Chapter Eight

      Kaoru snuggled further into the blankets as dawn approached.  She moved around a bit more, searching for that additional warmth that had been with her for the entire evening.  Realizing it had gone she opened her eyes.  Kenshin had left the bed.  She sat up pulling the covers with her, covering her upper nude body.  She spotted the ex-hitokiri sitting in the far corner of the room, his katana propped up against his shoulder, his head bowed.

"Kenshin…" she whispered, she could not tell if he had fallen a sleep. 

A minute of silence passed before he spoke up, "Aa…"

"Won't you come back to bed?" she asked softly, "it's cold sitting like that."

      Kenshin raised his head and looked at her.  "Aa."  He walked back over to the futon and slipped back in.  Kaoru was quick to snuggle back into his body.  Her hands played with the ties of his yukata, eager to have contact with his bare skin again.  A few seconds later the yukata was off, and she let out a satisfied sigh, running a hand gently up and down his chest.

      Of course, the red-head did not mind.  He was quite drawn to the girl.  Though she came from a brothel, she still held that innocence that he knew he had lost forever, the innocence being her unstained hands.  It was this innocence that pulled him the most to Kaoru.  Yet, Kenshin still felt guilty for taking so much pleasure from another woman, a woman who was not Tomoe.  His Shishou had scolded him many times that he should not wallow in the past.  Of course he could not, nor did he even want to remember how many times his friends had reminded him of that as well.

      Kaoru had told him that she did not mind that he had loved another.  However, those words still did not manage to soothe him.  It was difficult to put away that memory of Tomoe.  How could he do such a thing?  Especially when he caused her death?  His thoughts continued as he listened to Kaoru's even breathing.  She had fallen a sleep, her head resting on his chest.  His mind began to reflect back to that snowy day when Tomoe had died in his arms.  He had been blinded by his opponents, and did not see where he was swinging his katana.  When his vision cleared he found his wife on the ground, her crimson blood soaking into the snow.  "I wonder if Kaoru will still want me, if she learnt about that…" he thought bitterly to himself. 

"I wish you would stop torturing yourself, it's been five years," an inner voice mused.  Yes, part of him did want to overstep this part of his past life, but the other part of him refused.

"Kenshin…" Kaoru mumbled in her sleep.

      The ex-hitokiri could not help but smile at that.  She was dreaming about him.  Using his free hand Kenshin stroked her hair, causing her to snuggle in even closer.  His heart was torn now, and he was not sure what to do.  "No matter," he thought, "there are other things that I must attend to first."

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"Where is that baka deshi of mine?" Hiko Seijiro muttered as he sipped on his sake, "and that Rooster-head…"

      Aoshi shrugged as he sat on a chair, waiting for his friends. 

"There's no point in having one of you here, I'll call you back later Aoshi," Hiko said.  "But thanks for actually being on time, not like the two other bakas."

"Hai."  The tall raven-haired man walked out of the room and back into his.  In the study room he found Misao sharpening her kunai.  "Misao-chan."

"Aoshi!" she chirped quickly with a smile. 

      The young man could not resist a smile.  Even at worse times like these, when they began to wade deeper into trouble with their opponents, Misao still managed to smile and brighten people up around her.  That was a quality that he loved about her.  "Do you have anything to do today?" he asked her.

"I don't know, perhaps go shopping with Tae if she wants me to.  Maybe train."  She grinned wickedly and suddenly threw a kunai at Aoshi. 

      He caught the kunai by its handle.  "What did I tell you about throwing kunai at me?" he asked, his voice a slight tease.  The raven-haired man took a seat beside his lover.

"Mou…just wanted to see if you were still fast," she replied before she went back to sharpening her favourite kunai set.  "Sigh…I have nothing to do here.  And since we're not allowed to participate in the mission, I'm stuck here doing nothing."

"I know you don't like sitting around, but these missions are too dangerous for you.  Even for us it's quite challenging," Aoshi admitted. 

"Hhmph…you guys have all the fun," she pouted as she gathered up her now sharpened kunai.  "Heyyy…aren't you supposed to be in a meeting with Hiko-sama?"

"The others are not up yet."

"That's strange, for Kenshin I mean."

"Aa…"

"Play with me?" she suddenly asked.

      Aoshi blinked once.  "Nani?"

"Play with me, I'm bored…" she pouted again as she played with one kunai.

"Ano…" She leaned in and kissed him softly.  "Kawaii…" he murmured as he brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek.

"So you will play with me then."

      The raven-haired man laughed, "How old are you?"

"Mou…spoil sport," she huffed as she got up.  She was abruptly pulled back into Aoshi's arms. 

"Come back here," he breathed into her ear.  Misao giggled and curled up in his lap.  It was not uncommon for the girl to bring out her inner child in front of Aoshi, especially when she was bored.  "Bored already koibito?  It's only morning," he murmured as he kissed her neck once.

"Uh huh…"

"What do you usually do when you're bored?"

"Bother you," she replied turning her head and giving him a cute smile.

