AN: Yeah I know this chapter seems to be deviating from the actual plot but it's not… really. I was going to write more but then it kinda went into like fifteen pages! Oro! Anyway there is a part in here just for Gypsy-Chan! She requested some K&K waffiness, so here you are girl! By the way I'm going to be taking a small break from this story because I am ignoring 2 Inuyasha stories and this one is making me stress out over it. I've never had a story do that to me before! Gomen ne!!

Disclaimer: Lord, Almighty Father, I promise to be a good Christian and pray everyday. Just please, please, please perform a miracle and let me own Kenshin. Oh and make a real life Battousai appear in my bed. Thank you. Amen.

Heart of a Wolf

Ch.5

The walk back home was something Kenji was starting to get used to. It was slowly starting to grow on him, the constant banter between the two and his nonchalant way of listening to the tiny girl beside him. He smiled slightly as Shiori once again ventured onto a new topic. What was it with her and that? Did she really find everything and anything that interesting? He glanced down at her remembering the few moments ago when she seemed so old and in so much pain. She was a mystery to him and one that he was determined to unravel.

A soft wind passed by ruffling their hair and Kenji watched it in fascination. She was pretty for her age, her features promising more as the years were to advance. Shiori was also fun, smart, a good cook, fascinating… Kenji was mesmerized just by her presence. Her ki shifted always beautiful, always an array of vibrant colors, concise… clear… yet she hided something within her. Guarded it preciously, almost afraid to let it out, to let it go.

"You know what Kenji-san?" The small, soft voice drew him from his musings.

"Kenji." The young Himura said abruptly interrupting the young girl's train of thoughts.

"Eh?" Shiori blinked cutely at the taller boy.

He gave her a lopsided smile. "Just call me Kenji. Kenji-san makes me sound so old." Shiori nodded smiling brightly as she grasped his hand in her tiny one. That caused a queer feeling to pass through the young man. It was something akin to a shock though surprisingly warm and comforting. What was it? He'd have to ask his mother about it later.

At the thought of his parents Kenji's mood darken slightly. He had meant every word he had said to Shiori even if she didn't want to hear it. He hated his father, everything about him. That man, the stupid rurouni, who always left him and his mother alone. Kenji frowned and narrowed his eyes slightly his thoughts in turmoil.

"Mm… I wonder when Papa is coming home." Shiori said absently watching the dirt collect on her white tabi. Kenji watched her face sadden slightly causing his heart to twist painfully. Why was that?

"What's your father like?" Kenji asked after a long silence. 'Why would he leave you alone? Doesn't he realize how special you are?' Kenji's mind came to screeching halt. Where had THAT come from? He shook his head as if to clear it.

Shiori squeezed his hand tightly in excitement her brown eyes shone brightly taking a lighter shade. "He's wonderful! Papa is really smart and horridly funny!" She giggled at something that Kenji didn't know about, a memory that he wasn't privy to. She watched the trees lining the road her eyes darkening but the soft smile stayed in place. "He's very handsome and kind though he hates to show it. He loved my mother very, very much..." The small girl cast her head down slightly pretending to watch her feet as they walked. Kenji looked at her worriedly as her grip loosened just slightly.

'That's why he… because I look… Mama… Papa… when are you coming home?' Shiori forced the tears back. She loved her father undoubtedly, more than anything she could think of, more than her self. But over the years since her mother's death she could feel how he couldn't stand to be around her for too long. Her face was a constant reminder to him of his once dead love. That was why he left. 'He leaves to get away from me… he hates me, Kenji and it hurts so much to know that. That's why you shouldn't say that about your father. I'm sure he loves you very much. I saw it in his eyes. He's a kind and gentle soul that loves everyone deeply. Don't hurt that love Kenji. Don't hate him because he loves you so much!'

Shiori closed her eyes into half moons hiding the tears that threatened to pour out again. "Papa is very strong and one of the best Police Captains that there are in Japan." She squeezed Kenji's hand tightly. "They call him away a lot because of that. He wants to protect Japan and me."

"If he wants to protect you than he should be here to do it and not be far away!" Kenji muttered bitterly, his jaw clenched tightly.

Shiori shook her head sending the black locks to dance about her face. "Iie. He protects me just fine from far away. He keeps the bad guys from destroying Japan and our peace. He fought in the Bakumatsu No Duran and doesn't want anyone one of his children to go through what he went through, so he keeps Japan safe and gives us happiness." Shiori smiled and released Kenji's hand running a few steps foreword. She was afraid if she kept talking then he'd see her sad and ask what was wrong. She didn't want to talk about it, didn't want to think about it anymore. There were other things more important at the moment. The Himuras' health and Kenji's obvious dislike for his father. Didn't he know how lucky he was? Couldn't he see?

