T.Anjel: Sorry for taking so long with this chapter, but the holiday
season gets so hectic~ ^^;; Well, the chapter's out and thanks to Kasumi-
san and XenoMark-san for editing the chapter. Of course, thanks to
everyone who reviewed and read this fic as well.
Standard Disclaimers Apply
To Love the Hated - Chapter 9
"To all those who were supposed to have the weekly meetings with me today, with my utmost apologies, I'm going to have to meet you on another day," Kenshin announced at the breakfast table. He had everyone's undivided attention for he rarely ever spoke at breakfast.
"And for what, baka deshi?" Hiko asked from the other far end.
"For some extended training with Yahiko, Shishou."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru rubbed her temples, attempting to soothe her tense nerves. The kids today hadn't been the most saintly angels, more like devils, and the dream she had the other night after her little talk with Reiko hadn't done anything to help her either.
Kaoru recalled the strange dream. She was back at the palace in a room she was pretty sure was Hiko's. She was talking, but couldn't remember what she was saying. Then the scenery blinked into her dojo. She was standing in front of one of her beginner classes dressed fully in gi and hakama. Just as quickly as the scenes changed, Kaoru was suddenly in a sea of a black haze. Through it all, she saw Kenshin smiling. Kaoru reached out for him, and he reached for her. Strange thing was, they were getting further and further apart. Before Kaoru knew it, Kenshin was embraced in another woman's arms. Why should she care, but Kaoru did, and it hurt.
A loud knock snapped Kaoru out of her dazed thoughts, not allowing her to finish contemplating her dream. "Coming!" She slipped off the platform surrounding the dojo and house, and dawdled toward the heavy wooden doors. Kaoru heaved the smaller door opened to find the little stable boy, Yahiko and Kenshin standing before her eyes.
"I think she's surprised, Kenshin," Yahiko said, seeing Kaoru open her mouth in surprise.
"I hope we're not interrupting anything, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said.
"Ah, no!" Kaoru replied, unsure of how to treat the prince at her humble and messy adobe. She suddenly felt very self-conscious about her appearance and home. "Ano.come in," Kaoru mumbled, opening the door fully for Yahiko and Kenshin to enter. "What brings you here?" Kaoru asked, leading the two guests to one of the cleaner rooms for some tea.
"Yahiko wanted to study your style," Kenshin replied simply, taking in the natural and humble surroundings of Kaoru's home.
"I see," Kaoru said, opening a shoji door, and motioning for them to sit down. "Allow me to get some tea." She hustled off towards the kitchen, suddenly feeling very nervous. She quickly made lukewarm tea and carried the tray to the room where Yahiko and Kenshin were talking in low, amiable voices.
"Didn't anyone notice that you are the prince?" Kaoru asked, referring to the people of the town.
"I don't think so," Kenshin replied. "The woman from the bakery thought I looked familiar but nothing more than that."
"You went to the bakery?" Kaoru asked.
"How else do you think we were to get the directions to your dojo, busu?" Yahiko retorted and was quickly greeted with a smack on the head.
"Don't you have things to do back at the palace?" Kaoru asked worriedly.
"They can wait," Kenshin replied.
"Kaoru-san!"
"Oh!" Kaoru said, quickly standing up and poking her head out the shoji door. "Ah! Yutaro! You're a little early, aren't you?" Kaoru asked.
"Gomen! I was just a little bored at home, and I thought I could just get a few early minutes at the dojo. Do you have guests?" Yutaro asked. "I could just come back after a few minutes."
"Iie," Kaoru said. "Why don't you come in with us?"
"That would be rude, Kaoru-san," Yutaro said, backing away towards the door.
Listening in on their conversation, Kenshin came out onto the platform as well. "Do come and join us," Kenshin said.
"But."
"The more the merrier," Kenshin added.
"C'mon Yutaro," Kaoru said, as the boy let in and joined the other three in the room. He sat beside Kaoru.
"Yutaro, this is Yahiko and," Kaoru paused at Kenshin, unsure of whether to introduce him as the prince.
"Kenshin," Kenshin finished off for Kaoru.
"Aa.Yahiko stopped by today to study the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu," Kaoru informed Yutaro. "Yutaro's my star student," Kaoru said with pride, directing her statement to Yahiko.
"Eh?" Yahiko said, challenge most visible in his eyes.
"What style do you use?" Yutaro asked politely.
"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu," Yahiko gloated.
Kaoru grimaced as she felt the sparks begin to form between the two boys. Kenshin probably also felt it, but found amusement in it.
It was only a matter of a few seconds before either of them shot up and challenged the other. Yahiko managed to get up first, pointing his shinai at Yutaro who was still seated at the floor. "I challenge you, Yutaro of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu."
"I accept your challenge," Yutaro said, standing up as well and facing Yahiko.
Kaoru and Kenshin followed both determined teenagers in silence to the dojo where they quickly did stretches to warm up their muscles.
