Apprentice
Chapter 18
Up to Hiko's Mountain
(AN: Thank you Dettol, CurlsofSerenity, Chocolateclar, bumblebee, sakurablossoms,AoiTsuke,Sticks, Sanosuke, Johanna Gen, and many others for your reviews. Just to answer a few things. I use the word "parlor" because the Aoiya is a Western influenced style building. Traditional Japanese homes have a common or sitting room, but it's basically the equivalent. I lived in the orient, I know, believe me. An engawa is a covered porch, often enclosed with screens. I spent a lot of time as a child playing there, because it's nice and cool. Ours was screened in.
Omasu is indeed that taller girl(I think she's prettier, but that's just me, eh?), with her hair worn down, as she is single. Okon is older, and married to another of the Oniwaban ninjas. She wears her hair up as a married woman, see?
Actually, Dettol, there is a relationship between Sano and Megumi in the manga, but it's all verbal and implied. She'd NEVER flirt with him or call him nicknames in front of others if they had less than an intimate relationship. Just not done. She addresses him in familiar forms and makes personal remarks. You don't do that with a man(not in traditional Japanese terms) unless you have a relationship with him, or are trying to incite violence. Since Megumi has no weapons except her shoe, I assume she's flirting with a man with whom she is having an intimate relationship. LOL
I tried really hard to make Omasu NOT seem like a servant, honestly. She is an employee, however, and Misao is the wife of the Okashira. She would there fore be somewhat differential, especially in a social situation. Intimate and social behavior in Japan are quite separate matters, really. If she were a servant, she would have never been invited to share refreshments with the other guests. Misao calls her -kun, showing familiarity, too. The employer/employee relationship is a deferential one in Japan, even if you're a close relative.
I agree with you about Aoshi. I hate fics where he is very OOC. I quite like the iceblock the way he is, and apparently, so does Misao. She'd probably have his head examined if he got gushy and extroverted all of a sudden. As I said, intimate and public behavior are two very different things in this culture. In private, Aoshi is no doubt quite capable of showing his more intimate feelings, he and Misao have obviously been "busy", in my story, . I doubt if he's the goofy sentimental type, even then. He's just too intensely coiled, intellectual and serious.
Aoshi is definitely not the type for public displays of affection. Kenshin really isn't either, as evidenced by his shyness, but he is a more openly sentimental man. Sano isn't the kind of guy to worry very much about social niceties of any kind. My favorite kind, actually. LOL Back to the story, gentle readers.)
Kaoru paused behind the others to catch her breath and take a quick swallow of water. She was glad her training had kept her in good condition. The climb up the mountain to Hiko's cabin was rather steep in places. Sano, with his long legs was in front, with Kenshin right behind him. She and Omasu brought up the rear.
"We're getting close now," Omasu reassured Kaoru. The tall woman wasn't even breathing hard, Kaoru noticed.
"I'm fine," said Kaoru, "I'm just anxious to see my son again."
"I'm sure," smiled Omasu at her.
They walked along behind the men. Sano and Kenshin were engaged in some sort of discussion about politics; Sano was griping, as usual, about a new restrictive quota that the Meiji government had placed on exports of tea.
"You know the surplus is going into some crooked politician's pocket," he said loudly. Kenshin said something inaudible in reply.
"Yer such an idealist," said Sano. Kaoru smiled. This argument had been going on for weeks now at the dojo over sake. Sano would never get over his suspicion of the Imperialist's motives, she supposed.
Other than that, they walked along mostly in silence. The natural beauty around them was engaging enough.
"There's the clearing, up ahead," said Kenshin, turning around to indicate it to Kaoru.
"I see it," she said, holding her hand over her eyes to shade them from the sun, which was by now almost overhead.
"Is that Kenji!?" she exclaimed, seeing a small figure in the clearing. A flash of red hair shone in the distance.
"Aa, it is!" said Sano, from his slightly higher vantage. "Kenji!" he bellowed, startling a flock of birds in a nearby tree.
The small figure turned toward the group, and began to run towards them. He was now close enough for them to hear. "Ka-chan! To-chan, Uncle Sano!" they heard faintly. Kenji was a blur. Kenshin was amazed at how quickly he closed the gap between them and the clearing.
He ran right past the two men and leapt into his mother's arms. Kaoru had to sit down on the ground to absorb the force of his fierce embrace.
