Disclaimer: Here's the disclaimer, so don't sue me
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A Love for One Hated
By: Mystic Song
Chapter 9: Back to Town
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Inside his room, Kenshin groaned as he lowered himself onto his bed. His clothes were strewn across the floor for the maids to clean up the next day. Kenshin's hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, tied at the base of his neck. His sleeping yukata hung down, grazing his ankles as the collar gaped open, exposing his well-chiseled chest. Yet there was nobody to show that off to, as he was alone in his dark room.
Kenshin was content with the fact that his room was connected to Kaoru's room, enabling him to rush to her quickly if things went astray. Also, Saitou had persisted to stay the night, his room across the hall from Kaoru's. The guards that had been guarding the summerhouse earlier were all rounded up, most of which were severely injured. Saitou received replacements in a matter of hours and sent them to guard various places around the house.
Kaoru was protected. That's all Kenshin needed to know to get a good night's rest.
He drifted off to sleep in a matter of minutes, his body weary from the day's traveling. He would need to wake up the next morning fairly early and get in a good breakfast so he could make good time with Kaoru. Her lithe frame wouldn't be too hard to carry for an entire day, but he would become tired none-the-less. Kenshin wouldn't be able to go to town as quickly as he had the previous day with Kaoru in his arms, she would most likely slow the trip by half a day, meaning that it would take more or less a full day and a half just to get to town.
Kenshin pulled the covers up to his chin and turned to face the door, closing his eyes so that his other senses were enhanced. He listened for Kaoru, and could feel her presence in the other room. Yet he also heard something else that bothered him slightly. It was a whimpering sound, and the shuffling of the covers.
Kenshin tried to ignore it, hoping that it would stop and Kaoru would be sound asleep, but the noises persisted. His worries began to grow at the constant shuffling and whimpering, so he pushed the covers back and walked towards the other room, not bothering to knock as he thrusted the door that connected the two rooms open.
The room was dark, and there were no other occupants besides Kaoru. His attention turned to her bed, where the covers were askew and a dark, sleeping form tossed and turned restlessly. To Kenshin's amazement, Kaoru's ankle had remained propped underneath the blankets of her bed.
He wearily made his way towards Kaoru, not wanting to be caught by Kaoru if she would suddenly wake up. Kenshin wasn't ready to explain just why he cared so much to come into her room at night when she was most likely having just some nightmare. But by the expression the moonlight illuminated on Kaoru's face, it seemed to be a traumatic nightmare. Soft moans were escaping from Kaoru's supple lips as her head shifted from side to side, her arms uncurling and curling around the edges of the pillow or the hem of the blanket.
"...Kaoru..." Kenshin said softly, reaching out a tentative hand to brush away the stray ebony locks that had fallen into her face. Once he had brushed away the stray strands, he gently cupped her face with the palm of his hand. His violet eyes were soft and loving. At his touch, Kaoru leaned into his warmth, the shuffling and the mumbling pausing for a brief moment. Yet when Kenshin pulled away, the nightmare returned.
This time, the dream was more violent. Her legs thrashed out on the bed as her head snapped back onto the pillow. She was writhing and moaning louder, her hands bunching the material of the blankets into thick balls.
Kenshin was alarmed with what was going on. He jumped onto the bed and straddled her body with his legs, his arms grasping her shoulders tightly. "Kaoru!" He hissed slightly, not loud enough for the other members of the household to hear but loud enough to penetrate her disturbing dreams.
Kaoru's eyes flashed open at the sound of her name and found herself in a curtain of red hair. She looked up further and was met with a pair of steely blue eyes. Kaoru blushed and gulped loudly, what a position to wake up into!
"Kenshin." Kaoru said meekly. She realized that she had been trembling from the aftermath of her dream ... more of a nightmare. And what a nightmare it had been! She had been cornered in a dark hallway where the only thing Kaoru could see were the beady eyes of the men that were after her and the flash of their metallic swords. They had been recklessly jabbing the swords at her, taunting her with small cuts. Then, the sun suddenly came out and the men cowered back, but a dark cloud seemed to roll over across the sky and the men leapt out again, this time their attacks much more painful then before.
