Karta: Hello! I'm sorry for the long, long, LONG wait in between chapters but I was at a loss as to how to continue. School has also been taking it's toll but, in twelve school days I'll be on summer break, then much writing will be done!

I also have an idea for the next chapter which will probably help me have it out faster. Oh and if this chapter really sucks, tell me. I'll feel bad for awhile, but I think it's best if I know my writing's horribly flawed and boring. Anyway, thank you reviewers! You guys are too kind! Responding to a lazy procrastinator like me! Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: Let's see, I'm a thirteen year old girl of mostly Irish descent. Nope, I most certainly do not own Rurouni Kenshin. Not in this dimension anyway. . .

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"Alright Kenshin. This looks good." Karou took a step back and examined her work. Kenshin sighed with relief and slouched, to relieve his poor back muscles, a little bit anyway.

"Hey back strait." Karou snapped, the red-headed warrior obeyed with another sigh, "Okay. Now you can take that off and we'll get something to eat." Then, seeing Kenshin's confused face she added, "We may be broke, but fruit trees don't charge. Besides, I still have my garden."

"Oh."

"Kenshin you're not undressing."

"I'm sorry Karou-dono but..." Kenshin gestured at his light colored kimono, which featured a tasteful sakura blossom design, "I'm afraid I do not know how." His cheeks gained a light pink tinge.

"Ah. Well you can just wear that then." Karou shrugged, "You need the practice anyway."

"But Karou-dono..." Even Kenshin's hair seemed to droop with self-pity.

"Look Kenshin, do you want us to starve? How can you be so selfish!?" She demanded, stomping her foot for emphasis.

"I apologize, Karou-dono." It seemed to be Kenshin's day for sighs, "You are right; I would not want that. I will wear the dress."

"Oh good! Let's get started on lunch then!"

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Kenshin scrubbed the laundry with more force then he usually found necessary. After lunch Karou still did not offer to help remove his uncomfortable garments. He knew better than to ask.

Luckily no one had come by the dojo. . .

"Hello!" Kenshin looked up quickly, only to find himself staring at the cheerful face of Tae.

"Ahh!" He scampered back quickly, noting that this had to be the most embarrassing moment of his life.

"Why hello there. Are you a friend of Karou's?" Tae inquired politely. Kenshin was at a loss for words.

"Yes h- SHE is." Karou caught herself, "This is. . . Um. . . Katana. We're VERY close friends."

"But M- murph" Kenshin found a slim hand firmly clamped over his mouth.

"Yes indeed, friends." Karou nodded vigorously, "Now, why are you away from the Akabeko? Hm, Tae?"

"Oh, well it's my lunch break and I wanted to see why you needed to borrow a kimono, since I know you already have plenty. Oh, and believe me, I left the Akabeko in good hands." Tae explained.

"Yes well I suppose you can see why we needed a kimono." Karou gestured at the redhead formally known as Kenshin.

"Yes, and it does suit her nicely!" Tae smiled, "I understand not wanting to travel in or with such fragile garments. You may borrow my dress for as long as you like, Katana."

"Ah, thank you Tae- murph!"

"Okay well, you better be getting back Tae!" Karou dragged the other woman to the dojo gate, "I'm sure Tsubame is lonely without you!" Karou stated loudly cutting off any protests, "BYE!"

Kenshin was almost beyond relief as Tae left. That is until Karou turned to him.

"Kenshin, you messed up the obi bow I tied for you!" Karou pointed to the remains of the bow. She groaned and pulled Kenshin into a hug. Well he thought so anyway. . .

"Um, not to be rude Karou-dono, but why are you um. . ." Kenshin found it impossible to pull away from Karou's iron grip.

"Baka! I'm tying your obi again! If I do it from behind it won't look like YOU tied it and what girl can't tie her own obi?" Karou asked, with annoyance.

"Oh. Thank you Karou-dono." Kenshin mumbled softly.

Neither of the kimono clad dojo residents notice Tae scramble away seconds later.

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Note: An obi (like the one mentioned) is the large sash like ribbon worn around the waist of a kimono. I'm sure there's pictures of them all over the web. Look it up on google if you don't know what I'm talking about!

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Karta: Wow. That was short. It seemed so much longer while I was writing it. And it took. . . Let's see. . . About an HOUR! I'm really losing it. Hm. Well, when I'm not so tired I'll write more. Tomorrow afternoon I'll get started. Hopefully it'll be out the next day, or that day even!

(Math test+ Easy Basic Ed teacher= No homework!)

((Unless my math Teacher is Evil like usual. - _ -|))

(((When did I get so pathetic. . .)))

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