kaoru was clutching her hands so tightly, the nails were cutting into her flesh. I said that I would take drastic steps for our relationship..I'll confess my feelings... I'll do it now!!

A million questions and fears plagued her mind but she deliberately blanked these them out. She planted her feet firmly and took a deep breath.

Kenshin stared at her in confusion. Unwittingly, Kaoru had adopted the ready position for her breathing exercises. Kaoru-dono's meditating?

Her blue eyes flipped open and locked his in a steady gaze. Grr... Kaoru, come on... JUST SAY IT, she psyched herself.



She bit her lip, staring at him.

Kenshin stood up and dusted himself down. Ditto, ditto and ditto. And...I guess we should get married?

Kaoru's jaw dropped. What did you just say?

Kenshin gave her his wide-eyed look, I said I guess we should get married.

Not that, you baka, the EARLIER part, her voice developed a steel edge.

Kenshin sweatdropped as she advanced on him, eyes glinting, Anou... sessha has been thinking about that a great deal... it seems sessha cannot say plainly what sessha feels...

STOP sessha-ing' already! Kaoru swatted the word away like a pesky fly. Are you telling me you can't say plainly what you feel?

Kenshin tried to explain, I can say things that might hint to you how I feel, like Let's get married or It would be nice if you could have children some day. Let me know if you need help. But I can't say I you-know-what you

Try it. Kaoru crossed her arms suspiciously.

Kenshin sighed patiently, You asked for it, Kaoru-dono. Here goes nothing: I ..I...L...LO...LOI...LI-LICK...YOU.

You lick me? Kaoru wrinkled her nose in distaste, that's disgusting.

W-ell, I told you...

Kaoru pulled him to sit beside her on a log by the road. Forget it. Let's try again. Repeat after me, I love you'
I.. I...LARK YOU!!


2 hours later....
Kaoru and Kenshin were both flat on their backs, staring at the night sky. He was still reciting mechanically:

I LACK YOU... I LUMP YOU....I LUCK YOU...


2 hours later still....
Kaoru was curled on her side, fast asleep. Kenshin was still trying.

I LOW-VER YOU. He sat up right, and poked Kaoru in her side.

She yawned as she woke up. This better be good, she warned, as she sleepily pulled herself up.

He nodded and shut his eyes concentrating, I LOW-VER YOU

She stared at him in disbelief. You woke me up for this?

He looked down shamefacedly, Its really the best I could come up with, Kaoru-dono.

She considered him for a moment, lower lip stuck out in thought. Oh well, she said, as she snuggled up to him, I guess I could live with ditto'.

*****



Notes posted separately!