Disclaimer: Well, let me see......... KENSHIN!!! DO I OWN YOU?!
Kenshin: Sessha doesn't think so, that he doesn't!!
Sano: Thank GOD that's true!!!
Me: :: glares :: WHATEVER SANO!!!
Author's Notes: Ah....... chapter 4!!! Let me see here, I am writing this totally from scratch............ hehehehe......... I really need to start outlining the story before I post it........... AH I DON'T KNOW WHEN BABIES START TO WALK OR WHEN THEY START TO SPEAK OR ANYTHING!!! This is going to be so hard......
~Silhouettes of Shadows~
***Chapter 4- Promises ***
Kaoru sat in her room, holding Kenji and trying to calm him down. He had been crying ever since Kaoru had screamed. Kenshin was leaning over her and judiciously cleaning her wound, trying not to cause her to wince as she attempted to calm Kenji down. He was down to simple whimpering now, but his lavender eyes were filled with tears that made them appear as the waters of a river reflecting the purple hues of morning. Kaoru hushed him as quietly as she could, trying to hide her anguished cries when Kenshin pushed too roughly against her wound while cleaning it. Kenji just stared up at his mother and father innocently, whimpering and clasping his hands open and shut.
Kenshin peered over Kaoru's injured shoulder at Kenji and smiled lightly at his son, hiding his own exuberant emotions behind his dark violet blue eyes. Kenji cocked his head to the side slightly and stared.
"Daddy." Kenji stated slowly, his mind registering the words slowly.
Kenshin turned his gaze to Kaoru. "When did he learn that word?"
"That's the first word he said." Kaoru responded, smiling brightly down at Kenji as Kenshin finished bandaging her cut and slipped her yukata sleeve back up. "He just blurted it out one day."
The mood had lightened after that, and Kenji seemed to calm until he was in a deep sleep. Kaoru moved Kenji over to the other futon and stood, staring at him.
"You should change your yukata. I'll wash it in the morning." Kenshin stated. "And I'll mend it."
Kaoru nodded and slipped the yukata off, ignoring that Kenshin was in the room. She placed on a new crisp, clean one and then slipped under the covers of the futon. She sighed and closed her eyes. She lay there, not sleeping.
Kenshin watched Kaoru with pleading eyes.
"Kaoru?" he asked her. "Are you angry, koishii?"
Kaoru shook her head. "No."
Kenshin changed into a yukata quickly and then lay next to Kaoru above the blankets, wrapping one arm securely around her waist and pulling her tighter to him as he buried his head in her hair. He breathed in her scent, something he had missed terribly in the past 2 years he had been gone.
"Then what is wrong, koishii?" he asked her calmly.
'It's those damn hitokiris. They scared her!' The Battousai screamed angrily in his mind. 'I swear to Kami-sama their all going to pay for that!'
Kaoru snuggled a little closer to Kenshin. "I'm scared."
"Why?" he asked her again, calmly, trying to alleviate all the tension in her body by slowly rubbing her back with his other hand.
"Because... they had never attacked us before Kenshin." Kaoru told him truthfully. "I almost beat him."
"I know. I watched." Kenshin told her. "I wasn't going to jump in if you didn't need me."
Kaoru smiled, realizing he had a deep trust for her skills. "I'm afraid you're going to leave again. You never told me when I asked."
Regretfully he sighed. "I'm still deciding."
"What makes you think it would be better if you left?" Kaoru asked him. "Another episode like that may happen again.... and I'd be alone and no one would be able to help me."
Kenshin had to hand it to her, she was right.
"All the times I got hurt, you came a saved me. But what makes you think that you'll be able to show up like that every time?" Kaoru asked him. "But that's not the only reason why I'm afraid."
Gently he stroked her hair, telling her patiently to go on.
"I'm afraid their aim isn't at me." Kaoru told him.
Kenshin sat up and looked down at her, amber eyes wide. "What do you mean?"
"I don't think they want me. I think they want Kenji."
He stared down at her, her words hitting him like a ton of bricks. She was right, and he knew it. Katsura had probably had spies out here all along; they probably knew all about Kenji, and Kenshin knew exactly what Katsura saw in Kenji, even though he was young.
Battousai Junior.
Kenshin sighed and breathed out heavily, his anger subsiding enough to continue talking things over with Kaoru.
"I'm not going to leave." He told her, closing his amber eyes to keep the glow from scaring her. "I'm going to stay here and be sure you two are okay. But you're going to have to take special precautions, and be sure that you and Kenji are not here alone at all. Make sure that Sano, Yahiko, or myself are here."
"Yahiko isn't as skilled as me yet, Kenshin, I can protect myself pretty well. I'm just out of training." Kaoru told him instinctively. "Don't worry about me. I'm not worried about myself, I'm worried about Kenji."
Kenshin nodded, glancing over at the sleeping tuff of red on the futon across from the one he was on. "Okay Kaoru."
Arms wrapped out him tightly, drawing him closer to Kaoru. "Thank you for staying, Kenshin."
*********** ***********
Kenshin's thoughts roamed around as he fell into step with the other people who were familiar with the streets of Tokyo. He scanned the surrounding market, trying vainly to find the supplies he needed to buy for the day. Violet eyes caught upon a small object on one stand. Stopping abruptly he stared until he found himself drawn toward the small cart that held many other glittering objects that were pleasing to the eye. But his eyes were still glued upon the one he had seen on his way over.
"Is there something I can help you with, sir?" asked the merchant happily.
Kenshin glanced up, thoroughly confused. "Oro?"
The merchant chuckled slightly and inclined his head towards what Kenshin had been enthralled with momentarily ago.
"Anyone special?"
"Hai." Kenshin answered truthfully. "But I don't have the money."
The man nodded. "I understand. I can cut the price down if you so desire to buy it that bad."
Kenshin pondered the kind invitation before inclining towards the offer. "Hai, how much?"
************ ************
"Yahiko-chan, you have to spread your legs slightly more or else you're not going to get the power in your swing!" Kaoru cried as she tried to train Yahiko despite her healing shoulder.
