PLEASE DON'T HURT ME! I know I've been slacking like hell lately, but I
just can't help it! My husband had a friend of his do something to our
computer so it would run faster and he deleted something he shouldn't have
because none of my old files would upload properly to ff.net. So, I had to
retype the dang thing to upload it. Of course, it took me forever to
figure that out! You should have seen all the crap I tried! Anyway,
here's chapter 17, if anyone cares any longer. But I just can't leave a
story unfinished. Hope you enjoy!
Kaoru.the Saiyan?? Chapter 17: Back To Japan
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Kaoru ran inside Capsule Corp. as soon as they materialized in front of it. "Yahiko! Sanosuke! You guys!"
Kenshin watched after her confused until Misao stepped up next to him. "Remember, it's been two years since she's seen them. Of course she misses them."
Understanding came over his features and he nodded slightly before turning to Goku. "When will we return to our home?"
"I think tomorrow. That will give you guys time to rest and say your goodbyes to those who won't be returning for the battle. After I take you home, I'll return here to spend time with my friends and family and then I'll go back to your world with Vegeta, Gohan and Future Trunks. We'll fight the battle, and go from there." Goku ended with a small shrug.
Kenshin stared at the tall Saiyan. "Will Kaoru defeat Nakago?"
Goku flinched a bit at the blunt question. "I honestly don't know. I believe she has the potential, but she's an inexperienced fighter. She's never fought an enemy of this caliber. True, she has sparred with us, but that was just it, sparring. No harm was meant to be inflicted."
Kenshin nodded and turned to follow everyone else inside. "Thank you, Goku. We'll see you tomorrow."
Goku waved and smiled as he took off for home.
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"Oh, Yahiko! I missed you so much! And Sanosuke! I never thought I'd miss your mooching or Yahiko's insults, but I did!" Kenshin's eyes bugged out as he entered. Kaoru had not only Yahiko, but Sano also in a big bear hug, squeezing them both so tight they were turning blue.
Misao rushed up to her. "Kaoru! You're strangling them!" She pried the woman's arms away from the two males, allowing them to gasp for air.
Kaoru began to apologize profusely. "I'm so sorry! I was just so happy to see you."
Yahiko waved a hand. "No prob, busu."
Sano was not so ready to forgive. "Damn, Jouchan! You were only gone three days!"
Kaoru snorted. "Heh! More like two years and one day! Remember, one day here is equal to one year in the Room of Spirit and Time."
Sano nodded and let the matter drop.
Megumi sauntered up to Kenshin. "Oh, Ken-san! I missed you. Those few days seemed like an eternity without you around."
Kaoru grit her teeth. She was ready to yell at Megumi when Kenshin gave her the brush off. "I'm sorry, Megumi-dono. I would appreciate it if you would not do things to make Kaoru-dono mad. She has a tough fight coming up and I want this last bit of time before the fight to be pleasant and not marred by inconsiderate words."
The arms that were about to encircle Kenshin's neck to further infuriate Kaoru slipped down and Megumi looked at Kaoru, who was smiling smugly. She stepped up to the lady doctor and whispered words she had always wished to say. "I could break you in two. Don't test a Saiyan princess, Megumi. And keep your paws off Kenshin. He's mine." Kaoru strode down the hallway to her room, leaving Megumi completely confused and a bit frightened.
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Kaoru sat on the couch sandwiched between Kenshin and Sanosuke after dinner that evening, all of them watching Yahiko play with Vegeta's XBOX. "This thing is so cool, Kaoru! I want one!"
Kaoru giggled. "They don't have those in our world, Yahiko. It would be impossible. Perhaps you can visit every now and then and play."
The young boy let out a 'woo-hoo' and kept playing. Bulma emerged from the kitchen and sat down on a chair next to the couch. "Kaoru, you know he's welcome anytime he wants to come over. The same goes for all of you. I'll give you a device I've been working on. It'll allow us to communicate with each other even when we're in our separate worlds. That way, you can call and let us know you want to visit and we can be ready for you!"
Kaoru leaned over and squeezed Bulma's hand. "I don't know how we can repay you for your hospitality and all your help throughout this whole ordeal. We all appreciate it. You've done more than most people would."
The blue-haired woman smiled back. "It's no problem at all. It's the least a sister-in-law can do, right?" She went back into the kitchen and Kaoru leaned back in between her two men.
Misao came bounding down the stairs, a glow on her face. Kaoru noticed and asked bluntly, "Why so happy, Misao?"