Seeing that Kenshin was still in the same position as he was several moments earlier, Kaoru decided to slide up into a sitting position. However, Kenshin didn't move and she found her face only a few mere inches away from Kenshin's face. She gulped again.
"That was some dream you must have had." Kenshin said softly, his breath tickling her lips.
Kaoru nodded weakly.
Kenshin reached down and touched Kaoru's hand to find that it was indeed, still trembling. The poor girl must have been traumatized! He shifted his position on the bed as he sat next to her. Very slowly, and very gently, he placed his hands on her shoulders and eased Kaoru into his lap where her head rested against his shoulder and his arms looped around her waist.
Kaoru took comfort in Kenshin's arms and soon settled down.
Kenshin and Kaoru stayed that way in what seemed like hours when it was actually only a few minutes. But Kenshin felt that he was taking advantage of the situation, and Kaoru, so he pulled back rather reluctantly.
As Kenshin pulled away, a rush of cold air enveloped Kaoru, causing her to shiver. She looked up at Kenshin with pleading eyes as he got up to leave. He paused.
"Please, stay here. I'd feel better." Kaoru said wistfully.
Kenshin looked down at the ground. Kaoru sat hopefully in front of him, pale arms drawn up to her chest as her legs curved to the side. Her hair had fallen out of its braid and gently fell about her shoulders as the moonlight danced upon her legs and shoulders. There was a shimmer in her blue eyes that Kenshin found he couldn't resist, as if they were calling, beckoning him forward. Slowly, reluctantly, Kenshin complied and came to rest behind Kaoru once again.
He sat with his back against the pillow, his legs spread for Kaoru to rest her back against his chest. Once again they assumed their previous position with the blankets drawn about them, and it didn't take long for the both of them to fall asleep to the steady beat of both their hearts.
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A blinding stream of light filtered through the closed curtains and fell upon a stiff figure in a bed that was apparently sleeping, though his eyes were barely shut. This was the kind of man who never put their guard down, who could wake in the blink of an eye and assumes an offensive stance against his intruder. This man was ready for everything.
Well, except for what he came upon in the room across the hall.
Saitou Hajime stood up from his bed, silently cursing at the light for disturbing his 'light' sleep. He walked stiffly to his wardrobe and pulled out the usual gi and hakama and washed up to start his day.
As he stepped out of his room and into the hall, he eyed the door that was facing him. Even though it was Kenshin's duty to protect the young stewardess, Saitou found that it was his duty to make sure that Kenshin completed his duties. He stepped forward towards the door to check on the stewardess, and stealthily pushed the door open without a sound.
He stopped: his jaw dropping open.
Were his eyes deceiving him, or was there another person in bed with the stewardess?
The stewardess was sleeping in the arms of a red haired man, and there was no doubt in Saitou's mind that it was indeed Kenshin. A sly smirk crossed his lips, relishing in the feeling that he would be the one to tell Lord Seijuro of his discovery.
Saitou took several cautious footsteps over towards the sleeping couple and eyed them, somewhat relieved that they were still dressed. Though he was disappointed that his story couldn't be more...interesting.
"What are you doing here?" A soft voice growled, causing Saitou to jump. He looked down and noticed that Kenshin had his eyes cracked open. "I don't believe it is your duty to go about lurking in the stewardess' bedroom."
"Nor is it your duty to be sleeping with the stewardess." Saitou replied, his sarcastic drawl replacing his amusement.
Kenshin's eyes flashed dangerously. "We have done nothing. She had a nightmare and I happened to be the one here to consol her."
"So you were in here before she had requested of you?" Saitou asked, clearly enjoying the situation he was putting upon Kenshin.
Kenshin looked away and a smile played across Saitou's lips. "I had my concerns." Kenshin finally answered.
"I see." Saitou said, turning to walk towards the door. "Better wake your lady friend soon if you want to get a good start into town."
Kenshin nodded as Saitou left and turned to Kaoru, nudging her gently.
"Wake up, Kaoru."
Kaoru groaned as her eyes fluttered open. "Just a few more minutes...?" Kaoru asked sleepily.
Kenshin emitted a soft chuckle and shook his head. "We must get going, that we do. Go get ready and I'll make sure your breakfast is ready by the time you come downstairs."
He helped Kaoru down from the bed and ushered her to the bathroom before leaving himself to quickly throw on a gi and hakama and go to the kitchens to order Kaoru's breakfast.
