Sorry!  I was suffering from writer's block.  Well, it's kind of one of those necessary, but not fun chapters.  I always hate writing those.  Anyway, hope you enjoy at least a little!

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

Chapter 6: Voyage On The High Seas

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Kaoru unpacked the last of her belongings and flopped onto one of the western style beds in the cabin she shared with Misao.  "I still have reservations.  I mean, I know it's the right thing to do, but what if something goes wrong while we're away?"

Misao put a hand on her hip.  "Kaoru, none of those men are helpless.  They may act a little clueless sometimes, but in a pinch, they know what to do.  Don't worry so much and just have a good time while we're away."

"I know."  She turned her head to check the clock on the wall.  "It's almost dinner time.  We should start getting ready."

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Misao tugged on her obi as they made their way through the wide corridor leading to the dining area.  "I've never had dinner on a ship before.  This is kind of exciting!"

Kaoru smiled widely at her friend.  "This is exciting.  And I hate to admit it, but it's kind of nice to just let go and not worry about what Kenshin may be thinking or if Yahiko is minding his manners or if Megumi is going to start flirting with Ken--- Oh.  My.  God."

Misao looked around on alert, wondering what was upsetting Kaoru.  "I don't see anything, Kaoru. We're the only ones in the hall right now.  What's wrong?"

"I know Megumi promised not to flirt with Kenshin, but she's one sly, wicked woman.  I bet she's got her paws all over him right now!"  In Kaoru's mind she saw a Megumi with fangs advancing with clawed hands on a defenseless and cowering-in-the-corner Kenshin.

Misao shook her head.  "Kaoru, Kaoru, Kaoru.  Kenshin is FINE.  Megumi may be a slimy, older woman.  But she wouldn't break a promise and you know it.  Remember what she said in Kyoto after the Shishio incident?  She knows you and Kenshin belong together.  She still flirts but I'm sure it's mainly to irritate you."

Kaoru took a deep, slow breath.  "You're right.  Let's just relax and have fun!"

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In Japan

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"I kind of miss, Ugly."  Yahiko poked at his rice, stirring it in his bowl.

Kenshin smiled gently at him.  "I think we all miss her and Misao-dono.  But, I'm sure the year will be up before we know it!"  He paused with a ponderous expression on his face.

Sanosuke eyed Kenshin.  "What are you thinking?"

"Well, you know how Kaoru-dono has always wanted to repair a lot of the small things around the dojo, but never has the money?"

Sanosuke nodded slowly.  He didn't like where this was going.  Not one bit.

"I'm sure if we got jobs and did those repairs for her, the year would seem to go by a little faster than if we just sat around waiting.  Plus, it would be a nice coming home gift."  He finished with a wide smile, quite proud of his idea. 

Sanosuke started to stand.  Yup, it was headed right where he feared it would.  "Well, thanks for the food.  I guess I better be going."

Kenshin glared at the young fighter and he hung his head.  "I can't get out of this, can I?"

Kenshin shook his head slowly, red bangs occasionally obscuring the serious violet gaze.  "We all will pitch in.  I'm going to see Chief Uramura tomorrow about a position.  You should come with me, Sano.  As for Yahiko, he already helps at the Akabeko and Aoshi is helping out by keeping Yahiko's skills sharp."

Sanosuke plopped back down, defeated.  "All right.  I'll go with you tomorrow."

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Back on the Ship

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As Kaoru and Misao entered the large dining area, they gasped in awe.  There were large round tables everywhere with western style chairs that had high backs and armrests with puffy cushions.  The walls were adorned with various paintings and painted a deep maroon color.  In the center of

each table was a single long candle sitting in the middle of a bouquet of flowers.  Waiters in formal suits were pushing around carts and serving food to the guests while a small orchestra played in one corner. 

The girls took their seats at one of the tables and Kaoru eyed the utensils around her.   "Misao, I don't know how to use these western things."

Misao held back her giggle at her friend's bewildered expression.  "Don't worry.  Just follow my lead."

Kaoru sighed.  "I'm glad you know all this stuff."

"Hey!  I'm a ninja!"

While they waited for their food, a young woman who looked to be just a few years older than them entered with a stately looking gentleman with salt and pepper hair and kind but dark brown eyes.  The woman took the seat next to Misao and the older gentleman followed sitting next to the young woman. 

"Hi.  My name's Isabella."

Misao smiled as she inclined her head.  "I'm Misao.  Nice to meet you. And this is my friend, Kaoru."

Isabella smiled at both of them.  "First time on a ship?"

Kaoru nodded.  "Well, we've been on boats before, but nothing this extravagant."

Isabella bobbed her head.  "This is one of the nicer ones around these days.  Oh, forgive my manners.  This is my father, Peter Samson."

The man nodded in greeting.  "Please forgive my daughter's ramblings.  She gets excited when we go on trips together."

Misao waved her hands.  "Actually it's kind of nice to meet someone who seems to know about sea travel.  You said this is one of the nicer ships out there, so you've sailed before?"

Isabella giggled as she nodded, her light brown curls bouncing around her face.  "I love to sail!  It's so exciting to see new places and meet new people, learn about different cultures.  It's my favorite thing to do!"

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Kaoru kept glancing at Isabella all through dinner.  She was extremely beautiful.  Her hair was swept up into a bun with a bit left hanging in a ponytail coming from the bun, her bangs and the hair on the sides of her face coifed into tight curls and a few strands of white string artfully woven into her tresses.  Her complexion was fair, with a becoming pink permanently staining her cheeks and her lips tinged a glossy red.  Her dress was a cream silk, the bottom a hoop skirt with a fitted top adorned with pearls and beads here and there.  And if that wasn't enough, her eyes were deep black and glittered like bits of onyx. 

I feel so plain sitting near her.  She's like a princess.  Kaoru looked into her soup bowl and tried to get a glimpse of herself, but the liquid didn't give much of a reflection. 

As dinner wound down, Isabella turned excitedly to her new friends.  "We should all go to the ladies' lounge later.  We can sit around and chat about books or do needle-work or play card games.  It's a great place to be in the evening hours.  Most of the ladies' go there and you can meet all sorts of people!"

Misao smiled at her exuberance.  "It does sound like fun, but I think I'll have to take you up on that later.  I'm so worn out tonight."

Isabella made an 'o' shape with her mouth.  "I forgot it's your first time at sea.  It is a little tiring at first.  You get used to it though.  We'll go some other time.  Just make sure to meet me here for dinner every night so we can talk some more."  She winked at the girls and they all went their separate ways. 

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A/N: Short and boring, but I had to introduce Isabella.  She's important!!!  Anyway, hope you were able to read this without falling asleep and next chapter will be more entertaining.  I promise!  Hugs & Kisses and please review!