The suggestive tone of voice caused Misao's glow to turn into a blush. "I.we.I mean we didn't.well, not all the way.we just.Oh, Kaoru! I can't talk about this in front of the boys!"
Kaoru's eyes widened. "Misao! I didn't think you really.you mean. you.I don't know what to say! That's.you're not even MARRIED!"
Misao blushed again, but Aoshi came to her rescue. "That's why we didn't do everything." The blunt answer caused a huge blush for both women and Misao wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.
"Aoshi!" Misao sank into the chair Bulma had just vacated, completely mortified. She hid her face in her hands as Sano patted Aoshi on the back saying it was a 'job well done.'
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Kenshin gathered up the last of their souvenirs and belongings as they made one final sweep of Capsule Corp. to make sure they had all their stuff. Little Trunks and Goten were quick with their goodbyes, giving a hug and then running off to play again. The older boys and Vegeta merely nodded, promising to see the Kenshin-gumi in a month. Chichi blew her nose after hugging everyone fiercely.
"I'll miss you all so much!" She dissolved into another fit of sobs as Gohan tried to comfort her.
Bulma ran out with the device she had promised Kaoru. "Here it is! Just push this button if you want to talk to me and I'll answer! I'll miss you guys. Have a safe trip and enjoy this time. Being the wife of a fighter I can tell you, it's hard when you're the one left at home, having to trust you loved one to return safely, worrying until you see them physically. Just enjoy your time while you have it. You have to look at it as possibly the last time you'll be with them."
Kenshin let her words sink into his head, already considering spending time with Kaoru the way they both wanted to before the fight.
They all said their final goodbyes and waved as they clung onto Goku.
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They materialized in the dojo's front yard, everyone immediately heaving a sigh of relief for getting home safely. Kaoru paced slowly toward her front door, excited to be home but feeling exhausted after realizing how much they'd been through. She turned around and waved at Goku.
"One month?"
Goku smiled back at her. "One month." He gave a quick salute and was gone.
Megumi gave a yawn and shook her head. "I'm going home to rest. I'll see you guys later."
Sano bid everyone goodbye and left as well, hollering for Megumi to wait up.
Kenshin turned and gave a shy smile to Kaoru. "Ready to go inside?"
Kaoru smiled brightly back at him. "You bet!"
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Kaoru gave a languid stretch the next morning as she awoke. She looked outside, a bit miffed that it was still dark. "Damn training! Now I wake up at the friggin' crack of friggin' dawn!" She threw her covers back in annoyance and stomped out to the bath house, deciding she might as well make the most of the day.
She sank into the warm water, her mood brightening as she thought about doing nice things for Kenshin for once. She would heat his bath, make breakfast, maybe do a few chores with him. She began to giggle as she pictured his reaction to everything.
She heard a frantic opening and closing of doors and then running in the dojo yard. She was about to panic when she realized it was Kenshin worrying about her. She shook her head, a smile about to form and called out to him. "I'm in the bathhouse, Kenshin. Don't worry so much! I'll be out in a minute."
On the other side of the door, Kenshin slumped against it a bit as his tense muscles relaxed. "Okay, Kaoru-dono. I'll start breakfast."
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Kaoru tapped her finger on the table as she thought aloud while Kenshin cooked. "I'm trying to decide what to do today. I know I need to spend with everyone, but I also want to do special things. What do you think, Kenshin?"
Kenshin paused in the middle of chopping vegetables to think. I know something she needs to do, but I don't know how to phrase it. It's a painful subject, especially in light of her true heritage. "Well, Kaoru- dono, what about visiting your parents' sites? You haven't done that in a while."
Kaoru pondered the thought and raised an eyebrow at Kenshin. "Oh, I see. I do need to go by my parents' sites. I guess today would be a good day to do it. Would you accompany me?"
Kenshin smiled at the delicate blush on her cheeks. "Of course, Kaoru- dono."
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They returned home that evening feeling a bit lighter. Kaoru bounced happily as they walked, swinging her purse back and forth in a carefree manner. "I'm glad I did that, Kenshin. I feel a lot better now. I felt before like I was hiding things from my father, but now that I've actually said what's going on aloud to him, it's not such a burden."
Kenshin nodded. "It's better to get things out in the open, Kaoru."
Kaoru stopped mid-step, mouth agape. "What?"
