Disclaimer: If you haven't gotten the point yet, Rurouni Kenshin is not
mine!
Definitions: Don't think there are any.
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A Love for One Hated
By: Mystic Song
Chapter 6: Seijuro's summerhouse (EDITED)
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Kaoru stood in the entryway, awe overcoming her as she looked about the house with large, astonished blue eyes. She was standing on a grand rug that neatly matched the green draperies, which laced the windows and cased the towering walls. There was also a long hallway that stretched out in front of her, dividing the house in two until it reached a set of grand oak doors trimmed with gold. On either side of that hallway were two hefty rooms; one holding what seemed to be a family room while the other was a library. To the far left was a nimble staircase pressed firmly against the wall with a golden trimmed banister. The place had an elegant, yet comfortable air that Kaoru found to be quite enjoyable.
A soft chuckling tore Kaoru's wandering eyes away from the golden trimmed doors that housed the two large rooms to a bright-eyed Kenshin, smiling a genuine rurouni smile. "Sessha takes it that Kaoru-dono is pleased with the house?"
"Hai," Kaoru replied breathlessly.
Kenshin chuckled once more as he turned to locate Dr. Genzai. Dr. Genzai had just stepped into the house, closing the door behind him as he tried to usher his two daughters into the family room. However, Ayame and Suzume didn't feel like complying with their father's wishes, and instead skirted around Kenshin's legs, shouting "Oji Kenshin!" all the while.
Dr. Genzai gave a defeated sigh and looked at Kenshin and Kaoru with weary eyes. "Kaoru-san, whenever you're ready I will take you to your room. Kenshin, you are expected in the Dining Room."
"Hai." Kaoru and Kenshin responded simultaneously.
"I am ready." Kaoru said quietly as she followed Dr. Genzai to the staircase.
Kenshin watched Kaoru closely as she ascended the stairs, trailing behind Dr. Genzai. Kenshin had the sudden feeling that he should be the one to show Kaoru around. 'After all,' Kenshin thought, 'I used to live here for most of my childhood. I remember training in the dojo outback, and learning how to cook in the kitchen behind the Dining Room.' Yet he couldn't deny the fact that those weren't the only reasons why he ought to be showing Kaoru around. It was, in truth, that he was attracted to Kaoru. Kenshin had a sense of responsibility over her, to never let her out of his sight. 'Perhaps I am like this because it is what Shishou told me to do?' Kenshin questioned himself.
Kenshin bowed his head, shaking the thoughts from his mind. 'Now is not a time to be thinking about this, that it is not.' He started down the hallway towards the majestic oak doors. The Dining Room is a place for all of the important guests to hold meetings. Kenshin vaguely wondered who was waiting for him here as he pushed open the imposing doors, a smell of smoke filling his nostrils.
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"Here you are, Kaoru-san." Dr. Genzai said politely as he pushed open one of the doors on the second floor.
Kaoru smiled kindly. "Arigatou, it's lovely."
The room that Kaoru had stepped into was beautiful indeed. The carpet was a faded blue, the walls a deeper cobalt with purple dabs. The wide windows were laced with wine-colored drapes, and the cherry-wood sleigh-bed had a thick mauve comforter and indigo pillows. Kaoru stepped into the room, her eyes in a trance. She heard the door shut behind her and assumed that Dr. Genzai had left her alone to admire. Kaoru walked aimlessly about the room, pointing out the master bath and the walk in closet, which she was pleased to find that it not only had kimonos and sleeping yukatas, but gi's and hakama's as well. She continued to wander to a third door by her bed, and when she opened it, it led to another, locked door. 'It must be connected to the room next door.' Kaoru thought, 'Whoever that may be.' Though Kaoru had a feeling that she already knew.
Kaoru turned on her heel and sat down on her bed with a groan, allowing exhaustion to take over as she rested herself into the soft bed. Yet, Kaoru found herself to be too anxious about the house, and after realizing that she would not succumb to sleep just then, she stood back up and walked over to a door that led out to a balcony.
The sunlight played against the marble of the balcony, just as it played on the pond that was a little ways out from the house. Below the balcony, Kaoru found a small, yet gorgeous garden tucked neatly underneath the sakura trees that lined the cobble-stoned pathway. Kaoru squinted her eyes to see beyond the pond and looked upon a large building.
"It looks like a dojo." Kaoru noted. 'This place is most definitely interesting.' Curiosity got the better of her as she clambered up onto the balcony's railing, latching her arms around one of the sakura tree's branches that overhung the balcony. She swiftly hoisted herself onto the branch with much ease, and slid down the trunk and into the garden.
The sakura petals fell gently around her as the autumn breeze tugged at her hair. Kaoru walked on down the cobbled-stone path, passing by the pond and finally reaching the building that she had recognized as a dojo.
She cautiously slid the shoji door aside and walked into the dojo, finding the floor to be recently waxed and slightly slick. Kaoru slipped her sandals off at the door and carefully made her way across the dojo to a side room that held a variety of weapons, most of which were wakizashis and sakabatous. Yet, as Kaoru walked deeper into the room, she found a bokken to her liking and walked back out to the dojo's practice floor.
Kaoru stood there, taking deep breaths to start her meditation. After finishing, she stretched her arms, legs, and sides before starting off with a good hundred practice swings. 'Yes, this will be very relaxing. I'm glad that I will still be able to keep up with my practice while staying here.'
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"It's about time," A sarcastic voice drawled as Kenshin pushed aside the oak doors. "What took you so long, and what were you thinking when bringing the tanuki here?"
"Oro?" Kenshin squeaked. When Saitou arched a menacing eyebrow, Kenshin sighed in defeat. "We were held up by Kurogasa."
Saitou growled from his seat at the head of the dining room table. "Ahou." He mumbled. "Is he of any threat now?"
Kenshin shook his head. "Itei. He's dead." His eyes had darkened, but didn't change shade.
Saitou arched an eyebrow. "You broke your vow?"
Kenshin's eyes narrowed at Saitou's accusation and he gave off a cruel glare. "Of course not. I made a promise never to kill again, and I will not break my vow."
"Even if that girl is at stake?" Saitou asked curiously.
Kenshin was taking aback. What would he do if it were either Kaoru's life or his vow? Kenshin bowed his head, his bangs covering the many emotions that had crossed his eyes.
Saitou frowned, pulling his cigarette away from his mouth. "And now to get back to the point of why I am here. You do know that this place isn't exactly safe for the stewardess. I have increased the security to maximum height."
