A/N: Yay! Chapter seven's out! I think I got it out more quickly than
the other chapters, don't you think? And, no.Enishi was just a one-time
thing for fun. He's not coming back~. Thanks to everyone for their lovely
reviews! And special thanks to Kasumi-san and XenoMark-san for editing.
Standard Disclaimers Apply.
To Love the Hated - Chapter 7
Kaoru could have sworn that nothing could have gotten any worse since the first day she arrived at the palace. Apparently, it was quite possible. Two months had quickly gone by, and the first thing Kaoru noticed that a woman was missing from the room she shared with the usual six.
"They dismiss three women every two months," Misao informed to the puzzled Kaoru.
"Nani?!" Kaoru flared. She expected to be the first to get kicked out, but it seemed as if life wanted to torment her even more. "Who was kicked out?"
"From this room, I think a woman named Nanomi or something," Misao said, scratching her chin in thought. "I'm not too sure. She was a quiet one."
"Mou!" Kaoru yelled to no one in particular. It seemed as if all her "hard" work in giving herself a bad image didn't seem to quite work.
"Ou-sama wouldn't dismiss you, Kaoru-san!" Misao said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. She began folding the blankets of the six queen size beds. "I doubt he had anyone worthwhile to talk to or even argue with for awhile."
Kaoru let out an exasperated sigh. "Are you telling me that I have to dress pretty and speak politely to get kicked out?"
Misao shrugged playfully. "Now wouldn't that be a funny sight, Kaoru- san?"
Kaoru chucked a pillow at Misao with her good arm (the other which was injured from the incident with the horses). "Very funny, Misao-chan."
Before Misao could throw the pillow back to the offender's head, the door burst open with a bang. Guess who?
"Mei," Kaoru growled.
Mei was standing at the doorway in a new, soft purple dress. She looked around, and stepped inside. "You! Slave!" She hollered squeakily at Misao. "I'm taking this bed," she said, pointing her gloved hand at the bed closest to the bathrooms.
"That one is taken, your highness," Misao grumbled, not bothering to look at Mei.
"Then tell the occupant to move," Mei said arrogantly. She stuck her nose up in the air after noticing Kaoru's presence. "Am I stuck here with you?" She asked, staring Kaoru dead in the eye.
"I could say the same about you!" Kaoru shot back. "Don't you have a country to go back to?"
Mei rolled her eyes. "I compromised with Hiko-sama that I would win Kenshin fair and square. It wouldn't be fair if Kenshin came straight to me without even slightly considering any of you.except for you, of course," Mei said, eyeing Kaoru's usual worn dress. "I might as well show everyone how much more Kenshin could love me than all of them combined."
"Well, good luck," Kaoru said with a sarcastic nod. "I really hope you win his heart."
"I won't even have to try," Mei said, brushing past Kaoru and scuttling out the door looking for Kenshin.
Misao shook her head once the elegant woman was gone. "I swear I could strangle her!" she growled.
"It would do all of us some good if you did," Kaoru said smugly.
Misao laughed. "If it were only that simple."
Kaoru only nodded in agreement, and finished folding the last of the blankets.
"Eto.Kaoru-dono?"
Kaoru turned her head to the large, oak door to see the short prince sticking his little red head through it. "Hai, Ouji-sama?"
"We have our weekly meeting right now," Kenshin said with a goofy smile. "Is it not a good time?" He asked.
"Hmmm? No, I don't think so," Kaoru replied, glancing over at Misao who was smiling innocently as hell.
"You two have fun," Misao said, ushering Kaoru out the door. "Let me finish my work here in peace, thank you very much."
"Ah!" Kaoru felt herself being shoved out the door, straight into Kenshin's arms. "Mis-!" Before Kaoru could scold Misao for pushing her, the door slammed shut.
It took Kaoru a whole second to realize that she was toppled on top of Kenshin. Blushing furiously, Kaoru clumsily stood up and helped Kenshin back on his feet. "Eto.was there anything specific you had in mind to do today?" Kaoru asked, averting her eyes up to the high ceiling.
