AN: Well... erm... AH HAHAHAHA ::laughs nervously:: So many have reviewed so far and that makes me really happy! I'm so glad you guys are enjoying this story! This story is now also hosted on Peony Tsang's web site Mini Oro (http://members.tripod.com/minioro/) A site dedicated to Himura Kenji! ^-^ I went to JACON 02 this weekend! I bought so much Kenshin stuff I'm thinking of making a website after I scan the stuff! OH! I also drew a fast ink drawing of Kenji and Shiori (http://www.mediaminer.org/fanart/view.php?id=39544) so check it out if you wish. \^0^/ That's all!
Disclaimer: Rorouni Kenshin and all its characters belong to Watuski and Jump comics, and that one company that made the DVD I own. ::laughs:: So don't sue I need that money to buy the rest of those DVDs.
Heart of a Wolf
Chapter 3
Kenji glared into a pair of amused red brown eyes and growled deep in his throat. One flaw in his perfect logic when the young Himura had invited the young girl to stay at his mother's dojo… Yahiko Myojin. After having to endure an hour of Shiori's disorganized conversational patterns, not eating anything but having to smell the wonderful food she had cooked and insisted on bringing with her… let's just say he wasn't in a good mood.
"Well," Kenji groaned at Yahiko's taunting voice as he glanced briefly at the little girl that stood partially next to the tall red head. "I see what distracted you for so long." Yahiko's current smile stretched farther across his face defying all logic. Yahiko's eyes dancing with good humor while Kenji glowered at him.
"Excuse me sir." Shiori bowed politely causing the young men to blink. "I would like to apologize for intruding and causing the Himuras such trouble. Kenji-san offered to help and walk me home. Please forgive me, sir, I did not mean to cause him to come home so late." Shiori bowed again this time leaving her head down casing the long locks to run over her shoulders.
Yahiko's eyes nearly left his face as he looked down at the little girl and then back at Kenji who wore a look of equal surprise. After a long pause Yahiko sighed and rubbed the back of his head with has hand. "Don't worry about Chibi-chan!" Shiori looked up and Yahiko winked at her causing a soft pink blush to appear on her cheeks. "Kenji's a good kid," Kenji scowled at the word 'kid' and was about to say something until Yahiko continued. "He loves to do good deeds. Although, you didn't have to come all the way over here at this hour to tell me, I would have believed him."
This time it was Kenji's turn to blush slightly. He coughed into his hand gaining the older man's attention. "Anou… her father is an acquaintance of dad's and is away on business. She was at home by herself and I offered her residence here until her father came back." Kenji refused to look at Yahiko in his eyes knowing full well that if he did there would be laugher dancing behind those brown eyes.
Yahiko once again regarded the tiny thing partially hiding behind Kenji almost afraid that he'd reject her and throw her out onto the street. There was something familiar about her though. She had the strangest eye coloring… light brown eyes that burned with an inner fire. Dark hair framed a pretty face with bangs cut jaggedly to fall somewhat into her eyes. She was slightly golden which only enhanced her eye color but the baby fat that still covered her face kept her sharper features rounded.
Yahiko pondered her familiar face more staring intently at her causing her to squirm under the careful look. "Your father left you home alone?" Shiori nodded nervously. Yahiko narrowed his slightly trying to figure her out. "How old are you?" He asked rather bluntly causing the child to squirm again.
Kenji silently crowed in triumph. Finally! He would find out her age!
Shiori hesitated a moment and then straightened her shoulders taking a deep breathe of air. "I'm eleven summers old. I'll be turning twelve in the next two weeks." She replied calmly in an even a voice as her heart could muster.
Yahiko stared at her his mouth slightly agape.
Kenji fell over.
Shiori just blushed.
Kenji's mind stopped functioning in the shock. He then quickly stood up and pointed a finger at her, opened his mouth, and said nothing. Shiori blinked and the blush growing. She tried to hide underneath her hair. Yahiko watched all of this passively inwardly he was screaming out 'NANI?!'
Kenji narrowed his violet eyes at her causing her to suck in her breath. "And your father left you alone?"
Shiori waited a moment pondering once again the odd look that crossed his features. "Papa has more important things to take care of than being home to watch over me and take care of the house." Shiori said in a serious note.
Kenji was about to make another comment before Yahiko interrupted him. "What does your father do… Um…" Yahiko blushed slightly. "I didn't get your name."
"Oh!" Shiori covered her mouth again with her chubby hands another blush spreading across her face. "I'm so sorry! My name is…" Shiori hesitated for a moment as Kenji and Yahiko stared expectedly. "My name is Fu-" A loud scream interrupted the raven haired girl.