Kenji watched Shiori his heart laden with heaviness. Her voice and movements may have been able to disguise her true feelings but he saw through those routine motions. Kenji saw once again the hurt and loneliness he had seen the first time he meet her. His heart twisted once again as he continued to watch her walk ahead of him. 'How do I stop this pain? Has she always been like that? Trained to act like a doll?'

Kenji's mind whirled and an idea popped into his head. The auburn haired youth quickened his steps until it became a soft jog passing the raven haired child quickly. "Chiisai! I'll race you to the dojo!" Kenji kept running slowly knowing that in a kimono there was no way the young thing was going to keep up with his longer strides.

"Mou Kenji! I'm wearing a kimono!" Despite her protests Shiori raced after Kenji who chuckled at her while throwing insults over his shoulders.

"Kawaisou!" Kenji stuck his tongue out at the girl and held back the chuckle as her face flushed indigently.

"Baka!" Shiori fumed behind the faster boy.

"Run faster de gozaru yo!" Kenji turned around and began to run backwards making a silly face towards the girl. Shiori giggled and slowed down to catch her breath. Her eyes widened and she was about to shout a warning but it was too late.

Kenji saw her brown eyes go wide and knew it was the end of him. Running backwards had the unfortunate problem if not being able to see what's in front of you. There's that rock again.

Kenji didn't necessarily trip on the rock rather that made him loose his footing causing him to trip over his own feet and teeter precariously over the sloped river bank. Kenji waved his hands frantically in circular motion hoping to somehow push the air around him and regain his balance. But alas fate is not that kind. Kenji tumbled down the slanted bank and straight into the cold water of the river.

Shiori watched as everything happened in the span of a few seconds unable to move until she heard the loud 'splash'. "Kenji!" The petite girl raced over towards the bank being careful not to slip on the slick grass. "Kenji! Are you …" Shiori snickered at the sight the question ding on her lips.

Kenji Himura was soaked head to toe and he sputtered incoherently as he tried to somehow get a foot hold on the smooth pebbles on the floor of the river. Wet sakura petals clung on his face and cloths as much as his disarrayed hair did. After what seemed like an eternity he finally was able to stop floundering in the water and at least sit up, albeit a bit unsteadily. Kenji looked up at the river bank and narrowed his eyes in annoyance as he watched the tiny girl child.

Shiori clutched her aching sides as she laughed hard. Tears streaked down the flushed cheeks as she tried to somehow breathe through the laughter. "Dai… Daijobu?" She finally managed to say refusing to look at the soaked Himura lest another bout of insane laughter capture her.

Kenji let his lips fall into a tight frown but there was a bright gleam in his blue eyes. "Oh I'm fine." Kenji rose unsteadily and made his way towards the laughing girl slowly, almost predatorily. "I've never been better." He said in a smooth velvety voice causing Shiori to snap her brown eyes towards his.

"Oh no…" Shiori managed to say as she sprinted up back to bank, however the soft grass did not allow her to escape her tormentor.

"Oh no you don't!" Kenji leapt out of the water and grabbed a hold of her thin waist lifting her effortlessly.

"Kenji don't! Onegai!!" Shiori pleaded with him slamming small fists where ever she could, however her laughter made it hard to pt force behind the swings.

"It's such a hot day Shiori! Really you should take a SWIM!" Kenji jumped into the river holding onto the squirming child. The cold water covered them completely before they both broke the surface.

Kenji smiled inanely at the girl who stood across from him glaring at him with honey colored eyes. Her cheeks were still red with the laughter but now her black hair clung to her face and neck along with the small pink flowers that had fallen into the river. Kenji barked out a laugh his heart swelling with each second that passed by. Though the water was frigid, warmth spread through him as he watched her pout her little, pink lips and gave him an mock glare. 'Kawaii.'

Shiori huffed indigently as she watched his blue eyes dance with laughter. It filled her with something that she couldn't quite explain. It was a very rare feeling, like when she used to play with her brothers, but it was more. More warm, more filling, yet it left her wanting more…to see more of his smile, to hear more of his laughter. It was such a queer feeling. She'd have to ask her father about it sometime.

Shiori crossed her arms over her chest loosely trying to look imposing but failing miserably. "Kenji… now look at us." She waved a hand in between them. "Tsubame-san and Yahiko-san are going to have a fit when they see us!"

Kenji just smiled at her. "Aa."

Shiori raised a delicate eyebrow. "Are you listening to me?"

"Aa." Kenji splashed some water into her face casing her to sputter and try to block the offending liquid. Kenji's smile broadened as he splashed her again. Shiori moved but slipped going under the water and then rising slowly above the surface. He sent another wave of water towards her and she sent one back. Kenji moved or rather floated around slowly as she tried to splash him. They both often fell back into the water several times splashing the other mercilessly. The game lasted with their laughter ringing through out the morning carrying with it their worries, even if just for a few moments.

