Where the Broken Heart Still Beats
Part 6
By: Jean Lyons
Ok, People... I'm back! Was I missed much?
I want to ask... Who wants lemons? I've never actually tried to write one and I'm debating whether or not to start now. Your suggestions will make a big difference in my decision.
Sam-Sama has been the only reason I keep up with "Hold Me". I have no reason to stick with this one, so if you all don't like something, let me know... It might be very important and if enough people hate it, I might fix it.
Anywho...
************************************************************************
"Master," Katai said quietly.
"I am not your master, Katai. Please go home. I can't stand to see you here."
"Alright. I understand."
"Katai," said Kenshin from behind her, "Maybe he's right. We should all leave him alone. He'll get over it, that he will."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm certain."
"I'll go find Pietro."
*****************
"Are you going back to Spain, Pietro?"
"Not any time soon. Perhaps in the future."
"Do you have anywhere to go?"
"No."
"Ryo said Tetsuya was moving out. You could have the space he shared with my other brother."
"You're hiding something too."
"What?"
"You told me yesterday you felt like Kenshin was holding back, but you're hiding too. You shouldn't pry at his life if you hate it so much when people do it to you."
"You've no idea what I'm hiding. Don't talk about what you don't understand."
"I'm just saying."
"Well don't 'just say'"
"Alright, I won't. I'll just say that-"
"I thought you weren't going to say."
"You keep wanting people to open up, but you never open up to them."
"Are you going to stay in Tetsuya's old room?"
"If it's alright with Ryo."
"He won't mind. As soon as I find Rumi, we're all leaving, so get ready. I think Hiko wants to be alone."
"Alright."
*****************
The trip wasn't long, and Ryo was surprised to find Katai outside with the children as she used to be. He also wasn't happy with her inviting Pietro to live with them. Really, he was the only truly unhappy person.
Except Katai. She was happy to be home, but she was also dreading the talk she knew she would have to have with Kenshin. Pietro was right.
But for now, Katai was playing in the rain with Rumi and two other children. Seven year old Rakei and nine year old Aya. The two girls were sisters and were very happy children. The children were jumping in puddles as Katai held the children's hands except Aya, who was didn't want to be seen holding hands with anyone because she was a 'big girl.'
Kenshin and Pietro had gotten to talking, and had both admitted that each was in love with Katai. Pietro had long figured out that Katai loved Kenshin and was giving Kenshin advice as to what Katai liked and disliked. He even taught Kenshin to play the guitar. He was a good sport about it and wanted them both to be happy.
Now they just watched Katai and the children. She let the children go and just danced by herself in the rain, soaking wet. She was beautiful.
*****************
"Kenshin, walk with me tonight, please. You once asked what had happened. If you still want to know, I will tell you then."
"I'll see you tonight, then. I'm glad you will open up to me. Then perhaps I will understand you better."
"Yes. And I want you to understand. You'll know then, the story about the child I lost so suddenly."
So that night, as they promised, they met and took all of the children home. Once they were alone except for Rumi, who knew the story well, she told Kenshin her long saga of how a strange man had come upon her while she was out with the children and proclaimed that she should surrender her body to him and that it was her or the children. "What else could I have done?" she said, as a single tear rolled down her nose. "Then he came back. So many times. It was always different... But it always ended the same. Until the last time. That was when I got pregnant. I always said I hated it and I almost hoped on more than one occasion, that I would miscarry. I debated jumping off of the roof in hopes of killing it, but I got too scared. Finally he was born, and one look at him immediately changed my mind. Then he died. I think all the bitter thoughts I had may have had something to with it. I'll always regret that. Maybe he'd have lived if I'd been a better mother. Maybe you'd have gotten to see him. He sure was beautiful... Can we stop here?"
"Sure."
They sat down on the ground against a large tree. They were silent for awhile. Katai reached over and took Kenshin's hand. He was very shocked, but he didn't move. "You're cold, Kenshin." Katai said.
"Yes."
"Come here."
Kenshin moved closer to her and Katai wrapped her arms around him. "Is that better?"
Kenshin looked at her in silence. Having his face so close to hers was more temptation than was necessary. She was indeed very warm. He melted into her embrace. He nearly fell asleep there with his face buried in her neck. He didn't think he could have moved if he'd wanted to. He was too comfortable.
"Katai!" yelled Pietro from far off.
"What does he want now?"
"There is someone with him. Perhaps he has given up on you."
"I want you to meet the woman I am courting," said Pietro, who was now beside them. They were introduced to a young girl named Yoshino, who was very shy. She hardly said a word to them the whole while, but she was nice.
"Yoshino, this is Katai. The girl I live with... Not like that! She's just a friend. I had nowhere to go and she helped me. That's Kenshin. He lives down the road. He and Katai are courting, too."
"We are?"
"Aren't you?"
"Not as far as I know." Kenshin and Katai said in unison.