"I do wonder about your age sometimes Misao-chan."  The girl did not reply.  All she did was kiss him.

      Breaking off the kiss, she was cradled in Aoshi's lap.  They remained in the embrace for some time, both silent, just enjoying one another's company. 

"Ne Aoshi…" Misao spoke up later.

"Mm?"

"Do you think Kaoru-chan is really the girl for Kenshin?"

"I don't know.  I can't see into the future…" the raven-haired man replied with a soft smile. 

      Misao replied quickly, "He does seem happier doesn't he?  I haven't seen him smile that much in a long time, not since before the war.  And that softness behind his eyes, you can see it reflected clearly without having to strain these days," the girl paused, it was almost as if she was thinking out loud to herself, "Yet, sometimes you can still see him wrestling with another part of himself, the past that refuses to let go."

"Aa."

      Another period of silence passed between the lovers.  Misao had felt slightly chilly and pulled a blanket around Aoshi and herself.  "Ne Aoshi…do you remember the first time you met me?"

"So many questions today Misao-chan," Aoshi commented wrapping his arms tighter around his love.

"Mou…" she frowned and gently nudged his hard stomach with her elbow.

      Aoshi kissed away the frown and answered, "Of course I remember the first time I met you.  I was only aware of a little girl living in the Aoiya at that time.  I never saw her much, since she was always in another area with Okina and them.  But I did always hear her laughing.  How I met you…I found you crying on the roof, kami-sama knows how you got up there.  You were only five."

"And you got me off the roof, I don't know how either, since you were only eleven."

"…after meeting me," Aoshi continued to reminiscence, "you always kept on following me around.  Even after I became the Okashira it was difficult for you to let go of me and begin calling me Aoshi-sama."

"Aoshi-nii-chan was fun to be around with," Misao replied.

      One of the Okashira's hands laced through Misao's.  "Aa…and it was fun to be around the chibi of the clan.  She brightened everybody up around her, even me."  Aoshi smiled, "But when I came back from the war, the chibi was gone, and was replaced by a budding young girl."

"You were so stubborn back then, and still are…silly man," she replied bringing up their laced hands and kissed one of his knuckles.  "Took you long enough to notice me…hhmph."

"I didn't want to hurt you."

"I think ignoring me hurt me more…"

"I know…gomen…" he whispered.  "Aishiteru Misao-chan…"

"Aishiteru Aoshi-anata…" the girl replied.

"Zutto…" Aoshi murmured as turned Misao's body slightly and kissed her.

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      In the room next to theirs, finally Kenshin stirred from his sleep.  He turned his head slightly looked at the clock…and promptly groaned.  He had over slept, by two hours.  His Shishou would have his head.  "Kaoru…" he whispered, gently shaking the girl still cuddled up next to him.  "Koishii…"

      She moved a bit to lie on her back.  Opening her eyes she let out a yawn before snuggling back into Kenshin's body.  "Last night was wonderful," she purred, one hand idly tracing a strange pattern on his stomach.

      A small smile of masculine satisfaction graced the ex-hitokiri's lips.  "Honto…"

"Aa…mmm…" she replied leaning in and kissing his chest once, letting her tongue flick out and taste his flesh.

      Kenshin bit back a groan.  He needed to get out of bed, but at this rate, Kaoru would have him in her hands for the rest of the day.  "You little vixen," he managed to hiss as he felt her tongue brush his nipple.  "I need to get out of bed."

"Oh really," she drawled, her hands moving lower…

"Kaoru…onegai…let me go," he murmured catching her wrist before it could venture into even more dangerous territory.  The girl pouted at him before kissing him playfully.  "I never knew I could bring this side out of you," he said as he brushed a piece of hair away from her eyes.

"A girl likes to have fun," she said with a wicked grin, surprising him suddenly because she got out of bed first.  She stood up and stretched, before picking up her underclothes that had been discarded haphazardly the night before.

      Kenshin shook his head as he got up himself.  In a few minutes he was quickly dressed and almost stepped out of the room, before he remembered something.  Turning back he went to a chest where he kept his weapons, and clothes he used when he was out on their missions.  Opening the heavy oak chest he brought out a sheathed katana.

"Kaoru…"

"Mmm?"

"This is for you."

      The girl took the sheathed katana out of the ex-assasin's hands.  "This is…" she unsheathed the sword and studied the blade.

"Hai…it is an actual katana.  I want you to train with this from now on.  That wooden play thing you were originally trained with will not help you now."

      Kaoru stared at the sword, not taking her eyes off as she responded, "Kamiya Kasshin was not meant to harm the living, but rather protect."

"Iie, that is not what the sword is for," Kenshin replied shaking his head.  "Do not be disillusioned.  You must learn to use the katana."

      She raised her head and looked at Kenshin evenly. "Are you trying to tell me that I should disrespect the core of my father's teachings?  I am sorry, I cannot." 

The raven-haired girl gave the sword back to Kenshin, but he pushed it back to her.  "The sword is double-edged.  Yes, we use swords to protect.  But in order to protect using this weapon, we must kill."

