Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is the creation of Nobuhiro Watsuki, with the manga and anime rights belonging to Jump Comics and Sony Entertainment, respectively. FF is non-profit, meant for entertainment only.



Small note: Ok, about Kenshin's eye color. The rurouni has purple eyes, right? RIGHT. Ok. In the Anime (not OVA) during the flash backs of when he was the Hitokiri Battoussai we see that his eyes glow, the eerie blue. Icy blue. We also saw this in the fight against Saitou. When Kenshin's already in this stage and further conflict will turn his eyes amber, as we have seen many times. I hope this clears things up. Kenshin has chosen to stay as he once was, The Battoussai. So his eyes will remain blue, ok.




Chapter Six

*************

The sword slashed up ward tearing off the limb in one clean stroke. There was no blood though, so it wasn't quiet the same. The battoussai continued to slice the air with lightning fast strokes. His anger needed release.

How could they not tell him?

The battoussai finally stopped when there was nothing left to attack to destroy. He stared down at the mess he had made.

Very unfortunate tree.

He was staring at the tree when someone came up behind him. "Hey mister can you spare some change?" A tall man with a large nose and a crooked eye spoke in a mocking tone.

The battoussai smiled but didn't turn around, "I would suggest you leave, if you want to keep your hands."

There was laughter, the battoussai guessed there to be about four more men. He was hardly ever wrong.

"Did you hear that Kei, he's warning us." A broad guy addressed the first one.

"Look, give us your money or we're going to be forced to get rough with ya. And from your built it looks like you can't take much." Kei, was obviously the leader.

Not too bright. "Come and take it." The battoussai re-sheath his sword and waited.

"Your funeral buddy." Kei motioned for the others to attack.

The broad guy stood next to Kei " How long do you think this will take?" "What's the hurry Satoshi, your prostitute waiting?" There was a crunch sound that made both men turn to watch the fight. They watch in fascinated horror as the small red head, broke the nose on Toru. Then sliced open Yin's arm straight from the shoulder down. Tomari tried to run off, but the red head was faster, he broke one leg and knocked him unconscious. Satoshi backed away from Kei, "Who the hell is that." He regretted saying anything because the small red head turned his attention to him.

That's when Kei noticed the mans' eyes. They almost seemed like liquid metal, except they were blue. Kei watched as Satoshi's arm was broken, the red head backhanded him and Satoshi landed with a thump.

The battoussai saw the last man standing. He seemed frozen. Kenshin knocked Kei on the side of the head with his sword, leaving a big gash.

Kei felt the warm liquid ooze down the side of his face. "Who." He was feeling woozy. "Who are you?"

"Hitokiri Battoussai" With that he broke the mans left hand right at the wrist.

The battoussai stepped back; "Do you know Hiruma Gohei?" The battoussai thought it was stupid to ask this man simply because he was a thug but still you never knew.

Kei shook his head slowly, "No, but Satoshi over there does. I was at his house, about a week or so back. Hiruma came to the house to collect some money from Satoshi saying he needed to leave in a hurry."

"Did he say where?"

"He said he needed to get away from Japan." Kei's eyes were getting heavy. "He said something about Hong Kong. Said, he needed to be in a large city, Easy to get lost in." Kei fell with a thump.

The battoussai's eyes shone and eerie amber. He slashed the air with the katana at a side angle to get the blood off. He looked at the mess he'd made. They weren't dead but it would take them along time to heal. He kicked Toru, so he'd open his eyes, you can't pass out from a broken nose. Toru opened his eyes, "None of you saw see me here today." Toru nodded

The battoussai saw the sun had already started to set. He needed to get home. He couldn't miss dinner if Kaoru wanted everyone there.

*************

"Sano-san don't drop her." Tae said as she laid a cushion on the floor.

"Relax Tae, I won't drop her." Sano was easing her down on to the cushion when Kenshin walked in.

"Oomph." Kaoru glared at Sanosuke he had been easing her down carefully and then all of a sudden he had just dropped her.

Sano scratched his head, "Sorry there Jou-chan, didn't mean to drop you." She followed him with her gaze, he took his seat next to Yahiko and then that's when she noticed the red head, Himura.