Kenshin shook his head. "I didn't have anything planned, Kaoru- dono," Kenshin replied. "Do you want to do anything?"
Kaoru shrugged. "There really isn't much to do here," she replied honestly.
Kenshin let out a smile. "Then I guess we don't have to stay here," he said. He instinctively grabbed Kaoru's petite hand in his, dragging her lightly through the castle into the spacious great hall. He let go of Kaoru's hand, and she suddenly felt cold without him.
"Sanosuke," Kenshin called to one of the guards performing duty by the front doors.
"Yeah, Kenshin?" he replied, walking over to Kenshin.
"If Shishou is looking for me, do you mind just telling him I'll be back by nightfall?"
"Eh? What do you plan to do until then?" Sano asked slyly, eyeing Kaoru over Kenshin's shoulder. "Did you pick one out already?"
Sano immediately found himself sprawled on the floor, a footprint implanted in his lean face. "Kuso! What was that for, Jou-chan?"
Kaoru towered over him, glowering menacingly. " 'Pick one out already'?" Kaoru asked, imitating Sano's previous words. "Do I look like some merchandise someone can just pluck from a store window anytime they desire, Sanosuke?" Kaoru asked in a threatening tone and remembering his name from Kenshin's earlier greeting.
"Of course not, Jou-chan!" Sano defended, getting up from the floor.
"If I ever hear you implying that again, I won't aim for your face next time," Kaoru assured.
Sano paled. "Sure thing, Jou-chan," he said, stumbling away from Kaoru's piercing gaze.
"Ano.Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked, prodding Kaoru ever so gently on the back.
Kaoru turned around slowly. "Hai?" she growled.
"Would you like to stop by the town?" Kenshin asked, inwardly hoping that Kaoru would stop glaring. "It would probably be more fun than staying in this cramped up place."
Kaoru face lit up. "That would be wonderful! Do you mean it?"
Kenshin couldn't help smile at Kaoru's enthusiasm. He nodded. "Let's go then, Kaoru-dono."
"Uhn!" Kaoru said with a hearty nod and followed Kenshin out the heavy front doors where a mediocre-looking carriage awaited them. Kenshin helped Kaoru in, and followed in after her. The ride to the town was short as the distance needed to be traveled was down a gentle hill and a little way down.
"I wonder if the town has changed at all," Kaoru mused, staring out the small window.
"You must miss it, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said apologetically. It was partially his fault that Kaoru and the other women were taken from their homes to have a chance to live in what people thought to be glory and riches.
Kaoru nodded. "It's been awhile," she said softly.
The rest of the ride was silent and comforting as both passengers were lost in their own thoughts.
The carriage halted to a stop at the edge of the town, and the door opened. Kenshin stepped out and offered Kaoru his hand. She took it, hopping off the carriage. A broad smile spread across her face as she recognized the bustling activity of the little town. She sniffed the air to find it filled with the scent of flowers being sold at markets and fresh bread being baked at her favorite bakery.
"C'mon, Ouji-sama!" Kaoru called, grabbing Kenshin's wrist and weaving her way through the crowd.
Kenshin allowed himself to be dragged to a bakery. Kaoru gently opened the door and called into the store. "Sayo-chan?"
"Kaoru-chan?" A voice answered, coming from behind the counter.
Kaoru smiled as a head popped from behind the cash register. "Sayo- chan!" Kaoru screamed happily as she embraced her best friend in a bone- crushing hug.
"You're out of the palace already?" Sayo asked, tucking her brown strands behind her ears. Before Kaoru could respond, Sayo eyed Kenshin with a smirk. "Is he your husband? What a catch, Kaoru-chan!"
Kaoru couldn't push down the rushing blood flooding into her cheeks. "No, Sayo-chan, he's not my husband. He is just an acquaintance, and I am still housing at the palace. Speaking of husbands, how is yours?"