Kenshin stared at the place where his son used to be. He could still feel the warmth radiating through the wood and could still see the spots where his tears had fallen. The older Himura pulled his hand back and rolled back over to stare at the ceiling before him. It had startled him at first when he felt someone touching his face, mainly because he hadn't heard them come in. After years of trained killer instinct it was hard to just open his eyes and see who it was instead he let the rush of the familiar ki fill him.

'Kenji.' His mind seemed to whisper as the feathery caresses continued. Kenshin didn't know why exactly but after confirming that is was his son that was doing this he didn't open his eyes, made no movement to let the young man know that he was in fact awake. Maybe it was because Kenshin knew that he and Kenji were not on the best of terms. Maybe it was because he got some twisted sort of satisfaction that he could keep this up longer. Or maybe it was because Kenshin liked it and didn't want it to stop. But it had stopped and not the way he had wanted it to either.

Guilt spread through the tiny body as Kenshin absently traced the scar on his cheek. He remembered when it used to be longer and not quite so pale. After he had finally asked Kaoru to marry him it had begun to fade slowly through the years spent within her presence. It was as if that wound on his face was somehow connected to his heart. Kenshin thought about Tomoe briefly, her smiling face covered with blood against the white snow. Her eyes seemed to dance and shine brightly even though she was leaving this world and entering the next. Kenshin closed his eyes and the image followed him behind the closed lids. Tomoe smiled at him again and then nodded her image shifting. Her dark eyes changed to a brilliant sapphire blue, her hair collected itself into a ponytail, a ribbon bobbing along with the impetuous nature of the owner. Her small smile became warmer and almost laughing at him. Tomoe changed into Kaoru who opened her arms wide beckoning him to come in, to feel the warmth that she could give him. It was his favorite memory of the young girl... of his wife.

The body next to him shifted and the weight of an arm pressed against his chest. More warmth collected on his side as a body pressed closer to him. Small, butterfly kisses began to appear near his neck as feather light lashes touched his chin. He smiled despite of himself and heard the soft laugh travel from her throat to her lips. He tried very had not to reply to that laugh with his own, instead his smile stretched further. The small kisses became longer, more tantalizing each moment. The arm shifted so that it could flicker across his body lightly like a dancer. Once again the body shifted pressing itself against his more, if possible, and sliding it against his as it moved closer to his ear.

The soft breath sent warm chills down the ex-assassin's spine making his toes curl purely in act to somehow control the shiver. It giggled at the act making himself blush and chuckle at it too. Kaoru had always loved the fact that he had some whimsical fetish for feet. He had told her that her toes were cute and that he loved it when she walked around barefoot, this discussion often leading to tickle fights and the occasional bedroom romp. Kaoru had found the comment heart warming and endearing, however a little embarrassing even still to this day. Kenshin wiggled his toes causing another round of giggles and chuckles to escape unwarranted.

"I have a secret to tell you." Kaoru sang into Kenshin's ear causing the older man to turn his head slightly towards her, eyes still closed.

"Oh?" Kenshin raised a dark brow before making a silly face. Kaoru laughed a little harder wrapping her thin arms around his warm neck.

"Yes. You see I have been seeing a man lately." Kaoru nuzzled his ear making sure she spoke softly enough to cause him to do that toe curling trick again.

"I see." Kenshin obliged and curled his toes again this time also seeking to tickle his beloved Kaoru.

"Yes. He's very handsome and quite the character." Kaoru giggled as Kenshin opened one eye to look at her as she moved her feet away from his.

"Ah… well does he make you laugh?" Kenshin smirked and tried again. He sent one of his legs to trap hers causing him to twist so that he was facing her entirely. His violet eyes danced as he rested his hands on her hips and then ran them quickly against her curves coaxing several giggles.

Kaoru just laughed softly at his antics. "Occasionally." She tried to retaliate but found it difficult to out pace the fast man.

"Does he make you cry?" Kenshin pulled her in towards him letting her body mold into his. He pressed his nose against her hair breathing in her soft sent of jasmine and Kaoru.

"Only once." Kaoru whispered into his neck her lashes tickling the flushed skin beneath it.

"Is he strong?" Kenshin petted the raven hair kissing her face softly and gently, carefully noting the fevered brow and the pale skin.

"He used to be." Kaoru said playfully causing Kenshin to give her a quizzical look. "He used to be… until he met me." She ran one of her hands across his brow moving the sweat entrenched bangs.

Kenshin smiled. "I see. You made him weak in the knees?" He kissed her nose chuckling slightly as it scrunched up at the light pressure.

"It had to be my beauty." Kaoru fluttered her lashes at Kenshin. He in turn made his into half moons.

"Are you sure it wasn't your cooking?" He teased.

Kaoru swatted as his arm her pink lips turning into a pout. "Kenshin!" She cried indigently. "Mou! My cooking is not that bad!"