Kenshin turned and smiled slyly at the dumbfounded young woman. "I called you 'Kaoru'. No 'dono'." Kenshin shook his head as if it wasn't any major event and Kaoru ran up and hugged him.
"Does that mean you aren't going to push me away anymore?" Kaoru turned hopeful eyes to him and Kenshin nodded.
"Kaoru, I did that because of your training, just as I told you before. However, now that your training is complete, there is no need to do so any longer. We will take this month and do as we wish with it."
Kaoru clapped and twirled happily. She spun into Kenshin and grabbed his arm. "Good. I was beginning to think I'd have to tie you up and show you how much of a woman I am."
"Oro?!" Kenshin blushed at the naughty tone and implication of her words.
Kaoru giggled and lifted Kenshin as a man would a woman and flew off towards the forest.
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Kenshin scowled as Kaoru set him down. "That was rather humiliating."
Kaoru giggled and gave a mock pout. "Aw, is the poor rurouni upset that a girl carried him?"
Kenshin tried to continue his scowl, but Kaoru's face coupled with the baby talk made him chuckle. Kaoru smiled triumphantly. "Better. Now, let's discuss where it goes from here."
Kenshin sat down next to her and sighed. "Well, it all depends on the outcome of your fight."
Kaoru shook her head and waved a hand dismissively. "I'll win. So, what happens then?"
Kenshin had to smile at her determination and he believed that if nothing else, her will to have a relationship with him would cause her victory. "Well, after you win, we get married and have a family."
Kaoru tried to contain the grin. "What makes you so sure I'd say 'yes'?"
"Would you say 'no'?"
"Maybe. Depends on how nice and romantic you were about it. If you flubbed it, a 'no' would definitely be the answer."
Kenshin thought about it. Yes, it would be romantic. She deserved it. He looked over at her and caught her gazing at him. He gave into the impulses he had been fighting for months now. He leaned forward and kissed her.
Kaoru was ecstatic at first, but a growing panic gnawed at her as the kiss grew in intensity. She felt a strange animalistic urge pulling at her as it continued. Finally her mind registered what was happening and she remembered a talk she had with the women when they first started explaining what it meant to be a Saiyan. Bulma's voice echoed in her head.
'There's a mating season once every year for Saiyans. In terms of physical urges, they're a primal race. About two months before the actual mating season, Saiyans begin to hunt for a mate. They wish to.uh.you know, with just about anyone who's willing. Unless of course, they're married. In that case, they just want to start "practicing."'
Kaoru pulled away. "Kenshin! We can't let this continue."
Kenshin wasn't about to be swayed so easily. It had been years since he had any intimate contact with a woman and here he was with the woman he loved. "What's wrong, Kaoru? You wanted us to be a couple and now we are and you're the one pushing me away. I can understand if you don't want it to go too far, but kissing won't hurt anything."
Kaoru put a hand up to stop him from kissing her again. "Mating season."
Kenshin tilted his head to the side in puzzlement. His eyebrows rose slowly and his eyes grew round as her words gained meaning. "Oh! Saiyan mating season."
Kaoru nodded. "Right. If it continues, things will go too far too soon. Maybe we should be more innocent in our courtship until the fighting is over."
Kenshin smiled sweetly at her. Of course. That gives me time to woo her and sweep her off her feet. Build to it slowly.
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Kaoru had a dreamy smile on her face a week later, remembering how she and Kenshin just sat in the forest and watched the stars pass by as they cuddled together. She sighed and Misao poked her in the side. "Wake up, Kaoru! Dreaming about Himura?" Misao wriggled her eyebrows and Kaoru blushed lightly.
Kaoru quickly turned the tables. "Just like you dream about your 'Aoshi- sama'?"
It was Misao's turn to blush and she changed the subject. "Anyway, I just came by to tell you that a visitor is here."
Kaoru jumped up from her seat and scurried to the gate, eager to see who it was. She jumped off the porch and grinned widely at the person in her yard. "Saitou! I thought you'd be on business for another year!"
Saitou smirked. "Never underestimate a wolf. All I had to do was threaten all the men under my command there, and they sent me back here, fearing I'd kill the incompetent fools. Not that it would have hurt anything. Probably would have made Japan a smarter place."
Kaoru had to smile and shake her head. He definitely amused her. "Well, I'm glad you're back. The fight takes place in a little less than a month."
Saitou nodded slightly. "Wouldn't miss it."