"Shut up busu, I know what I'm doing!" he screamed back, grudgingly moving into the position that he had been instructed to, swinging his borrowed shinai strongly.
Kaoru ignored his comment for a moment when she realized that he had listened to her anyway. "If you knew then you wouldn't be training under me in the first place, Yahiko, so don't even try that."
Kenji was in the corner with Sano, giggling as he watched his mother and Yahiko. Kaoru glanced over at them and saw Sano trying to fight Kenji from his hair.
"Damn you Yahiko you're teaching this kid bad things!" Sano complained, trying to pull Kenji down from his hair, which he was chewing on religiously. "Don't you have something he can teeth on besides my hair, Jou-chan?"
Kaoru and Yahiko both stifled their uprising giggles and comments and continued with their training. Sano eventually plucked Kenji off of his hair and set him down in his lap, preparing to scold him.
"Uncle Sanosuke's hair is NOT rice. It's not sushi. You don't eat it." Sano told him humorously, waving a finger in Kenji's face. "You do not eat hair."
"Chicken!!" Kenji laughed. "Rooster!"
Sano sweat dropped. "Jou-chan!!! You've got your kid calling me Chicken and rooster!"
"Well you look like one!" Yahiko pointed out.
"You forget I know where you like Yahiko-chan, and I won't think twice to beat up on my brother!" Sano stated, repositioning Kenji on his lap. "And you can't swat me because I'm holding the baby!"
Kenji moved off of Sano's lap and stood next to him, his pudgy hands using Sano's arm for support by pulling against the white Aku jacket. Sano just smiled at him and then looked back at the fight in the middle of the room. Kaoru was standing with her bokken out in front of her, and Yahiko was beside her, ready to land a blow. But Kaoru faked him out and smacked him fairly on the back.
"I'm injured Yahiko, and you can't even beat me?" Kaoru stated, obviously amused with her student. "And Kenshin wants you to protect me? How can you if you can't even beat me?"
Yahiko glared at her. "I'm going easy on you busu! He doesn't want me to hurt you either, you know!"
Kaoru's eyes grew wide. "1000 strokes Yahiko!"
"What?! Are you insane, busu?" he screamed.
"Should I make it more?" Kaoru asked.
Sano laughed. "You'd better listen to her Yahiko. She'll double your chore duty if you don't."
Kenshin came strolling in just as Yahiko began his strokes and Kaoru placed her bokken to the side. He set the food off to the side where he would use it later to cook everyone's lunch. He pondered why he was cooking in the first place, he didn't usually cook, and he decided it was because he had grown used to cooking for himself over the past two years on his own.
Sano came out with Kenji on his shoulder and greet him.
"Oi Kenshin! Have fun at the market?" he asked, grinning, his fishbone sticking out from his mouth unceremoniously.
Kenshin stared back at him and rolled his eyes. "A blast, Sano, just a blast."
Kenji pulled at Sano's hair until he decided the fishbone was more interesting and plucked it from Sano's mouth and stuck it in his own. Sano whipped his head around to stare at his grinning nephew.
"Hey! He takes after me more than you, Kenshin!" Sano laughed. "Now, give me my fishbone back."
Kenji shook his head. Kenshin plucked the fishbone from his mouth and handed it to Sano. "You going to stick that back in your mouth?"
Sano looked at it and shook his head. "Nah, I'll clean it. Come on Kenji we're going out side to play for a while. You can hang out with your dad later."
Kenshin let Sano leave with Kenji, and then turned back to the food he was getting ready to prepare. Kaoru came in and Kenshin smiled at her.
"Kenji seems to like Sano." Kenshin noted.
"Funny he likes Sano better than Yahiko." Kaoru stated. "I didn't think that Sano would have patience for a kid but he is better than Yahiko when I needed or need help with him."
Kenshin grinned. "An ex-gangster is better than Yahiko?"
"Don't ask me." Kaoru told him. "You haven't been spending much time with Kenji yourself, Kenshin. Why not?"
"I don't know koishii. Getting used to the change, I suppose." He explained to her. "I didn't expect to come back to find you with a child."
Kaoru nodded and pulled some plates out to set the table with.
"Kaoru?"
"Hai?"
"I got something for you today." He told her. "But you can't have it until you promise me something."
"What?" Kaoru asked, glancing over at Kenshin quizzically.
Author's Notes: MWHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Yes, I am 100% certain that chapter SUCKED big time but I'm still posting it. Hope you guys liked it. WHAT DO YOU THINK KENSHIN BOUGHT AT THE MARKET THAT DAY?! Did I do good with Sano's interaction with Kenji? I need to know!! TELL ME THESE THINGS!!! Hehehehehe!!!
Well, review responses:
Krystalsailormoon: :: hugs you to death :: YOU LIVE!!! WAH!!!! Now I have 3 reviews to respond to from you!!! YAY!!! YOU LIVE!!! :: hugs you again :: And DUH we're violent Kenshin, I thought you'd realize that by now!!! OH!!! I HAVE TO TELL YOU SOMETHING!!!! You remember creepy evil stalker dude? I saw him the other day and he looks at me and he was with my friend Dani :: growls at evil dude trying to hurt Dani :: and she's all 'this is Louis' and I'm like 'I know' and he goes 'she doesn't like me so don't even bother'. I was like YES IN YOUR FACE EVIL CREEPY DUDE!! HE GOT THE MESSAGE!!! THAT MEANS YOU, BATTOUSAI, AND SANO DID GOOD SCARING HIM!!! Wah!!! Someone in Rurouni Kenshin to play Gollum? Hmmm.. Aoshi!!! Because he's all normal, then he's evil, then Kenshin made him normal again!! YA!! Or Saitou. Hehehehe. Saitou calling Kenshin master.. NO HIKO!! YEAH!!! Okay.. never mind... Hehehehehehe.