Kaoru sat down and Kenshin sat down next to her. "Interesting, isn't it, Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked.
"I have a feeling one of them is going to get hurt really bad," Kaoru said, burying her head in her hands. "I don't mind the whole prospect of having a one-on-one match, but those two seem bound for something I don't want to think about."
"Maa maa, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin comforted. "Those two have very good control over their styles, I know and could tell."
Kaoru nodded, suddenly feeling that Kenshin was sitting a bit too close with her to feel comfortable. She could've sworn that she felt his body heat engulfing her form. 'Calm down, Kaoru!' Kaoru thought, scolding herself mentally.
Both students bowed and readied their shinais.
"Myojin Yahiko, Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu," Yahiko announced solidly.
"Tsukayama Yutaro, Kamiya Kasshin Ryu," Yutaro said.
There was a still tension in the air Kaoru couldn't describe as both fighters stared each other down, trying to anticipate each other's moves. "A Battoujutsu stance?" Kaoru wondered aloud as she noticed a familiarity to Yahiko's form.
"Aa," Kenshin replied quietly, watching the two boys.
Yahiko attacked first, whipping out his shinai from the side of his hip and swinging it hard as he ran with amazing speed towards Yutaro. Yutaro immediately saw it coming and slid to the side, bringing his own shinai upward as he did so.
Yahiko would've probably have had a shinai embedded into his stomach if he didn't dodge sloppily out of the way in time. He quickly countered once he got his footing, but instead of whacking his shinai on Yutaro's body, both of their weapons met with determined force. It was quickly a battle of strength as both tried to overcome the other's muscle-power with their own.
Kaoru watched both fighters intently. She honestly could not figure out what the outcome would become. She glanced over at Kenshin to see him staring back right at her. Kaoru blushed to the roots of her hair and quickly averted her eyes back to the boys.
Kenshin smiled to himself as Kaoru turned a tint of pink and turned away in embarrassment. He, himself, didn't expect to get caught staring at her, but it couldn't be helped. From the short time of his visit, Kenshin knew Kaoru was more relaxed in this atmosphere rather than in the stiff space of a palace. It was a good thing she requested to be dismissed and that it was granted, right?
Two loud grunts got Kenshin's attention. Their strengths were equal. Neither of them could budge the other, so they both jumped away, wary of the other's movements.
Both were breathing heavily, and sweat poured down their faces. Yutaro began the offense and his feet pattered rapidly against the wooden floor. He motioned for a vertical swing and Yahiko quickly dodged to the right only to be thrown off balance by a blow on the back from a horizontal strike.
"A fake," Kenshin murmured.
To dodge another quick blow Yutaro aimed at Yahiko's fumbling form, Yahiko dropped himself to the ground and brushed his leg under Yutaro's feet causing him to fall. As Yutaro fell, with one last shove, he thrust his bokken straight into Yahiko's abdomen, and both of them fell, panting.
Kenshin and Kaoru both clapped in approval, and stood from their spots on the floor. Kaoru couldn't help let out a sigh of relief. Neither of them were injured badly. "You guys did great!" Kaoru said with a proud smile but couldn't help grimace at the death glares they shot at each other from the floor. "Mou! Couldn't you two just get along?"
"Kaoru-sensei!" a little girl cried from the doorway of the dojo.
"Ah! Miyuki-chan!" Kaoru said, going over to the girl and kneeling down to be level with her. "You came for today's lesson, ne?"
"Hai!" Miyuki said with a broad smile. She lifted her miniature shinai in the air. "I practiced at home! Ne, Is that Kaoru-sensei's husband?" Miyuki asked, pointing her little weapon at the redhead who stood behind Kaoru.
"No, he's not," Kaoru said, trying to stop the blood rising in her cheeks. "He's just a good friend."
"Then can I marry him?" Miyuki asked with stars in her eyes.
Kaoru was at a loss for words. "I don't know, Miyuki-chan. Would you want to marry a redheaded, ignorant, spoiled man like Kenshin over here?"
"Oro! Kaoru-dono!" Kenshin exclaimed.
"Maa maa, Kenshin," Kaoru said, imitating his earlier words. "I was just kidding."
"Oro! Oro!" Miyuki chimed, forgetting about Kaoru's question. "What a funny man, Kaoru-sensei!"
Before Kaoru could reply, five kids around Miyuki's age piled in yelling, "Kaoru-sensei! Kaoru-sensei!"
Kaoru politely told Kenshin that he could wait and watch or just wander around the dojo or town. "The children's lessons are usually shorter since they don't have the endurance, so this shouldn't take too long."
"Take all the time you need, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, and took his seat back on the floor.
Kaoru stood in front of the class as the children scrambled to get a spot on the floor. "Let's begin!"