"Sessha is not planning on staying here for long, de gozaru yo." Kenshin said after suddenly jerking himself back to reality. He seated himself across from Saitou at the enormous table that stretched across the majority of the room. "Only until sessha has found a safer place to stay."
Saitou's lip twitched. "The safest place for the girl to stay is at the Aoiya, but the town is currently thriving with Shishio's men. My men are strong, but not that strong. The Oniwabanshu will do a good job in protecting the girl."
Kenshin paused, his nose scrunching slightly in dislike.
Saitou studied Kenshin's actions closely. "Himura, I know that you have nothing against Shinomori, the Okashira of the Oniwabanshu. Why do you oppose leaving the tanuki in the Oniwabanshu's protection?"
"I was instructed to look after Kaoru-dono myself. I will not hand off my job to another person." Kenshin replied somewhat coldly.
"I see." Saitou said calmly, his thin lips curving into a knowing smirk. 'Maybe that tanuki means more to him than he will allow.'
"Why is it that the Oniwabanshu remains in the town while your men patrol the outskirts? Isn't it usually switched?"
"Yes," Saitou said slowly in a faint growl since the fact as to why annoyed him so. "There seems to be a boy staying in the Kamiya dojo, stating that Kamiya Kaoru is his sister. Yet that isn't the only thing that is throwing the men off. Shishio's men know what that Kamiya looks like, yet when 'Kaoru' comes to the door, they find some weasel actually named Misao." Saitou continued in an undertone, "It was a clever move on whoever thought that up."
Kenshin smiled. "Yes, Kaoru-dono is very clever."
"So the tanuki came up with that idea?" Saitou asked, already knowing the answer. Kenshin nodded. "Well," Saitou said suddenly, standing up from the table and walking around to meet Kenshin face to face. "There are things that need to be done." Saitou took a long drag from his cigarette before bending low to speak in a low whisper for only a man with a trained ear could hear. "It is time for you to become possessive, Battousai."
Kenshin darted his eyes up to face Saitou in a rough growl. "What do you mean?"
"Shishio's men aren't stupid." Saitou said coldly. "This spot is their second target, which is exactly why you will need to become domineering soon. That tanuki hasn't been watched over in four years, and that has given the enemy plenty of time to look." Kenshin's blood started to boil at the thought of other men peeping into Kaoru's windows, spying on her. "She needs someone at her side at every second of the day, someone who will be watching over her constantly." Saitou paused to let his words sink in. "Tell me," he said in a drawl, "Tell me where she is at this exact moment."
Kenshin paused and said without thinking, "In her room."
Saitou stood up straight and Kenshin could tell he was searching for Kaoru's ki. "Think again." He said while exiting the room, shutting the door loudly behind him.
Saitou was somewhat disappointed at Kenshin's behavior. He knew that Kaoru needed much more protection then what she was given, but he also knew that they were making improvement: Kenshin was becoming possessive. If he weren't, then Kaoru would already be in the hands of the enemy, or would be staying under the protection of the Oniwabanshu by now. Yes, they were making improvement: Lord Seijuro would be pleased.
Meanwhile, Kenshin sat dumbfounded in the Dining Room. Why had he gotten so worked up over Kaoru being under the protection of the Oniwabanshu? Was it true that he was becoming overprotective? He didn't want to become attached to anybody for the fear of losing them, or hurting them, or just being unworthy of them. Kenshin sighed, his thoughts were getting to him again and he didn't feel like taking the time to sort them out. He had to focus on more important matters, like finding Kaoru a safer place to stay. It was true, once Shishio's men discover that Kaoru is not in town they'll start looking for her in the woods. And once they find Kurogasa dead, they'd be tracking him and Kaoru down to the summerhouse, just like Saitou had said.
'But,' Kenshin reminded himself, 'Once they leave town it will be safe for Kaoru to come back. Maybe then we will stay in the Aoiya.'
'We?' Kenshin questioned himself.
'Yes, we. You know that you don't want to leave Kaoru there all by herself with just the Oniwabanshu. She needs your protection too.'
Kenshin groaned and placed his head in his hands. His thoughts only brought him back to the notion of him being possessive of Kaoru.
He stood up quickly and left the Dining Room, hoping that he had also left his thoughts behind him in the process. Kenshin ascended the steps and walked down the hallway that led to his room. He was very fond of his room. It was complete with black carpet, crimson walls with violet sponge painting. His curtains over his bed and over his windows were also black. The room held a musty smell, yet was kept in good order. Kenshin had the feeling of being secretive, finding sanctuary from his hectic life.
Kenshin walked over to his bed and sat down on the mattress, looking around the room that brought so many memories flooding back to him. He remembered the times he spent talking to his Shishou in this room, and the times he tried to master his ki sensing technique. Kenshin heaved a grateful sigh as his gaze was drawn to a door that when opened, led to the room next door. 'Kaoru's room' Kenshin thought. His room was originally meant to be a room for the servants, yet Hiko had it updated for him, as well as the room next door for Kenshin's 'guests'. He never had an opportunity to use the room next door until now.
'Should I check on her?' Kenshin asked himself as he pushed himself off the bed and grabbing hold of the handle that connected the two rooms. Kenshin froze, suddenly realizing what he was doing. "Kaoru-dono would not appreciate me barging in on her like this, that she would not. Yet sessha thinks that he should check on Kaoru-dono, make sure that she doesn't need anything. After all, Saitou did want sessha to become obsessive. This way, sessha can actually get to know her." He muttered to himself, and with that thought in mind, he knocked on the door.
Kenshin was displeased to find that there was no answer and a river of doubts ran through his mind. 'Is she safe? Was she kidnapped again? Or is she just sleeping?' Kenshin decided to settle his nerves by knocking on the door again, this time more urgently. "Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin called.
Still there was no reply.
Kenshin shifted nervously from foot to foot for a moment before slamming open the door. A million apologies streamed from his mouth before he took a good look of the room around him. "Gomen nasai, Kaoru-dono, but sessha didn't hear you reply and sessha thought - Kaoru-dono?"