She smiled brightly at him, Okarei Nasai." His gaze was intense as he stared at her for a moment, "Tadaima." He said taking his seat next to her, much closer than usual. Everyone noticed but didn't say anything. Kaoru blushed and cleared her throat, "What do I call you?" She had addressed him. He could think of many things she could call him but not here, in front of so many people. "Kenshin."

She smiled at him. "Kenshin" She savored his name in her mouth, finding she like the way it sounded she said it again. "Kenshin."

Tae served everyone and then herself, they began eating and talking in the amiable atmosphere. Everyone but Kenshin who ate silently, watching her interact.

"I had a weird dream, while I napped today. I know it sounds odd but." She stopped looking flustered. Go on." Tae encouraged her. They had finished dinner and were all now just lounging around having tea and small cakes.

"Well it was almost night and I was down by the river watching the fireflies when I felt someone approaching. It was Kenshin, I turned to greet him and he said something that I couldn't hear. He stepped closer and I could see his mouth move but I couldn't hear the words. Then just like that his eyes turned amber. That's when I woke up. Isn't that odd?"

"No." The tone was amused. Her first dream had been about him. "Did it scare you too see my eyes change color?"

"No, I just thought it was odd." She didn't really like looking at him when he sat so close. "Can they?"

"Yes."

"Really, can you make them change anytime you want?" Her curiosity had been peaked.

"No," he said gazing at her. "They only change when I'm angry and," he scooted closer to her their legs now touching. He lowered his voice a bit, "when I become impassioned."

Kaoru felt faint. She saw small flecks of amber start to appear in his eyes. She blinked, but they were still there. He simply smiled at her. Tae coughed. "All right Kaoru-chan lets get you to bed," she said standing up.

Kaoru just stared at her. "But I can't walk on my own yet." Kenshin bent and picked her up gently. He cradled her to his body and her hands went around his neck to keep her balance. At this proximity Kaoru could feel his body's heat. Her ears began to burn and knew her face probably matched. Tae walked on ahead to get the futon ready. Tae waited for Kenshin to enter Kaoru's room before bidding them goodnight and closing the door behind her.

Kenshin bent low, lowering her body to the futon slowly. He set her down but didn't move away. He remained over her body, just hovering. She could hardly breath; it was intoxicating to have him this close. It made her wonder just how close they had been before her accident. Her face started to burn a deep crimson at the thought of having slept with him already.

Kenshin noted her blush, how it spread down her neck, he briefly wondered if it continued any lower. She couldn't deal with the look in his eyes and turned her face to the side. Kenshin took the opportunity and nuzzled her. He raised his face again just enough so he could look at her face. She couldn't believe it. She knew her eyes were as big as saucers. He grinned at her and kissed her chin. "Oyasumi, koishii." He said getting up and moving towards the door.

Kaoru remained in the same position he left her, starring at the door. Moments passed and she still hadn't moved. Slowly a smile crept on to her face. She may not remember him from before but she felt she didn't have to. For her, it had been love at first sight. She knew she must have loved him before. Well he didn't have to worry because this Kaoru loved him too. Her thoughts started getting fuzzy and she realized something. "They drugged my tea." Were her last words as she fell into a content, drug induced slumber.

Kaoru was slow in waking up. She smiled as the events of last night came back to her. Today was a new day and though she couldn't walk yet she wanted to talk to Yahiko about his training. She had studied the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu for more than a decade, she was sure if she practiced a bit the rest was bound to come back to her. All she needed was a small reminder. She flung the covers to the side and propped herself on her elbows. That's when the door opened. She froze and so did Kenshin. She saw the emotions running wild in his eyes and swallowed.

Kenshin didn't bother to hide the fact that he liked what he saw. Her legs were exposed to mid thigh, the rest was covered by her yukata. It was disappointing but the plunging neckline made up for it. He could see the swell of her breasts and it took a lot of control on his part not to take advantage of her.

She had been too busy staring at him and had failed to notice what he was gazing at, so intently. She followed his line of sight and when she noticed what he was starring at she turned ten different shades of red. She turned her face and kept her eyes on the floor.

He came in and closed the door behind him.

Her heart began to beat faster.

Kenshin had closed the door and was making his way to her closet to get her a robe. Her looked through her clothes till he found a pretty lavender one with large butterflies. She had said it was too pretty to wear but it was a robe and she'd look great in it. So he took it and made his way to her. He knelt behind her and spoke close to her ear. "I came to get you for breakfast but you're going to need a robe." He helped her put her arms into the sleeves and fixed the robes' front from behind her. Making sure she was well covered, he tied it, hugging her from behind as he did so. He nuzzled her again, inhaling her scent. He got up and helped her up. Her legs weren't strong enough to hold her though and he knew it. He just wanted the robe to fall into place and cover her legs. He picked her up and took her out.