Kenshin watched Kaoru take control of the small, lively class of children. She had a strange way of captivating her audience with a warm yet demanding voice. She demonstrated a perfect downward swing and told the class to follow along. "Ichi! Ni! San!" They chorused as they attempted to mimic their beloved teacher's movement.
Yutaro helped the kids with their form and swing as he went in and around their moving forms. Kaoru even asked Yahiko to help out.
Kenshin couldn't help but start drifting into his thoughts, staring at Kaoru's livened face as he did so. He wasn't one that would admit such a thing, but he knew that he felt something for Kaoru. It could possibly been love, but Kenshin knew if he were to tell that to Kaoru, he would just be humiliating himself and it would be a hopeless, one-sided romance.
"Ne, Kenshin!" Kaoru called from the other side of the dojo as the children filed out. The name seemed to fit right on her tongue, and she didn't feel strange calling the prince by his first name.
"Hai, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, snapping himself from his stupor and standing up.
"I feel so disgusting right now, I hope you don't mind if I take quick bath," Kaoru said, pointing out the sweat on her brow.
"Of course not," Kenshin said as he slowly fought to hide a blush. "Should I start it for you?"
Kaoru stared dumbfounded at him. "Start my bath? Why would you do such a thing?"
Kenshin shrugged. "I just thought it would be easier for you if I did."
Kaoru blushed at the prospect of having Kenshin make the bath for her. "It's okay. Have Yutaro entertain you and Yahiko or go around town. I'll be done in a second."
Kaoru quickly heated up the bath and took a bath in the tepid water. Quickly washing her hair and scrubbing her body clean, she climbed out of the tub and dried herself. She dressed in her favorite kimono she brought from her room and climbed out of the bathhouse while drying off her hair. "I wonder where they went," Kaoru thought, walking towards the house. "I smell food," she said, nearing the kitchens. "Definitely food."
"I hope you don't mind that I ransacked your food, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said while he scaled some fish. "I just wanted to make you some dinner in thanks for letting us come by today. Yutaro-dono and Yahiko have gone out to get some extra tofu and some vegetables."
"Aa." Kaoru was speechless again that day. She had never smelled food this good before.
"Just relax, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said with a smile. "You seemed to have had a long day."
Kaoru wanted to help with the cooking but knew too well that she would only end up being a bother. She watched Kenshin cook as he deftly held the fish firm on the cutting board and scratch off the scales of the fish.
"How's everything going back at the palace?" Kaoru asked, hoping to make some conversation.
"It's quieter," Kenshin replied with a smirk.
"Hey!" Kaoru cried defensively and chucked a fish head at Kenshin. Kenshin dodged it with a smile.
"And it's quite more boring and inactive," Kenshin replied. "How's it here?"
"It's great," Kaoru replied. "A little lonely when the students aren't here, but I need my share of peace and quiet too."
"I agree," Kenshin said, splitting the fish in half. "People miss you back there."
"Yeah? Like who?" Kaoru challenged.
"Shishou, for one," Kenshin said. "He hasn't had anyone worthy to argue with him for the past few days. Misao-dono as well. She told me to make sure to tell you that you have to visit again sometime." Kenshin paused. "And me. I missed you as well, Kaoru-dono."
Kaoru lowered her head to cover her redness of her cheeks. "What for? You've got lots of other women there to treat you to your needs. No need to waste energy on me, Kenshin."
"You give yourself less credit than you deserve, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said. "You probably know that already."
Kaoru didn't respond and couldn't help but let the silence hang stiffly between the two destined couple.
"Kenshin! We're back!" Yahiko called as he thundered with Yutaro at his heels into the kitchen. He dumped the vegetables in a bucket of water to wash and set down the small bucket of tofu. "Smells good, Kenshin!" Yahiko said, peering over Kenshin's shoulder.
"Aa. It'll be done in a couple of minutes, Yahiko," Kenshin said.
"Don't you have to get back to the palace?" Kaoru asked. "Don't they expect you to be there for at least dinner?"
"They won't mind if I miss a dinner," Kenshin replied.
"Demo." Kaoru argued.
"If you want me to leave, Kaoru-dono, you just need to ask," Kenshin said, looking up from his fish at Kaoru.
"Ah!" Kaoru blushed. "No.it's not that.I just thought that you have better things to do than to stay at this old place with me."
"I would love to stay here any day with you, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said with innocence, making Kaoru blush even a deeper shade of red.
"Ah! Busu's blushing! Makes you even more uglier!" Yahiko taunted, watching Kaoru fume at his comment.
"Wrong thing to say, Yahiko," Yutaro mumbled in his ear as he watched his kendo teacher burn with annoyance. "You better run."
"Get back here, Yahiko-chan!" Kaoru yelled, chasing down Yahiko who persisted his teasing.
"Don't call me -chan!"
Even from the kitchen, Kenshin was able to hear Kaoru's booming voice and thundering feet bounding across and through the entire dojo. He couldn't help smiling at her outwardly, raucous manner.