"Oh, well."
Katai didn't appreciate being interrupted, but she said nothing. She couldn't help but be glad that Pietro had found someone. She wished he hadn't said that about her and Kenshin courting. They weren't, and him saying that they were just made her want to more.
"Kenshin, we should go. Kenji is still with the Shinomoris isn't he?"
"Yes. You should come. They want to meet you. Misao is expecting and they know you always take care of children. They'll want you to keep the child during the day once Misao is able to start fighting again. Aoshi doesn't want her to get out of shape. If she can't fight, she will be in constant danger."
"I'll go with you then and meet them."
*****************
They arrived at the Shinomoris' home a few moments later. Misao greeted them and gave Kenji to Kenshin. She invited them in and they all sat down. Aoshi came in a moment later. He looked at Kenshin and Katai and nodded and he went to Misao and kissed her on the cheek and started to leave the room but Misao said, "Won't you stay in here with us?"
He looked at her for a moment as she gave him the "puppy-dog pout" and sat down with everyone else. "How could I resist that face? So what brings you two here?"
"This is Katai. You said you wanted to meet her about the baby."
"Oh, yes. Do the children you look after listen to you?" Aoshi asked.
"Most of them."
"Do you make them listen?"
"I don't usually have to."
"So you're not very forceful?"
"No."
"Then how do you get them to mind you?"
"It's not difficult. I explain why whatever I'm telling them to do is important. Or why it's important that they don't do something. If they don't like what I tell them, they don't listen and they learn on their own. Unless it's a life or death situation, in which case I have no choice but to be forceful in order to protect them. Usually, they just listen to me the first time, though."
"Here's the most important question," said Misao, "Do they like you? Are you fun?"
"I hope so. They've never said different."
"They love her," Kenshin said, "I've seen their faces light up when they see her coming down the street in the mornings. She plays games and tells stories and sings songs. I am sure your child will love her, that I am. Especially if he or she is anything like you, Misao."
"Can you fight?" Aoshi asked Katai.
"I am learning."
"From who?"
"Me." Kenshin stated simply.
"I've no doubt you'll be able to handle any danger that comes you way while my child is under your care."
Who knew Aoshi cared so much? ************************************************************************
~*TBC*~
Ok... So what do you think? Let me know! (please?)
Why do Kaoru and Mike keep stealing my diary? **runs after Kaoru.**
**Kaoru runs faster and sticks her tongue out at Jean, who is out of breath and stops**
Much Love Everyone!!!
Jean ^_^
Ok, People... I'm back! Was I missed much?
I want to ask... Who wants lemons? I've never actually tried to write one and I'm debating whether or not to start now. Your suggestions will make a big difference in my decision.
Sam-Sama has been the only reason I keep up with "Hold Me". I have no reason to stick with this one, so if you all don't like something, let me know... It might be very important and if enough people hate it, I might fix it.
Anywho...
************************************************************************
"Master," Katai said quietly.
"I am not your master, Katai. Please go home. I can't stand to see you here."
"Alright. I understand."
"Katai," said Kenshin from behind her, "Maybe he's right. We should all leave him alone. He'll get over it, that he will."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm certain."
"I'll go find Pietro."
*****************
"Are you going back to Spain, Pietro?"
"Not any time soon. Perhaps in the future."
"Do you have anywhere to go?"
"No."
"Ryo said Tetsuya was moving out. You could have the space he shared with my other brother."
"You're hiding something too."
"What?"
"You told me yesterday you felt like Kenshin was holding back, but you're hiding too. You shouldn't pry at his life if you hate it so much when people do it to you."
"You've no idea what I'm hiding. Don't talk about what you don't understand."
"I'm just saying."
"Well don't 'just say'"
"Alright, I won't. I'll just say that-"
"I thought you weren't going to say."
"You keep wanting people to open up, but you never open up to them."
"Are you going to stay in Tetsuya's old room?"
"If it's alright with Ryo."
"He won't mind. As soon as I find Rumi, we're all leaving, so get ready. I think Hiko wants to be alone."
"Alright."
*****************
The trip wasn't long, and Ryo was surprised to find Katai outside with the children as she used to be. He also wasn't happy with her inviting Pietro to live with them. Really, he was the only truly unhappy person.
Except Katai. She was happy to be home, but she was also dreading the talk she knew she would have to have with Kenshin. Pietro was right.
But for now, Katai was playing in the rain with Rumi and two other children. Seven year old Rakei and nine year old Aya. The two girls were sisters and were very happy children. The children were jumping in puddles as Katai held the children's hands except Aya, who was didn't want to be seen holding hands with anyone because she was a 'big girl.'
Kenshin and Pietro had gotten to talking, and had both admitted that each was in love with Katai. Pietro had long figured out that Katai loved Kenshin and was giving Kenshin advice as to what Katai liked and disliked. He even taught Kenshin to play the guitar. He was a good sport about it and wanted them both to be happy.