"Maa, maa koshii." Kenshin tried again to appease her. "It was your beauty of spirit that made him weak." Kenshin looked at her seriously his violet eyes speaking more than he could ever do. Each emotion was clearly carved into the dark orbs as flecks of golden began to appear. Kaoru watched each emotion play out and reflected them in hers, passion, lust, comfort, trust, love.

"Do you love him?" Kenshin whispered tracing her dry lips with his thumb.

"Yes, very much so." Kaoru brought her lips to his for a small, soft kiss. When they separated Kaoru let out a sigh. "To bad he got sick. I was hoping to run off with him today." Kenshin laughed against her lips and kissed her again.

"I love you too Kaoru."

"Mou, Kenji! Tsubame-san is going to have fit when she sees us!"

"Maa, maa! It'll be okay. I promise!"

"Is that really supposed to make me feel better? Kisama… what did I do to be punished with this ahou?"

"Grrr… Chisaii… I told you already! Everything will be fine!"

CLUNK

"….."

"….. ano… Tsubame-san…"

"What on earth happened to you two?!" Tsubame exclaimed causing Shiori and Kenji to jump slightly at her raised voice. The wooden bucket she had been carrying long forgotten, its contents spilling out onto the dirt floor. The two children before her shuffled on nervous feet trying to somehow come up with a good explanation for their current state of… 'wetness'.

Kenji took a deep breath and looked up about to give the woman an answer. Tsubame just shook her head and waved whatever was about to leave his mouth. "No, never mind. I don't want to hear it." She shot Kenji a motherly glare that caused the youth to bow his head. "Go and prepare a bath for Shiori-chan and then get out of those wet cloths, Kenji-kun."

"Hai, Tsubame-san." Kenji nodded saying nothing else. What could he really say? He sighed as the older woman ushered Shiori around the home to get a dry kimono while Kenji drew a warm bath for the little girl. Kenji walked a bit slowly to the bath house listening briefly at the yells coming from within the dojo walls as students practiced. He stopped briefly as he passed his parents room hearing soft giggles and chuckles coming from within the room drawing him in curiously. Kenji stopped frozen at first as he heard his father's voice waft through the rice doors his voice muffled but filled with a commanding tone.

"Koshii! I don't want Kenji!"

Kenji stepped back away from the door his face pale.

He loves you Kenji.

His hands shook as he just stared at the door wide eyed.

I can see it in his eyes.

Kenshin threw open the door and looked at his son.

He loves you so much!

"Ken…" Kenshin began but it was lost in the wind as he watched his son turn and flee from his sight.

Kenji ran towards the bath house and flung its doors open. He flew into one of the corners and curled tightly into a little ball, tears streamed down his pale face. 'He…' His body shook violently as he sobbed each breath becoming difficult each time. Kenji drew his knees in tighter, painfully so but he didn't care about that pain. His heart had been crushed and given back to him in thousands of tiny pieces. Each piece cut into his soul and it bleed into his chest constricting the moments, stifling the air.

I hate him.

---- tsudzuku ----

AN: Due to the strenuous level I am achieving in writing this story ( I have no idea why... I've never had that happen before) I shall be taking a small break from Heart of a Wolf and work on my two Inuyasha stories To Be Human and Inuyasha: A Modern High School Fairy Tale. Don't worry I don't plan on disappearing just need a small break and maybe write something else for a little while. Beware a one-shot that will be appearing in a couple of days! A depressing one-shot. -_-;;

Arrigato!

Starberry Sundae- Thank you very much! Dreamy? Hee hee. ^-^

dementedchris- ::blushes profusely:: I really don't know what to say except thank you! Wow, what a review! Eer... sorry about the 'bear' thing... ^^;; I'm trying to get one more beta reader so that three of us can catch those things more. You're review has inspired me to continue to write more! Thank you again so much!! ::floats away very happy::

J. Liha- Yeah he is. Kenji is such a pain in the behind to write! I'm absolutely dreading the rest of the characters that have yet to appear too! They're even more confusing!! @.@x ororo...

Leila Winters- Aww! Thankies! Yeah she's really short at first, but then again she hasn't hit her growing age yet. ^-^ Ah... Yes well those two points will be explained further and further into the story line. We'll find out why Shiori is the way she is and why Kenji hates his father so much. No more hints! You saw my pictures?! ::dances around:: \^0^/ Yatta!! I so happy!

fujifunmum- Yahiko and Tsubame are my second favorite couple with K&K leading the front (kinda odd since I'm not one to write a K&K story... ^^;; I'm so weird.) SDS is such a horrible thing but lucky I got over it... however I need it to write the one-shot... Time to re-watch Sess Hen! It's so sad that Many Different Kinds of Happiness is done! I loved it though! ^-^

AngelsExist- Yes!! I need you to keep reading! ^-^