Sayo gave a sheepish smile and gave a curious shrug. "He's been going on and on about how he's going to expand a business all throughout Japan. A chain of bakeries! What a dreamer!"
"He could definitely do it!" Kaoru said enthusiastically.
Sayo shook her head. "He doesn't know the first thing about spreading or even starting a decent business."
"He could always learn," Kaoru assured. "Anyway, I just wanted to stop by here to say hi. I've got to make a spin around the whole town by sundown. Ja ne!"
"Catch, Kaoru-chan!" Sayo called out as Kaoru turned to leave. She tossed two sweet buns at her. Kaoru caught both easily and yelled out a thanks.
"Sayo-chan has got the best bakery in town," Kaoru informed Kenshin as she handed over to him one of the sweet buns.
"Have you two been friends for long?" Kenshin asked, chewing on the deliciously sweet bread.
"A couple of years now," Kaoru replied, weaving her way through thinning crowds with Kenshin.
"Where are you headed to now?" Kenshin asked, noticing a lighter bounce to Kaoru's step and a more genuine brightness to her smile. Who would've known she was that unhappy back at the palace. They would all think her outbursts were just for show.
"I was thinking we could stop by a barn at the outskirts, a few minutes from here where an old friend works at. Then, we could get a bite to eat and visit a few people. I doubt we'll have time to stop by the dojo. I probably would refuse to leave it.again," Kaoru replied with a sheepish smile. "I hope this isn't such a hassle for you. You've barely said anything."
Kenshin just radiated off a warm smile. "I'm having more fun than I've ever had in years, Kaoru-dono. Trust me."
Kaoru looked at him doubtfully.
"Honestly!" Kenshin defended. "The town's a very interesting place. It's just so alive!"
Kaoru grinned in a proud motherly fashion, but didn't say anything.
They followed Kaoru's vague schedule. At the barn, Kenshin was introduced to a man who was referred to as "Chicken Peto" who was strangely obsessed with the perfection of taking care of chickens. Then they ate at a cozy little restaurant where Kaoru and Kenshin were noticed more than once as the cutest couple people have ever seen. Afterwards, Kaoru and Kenshin wandered among the streets, playing around at the markets, looking at strange imported merchandise or admiring exquisite yet fake looking jewelry.
Kaoru could have sworn her face could have ripped from smiling too much. She was crunching away on an apple Kenshin bought from an old woman selling fruits on the street. Kenshin walked beside Kaoru towards to where the carriage was waiting for them. "I had a lot of fun, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said.
"Me too," Kaoru said, climbing aboard the carriage with Kenshin's aid. "Apple?" Kaoru offered, lifting the half-eaten apple level to Kenshin's face.
Kenshin stared at the fruit with an amused expression on his face.
"It's good!" Kaoru said, urging for Kenshin to take a bite. "Is it not proper for you to share an apple with a dirty woman like me?"
Kenshin took the apple and took an enormous bite out of it, making Kaoru smile. "Good?" she asked, waiting for Kenshin's response.
He swallowed. "Delicious," he declared.
"Good," Kaoru said with satisfaction, and took the apple back, taking a bite out of it herself.
"And you're not a dirty woman, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said.
"Compared to royal standards, I am as dirty as the horse's crap," Kaoru said bitterly, her mood plummeting, but encouraged herself to look and feel happy.
"Look at me, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, lightly grabbing Kaoru's shoulders. "You're not dirty at all. If anything, you're a strong, confident woman who is anything but dirty. Just because you don't wear those big dresses or apply makeup on everyday doesn't make you worse than Mei-dono or even Megumi-dono. You're beautiful as you already are."
Kaoru was totally baffled by Kenshin's words, and opened and closed her mouth, not able to find the right words to say. "Eto.Arigato." Kaoru kept her eyes averted away from Kenshin's violet ones.
"I mean it, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin reassured with a smile. "Being differently wonderful is not a sin."