"Can I help?" Yutaro asked Kenshin.
"Aa," Kenshin replied. "You can start washing the vegetables."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~30 minutes later~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Dinner's ready, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin called as he finished setting the table with food.
Kaoru arrived at the doorway looking flushed yet triumphant as she held a defeated Yahiko up by the collar. "Let's eat!" She chucked Yahiko onto the floor and she took a seat in front of Kenshin and next to Yutaro.
"Itadakimasu!" Everyone chorused before chowing down on the mouth- watering food Kenshin prepared.
"Oishii!" Kaoru said, placing the perfectly grilled fish in her mouth.
"Glad you like it, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, biting into his own piece of fish.
The two would've probably had a better, amiable conversation if the two boys next to them hadn't decided to have a chopstick fight over the last bit of tofu. It was the start of a messy dinner. Kenshin and Kaoru had to get at least ten more pairs of chopsticks as the others that the boys were fighting with got broken. Yahiko and Yutaro didn't allow the other to win in either a glaring or a food-fighting contest. Not knowing exactly how, but both suddenly resorted to a sake-drinking contest.
"Where'd you get that sake?!" Kaoru yelled, but was totally ignored as both adolescents decided to chug down a small sake cup after another. By the time Kenshin snapped from his stupor and grabbed the jug of sake from the boys, Yahiko was passed out on the floor and Yutaro was hiccupping in a dazed manner.
Kaoru slapped her forehead in annoyance. "Ne, Kenshin," Kaoru said into the suddenly silent kitchen. "I think you should be headed off back. I'll let Yahiko stay here tonight and I've got something strong to help him with the headache he's bound to have tomorrow."
"Are you sure, Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked.
"This visit got a little out of hand, but it was fun," Kaoru said. "We'll be fine, Kenshin. Just go back before Ou-sama sends out search parties for you."
"I doubt Shishou will do that, but I should at least help you clean the mess," Kenshin said, offering his help.
"It's fine," Kaoru said. "It's not a big mess anyway."
"That's an understatement, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, eyeing the disgusting mess left all over the table.
"It'll be fine, Ouji-sama," Kaoru said, reverting back to his old, polite name. "It was nice of you to come and visit."
Seeing he had no choice in the matter, Kenshin helped Kaoru move the now-fainted Yutaro and Yahiko into an empty guest room. "Oyasumi nasai, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, and Kaoru could've sworn he was going to kiss her before he left, but didn't.
"Oyasumi, Kenshin," Kaoru mumbled more to herself than to anyone before closing the door behind his retreating figure. Kaoru shook her head as she counted off the things she had to get done before going to sleep. Informing Yutaro's grandfather where he was was one, cleaning the kitchen and getting some of the medicine for the boy's future headaches ready for tomorrow. "Let's get started," Kaoru grumbled before leaving the dojo and heading towards Yutaro's residence.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin rode back to the palace in serene silence, going over the events of the day. He didn't communicate as much as he would've liked with Kaoru, but watching her go about her day was good enough. Kenshin sighed, content of the day's activities except for leaving the dojo a mess and making that stupid, attempted move at a kiss.
Upon entering the palace, Kenshin braced himself for the ambush bound to be brought by Mei. Kenshin's prediction was corrected as he suddenly felt himself being choked by the familiar scent of overused western perfume.
"Kenshin!" She squealed in his ear. "I missed you all day today! Where in the world did you go for so long? And didn't you go with that brat of a stable boy?" Mei asked, peering over his shoulder, looking for any sign of Yahiko.
Not being able to think of a good enough lie, Kenshin had to stick to the truth and its consequences. "Yahiko and I went to a dojo to study another sword technique, Mei-dono."
"And whose dojo have you gone to, may I ask?" Mei asked, hands on her hips and her lips tight. Someone obviously told her already, and she just wanted to hear it straight from Kenshin's mouth.
"Damn Shishou," Kenshin growled under his breath. He probably thought it was some kind of humorous joke. "To Kaoru-dono's dojo," Kenshin replied.
"To her again?" Mei yelled, following behind Kenshin's heels as he headed upstairs to his room.
"Hai."
"What is so damn special about her, Kenshin?" Mei asked.
"Many things," Kenshin replied.
"Name one," Mei challenged with a huff.
"Spirit," Kenshin replied simply.
"Ha! Spirit my ass!" Mei shouted. "And where's that brat anyway? At her place I suppose?"
"Aa."
"So I'm guessing you're going there again tomorrow to pick him up, aren't you? Slick, Kenshin, slick. Well this time, Kenshin, I'm coming along," Mei said in a demanding voice.
"I don't think that's possible, Mei-dono," Kenshin said, trying to avoid the aggravation bubbling in his throat.
"Why not?" Mei asked. "So that you two can google at each other behind my back? I don't think so! My decision is final! I am going!"