"That came from…"
"… Okasan's room." Yahiko and Kenji bolted towards the Himuras' bedroom flinging the rice paper door open. Their hearts stopped beating for a moment as they saw Kaoru bent over Kenshin's still form.
'Father…' Kenji felt as if he was watching everything from someone else's eyes. He looked over to his father's face, it was so pale and looked so cold. Something roughly pushed him aside and bent down beside his father, another immediately moved taking his mother with him, but all he could do was stare. All around him the sounds of the room slowly drained away into nothingness leaving everything to play out without words. He watched as Shiori check his father's pulse and mention something towards him and Yahiko. He didn't hear what she said though and felt his knees weaken and then give out. His eyes never left his father's face though and he watched the dark haired girl bend over the older Himura's face back and placed her lips on his breathing air into his mouth. She did this once, twice, again and again he lost count how many times. Kenji felt so light headed so different. He didn't register Yahiko's calls to him didn't hear his mother's cries, everything was so dull. It was as if time slowed and the scenes were being played under water. The room began to spin slowly as darkness rimmed the corners of his eyes. He watched as one vibrate ki leave one body and enter the dull of another. Kenji felt his heart clenched tightly as lights flashed and danced before his eyes. He closed them hoping to somehow make the bright dots disappear but the spots followed him and he welcomed the darkness when it came over throwing the blinding lights.
His dreams tormented him that night. Blood covered everything even the moon that hung in the night sky. He cried out for the nightmare to stop that everything would just go away. He could smell the blood, taste it in his mouth. Cries echoed in his ears hounding him even as he closed them off. He cried. Tears that became red and thick. Small soft hands wiped them away and a soothing voice drove him farther into the darkness taking him away from the blood littered nightmare.
Kenji woke up slowly blinking violet blue eyes at the familiar wood ceiling. Soft breathing on his right alerted his senses and he turned his head to look. A black mass of shinning obsidian greeted his vision as soft rosy lips parted slightly mumbling in their sleep. Kenji then felt the weight of an arm slung across his chest and looked down at it carefully. It was honey colored and poked out from a crumbled blue kimono sleeve. Kenji turned his eyes back towards the sleeping child next to him and watched has her eyes moved behind her eye lids signifying that she was still dreaming. Dark, full lashes lay against her cheeks and he briefly wondered if they were as soft as they appeared to be. A dark strand fell across one of her rosy cheeks putting a strong contrast against the color of her skin and the darkness of her hair.
Kenji raised one of his hands and swept away the stray strand causing the tiny cherub to stir. Pink lips formed into a small pout as the delicate nose crunched up in annoyance. Kenji chuckled deeply at the sight, the sound rumbling in his chest.
Shiori felt her pillow bounce slightly while it made a funny rumbling sound. She lazily rubbed her eyes with one of her tiny hands while she sleepy murmured, "Nii-san?"
Kenji chuckled again a smile spreading across his handsome face. "Iie." Shiori's brown eyes snapped open and stared into Kenji's blue ones. She let out a small 'Eep!' before blushing scarlet and scrambling across the room muttering apologies. Kenji sat up gingerly and stared at her with laughing eyes. His red hair spilled over his barely restrained shaking shoulders as he tried to contain the laughter that she caused.
Shiori watched him carefully before she pouted and crossed her arms. "Mou!" She cried out indigently only to cause Kenji to laugh. He laughed loudly and so much that tears began to spill from his eyes. The red head clutched his sides as they began to ache and only laughed harder. Shiori looked at him as if he had grown another head and then proceeded to glare at him her eyes betraying the mirth in them. Soon she found herself laughing along with him before he settled down. The little girl looked at him for a moment. He seemed so young not at all like the troubled teen he seemed to be yesterday.
Kenji looked at her again a smile forming on his face. "Didn't your father teach it was rude to stare?" Shiori blushed again before looking away towards another wall. Kenji's heart swelled in good humor as he shook his head standing up. "You know, little girls shouldn't sleep in boys rooms."
"Baka! I used to sleep in my brothers' room all the time!" Shiori stuck her tongue out at him looking up, her breath catching in her throat. The morning light shone behind him giving his body a halo of light. His red locks appeared to be on fire as his violet blue eyes twinkled mischievously. He looked like an angel coming to speak with her.