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Kaoru haphazardly made her way about the bathroom cleaning herself up by pressing a warm cloth to her face. She smiled sheepishly under the comforting warmth as her thoughts drifted back towards her night with Kenshin. To wake up to the soft deep sound of his voice was like heaven to her, and she had a crazy wanting to wake up to that every morning for the rest of her life.
Also, after her nightmare when Kenshin had wrapped her protectively into him, all of her nerves, fears, and worries drifted away. She didn't have a nightmare for the rest of the night. No one, not even her parents, managed to chase the ghosts away as he had done.
Kaoru lazily stripped herself of her sleeping yukata and pulled on a gi and hakama. She would not be traveling in a kimono. The kimono was only good for presenting one's self at a party and to make a good impression to friends, family, and neighbors. She figured that nobody would see her traveling on the road, and once she reached town, nobody would care since she was known as the adjutant master of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. Everybody was used to her walking across town in her gi and hakama to help teach at other dojos.
After she had dressed, she tottered down the steps and hobbled into the kitchen to eat her breakfast. Once she had reached the dining room, however, she found a bowl of fruit, a plate of scrambled eggs, and some toast laid out for her. Kaoru gave a meek smile as she made her way towards her chair and took her seat across from Kenshin and next to Saitou.
Kenshin looked up and examined Kaoru eating, making sure that she had her morning's fill. When Kaoru noticed that Kenshin was watching her, she looked up as well and her eyes were trapped in Kenshin's violet depths.
Saitou issued a loud clearing of the throat, causing Kenshin and Kaoru to quickly look away from each other. He smiled victoriously and resumed to eating his bowl of fruit.
"Are you finished, Miss?" A maid asked politely as Kaoru dabbed a napkin to her mouth once she had finished her toast and jam. Kaoru nodded thankfully as the maid took away her plate. The maid soon returned and eyed Kaoru as Kenshin and Saitou rose from the table, beckoning Kaoru to come with them.
"Miss!" The maid cried out before Kaoru was able to leave the room. Kenshin swerved around and glared at the maid, causing the maid to falter.
Kaoru nudged Kenshin and shot him a sidelong glare. "Yes?"
The maid cleared her throat and resumed her upright posture. "You're not going out wearing that, are you?" She asked, motioning towards the gi and hakama that Kaoru was wearing.
Kaoru nodded.
The maid scrunched her nose up. "If I may make a suggestion?"
Kaoru motioned for the maid to continue.
"Perhaps we could clothe you in one of the master's kimono's. I'm sure we can find one that fits you well." The maid suggested. "You can not go walking about town in men's clothing!"
Kenshin noted the fire that was burning in Kaoru's eyes at the moment the maid mentioned her traveling in a kimono. Though she amazingly held her cool and collected expression. "I have been in that town dressed in a gi and hakama before, and the people do not seem to have a problem." Kaoru retorted rather coolly.
"But you'll be in public!" The maid protested.
"She will be able to wear what she wants." Kenshin snarled, taking an aggressive step forward causing the maid to cower slightly. He was agitated with the fact that she wouldn't leave Kaoru alone even though she told her that she was not going to wear a kimono.
"No," Saitou drawled, "She does have a point. Kamiya here is going to become stewardess, and it is important for her to look respectable in public." The maid bowed at Saitou in appreciated respect. "Go take her up to her room and dress her appropriately."
The maid bowed once again and led the hobbling Kaoru out of the dining room and up the stairs.
Once Kaoru had left, Kenshin turned on Saitou. Kenshin felt that he had to say something in Kaoru's defense, yet he didn't exactly want to express that he was defending her. "That will just slow us down even more!" Kenshin hissed.
"She's not walking though." Saitou said smartly. "You're the one carrying her. And by all means, her wearing a kimono will make this trip shorter. You know that she is not going to take the matter of you carrying her lightly. This way, you won't be kicked as much since her legs are practically bound together."
Kenshin looked down at the ground and walked slowly into the entrance hall. He hated it when Saitou was right. He stood at the foot of the steps, watching Kaoru's bedroom door expectantly.
It didn't take long before Kaoru's door had opened and a slim figure could be made out through the doorway.
