The Devil's Workshop
MysticShadowHuntress
Disclaimer: *jams like an awesome jamming thing that jams awesomely* Let's just all have a massive party! Cause I'm going to an anime convention as Mana! How wicked awesome is that?!
*****
Chapter Six: I Can't Tell You Why
Kaoru shivered and attempted to move closer to Battousai, seeking out his warmth. But the movement sent pain to every inch of her body, most especially her back. A whimper escaped her throat and was enough to pull Battousai from his sleep. His eyes were a little bit duller when he was just waking, she noticed, he looked almost human. A curious look crossed his face until he noticed that she had one hand pressed to her back. He smiled as he remembered the events of the previous night, and he reached out a hand, pushing hers out of the way and rubbing her back.
Kaoru's eyes grew wider. Was this the feared Hitokiri Battousai massaging her back? It seemed odd to her, but she wasn't about to complain, it felt far too pleasant. Drawing her into his chest, he slipped his other arm around her in a light caress before rotating his thumb upon each of the vertebrae in her spine. Her sigh sprayed warmth breath across his bare chest and he smiled, truly smiled.
"Kenshin." He paused, but then continued. "Tell me about your past. Please?"
"Are you sure, lovely?" His voice was still quiet and sleepy, uncharacteristic of him. He frowned to himself; was he growing softhearted against his will?
Kaoru nodded and kissed his chest softly, causing him to jump slightly with surprise. What had happened to all the fear she was supposed to hold of him? It seemed that by giving in to his desires that he'd completely shattered her reservations and cautiousness. Had he also broken down the high, thick walls that he'd so long used to encase his heart? Anymore he couldn't be certain, he was now toying with so many strange new emotions. Enough to confuse even him, he decided to let her have just a bit of what she wanted, though he didn't know where to start. He pulled both of them into a sitting position, wanting to be able to look into her eyes. Somehow that seemed to be the right thing to do.
"I am semi-mortal, Kaoru," he spoke slowly at first, unsure of letting her know so much precious information. After all, what reason had he to trust her? A pressing force in his mind drove him to say more, he cursed whichever god was influencing him at the moment. "Do you know what that means, little one?"
"No. And don't call me that," she replied fiercely. Battousai couldn't help but chuckle.
"It means I've lived for quite some time, and unless someone kills me, not likely, or I kill myself, I will be around for a good while longer," he explained. "I don't remember exactly where I originated, it isn't important, but I do remember my first parents." His eyes softened a bit, but he quickly changed the subject. "I've seen and started more conflicts than you'll ever be able to comprehend, and I've killed more humans than it is possible to count."
"And you were once Himura Kenshin? What caused you to become Battousai?"
"Did I ever once give you the permission to ask me questions?" Battousai asked sharply.
"No," Kaoru replied meekly and bowed her head.
"I don't know why I'm telling you this," he said harshly. "You won't understand, you're too young and foolish."
There were those ice cold words again. Obviously she'd been wrong in thinking that they'd made some sort of a breakthrough, and that maybe she could melt the Battousai. Then he'd only wanted her for her body, nothing else. It had been foolish to think anything else, she was well aware of that. But at the time she'd thought that maybe he felt something like what she felt, the all-consuming fire that inexorably drew them together. Clearly he hadn't, and she, in all her naivety and idealistic notions, had mistaken lust for more than it was. That thought alone was enough to make her drop her head in her hands and cry silently.
'When did I become this weak?' she wondered. She had always been a strong girl, it used to take a lot to get her to cry. 'Of course, this is no minor thing, is it?' Cynicism was quickly winding its way into her thoughts. A calloused hand on her shoulder made her pause, and look up, dismissing the fact that her eyes were still rimmed with crystal tears. Battousai didn't look particularly concerned, but she didn't expect that in the first place.
"Stop that," he commanded. "I don't like it when you cry."
"Wha...?" Kaoru's mouth hung open slightly as she tried to comprehend.
"Don't look so tempting," he said, eyes openly wandering down her naked body and back up to her face at a leisurely pace. She blushed suddenly, and pulled the blanket up around herself. "I know you're still sore, but I wouldn't hesitate to have a second round."
"Don't you dare, Battousai!" Kaoru screeched, scooting away from him.