~*~*~*~*~*~ T.Anjel: Eh~ Not a very fulfilling chapter, I'd say. Anyway! Since it's the vacation, hopefully I get another chapter done quicker. Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays.
Standard Disclaimers Apply
To Love the Hated - Chapter 9
"To all those who were supposed to have the weekly meetings with me today, with my utmost apologies, I'm going to have to meet you on another day," Kenshin announced at the breakfast table. He had everyone's undivided attention for he rarely ever spoke at breakfast.
"And for what, baka deshi?" Hiko asked from the other far end.
"For some extended training with Yahiko, Shishou."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru rubbed her temples, attempting to soothe her tense nerves. The kids today hadn't been the most saintly angels, more like devils, and the dream she had the other night after her little talk with Reiko hadn't done anything to help her either.
Kaoru recalled the strange dream. She was back at the palace in a room she was pretty sure was Hiko's. She was talking, but couldn't remember what she was saying. Then the scenery blinked into her dojo. She was standing in front of one of her beginner classes dressed fully in gi and hakama. Just as quickly as the scenes changed, Kaoru was suddenly in a sea of a black haze. Through it all, she saw Kenshin smiling. Kaoru reached out for him, and he reached for her. Strange thing was, they were getting further and further apart. Before Kaoru knew it, Kenshin was embraced in another woman's arms. Why should she care, but Kaoru did, and it hurt.
A loud knock snapped Kaoru out of her dazed thoughts, not allowing her to finish contemplating her dream. "Coming!" She slipped off the platform surrounding the dojo and house, and dawdled toward the heavy wooden doors. Kaoru heaved the smaller door opened to find the little stable boy, Yahiko and Kenshin standing before her eyes.
"I think she's surprised, Kenshin," Yahiko said, seeing Kaoru open her mouth in surprise.
"I hope we're not interrupting anything, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said.
"Ah, no!" Kaoru replied, unsure of how to treat the prince at her humble and messy adobe. She suddenly felt very self-conscious about her appearance and home. "Ano.come in," Kaoru mumbled, opening the door fully for Yahiko and Kenshin to enter. "What brings you here?" Kaoru asked, leading the two guests to one of the cleaner rooms for some tea.
"Yahiko wanted to study your style," Kenshin replied simply, taking in the natural and humble surroundings of Kaoru's home.
"I see," Kaoru said, opening a shoji door, and motioning for them to sit down. "Allow me to get some tea." She hustled off towards the kitchen, suddenly feeling very nervous. She quickly made lukewarm tea and carried the tray to the room where Yahiko and Kenshin were talking in low, amiable voices.
"Didn't anyone notice that you are the prince?" Kaoru asked, referring to the people of the town.
"I don't think so," Kenshin replied. "The woman from the bakery thought I looked familiar but nothing more than that."
"You went to the bakery?" Kaoru asked.
"How else do you think we were to get the directions to your dojo, busu?" Yahiko retorted and was quickly greeted with a smack on the head.
"Don't you have things to do back at the palace?" Kaoru asked worriedly.
"They can wait," Kenshin replied.
"Kaoru-san!"
"Oh!" Kaoru said, quickly standing up and poking her head out the shoji door. "Ah! Yutaro! You're a little early, aren't you?" Kaoru asked.
"Gomen! I was just a little bored at home, and I thought I could just get a few early minutes at the dojo. Do you have guests?" Yutaro asked. "I could just come back after a few minutes."
"Iie," Kaoru said. "Why don't you come in with us?"
"That would be rude, Kaoru-san," Yutaro said, backing away towards the door.
Listening in on their conversation, Kenshin came out onto the platform as well. "Do come and join us," Kenshin said.
"But."
"The more the merrier," Kenshin added.
"C'mon Yutaro," Kaoru said, as the boy let in and joined the other three in the room. He sat beside Kaoru.
"Yutaro, this is Yahiko and," Kaoru paused at Kenshin, unsure of whether to introduce him as the prince.
"Kenshin," Kenshin finished off for Kaoru.
"Aa.Yahiko stopped by today to study the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu," Kaoru informed Yutaro. "Yutaro's my star student," Kaoru said with pride, directing her statement to Yahiko.
"Eh?" Yahiko said, challenge most visible in his eyes.
"What style do you use?" Yutaro asked politely.
"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu," Yahiko gloated.
Kaoru grimaced as she felt the sparks begin to form between the two boys. Kenshin probably also felt it, but found amusement in it.
It was only a matter of a few seconds before either of them shot up and challenged the other. Yahiko managed to get up first, pointing his shinai at Yutaro who was still seated at the floor. "I challenge you, Yutaro of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu."
"I accept your challenge," Yutaro said, standing up as well and facing Yahiko.
Kaoru and Kenshin followed both determined teenagers in silence to the dojo where they quickly did stretches to warm up their muscles.
Kaoru sat down and Kenshin sat down next to her. "Interesting, isn't it, Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked.
