I OWN DIDDLY SQUAT. EXCEPT FOR AKINA.

Chapter 5

"Kaoru, could you help me with something real quick?" "Sure, Megumi, what?" "It's in here," Megumi answered jerking her thumb behind her into the training area. "OK," answered Kaoru, a little scared. She excused herself from the table where she and Kenshin and Akina sat and walked into the room. When she did, she realized being scared was a good thing. Sano was counting yen relentlessly and Yahiko was propped up against a wall, with his hand behind his head, chewing on a blade of wheat.

"Kaoru, we called you here tonight, because you need your help." "Well, duh, Megumi, that part was obvious. With what I am afraid to ask." Kaoru twisted her raven black hair nervously. "We're trying to get Kenshin and Akina hooked up." Sano explained. Kaoru let out a sigh of relief. "Yeah, Ugly. It's nothing sexual." "I refuse to dignify that comment with a answer." Before Yahiko could retort, Megumi took charge, "Alright, here's the plan…"

"Kenshin? Kenshin?" "Out here, Miss Kaoru." "Oh." She walked over to the bathhouse, where Kenshin was preparing a bath. "Kenshin, I was wondering if you could run to the market for me. We need some rice and tofu." Kaoru placed the yen into Kenshin's hands. "Sure thing Miss Kaoru. I just have to finish preparing Miss Akina's bath." He fanned the flames as he said this.

Akina stepped out of the dojo with her clothes and undergarments. "Thank you Kenshin," Akina said while passing by. Kaoru wasn't sure if it was just her imagination or if she was overtired, but she was almost sure she saw the two glance at each other in a more than casual way. Kaoru shook her head, "Yes, Kenshin, just do it as fast as you can." She hurried off to finish whatever she was doing.

After Kenshin had left and Akina had gotten out of the bath; Kaoru asked Akina for help with the laundry. She casually brought up the subject of marriage. "Have you ever been married?" "Once," Akina confessed, "but, after almost a year of the revolution, he left me. He told me he had to go back to his home country, England, and asked if I would go with him. I refused. I just couldn't bear leave my country…" her voice trailed off. "Anyway," she continued, "I realized that if I was willing to let him go, then it wasn't true love." At the word love, Kaoru noticed that Akina blushed. They're so much alike it's scary, thought Kaoru. I can't wait 'till Enshi gets back…I miss him so…

Something the matter, Kaoru?" asked Akina, scrubbing an article of clothing.

"No. Why do you ask?"

"When I finished telling my story, you didn't say anything, you looked rather worried, that's all."

"Oh. If you'll excuse me, Akina, I must go check on lunch."

"Of course."

With this said, Kaoru walked into the dojo, but didn't go to check on lunch. At a safe distance, she watched the gateway for Kenshin, it was about time for him to show up. She smiled when she saw Kenshin saunter up the lane, trying desperately not to drop anything. Damn, I'm good. She continued watching as Akina laughed and ran to help him. Kenshin sat the packages down before he could get to her. What she saw next made her gasp. Kenshin wrapped his arm around her waist and she wrapped her arms around he neck. Their foreheads touched and they smiled. Then Kenshin leaned forward for a kiss, and he got what he wanted.

AN: I know this is short and stupid, but what do you expect at three o' clock in the morning. I've had people ask me why K+K weren't in this. I must say, I am a strict K+K fan…… I guess I was going for a change. Who knows? I certainly don't. Even though it is my story… Review pleaz.