Battousai grabbed for her closest arm and held it in a crushing grip. "You will not tell me what I dare or do not, lovely." He punctuated choice syllables with a wrenching of her arm. "Understood?"
Kaoru swallowed hard and nodded. He released her arm, which she cradled against her chest, looking up at him with blue eyes that swirled with hurt, both physical and emotional. Battousai sighed; she wasn't very subtle about the way she was feeling. It was if she wanted others to take advantage of her innocence. It seemed as if he would have to teach her himself.
"You're going to have to learn to be more emotionless if you're going to be my woman," he said, sounding exasperated.
"Your... woman?" she questioned tentatively.
"Isn't that what you want, in the end?"
"I... don't know."
"Don't fool yourself, I can see it in your eyes, which, by the way, is something you're going to have to work on. I won't have any woman becoming my weakness, simply because I take her with me. You're the student from now on. Forget your silly ideas of swordsmanship. From this point forward, all you have to worry about is obeying and pleasing me. I'll protect you."
Unsure exactly how to respond, Kaoru simply nodded again, at a loss for words. It was hard to tell whether his words were a compliment or an insult. She knew that the Battousai had no woman, or at least, had never had one before, and that, she supposed, must have meant she had at least some importance to him. But to only bother with obeying and pleasing him? To completely give up on her father's sword style? Was it worth it? More importantly, did she even have any choice in the matter? She doubted it. He'd also said that he would protect her. Even though she wasn't sure exactly what that spelled out, she hoped that maybe it might mean that he cared for her even in the slightest bit, no matter how deep down and hidden away the feeling was. She could always hope, right?
Battousai stood, paying no mind to the fact that he was completely clothesless, and stretched his arms lazily. A wicked grin lit his face when he noticed Kaoru watching him somewhat less than discreetly, and he made sure to take his time in donning his gi and hakama. For a moment he considered leaving the gi off, just to further allure her, but he suddenly realized just how cold it was, and decided that today was no day to be half-dressed. Turning back to face Kaoru again, he smiled knowingly.
"Like what you see, pretty?" he asked, voice dark and radiating sensuality. Kaoru quickly flushed crimson. "Don't be shy, darling," he said, opening his arms widely. "I'm yours to do whatever you wish. Tell me, whatever you desire can come true."
"Then..." Kaoru began. She stood, and, clutching her blanket around her, put a hand on his chest where the gi gaped to show skin. "I desire that you..." she paused for a moment and moved him a few steps backward. Her voice was soft and seductive as she spoke again, "Leave my room and let me change in peace."
Battousai found himself in the hall and with a shoji being shut in his face. He stared blankly for a few seconds, and then stormed off, muttering every curse he knew. And after all the time he'd been alive, he knew quite a few.
"I will never understand that woman," he grumbled. "But she will learn to respect me if it's the last thing she ever learns."
***
Once fully dressed, Kaoru slid down to sit with her back against the wall, breathing heavily with her sobs. So now she was Battousai's woman, as if she were some sort of inanimate object to be won, possessed, and protected. She had to admit that the protection part of his 'offer' was not completely unsavory in her mind, it would bring her at least some peace of mind. But who would protect her from Battousai himself? And, in that case, who would protect her from herself? That was, she knew, the greatest of all her problems, because she was aware of how badly she wanted the man, even though it seemed so strange to her. She'd never felt that way before, but there was something about Battousai that was so wonderfully horrifying, some elusive quality that she could see deep in his intense eyes that left her wanting more.
In his arms she had felt safe, she remembered, even though it was unexplainable. To feel secure when she was anywhere near him would be considered insanity, suicide even, by anyone she knew, and even by Battousai most likely. But she only knew how she felt, and his embrace had been warm, calming, and strengthening. Crossing her legs and setting her elbow on her knee, she dropped her chin in her palm, wondering what it would be like to be his woman, to surrender to him night after night, and to be encircled by his firm hold again.
'Maybe it won't be so bad,' she mused. 'And it's not as if he's going to give me a choice.' A few days ago, she would have been appalled by her thoughts, and most especially by what she'd done with him just the night before. But she'd changed, and suddenly. Battousai was a catalyst to her, and she had a sense that as long as she was with him, her life would be different.