:: sits up with you on my lap :: Well, hello to you to!! I think you cracked my head!!! :: touches head :: OW!! Be CAREFUL where you bounce and pounce!! HEY I MADE A RYHME!! Uh. however you spell it... He did say oro?! :: tries to remember :: OH YEAH I REMEMBER!!! Heheheh!!! Yes, Battousai is a daddy!!! Hehehehe... Battousai chaning diapers... Hahahahaha... I know my grandma loves to spoil me, that she does!! BUT YOU HAVE A DVD NOW AND I DON'T!! :: sulks :: OH!! DON'T MISS THE EPISODE ON THE 25TH!! I'll give you a hint..... it's called "Kaoru's Happy, Kenshin's proposal"..... Hehehehehe!!! AND YES YOU HAD BETTER SHARE THE BOOTY!!!! I MEAN COME ON IF YOU HAVE SAKE YOU'D BETTER SHARE BEFORE HIKO STEALS IT!! Oh.. and while I'm at it, we have had many requests for....... TSFTSES to be posted on THIS story, too......if you are up to it!!
:: growls at school :: GRR STUPID SCHOOL!!! I understand what you mean though!! I hope things get better. Guess what? I have a C in my writing class........ Heheheheh ya know what? My friend Angie from school (no I am not lying) calls me love, too.... you guys are A LOT a like..... are you sure your not the same Angie?! :: ponders this :: Hmmmmmmm.......... Hehehehe!! :: finds self in death grip from all Kenshin gumi :: YES I MISSED YOU GUYS TOO!!! Hehehehe, love and hugs all around!!!
OKAY WITH THAT LONG RESPONSE OUT OF THE WAY HERE ARE THE REST!!!
Rhapsody07: Thank you Misao-chan!! Hehehehe, dude, I don't think Kenshin will leave because BATTOUSAI knows what's going on he is SMARTER in these regions than Kenshin!!! :: hides from angry rurouni :: AHH!!! I will mail you soon, okay?
Kenshinsgrl: I can't remember what your idea was....... :: sweatdrops :: could you tell me again? I feel like such a bad authoress now...AND I WILL CALL YOU CHAN IF I WANT TO!!! :: giggles to self :: HEHEHEHE!!!
Crimson Feline: Duh hyperness is the best, LOL!!! Hehehehehe!!! I am so HAPPY!!! Yay!!!
Noner_89: I will update soon!!!
Oni-chan: Well duh another cliffhanger, I'm FAMOUS for them, remember? I'm glad your loving the story, though!!! Makes me happy!!! :: hugs you ::
Sayiangohan16: STUPID REVIEW BUTTON, DIE!!!! :: kills the review button :: DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE!! Uh.. o_O;; Oro... Hahaha, I stole the word!! Uh.. Hehehe!! Glad you like the story though!!!
Angle1: :: stares at strangly colored pile of dust on the floor :: Yes I can guarantee that it turned into a pile of dust. It's under the plaque that says 'SOS'. And the plaque that says 'BT' is empty.. grr... stupid writers block... Hehehehe!!! Yes, that was a spolier, ne? But my story is SO off the real thing that it's not right!! Yes I am really getting the DVD's for Christmas. My grandma says so. Hehehehe. She loves me!! I will share!! PARTY AT MY HOUSE!!! My parents don't like me watching Kenshin :: growls at parents :: GRR!!! Yes you caught up I am proud!! :: hugs you :: I thought Coming of the Dawn was a long story.. hehehehehe.... it took you a week to read, huh? Hehehehehe... I'm gonna time myeslf....
K+K fanatic: Yay more reviews!!! :: reads number of pages :: HOLY FUDGE MONKIES!!! 4 PAGES TO RESPOND TO!! :: dies :: UH. I'M OKAY!! Anywayz, to your actual response........ Hehehe I know Kaoru is considered a raccoon that's why I put that in there..... I'm so smart!!! :: pictures Kenshin chasing a raccoon :: HEHEHE!! So it WAS you who called me Renee-sensei..... I thought that was so cool!!! Hehehe, I sound so selfish.... .but fanatic- chan (I have to call you that , I know not your name!!) I am not used to being worshiped so the day I get called Renee-sama I will die. NOW I'M RINI- SENSEI YAY!!!! Hehehehe, yes, I was thinking about that the other day!! Zanza/Sanosuke and Battousai/Kenshin...... and you know what else? NONE OF THE CHARACTERS HAVE PARENTS!! Kaoru, Kenshin, Sano, Yahiko, Megumi, Aoshi, Misao.... even Ayami and Suzume live w/ their grandfather!!! I mean, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO HAVING PARENTS?! It's pshyco I tell you!!
Little_Devil9: :: mouth drops :: SHARE YOUR RED FUSION W/ THIS PARCHED AUTHORESS!!! :: pouts :: hehehe. I liked your idea though!! :: clamps hands over mouth :: DID I JUST SAY THAT?! Uh.... oops....
Piper: Yes I was thinking that too!! But you know Kenshin!!! DUH RUROUNI THEY CAN GET HER EASIER IF YOU LEAVE!!!
Koneko Battousai: Yes, every day is a happy day when Kenshin is on!!! YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH KENSHIN!!! Well... Maybe... No... I DON'T KNOW I'M CONFUSED!!! Hehehehe!! Glad you loved the fic and YES it is GOOD to be hyper!!!
Dark Kishi: EYAY!!!! :: pounces and gives you a hug :: YAY YOU REVIEWED!!! YAY!!!! People who are reading this go read her ficcie!!! NOW!!! :: whistles :: No, to your review response!!! I tend to write HUGE ones... :: clears throat for her speech :: Yay I'm glad your glad I'm over my writers block!!! But you know what? This writers blocks stirred up another story and I have writers block on it now. :: growls at her brain :: STUPID BRAIN!!! Oh well!! Yes, UPDATE YOU MUST!!! Hehhehehehehe!!! I will MAKE you. I will WRITE THE CHAPTER FOR YOU!!! Thus far your fanart has been proving fruitless... :: growls at paper :: I'm trying so hard but I CAN'T EVEN GET KENSHIN'S EYES RIGHT!!!! Grr.. Oh well. I will draw something. Sometime. SOMEHOW!!!
Ginny-cry: :: watches you beg :: Okay I will think about it!!!
Michi Hatabaki: Yes, they do make a happy family... I wrote habby.. oops... BUT WHY DO ALL THEIR NAMES START W/ K'S? Kenshin, Kenji, Kaoru... geez.... hehehehe I notice these things!!! Well, I hope I updated to your expectations!!!