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Kenshin almost fell over a week later as he passed by the open door to the dojo. Kaoru, Saitou, Misao and Aoshi were all meditating. He looked down the row and tried to figure out why each was doing so. Kaoru, big fight, huge burden. Saitou, probably helping Kaoru deal with big burden. Misao, channeling healing energy. Aoshi, no brainer. He shrugged his shoulders and trudged off to do laundry.
He thought about all the time he had spent with Kaoru so far. It had been immensely fulfilling. They had taken numerous walks, just talking about everything, her upcoming fight, her past, Kenshin's past, hopes for the future. Whatever sprang to mind was fair game. Kenshin was more willing to share his past with her, feeling she had a right to know and Kaoru kept the questions to a minimum, trying not to ask anything too painful. Kenshin scrubbed absently at the clothes, lost in his thoughts. He still wanted to help Kaoru out in some way. He just didn't know how. He finally came to his conclusion, finished laundry and set off for the forest. He didn't care who was upset or if they found out. He was going to do this and no one could stop him.
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Kaoru hummed happily as she chopped vegetables for dinner. Kenshin grinned at her from his spot down at the other end of the counter. He walked up and wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"Koishii." He put his head on her shoulder and she stopped chopping to run a hand down the side of his face.
"Kenshin, we should be getting dinner ready. Wouldn't want Yahiko or Sanosuke complaining now, would we?" She wrinkled her nose at him and Kenshin smiled brightly at her.
"I guess not. Promise me we'll continue this later?" He nuzzled her neck and Kaoru giggled.
"Naughty! You'll just have to wait and see!"
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Kaoru set Yahiko and Sano on clean up duty as she went out on the porch to sit with Kenshin. She leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed. "Only two days left. Tomorrow we should go visit everyone. The day after Vegeta and the others will return and then the day after that it's time."
Kenshin turned to study her. "Are you sure you can handle this, Kaoru?"
Kaoru hung her head. "I know I can handle the fighting, but I don't think I can handle the final blow. How can I kill someone and then come back here and preach to people about not killing and the sword that protects? I'll be a hypocrite. I don't want to kill someone."
Kenshin nodded and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Let's go for a walk and talk about happy things."
Kaoru grinned at him. "What happy things?"
Kenshin grinned back. "What we'll name our children, how old we'll be when we have them, how far apart they'll be."
Kaoru giggled and took his hand, hopping off the porch to go for their walk.
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Kaoru smiled as a glow formed in her yard. "Welcome back, guys!"
The Saiyans grinned and waved, ready for the next day's battle. Goku walked up to her. "Did you visit everyone?"
Kaoru nodded. "Yes, we went around yesterday. Everyone who knows about my true identity also knows to stay away from the dojo today and tomorrow. I couldn't make Misao and Aoshi leave of course and then Kenshin, Yahiko and Sanosuke refuse to go anywhere."
Goku nodded. "Understandable." He tensed as he picked up on a foreign life force.
Another glow formed and they all stood on guard as Nakago appeared. "Why, hello all of you. Just came by to make sure you remember what tomorrow is."
Kaoru glared at him. "I remember your stupid fight. Don't worry about that."
Nakago nodded. "Good, good. I just wanted to let you know, I'll meet you tomorrow afternoon. You pick the location and I'll meet you there. See you later!"
He waved as if he was an old friend and disappeared.
Kaoru grit her teeth. "I'll show him. Showing up at my dojo uninvited and endangering my family! Ugh! I hate that guy!"
Goku and Gohan lifted up slightly. "We're going to find a battle ground. We'll be back in a few hours."
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Kaoru knocked lightly and entered Kenshin's room later that night. He sat up on the futon and looked at her questioningly. "Kaoru?"
"I just wanted to come see you for a little while. Who knows what will happen tomorrow? I couldn't sleep." She smiled shyly at him and sat down next to him.
Kenshin drew her close and kissed her lightly. "Do you want to stay in here with me?"
Kaoru pondered it but shook her head. "No. Mating season still."
Kenshin nodded and then chuckled. "Don't trust yourself, huh?"
Kaoru blushed and giggled as she whacked him lightly on the arm. "Hentai. I just wanted to cuddle for a little bit."
Kenshin wrapped his arms around her tighter and lay down with her, both staring up at his ceiling.
They lay there quietly and before long, Kenshin noticed her breathing had deepened and he carried her back to her room. "Goodnight, Kaoru. I love you."
Kaoru smiled in her sleep as if she heard him.