***
They were leaving, Battousai decided as he wandered toward the river again.
'Damn river. When did I become so obsessed with nature?'
He knew the truth, though. Being semi-mortal, he had a strong connection with the natural world, even though if anyone were to ask, he would flatly deny it. It was merely a part of his character, and not one that he could easily dismiss. Still, he refused the impulse to spend a few hours staring at the rushing and eddying waters, and halted abruptly, meaning to go directly back to the dojo to inform Kaoru that they would be departing with the setting of the sun.
He found Kaoru dozing against the wall in her room, and almost smiled at that. The action reminded him so strongly of himself that it was almost able to melt away some of the ice of his personality. Almost.
"Wake up, lovely," he knelt to whisper in her ear. His lips brushed her earlobe as she stirred and he ignored the urge to let himself forget leaving and simply cover her with kisses.
"Hmm? Kenshin?"
"Battousai," he replied sharply. Secretly, he loved the way she said 'Kenshin,' but he had to keep her in fear of him.
"Battousai," she repeated, quickly correcting herself. "Yes?"
"We're leaving. Pack your things, only what's necessary. You have until sunset. Remember, it's cold, and it will only be getting colder."
"I... yes. Alright," she said, and he stood and held out a hand to her, which she gladly accepted. Her muscles screamed in protest as she straightened herself out and he pulled her to her feet, but she didn't utter a single complaint. She had resolved to be more like she used to, strong and self-efficient. More like her father's daughter.
"Be ready, beautiful," Battousai said. "It's going to be a long trip."
*****
A/N: As much as this may seem like a filler chapter, it really isn't. I swear. It's meant to explore more of Battousai's and Kaoru's personalities and the strange freakishness of their relationship, if it can even be called that. I wasn't really too pleased with this chapter, but I was watching the English Premier League (Chelsea vs. Southampton! w00t! Good game...) while I was watching so I was slightly distracted. You should have heard me yelling at the TV, I'm sure my neighbors did ^_^ Man, soccer kicks ass. Too bad I had to quit -_- I was good, too. ANYHOW! Thanks for all the positive reviews!! I feel so loved, you guys rock.
MysticShadowHuntress
Disclaimer: *jams like an awesome jamming thing that jams awesomely* Let's just all have a massive party! Cause I'm going to an anime convention as Mana! How wicked awesome is that?!
*****
Chapter Six: I Can't Tell You Why
Kaoru shivered and attempted to move closer to Battousai, seeking out his warmth. But the movement sent pain to every inch of her body, most especially her back. A whimper escaped her throat and was enough to pull Battousai from his sleep. His eyes were a little bit duller when he was just waking, she noticed, he looked almost human. A curious look crossed his face until he noticed that she had one hand pressed to her back. He smiled as he remembered the events of the previous night, and he reached out a hand, pushing hers out of the way and rubbing her back.
Kaoru's eyes grew wider. Was this the feared Hitokiri Battousai massaging her back? It seemed odd to her, but she wasn't about to complain, it felt far too pleasant. Drawing her into his chest, he slipped his other arm around her in a light caress before rotating his thumb upon each of the vertebrae in her spine. Her sigh sprayed warmth breath across his bare chest and he smiled, truly smiled.
"Kenshin." He paused, but then continued. "Tell me about your past. Please?"
"Are you sure, lovely?" His voice was still quiet and sleepy, uncharacteristic of him. He frowned to himself; was he growing softhearted against his will?
Kaoru nodded and kissed his chest softly, causing him to jump slightly with surprise. What had happened to all the fear she was supposed to hold of him? It seemed that by giving in to his desires that he'd completely shattered her reservations and cautiousness. Had he also broken down the high, thick walls that he'd so long used to encase his heart? Anymore he couldn't be certain, he was now toying with so many strange new emotions. Enough to confuse even him, he decided to let her have just a bit of what she wanted, though he didn't know where to start. He pulled both of them into a sitting position, wanting to be able to look into her eyes. Somehow that seemed to be the right thing to do.
"I am semi-mortal, Kaoru," he spoke slowly at first, unsure of letting her know so much precious information. After all, what reason had he to trust her? A pressing force in his mind drove him to say more, he cursed whichever god was influencing him at the moment. "Do you know what that means, little one?"