Now they just watched Katai and the children. She let the children go and just danced by herself in the rain, soaking wet. She was beautiful.
*****************
"Kenshin, walk with me tonight, please. You once asked what had happened. If you still want to know, I will tell you then."
"I'll see you tonight, then. I'm glad you will open up to me. Then perhaps I will understand you better."
"Yes. And I want you to understand. You'll know then, the story about the child I lost so suddenly."
So that night, as they promised, they met and took all of the children home. Once they were alone except for Rumi, who knew the story well, she told Kenshin her long saga of how a strange man had come upon her while she was out with the children and proclaimed that she should surrender her body to him and that it was her or the children. "What else could I have done?" she said, as a single tear rolled down her nose. "Then he came back. So many times. It was always different... But it always ended the same. Until the last time. That was when I got pregnant. I always said I hated it and I almost hoped on more than one occasion, that I would miscarry. I debated jumping off of the roof in hopes of killing it, but I got too scared. Finally he was born, and one look at him immediately changed my mind. Then he died. I think all the bitter thoughts I had may have had something to with it. I'll always regret that. Maybe he'd have lived if I'd been a better mother. Maybe you'd have gotten to see him. He sure was beautiful... Can we stop here?"
"Sure."
They sat down on the ground against a large tree. They were silent for awhile. Katai reached over and took Kenshin's hand. He was very shocked, but he didn't move. "You're cold, Kenshin." Katai said.
"Yes."
"Come here."
Kenshin moved closer to her and Katai wrapped her arms around him. "Is that better?"
Kenshin looked at her in silence. Having his face so close to hers was more temptation than was necessary. She was indeed very warm. He melted into her embrace. He nearly fell asleep there with his face buried in her neck. He didn't think he could have moved if he'd wanted to. He was too comfortable.
"Katai!" yelled Pietro from far off.
"What does he want now?"
"There is someone with him. Perhaps he has given up on you."
"I want you to meet the woman I am courting," said Pietro, who was now beside them. They were introduced to a young girl named Yoshino, who was very shy. She hardly said a word to them the whole while, but she was nice.
"Yoshino, this is Katai. The girl I live with... Not like that! She's just a friend. I had nowhere to go and she helped me. That's Kenshin. He lives down the road. He and Katai are courting, too."
"We are?"
"Aren't you?"
"Not as far as I know." Kenshin and Katai said in unison.
"Oh, well."
Katai didn't appreciate being interrupted, but she said nothing. She couldn't help but be glad that Pietro had found someone. She wished he hadn't said that about her and Kenshin courting. They weren't, and him saying that they were just made her want to more.
"Kenshin, we should go. Kenji is still with the Shinomoris isn't he?"
"Yes. You should come. They want to meet you. Misao is expecting and they know you always take care of children. They'll want you to keep the child during the day once Misao is able to start fighting again. Aoshi doesn't want her to get out of shape. If she can't fight, she will be in constant danger."
"I'll go with you then and meet them."
*****************
They arrived at the Shinomoris' home a few moments later. Misao greeted them and gave Kenji to Kenshin. She invited them in and they all sat down. Aoshi came in a moment later. He looked at Kenshin and Katai and nodded and he went to Misao and kissed her on the cheek and started to leave the room but Misao said, "Won't you stay in here with us?"
He looked at her for a moment as she gave him the "puppy-dog pout" and sat down with everyone else. "How could I resist that face? So what brings you two here?"
"This is Katai. You said you wanted to meet her about the baby."
"Oh, yes. Do the children you look after listen to you?" Aoshi asked.
"Most of them."
"Do you make them listen?"
"I don't usually have to."
"So you're not very forceful?"
"No."
"Then how do you get them to mind you?"
"It's not difficult. I explain why whatever I'm telling them to do is important. Or why it's important that they don't do something. If they don't like what I tell them, they don't listen and they learn on their own. Unless it's a life or death situation, in which case I have no choice but to be forceful in order to protect them. Usually, they just listen to me the first time, though."
"Here's the most important question," said Misao, "Do they like you? Are you fun?"
"I hope so. They've never said different."
"They love her," Kenshin said, "I've seen their faces light up when they see her coming down the street in the mornings. She plays games and tells stories and sings songs. I am sure your child will love her, that I am. Especially if he or she is anything like you, Misao."
"Can you fight?" Aoshi asked Katai.
"I am learning."
"From who?"
"Me." Kenshin stated simply.
"I've no doubt you'll be able to handle any danger that comes you way while my child is under your care."
Who knew Aoshi cared so much? ************************************************************************
~*TBC*~
Ok... So what do you think? Let me know! (please?)
Why do Kaoru and Mike keep stealing my diary? **runs after Kaoru.**
**Kaoru runs faster and sticks her tongue out at Jean, who is out of breath and stops**
Much Love Everyone!!!
Jean ^_^