"Gomen, Ka-chan," he said, standing quickly, realizing he'd been too exuberant. He helped his mother back up to her feet, but she was laughing.
"Oh, Kenji-chan, how I've missed you!" she said, tears of joy running down her face. She hugged him again and placed a kiss on both of his cheeks.
"I missed you too, Ka-chan," he said in a slightly choked voice. "Can you stop kissing me now, please? Uncle Sano is embarrassed."
"No, I'm n...ugh," said Sano, cut off by Kenshin's elbow applied to his ribs and a raised eyebrow.
Kaoru reluctantly released her son. "Aisoku, you've grown!" she exclaimed, turning him around to examine him from all angles.
"Of course he's grown, Kaoru-san, did you think I wouldn't feed the boy?" Hiko came up to the group.
"Certainly not, Hiko-san," Kaoru said politely. She was too happy to let Hiko's barbs disturb her. "Kenshin and I can see for ourselves that Kenji has received excellent care. For that, I thank you." She bowed her head.
"I'll say it again, baka deshi, you do have good taste in women," said Hiko, smiling at Kaoru. She flushed prettily.
"Ohayu gozaimasu, Omasu-san," Hiko said to her, grinning slyly.
"Ohayu, gozaimasu, Hiko-san," she replied in kind, blushing and averting her eyes.
Kaoru covered her smile with a hand. Kenshin and Hiko exchanged looks. Kenshin raised his brows, and greeted Hiko politely.
"Come on, Kenji-chan, show your mother where things are," she took his hand and led him towards the cabin.
"I'll go with you," said Omasu quickly, hastening her step to catch up to them.
When they were out of earshot, Sano asked, "What the hell was that all about?" Kenshin nudged him to be silent.
"If he can't figure it out, don't bother to tell him, Kenshin. Even the boy has," Hiko said smirking.
"Ah!" said Sano, the light dawning. "I get it. You dirty old man!" this directed to Hiko.
"Did you think I was a priest, ahou?!" Hiko said indignantly.
Kenshin rolled his eyes and walked away. "Come on, Sano, don't get things started with him. You can't win anyway."
"Hey, I didn't say I disapproved!" said Sano said, following him.
"It's like Grand Central Station here again," sighed Hiko, shaking his head. "Everyone comes here now. I should move."
He followed them into the cabin.
Later, after lunch, which Kenshin "volunteered" to cook for everyone, they were all outside in the shade of a giant maple tree.
"I envy you growing up here, Kenshin," remarked Kaoru, "its so beautiful."
"It is, I know, anata," said Kenshin laying on his back in the long grass, Kaoru sitting next to him. "Although I didn't always appreciate it at the time." He smiled at her and pulled her down beside him for a long kiss.
Sano was sound asleep several yards away, propped against the tree snoring lightly, as was Kenji, his head in Sano's lap.
Hiko had disappeared after lunch with some excuse about getting water for baths, and Omasu said she was going to help him.
Everyone pointedly ignored the fact that they'd been gone for quite some time.
"Kenshin," Kaoru asked quietly, "How long do you think Omasu-san and Hiko- san have, um, known each other?"
Kenshin grinned at her. "For some time, now, anata. When he stopped Fuji from destroying the Aoiya was over ten years ago."
"I had no idea," she whispered to him. "Nor I," he whispered back.
"I can't imagine..." she whispered and then blushing, giggled.
"I don't even try, Kaoru, that I do not!" said Kenshin, shaking his head.
"Was he always like this, anata?" she asked, still giggling faintly.
"Yes," Kenshin replied shortly. "Women have always found him irresistible for some strange reason. I don't understand it. He's rude, he hates people and he's sneaky."
"He's also very handsome, and he has honor, Kenshin. He's very wise," Kaoru said thoughtfully. "Apparently, he does like SOME people." She giggled again.
"True, but I still don't understand," Kenshin said stubbornly.
Kaoru laughed. "That's because you're not a woman."
Kenshin frowned at her.
"I prefer men who are a bit, more um, sweet," she said, teasing.
"SWEET!?"
"Shh! You'll wake Kenji!" she whispered, putting her finger on his lips.
He lightly bit the finger, growling at her. She pulled her finger back, laughing softly. He caught her hand again and kissed it. Pulling her down, he nipped her lightly on the neck and she gasped.