Kaoru just nodded. She had never heard such compliments or praises of herself said straight to her own ears. Sure, her friends call her brave and confident every once in awhile, but it never hit such a nerve as Kenshin's had.
"We're here, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, hopping out of the door and offering his hand to her.
She took it nervously, and stepped out, her apple totally forgotten in the seat of the carriage. It was already dark, and Kaoru unconsciously held onto Kenshin's arm to keep herself steady.
The large oak doors were opened to allow them to pass.
And good things must come to an end, ne? Such events as this.
"KENSHIN!!"
"Ah..Mei-dono," Kenshin choked out as Mei yelled and strangled the poor man in a crushing hug.
Kaoru quickly let go of Kenshin's arm.
"Where were you?" Mei asked, pouting. "I was looking all day for you."
"I was out with Kaoru-dono," Kenshin replied.
Mei swiftly glared at Kaoru's still form. "What in the world were you doing with this filthy woman, Kenshin?"
"She's not filthy, Mei-dono," Kenshin defended Kaoru.
Mei rolled her eyes and let go of Kenshin.
"Well, I guess I'll get ready for dinner," Kaoru said, smiling weakly as she did so. She quickly walked across the great hall to the dormitories. She felt herself being followed by Mei and her clanking heels and waited until the woman was in the shared bedroom before they began bickering at all.
"What right do you have, Kamiya?" Mei scowled, slamming the door of the room shut.
"Right to do what? Have fun with Ouji-sama?" Kaoru challenged.
"I see how you look at him."
"And how is that?"
"With adoration," Mei replied. "I ignored it at first, but it's gone too far, Kamiya! I see how you always give him that look."
"What look?" Kaoru asked exasperatedly.
"The look of love, of course," Mei said. "And I won't stand for it! Kenshin belongs to me, and I expect for you to stop hanging around with him and having fun with him unless I am present! I hope I make myself clear!"
"There will be no need for that," Kaoru said in a low voice, expertly hiding her befuddled reaction to Mei's response.
"And why not?"
"I won't be here to follow some silly rule of yours," Kaoru said. "I have no intention of falling for Ouji-sama. He's all yours, Mei."
"Good," Mei said with a huff and turned her heel, leaving Kaoru alone in the room.
"Love?" Kaoru thought incredulously. She scoffed at the idea, but could it be true? "Nonsense! There's no way I could be falling for Kenshin. Not one way at all!" Kaoru contemplated the idea, becoming more and more unsure of her feelings for the little man. "Is there any chance that it's possible?" Kaoru grew nervous at the thought.too nervous. "Oh dear heavens, I'm in love with Kenshin."
Kaoru shook her head in disbelief. It was the very thing she tried preventing herself from doing. It was the only thing she thought would be impossible for her, but fate had decided to contradict her again. Before Kaoru could get into her thoughts any longer, the dinner bell rang. Kaoru nervously walked to the dining room, and took her usual seat.
Kenshin was already there, watching Kaoru's suddenly unsure movements. Something was definitely wrong. "Had Mei-dono said something to offend Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin thought. "I'm hoping not."
Kaoru sat and stared blankly at the cloth, and whenever she averted her eyes to another place, it was always opposite to where Kenshin sat. Dinner was served in its usual manner, and Hiko shared his own bit of opinion about Kaoru as usual. This time, Kaoru didn't argue back. She was too afraid of what she would come out her mouth. Mei ignored her the whole time, using up her time in hand-feeding Kenshin.
Dinner ended so slowly, Kaoru felt herself aging. Hiko made his usual dramatic exit, and Kaoru quickly followed in hurried footsteps. She knew Hiko knew she was following him, but he didn't say or do anything until they were both up in his study upstairs (which seemed to take hours to get to).
"What is it Kamiya? Is something bothering you?" Hiko said, pouring himself some sake.
Kaoru held her head straight and her feet planted firmly on the ground. "I request that I am dismissed," she demanded.