Beraith: Yes I understand but I didn't know how else to word it!! It's okay it didn't bug me!!! I was like 'she's right!'. Heheheheh!!! Well.. Review response time.. O_o;; yes you are pure lust, now aren't you? Geez.. hehehehehehe.. oh well that works for me!! Whatever works for you!!! Hehehehe!!! Come rape me.... I might try that sometime (is being sarcastic) You sound like my friend Dani. She walks up to guys and licks them. O_o;;;; .... she told me to once.. BUT ONTO OTHER THINGS NOW!!! KUDOS FOR ME!!! Hehehe!! Yes, I always knew Battousai wasn't just a killing machine, he has feelings under that stone wall of his that made his head so thick and dense!!! I like Vanilla cappuchino. or however you spell it... but we don't own any :: sulks :: must get some from Sam.. hehehehe!!!
Anime-Master7: YES YAHIKO FIXED THE BASE!!! THAT MEANS I CAN HAVE MORE WEAPONS NOW!!! WAH!!! Yes, liquid sugar is GOOD FOR THE SOUL!! Okay.. that made absolutely no sense... You know what? I have had a bottle cap for a free Dr. Pepper since June.. I keep remembering it but never use it.. O_o;;; Oh well!!! I need some pop, to bad we DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY TO BUY POP WITH!!! Dr. Pepper will have to wait.. hehehehehehe!! Oh.. Sidestory may continue... :: gives you thumbs up :: IS HIGHLY POSSIBLE!!!
Koishii Sweet: No Kenshin ain't leaving for no 15 years!! I will kick his sorry rurouni butt if he does!!! :: growls :: He will stay, don't worry!!!
Alli: thank you Alli and I will!!!
Brittanie Love: YAY!! :: HUGS YOU :: You reviewed!! You live, too!! I'm finding out so many people still live!!! Yes and ignore ALL flames because your story is AMAZING no matter what other people say!!! I say so so there!!! :: growls at flamer :: I am still waiting for my first actual flame myself!! We shall see when I get it... :: is telling she is really asking for it :: Oh well!!!
Phedre No Delauney: Yeah.. I suck at grammer and wording... lovely conversation!!! :: rereads with interest :: Hmmmmmmm..... hehehehe!! I am updating!!!
Kenshin's Demon: Checked your story out, read it, and thought it was good!! Keep writing, okay? I may be picky but I like a lot of stuff.. :: shrugs :: I have to really hate something to tell you. But for real, I LOVE YOUR STORY!! Very interesting!! Because I said so!!! ^_^
DragonTamer9741: Yes you did!! I was talking to you!! And I get this 'I found a mistake. I found a mistake.' Hehehehehe!! Now!! :: takes a super breath:: Love, hugs, sugar pills, root BEER, drugs, WHIPPED CREAM, cotton candy, PUDDING, reeses, string cheese, coffee that's 99% sugar, Dr. Pepper, Crème Soda, drugs, CAKE AND ICE CREAM, nachos, Hershey's chocolate, sugared donuts, Liquide sugar, glazed donuts, and sweet-tarts! Beat that chicka!!
Black Twilight: Actually... I haven't gotten a flame yet!! ^_^ I'm waiting for one because I don't think it'll be that bad!! Look, I'll get one and be like NO!!!! And start to cry. Heheheheeh!! Oh well!! YES BY ALL MEANS RIGHT A SIDE STORY TO MY FICCIE!!! I WILL LOVE YOU EVEN MORE IF YOU DO!!! :: hugs you a lot :: PLEASEY PLEASEY PLEASEY!!! IN THE PURPLE NOTEBOOK, YES!!! GO GO GO GO GO GO!!! WRITE WRITE WRITE!! Tell me when you post it so I can put a link on my author's page and I can read it be all 'OH YEAH!!'. Hehehehehe!!! E-mail me soon, okay? AND TELL ME YOUR IDEAS!! I don't wanna wait and find out how it turns out I WANNA KNOW NOW!!! :: pouts :: You are welcome bunches!!!
Aglaia102: Yes!! It is next time!!
CurlsofSerenity: 9 months of pregnancy!! He can't be 2 yet!! He's a little bit over 1, I said that didn't I? So he's like 1 ½!!! Okay!!! Makes sense, don't it? :: sweatdrops :: I see you have been coming up w/ ideas :: ponders them :: POSSIBILITIES!!! Yes yes yes!!!
Catrina 3: YES KENSHIN YOU BAKA-HENTAI-RUROUNI!! I don't KNOW what color Kenji's eyes are!! He can have red hair to brown hair, blue eyes or purple eyes that's what I've read so far on mini-oro.com. Either way his character is still the same BUT NOT IN MY STORY!! I don't think he's even going to get old enough to hate Kenshin... :: watchs at you glomp Kenshin:: I think you need a clone... Hehehehe!! Latez!!
There are the responses!!
Kenshin: Oro.. WHY IS EVERYONE AFTER ME!!!
Crystal: Because you're cute!!! ^_^x
Kenshin: Oro.. Kaoru-dono!!!
Crystal: Ahhh!!!
Kenshin: :: reads reviews :: You SCRATCHED Battousai behind the ears?! What do you think he is, a dog?
Crystal: Yes!!! BATTOUSAI IS FUZZY!!!
Everyone: :: sweatdrops ::
Kaoru: I didn't think it was possible to use those words in a sentence....
Crystal: That's what Lady Himura said..... I HAVE QUOTES!!! AOSHI TELL THEM MY QUOTES!!!
Aoshi: :: grumbles :: I is a gud righter.
Crystal: hehehehe!! Yes it is supposed to be spelled like that!! It makes it funny!!!
Aoshi: AND... Cliffhangers aren't bad unless you fall off the edge.
Crystal: Yes!! NOW GO DANCE IN YOUR PENGUIN SUIT YOU KODACHI WEILDING PENGUIN!!! ( I got that off of I fic I was reading the other night!)
Kaoru: Hehehehehe.. Kodachi weilding penguin...
Well, Ja!!!