Kenshin had been too involved with his multiple bows to notice that there was nobody, besides Kenshin, present in the room. The drapes were pulled open to the steady stream of sunlight and Kenshin cautiously walked around the room, stretching his ki out to find hers. 'Saitou was right; she is not in her room. I didn't see her walking down the steps on my way up, otherwise we would have crossed. She couldn't have left this room!' Kenshin began to fidget as he inspected the closet, the bath, and even checked around the bed. She was nowhere! Kenshin's eyebrows began to inch up his forehead and threatened to disappear into his hairline in worry. "Where could she be?" He thought aloud.
Kenshin took another quick glance around; his eye catching on the shoji door that led to the balcony, which was slightly ajar. He walked up to the door and warily pushed the screen aside. Kenshin sighed at the view that beheld him. The garden was just leaving its prime as the fall season overtook the house. He peered out and looked over at the pond that rested by the dojo. Behind the dojo, back in the woods, was a waterfall where Kenshin and his Shishou trained.
Without realizing it, Kenshin began to climb onto a nearby tree branch and made his way down to the garden, subconsciously walking towards the dojo. It wasn't until he heard a scream that alerted him back to his senses as he rushed forward to the source within the dojo, too worried to notice the giggling that quickly ensued the shriek.
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Kaoru giggled uncontrollably as the two little girls, Ayame and Suzume, ran aimlessly around the room, occasionally tripping and skidding across the dojo floor. They had just bounced in a moment ago, shouting "Obi Kaoru!" at the top of their lungs, causing Kaoru to scream in surprise and lose her footing in her forward strike. As a result, she tripped and fell, slipping onto the dojo floor and ramming into the wall. The girls had seen her do this and found it to be hilarious and fun to do at the same time, so they in turn would slip and slide across the room.
"Join us, Obi Kaoru, join us!" The girls shouted simultaneously.
Kaoru raised a hand to cover her mouth as she laughed hysterically. She couldn't resist the urge to chase after them. So once Ayame and Suzume were a good distance from each other, Kaoru dashed forward, reaching her arms out to grab one of the unsuspecting girls around the waist.
Kaoru winced as she placed her right foot down, noticing that she was getting a bad cramp in that foot. 'It's not good to dwell on pain' Kaoru thought, continuing to run forward. But soon, it became too sore, and Kaoru resorted to sliding across the floor, swooping the girls up as she went.
Kenshin had been watching Kaoru play her little game for a few minutes by now just outside the shoji door. He couldn't suppress the smirk that rose upon his lips as he watched Kaoru slide across the floor, grabbing the girls as she went. Yet Kenshin couldn't help but notice that Kaoru was limping as she ran, or walked for that matter. And soon, he noticed that it was wearing Kaoru out as she lost her focus on where she was sliding. It was when Kaoru bounced off of her left foot and zipping across the dojo floor that Kenshin realized that she was going to slam hard into the wall.
Not wanting to see Kaoru get hurt in any way, he rushed forward and sat himself down between the wall and Kaoru. He watched Kaoru's azure eyes widen in surprise and shock as she skidded towards Kenshin. At the last second, Kenshin grabbed Kaoru's cramped foot, pulling it up to his right shoulder and twisting Kaoru's body so that she would land onto his lap, her head by his left shoulder.
The two girls stopped playing immediately once they heard Kaoru's startled gasp. They slowly turned to see Kenshin gently holding Kaoru's right foot as she winced in pain. "Oji Kenshin!" Suzume called loudly from across the room, "You're hurting Obi Kaoru! Stop it! We were playing!" Ayame pulled a pout onto her face.
Kaoru was still trying to register what was going on two seconds earlier. She knew that she was going to ram into the wall when Kenshin had caught her. 'Him and his god-like speed,' Kaoru muttered, smiling softly. She giggled when she heard Suzume claim that Kenshin was hurting her as he gently handled her foot. Kaoru looked up at Kenshin in his arms and pulled an adorable pout across her rosy lips that were similar to Suzume's. "Yeah, Kenshin!" Kaoru mock-complained. "We were playing!"
Kenshin chuckled. "You would have gotten hurt if you ran directly into the wall, Kaoru-dono, that you would have." He was staring directly at her, his impassioned amethyst eyes boring into her own.
Kaoru folded her arms across her chest and turned her face away from him to hide her blush that suddenly arose. Never had a man looked at her in such a way! Ayame and Suzume quickly followed suit: folding their arms across their chest and releasing a note of disapproval.
Kenshin grinned as he watched the three girls turn away from him. Without Kaoru noticing, he wound his fingers about her cramped foot, working his knuckles in her instep to relieve her of the cramp. He watched Kaoru bite her lip in pain then suddenly slouch into his chest. 'Kami, this feels so good!' She cried mentally.
Kenshin enjoyed watching the emotions play across Kaoru's face from anger to pleasure. He reveled in the feeling of Kaoru resting against his chest, and had the sudden temptation to wrap his free arm around her waist. Yet if he dared to move, he feared of having his 'moment' with her would end too quickly.
The pain in Kaoru's foot was ceasing and before long, it was entirely gone. The two girls had gotten bored of watching Kenshin misgauge Kaoru's foot and had left the dojo to go play in the garden. Meanwhile, Kaoru pushed herself up and out of Kenshin's lap, her face flushed. She attempted to leave the dojo when Kenshin's voice halted her.
"Wait, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, his voice close to pleading. "We need to talk."
Kaoru nodded and seated herself next to Kenshin, her back leaning up against the wall. "What is it, Kenshin?"
Kenshin's mind raced, he didn't have a reason for her to wait, he just didn't want for her to leave. Yet he had to come up with something now that he had gotten her to stay. "I talked to Hajime Saitou today."
Kaoru perked her ears up as she turned her head to face him. "You did? What did he say? Is there news of the dojo? How's Yahiko?" She had leaned in closer to Kenshin in anxiousness, her blue eyes sparkling with her eagerness.
"Well, first of all," Kenshin said slowly, amused with how Kaoru was handling herself, "Your dojo is safe. Misao-dono is watching after it, posing as you. Yahiko is acting as your brother, and it is now currently throwing many of Shishio's men off track."
Kaoru let loose a long sigh. "Well, that's good. So, what's next?"
Kenshin rested his head against the wall. 'Maybe it is a good idea to talk things through with Kaoru-dono. That way if she doesn't agree with anything, we'll have time to make adjustments.'
"I want you to go back to the castle." Kenshin said, his eyes darkening in deep thought. Kaoru nodded in understanding. "But it's too dangerous right now since so many have Shishio's men are currently in the town. I think I will go visit Shishou and see when would be the best opportunity to sneak you in. Once we do that, you will stay in the Aoiya for a while."
