Kaoru Felt like she was betraying Kenshin with every step she made, yet the feeling of uncertain wrongness that she thought... no, knew should follow, never came. She sighed as she didn't even hesitate in her step. What kind of a woman was she, that she could throw away the time she was with Kenshin so easily. The care with which he always treated her. The loyalty which he showed...

Kaoru furrowed her eyebrows. Loyalty? She couldn't really say that because Kenshin hadn't really shown her any preference over any other girls.

After a pause, she shuddered... remembering that... incident. Well maybe he sort of had, but she couldn't really be too sure of it. She really hoped all of that was a fluke, a short period in which he lost control and nothing more. It scared her, it really did. She didn't even have a clue what provoked it either. One minute he seemed like he was asleep... and...

Well it wasn't something she wanted to dwell on anyhow. There wasn't much that could be done about it, it was in the past now. Kaoru sighed again. She seemed t be doing that a lot lately. A sure sign that she was thinking in circles again.

She paused as she found herself in town, right in front of the Akabeko. She briefly thought about going to se Tae, but shook her head quickly, sure that Tae would be on Kenshin's side. Definitely she wouldn't likely approve of Enishi as an... as an.... Kaoru almost went cross-eyed at that slip up. She sure as hell wasn't thinking about Enishi... that way, was she? Kaoru sighed. Oh who knew anymore. She might as well just continue heading a little way down the street to the Forge.


* * * *


Enishi wiped the sweat from his forehead with a spare cloth he kept around just for that purpose. If everything was going according to plan, Kaoru should be showing up at anytime. Perhaps Kenshin soon after, but that would only help, rather than hinder his plans. Enishi briefly ran though his head, the possibility that he might still be trying to exact revenge, or his justice, on Kenshin. Perhaps that he was deluding himself into thinking he cared for Kaoru as an excuse to do so.

He looked up just then from his work, only to see Kaoru standing before him , and he smiled at her mentally shaking his head at the thought. No, this one he just wanted to keep.

Good Afternoon Kaoru Enishi said to her warmly. Kaoru's expression jumped just a bit at the sound of his voice. She had been staring. Enishi almost waned to chuckle. He was definitely in an uncommonly good mood. Kaoru obviously noticed, as she was looking at him a little curiously.

Has it been a good day so far for you? she inquired. Enishi grinned. Kaoru blinked. There was always something sinister about his smiles. It was oddly appealing even.

Actually I was just about to take a break. Would you like to walk somewhere with me? Enishi replied. Kaoru's mind was sending off warning signals that were very obviously ignored by her. There was no reason to be wary of a simple walk.

Oh certainly... Had you anywhere in mind? Kaoru said in return. There was something a little odd about the practicality of the conversation. It was strangely mundane.

Actually yes I did. There's a nice little trail that goes down to the river by way of some early blooming cherry blossom trees. It's a very pretty place. I've been going there myself lately. All of Kaoru's reservations just fell away at that.

Cherry blossom trees in bloom! Oh I just love those. I didn't know there were any that bloomed early around here. I suppose it's been too long since I've wandered off the main road. Kaoru exclaimed, delighted at the prospect. She hadn't really had a chance to enjoy something like this for a while.

Then shall we go? Enishi said, throwing a towel around his neck after quickly ruffling it over his slightly damp hair. He walked out past her glancing to the side as if o suggest she should follow. Kaoru smiled and strode after him amicably.


* * * *


Kenshin arrived at the forge out of breath, having ran the whole way, only to discover Enishi had left almost five minutes earlier walking calmly besides Kaoru. To hear it from anyone who had witnessed the exchange, it sounded like a very polite and normal occurrence of an acquaintance visiting a friend at work for a short break. Kenshin felt very panicked as he looked around for any sign of either of them, knowing he wouldn't have any luck anyhow.

He'd heard someone mention something about cherry blossoms, which didn't bloom quite yet this time of year. Kenshin ran his hand through the messy unbound front of his hair. He thought he had seen some of the trees blossoming some way along the river, but for the life of him, he couldn't remember where it was.

He could only hope that by the time he found them, it wouldn't be to late for him.

*