When they got to the table he noticed the cushion she sat on. It was a bit far, so he kicked it closer to his place and then set her down.

She let go of his neck and smiled at everyone. "Yahiko, I was thinking about you this morning." She was very excited. "I was thinking that when I'm better you could give me a demo of what I taught you. I think I just need a bit of practice to remind me."

Yahiko's face lit up, "Sure Kaoru."

"I was thinking you could show me what you've learned but in the same order that I've taught it to you." She said as she put beef on Kenshin's plate.

Everyone noticed she did it but she was oblivious to it. It was something she used to do because she was the one who usually served everyone.

They finished their meal and Yahiko took the plates away.

"Are you going to practice today Yahiko?" Kaoru yelled from her place at the table.

"Yeah but not till later, sometime after lunch." Yahiko stepped outside to do the dishes.

It was just her and Kenshin. And Kenshin hadn't said anything. She turned and smiled at him. Her blush began creeping up on her. "Ah no, I was wondering if you could take me out to the porch. I miss the fresh air and a change of scenery would be nice."

Kenshin looked at her; she looked so much healthier now. "Do you want to come to Yokohama with me?"

"Nani?" She was puzzled as to where this was going.

"I have a job there in two weeks. The job will take me a couple of days to complete. Do you want to come?" His tone was relaxed, almost casual.

How do you answer that she thought? With a yes her mind supplied. "I don't know, can I think about it?" He stood up and nodded. Bent down and picked her and her cushion up. He set her down and was taking a seat next to her when Megumi walked in.

"Ohayo, Ken-san. Kaoru-chan, I heard you were doing much better. I'm sorry I didn't come to dinner yesterday but five men walked into the clinic yesterday just as I was leaving. They were seriously injured so I had to tend to them. By the time I was finished it was already too late." Megumi had been eyeing Kenshin even while she talked to her.

Kaoru picked up on in and didn't seem to like it one bit. "You will forgive me but I don't know who you are?"

Megumi's face fell a bit.

"Her name is Takani Megumi. She's a doctor. She works with doctor Genzai." Kaoru looked at Kenshin trying to read something in his eyes.

"Well Takani-san. I'm sorry you couldn't make it. Perhaps you'll join us another time. Please excuse me but I'm feeling tired. Kenshin please take me inside."

Kenshin picked her up and took her inside. Once inside her room she disengaged herself from him. She covered herself with her blankets and turned her back to him.

Kenshin stared at her. It was odd for her to display this kind of behavior. He had felt her Ki go up when Megumi had spoken to her but that's usually how it went.

The doctor had a knack for getting on Kaoru's nerves.

Kenshin lifted the covers and got into the futon with her. She was outraged. What ever they had been he just couldn't take liberties with her. "Kenshin no baka, what do you think you're.............her words trailed off.

Kenshin grabbed her from the waist and pulled her to him. "What's got you so upset koishii?"

She felt his left hand over her tummy while the other one caressed her side. He moved her hair to the side and kissed her neck.

"I don't like that Megumi woman."

"Mhmmm," He said as he brought her closer to him

"No. You know what's really bothering me. When we're alone you look at me differently than when we're with other people. Outside. Outside your eyes were guarded, cold even. For some reason it scares me when your eyes look like that. I just don't know how to react to that. You know me, but I don't know you. Despite that, I get these feelings when I'm near you. Does it make sense to you?"

"You were jealous koishii."

"I was not"

"You were, just like you always are. But there is no reason to be. Since I met you there has been no one else and you are all there will be till the day I draw my last breath." Kenshin turned her around so she could face him.

Her eyes were glistening.

"So will you come to Yokohama with me?"

She nodded and hid her face in the crook of his neck.

He rubbed her back trying to ease her tension away; they stayed that way till she fell asleep. After awhile longer he finally disentangled himself and left her room. There were things he needed to take care off.

*************

Two weeks later Kaoru was back on her feet. They were out side practicing near the river. "Yahiko you don't need to grip your shinai so hard. Look at me when I swing."