End of chapter 7
A/N: Eh! I tried putting some K+K moments in there. Thanks for reading!
Standard Disclaimers Apply.
To Love the Hated - Chapter 7
Kaoru could have sworn that nothing could have gotten any worse since the first day she arrived at the palace. Apparently, it was quite possible. Two months had quickly gone by, and the first thing Kaoru noticed that a woman was missing from the room she shared with the usual six.
"They dismiss three women every two months," Misao informed to the puzzled Kaoru.
"Nani?!" Kaoru flared. She expected to be the first to get kicked out, but it seemed as if life wanted to torment her even more. "Who was kicked out?"
"From this room, I think a woman named Nanomi or something," Misao said, scratching her chin in thought. "I'm not too sure. She was a quiet one."
"Mou!" Kaoru yelled to no one in particular. It seemed as if all her "hard" work in giving herself a bad image didn't seem to quite work.
"Ou-sama wouldn't dismiss you, Kaoru-san!" Misao said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. She began folding the blankets of the six queen size beds. "I doubt he had anyone worthwhile to talk to or even argue with for awhile."
Kaoru let out an exasperated sigh. "Are you telling me that I have to dress pretty and speak politely to get kicked out?"
Misao shrugged playfully. "Now wouldn't that be a funny sight, Kaoru- san?"
Kaoru chucked a pillow at Misao with her good arm (the other which was injured from the incident with the horses). "Very funny, Misao-chan."
Before Misao could throw the pillow back to the offender's head, the door burst open with a bang. Guess who?
"Mei," Kaoru growled.
Mei was standing at the doorway in a new, soft purple dress. She looked around, and stepped inside. "You! Slave!" She hollered squeakily at Misao. "I'm taking this bed," she said, pointing her gloved hand at the bed closest to the bathrooms.
"That one is taken, your highness," Misao grumbled, not bothering to look at Mei.
"Then tell the occupant to move," Mei said arrogantly. She stuck her nose up in the air after noticing Kaoru's presence. "Am I stuck here with you?" She asked, staring Kaoru dead in the eye.
"I could say the same about you!" Kaoru shot back. "Don't you have a country to go back to?"
Mei rolled her eyes. "I compromised with Hiko-sama that I would win Kenshin fair and square. It wouldn't be fair if Kenshin came straight to me without even slightly considering any of you.except for you, of course," Mei said, eyeing Kaoru's usual worn dress. "I might as well show everyone how much more Kenshin could love me than all of them combined."
"Well, good luck," Kaoru said with a sarcastic nod. "I really hope you win his heart."
"I won't even have to try," Mei said, brushing past Kaoru and scuttling out the door looking for Kenshin.
Misao shook her head once the elegant woman was gone. "I swear I could strangle her!" she growled.
"It would do all of us some good if you did," Kaoru said smugly.
Misao laughed. "If it were only that simple."
Kaoru only nodded in agreement, and finished folding the last of the blankets.
"Eto.Kaoru-dono?"
Kaoru turned her head to the large, oak door to see the short prince sticking his little red head through it. "Hai, Ouji-sama?"
"We have our weekly meeting right now," Kenshin said with a goofy smile. "Is it not a good time?" He asked.
"Hmmm? No, I don't think so," Kaoru replied, glancing over at Misao who was smiling innocently as hell.
"You two have fun," Misao said, ushering Kaoru out the door. "Let me finish my work here in peace, thank you very much."
"Ah!" Kaoru felt herself being shoved out the door, straight into Kenshin's arms. "Mis-!" Before Kaoru could scold Misao for pushing her, the door slammed shut.
It took Kaoru a whole second to realize that she was toppled on top of Kenshin. Blushing furiously, Kaoru clumsily stood up and helped Kenshin back on his feet. "Eto.was there anything specific you had in mind to do today?" Kaoru asked, averting her eyes up to the high ceiling.