"See? I'm not so nice," he purred. "I bite."
They heard a noise behind them.
"Maa, right in front of the kid and me," Sano said, winking. "Haven't you two any manners?"
"ORO!"
Sano laughed, "Kenji is still asleep," he said, sitting back down on the grass.
"Hiko must be working his ass off," he said, "it'd take a typhoon to wake him up."
"He seems fine to me," said Kenshin, recovering his composure. "Maybe a little tired," he conceded, looking over at Kenji still asleep in the shade of the tree.
"I think he's just happy to see us again, Sano," said Kaoru, still resembling a ripe tomato. "Maybe," said Sano, looking over at the sleeping boy who was beginning to stir a bit, "anyone messes with the kid, he messes with me," said Sano, unconsciously clenching his fists.
"I'm sure being with Hiko has been good for Kenji, Sano," said Kenshin seriously. "I know he's not the most pleasant person, but he truly is an honorable man. He'd never hurt a child. I should know," Kenshin added.
"Shishou likes me."
They looked around at the source of the voice. Kenji sat up rubbing his eyes.
"Is that so, Kenji-chan?" said Kenshin, smiling indulgently.
"I can tell, he likes me," repeated Kenji stubbornly.
"I'm sure he does," murmured Kaoru politely.
"Who likes who?" queried a deep voice behind them all.
Kenshin jumped up. Sano whirled around and Kaoru looked up.
"ORO!" said Kenshin, again.
"You like me, don't you Shishou?" asked Kenji innocently.
"As much as I like anyone, which is not very much," Hiko conceded.
"See?" said Kenji, grinning. "He likes me!"
Hiko snorted and walked off.
"I expect you to finish your chores, Kenji," he said over his shoulder, "before dinner."
"Yeah, he loves you, Kenji-chan, I can see that," muttered Sano sarcastically.
"I guess some people can get away with being lazy," said Kenji airily, walking off.
"HEY! Come back here, kid!" yelled Sano. "I am NOT lazy!"
Kenji laughed and took off running like the wind and disappeared into a thick grove of trees.
"Well, he has learned Hiko's warped sense of humor rather well," sighed Kenshin.
"Let's just hope he's learned Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu equally as well."
Chapter 18
Up to Hiko's Mountain
(AN: Thank you Dettol, CurlsofSerenity, Chocolateclar, bumblebee, sakurablossoms,AoiTsuke,Sticks, Sanosuke, Johanna Gen, and many others for your reviews. Just to answer a few things. I use the word "parlor" because the Aoiya is a Western influenced style building. Traditional Japanese homes have a common or sitting room, but it's basically the equivalent. I lived in the orient, I know, believe me. An engawa is a covered porch, often enclosed with screens. I spent a lot of time as a child playing there, because it's nice and cool. Ours was screened in.
Omasu is indeed that taller girl(I think she's prettier, but that's just me, eh?), with her hair worn down, as she is single. Okon is older, and married to another of the Oniwaban ninjas. She wears her hair up as a married woman, see?
Actually, Dettol, there is a relationship between Sano and Megumi in the manga, but it's all verbal and implied. She'd NEVER flirt with him or call him nicknames in front of others if they had less than an intimate relationship. Just not done. She addresses him in familiar forms and makes personal remarks. You don't do that with a man(not in traditional Japanese terms) unless you have a relationship with him, or are trying to incite violence. Since Megumi has no weapons except her shoe, I assume she's flirting with a man with whom she is having an intimate relationship. LOL
I tried really hard to make Omasu NOT seem like a servant, honestly. She is an employee, however, and Misao is the wife of the Okashira. She would there fore be somewhat differential, especially in a social situation. Intimate and social behavior in Japan are quite separate matters, really. If she were a servant, she would have never been invited to share refreshments with the other guests. Misao calls her -kun, showing familiarity, too. The employer/employee relationship is a deferential one in Japan, even if you're a close relative.
I agree with you about Aoshi. I hate fics where he is very OOC. I quite like the iceblock the way he is, and apparently, so does Misao. She'd probably have his head examined if he got gushy and extroverted all of a sudden. As I said, intimate and public behavior are two very different things in this culture. In private, Aoshi is no doubt quite capable of showing his more intimate feelings, he and Misao have obviously been "busy", in my story, . I doubt if he's the goofy sentimental type, even then. He's just too intensely coiled, intellectual and serious.