"The Aoiya?" Kaoru asked in wonderment. Kenshin nodded. "Where will you be then?"
Kenshin rolled his head over to face Kaoru. "With you, of course." He said quietly. Kaoru flushed under his gaze and turned her eyes away.
A sudden thought that Kaoru had been dwelling on in the back of her mind arose. "But, what difference would it make if I was caught?" She spoke so softly that it was barely audible, but Kenshin had outstanding hearing capabilities. Kaoru fidgeted under Kenshin's kindhearted gaze and said even softer, "They said that they weren't planning on killing me, why bother keeping me here or simply watching over me?"
Kenshin felt a wave of compassion overcome him as he cupped Kaoru's smooth face with his sword-calloused hands. "I will never let any of Shishio's men touch you, you are under my protection now." Kaoru's eyes that had suddenly became interested in the floor abruptly shot up. The way he said it was as if he was claiming Kaoru as his own, and Kaoru couldn't explain why she didn't feel scared when she heard it, rather, she felt more at ease. Kenshin ignored the many confused expressions that slid across Kaoru's face as he continued, "You will get back to the castle safely."
"All right." Kaoru said once she had regained her composure and steadily stood up. Kenshin immediately grabbed hold of her hands to help her. "I guess this will work for now. But I want to get some sleep. I'm exhausted!"
Kenshin smiled. "Let me walk you back." Kaoru nodded in acknowledgement as Kenshin hooked his arm with hers and they headed back towards the summer home.
Once they had reached their respective rooms, Kaoru stopped at her door and turned to Kenshin. "Kenshin?"
Kenshin turned away from his door and stepped closer to Kaoru. "Hai, Kaoru- dono?"
She bowed her head sincerely and muttered, "Arigatou, again. This means so much to me." 'You mean so much to me.' NANI? Where did that come from?
"What means so much to you?" Kenshin asked again, lifting up her chin with his two fingers so he could look into her beautiful blue eyes again.
Kaoru quickly released the thought from her head as she smiled warmly. "The way you are looking out for me."
Kenshin smiled in reply. "Of course, if you need anything, I'll be right next door." He let his hand fall from her chin before landing on her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. Kaoru looked up at Kenshin, startled, but didn't complain. She watched Kenshin enter his room and disappear behind the door before she walked into her own.
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Yahiko sighed in frustration. How was he supposed to get anything done when his sensei wasn't around to teach him anything new or give him something to do? It was times like these when he really missed Kaoru. But now he was staying in the dojo under Misao's supervision and assistance. Misao, posing as Kaoru, hung with Yahiko in the dojo, but couldn't teach him anything useful in Kamiya Kasshin Ryu since she was a ninja, skilled in something completely different.
"What to do now?" Yahiko whined as he finished doing an extra two hundred strokes.
Misao lifted bored, emerald eyes to Yahiko. "Just do another hundred or so, Yahiko-chan."
"CHAN?" Yahiko boomed. "I'm not little!"
Misao shrugged and turned her face to the side. Usually she would have jumped right into the argument that probably wouldn't end until they fought it out. But now, she just couldn't. Kaoru was gone, Misao hadn't seen her Aoshi-sama for a week now, and she was kept in Kaoru's dojo constantly, her ninja skills going haywire to protect the kid.
Yahiko was steaming, he had no one to release his anger on anymore. He was about to slam his shinai on Misao when there was a rap on the dojo door. Yahiko and Misao exchanged nervous glances as Misao swiftly walked over to the door, dressed in one of Kaoru's daily gi and hakama's.
A short man stood at the door, cruel, emotionless eyes glaring at Misao. "Is Kamiya Kaoru present?" He asked prominently.
Misao hesitated before saying. "Hai, that's me."
The little man's eyes widened. "K-Kamiya Kaoru? He looked down into the palm of his hand to where a well handled photograph had been placed. "Itei, it can't be."
"Well I am, so if you're not happy with what you see, go bug some other girl!" Misao yelled, slamming the shoji door shut.
Misao heard the man shuffle away and sighed. She hoped that she pulled that off well. Suddenly, the door slid open and shut in a quick and discreet movement, and Misao noted a well-known presence in the air. She shot a glance at Yahiko, who hadn't noticed anything. Misao then felt someone standing behind her, his scent overriding her senses. "Aoshi- sama," she breathed.
Yahiko looked up to find a tall man with black hair, bangs falling over his ice blue eyes. Yahiko bowed politely in respect to Aoshi's position in the Oniwabanshu and skirted out of the room to leave Misao and Aoshi alone to talk.
"You did exactly what you needed to do, Misao." Aoshi said sternly, looking Misao straight in the eye.
Misao bowed gratefully. "Arigatou, Aoshi-sama."
Aoshi nodded. "There will be more to stop by, so be on your guard." With that, Aoshi left, leaving Misao to watch and savor Aoshi's profile since she was not sure if she would be seeing him again any time soon.
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A/N for EDITED: I can't believe I made that mistake!! I had a section in the story that did not at all make sense, so I took it out. I bet everyone who has been reading this is upset because this isn't the next chapter. Well, it's not, but it should be coming out soon so don't worry at all! There's a small problem I have encountered in Kenshin and Kaoru's relationship, so I need to work it out so everything will make sense. See you all in a few days!
A/N: I feel so horrible for not putting this up sooner! I've been preparing for final exams and auditions all week, not to mention the end of the semester projects too! Next week I have exams Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, not to mention auditions for the trumpets are most likely Wednesday! I also had trouble with my computer, like I had to write this story three times because it would just spontaneously delete without warning! I think the second time was the best, but I unfortunately lost it, but I was able to put in more things the third time around. ^-^
Well, this chapter doesn't have anything too exciting action wise, but I assure you there will be some in the next chapter. You think it's all good between Kenshin and Kaoru from here on out, ne? well.think again!! :-D I have the next few chapters planned out, and am doing my best to make them much longer so it won't be incredibly long in the end! If there's anything you would like to see done in the story, lemme know! Thanks everybody!
Now to my daily 'thank you's!'
Silver Eyes Bright, Curtiis (haha! No flames! Thank you very much for reviewing, and for the compliment about my dialogue and conjuncture words!! ^_^), Bando-Eido no Megami-sama (You loved it!! ^_^ I guess I should keep up with the two step attacks!), lightning storm, Koishii Sweet (yeah, this wasn't updated very quickly . *bows repeatedly* so sorry!.)