"No. And don't call me that," she replied fiercely. Battousai couldn't help but chuckle.
"It means I've lived for quite some time, and unless someone kills me, not likely, or I kill myself, I will be around for a good while longer," he explained. "I don't remember exactly where I originated, it isn't important, but I do remember my first parents." His eyes softened a bit, but he quickly changed the subject. "I've seen and started more conflicts than you'll ever be able to comprehend, and I've killed more humans than it is possible to count."
"And you were once Himura Kenshin? What caused you to become Battousai?"
"Did I ever once give you the permission to ask me questions?" Battousai asked sharply.
"No," Kaoru replied meekly and bowed her head.
"I don't know why I'm telling you this," he said harshly. "You won't understand, you're too young and foolish."
There were those ice cold words again. Obviously she'd been wrong in thinking that they'd made some sort of a breakthrough, and that maybe she could melt the Battousai. Then he'd only wanted her for her body, nothing else. It had been foolish to think anything else, she was well aware of that. But at the time she'd thought that maybe he felt something like what she felt, the all-consuming fire that inexorably drew them together. Clearly he hadn't, and she, in all her naivety and idealistic notions, had mistaken lust for more than it was. That thought alone was enough to make her drop her head in her hands and cry silently.
'When did I become this weak?' she wondered. She had always been a strong girl, it used to take a lot to get her to cry. 'Of course, this is no minor thing, is it?' Cynicism was quickly winding its way into her thoughts. A calloused hand on her shoulder made her pause, and look up, dismissing the fact that her eyes were still rimmed with crystal tears. Battousai didn't look particularly concerned, but she didn't expect that in the first place.
"Stop that," he commanded. "I don't like it when you cry."
"Wha...?" Kaoru's mouth hung open slightly as she tried to comprehend.
"Don't look so tempting," he said, eyes openly wandering down her naked body and back up to her face at a leisurely pace. She blushed suddenly, and pulled the blanket up around herself. "I know you're still sore, but I wouldn't hesitate to have a second round."
"Don't you dare, Battousai!" Kaoru screeched, scooting away from him.
Battousai grabbed for her closest arm and held it in a crushing grip. "You will not tell me what I dare or do not, lovely." He punctuated choice syllables with a wrenching of her arm. "Understood?"
Kaoru swallowed hard and nodded. He released her arm, which she cradled against her chest, looking up at him with blue eyes that swirled with hurt, both physical and emotional. Battousai sighed; she wasn't very subtle about the way she was feeling. It was if she wanted others to take advantage of her innocence. It seemed as if he would have to teach her himself.
"You're going to have to learn to be more emotionless if you're going to be my woman," he said, sounding exasperated.
"Your... woman?" she questioned tentatively.
"Isn't that what you want, in the end?"
"I... don't know."
"Don't fool yourself, I can see it in your eyes, which, by the way, is something you're going to have to work on. I won't have any woman becoming my weakness, simply because I take her with me. You're the student from now on. Forget your silly ideas of swordsmanship. From this point forward, all you have to worry about is obeying and pleasing me. I'll protect you."
Unsure exactly how to respond, Kaoru simply nodded again, at a loss for words. It was hard to tell whether his words were a compliment or an insult. She knew that the Battousai had no woman, or at least, had never had one before, and that, she supposed, must have meant she had at least some importance to him. But to only bother with obeying and pleasing him? To completely give up on her father's sword style? Was it worth it? More importantly, did she even have any choice in the matter? She doubted it. He'd also said that he would protect her. Even though she wasn't sure exactly what that spelled out, she hoped that maybe it might mean that he cared for her even in the slightest bit, no matter how deep down and hidden away the feeling was. She could always hope, right?
Battousai stood, paying no mind to the fact that he was completely clothesless, and stretched his arms lazily. A wicked grin lit his face when he noticed Kaoru watching him somewhat less than discreetly, and he made sure to take his time in donning his gi and hakama. For a moment he considered leaving the gi off, just to further allure her, but he suddenly realized just how cold it was, and decided that today was no day to be half-dressed. Turning back to face Kaoru again, he smiled knowingly.
