Chapter 7- A Difference

Later on, Kenshin and Aoshi were in the dining hall drinking tea. Kaoru had busied herself in chatting with Omasu and Okon while Yahiko watched the two boys. So they sat across from each other in silence, enjoying a peaceful moment.

"Okon makes some good tea, that she does." Kenshin spoke up, placing the empty mug down in front of him.

"Hn."

Kenshin blinked. "Aoshi, I was amazed at how well your Genichi handled that sword. And you say you have yet to train him?"

"He watches me train almost every day." Aoshi told him, while also placing his mug down. "He's picked up his abilities by just observing."

"Do you plan to train him?" the red-haired rurouni asked.

"Hai, soon enough."

The seriousness faded and Kenshin smiled. "Well, then my son won't be the only one."

"Your wife told me he is beginning the Kamiya Kasshin style."

"Hai, that's right. He's very excited about it, that he is."

.......

Yahiko sighed loudly as he stood against the wall of Genichi's playroom. He didn't know he was ever capable of such boredom. For the past hour, he'd been there by the window as the two boys drew. Kaoru had given them paper and ink to "keep them busy" long ago. Now he was starting to like it better when he had to chase them around the Aoiya.

"Finished!" Genichi cried proudly, holding up his drawing. "It's me, Papa, and the Oniwabanshuu!"

Kenji nodded. "Pretty good, but top this!" He held up his.

"It's you, Kaoru-san, and.a girl like Yahiko-nii!"

Yahiko jerked up. "What? He drew me? Let me see!"

But Kenji greedily scrunched it away from his view. "Heehee! No way!"

"You baka! You better not have done what I think you did!" Yahiko began to chase him around the room.

Kenji laughed wildly. "Yahiko-nii's a giiiiiiirrrrllllll!!!!!!! A giiiiiiiiirrrrrllllllll!!!!!!!!!!"

Genichi cocked his head. "But where's your papa?"

That ended the chase. Kenji lowered his head, anger taking hold. "My father's barely around. I haven't seen him enough to draw him well."

Yahiko suddenly felt a wave of fury and sadness, but he held it in. "Kenji, Genichi. Why don't we go outside and you can play tag or something?"

Kenji's face lit up all over again. "Okay! Come on, Genichi!" He raced out the exit and dashed downstairs.

"Wait for me, Kenji-kun!" His younger friend shouted.

As he followed them outside at a more relaxed pace, Yahiko sighed. He knew Kenji had a right to be angry at his father. Kenshin's wandering ways did keep him away from home a great deal. Rarely did Kenji get to spend any time with him and when he did, he resented him half the time. The ironic part was that Kenshin had no clue over his son's thoughts.

.........

The Himura family stayed for dinner at the Aoiya that evening. But then, it was time to head on home before the sun was to head down. Everyone lined up outside to say goodbye.

"So, Kenshin-san, where will be going now?" Okon asked.

"It's too soon to tell exactly where," Kenshin answered. "But I'll probably be heading north, I will."

"Well you make sure you and your family come visit again soon." Omasu ordered.

"We will come back soon," Kaoru declared, holding Kenji's hand. "In the meantime, take care everyone."

Genichi waved goodbye as they left, traveling down the dirt road on which they came from. "Bye bye! See you all soon!"

Aoshi watched until they were barely visible on the horizon. "They're good people," he thought to himself. "Truly good people."