Author's Note: Two announcements: For future reference, I can't get
italics or "dot dot dot"s to show up on fanfiction.net if not having them
takes away from certain things I try to stress. I do have it on my
computer if anyone really wants to see the "difference." And, Kenshin and
Kaoru are my favorite couple and characters, so I'm not really sure how to
go about S/M and A/M scenes (not that I know how to write romance anyways.
Sorry, I try.)
Disclaimer: You think that if I say I don't own Rurouni Kenshin enough times, I might? Okay, okay, you don't have to get my hopes down. That was a rhetorical question.
The Love of Life
Chapter 6: Sense of Belonging
By CrismHeart
August 24, 2003
Kenshin had not been going to his secret haven as frequently. For the past month, he had established a weekly ritual with his newfound friends. They would manage to keep Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons free so they could hang out with one another. As Kenshin spent more and more time with them, his mind began to clash with his heart.
Kenshin smiled when he thought of his friends. Actually, it was probably more fitting to call them his family. Nothing was ever normal when they were concerned, but it felt so right being there with all of them. He felt that he belonged. Yet there was that nagging feeling in the back of his mind telling him that he could never be accepted. How could he with his gruesome past? Kenshin was a cold-blooded murderer, not worthy of this life. He only stayed alive to make amends for the past. Ending his life would have been the easy way out. He was ashamed for deceiving them and taking advantage of their hospitality.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru caught herself daydreaming. She knew that if her friends saw her now, they would probably double over with laughter. Well, that or be overly concerned thinking that something were wrong with her. Kaoru was spirited, the side of her that she let everyone see, that is. Deep down, she was depressed. Sometimes it was nice not having to face the real world, even if she knew she would eventually have to. She thought to herself how strange it was that even nearby, Kenshin could be so far away. She could tell that although he tried to cover up his thoughts and feelings in the company of others, his eyes betrayed that distant look of someone sad, someone pained, someone lonely- someone like herself. It was true that he hid his emotions well. No one else ever seemed to notice, except for Kaoru.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The last time Kenshin, Kaoru, Sano, Megumi, Aoshi, and Misao had gone to the Akabeko together, Tae had motioned to everyone, except for Kenshin and Kaoru, and told them she needed to have a little "discussion" with them. She wanted them to allow Kenshin and Kaoru to spend as much quality time with each other without the rest of the group getting in the way. Tae had made implied some death threats in her tone and Sano was officially spooked. He thought to himself, "Women can be really scary when they're angry."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In Kaoru's opinion, everyone had come up with pretty lame excuses to skip their plans for Sunday. At first, she was upset that they had not wanted to go anywhere with her. Why the sudden change? Then, she became mad. There's has to be something going on! The most unpredictable mood she became was one of delight. Her cunning mind had led her to believe that her friends "were too busy to do anything" because they were, in fact, on dates.
Kaoru snickered at the thought of Misao and Aoshi. She did not understand why anyone in their right mind would be in love with someone as cold as Aoshi. Of course, Misao's mental state could be disputable and if she had really wanted the answer to that question, she had no doubt that Misao would be rattling off all of Aoshi's finest characteristics for hours. She had to hand it to Misao, her best friend definitely had persistence. Sano and Megumi on the other hand were a different story. Their love-hate relationship was especially amusing.
The only person that was available to do anything was Kenshin. Kaoru had to watch her cousins, six year old Ayame and four year old Suzume because Megumi had to "do something." She had also suggested for Kaoru to ask Kenshin to help.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"The things I do for her!" Megumi muttered under her breath. Apparently, she was referring to Kaoru.
She scowled, but was inwardly pleased for numerous reasons. Everyone knew that Kenshin and Kaoru belonged together. Even those who did not believe in soul mates were forced to consider it a possibility. If any two people deserved one another more, it was those two. Sano had told Megumi to meet him and had sounded so serious that she reluctantly agreed as a favor to Kaoru.
Why was it that Sano could make Megumi regret her rashness whenever he was around? And he was so cocky! He drove her crazy with his antics!
"I don't like you, or can you not get that through that thick skull of yours!" she yelled at him.
"Then why did you come?" Sano challenged slyly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Misao had decided to use her invest extra time wisely in a visit to Aoshi's house. Because her grandfather owned a restaurant and doted on her, it was easy for her to find two teacups and a pot of tea for her to bring to her love.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin smiled to himself. He loved spending time with Kaoru. Although he could never tell her how he truly felt about her, he would be satisfied with her presence. She made him feel a tranquility that he could not when she was not there. He would never pass up an opportunity to be close to Kaoru, so he had no complaints when she called him and asked him over.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The friendly little girls had taken an instant liking to Kenshin when Kaoru had first introduced them to each other.