Aoshi is definitely not the type for public displays of affection. Kenshin really isn't either, as evidenced by his shyness, but he is a more openly sentimental man. Sano isn't the kind of guy to worry very much about social niceties of any kind. My favorite kind, actually. LOL Back to the story, gentle readers.)
Kaoru paused behind the others to catch her breath and take a quick swallow of water. She was glad her training had kept her in good condition. The climb up the mountain to Hiko's cabin was rather steep in places. Sano, with his long legs was in front, with Kenshin right behind him. She and Omasu brought up the rear.
"We're getting close now," Omasu reassured Kaoru. The tall woman wasn't even breathing hard, Kaoru noticed.
"I'm fine," said Kaoru, "I'm just anxious to see my son again."
"I'm sure," smiled Omasu at her.
They walked along behind the men. Sano and Kenshin were engaged in some sort of discussion about politics; Sano was griping, as usual, about a new restrictive quota that the Meiji government had placed on exports of tea.
"You know the surplus is going into some crooked politician's pocket," he said loudly. Kenshin said something inaudible in reply.
"Yer such an idealist," said Sano. Kaoru smiled. This argument had been going on for weeks now at the dojo over sake. Sano would never get over his suspicion of the Imperialist's motives, she supposed.
Other than that, they walked along mostly in silence. The natural beauty around them was engaging enough.
"There's the clearing, up ahead," said Kenshin, turning around to indicate it to Kaoru.
"I see it," she said, holding her hand over her eyes to shade them from the sun, which was by now almost overhead.
"Is that Kenji!?" she exclaimed, seeing a small figure in the clearing. A flash of red hair shone in the distance.
"Aa, it is!" said Sano, from his slightly higher vantage. "Kenji!" he bellowed, startling a flock of birds in a nearby tree.
The small figure turned toward the group, and began to run towards them. He was now close enough for them to hear. "Ka-chan! To-chan, Uncle Sano!" they heard faintly. Kenji was a blur. Kenshin was amazed at how quickly he closed the gap between them and the clearing.
He ran right past the two men and leapt into his mother's arms. Kaoru had to sit down on the ground to absorb the force of his fierce embrace.
"Gomen, Ka-chan," he said, standing quickly, realizing he'd been too exuberant. He helped his mother back up to her feet, but she was laughing.
"Oh, Kenji-chan, how I've missed you!" she said, tears of joy running down her face. She hugged him again and placed a kiss on both of his cheeks.
"I missed you too, Ka-chan," he said in a slightly choked voice. "Can you stop kissing me now, please? Uncle Sano is embarrassed."
"No, I'm n...ugh," said Sano, cut off by Kenshin's elbow applied to his ribs and a raised eyebrow.
Kaoru reluctantly released her son. "Aisoku, you've grown!" she exclaimed, turning him around to examine him from all angles.
"Of course he's grown, Kaoru-san, did you think I wouldn't feed the boy?" Hiko came up to the group.
"Certainly not, Hiko-san," Kaoru said politely. She was too happy to let Hiko's barbs disturb her. "Kenshin and I can see for ourselves that Kenji has received excellent care. For that, I thank you." She bowed her head.
"I'll say it again, baka deshi, you do have good taste in women," said Hiko, smiling at Kaoru. She flushed prettily.
"Ohayu gozaimasu, Omasu-san," Hiko said to her, grinning slyly.
"Ohayu, gozaimasu, Hiko-san," she replied in kind, blushing and averting her eyes.
Kaoru covered her smile with a hand. Kenshin and Hiko exchanged looks. Kenshin raised his brows, and greeted Hiko politely.
"Come on, Kenji-chan, show your mother where things are," she took his hand and led him towards the cabin.
"I'll go with you," said Omasu quickly, hastening her step to catch up to them.
When they were out of earshot, Sano asked, "What the hell was that all about?" Kenshin nudged him to be silent.
"If he can't figure it out, don't bother to tell him, Kenshin. Even the boy has," Hiko said smirking.
"Ah!" said Sano, the light dawning. "I get it. You dirty old man!" this directed to Hiko.
"Did you think I was a priest, ahou?!" Hiko said indignantly.
Kenshin rolled his eyes and walked away. "Come on, Sano, don't get things started with him. You can't win anyway."
"Hey, I didn't say I disapproved!" said Sano said, following him.