Definitions: Don't think there are any.
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A Love for One Hated
By: Mystic Song
Chapter 6: Seijuro's summerhouse (EDITED)
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Kaoru stood in the entryway, awe overcoming her as she looked about the house with large, astonished blue eyes. She was standing on a grand rug that neatly matched the green draperies, which laced the windows and cased the towering walls. There was also a long hallway that stretched out in front of her, dividing the house in two until it reached a set of grand oak doors trimmed with gold. On either side of that hallway were two hefty rooms; one holding what seemed to be a family room while the other was a library. To the far left was a nimble staircase pressed firmly against the wall with a golden trimmed banister. The place had an elegant, yet comfortable air that Kaoru found to be quite enjoyable.
A soft chuckling tore Kaoru's wandering eyes away from the golden trimmed doors that housed the two large rooms to a bright-eyed Kenshin, smiling a genuine rurouni smile. "Sessha takes it that Kaoru-dono is pleased with the house?"
"Hai," Kaoru replied breathlessly.
Kenshin chuckled once more as he turned to locate Dr. Genzai. Dr. Genzai had just stepped into the house, closing the door behind him as he tried to usher his two daughters into the family room. However, Ayame and Suzume didn't feel like complying with their father's wishes, and instead skirted around Kenshin's legs, shouting "Oji Kenshin!" all the while.
Dr. Genzai gave a defeated sigh and looked at Kenshin and Kaoru with weary eyes. "Kaoru-san, whenever you're ready I will take you to your room. Kenshin, you are expected in the Dining Room."
"Hai." Kaoru and Kenshin responded simultaneously.
"I am ready." Kaoru said quietly as she followed Dr. Genzai to the staircase.
Kenshin watched Kaoru closely as she ascended the stairs, trailing behind Dr. Genzai. Kenshin had the sudden feeling that he should be the one to show Kaoru around. 'After all,' Kenshin thought, 'I used to live here for most of my childhood. I remember training in the dojo outback, and learning how to cook in the kitchen behind the Dining Room.' Yet he couldn't deny the fact that those weren't the only reasons why he ought to be showing Kaoru around. It was, in truth, that he was attracted to Kaoru. Kenshin had a sense of responsibility over her, to never let her out of his sight. 'Perhaps I am like this because it is what Shishou told me to do?' Kenshin questioned himself.
Kenshin bowed his head, shaking the thoughts from his mind. 'Now is not a time to be thinking about this, that it is not.' He started down the hallway towards the majestic oak doors. The Dining Room is a place for all of the important guests to hold meetings. Kenshin vaguely wondered who was waiting for him here as he pushed open the imposing doors, a smell of smoke filling his nostrils.
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"Here you are, Kaoru-san." Dr. Genzai said politely as he pushed open one of the doors on the second floor.
Kaoru smiled kindly. "Arigatou, it's lovely."
The room that Kaoru had stepped into was beautiful indeed. The carpet was a faded blue, the walls a deeper cobalt with purple dabs. The wide windows were laced with wine-colored drapes, and the cherry-wood sleigh-bed had a thick mauve comforter and indigo pillows. Kaoru stepped into the room, her eyes in a trance. She heard the door shut behind her and assumed that Dr. Genzai had left her alone to admire. Kaoru walked aimlessly about the room, pointing out the master bath and the walk in closet, which she was pleased to find that it not only had kimonos and sleeping yukatas, but gi's and hakama's as well. She continued to wander to a third door by her bed, and when she opened it, it led to another, locked door. 'It must be connected to the room next door.' Kaoru thought, 'Whoever that may be.' Though Kaoru had a feeling that she already knew.
Kaoru turned on her heel and sat down on her bed with a groan, allowing exhaustion to take over as she rested herself into the soft bed. Yet, Kaoru found herself to be too anxious about the house, and after realizing that she would not succumb to sleep just then, she stood back up and walked over to a door that led out to a balcony.
The sunlight played against the marble of the balcony, just as it played on the pond that was a little ways out from the house. Below the balcony, Kaoru found a small, yet gorgeous garden tucked neatly underneath the sakura trees that lined the cobble-stoned pathway. Kaoru squinted her eyes to see beyond the pond and looked upon a large building.
"It looks like a dojo." Kaoru noted. 'This place is most definitely interesting.' Curiosity got the better of her as she clambered up onto the balcony's railing, latching her arms around one of the sakura tree's branches that overhung the balcony. She swiftly hoisted herself onto the branch with much ease, and slid down the trunk and into the garden.
The sakura petals fell gently around her as the autumn breeze tugged at her hair. Kaoru walked on down the cobbled-stone path, passing by the pond and finally reaching the building that she had recognized as a dojo.
She cautiously slid the shoji door aside and walked into the dojo, finding the floor to be recently waxed and slightly slick. Kaoru slipped her sandals off at the door and carefully made her way across the dojo to a side room that held a variety of weapons, most of which were wakizashis and sakabatous. Yet, as Kaoru walked deeper into the room, she found a bokken to her liking and walked back out to the dojo's practice floor.
Kaoru stood there, taking deep breaths to start her meditation. After finishing, she stretched her arms, legs, and sides before starting off with a good hundred practice swings. 'Yes, this will be very relaxing. I'm glad that I will still be able to keep up with my practice while staying here.'
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"It's about time," A sarcastic voice drawled as Kenshin pushed aside the oak doors. "What took you so long, and what were you thinking when bringing the tanuki here?"
"Oro?" Kenshin squeaked. When Saitou arched a menacing eyebrow, Kenshin sighed in defeat. "We were held up by Kurogasa."
Saitou growled from his seat at the head of the dining room table. "Ahou." He mumbled. "Is he of any threat now?"
Kenshin shook his head. "Itei. He's dead." His eyes had darkened, but didn't change shade.
Saitou arched an eyebrow. "You broke your vow?"
Kenshin's eyes narrowed at Saitou's accusation and he gave off a cruel glare. "Of course not. I made a promise never to kill again, and I will not break my vow."
"Even if that girl is at stake?" Saitou asked curiously.
Kenshin was taking aback. What would he do if it were either Kaoru's life or his vow? Kenshin bowed his head, his bangs covering the many emotions that had crossed his eyes.
Saitou frowned, pulling his cigarette away from his mouth. "And now to get back to the point of why I am here. You do know that this place isn't exactly safe for the stewardess. I have increased the security to maximum height."