Luv and hugs,
Crystal Renee
Kenshin: Sessha doesn't think so, that he doesn't!!
Sano: Thank GOD that's true!!!
Me: :: glares :: WHATEVER SANO!!!
Author's Notes: Ah....... chapter 4!!! Let me see here, I am writing this totally from scratch............ hehehehe......... I really need to start outlining the story before I post it........... AH I DON'T KNOW WHEN BABIES START TO WALK OR WHEN THEY START TO SPEAK OR ANYTHING!!! This is going to be so hard......
~Silhouettes of Shadows~
***Chapter 4- Promises ***
Kaoru sat in her room, holding Kenji and trying to calm him down. He had been crying ever since Kaoru had screamed. Kenshin was leaning over her and judiciously cleaning her wound, trying not to cause her to wince as she attempted to calm Kenji down. He was down to simple whimpering now, but his lavender eyes were filled with tears that made them appear as the waters of a river reflecting the purple hues of morning. Kaoru hushed him as quietly as she could, trying to hide her anguished cries when Kenshin pushed too roughly against her wound while cleaning it. Kenji just stared up at his mother and father innocently, whimpering and clasping his hands open and shut.
Kenshin peered over Kaoru's injured shoulder at Kenji and smiled lightly at his son, hiding his own exuberant emotions behind his dark violet blue eyes. Kenji cocked his head to the side slightly and stared.
"Daddy." Kenji stated slowly, his mind registering the words slowly.
Kenshin turned his gaze to Kaoru. "When did he learn that word?"
"That's the first word he said." Kaoru responded, smiling brightly down at Kenji as Kenshin finished bandaging her cut and slipped her yukata sleeve back up. "He just blurted it out one day."
The mood had lightened after that, and Kenji seemed to calm until he was in a deep sleep. Kaoru moved Kenji over to the other futon and stood, staring at him.
"You should change your yukata. I'll wash it in the morning." Kenshin stated. "And I'll mend it."
Kaoru nodded and slipped the yukata off, ignoring that Kenshin was in the room. She placed on a new crisp, clean one and then slipped under the covers of the futon. She sighed and closed her eyes. She lay there, not sleeping.
Kenshin watched Kaoru with pleading eyes.
"Kaoru?" he asked her. "Are you angry, koishii?"
Kaoru shook her head. "No."
Kenshin changed into a yukata quickly and then lay next to Kaoru above the blankets, wrapping one arm securely around her waist and pulling her tighter to him as he buried his head in her hair. He breathed in her scent, something he had missed terribly in the past 2 years he had been gone.
"Then what is wrong, koishii?" he asked her calmly.
'It's those damn hitokiris. They scared her!' The Battousai screamed angrily in his mind. 'I swear to Kami-sama their all going to pay for that!'
Kaoru snuggled a little closer to Kenshin. "I'm scared."
"Why?" he asked her again, calmly, trying to alleviate all the tension in her body by slowly rubbing her back with his other hand.
"Because... they had never attacked us before Kenshin." Kaoru told him truthfully. "I almost beat him."
"I know. I watched." Kenshin told her. "I wasn't going to jump in if you didn't need me."
Kaoru smiled, realizing he had a deep trust for her skills. "I'm afraid you're going to leave again. You never told me when I asked."
Regretfully he sighed. "I'm still deciding."
"What makes you think it would be better if you left?" Kaoru asked him. "Another episode like that may happen again.... and I'd be alone and no one would be able to help me."
Kenshin had to hand it to her, she was right.
"All the times I got hurt, you came a saved me. But what makes you think that you'll be able to show up like that every time?" Kaoru asked him. "But that's not the only reason why I'm afraid."
Gently he stroked her hair, telling her patiently to go on.
"I'm afraid their aim isn't at me." Kaoru told him.
Kenshin sat up and looked down at her, amber eyes wide. "What do you mean?"
"I don't think they want me. I think they want Kenji."
He stared down at her, her words hitting him like a ton of bricks. She was right, and he knew it. Katsura had probably had spies out here all along; they probably knew all about Kenji, and Kenshin knew exactly what Katsura saw in Kenji, even though he was young.
Battousai Junior.
Kenshin sighed and breathed out heavily, his anger subsiding enough to continue talking things over with Kaoru.
"I'm not going to leave." He told her, closing his amber eyes to keep the glow from scaring her. "I'm going to stay here and be sure you two are okay. But you're going to have to take special precautions, and be sure that you and Kenji are not here alone at all. Make sure that Sano, Yahiko, or myself are here."
"Yahiko isn't as skilled as me yet, Kenshin, I can protect myself pretty well. I'm just out of training." Kaoru told him instinctively. "Don't worry about me. I'm not worried about myself, I'm worried about Kenji."
Kenshin nodded, glancing over at the sleeping tuff of red on the futon across from the one he was on. "Okay Kaoru."
Arms wrapped out him tightly, drawing him closer to Kaoru. "Thank you for staying, Kenshin."
*********** ***********
Kenshin's thoughts roamed around as he fell into step with the other people who were familiar with the streets of Tokyo. He scanned the surrounding market, trying vainly to find the supplies he needed to buy for the day. Violet eyes caught upon a small object on one stand. Stopping abruptly he stared until he found himself drawn toward the small cart that held many other glittering objects that were pleasing to the eye. But his eyes were still glued upon the one he had seen on his way over.
"Is there something I can help you with, sir?" asked the merchant happily.
Kenshin glanced up, thoroughly confused. "Oro?"
The merchant chuckled slightly and inclined his head towards what Kenshin had been enthralled with momentarily ago.
"Anyone special?"
"Hai." Kenshin answered truthfully. "But I don't have the money."
The man nodded. "I understand. I can cut the price down if you so desire to buy it that bad."
Kenshin pondered the kind invitation before inclining towards the offer. "Hai, how much?"
************ ************
"Yahiko-chan, you have to spread your legs slightly more or else you're not going to get the power in your swing!" Kaoru cried as she tried to train Yahiko despite her healing shoulder.
"Shut up busu, I know what I'm doing!" he screamed back, grudgingly moving into the position that he had been instructed to, swinging his borrowed shinai strongly.
