I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. The characters are not mine (like most things I want), but the story is (as to whether that's good or not I'll let you decide).
Thoughts are in italics
Dreams are no different than other text, if only to confuse you.
Big words will be used whenever possible to make me look smarter.
Flames will be used to heat my bath.
Enjoy.
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Kaoru stood to clear the dishes. Dinner had been just fine, as it always was when he cooked. She cast a sidelong glance at him from underneath her bangs, contemplating him. He cooked well, he kept the dojo clean, he was kind to no end, and he was wonderfully adored by Ayame and Suzume. Curiosity couldn't help keep the thought from some corner of her mind, though she quickly put a leash on it.
I wonder what kind of father he would make.
Kenshin was dutifully going about tidying up the kitchen, wearing that rather catching rurouni smile of his and even quietly humming some unknown tune. She had to smile.
A good one.
Not that she would ever see that. He was polite, he was kind, he was helpful, but beyond any extra courtesy to her (well, it 'was' her home, manners towards her could be expected) he seemed to show no real interest.
And why would he?
She wrung out the dishcloth in her hands before tossing it aside and picking up the teacups from the table, accidentally dropping one.
Oh no..
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Part 2- Make it Better
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Kenshin broke from his easy going trance at which he was cleaning the kitchen up, starting at the sound of the teacup shattering on the wooden floor. By the time he had turned around Kaoru was already picking up the pieces. He was about to kneel down and help her clean it up when he heard a sharp intake of breath and Kaoru got to her feet, one hand curled around the other.
"Itaii!" the word was a hiss under her breath.
"Kaoru-dono? Are you alright?"
She winced, but not because of the cut on her hand.
Does he always have to call me using that? Why can't he be more at ease around me, more familiar with me?
"H-hai, Kenshin. It's just a little cut. I should have been more careful, that's all."
He didn't seem to be convinced yet, "Will you allow sessha to take a look?"
She frowned but nodded, giving a slight sigh of resignation.
I might as well.
He reached out, carefully taking the hand she had only a second ago been guarding. A very small trickle of blood had drifted down to her wrist, the main cut being placed on her palm. It wasn't very deep; it had just broken the skin. He carefully dabbed at the blood with the damp dishcloth he'd had slung over one arm while taking care of the dishes.
"It will be fine, that it will."
Baka. That's what she told you.
Oro. I just had to see for myself. Is concern so wrong?
Well, no.
Without even thinking about it the he lifted her hand, placing a feather light kiss on her open palm.
"To make it better," he explained softly.
She blushed and turned away trying to hide both her surprise and her smile. Kenshin was secretly wearing one of his own.
She smiled because of me.
"Ano, I think I am getting tired, Kenshin. I'm going to get ready for bed."
Does her voice sound shaky?
"Ah, would you like me to prepare a bath for you?"
She forced a casual smile, "Iie, but thank you."
He watched as she gathered herself up and made her way back towards her bedroom. She had smiled because of him. He liked that. He only wanted her to be happy, and if she just happened to be happy around him, well, that was just all the better. He bent down and finished picking up the bits and pieces of what had less than an hour ago, been a teacup.
But, perhaps I was too bold.
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Kaoru quickly slid the shoji door shut behind her and pulled the blue ribbon from her hair letting it fall around her face as she took in the events of the past few minutes in the safe haven of her room.
He kissed me!
It was only my hand but, still.
She covered her mouth with one hand as if hiding her smile from someone. She stayed like that, unmoving for a moment letting her heartbeat slow down and her face resume is normal pallid state. Remembering that she was, in fact, getting tired she promptly set about getting ready to go to sleep, changing into her sleeping yukata and readying her futon.
Sitting on her futon, the covers pulled up over her legs, she began to braid her hair as she usually did at night. She beamed inwardly as her fingers worked the familiar pattern into her raven locks. When she had finished she lay down, staring at the ceiling above her while sifting through her thoughts. Namely, her reaction to what had happened after dinner. It didn't take her long to fall asleep.
Maybe there is some interest after all.
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She turned in front of the mirror. The night gown she was wearing fell against her form in a, she thought, to be most flattering way. With a smug smirk, she started at her collarbone, dragging her hands down over her figure. There was no surprise when two arms encircled her from behind, pulling her into a safe embrace.
"How are my lovelies, koishii?" he asked quietly, placing both of his hands carefully over her stomach.
She relaxed against his body, letting her head fall back to rest on his shoulder as he gently nibbled on her neck, "We are fine, anata."
The silvery glow of the moonlight in the otherwise dark room was somehow warm. She was so alive to his every touch she could all but feel the light on her skin. It was so perfect living like this. So, she searched for the word, 'right'. Kaoru reached back, smoothly sliding the tie from his red, red hair, it was beautiful, like liquid fire. She loved it. Kenshin smiled contentedly, lightly pressing his scarred cheek against her flawless one. He had so many scars, and she thought they were beautiful, all a part of who he was. She loved them.
"Kenshin?" the word was a whisper.
"Hmm?"
"Aishiteru."
He tightened his hold on her ever so slightly, as if to make sure she wouldn't vanish, or like a dream, be taken from him with the dawn, "Aishiteru, koishii."
She loved him.
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Kenshin came up and shook his head, sending small droplets of water flying from the tips of his hair. He closed his eyes leaning back against the edge of the tub. A bath was relaxing, yes, but it did close to nothing to calm one's thoughts.
Was that really too bold of me?
Well, I got her to smile didn't I?
Hai, Hai. You did get her to smile.
I want to make her smile again.
Demo, how do I do that though, de gozaru?