"I can't walk in this thing!" Kenshin could hear Kaoru protest.
Kenshin took this as his cue and clambered up the steps until he was at Kaoru's side. A goofy smile spread across his lips as he took in Kaoru's appearance. She was wearing a simple cobalt kimono that matched Kaoru's eyes and a black obi. The kimono itself wasn't close fitting and didn't accent any of Kaoru's curves, but it fit Kaoru appropriately.
Without waiting for another word from Kaoru, Kenshin bent down and scooped Kaoru up into his arms.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru exclaimed, immediately throwing her arms around his neck in response.
Kenshin grinned and headed down the stairs. "I think we're all set. Let's go."
Saitou nodded in compliance as they headed out the door and into the woods.
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Kaoru was growing stiff in Kenshin's arms after walking for half a day, and Kenshin and Saitou had yet to slow down. Her head wobbled from side to side at Kenshin's long strides since she had given up clutching to Kenshin's gi for her to stay still.
She had earlier complained a good bit, realizing that physical punishment wasn't an option since the kimono limited her movements. After a few hours of her nonstop ranting, Saitou gave Kaoru a cold stare. "Stop." He said as long and as intimidating as he possibly could. His hand were bunched into tight fists at his sides, and he was slightly crouched, appearing that he could leap at her in less than a second's notice. Kaoru had immediately shut up and resorted to staring blankly at the scenary.
The sky was a blood red above the trees as small beams of orangey light seeped through the leaves and spread across the forest floor. The sun was setting and was by then dipping fairly low behind the horizon. The night's chill grew stronger as it penetrated Kaoru's kimono and sent her shivering against Kenshin's chest.
Kenshin looked down at Kaoru once she had started shivering. For him it was not a problem, he was used to traveling in freezing temperatures, as it was part of his job. But Kaoru was used to sleeping indoors most the time, and when she had ventured outdoors she would carry a blanket to keep her warm. Now she had no blanket, and the cold was penetrating her skin.
Kenshin hesitated for a moment, realizing that the night would indeed become colder. He looked over at Saitou and wondered if they would stop to rest for that night.
"We keep going." Saitou stated once he noticed that Kenshin was looking at him expectantly. The girl in his arms could easily fall asleep and it would not be a problem. If anything it would mean less complaining since he had heard her grumbling once again after he scolded her. Saitou knew that he couldn't deal with the tanuki any longer or else he would inflict serious damage to her small, frail body. Though Kenshin had reasoned with her by saying that her foot would worsen if she were to walk on it. In the end, Kenshin's patience outlasted Kaoru's and he had won the quarrel.
Kenshin looked once again down at Kaoru. He and Saitou could keep on walking and not tire, but Kaoru would not be able to rest properly and would be significantly sore once she'd awaken. She would also not be able to have a blanket to keep her warm. Kenshin felt sorry for Kaoru and shifted her position in his arms so that her back rested near his left shoulder as his left arm and hand supported her beneath her thighs. Then, with his right hand, he opened up his gi so that his entire chest was exposed to the night air. Saitou looked on at Kenshin with a curious expression splayed across his austere face.
Kenshin then shifted Kaoru back into her original position where her head was resting lightly on his chest. At the moment Kaoru's cheek rested against his warm flesh, her hands immediately slipped into his gi and wrapped around his waist, pressing herself to him for more warmth.
Once Kaoru had settled herself, Kenshin drew his gi around Kaoru's back, acting as a makeshift blanket. Saitou couldn't help but smirk at Kenshin's small act of affection.
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"...Kaoru..." A deep voice seemed to rumble about her. "...Kaoru, we're here...wake up..."
Kaoru stifled a large yawn as she pushed herself away from the chest that she was snuggling into. Wait? Chest? Who's chest was it? Kaoru's eyes traveled up the well-chiseled chest and rested upon the soft violet orbs that she had encountered the morning before. How did she manage to get into such situations? Not that she was complaining...
"Hello." Kaoru greeted groggily with a grin. She tried to stretch but found it quite difficult as the pain she received shot throughout her entire being. She groaned loudly.
Kenshin immediately frowned. "Are you alright?"
Kaoru frowned as well. "I feel so sore. Can you let me down for a while so I can walk? How long have you been carrying me anyway?"