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A/N: Well, you waited a long time, but the chapter was long, so am I forgiven? Don't worry. Now that I know I just need to retype, I'll have the last two chapters up in a couple days time. I hope you liked and please review! Hugs & Kisses!
Kaoru.the Saiyan?? Chapter 17: Back To Japan
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Kaoru ran inside Capsule Corp. as soon as they materialized in front of it. "Yahiko! Sanosuke! You guys!"
Kenshin watched after her confused until Misao stepped up next to him. "Remember, it's been two years since she's seen them. Of course she misses them."
Understanding came over his features and he nodded slightly before turning to Goku. "When will we return to our home?"
"I think tomorrow. That will give you guys time to rest and say your goodbyes to those who won't be returning for the battle. After I take you home, I'll return here to spend time with my friends and family and then I'll go back to your world with Vegeta, Gohan and Future Trunks. We'll fight the battle, and go from there." Goku ended with a small shrug.
Kenshin stared at the tall Saiyan. "Will Kaoru defeat Nakago?"
Goku flinched a bit at the blunt question. "I honestly don't know. I believe she has the potential, but she's an inexperienced fighter. She's never fought an enemy of this caliber. True, she has sparred with us, but that was just it, sparring. No harm was meant to be inflicted."
Kenshin nodded and turned to follow everyone else inside. "Thank you, Goku. We'll see you tomorrow."
Goku waved and smiled as he took off for home.
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"Oh, Yahiko! I missed you so much! And Sanosuke! I never thought I'd miss your mooching or Yahiko's insults, but I did!" Kenshin's eyes bugged out as he entered. Kaoru had not only Yahiko, but Sano also in a big bear hug, squeezing them both so tight they were turning blue.
Misao rushed up to her. "Kaoru! You're strangling them!" She pried the woman's arms away from the two males, allowing them to gasp for air.
Kaoru began to apologize profusely. "I'm so sorry! I was just so happy to see you."
Yahiko waved a hand. "No prob, busu."
Sano was not so ready to forgive. "Damn, Jouchan! You were only gone three days!"
Kaoru snorted. "Heh! More like two years and one day! Remember, one day here is equal to one year in the Room of Spirit and Time."
Sano nodded and let the matter drop.
Megumi sauntered up to Kenshin. "Oh, Ken-san! I missed you. Those few days seemed like an eternity without you around."
Kaoru grit her teeth. She was ready to yell at Megumi when Kenshin gave her the brush off. "I'm sorry, Megumi-dono. I would appreciate it if you would not do things to make Kaoru-dono mad. She has a tough fight coming up and I want this last bit of time before the fight to be pleasant and not marred by inconsiderate words."
The arms that were about to encircle Kenshin's neck to further infuriate Kaoru slipped down and Megumi looked at Kaoru, who was smiling smugly. She stepped up to the lady doctor and whispered words she had always wished to say. "I could break you in two. Don't test a Saiyan princess, Megumi. And keep your paws off Kenshin. He's mine." Kaoru strode down the hallway to her room, leaving Megumi completely confused and a bit frightened.
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Kaoru sat on the couch sandwiched between Kenshin and Sanosuke after dinner that evening, all of them watching Yahiko play with Vegeta's XBOX. "This thing is so cool, Kaoru! I want one!"
Kaoru giggled. "They don't have those in our world, Yahiko. It would be impossible. Perhaps you can visit every now and then and play."
The young boy let out a 'woo-hoo' and kept playing. Bulma emerged from the kitchen and sat down on a chair next to the couch. "Kaoru, you know he's welcome anytime he wants to come over. The same goes for all of you. I'll give you a device I've been working on. It'll allow us to communicate with each other even when we're in our separate worlds. That way, you can call and let us know you want to visit and we can be ready for you!"
Kaoru leaned over and squeezed Bulma's hand. "I don't know how we can repay you for your hospitality and all your help throughout this whole ordeal. We all appreciate it. You've done more than most people would."
The blue-haired woman smiled back. "It's no problem at all. It's the least a sister-in-law can do, right?" She went back into the kitchen and Kaoru leaned back in between her two men.
Misao came bounding down the stairs, a glow on her face. Kaoru noticed and asked bluntly, "Why so happy, Misao?"
The suggestive tone of voice caused Misao's glow to turn into a blush. "I.we.I mean we didn't.well, not all the way.we just.Oh, Kaoru! I can't talk about this in front of the boys!"