Kenshin shook his head. "I didn't have anything planned, Kaoru- dono," Kenshin replied. "Do you want to do anything?"
Kaoru shrugged. "There really isn't much to do here," she replied honestly.
Kenshin let out a smile. "Then I guess we don't have to stay here," he said. He instinctively grabbed Kaoru's petite hand in his, dragging her lightly through the castle into the spacious great hall. He let go of Kaoru's hand, and she suddenly felt cold without him.
"Sanosuke," Kenshin called to one of the guards performing duty by the front doors.
"Yeah, Kenshin?" he replied, walking over to Kenshin.
"If Shishou is looking for me, do you mind just telling him I'll be back by nightfall?"
"Eh? What do you plan to do until then?" Sano asked slyly, eyeing Kaoru over Kenshin's shoulder. "Did you pick one out already?"
Sano immediately found himself sprawled on the floor, a footprint implanted in his lean face. "Kuso! What was that for, Jou-chan?"
Kaoru towered over him, glowering menacingly. " 'Pick one out already'?" Kaoru asked, imitating Sano's previous words. "Do I look like some merchandise someone can just pluck from a store window anytime they desire, Sanosuke?" Kaoru asked in a threatening tone and remembering his name from Kenshin's earlier greeting.
"Of course not, Jou-chan!" Sano defended, getting up from the floor.
"If I ever hear you implying that again, I won't aim for your face next time," Kaoru assured.
Sano paled. "Sure thing, Jou-chan," he said, stumbling away from Kaoru's piercing gaze.
"Ano.Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked, prodding Kaoru ever so gently on the back.
Kaoru turned around slowly. "Hai?" she growled.
"Would you like to stop by the town?" Kenshin asked, inwardly hoping that Kaoru would stop glaring. "It would probably be more fun than staying in this cramped up place."
Kaoru face lit up. "That would be wonderful! Do you mean it?"
Kenshin couldn't help smile at Kaoru's enthusiasm. He nodded. "Let's go then, Kaoru-dono."
"Uhn!" Kaoru said with a hearty nod and followed Kenshin out the heavy front doors where a mediocre-looking carriage awaited them. Kenshin helped Kaoru in, and followed in after her. The ride to the town was short as the distance needed to be traveled was down a gentle hill and a little way down.
"I wonder if the town has changed at all," Kaoru mused, staring out the small window.
"You must miss it, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said apologetically. It was partially his fault that Kaoru and the other women were taken from their homes to have a chance to live in what people thought to be glory and riches.
Kaoru nodded. "It's been awhile," she said softly.
The rest of the ride was silent and comforting as both passengers were lost in their own thoughts.
The carriage halted to a stop at the edge of the town, and the door opened. Kenshin stepped out and offered Kaoru his hand. She took it, hopping off the carriage. A broad smile spread across her face as she recognized the bustling activity of the little town. She sniffed the air to find it filled with the scent of flowers being sold at markets and fresh bread being baked at her favorite bakery.
"C'mon, Ouji-sama!" Kaoru called, grabbing Kenshin's wrist and weaving her way through the crowd.
Kenshin allowed himself to be dragged to a bakery. Kaoru gently opened the door and called into the store. "Sayo-chan?"
"Kaoru-chan?" A voice answered, coming from behind the counter.
Kaoru smiled as a head popped from behind the cash register. "Sayo- chan!" Kaoru screamed happily as she embraced her best friend in a bone- crushing hug.
"You're out of the palace already?" Sayo asked, tucking her brown strands behind her ears. Before Kaoru could respond, Sayo eyed Kenshin with a smirk. "Is he your husband? What a catch, Kaoru-chan!"
Kaoru couldn't push down the rushing blood flooding into her cheeks. "No, Sayo-chan, he's not my husband. He is just an acquaintance, and I am still housing at the palace. Speaking of husbands, how is yours?"