"Sessha is not planning on staying here for long, de gozaru yo." Kenshin said after suddenly jerking himself back to reality. He seated himself across from Saitou at the enormous table that stretched across the majority of the room. "Only until sessha has found a safer place to stay."
Saitou's lip twitched. "The safest place for the girl to stay is at the Aoiya, but the town is currently thriving with Shishio's men. My men are strong, but not that strong. The Oniwabanshu will do a good job in protecting the girl."
Kenshin paused, his nose scrunching slightly in dislike.
Saitou studied Kenshin's actions closely. "Himura, I know that you have nothing against Shinomori, the Okashira of the Oniwabanshu. Why do you oppose leaving the tanuki in the Oniwabanshu's protection?"
"I was instructed to look after Kaoru-dono myself. I will not hand off my job to another person." Kenshin replied somewhat coldly.
"I see." Saitou said calmly, his thin lips curving into a knowing smirk. 'Maybe that tanuki means more to him than he will allow.'
"Why is it that the Oniwabanshu remains in the town while your men patrol the outskirts? Isn't it usually switched?"
"Yes," Saitou said slowly in a faint growl since the fact as to why annoyed him so. "There seems to be a boy staying in the Kamiya dojo, stating that Kamiya Kaoru is his sister. Yet that isn't the only thing that is throwing the men off. Shishio's men know what that Kamiya looks like, yet when 'Kaoru' comes to the door, they find some weasel actually named Misao." Saitou continued in an undertone, "It was a clever move on whoever thought that up."
Kenshin smiled. "Yes, Kaoru-dono is very clever."
"So the tanuki came up with that idea?" Saitou asked, already knowing the answer. Kenshin nodded. "Well," Saitou said suddenly, standing up from the table and walking around to meet Kenshin face to face. "There are things that need to be done." Saitou took a long drag from his cigarette before bending low to speak in a low whisper for only a man with a trained ear could hear. "It is time for you to become possessive, Battousai."
Kenshin darted his eyes up to face Saitou in a rough growl. "What do you mean?"
"Shishio's men aren't stupid." Saitou said coldly. "This spot is their second target, which is exactly why you will need to become domineering soon. That tanuki hasn't been watched over in four years, and that has given the enemy plenty of time to look." Kenshin's blood started to boil at the thought of other men peeping into Kaoru's windows, spying on her. "She needs someone at her side at every second of the day, someone who will be watching over her constantly." Saitou paused to let his words sink in. "Tell me," he said in a drawl, "Tell me where she is at this exact moment."
Kenshin paused and said without thinking, "In her room."
Saitou stood up straight and Kenshin could tell he was searching for Kaoru's ki. "Think again." He said while exiting the room, shutting the door loudly behind him.
Saitou was somewhat disappointed at Kenshin's behavior. He knew that Kaoru needed much more protection then what she was given, but he also knew that they were making improvement: Kenshin was becoming possessive. If he weren't, then Kaoru would already be in the hands of the enemy, or would be staying under the protection of the Oniwabanshu by now. Yes, they were making improvement: Lord Seijuro would be pleased.
Meanwhile, Kenshin sat dumbfounded in the Dining Room. Why had he gotten so worked up over Kaoru being under the protection of the Oniwabanshu? Was it true that he was becoming overprotective? He didn't want to become attached to anybody for the fear of losing them, or hurting them, or just being unworthy of them. Kenshin sighed, his thoughts were getting to him again and he didn't feel like taking the time to sort them out. He had to focus on more important matters, like finding Kaoru a safer place to stay. It was true, once Shishio's men discover that Kaoru is not in town they'll start looking for her in the woods. And once they find Kurogasa dead, they'd be tracking him and Kaoru down to the summerhouse, just like Saitou had said.
'But,' Kenshin reminded himself, 'Once they leave town it will be safe for Kaoru to come back. Maybe then we will stay in the Aoiya.'
'We?' Kenshin questioned himself.
'Yes, we. You know that you don't want to leave Kaoru there all by herself with just the Oniwabanshu. She needs your protection too.'
Kenshin groaned and placed his head in his hands. His thoughts only brought him back to the notion of him being possessive of Kaoru.
He stood up quickly and left the Dining Room, hoping that he had also left his thoughts behind him in the process. Kenshin ascended the steps and walked down the hallway that led to his room. He was very fond of his room. It was complete with black carpet, crimson walls with violet sponge painting. His curtains over his bed and over his windows were also black. The room held a musty smell, yet was kept in good order. Kenshin had the feeling of being secretive, finding sanctuary from his hectic life.
Kenshin walked over to his bed and sat down on the mattress, looking around the room that brought so many memories flooding back to him. He remembered the times he spent talking to his Shishou in this room, and the times he tried to master his ki sensing technique. Kenshin heaved a grateful sigh as his gaze was drawn to a door that when opened, led to the room next door. 'Kaoru's room' Kenshin thought. His room was originally meant to be a room for the servants, yet Hiko had it updated for him, as well as the room next door for Kenshin's 'guests'. He never had an opportunity to use the room next door until now.
'Should I check on her?' Kenshin asked himself as he pushed himself off the bed and grabbing hold of the handle that connected the two rooms. Kenshin froze, suddenly realizing what he was doing. "Kaoru-dono would not appreciate me barging in on her like this, that she would not. Yet sessha thinks that he should check on Kaoru-dono, make sure that she doesn't need anything. After all, Saitou did want sessha to become obsessive. This way, sessha can actually get to know her." He muttered to himself, and with that thought in mind, he knocked on the door.
Kenshin was displeased to find that there was no answer and a river of doubts ran through his mind. 'Is she safe? Was she kidnapped again? Or is she just sleeping?' Kenshin decided to settle his nerves by knocking on the door again, this time more urgently. "Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin called.
Still there was no reply.
Kenshin shifted nervously from foot to foot for a moment before slamming open the door. A million apologies streamed from his mouth before he took a good look of the room around him. "Gomen nasai, Kaoru-dono, but sessha didn't hear you reply and sessha thought - Kaoru-dono?"
Kenshin had been too involved with his multiple bows to notice that there was nobody, besides Kenshin, present in the room. The drapes were pulled open to the steady stream of sunlight and Kenshin cautiously walked around the room, stretching his ki out to find hers. 'Saitou was right; she is not in her room. I didn't see her walking down the steps on my way up, otherwise we would have crossed. She couldn't have left this room!' Kenshin began to fidget as he inspected the closet, the bath, and even checked around the bed. She was nowhere! Kenshin's eyebrows began to inch up his forehead and threatened to disappear into his hairline in worry. "Where could she be?" He thought aloud.