"Ken-nii, Ken-nii!" Suzume shouted.
"Can you play with us?" asked Ayame.
"Yeah, play!" echoed Suzume, who looked up to her older sister.
Kaoru smiled at the picture the three of them made. It was one of the rare occasions where Kenshin could be seen so lighthearted and carefree. Kenshin was laughing as he chased the girls in the front yard in a game of tag. Kaoru took the chance to study him carefully soaking in each detail of his striking features. She then imprinted these images in her memory.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After Kaoru and Kenshin brought the girls back to Dr. Genzai's clinic, Kaoru saw that Kenshin had grown quieter, his eyes more subdued instead of brimming with joy as she had seen in him before. Before he left, she spoke to him softly, "You know that if you ever need someone to talk to, you can come to me."
______________________________________________________________________
Author's Note: I thought I'd have more reviews by now. *pouts* Is it just because my title isn't interesting enough or is it the plot? I promise not to stray from the story line too much, but as for the title, it does have to do with the story. My constant writer's block, on the other hand, is something I'm helpless against, so I blame that if anyone wants to criticize me. (This goes especially for this chapter.) To flyinangel777, Califpinay3001, vindemon64, Mercses, Kitsune KeNsHiN, and Yurikkuna: thank you so much for taking the time to review my story for me. I hope you'll keep reading!
flyinangel777: That was a really good question about how people got the idea about Kaoru smelling like jasmine. And, to tell you the truth I'm not sure. I *cough cough* have read it in so many fan fics that I just thought it had to be true (some people say she smells like sakura. Other than that, I'd like to think my work is original). If it were in the anime, I guess I missed it too I'm not lucky enough to have found the manga being sold anywhere if it's in that. My last two theories: jasmine just smells nice in general or (and I took the time to look this up) jasmine means amiability, elegance, and grace ( in flower symbolism).
vindemon64: Does that mean you actually thought it was okay? *grins like an idiot* (Please don't tell me I am one.) I've read some of your fan fic before and I know you're a lot better than I am at characterizations.
Merceses: Yay! You reviewed again! Now tell "Amber" to as well.
Kitsune KeNsHiN: You're welcome as always!
This goes for everyone, if people have any questions that I might be able to answer, feel free to ask! Or if you just feel like talking. Contact by e-mail, AIM, or just through reviews (check my profile, if you need the info).
Disclaimer: You think that if I say I don't own Rurouni Kenshin enough times, I might? Okay, okay, you don't have to get my hopes down. That was a rhetorical question.
The Love of Life
Chapter 6: Sense of Belonging
By CrismHeart
August 24, 2003
Kenshin had not been going to his secret haven as frequently. For the past month, he had established a weekly ritual with his newfound friends. They would manage to keep Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons free so they could hang out with one another. As Kenshin spent more and more time with them, his mind began to clash with his heart.
Kenshin smiled when he thought of his friends. Actually, it was probably more fitting to call them his family. Nothing was ever normal when they were concerned, but it felt so right being there with all of them. He felt that he belonged. Yet there was that nagging feeling in the back of his mind telling him that he could never be accepted. How could he with his gruesome past? Kenshin was a cold-blooded murderer, not worthy of this life. He only stayed alive to make amends for the past. Ending his life would have been the easy way out. He was ashamed for deceiving them and taking advantage of their hospitality.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru caught herself daydreaming. She knew that if her friends saw her now, they would probably double over with laughter. Well, that or be overly concerned thinking that something were wrong with her. Kaoru was spirited, the side of her that she let everyone see, that is. Deep down, she was depressed. Sometimes it was nice not having to face the real world, even if she knew she would eventually have to. She thought to herself how strange it was that even nearby, Kenshin could be so far away. She could tell that although he tried to cover up his thoughts and feelings in the company of others, his eyes betrayed that distant look of someone sad, someone pained, someone lonely- someone like herself. It was true that he hid his emotions well. No one else ever seemed to notice, except for Kaoru.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The last time Kenshin, Kaoru, Sano, Megumi, Aoshi, and Misao had gone to the Akabeko together, Tae had motioned to everyone, except for Kenshin and Kaoru, and told them she needed to have a little "discussion" with them. She wanted them to allow Kenshin and Kaoru to spend as much quality time with each other without the rest of the group getting in the way. Tae had made implied some death threats in her tone and Sano was officially spooked. He thought to himself, "Women can be really scary when they're angry."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In Kaoru's opinion, everyone had come up with pretty lame excuses to skip their plans for Sunday. At first, she was upset that they had not wanted to go anywhere with her. Why the sudden change? Then, she became mad. There's has to be something going on! The most unpredictable mood she became was one of delight. Her cunning mind had led her to believe that her friends "were too busy to do anything" because they were, in fact, on dates.