Sayo gave a sheepish smile and gave a curious shrug. "He's been going on and on about how he's going to expand a business all throughout Japan. A chain of bakeries! What a dreamer!"
"He could definitely do it!" Kaoru said enthusiastically.
Sayo shook her head. "He doesn't know the first thing about spreading or even starting a decent business."
"He could always learn," Kaoru assured. "Anyway, I just wanted to stop by here to say hi. I've got to make a spin around the whole town by sundown. Ja ne!"
"Catch, Kaoru-chan!" Sayo called out as Kaoru turned to leave. She tossed two sweet buns at her. Kaoru caught both easily and yelled out a thanks.
"Sayo-chan has got the best bakery in town," Kaoru informed Kenshin as she handed over to him one of the sweet buns.
"Have you two been friends for long?" Kenshin asked, chewing on the deliciously sweet bread.
"A couple of years now," Kaoru replied, weaving her way through thinning crowds with Kenshin.
"Where are you headed to now?" Kenshin asked, noticing a lighter bounce to Kaoru's step and a more genuine brightness to her smile. Who would've known she was that unhappy back at the palace. They would all think her outbursts were just for show.
"I was thinking we could stop by a barn at the outskirts, a few minutes from here where an old friend works at. Then, we could get a bite to eat and visit a few people. I doubt we'll have time to stop by the dojo. I probably would refuse to leave it.again," Kaoru replied with a sheepish smile. "I hope this isn't such a hassle for you. You've barely said anything."
Kenshin just radiated off a warm smile. "I'm having more fun than I've ever had in years, Kaoru-dono. Trust me."
Kaoru looked at him doubtfully.
"Honestly!" Kenshin defended. "The town's a very interesting place. It's just so alive!"
Kaoru grinned in a proud motherly fashion, but didn't say anything.
They followed Kaoru's vague schedule. At the barn, Kenshin was introduced to a man who was referred to as "Chicken Peto" who was strangely obsessed with the perfection of taking care of chickens. Then they ate at a cozy little restaurant where Kaoru and Kenshin were noticed more than once as the cutest couple people have ever seen. Afterwards, Kaoru and Kenshin wandered among the streets, playing around at the markets, looking at strange imported merchandise or admiring exquisite yet fake looking jewelry.
Kaoru could have sworn her face could have ripped from smiling too much. She was crunching away on an apple Kenshin bought from an old woman selling fruits on the street. Kenshin walked beside Kaoru towards to where the carriage was waiting for them. "I had a lot of fun, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said.
"Me too," Kaoru said, climbing aboard the carriage with Kenshin's aid. "Apple?" Kaoru offered, lifting the half-eaten apple level to Kenshin's face.
Kenshin stared at the fruit with an amused expression on his face.
"It's good!" Kaoru said, urging for Kenshin to take a bite. "Is it not proper for you to share an apple with a dirty woman like me?"
Kenshin took the apple and took an enormous bite out of it, making Kaoru smile. "Good?" she asked, waiting for Kenshin's response.
He swallowed. "Delicious," he declared.
"Good," Kaoru said with satisfaction, and took the apple back, taking a bite out of it herself.
"And you're not a dirty woman, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said.
"Compared to royal standards, I am as dirty as the horse's crap," Kaoru said bitterly, her mood plummeting, but encouraged herself to look and feel happy.
"Look at me, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, lightly grabbing Kaoru's shoulders. "You're not dirty at all. If anything, you're a strong, confident woman who is anything but dirty. Just because you don't wear those big dresses or apply makeup on everyday doesn't make you worse than Mei-dono or even Megumi-dono. You're beautiful as you already are."
Kaoru was totally baffled by Kenshin's words, and opened and closed her mouth, not able to find the right words to say. "Eto.Arigato." Kaoru kept her eyes averted away from Kenshin's violet ones.
"I mean it, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin reassured with a smile. "Being differently wonderful is not a sin."
Kaoru just nodded. She had never heard such compliments or praises of herself said straight to her own ears. Sure, her friends call her brave and confident every once in awhile, but it never hit such a nerve as Kenshin's had.