Yahiko swung and felt the difference this time.

Kaoru smiled. "Ok, now I want you to attack me. I'm going to defend myself using only the skills I've taught you so far. Agreed."

"Agreed." Yahiko got into position.

Yahiko launched himself at her and swung his shinai, aiming for her right side. Kaoru moved further to her left and hit him in the back of the knees. They both drew apart and this time when Yahiko launched himself at her, he faked to the left before aiming for her right side again. He almost had her but then she hit him in the hands causing him to drop his shinai. She didn't stop there though. She hit him in the shins and then swung for his temple stopping an inch right before she hit him.

The kids that had been watching them from the road clapped at her victory. Though the other two were to far to hear it.

"Good Job Yahiko. You almost had me there. But I saw your intentions at the very last minute. I think we need a bit more one on one training aside from the things I normally teach you. While I'm gone I want you to practice. When I come back I'll teach you something new and then will spar, again." They had been making their way from the river to the dojo while she talked.

"Sounds good to me. How long are you guys gonna be gone?"

"We should be back in a week. Did you want me to bring you something back?"

"You don't have to"

"Come on, Yahiko. There's got to be something?"

Yahiko shook his head no.

"Ok, it'll be a surprise then." She ruffled his hair as they made their way into the dojo. "Will you do me a favor and get my bath ready. We're supposed to leave in an hour and I have to get ready."

"Sure Kaoru." Yahiko ran off to get her bath ready.

She watched her student run off and do as he was told. He was a good kid she thought making her way to her room. She had remembered her budo but that was about it. Two weeks had gone by and she couldn't remember anything else other than small details about herself. She liked her hair up in a simple ponytail rather than in an elaborate hairstyle. Loved the color blue. Found out Alcohol was not her friend and learnt she still threw tantrums when she didn't get things her way. Small, stupid things.

"What are you smiling at koishii?"

"Aah, Kenshin. I came to get something to wear before I went to the bathhouse." She had become used to the endearment awfully quickly.

"I see." He handed her a package, "will you wear this."

Her smile grew bigger as she opened the package to reveal a beautiful blue kimono with lavender/pink flowers. They were Sakuras. "It's beautiful;" She breathed before she threw herself at him. "Arigato Kenshin," She said as she pecked him and ran away to the bathhouse, kimono in hand.

*************

The train ride had been uneventful. She had spent all her time looking out the window enjoying the scenery. She didn't remember coming here before. But Yahiko had told her they had. He'd told her the story and she knew what had happened. She didn't know how to feel about the events that had occurred here. But she had decided that what ever had happened was in the past. She was going to make new memories and get to know people all over again.

"Do you like the room?" Kenshin had been quite the whole trip giving her time to get a feeling for the place. She didn't seem to remember Yokohama.

"I do Kenshin it's beautiful." She smiled at him

"Koishii, I have to go get my assignment. I'll be gone for about an hour. Will you stay here for me?"

"Hai Kenshin, I'll take a nap while you're gone."

"Good we'll go have dinner when I come back." He brushed her lips in a gently kiss before leaving.

*************

"Yamagata-san."

"Aah Himura just on time. This assignment is easy. A Chinese man named Lo Fei is wanted for certain indiscretions. He has a very large bounty. They pay extra if you bring him in alive but it's up to you." Yamagata handed Himura a piece of paper with an address, time and date.

"He's suppose to show there for a meeting. You know where to take him right?"

Kenshin nodded.

"Good. I've scheduled you something for the week after. It's just a body guard thing but it pays well."

"How's your lady friend. Is she still ill?" It was the first thing he'd wanted to ask since Himura came in here. But he found the best way to talk to him was by not confronting him directly with questions, at least not right away.

"Better. I need a favor"

Yamagata nodded.

"I need to go to Hong Kong; I'm looking for some one. I would like to go either the same day or the day after my assignment is done. Can you arrange transportation?" Himura's face was a mask.

Yamagata agreed, "If you gave me name I could have someone find an address on him."

"Hiruma Gohei."

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Ok, chapter six is out. I'm sorry I made you guys wait but I had to work. The chapters are getting longer and so it takes two days to have then out instead of just the one. Sorry 0_o

Thanks again to all the people who continue to review.

Special thanks to:

Gypsy-Chan, Leigh, Fox and Tiger, StDogbert and Yami Hikaru