Kenshin took another quick glance around; his eye catching on the shoji door that led to the balcony, which was slightly ajar. He walked up to the door and warily pushed the screen aside. Kenshin sighed at the view that beheld him. The garden was just leaving its prime as the fall season overtook the house. He peered out and looked over at the pond that rested by the dojo. Behind the dojo, back in the woods, was a waterfall where Kenshin and his Shishou trained.
Without realizing it, Kenshin began to climb onto a nearby tree branch and made his way down to the garden, subconsciously walking towards the dojo. It wasn't until he heard a scream that alerted him back to his senses as he rushed forward to the source within the dojo, too worried to notice the giggling that quickly ensued the shriek.
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Kaoru giggled uncontrollably as the two little girls, Ayame and Suzume, ran aimlessly around the room, occasionally tripping and skidding across the dojo floor. They had just bounced in a moment ago, shouting "Obi Kaoru!" at the top of their lungs, causing Kaoru to scream in surprise and lose her footing in her forward strike. As a result, she tripped and fell, slipping onto the dojo floor and ramming into the wall. The girls had seen her do this and found it to be hilarious and fun to do at the same time, so they in turn would slip and slide across the room.
"Join us, Obi Kaoru, join us!" The girls shouted simultaneously.
Kaoru raised a hand to cover her mouth as she laughed hysterically. She couldn't resist the urge to chase after them. So once Ayame and Suzume were a good distance from each other, Kaoru dashed forward, reaching her arms out to grab one of the unsuspecting girls around the waist.
Kaoru winced as she placed her right foot down, noticing that she was getting a bad cramp in that foot. 'It's not good to dwell on pain' Kaoru thought, continuing to run forward. But soon, it became too sore, and Kaoru resorted to sliding across the floor, swooping the girls up as she went.
Kenshin had been watching Kaoru play her little game for a few minutes by now just outside the shoji door. He couldn't suppress the smirk that rose upon his lips as he watched Kaoru slide across the floor, grabbing the girls as she went. Yet Kenshin couldn't help but notice that Kaoru was limping as she ran, or walked for that matter. And soon, he noticed that it was wearing Kaoru out as she lost her focus on where she was sliding. It was when Kaoru bounced off of her left foot and zipping across the dojo floor that Kenshin realized that she was going to slam hard into the wall.
Not wanting to see Kaoru get hurt in any way, he rushed forward and sat himself down between the wall and Kaoru. He watched Kaoru's azure eyes widen in surprise and shock as she skidded towards Kenshin. At the last second, Kenshin grabbed Kaoru's cramped foot, pulling it up to his right shoulder and twisting Kaoru's body so that she would land onto his lap, her head by his left shoulder.
The two girls stopped playing immediately once they heard Kaoru's startled gasp. They slowly turned to see Kenshin gently holding Kaoru's right foot as she winced in pain. "Oji Kenshin!" Suzume called loudly from across the room, "You're hurting Obi Kaoru! Stop it! We were playing!" Ayame pulled a pout onto her face.
Kaoru was still trying to register what was going on two seconds earlier. She knew that she was going to ram into the wall when Kenshin had caught her. 'Him and his god-like speed,' Kaoru muttered, smiling softly. She giggled when she heard Suzume claim that Kenshin was hurting her as he gently handled her foot. Kaoru looked up at Kenshin in his arms and pulled an adorable pout across her rosy lips that were similar to Suzume's. "Yeah, Kenshin!" Kaoru mock-complained. "We were playing!"
Kenshin chuckled. "You would have gotten hurt if you ran directly into the wall, Kaoru-dono, that you would have." He was staring directly at her, his impassioned amethyst eyes boring into her own.
Kaoru folded her arms across her chest and turned her face away from him to hide her blush that suddenly arose. Never had a man looked at her in such a way! Ayame and Suzume quickly followed suit: folding their arms across their chest and releasing a note of disapproval.
Kenshin grinned as he watched the three girls turn away from him. Without Kaoru noticing, he wound his fingers about her cramped foot, working his knuckles in her instep to relieve her of the cramp. He watched Kaoru bite her lip in pain then suddenly slouch into his chest. 'Kami, this feels so good!' She cried mentally.
Kenshin enjoyed watching the emotions play across Kaoru's face from anger to pleasure. He reveled in the feeling of Kaoru resting against his chest, and had the sudden temptation to wrap his free arm around her waist. Yet if he dared to move, he feared of having his 'moment' with her would end too quickly.
The pain in Kaoru's foot was ceasing and before long, it was entirely gone. The two girls had gotten bored of watching Kenshin misgauge Kaoru's foot and had left the dojo to go play in the garden. Meanwhile, Kaoru pushed herself up and out of Kenshin's lap, her face flushed. She attempted to leave the dojo when Kenshin's voice halted her.
"Wait, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said, his voice close to pleading. "We need to talk."
Kaoru nodded and seated herself next to Kenshin, her back leaning up against the wall. "What is it, Kenshin?"
Kenshin's mind raced, he didn't have a reason for her to wait, he just didn't want for her to leave. Yet he had to come up with something now that he had gotten her to stay. "I talked to Hajime Saitou today."
Kaoru perked her ears up as she turned her head to face him. "You did? What did he say? Is there news of the dojo? How's Yahiko?" She had leaned in closer to Kenshin in anxiousness, her blue eyes sparkling with her eagerness.
"Well, first of all," Kenshin said slowly, amused with how Kaoru was handling herself, "Your dojo is safe. Misao-dono is watching after it, posing as you. Yahiko is acting as your brother, and it is now currently throwing many of Shishio's men off track."
Kaoru let loose a long sigh. "Well, that's good. So, what's next?"
Kenshin rested his head against the wall. 'Maybe it is a good idea to talk things through with Kaoru-dono. That way if she doesn't agree with anything, we'll have time to make adjustments.'
"I want you to go back to the castle." Kenshin said, his eyes darkening in deep thought. Kaoru nodded in understanding. "But it's too dangerous right now since so many have Shishio's men are currently in the town. I think I will go visit Shishou and see when would be the best opportunity to sneak you in. Once we do that, you will stay in the Aoiya for a while."