      The girl shook her head.  "Iie."

      Before she knew it, Kenshin had her pushed back against the wall, one palm flat beside her cheek.  The sword had fallen with a loud clatter on the floor.  His face was now mere inches away from hers.  Kaoru raised her eyes to meet his.  Hers widened when she found his eyes had now become an amber colour.  The eyes of Battousai, the man that had shown her a new realm of pleasures just the night before.  "I do not want to resort to force," he murmured, his voice a low growl.  "Demo…you must learn to use this weapon.  You cannot protect yourself with that measly wooden thing.  Keep in mind that if you cannot protect yourself, then you should not be in a place like this."

"I…"

"You will learn to use the katana, like Misao-san, and Megumi-san have learnt to use their weapons proficiently."  With a softer tone he continued, one hand stroking her cheek.  "I just want to keep you safe.  I am drawn to you, and I am not sure why.  Promise me, you will pick up this weapon."

      Kaoru lowered her eyes.

"Promise me!"

"H-hai…" she stuttered, awed by the sheer power that the infamous hitokiri Battousai held.

"Arigatou," he breathed.  Tilting her head up so she looking at him once again, he leaned in to press his lips with hers.  Promptly the young girl melted into his arms, quickly twining both arms around his neck.  Her tongue demanded entrance to meet with his.  A few minutes later both reluctantly broke off.  "Finish dressing," Kenshin murmured as he kissed her cheek, "I will ask Tae to prepare us a late breakfast."

      The girl nodded as she tried to mentally clear her passion clogged mind.  When Kenshin left, she finished dressing.  Then she walked downstairs to their study.  Sitting next to the window seat was her bokkan.  She placed it into a closet that held other miscellaneous items belonging to her. 

Hefting the katana in her hand she closed her eyes, and opened them a few seconds later.  Then she placed the weapon in the empty place that had been occupied before by the bokkan.  She sighed and opened the window.  Looking up into the sky she closed her eyes again.  "Gomen nasai…Otou-san…"

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"You two are screwed," Aoshi said with a smirk as three young men were called into Hiko's office after lunch.

"Don't start…" the spiky-haired man warned.  "Last night was really rough.  I didn't get to sleep until five or so."

      Kenshin rolled his eyes, "My ass."  They entered the office room, and were met by a scowling Hiko.  "Gomen nasai Shishou…" the ex-hitokiri murmured bowing his head slightly.

"I did not bring in Kaoru for you so you two could frolic until the wee hours of the morning, and then sleep in late.  You are aware that Daisuke-san is dead right?" Hiko said sarcastically.

"Hai."

"Well it doesn't seem like it.  I do wonder about your head sometimes baka deshi…"

"You got it on with Jou-chan last night?" Sano asked with a grin.

"…"

      The spiky-haired man patted Kenshin on the back.  "You go man, how was it?"

"Sano!"

"Sorry…"

"Rooster-head, pay attention!" Hiko boomed.  "Have a seat all three of you.  So what are your plans for tonight?  Assuming if any of you thought of any."

      Aoshi spoke up, "I will check in with the Aoiya today to see if they perhaps have more information.  I believe the three of us will take a deeper sweep of the Underground's areas tonight.  As well trained as the Oniwanbanshu are, I regret that they have not discovered any information pertaining to the murders."

"…and the government officials still think it is the work of terrorists," Hiko muttered to himself as he poured himself another cup of sake.  "That sounds reasonably.  Do any of you two bakas have any input…or are your brains still fried?"

"I was hoping that I could sweep the forests rather than the town this time.  There are rumours of their main base being in the forest," Kenshin said.

      Sanosuke scratched his head, "Hmm…I think that would be the best for the three of us.  We didn't find too much at their tea-houses."

      Hiko nodded.  "Fine, just make sure you don't leave any traces, and you don't get yourselves killed."

"Awww…the old man's showing some care!" the spiky-haired man teased.

      Hiko grunted, "You are my responsibility.  Now get out of here.  I have some work to do.  Oh, and you three owe me reports from the last sweep you did a few nights ago."

"Hai," the three answered, before leaving the room. 

As they walked along the hall Sanosuke spoke up, "Do you ever stop to think that Hiko needs a woman in his life?"

"He's a self-professed bachelor remember?" the raven-haired man reminded him.

"Bachelor my ass," the spiky-haired man brushed off.

A.N: Waiii…thank you for all the reviews minna-san!  I feel so special…hence an update, again!  And it's probably been only two weeks.  A new record for me ne?  Sorry if this chapter is a little slow.  Next chapter should be quite interesting, with our three boys going out for a sweep.  Who knows whom they might encounter when it comes to the Underground.  Taki and Ryo?  Being seduced by Ryo maybe?  Hee hee…oh, and if any Weiss Kreuz fans read this little author's note.  Would you guys be interested if I wrote a Ran x Ken story, where all four boys go undercover as a J-rock group?  Okies…that's all for now…thank you for reading!        

Jason M. Lee: Thanks for the tip about "Battousai"…didn't realize it. :P