Kaoru's eyes widened. "Misao! I didn't think you really.you mean. you.I don't know what to say! That's.you're not even MARRIED!"
Misao blushed again, but Aoshi came to her rescue. "That's why we didn't do everything." The blunt answer caused a huge blush for both women and Misao wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.
"Aoshi!" Misao sank into the chair Bulma had just vacated, completely mortified. She hid her face in her hands as Sano patted Aoshi on the back saying it was a 'job well done.'
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Kenshin gathered up the last of their souvenirs and belongings as they made one final sweep of Capsule Corp. to make sure they had all their stuff. Little Trunks and Goten were quick with their goodbyes, giving a hug and then running off to play again. The older boys and Vegeta merely nodded, promising to see the Kenshin-gumi in a month. Chichi blew her nose after hugging everyone fiercely.
"I'll miss you all so much!" She dissolved into another fit of sobs as Gohan tried to comfort her.
Bulma ran out with the device she had promised Kaoru. "Here it is! Just push this button if you want to talk to me and I'll answer! I'll miss you guys. Have a safe trip and enjoy this time. Being the wife of a fighter I can tell you, it's hard when you're the one left at home, having to trust you loved one to return safely, worrying until you see them physically. Just enjoy your time while you have it. You have to look at it as possibly the last time you'll be with them."
Kenshin let her words sink into his head, already considering spending time with Kaoru the way they both wanted to before the fight.
They all said their final goodbyes and waved as they clung onto Goku.
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They materialized in the dojo's front yard, everyone immediately heaving a sigh of relief for getting home safely. Kaoru paced slowly toward her front door, excited to be home but feeling exhausted after realizing how much they'd been through. She turned around and waved at Goku.
"One month?"
Goku smiled back at her. "One month." He gave a quick salute and was gone.
Megumi gave a yawn and shook her head. "I'm going home to rest. I'll see you guys later."
Sano bid everyone goodbye and left as well, hollering for Megumi to wait up.
Kenshin turned and gave a shy smile to Kaoru. "Ready to go inside?"
Kaoru smiled brightly back at him. "You bet!"
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Kaoru gave a languid stretch the next morning as she awoke. She looked outside, a bit miffed that it was still dark. "Damn training! Now I wake up at the friggin' crack of friggin' dawn!" She threw her covers back in annoyance and stomped out to the bath house, deciding she might as well make the most of the day.
She sank into the warm water, her mood brightening as she thought about doing nice things for Kenshin for once. She would heat his bath, make breakfast, maybe do a few chores with him. She began to giggle as she pictured his reaction to everything.
She heard a frantic opening and closing of doors and then running in the dojo yard. She was about to panic when she realized it was Kenshin worrying about her. She shook her head, a smile about to form and called out to him. "I'm in the bathhouse, Kenshin. Don't worry so much! I'll be out in a minute."
On the other side of the door, Kenshin slumped against it a bit as his tense muscles relaxed. "Okay, Kaoru-dono. I'll start breakfast."
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Kaoru tapped her finger on the table as she thought aloud while Kenshin cooked. "I'm trying to decide what to do today. I know I need to spend with everyone, but I also want to do special things. What do you think, Kenshin?"
Kenshin paused in the middle of chopping vegetables to think. I know something she needs to do, but I don't know how to phrase it. It's a painful subject, especially in light of her true heritage. "Well, Kaoru- dono, what about visiting your parents' sites? You haven't done that in a while."
Kaoru pondered the thought and raised an eyebrow at Kenshin. "Oh, I see. I do need to go by my parents' sites. I guess today would be a good day to do it. Would you accompany me?"
Kenshin smiled at the delicate blush on her cheeks. "Of course, Kaoru- dono."
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They returned home that evening feeling a bit lighter. Kaoru bounced happily as they walked, swinging her purse back and forth in a carefree manner. "I'm glad I did that, Kenshin. I feel a lot better now. I felt before like I was hiding things from my father, but now that I've actually said what's going on aloud to him, it's not such a burden."
Kenshin nodded. "It's better to get things out in the open, Kaoru."
Kaoru stopped mid-step, mouth agape. "What?"
Kenshin turned and smiled slyly at the dumbfounded young woman. "I called you 'Kaoru'. No 'dono'." Kenshin shook his head as if it wasn't any major event and Kaoru ran up and hugged him.
"Does that mean you aren't going to push me away anymore?" Kaoru turned hopeful eyes to him and Kenshin nodded.