"Don't tempt me." He replied huskily causing her eyes to open wide. He took two large strides over towards her and bent down to be at her level. "I may want…" Shiori backed up against the wall her heart pounding loudly in her ears. Her ears burned as the blood rushed to them. "…to do…" Kenji bent his face closer and closer his full lips moving slowly as he spoke to her. Shiori tried to swallow the lump that had suddenly appeared at her throat closing her eyes tightly. "THIS!" Shiori screamed as she felt his fingers touch sensitive spots lightly and quickly like soft feathers. Kenji burst out laughing and continued his torture as she desperately tried to bat his hands away.
"KenJIII!!!" She crowed before falling into a fit of laughter and giggles completely surrendering her body to him. Kenji was just having fun causing the little body to squirm under him. She attempted to somehow burrow further into the wall than she already was trying to escape his relentless tickling!
Little by little she crept her feet under her and once both legs were under her body did she attack. Kenji was too busy laughing at her that he was flat on his back before he realized what had happened. He blinked bewildered blue eyes as he tried to regain his breath and stop laughing. He looked up into a pair of gleaming golden brown eyes and felt a sense of dread come over him. It was the same look Yahiko often gave him before a prank was pulled.
Shiori grinned wolfishly her eyes glowing in happiness. "Your turn." The words were simple but immensely terrifying. And that was the beginning of Kenji's exhausting morning.
Tsubame watched the two a bit more before closing the shoji door and walking away a smile growing on her face. When she rounded the corner she found her husband leaning against the post before his presidio parents' room fast asleep in a very familiar pose. Her smile deepened as she walked over towards him and sat down next to him watching his chest rise and fall with the even breaths. She stroked his hair slightly causing his copper eyes to flutter open as she let her hand rest on his cheek.
"Ohayou, koshii." Yahiko whispered hoarsely as he returned Tsubame's beautiful smile.
"Ohayou gozaimasu, anata. I'm going to make breakfast for us." Her soft voice was so soothing to his aching heart. His eyes twinkled with love unbridled as he reached for her pulling her closer. He softly kissed her lips just brushing them against his but that mere touch caused his body to shiver. He wanted more, needed more and so he captured her lips with his placing all his love into that one kiss.
"Oi!" The two lovers separated quickly their faces flushed in embarrassment. Violet blue eyes twinkled as a devilish grin spread across Kenji's pale face. "Isn't it a little too early for that?" Yahiko glared in annoyance at the young teenager ready to scold him when soft laughter came from beside him causing him to look at the little girl who was once again partially behind him.
"Ohayou gozaimasu!" She bowed to both of them her bright smile rivaling the sun. "Gomen for our intrusion but we were on our way to the kitchen to make breakfast."
Tsubame giggled and nodded. "I suppose after all that you two must be very hungry!" Both children blushed at the comment.
Yahiko grinned like a cat that just caught the mouse. "Oh really? And just what exactly where you two doing?" Yahiko asked suggestively wiggling his eyebrows at the younger Himura.
"Urasai!" Kenji shouted his face bright red reaching to his roots; it was so hard to tell where his hair began. Yahiko laughed but continued to taunt the boy mercilessly. Kenji finally reached his limit and began to chase after his sensei with a shinai that came from seemingly nowhere. Yahiko laughed out loud but continued his taunts, just keeping out of Kenji's reach. Both girls laughed behind their hands at the boys' antics.
Shiori watched them for a little while longer before turning to the beautiful young woman beside her with a serious face. "Excuse me." Tsubame turned to the child that spoke to her a little shocked at the tone and look she was receiving. "How is Himura-san fairing?" Shiori noticed the pale look that crossed the older woman's face and bent her head down.
After a long pause Tsubame answered. "Kaoru-chan won't stop crying and I think… I think she caught whatever Kenshin-san had."
Shiori didn't say anything instead she looked over towards Yahiko and Kenji who had now turned the little escapade into a sparring session.. "He hasn't asked yet."
"Ee." Tsubame said as she also watched the two play fight. "I think he's a afraid to know."
"Ee." Shiori shuffled nervously. "He has every right to." Shiori took a deep sigh her small face taking on a far away look.
Tsubame continued to look at the childlike woman beside her. She recalled the events of the night before; she was so mature and serious not at all like the little girl she appeared to be.
Tsubame blinked cutely and titled her head to one side. "Gomen, could you repeat that?"
Shiori smiled and shook her head. "It is alright. I was just saying that I should start breakfast before those two finish; they're going to be very hungry after all that!"
"Yes, we should." Tsubame smiled. "And thank you Shiori-chan, for everything." Shiori blushed but said nothing. The boys had finally finished and were panting as they approached them. "I think they are ready for breakfast don't you?" Shiori giggled causing Kenji to look at her funny.