"I have a feeling one of them is going to get hurt really bad," Kaoru said, burying her head in her hands. "I don't mind the whole prospect of having a one-on-one match, but those two seem bound for something I don't want to think about."
"Maa maa, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin comforted. "Those two have very good control over their styles, I know and could tell."
Kaoru nodded, suddenly feeling that Kenshin was sitting a bit too close with her to feel comfortable. She could've sworn that she felt his body heat engulfing her form. 'Calm down, Kaoru!' Kaoru thought, scolding herself mentally.
Both students bowed and readied their shinais.
"Myojin Yahiko, Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu," Yahiko announced solidly.
"Tsukayama Yutaro, Kamiya Kasshin Ryu," Yutaro said.
There was a still tension in the air Kaoru couldn't describe as both fighters stared each other down, trying to anticipate each other's moves. "A Battoujutsu stance?" Kaoru wondered aloud as she noticed a familiarity to Yahiko's form.
"Aa," Kenshin replied quietly, watching the two boys.
Yahiko attacked first, whipping out his shinai from the side of his hip and swinging it hard as he ran with amazing speed towards Yutaro. Yutaro immediately saw it coming and slid to the side, bringing his own shinai upward as he did so.
Yahiko would've probably have had a shinai embedded into his stomach if he didn't dodge sloppily out of the way in time. He quickly countered once he got his footing, but instead of whacking his shinai on Yutaro's body, both of their weapons met with determined force. It was quickly a battle of strength as both tried to overcome the other's muscle-power with their own.
Kaoru watched both fighters intently. She honestly could not figure out what the outcome would become. She glanced over at Kenshin to see him staring back right at her. Kaoru blushed to the roots of her hair and quickly averted her eyes back to the boys.
Kenshin smiled to himself as Kaoru turned a tint of pink and turned away in embarrassment. He, himself, didn't expect to get caught staring at her, but it couldn't be helped. From the short time of his visit, Kenshin knew Kaoru was more relaxed in this atmosphere rather than in the stiff space of a palace. It was a good thing she requested to be dismissed and that it was granted, right?
Two loud grunts got Kenshin's attention. Their strengths were equal. Neither of them could budge the other, so they both jumped away, wary of the other's movements.
Both were breathing heavily, and sweat poured down their faces. Yutaro began the offense and his feet pattered rapidly against the wooden floor. He motioned for a vertical swing and Yahiko quickly dodged to the right only to be thrown off balance by a blow on the back from a horizontal strike.
"A fake," Kenshin murmured.
To dodge another quick blow Yutaro aimed at Yahiko's fumbling form, Yahiko dropped himself to the ground and brushed his leg under Yutaro's feet causing him to fall. As Yutaro fell, with one last shove, he thrust his bokken straight into Yahiko's abdomen, and both of them fell, panting.
Kenshin and Kaoru both clapped in approval, and stood from their spots on the floor. Kaoru couldn't help let out a sigh of relief. Neither of them were injured badly. "You guys did great!" Kaoru said with a proud smile but couldn't help grimace at the death glares they shot at each other from the floor. "Mou! Couldn't you two just get along?"
"Kaoru-sensei!" a little girl cried from the doorway of the dojo.
"Ah! Miyuki-chan!" Kaoru said, going over to the girl and kneeling down to be level with her. "You came for today's lesson, ne?"
"Hai!" Miyuki said with a broad smile. She lifted her miniature shinai in the air. "I practiced at home! Ne, Is that Kaoru-sensei's husband?" Miyuki asked, pointing her little weapon at the redhead who stood behind Kaoru.
"No, he's not," Kaoru said, trying to stop the blood rising in her cheeks. "He's just a good friend."
"Then can I marry him?" Miyuki asked with stars in her eyes.
Kaoru was at a loss for words. "I don't know, Miyuki-chan. Would you want to marry a redheaded, ignorant, spoiled man like Kenshin over here?"
"Oro! Kaoru-dono!" Kenshin exclaimed.
"Maa maa, Kenshin," Kaoru said, imitating his earlier words. "I was just kidding."
"Oro! Oro!" Miyuki chimed, forgetting about Kaoru's question. "What a funny man, Kaoru-sensei!"
Before Kaoru could reply, five kids around Miyuki's age piled in yelling, "Kaoru-sensei! Kaoru-sensei!"
Kaoru politely told Kenshin that he could wait and watch or just wander around the dojo or town. "The children's lessons are usually shorter since they don't have the endurance, so this shouldn't take too long."
"Take all the time you need, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, and took his seat back on the floor.
Kaoru stood in front of the class as the children scrambled to get a spot on the floor. "Let's begin!"
Kenshin watched Kaoru take control of the small, lively class of children. She had a strange way of captivating her audience with a warm yet demanding voice. She demonstrated a perfect downward swing and told the class to follow along. "Ichi! Ni! San!" They chorused as they attempted to mimic their beloved teacher's movement.
