Yup, it's been a while. I've been busy with school work and performances and such. This entire chapter was written in statistics class yesterday. Enjoy, short though it may be.
The usual warning and disclaimer applies, see chapter one.
Chapter 16
A year had passed since Kenshin had asked Kaoru to stay with him; a full year of building tension yet, at the same time, respect and a bit of admiration on both of their parts. Kaoru had become an integral part of the household, and Kenshin had come to enjoy having her around. Every day, Kenshin swore that he would talk with her about a convenience marriage, and similarly, every day would fail. It wasn't that he was afraid to ask, per se, but rather that he simply never found the time. He knew she wouldn't leave, she's said as much; and their relationship had grown to the point where they no longer we incessantly on the other's nerves, but yes, there was definitely still tension. It dispersed when Kenshin had guests and clients (which was at least four times a week), but it built again after they left.
Kaoru knew full well what she'd been feeling, but Kenshin was severely consternated. After all, he'd never felt this way about a woman, let alone one with whom he was living, and he wasn't sure as to whether or not he was simply mistaking platonic care for something else. Something far and beyond frightening to his mind. It would completely flip his world, not to mention his other relationships, if he found that he was not attracted t omen alone. His lovers' wives, fiancées, and admirers would adore Kaoru instantly on the single fact that he might marry, but where did that leave him?
As it turned out, circumstances would force him to take action one way or another. His next appointment was with someone he had not seen in years.
Kaoru opened the door to a man she had never seen at the gatherings, and by this point, she knew all of Kenshin's clientele. So, who was this man? He was small in stature, probably only slightly taller than Kenshin, had russet hair and hazel eyes. Her first thought upon seeing him was how handsome he was. Her second was 'Did Kenshin age twenty years in one night?'
The man chuckled at her obvious confusion. "Relax, child, I don't bite. Would you be so kind as to fetch my wayward son?"
His only reply was Kaoru slipping into a faint. Catching her easily before she hit the floor, he scooped her into his arms and carried her into the parlor where he lay her on a sofa before returning to the entrance hall, voice carrying throughout the flat.
"KENSHIN!"
In his room, Kenshin awoke with a start. That could not possibly have been… He jumped as the call rang out again, and was dressed and out the door faster than he'd been in years. His only thought was "Bugger, I'm in deep shit."