"Like what you see, pretty?" he asked, voice dark and radiating sensuality. Kaoru quickly flushed crimson. "Don't be shy, darling," he said, opening his arms widely. "I'm yours to do whatever you wish. Tell me, whatever you desire can come true."
"Then..." Kaoru began. She stood, and, clutching her blanket around her, put a hand on his chest where the gi gaped to show skin. "I desire that you..." she paused for a moment and moved him a few steps backward. Her voice was soft and seductive as she spoke again, "Leave my room and let me change in peace."
Battousai found himself in the hall and with a shoji being shut in his face. He stared blankly for a few seconds, and then stormed off, muttering every curse he knew. And after all the time he'd been alive, he knew quite a few.
"I will never understand that woman," he grumbled. "But she will learn to respect me if it's the last thing she ever learns."
***
Once fully dressed, Kaoru slid down to sit with her back against the wall, breathing heavily with her sobs. So now she was Battousai's woman, as if she were some sort of inanimate object to be won, possessed, and protected. She had to admit that the protection part of his 'offer' was not completely unsavory in her mind, it would bring her at least some peace of mind. But who would protect her from Battousai himself? And, in that case, who would protect her from herself? That was, she knew, the greatest of all her problems, because she was aware of how badly she wanted the man, even though it seemed so strange to her. She'd never felt that way before, but there was something about Battousai that was so wonderfully horrifying, some elusive quality that she could see deep in his intense eyes that left her wanting more.
In his arms she had felt safe, she remembered, even though it was unexplainable. To feel secure when she was anywhere near him would be considered insanity, suicide even, by anyone she knew, and even by Battousai most likely. But she only knew how she felt, and his embrace had been warm, calming, and strengthening. Crossing her legs and setting her elbow on her knee, she dropped her chin in her palm, wondering what it would be like to be his woman, to surrender to him night after night, and to be encircled by his firm hold again.
'Maybe it won't be so bad,' she mused. 'And it's not as if he's going to give me a choice.' A few days ago, she would have been appalled by her thoughts, and most especially by what she'd done with him just the night before. But she'd changed, and suddenly. Battousai was a catalyst to her, and she had a sense that as long as she was with him, her life would be different.
***
They were leaving, Battousai decided as he wandered toward the river again.
'Damn river. When did I become so obsessed with nature?'
He knew the truth, though. Being semi-mortal, he had a strong connection with the natural world, even though if anyone were to ask, he would flatly deny it. It was merely a part of his character, and not one that he could easily dismiss. Still, he refused the impulse to spend a few hours staring at the rushing and eddying waters, and halted abruptly, meaning to go directly back to the dojo to inform Kaoru that they would be departing with the setting of the sun.
He found Kaoru dozing against the wall in her room, and almost smiled at that. The action reminded him so strongly of himself that it was almost able to melt away some of the ice of his personality. Almost.
"Wake up, lovely," he knelt to whisper in her ear. His lips brushed her earlobe as she stirred and he ignored the urge to let himself forget leaving and simply cover her with kisses.
"Hmm? Kenshin?"
"Battousai," he replied sharply. Secretly, he loved the way she said 'Kenshin,' but he had to keep her in fear of him.
"Battousai," she repeated, quickly correcting herself. "Yes?"
"We're leaving. Pack your things, only what's necessary. You have until sunset. Remember, it's cold, and it will only be getting colder."
"I... yes. Alright," she said, and he stood and held out a hand to her, which she gladly accepted. Her muscles screamed in protest as she straightened herself out and he pulled her to her feet, but she didn't utter a single complaint. She had resolved to be more like she used to, strong and self-efficient. More like her father's daughter.
"Be ready, beautiful," Battousai said. "It's going to be a long trip."
*****
A/N: As much as this may seem like a filler chapter, it really isn't. I swear. It's meant to explore more of Battousai's and Kaoru's personalities and the strange freakishness of their relationship, if it can even be called that. I wasn't really too pleased with this chapter, but I was watching the English Premier League (Chelsea vs. Southampton! w00t! Good game...) while I was watching so I was slightly distracted. You should have heard me yelling at the TV, I'm sure my neighbors did ^_^ Man, soccer kicks ass. Too bad I had to quit -_- I was good, too. ANYHOW! Thanks for all the positive reviews!! I feel so loved, you guys rock.