Yutaro helped the kids with their form and swing as he went in and around their moving forms. Kaoru even asked Yahiko to help out.
Kenshin couldn't help but start drifting into his thoughts, staring at Kaoru's livened face as he did so. He wasn't one that would admit such a thing, but he knew that he felt something for Kaoru. It could possibly been love, but Kenshin knew if he were to tell that to Kaoru, he would just be humiliating himself and it would be a hopeless, one-sided romance.
"Ne, Kenshin!" Kaoru called from the other side of the dojo as the children filed out. The name seemed to fit right on her tongue, and she didn't feel strange calling the prince by his first name.
"Hai, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, snapping himself from his stupor and standing up.
"I feel so disgusting right now, I hope you don't mind if I take quick bath," Kaoru said, pointing out the sweat on her brow.
"Of course not," Kenshin said as he slowly fought to hide a blush. "Should I start it for you?"
Kaoru stared dumbfounded at him. "Start my bath? Why would you do such a thing?"
Kenshin shrugged. "I just thought it would be easier for you if I did."
Kaoru blushed at the prospect of having Kenshin make the bath for her. "It's okay. Have Yutaro entertain you and Yahiko or go around town. I'll be done in a second."
Kaoru quickly heated up the bath and took a bath in the tepid water. Quickly washing her hair and scrubbing her body clean, she climbed out of the tub and dried herself. She dressed in her favorite kimono she brought from her room and climbed out of the bathhouse while drying off her hair. "I wonder where they went," Kaoru thought, walking towards the house. "I smell food," she said, nearing the kitchens. "Definitely food."
"I hope you don't mind that I ransacked your food, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said while he scaled some fish. "I just wanted to make you some dinner in thanks for letting us come by today. Yutaro-dono and Yahiko have gone out to get some extra tofu and some vegetables."
"Aa." Kaoru was speechless again that day. She had never smelled food this good before.
"Just relax, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said with a smile. "You seemed to have had a long day."
Kaoru wanted to help with the cooking but knew too well that she would only end up being a bother. She watched Kenshin cook as he deftly held the fish firm on the cutting board and scratch off the scales of the fish.
"How's everything going back at the palace?" Kaoru asked, hoping to make some conversation.
"It's quieter," Kenshin replied with a smirk.
"Hey!" Kaoru cried defensively and chucked a fish head at Kenshin. Kenshin dodged it with a smile.
"And it's quite more boring and inactive," Kenshin replied. "How's it here?"
"It's great," Kaoru replied. "A little lonely when the students aren't here, but I need my share of peace and quiet too."
"I agree," Kenshin said, splitting the fish in half. "People miss you back there."
"Yeah? Like who?" Kaoru challenged.
"Shishou, for one," Kenshin said. "He hasn't had anyone worthy to argue with him for the past few days. Misao-dono as well. She told me to make sure to tell you that you have to visit again sometime." Kenshin paused. "And me. I missed you as well, Kaoru-dono."
Kaoru lowered her head to cover her redness of her cheeks. "What for? You've got lots of other women there to treat you to your needs. No need to waste energy on me, Kenshin."
"You give yourself less credit than you deserve, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said. "You probably know that already."
Kaoru didn't respond and couldn't help but let the silence hang stiffly between the two destined couple.
"Kenshin! We're back!" Yahiko called as he thundered with Yutaro at his heels into the kitchen. He dumped the vegetables in a bucket of water to wash and set down the small bucket of tofu. "Smells good, Kenshin!" Yahiko said, peering over Kenshin's shoulder.
"Aa. It'll be done in a couple of minutes, Yahiko," Kenshin said.
"Don't you have to get back to the palace?" Kaoru asked. "Don't they expect you to be there for at least dinner?"
"They won't mind if I miss a dinner," Kenshin replied.
"Demo." Kaoru argued.
"If you want me to leave, Kaoru-dono, you just need to ask," Kenshin said, looking up from his fish at Kaoru.
"Ah!" Kaoru blushed. "No.it's not that.I just thought that you have better things to do than to stay at this old place with me."
"I would love to stay here any day with you, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said with innocence, making Kaoru blush even a deeper shade of red.
"Ah! Busu's blushing! Makes you even more uglier!" Yahiko taunted, watching Kaoru fume at his comment.
"Wrong thing to say, Yahiko," Yutaro mumbled in his ear as he watched his kendo teacher burn with annoyance. "You better run."
"Get back here, Yahiko-chan!" Kaoru yelled, chasing down Yahiko who persisted his teasing.
"Don't call me -chan!"
Even from the kitchen, Kenshin was able to hear Kaoru's booming voice and thundering feet bounding across and through the entire dojo. He couldn't help smiling at her outwardly, raucous manner.
"Can I help?" Yutaro asked Kenshin.
"Aa," Kenshin replied. "You can start washing the vegetables."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~30 minutes later~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Dinner's ready, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin called as he finished setting the table with food.