Kaoru snickered at the thought of Misao and Aoshi. She did not understand why anyone in their right mind would be in love with someone as cold as Aoshi. Of course, Misao's mental state could be disputable and if she had really wanted the answer to that question, she had no doubt that Misao would be rattling off all of Aoshi's finest characteristics for hours. She had to hand it to Misao, her best friend definitely had persistence. Sano and Megumi on the other hand were a different story. Their love-hate relationship was especially amusing.
The only person that was available to do anything was Kenshin. Kaoru had to watch her cousins, six year old Ayame and four year old Suzume because Megumi had to "do something." She had also suggested for Kaoru to ask Kenshin to help.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"The things I do for her!" Megumi muttered under her breath. Apparently, she was referring to Kaoru.
She scowled, but was inwardly pleased for numerous reasons. Everyone knew that Kenshin and Kaoru belonged together. Even those who did not believe in soul mates were forced to consider it a possibility. If any two people deserved one another more, it was those two. Sano had told Megumi to meet him and had sounded so serious that she reluctantly agreed as a favor to Kaoru.
Why was it that Sano could make Megumi regret her rashness whenever he was around? And he was so cocky! He drove her crazy with his antics!
"I don't like you, or can you not get that through that thick skull of yours!" she yelled at him.
"Then why did you come?" Sano challenged slyly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Misao had decided to use her invest extra time wisely in a visit to Aoshi's house. Because her grandfather owned a restaurant and doted on her, it was easy for her to find two teacups and a pot of tea for her to bring to her love.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin smiled to himself. He loved spending time with Kaoru. Although he could never tell her how he truly felt about her, he would be satisfied with her presence. She made him feel a tranquility that he could not when she was not there. He would never pass up an opportunity to be close to Kaoru, so he had no complaints when she called him and asked him over.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The friendly little girls had taken an instant liking to Kenshin when Kaoru had first introduced them to each other.
"Ken-nii, Ken-nii!" Suzume shouted.
"Can you play with us?" asked Ayame.
"Yeah, play!" echoed Suzume, who looked up to her older sister.
Kaoru smiled at the picture the three of them made. It was one of the rare occasions where Kenshin could be seen so lighthearted and carefree. Kenshin was laughing as he chased the girls in the front yard in a game of tag. Kaoru took the chance to study him carefully soaking in each detail of his striking features. She then imprinted these images in her memory.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After Kaoru and Kenshin brought the girls back to Dr. Genzai's clinic, Kaoru saw that Kenshin had grown quieter, his eyes more subdued instead of brimming with joy as she had seen in him before. Before he left, she spoke to him softly, "You know that if you ever need someone to talk to, you can come to me."
______________________________________________________________________
Author's Note: I thought I'd have more reviews by now. *pouts* Is it just because my title isn't interesting enough or is it the plot? I promise not to stray from the story line too much, but as for the title, it does have to do with the story. My constant writer's block, on the other hand, is something I'm helpless against, so I blame that if anyone wants to criticize me. (This goes especially for this chapter.) To flyinangel777, Califpinay3001, vindemon64, Mercses, Kitsune KeNsHiN, and Yurikkuna: thank you so much for taking the time to review my story for me. I hope you'll keep reading!
flyinangel777: That was a really good question about how people got the idea about Kaoru smelling like jasmine. And, to tell you the truth I'm not sure. I *cough cough* have read it in so many fan fics that I just thought it had to be true (some people say she smells like sakura. Other than that, I'd like to think my work is original). If it were in the anime, I guess I missed it too I'm not lucky enough to have found the manga being sold anywhere if it's in that. My last two theories: jasmine just smells nice in general or (and I took the time to look this up) jasmine means amiability, elegance, and grace ( in flower symbolism).
vindemon64: Does that mean you actually thought it was okay? *grins like an idiot* (Please don't tell me I am one.) I've read some of your fan fic before and I know you're a lot better than I am at characterizations.
Merceses: Yay! You reviewed again! Now tell "Amber" to as well.
Kitsune KeNsHiN: You're welcome as always!
This goes for everyone, if people have any questions that I might be able to answer, feel free to ask! Or if you just feel like talking. Contact by e-mail, AIM, or just through reviews (check my profile, if you need the info).