"Kaoru, I did that because of your training, just as I told you before. However, now that your training is complete, there is no need to do so any longer. We will take this month and do as we wish with it."
Kaoru clapped and twirled happily. She spun into Kenshin and grabbed his arm. "Good. I was beginning to think I'd have to tie you up and show you how much of a woman I am."
"Oro?!" Kenshin blushed at the naughty tone and implication of her words.
Kaoru giggled and lifted Kenshin as a man would a woman and flew off towards the forest.
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Kenshin scowled as Kaoru set him down. "That was rather humiliating."
Kaoru giggled and gave a mock pout. "Aw, is the poor rurouni upset that a girl carried him?"
Kenshin tried to continue his scowl, but Kaoru's face coupled with the baby talk made him chuckle. Kaoru smiled triumphantly. "Better. Now, let's discuss where it goes from here."
Kenshin sat down next to her and sighed. "Well, it all depends on the outcome of your fight."
Kaoru shook her head and waved a hand dismissively. "I'll win. So, what happens then?"
Kenshin had to smile at her determination and he believed that if nothing else, her will to have a relationship with him would cause her victory. "Well, after you win, we get married and have a family."
Kaoru tried to contain the grin. "What makes you so sure I'd say 'yes'?"
"Would you say 'no'?"
"Maybe. Depends on how nice and romantic you were about it. If you flubbed it, a 'no' would definitely be the answer."
Kenshin thought about it. Yes, it would be romantic. She deserved it. He looked over at her and caught her gazing at him. He gave into the impulses he had been fighting for months now. He leaned forward and kissed her.
Kaoru was ecstatic at first, but a growing panic gnawed at her as the kiss grew in intensity. She felt a strange animalistic urge pulling at her as it continued. Finally her mind registered what was happening and she remembered a talk she had with the women when they first started explaining what it meant to be a Saiyan. Bulma's voice echoed in her head.
'There's a mating season once every year for Saiyans. In terms of physical urges, they're a primal race. About two months before the actual mating season, Saiyans begin to hunt for a mate. They wish to.uh.you know, with just about anyone who's willing. Unless of course, they're married. In that case, they just want to start "practicing."'
Kaoru pulled away. "Kenshin! We can't let this continue."
Kenshin wasn't about to be swayed so easily. It had been years since he had any intimate contact with a woman and here he was with the woman he loved. "What's wrong, Kaoru? You wanted us to be a couple and now we are and you're the one pushing me away. I can understand if you don't want it to go too far, but kissing won't hurt anything."
Kaoru put a hand up to stop him from kissing her again. "Mating season."
Kenshin tilted his head to the side in puzzlement. His eyebrows rose slowly and his eyes grew round as her words gained meaning. "Oh! Saiyan mating season."
Kaoru nodded. "Right. If it continues, things will go too far too soon. Maybe we should be more innocent in our courtship until the fighting is over."
Kenshin smiled sweetly at her. Of course. That gives me time to woo her and sweep her off her feet. Build to it slowly.
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Kaoru had a dreamy smile on her face a week later, remembering how she and Kenshin just sat in the forest and watched the stars pass by as they cuddled together. She sighed and Misao poked her in the side. "Wake up, Kaoru! Dreaming about Himura?" Misao wriggled her eyebrows and Kaoru blushed lightly.
Kaoru quickly turned the tables. "Just like you dream about your 'Aoshi- sama'?"
It was Misao's turn to blush and she changed the subject. "Anyway, I just came by to tell you that a visitor is here."
Kaoru jumped up from her seat and scurried to the gate, eager to see who it was. She jumped off the porch and grinned widely at the person in her yard. "Saitou! I thought you'd be on business for another year!"
Saitou smirked. "Never underestimate a wolf. All I had to do was threaten all the men under my command there, and they sent me back here, fearing I'd kill the incompetent fools. Not that it would have hurt anything. Probably would have made Japan a smarter place."
Kaoru had to smile and shake her head. He definitely amused her. "Well, I'm glad you're back. The fight takes place in a little less than a month."
Saitou nodded slightly. "Wouldn't miss it."
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Kenshin almost fell over a week later as he passed by the open door to the dojo. Kaoru, Saitou, Misao and Aoshi were all meditating. He looked down the row and tried to figure out why each was doing so. Kaoru, big fight, huge burden. Saitou, probably helping Kaoru deal with big burden. Misao, channeling healing energy. Aoshi, no brainer. He shrugged his shoulders and trudged off to do laundry.
