Midnight Visitor 3

By: Jenice Coffey

Kenshin made his usual rounds on the dojo grounds. Making sure everything was secure. He would not let anything happen to his family, especially Kaoru. If anything were to happen to his beloved, Kenshin knew he would close off his heart to the world once more. Forever locked away in a sea of pain. He wouldn't be able to love anyone again because he was sure that he would go mad from grief.

Once the dojo was locked up and the torch fires put out, Kenshin dragged his exhausted body to his room. The lack of sleep compounded with the day's activities took a toll on him physically as well as emotionally. He sighed as he sat down against the wall and placed his sword carefully on his shoulder, Kenshin's heavy lavender eyes drifted as he fell into a deep dreamless sleep.

The constant tick, tick, ticking of the clock was the only sound that filled the small dojo. Once again the clock bells chimed midnight and once again Kenshin's dead wife appeared to the still sleeping ex-hitokiri. A ghost of a smile graced the dead woman's small lips. "Awaken my second love. We have much to discuss."

Kenshin slowly open his lovely lavender eyes. "You came back," he whispered reverently.

The ghost gave a soft laugh. "I told you I would be back. Now. Tell me what you have discovered."

Kenshin's beautiful eyes lit up. "The things she dose are for my benefit. She wants to prove herself to this unworthy one."

"She loves you, she wants to show you she is worthy of your love. That she can take care of herself, but like it or not she needs you Kenshin," Tomoe said quietly.

"As I need her," Kenshin admitted finally, out loud.

"You need each other. Especially in the dark days to come. You are all in danger."

That woke Kenshin up as if he was given a shot of rich coffee. "What kind of danger?" The swordsman asked frantically.

Tomoe shook her head gracefully. "I cannot see the danger, but I know it's coming." the ghost paused as if weighing her next words. "You must tell her how you feel. Overcome your self-doubt and hate before it is to late. You are no good to anyone like this."

"How do I tell her? I have never really courted a woman before," Kenshin asked, lowering his head so that his blood red hair fell over his eyes.

"Battousai knows how to gently woo her. I shall leave you know to think about this." With that she vanished.

Tomoe's words confused Kenshin greatly. Beyond death and blood what did Battousai know about courting a woman. Though Kaoru is not just any woman. She is my woman, Kenshin's inner voice said. He had to tell her. Maybe he could tell her flat out. No flowery words, just the plain truth. Or maybe he could come up with a romantic setting with candles and flowers.

Kenshin smiled as his eyes turned amber with anticipation and desire, He will tell Kaoru that he loved he, but he will do it his own way. As Kenshin fell asleep he allowed himself the fantasy of life with his lovely Kaoru by his side.

Dawn slid over the dojo, breaking through the harsh cold night. The occupants slowly awoke to the wonderful sent of breakfast. Sano was the first one to greet Kenshin in the kitchen. "Oyaho. Kenshin."

"Oyaho Sano," Kenshin greeted handing Sano a bowl of soup.

"You look like Hell buddy," Sano observed.

"This unworthy one did not sleep well," Kenshin said with a yawn for emphasis.

Sano gazed over at his friends with concern. "Something on your mind?"

Kenshin gave some thought to his words before he spoke. He could not tell his friend of the midnight visitor, but Kenshin did not want to lie to Sano. "I was thinking about the proper way to court Miss Kaoru that I was," Kenshin finally said, pouring soup into three more bowls.

Sano laughed happily for his friend and slapped Kenshin on the shoulder. "It's about time my friend." There was a hint of sadness in Sano's voice. He too had feelings for the raccoon girl, but now he would not be able to explore them. He dismissed his dismay telling himself that Kenshin and Kaoru deserved each other. "Do you need any help?"

Kenshin gave a thoughtful nod. "I would like you to keep Yahiko away from the dojo tonight, I have an idea on how to fix things up that I do."

Sano grinned from ear to ear. "Will do. You don't have to worry about that little punk spoiling everything."

"Thank you Sano," Kenshin said as he picked up the trays full of soup bowls and carried them out to Kaoru and Yahiko.

"Kenshin. Yahiko and I are going to be training all morning. You don't mind do you?" Kaoru asked sweetly.

"That is fine with me Miss Kaoru. I have some errands to run in town that I do," Kenshin said giving away nothing.

After breakfast, Kenshin walked into town. Sano had promised to do the chores while Kenshin was away. Kenshin smiled as he thought about Sano doing actual work. Though he trusted the ex-fighter for higher with his life, but to do work? That was a stretch even for Kenshin.

The young rurouni wandered through the venders looking for anything that would make the evening special. Kenshin purchased some flower from the flower vender and some scented candles. He also bought some things for a lovely meal. He had everything for their special night, but he felt that something was missing. He wanted to give her something nice to show her he loved her. Something she could keep forever.

As he passed a shop, something red and shinny caught his eye. Kenshin walked back and saw a solid heart shaped ruby on a gold chain. His lavender eyes rose to look at the shopkeeper questioningly and gave the old man a smile. "How much?"

The shopkeeper smiled back. "For you young man I'll cut the price in half." Kenshin pulled out what little money he had left, hoping it was enough. He handed the payment to the old man who didn't even count the money. The old shopkeeper handed the wide-eyed rurouni the necklace and gave a nod. "I hope your lady likes this gift young man."

Kenshin nodded and had the same hope. He was speechless as he went home to prepare for the evening having everything he needed.

Authors Note: What do you all think? Want to find out what Happens? Please review.