Kaoru ignored his comment for a moment when she realized that he had listened to her anyway. "If you knew then you wouldn't be training under me in the first place, Yahiko, so don't even try that."
Kenji was in the corner with Sano, giggling as he watched his mother and Yahiko. Kaoru glanced over at them and saw Sano trying to fight Kenji from his hair.
"Damn you Yahiko you're teaching this kid bad things!" Sano complained, trying to pull Kenji down from his hair, which he was chewing on religiously. "Don't you have something he can teeth on besides my hair, Jou-chan?"
Kaoru and Yahiko both stifled their uprising giggles and comments and continued with their training. Sano eventually plucked Kenji off of his hair and set him down in his lap, preparing to scold him.
"Uncle Sanosuke's hair is NOT rice. It's not sushi. You don't eat it." Sano told him humorously, waving a finger in Kenji's face. "You do not eat hair."
"Chicken!!" Kenji laughed. "Rooster!"
Sano sweat dropped. "Jou-chan!!! You've got your kid calling me Chicken and rooster!"
"Well you look like one!" Yahiko pointed out.
"You forget I know where you like Yahiko-chan, and I won't think twice to beat up on my brother!" Sano stated, repositioning Kenji on his lap. "And you can't swat me because I'm holding the baby!"
Kenji moved off of Sano's lap and stood next to him, his pudgy hands using Sano's arm for support by pulling against the white Aku jacket. Sano just smiled at him and then looked back at the fight in the middle of the room. Kaoru was standing with her bokken out in front of her, and Yahiko was beside her, ready to land a blow. But Kaoru faked him out and smacked him fairly on the back.
"I'm injured Yahiko, and you can't even beat me?" Kaoru stated, obviously amused with her student. "And Kenshin wants you to protect me? How can you if you can't even beat me?"
Yahiko glared at her. "I'm going easy on you busu! He doesn't want me to hurt you either, you know!"
Kaoru's eyes grew wide. "1000 strokes Yahiko!"
"What?! Are you insane, busu?" he screamed.
"Should I make it more?" Kaoru asked.
Sano laughed. "You'd better listen to her Yahiko. She'll double your chore duty if you don't."
Kenshin came strolling in just as Yahiko began his strokes and Kaoru placed her bokken to the side. He set the food off to the side where he would use it later to cook everyone's lunch. He pondered why he was cooking in the first place, he didn't usually cook, and he decided it was because he had grown used to cooking for himself over the past two years on his own.
Sano came out with Kenji on his shoulder and greet him.
"Oi Kenshin! Have fun at the market?" he asked, grinning, his fishbone sticking out from his mouth unceremoniously.
Kenshin stared back at him and rolled his eyes. "A blast, Sano, just a blast."
Kenji pulled at Sano's hair until he decided the fishbone was more interesting and plucked it from Sano's mouth and stuck it in his own. Sano whipped his head around to stare at his grinning nephew.
"Hey! He takes after me more than you, Kenshin!" Sano laughed. "Now, give me my fishbone back."
Kenji shook his head. Kenshin plucked the fishbone from his mouth and handed it to Sano. "You going to stick that back in your mouth?"
Sano looked at it and shook his head. "Nah, I'll clean it. Come on Kenji we're going out side to play for a while. You can hang out with your dad later."
Kenshin let Sano leave with Kenji, and then turned back to the food he was getting ready to prepare. Kaoru came in and Kenshin smiled at her.
"Kenji seems to like Sano." Kenshin noted.
"Funny he likes Sano better than Yahiko." Kaoru stated. "I didn't think that Sano would have patience for a kid but he is better than Yahiko when I needed or need help with him."
Kenshin grinned. "An ex-gangster is better than Yahiko?"
"Don't ask me." Kaoru told him. "You haven't been spending much time with Kenji yourself, Kenshin. Why not?"
"I don't know koishii. Getting used to the change, I suppose." He explained to her. "I didn't expect to come back to find you with a child."
Kaoru nodded and pulled some plates out to set the table with.
"Kaoru?"
"Hai?"
"I got something for you today." He told her. "But you can't have it until you promise me something."
"What?" Kaoru asked, glancing over at Kenshin quizzically.
Author's Notes: MWHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Yes, I am 100% certain that chapter SUCKED big time but I'm still posting it. Hope you guys liked it. WHAT DO YOU THINK KENSHIN BOUGHT AT THE MARKET THAT DAY?! Did I do good with Sano's interaction with Kenji? I need to know!! TELL ME THESE THINGS!!! Hehehehehe!!!
Well, review responses:
Krystalsailormoon: :: hugs you to death :: YOU LIVE!!! WAH!!!! Now I have 3 reviews to respond to from you!!! YAY!!! YOU LIVE!!! :: hugs you again :: And DUH we're violent Kenshin, I thought you'd realize that by now!!! OH!!! I HAVE TO TELL YOU SOMETHING!!!! You remember creepy evil stalker dude? I saw him the other day and he looks at me and he was with my friend Dani :: growls at evil dude trying to hurt Dani :: and she's all 'this is Louis' and I'm like 'I know' and he goes 'she doesn't like me so don't even bother'. I was like YES IN YOUR FACE EVIL CREEPY DUDE!! HE GOT THE MESSAGE!!! THAT MEANS YOU, BATTOUSAI, AND SANO DID GOOD SCARING HIM!!! Wah!!! Someone in Rurouni Kenshin to play Gollum? Hmmm.. Aoshi!!! Because he's all normal, then he's evil, then Kenshin made him normal again!! YA!! Or Saitou. Hehehehe. Saitou calling Kenshin master.. NO HIKO!! YEAH!!! Okay.. never mind... Hehehehehehe.