Kaoru arrived at the doorway looking flushed yet triumphant as she held a defeated Yahiko up by the collar. "Let's eat!" She chucked Yahiko onto the floor and she took a seat in front of Kenshin and next to Yutaro.
"Itadakimasu!" Everyone chorused before chowing down on the mouth- watering food Kenshin prepared.
"Oishii!" Kaoru said, placing the perfectly grilled fish in her mouth.
"Glad you like it, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, biting into his own piece of fish.
The two would've probably had a better, amiable conversation if the two boys next to them hadn't decided to have a chopstick fight over the last bit of tofu. It was the start of a messy dinner. Kenshin and Kaoru had to get at least ten more pairs of chopsticks as the others that the boys were fighting with got broken. Yahiko and Yutaro didn't allow the other to win in either a glaring or a food-fighting contest. Not knowing exactly how, but both suddenly resorted to a sake-drinking contest.
"Where'd you get that sake?!" Kaoru yelled, but was totally ignored as both adolescents decided to chug down a small sake cup after another. By the time Kenshin snapped from his stupor and grabbed the jug of sake from the boys, Yahiko was passed out on the floor and Yutaro was hiccupping in a dazed manner.
Kaoru slapped her forehead in annoyance. "Ne, Kenshin," Kaoru said into the suddenly silent kitchen. "I think you should be headed off back. I'll let Yahiko stay here tonight and I've got something strong to help him with the headache he's bound to have tomorrow."
"Are you sure, Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked.
"This visit got a little out of hand, but it was fun," Kaoru said. "We'll be fine, Kenshin. Just go back before Ou-sama sends out search parties for you."
"I doubt Shishou will do that, but I should at least help you clean the mess," Kenshin said, offering his help.
"It's fine," Kaoru said. "It's not a big mess anyway."
"That's an understatement, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, eyeing the disgusting mess left all over the table.
"It'll be fine, Ouji-sama," Kaoru said, reverting back to his old, polite name. "It was nice of you to come and visit."
Seeing he had no choice in the matter, Kenshin helped Kaoru move the now-fainted Yutaro and Yahiko into an empty guest room. "Oyasumi nasai, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, and Kaoru could've sworn he was going to kiss her before he left, but didn't.
"Oyasumi, Kenshin," Kaoru mumbled more to herself than to anyone before closing the door behind his retreating figure. Kaoru shook her head as she counted off the things she had to get done before going to sleep. Informing Yutaro's grandfather where he was was one, cleaning the kitchen and getting some of the medicine for the boy's future headaches ready for tomorrow. "Let's get started," Kaoru grumbled before leaving the dojo and heading towards Yutaro's residence.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin rode back to the palace in serene silence, going over the events of the day. He didn't communicate as much as he would've liked with Kaoru, but watching her go about her day was good enough. Kenshin sighed, content of the day's activities except for leaving the dojo a mess and making that stupid, attempted move at a kiss.
Upon entering the palace, Kenshin braced himself for the ambush bound to be brought by Mei. Kenshin's prediction was corrected as he suddenly felt himself being choked by the familiar scent of overused western perfume.
"Kenshin!" She squealed in his ear. "I missed you all day today! Where in the world did you go for so long? And didn't you go with that brat of a stable boy?" Mei asked, peering over his shoulder, looking for any sign of Yahiko.
Not being able to think of a good enough lie, Kenshin had to stick to the truth and its consequences. "Yahiko and I went to a dojo to study another sword technique, Mei-dono."
"And whose dojo have you gone to, may I ask?" Mei asked, hands on her hips and her lips tight. Someone obviously told her already, and she just wanted to hear it straight from Kenshin's mouth.
"Damn Shishou," Kenshin growled under his breath. He probably thought it was some kind of humorous joke. "To Kaoru-dono's dojo," Kenshin replied.
"To her again?" Mei yelled, following behind Kenshin's heels as he headed upstairs to his room.
"Hai."
"What is so damn special about her, Kenshin?" Mei asked.
"Many things," Kenshin replied.
"Name one," Mei challenged with a huff.
"Spirit," Kenshin replied simply.
"Ha! Spirit my ass!" Mei shouted. "And where's that brat anyway? At her place I suppose?"
"Aa."
"So I'm guessing you're going there again tomorrow to pick him up, aren't you? Slick, Kenshin, slick. Well this time, Kenshin, I'm coming along," Mei said in a demanding voice.
"I don't think that's possible, Mei-dono," Kenshin said, trying to avoid the aggravation bubbling in his throat.
"Why not?" Mei asked. "So that you two can google at each other behind my back? I don't think so! My decision is final! I am going!"
~*~*~*~*~*~ T.Anjel: Eh~ Not a very fulfilling chapter, I'd say. Anyway! Since it's the vacation, hopefully I get another chapter done quicker. Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays.