He thought about all the time he had spent with Kaoru so far. It had been immensely fulfilling. They had taken numerous walks, just talking about everything, her upcoming fight, her past, Kenshin's past, hopes for the future. Whatever sprang to mind was fair game. Kenshin was more willing to share his past with her, feeling she had a right to know and Kaoru kept the questions to a minimum, trying not to ask anything too painful. Kenshin scrubbed absently at the clothes, lost in his thoughts. He still wanted to help Kaoru out in some way. He just didn't know how. He finally came to his conclusion, finished laundry and set off for the forest. He didn't care who was upset or if they found out. He was going to do this and no one could stop him.
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Kaoru hummed happily as she chopped vegetables for dinner. Kenshin grinned at her from his spot down at the other end of the counter. He walked up and wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"Koishii." He put his head on her shoulder and she stopped chopping to run a hand down the side of his face.
"Kenshin, we should be getting dinner ready. Wouldn't want Yahiko or Sanosuke complaining now, would we?" She wrinkled her nose at him and Kenshin smiled brightly at her.
"I guess not. Promise me we'll continue this later?" He nuzzled her neck and Kaoru giggled.
"Naughty! You'll just have to wait and see!"
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Kaoru set Yahiko and Sano on clean up duty as she went out on the porch to sit with Kenshin. She leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed. "Only two days left. Tomorrow we should go visit everyone. The day after Vegeta and the others will return and then the day after that it's time."
Kenshin turned to study her. "Are you sure you can handle this, Kaoru?"
Kaoru hung her head. "I know I can handle the fighting, but I don't think I can handle the final blow. How can I kill someone and then come back here and preach to people about not killing and the sword that protects? I'll be a hypocrite. I don't want to kill someone."
Kenshin nodded and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Let's go for a walk and talk about happy things."
Kaoru grinned at him. "What happy things?"
Kenshin grinned back. "What we'll name our children, how old we'll be when we have them, how far apart they'll be."
Kaoru giggled and took his hand, hopping off the porch to go for their walk.
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Kaoru smiled as a glow formed in her yard. "Welcome back, guys!"
The Saiyans grinned and waved, ready for the next day's battle. Goku walked up to her. "Did you visit everyone?"
Kaoru nodded. "Yes, we went around yesterday. Everyone who knows about my true identity also knows to stay away from the dojo today and tomorrow. I couldn't make Misao and Aoshi leave of course and then Kenshin, Yahiko and Sanosuke refuse to go anywhere."
Goku nodded. "Understandable." He tensed as he picked up on a foreign life force.
Another glow formed and they all stood on guard as Nakago appeared. "Why, hello all of you. Just came by to make sure you remember what tomorrow is."
Kaoru glared at him. "I remember your stupid fight. Don't worry about that."
Nakago nodded. "Good, good. I just wanted to let you know, I'll meet you tomorrow afternoon. You pick the location and I'll meet you there. See you later!"
He waved as if he was an old friend and disappeared.
Kaoru grit her teeth. "I'll show him. Showing up at my dojo uninvited and endangering my family! Ugh! I hate that guy!"
Goku and Gohan lifted up slightly. "We're going to find a battle ground. We'll be back in a few hours."
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Kaoru knocked lightly and entered Kenshin's room later that night. He sat up on the futon and looked at her questioningly. "Kaoru?"
"I just wanted to come see you for a little while. Who knows what will happen tomorrow? I couldn't sleep." She smiled shyly at him and sat down next to him.
Kenshin drew her close and kissed her lightly. "Do you want to stay in here with me?"
Kaoru pondered it but shook her head. "No. Mating season still."
Kenshin nodded and then chuckled. "Don't trust yourself, huh?"
Kaoru blushed and giggled as she whacked him lightly on the arm. "Hentai. I just wanted to cuddle for a little bit."
Kenshin wrapped his arms around her tighter and lay down with her, both staring up at his ceiling.
They lay there quietly and before long, Kenshin noticed her breathing had deepened and he carried her back to her room. "Goodnight, Kaoru. I love you."
Kaoru smiled in her sleep as if she heard him.
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A/N: Well, you waited a long time, but the chapter was long, so am I forgiven? Don't worry. Now that I know I just need to retype, I'll have the last two chapters up in a couple days time. I hope you liked and please review! Hugs & Kisses!