:: sits up with you on my lap :: Well, hello to you to!! I think you cracked my head!!! :: touches head :: OW!! Be CAREFUL where you bounce and pounce!! HEY I MADE A RYHME!! Uh. however you spell it... He did say oro?! :: tries to remember :: OH YEAH I REMEMBER!!! Heheheh!!! Yes, Battousai is a daddy!!! Hehehehe... Battousai chaning diapers... Hahahahaha... I know my grandma loves to spoil me, that she does!! BUT YOU HAVE A DVD NOW AND I DON'T!! :: sulks :: OH!! DON'T MISS THE EPISODE ON THE 25TH!! I'll give you a hint..... it's called "Kaoru's Happy, Kenshin's proposal"..... Hehehehehe!!! AND YES YOU HAD BETTER SHARE THE BOOTY!!!! I MEAN COME ON IF YOU HAVE SAKE YOU'D BETTER SHARE BEFORE HIKO STEALS IT!! Oh.. and while I'm at it, we have had many requests for....... TSFTSES to be posted on THIS story, too......if you are up to it!!
:: growls at school :: GRR STUPID SCHOOL!!! I understand what you mean though!! I hope things get better. Guess what? I have a C in my writing class........ Heheheheh ya know what? My friend Angie from school (no I am not lying) calls me love, too.... you guys are A LOT a like..... are you sure your not the same Angie?! :: ponders this :: Hmmmmmmm.......... Hehehehe!! :: finds self in death grip from all Kenshin gumi :: YES I MISSED YOU GUYS TOO!!! Hehehehe, love and hugs all around!!!
OKAY WITH THAT LONG RESPONSE OUT OF THE WAY HERE ARE THE REST!!!
Rhapsody07: Thank you Misao-chan!! Hehehehe, dude, I don't think Kenshin will leave because BATTOUSAI knows what's going on he is SMARTER in these regions than Kenshin!!! :: hides from angry rurouni :: AHH!!! I will mail you soon, okay?
Kenshinsgrl: I can't remember what your idea was....... :: sweatdrops :: could you tell me again? I feel like such a bad authoress now...AND I WILL CALL YOU CHAN IF I WANT TO!!! :: giggles to self :: HEHEHEHE!!!
Crimson Feline: Duh hyperness is the best, LOL!!! Hehehehehe!!! I am so HAPPY!!! Yay!!!
Noner_89: I will update soon!!!
Oni-chan: Well duh another cliffhanger, I'm FAMOUS for them, remember? I'm glad your loving the story, though!!! Makes me happy!!! :: hugs you ::
Sayiangohan16: STUPID REVIEW BUTTON, DIE!!!! :: kills the review button :: DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE!! Uh.. o_O;; Oro... Hahaha, I stole the word!! Uh.. Hehehe!! Glad you like the story though!!!
Angle1: :: stares at strangly colored pile of dust on the floor :: Yes I can guarantee that it turned into a pile of dust. It's under the plaque that says 'SOS'. And the plaque that says 'BT' is empty.. grr... stupid writers block... Hehehehe!!! Yes, that was a spolier, ne? But my story is SO off the real thing that it's not right!! Yes I am really getting the DVD's for Christmas. My grandma says so. Hehehehe. She loves me!! I will share!! PARTY AT MY HOUSE!!! My parents don't like me watching Kenshin :: growls at parents :: GRR!!! Yes you caught up I am proud!! :: hugs you :: I thought Coming of the Dawn was a long story.. hehehehehe.... it took you a week to read, huh? Hehehehehe... I'm gonna time myeslf....
K+K fanatic: Yay more reviews!!! :: reads number of pages :: HOLY FUDGE MONKIES!!! 4 PAGES TO RESPOND TO!! :: dies :: UH. I'M OKAY!! Anywayz, to your actual response........ Hehehe I know Kaoru is considered a raccoon that's why I put that in there..... I'm so smart!!! :: pictures Kenshin chasing a raccoon :: HEHEHE!! So it WAS you who called me Renee-sensei..... I thought that was so cool!!! Hehehe, I sound so selfish.... .but fanatic- chan (I have to call you that , I know not your name!!) I am not used to being worshiped so the day I get called Renee-sama I will die. NOW I'M RINI- SENSEI YAY!!!! Hehehehe, yes, I was thinking about that the other day!! Zanza/Sanosuke and Battousai/Kenshin...... and you know what else? NONE OF THE CHARACTERS HAVE PARENTS!! Kaoru, Kenshin, Sano, Yahiko, Megumi, Aoshi, Misao.... even Ayami and Suzume live w/ their grandfather!!! I mean, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO HAVING PARENTS?! It's pshyco I tell you!!
Little_Devil9: :: mouth drops :: SHARE YOUR RED FUSION W/ THIS PARCHED AUTHORESS!!! :: pouts :: hehehe. I liked your idea though!! :: clamps hands over mouth :: DID I JUST SAY THAT?! Uh.... oops....
Piper: Yes I was thinking that too!! But you know Kenshin!!! DUH RUROUNI THEY CAN GET HER EASIER IF YOU LEAVE!!!
Koneko Battousai: Yes, every day is a happy day when Kenshin is on!!! YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH KENSHIN!!! Well... Maybe... No... I DON'T KNOW I'M CONFUSED!!! Hehehehe!! Glad you loved the fic and YES it is GOOD to be hyper!!!
Dark Kishi: EYAY!!!! :: pounces and gives you a hug :: YAY YOU REVIEWED!!! YAY!!!! People who are reading this go read her ficcie!!! NOW!!! :: whistles :: No, to your review response!!! I tend to write HUGE ones... :: clears throat for her speech :: Yay I'm glad your glad I'm over my writers block!!! But you know what? This writers blocks stirred up another story and I have writers block on it now. :: growls at her brain :: STUPID BRAIN!!! Oh well!! Yes, UPDATE YOU MUST!!! Hehhehehehehe!!! I will MAKE you. I will WRITE THE CHAPTER FOR YOU!!! Thus far your fanart has been proving fruitless... :: growls at paper :: I'm trying so hard but I CAN'T EVEN GET KENSHIN'S EYES RIGHT!!!! Grr.. Oh well. I will draw something. Sometime. SOMEHOW!!!
Ginny-cry: :: watches you beg :: Okay I will think about it!!!
Michi Hatabaki: Yes, they do make a happy family... I wrote habby.. oops... BUT WHY DO ALL THEIR NAMES START W/ K'S? Kenshin, Kenji, Kaoru... geez.... hehehehe I notice these things!!! Well, I hope I updated to your expectations!!!