"It's like Grand Central Station here again," sighed Hiko, shaking his head. "Everyone comes here now. I should move."
He followed them into the cabin.
Later, after lunch, which Kenshin "volunteered" to cook for everyone, they were all outside in the shade of a giant maple tree.
"I envy you growing up here, Kenshin," remarked Kaoru, "its so beautiful."
"It is, I know, anata," said Kenshin laying on his back in the long grass, Kaoru sitting next to him. "Although I didn't always appreciate it at the time." He smiled at her and pulled her down beside him for a long kiss.
Sano was sound asleep several yards away, propped against the tree snoring lightly, as was Kenji, his head in Sano's lap.
Hiko had disappeared after lunch with some excuse about getting water for baths, and Omasu said she was going to help him.
Everyone pointedly ignored the fact that they'd been gone for quite some time.
"Kenshin," Kaoru asked quietly, "How long do you think Omasu-san and Hiko- san have, um, known each other?"
Kenshin grinned at her. "For some time, now, anata. When he stopped Fuji from destroying the Aoiya was over ten years ago."
"I had no idea," she whispered to him. "Nor I," he whispered back.
"I can't imagine..." she whispered and then blushing, giggled.
"I don't even try, Kaoru, that I do not!" said Kenshin, shaking his head.
"Was he always like this, anata?" she asked, still giggling faintly.
"Yes," Kenshin replied shortly. "Women have always found him irresistible for some strange reason. I don't understand it. He's rude, he hates people and he's sneaky."
"He's also very handsome, and he has honor, Kenshin. He's very wise," Kaoru said thoughtfully. "Apparently, he does like SOME people." She giggled again.
"True, but I still don't understand," Kenshin said stubbornly.
Kaoru laughed. "That's because you're not a woman."
Kenshin frowned at her.
"I prefer men who are a bit, more um, sweet," she said, teasing.
"SWEET!?"
"Shh! You'll wake Kenji!" she whispered, putting her finger on his lips.
He lightly bit the finger, growling at her. She pulled her finger back, laughing softly. He caught her hand again and kissed it. Pulling her down, he nipped her lightly on the neck and she gasped.
"See? I'm not so nice," he purred. "I bite."
They heard a noise behind them.
"Maa, right in front of the kid and me," Sano said, winking. "Haven't you two any manners?"
"ORO!"
Sano laughed, "Kenji is still asleep," he said, sitting back down on the grass.
"Hiko must be working his ass off," he said, "it'd take a typhoon to wake him up."
"He seems fine to me," said Kenshin, recovering his composure. "Maybe a little tired," he conceded, looking over at Kenji still asleep in the shade of the tree.
"I think he's just happy to see us again, Sano," said Kaoru, still resembling a ripe tomato. "Maybe," said Sano, looking over at the sleeping boy who was beginning to stir a bit, "anyone messes with the kid, he messes with me," said Sano, unconsciously clenching his fists.
"I'm sure being with Hiko has been good for Kenji, Sano," said Kenshin seriously. "I know he's not the most pleasant person, but he truly is an honorable man. He'd never hurt a child. I should know," Kenshin added.
"Shishou likes me."
They looked around at the source of the voice. Kenji sat up rubbing his eyes.
"Is that so, Kenji-chan?" said Kenshin, smiling indulgently.
"I can tell, he likes me," repeated Kenji stubbornly.
"I'm sure he does," murmured Kaoru politely.
"Who likes who?" queried a deep voice behind them all.
Kenshin jumped up. Sano whirled around and Kaoru looked up.
"ORO!" said Kenshin, again.
"You like me, don't you Shishou?" asked Kenji innocently.
"As much as I like anyone, which is not very much," Hiko conceded.
"See?" said Kenji, grinning. "He likes me!"
Hiko snorted and walked off.
"I expect you to finish your chores, Kenji," he said over his shoulder, "before dinner."
"Yeah, he loves you, Kenji-chan, I can see that," muttered Sano sarcastically.
"I guess some people can get away with being lazy," said Kenji airily, walking off.
"HEY! Come back here, kid!" yelled Sano. "I am NOT lazy!"
Kenji laughed and took off running like the wind and disappeared into a thick grove of trees.
"Well, he has learned Hiko's warped sense of humor rather well," sighed Kenshin.
"Let's just hope he's learned Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu equally as well."