"The Aoiya?" Kaoru asked in wonderment. Kenshin nodded. "Where will you be then?"
Kenshin rolled his head over to face Kaoru. "With you, of course." He said quietly. Kaoru flushed under his gaze and turned her eyes away.
A sudden thought that Kaoru had been dwelling on in the back of her mind arose. "But, what difference would it make if I was caught?" She spoke so softly that it was barely audible, but Kenshin had outstanding hearing capabilities. Kaoru fidgeted under Kenshin's kindhearted gaze and said even softer, "They said that they weren't planning on killing me, why bother keeping me here or simply watching over me?"
Kenshin felt a wave of compassion overcome him as he cupped Kaoru's smooth face with his sword-calloused hands. "I will never let any of Shishio's men touch you, you are under my protection now." Kaoru's eyes that had suddenly became interested in the floor abruptly shot up. The way he said it was as if he was claiming Kaoru as his own, and Kaoru couldn't explain why she didn't feel scared when she heard it, rather, she felt more at ease. Kenshin ignored the many confused expressions that slid across Kaoru's face as he continued, "You will get back to the castle safely."
"All right." Kaoru said once she had regained her composure and steadily stood up. Kenshin immediately grabbed hold of her hands to help her. "I guess this will work for now. But I want to get some sleep. I'm exhausted!"
Kenshin smiled. "Let me walk you back." Kaoru nodded in acknowledgement as Kenshin hooked his arm with hers and they headed back towards the summer home.
Once they had reached their respective rooms, Kaoru stopped at her door and turned to Kenshin. "Kenshin?"
Kenshin turned away from his door and stepped closer to Kaoru. "Hai, Kaoru- dono?"
She bowed her head sincerely and muttered, "Arigatou, again. This means so much to me." 'You mean so much to me.' NANI? Where did that come from?
"What means so much to you?" Kenshin asked again, lifting up her chin with his two fingers so he could look into her beautiful blue eyes again.
Kaoru quickly released the thought from her head as she smiled warmly. "The way you are looking out for me."
Kenshin smiled in reply. "Of course, if you need anything, I'll be right next door." He let his hand fall from her chin before landing on her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. Kaoru looked up at Kenshin, startled, but didn't complain. She watched Kenshin enter his room and disappear behind the door before she walked into her own.
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Yahiko sighed in frustration. How was he supposed to get anything done when his sensei wasn't around to teach him anything new or give him something to do? It was times like these when he really missed Kaoru. But now he was staying in the dojo under Misao's supervision and assistance. Misao, posing as Kaoru, hung with Yahiko in the dojo, but couldn't teach him anything useful in Kamiya Kasshin Ryu since she was a ninja, skilled in something completely different.
"What to do now?" Yahiko whined as he finished doing an extra two hundred strokes.
Misao lifted bored, emerald eyes to Yahiko. "Just do another hundred or so, Yahiko-chan."
"CHAN?" Yahiko boomed. "I'm not little!"
Misao shrugged and turned her face to the side. Usually she would have jumped right into the argument that probably wouldn't end until they fought it out. But now, she just couldn't. Kaoru was gone, Misao hadn't seen her Aoshi-sama for a week now, and she was kept in Kaoru's dojo constantly, her ninja skills going haywire to protect the kid.
Yahiko was steaming, he had no one to release his anger on anymore. He was about to slam his shinai on Misao when there was a rap on the dojo door. Yahiko and Misao exchanged nervous glances as Misao swiftly walked over to the door, dressed in one of Kaoru's daily gi and hakama's.
A short man stood at the door, cruel, emotionless eyes glaring at Misao. "Is Kamiya Kaoru present?" He asked prominently.
Misao hesitated before saying. "Hai, that's me."
The little man's eyes widened. "K-Kamiya Kaoru? He looked down into the palm of his hand to where a well handled photograph had been placed. "Itei, it can't be."
"Well I am, so if you're not happy with what you see, go bug some other girl!" Misao yelled, slamming the shoji door shut.
Misao heard the man shuffle away and sighed. She hoped that she pulled that off well. Suddenly, the door slid open and shut in a quick and discreet movement, and Misao noted a well-known presence in the air. She shot a glance at Yahiko, who hadn't noticed anything. Misao then felt someone standing behind her, his scent overriding her senses. "Aoshi- sama," she breathed.
Yahiko looked up to find a tall man with black hair, bangs falling over his ice blue eyes. Yahiko bowed politely in respect to Aoshi's position in the Oniwabanshu and skirted out of the room to leave Misao and Aoshi alone to talk.
"You did exactly what you needed to do, Misao." Aoshi said sternly, looking Misao straight in the eye.
Misao bowed gratefully. "Arigatou, Aoshi-sama."
Aoshi nodded. "There will be more to stop by, so be on your guard." With that, Aoshi left, leaving Misao to watch and savor Aoshi's profile since she was not sure if she would be seeing him again any time soon.
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A/N for EDITED: I can't believe I made that mistake!! I had a section in the story that did not at all make sense, so I took it out. I bet everyone who has been reading this is upset because this isn't the next chapter. Well, it's not, but it should be coming out soon so don't worry at all! There's a small problem I have encountered in Kenshin and Kaoru's relationship, so I need to work it out so everything will make sense. See you all in a few days!
A/N: I feel so horrible for not putting this up sooner! I've been preparing for final exams and auditions all week, not to mention the end of the semester projects too! Next week I have exams Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, not to mention auditions for the trumpets are most likely Wednesday! I also had trouble with my computer, like I had to write this story three times because it would just spontaneously delete without warning! I think the second time was the best, but I unfortunately lost it, but I was able to put in more things the third time around. ^-^
Well, this chapter doesn't have anything too exciting action wise, but I assure you there will be some in the next chapter. You think it's all good between Kenshin and Kaoru from here on out, ne? well.think again!! :-D I have the next few chapters planned out, and am doing my best to make them much longer so it won't be incredibly long in the end! If there's anything you would like to see done in the story, lemme know! Thanks everybody!
Now to my daily 'thank you's!'
Silver Eyes Bright, Curtiis (haha! No flames! Thank you very much for reviewing, and for the compliment about my dialogue and conjuncture words!! ^_^), Bando-Eido no Megami-sama (You loved it!! ^_^ I guess I should keep up with the two step attacks!), lightning storm, Koishii Sweet (yeah, this wasn't updated very quickly . *bows repeatedly* so sorry!.)