"Nani?" He asked and she smiled letting her hips swing along with her head.
"Nanimono ikkokumono-kun!" Shiori giggled as Yahiko barked out a laugh.
Kenji gave her a look and smirked. "Am I now tawainai-chan?" Shiori pouted and shook her fist at him.
"I am not silly!"
"And I am not hot tempered." Kenji responded smiling.
"Mou! See if I make you any breakfast!"
"Oh so chibi-chan can cook? Don't let her near the fire Tsubame-san she might burn the whole dojo down!" Tsubame giggled as Yahiko chuckled.
Shiori crossed her arms her with mild anger. "Baka ninjin!"
Yahiko barked another loud laugh as Kenji's eyebrow twitched at being called a 'stupid carrot.'
"Chiisai ookami!" Kenji retaliated and tried really hard not to laugh, but when she placed her chubby hands on her hips and her face turned red with embarrassment he couldn't help but laugh.
"Kenji-kun!" Tsubame said trying to hide her laughter at the two. "Don't tease her like that!"
"I can't help it if she is." Kenji shrugged and gave Shiori a lopsided grin. "But a kawaii ookami she is." Shiori turned up her nose at him but said nothing. Kenji chuckled and tried to get her attention again. "But why call me a 'ninjin' chiisai?"
"Because of you're red hair," Yahiko answered for her adding. "Kenji-CHAN!"
"YAHIKO!!" Kenji roared and once again began chasing after the young man. Tsubame smiled and shook her head turning towards Shiori. "Help me make breakfast Chiisai ookami?"
"Mou! I am not tiny!" Shiori said stamping her foot.
Kenji stood in front of his parents' bedroom door just watching it. He wanted to open it and confirm what he had been told, but he was hesitant. Kenji raised his hand towards the door and stopped. What if what they told him were lies? And he'd only confirm his worst nightmare? 'No.' He shook his head trying to clear away the stray thoughts. 'They wouldn't lie to me.' Kenji once again reached for the door his mind on the moment before.
Breakfast passed on as usual or rather as unusual in Shiori's case. She had never seen two grown men bicker over food like Kenji and Yahiko did. Sure it was funny but it was kind of disturbing at the same time. Tsubame never did anything to stop the two instead she would reprimand her husband from time to time about him trying to steal her or Shiori's food. Kenji would try to take the girls food rather he was intent on taking back what Yahiko took from him. Chops sticks went flying along with food sometimes but still Tsubame would say nothing. Shiori sweat dropped and thought, 'This people are so odd.'
"Kenji-kun?" Tsubame created another distraction for Kenji allowing Yahiko to take another of his pickles. "Could you please take this breakfast to your parents' room?" Everything stopped. Kenji looked at the food laden tray and said nothing. Shiori bit her bottom lip and was about to say something when Kenji reached out for the tray shakily.
'Courag Kenji, courage.' Kenji placed his hand on door and slid it open taking a step inside.
---- tsudzuku ----
AN: You know what? I had this chapter end a lot longer then I decided to split it up. Sorry for the cliff hanger but I didn't want to start going into the next chapter! I also drew a fast ink drawing of Kenji and Shiori (http://www.mediaminer.org/fanart/view.php?id=39544) so check it out if you wish.
Arrigato gozaimasu!
omi-sakura c.low: Hum... S----- H-----? Who could that be? ::giggles::
Marta: Thank you so much for you review it made me smile all day! ^-^ I have big plans for those two now that they are going to be in the same house! Hum... her father huh? Well...
Leila Winters: Yeah I was so sad in doing that too! I didn't want to but my story wouldn't have worked the way I wanted it to if she didn't die! ;_; Hee hee... I don't think he'll be too much of a charm once he finds out where Shiori is... or rather who she's with!
Gypsy-chan: Thanks! I try really hard with those two! Sometimes I wonder if I even get them going right! (especially Kenji he's so hard to work with! I'm really going to hate it when I bring in Shiori's father in.) Kill off Kenshin and Kaoru? Um... eh heh... ^^;; Well this story mainly revolves around Kenji and Shiori but there will be some parts with Kenshin and Kaoru in it since that's mostly Kenji's problem. Who's her father? Well...
Fanny M: Kill of Kenshin? ^^;; Oops...
fujifunmum: Thanks for reviewing!! I'm waiting for your next chapter too! First 'Hiko Explains It All' which made me laugh so hard and then that sweet K&K story! You are just too good!!
Oi! You! Ya you! You see that button? Press it and review! ^-^