"We're here, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, hopping out of the door and offering his hand to her.
She took it nervously, and stepped out, her apple totally forgotten in the seat of the carriage. It was already dark, and Kaoru unconsciously held onto Kenshin's arm to keep herself steady.
The large oak doors were opened to allow them to pass.
And good things must come to an end, ne? Such events as this.
"KENSHIN!!"
"Ah..Mei-dono," Kenshin choked out as Mei yelled and strangled the poor man in a crushing hug.
Kaoru quickly let go of Kenshin's arm.
"Where were you?" Mei asked, pouting. "I was looking all day for you."
"I was out with Kaoru-dono," Kenshin replied.
Mei swiftly glared at Kaoru's still form. "What in the world were you doing with this filthy woman, Kenshin?"
"She's not filthy, Mei-dono," Kenshin defended Kaoru.
Mei rolled her eyes and let go of Kenshin.
"Well, I guess I'll get ready for dinner," Kaoru said, smiling weakly as she did so. She quickly walked across the great hall to the dormitories. She felt herself being followed by Mei and her clanking heels and waited until the woman was in the shared bedroom before they began bickering at all.
"What right do you have, Kamiya?" Mei scowled, slamming the door of the room shut.
"Right to do what? Have fun with Ouji-sama?" Kaoru challenged.
"I see how you look at him."
"And how is that?"
"With adoration," Mei replied. "I ignored it at first, but it's gone too far, Kamiya! I see how you always give him that look."
"What look?" Kaoru asked exasperatedly.
"The look of love, of course," Mei said. "And I won't stand for it! Kenshin belongs to me, and I expect for you to stop hanging around with him and having fun with him unless I am present! I hope I make myself clear!"
"There will be no need for that," Kaoru said in a low voice, expertly hiding her befuddled reaction to Mei's response.
"And why not?"
"I won't be here to follow some silly rule of yours," Kaoru said. "I have no intention of falling for Ouji-sama. He's all yours, Mei."
"Good," Mei said with a huff and turned her heel, leaving Kaoru alone in the room.
"Love?" Kaoru thought incredulously. She scoffed at the idea, but could it be true? "Nonsense! There's no way I could be falling for Kenshin. Not one way at all!" Kaoru contemplated the idea, becoming more and more unsure of her feelings for the little man. "Is there any chance that it's possible?" Kaoru grew nervous at the thought.too nervous. "Oh dear heavens, I'm in love with Kenshin."
Kaoru shook her head in disbelief. It was the very thing she tried preventing herself from doing. It was the only thing she thought would be impossible for her, but fate had decided to contradict her again. Before Kaoru could get into her thoughts any longer, the dinner bell rang. Kaoru nervously walked to the dining room, and took her usual seat.
Kenshin was already there, watching Kaoru's suddenly unsure movements. Something was definitely wrong. "Had Mei-dono said something to offend Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin thought. "I'm hoping not."
Kaoru sat and stared blankly at the cloth, and whenever she averted her eyes to another place, it was always opposite to where Kenshin sat. Dinner was served in its usual manner, and Hiko shared his own bit of opinion about Kaoru as usual. This time, Kaoru didn't argue back. She was too afraid of what she would come out her mouth. Mei ignored her the whole time, using up her time in hand-feeding Kenshin.
Dinner ended so slowly, Kaoru felt herself aging. Hiko made his usual dramatic exit, and Kaoru quickly followed in hurried footsteps. She knew Hiko knew she was following him, but he didn't say or do anything until they were both up in his study upstairs (which seemed to take hours to get to).
"What is it Kamiya? Is something bothering you?" Hiko said, pouring himself some sake.
Kaoru held her head straight and her feet planted firmly on the ground. "I request that I am dismissed," she demanded.
End of chapter 7
A/N: Eh! I tried putting some K+K moments in there. Thanks for reading!