Beraith: Yes I understand but I didn't know how else to word it!! It's okay it didn't bug me!!! I was like 'she's right!'. Heheheheh!!! Well.. Review response time.. O_o;; yes you are pure lust, now aren't you? Geez.. hehehehehehe.. oh well that works for me!! Whatever works for you!!! Hehehehe!!! Come rape me.... I might try that sometime (is being sarcastic) You sound like my friend Dani. She walks up to guys and licks them. O_o;;;; .... she told me to once.. BUT ONTO OTHER THINGS NOW!!! KUDOS FOR ME!!! Hehehe!! Yes, I always knew Battousai wasn't just a killing machine, he has feelings under that stone wall of his that made his head so thick and dense!!! I like Vanilla cappuchino. or however you spell it... but we don't own any :: sulks :: must get some from Sam.. hehehehe!!!
Anime-Master7: YES YAHIKO FIXED THE BASE!!! THAT MEANS I CAN HAVE MORE WEAPONS NOW!!! WAH!!! Yes, liquid sugar is GOOD FOR THE SOUL!! Okay.. that made absolutely no sense... You know what? I have had a bottle cap for a free Dr. Pepper since June.. I keep remembering it but never use it.. O_o;;; Oh well!!! I need some pop, to bad we DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY TO BUY POP WITH!!! Dr. Pepper will have to wait.. hehehehehehe!! Oh.. Sidestory may continue... :: gives you thumbs up :: IS HIGHLY POSSIBLE!!!
Koishii Sweet: No Kenshin ain't leaving for no 15 years!! I will kick his sorry rurouni butt if he does!!! :: growls :: He will stay, don't worry!!!
Alli: thank you Alli and I will!!!
Brittanie Love: YAY!! :: HUGS YOU :: You reviewed!! You live, too!! I'm finding out so many people still live!!! Yes and ignore ALL flames because your story is AMAZING no matter what other people say!!! I say so so there!!! :: growls at flamer :: I am still waiting for my first actual flame myself!! We shall see when I get it... :: is telling she is really asking for it :: Oh well!!!
Phedre No Delauney: Yeah.. I suck at grammer and wording... lovely conversation!!! :: rereads with interest :: Hmmmmmmm..... hehehehe!! I am updating!!!
Kenshin's Demon: Checked your story out, read it, and thought it was good!! Keep writing, okay? I may be picky but I like a lot of stuff.. :: shrugs :: I have to really hate something to tell you. But for real, I LOVE YOUR STORY!! Very interesting!! Because I said so!!! ^_^
DragonTamer9741: Yes you did!! I was talking to you!! And I get this 'I found a mistake. I found a mistake.' Hehehehehe!! Now!! :: takes a super breath:: Love, hugs, sugar pills, root BEER, drugs, WHIPPED CREAM, cotton candy, PUDDING, reeses, string cheese, coffee that's 99% sugar, Dr. Pepper, Crème Soda, drugs, CAKE AND ICE CREAM, nachos, Hershey's chocolate, sugared donuts, Liquide sugar, glazed donuts, and sweet-tarts! Beat that chicka!!
Black Twilight: Actually... I haven't gotten a flame yet!! ^_^ I'm waiting for one because I don't think it'll be that bad!! Look, I'll get one and be like NO!!!! And start to cry. Heheheheeh!! Oh well!! YES BY ALL MEANS RIGHT A SIDE STORY TO MY FICCIE!!! I WILL LOVE YOU EVEN MORE IF YOU DO!!! :: hugs you a lot :: PLEASEY PLEASEY PLEASEY!!! IN THE PURPLE NOTEBOOK, YES!!! GO GO GO GO GO GO!!! WRITE WRITE WRITE!! Tell me when you post it so I can put a link on my author's page and I can read it be all 'OH YEAH!!'. Hehehehehe!!! E-mail me soon, okay? AND TELL ME YOUR IDEAS!! I don't wanna wait and find out how it turns out I WANNA KNOW NOW!!! :: pouts :: You are welcome bunches!!!
Aglaia102: Yes!! It is next time!!
CurlsofSerenity: 9 months of pregnancy!! He can't be 2 yet!! He's a little bit over 1, I said that didn't I? So he's like 1 ½!!! Okay!!! Makes sense, don't it? :: sweatdrops :: I see you have been coming up w/ ideas :: ponders them :: POSSIBILITIES!!! Yes yes yes!!!
Catrina 3: YES KENSHIN YOU BAKA-HENTAI-RUROUNI!! I don't KNOW what color Kenji's eyes are!! He can have red hair to brown hair, blue eyes or purple eyes that's what I've read so far on mini-oro.com. Either way his character is still the same BUT NOT IN MY STORY!! I don't think he's even going to get old enough to hate Kenshin... :: watchs at you glomp Kenshin:: I think you need a clone... Hehehehe!! Latez!!
There are the responses!!
Kenshin: Oro.. WHY IS EVERYONE AFTER ME!!!
Crystal: Because you're cute!!! ^_^x
Kenshin: Oro.. Kaoru-dono!!!
Crystal: Ahhh!!!
Kenshin: :: reads reviews :: You SCRATCHED Battousai behind the ears?! What do you think he is, a dog?
Crystal: Yes!!! BATTOUSAI IS FUZZY!!!
Everyone: :: sweatdrops ::
Kaoru: I didn't think it was possible to use those words in a sentence....
Crystal: That's what Lady Himura said..... I HAVE QUOTES!!! AOSHI TELL THEM MY QUOTES!!!
Aoshi: :: grumbles :: I is a gud righter.
Crystal: hehehehe!! Yes it is supposed to be spelled like that!! It makes it funny!!!
Aoshi: AND... Cliffhangers aren't bad unless you fall off the edge.
Crystal: Yes!! NOW GO DANCE IN YOUR PENGUIN SUIT YOU KODACHI WEILDING PENGUIN!!! ( I got that off of I fic I was reading the other night!)
Kaoru: Hehehehehe.. Kodachi weilding penguin...
Well, Ja!!!
Luv and hugs,
Crystal Renee