Kenshin chuckled softly. "We've been walking all night." Kenshin replied. "And I'm going to have to put you down anyway. Saitou says that town's just around the corner and he doesn't want to have you seen carried around town."
Kaoru glanced over at the stoic man that marched in front of her. He shot his head back at her and glared at her. Kaoru bowed her head, emitting a soft giggle. How could he be so serious all the time?
Immediately after her thought, she felt two hands slide down the side of her body as she slid out of Kenshin's arms and stood on her good foot on the ground. "Now don't put any weight on that." Kenshin warned.
Saitou walked over to Kaoru and scoffed at Kenshin. "She's going to have to put some weight on it if she's going to get to town."
"But it will only do worse to her foot!" Kenshin complained, placing a pout on his face.
Saitou's mouth dropped in surprise. Since when did Kenshin pout? "It will be treated by the local doctors once we arrive and she will be receiving better care here than what was offered back at the summerhouse." Saitou retorted after a moment of silence. "Now, Kamiya, I'll need you to either lean against me or Himura to help stabilize you as we go into town."
Kaoru nodded in understanding and leaned against Kenshin, gripping his offered arm tightly. His arm swept around her waist in support as they headed slowly towards the town.
"Hold it!" A voice rang out behind the trio just as they were about to round the bend that would leave the woods.
Kaoru whipped her head around to stare at a tall figure wearing an odd green cloak and black grungy hair pulled back in a high ponytail. On the clasp on the cloak was the coat of arms that belonged to Shishio. Kaoru gasped and dug her nails into Kenshin's arm.
Saitou growled. "Himura, Kamiya, get your asses out of here. Don't give a damn about her foot either."
Kenshin nodded and half carried, half ran with Kamiya down the path as Saitou drew out his sword. In a matter of seconds, Kaoru could hear the clamor of swords not far behind her.
She could see the opening now, the gap in the trees that would lead into town. It wasn't much further away, she would make it...
Yet there were a group of at least ten men blocking their path, all wearing the green cloaks and bearing the same crest that the man before them wore.
Kenshin shoved Kaoru behind him and faced the men bravely. His hand itched at his hilt, waiting for their first move. He didn't have to wait along as all ten men launched forward at Kenshin at once.
Kaoru gasped as she took a few staggered steps backward. A blur of red could be made out as the ten men blindly launched themselves at the blur that was Kenshin. Yet as they fought on, Kaoru could hear through the clamor of swords Kenshin calling, "Go on! We'll meet you at Makimachi's!"
Kaoru gaped at Kenshin. Did she hear him correctly? She was staying with Misao? Kaoru could have jumped in excitement, but giving the current situation and her foot, that was going to have to wait until later. Kaoru took a step forward, but was held back as a hand grabbed her, one around the waist and the other at the shoulder as he threw her up onto his shoulder and ran away.
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A/N: Yeah, so it wasn't as long, and it was a pain to write because it's one of those chapters that fills you in from one even to the next. Also, I noticed a trend in the reviews. It seems that the more chapters I write the less reviews there are. Oh well, I thank all of you that do bother to review with much gratitude. Gosh, I sound like a hypocrite, but I did say the once I finished this I would review all of your stories in thanks. Hopefully this will get me back into the swing of things.
So, some questions and comments:
Bando-Eido no Megami-Sama: Yeah, I kind of did leave that part out that a sword is heavier than a bokken. Thanks for reminding me. I'll make sure not to do that again.
Lightning-storm: Thank you! I can finally say that!! (
The-Lone-Lemon, MizzLee, Silver Eyes Bright, Koishii Sweet, chibiBattousai, tiaravball15.
THANKS!
Don't forget to review!! And later days!
~Mystic Song
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A Love for One Hated
By: Mystic Song
Chapter 9: Back to Town
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Inside his room, Kenshin groaned as he lowered himself onto his bed. His clothes were strewn across the floor for the maids to clean up the next day. Kenshin's hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, tied at the base of his neck. His sleeping yukata hung down, grazing his ankles as the collar gaped open, exposing his well-chiseled chest. Yet there was nobody to show that off to, as he was alone in his dark room.
Kenshin was content with the fact that his room was connected to Kaoru's room, enabling him to rush to her quickly if things went astray. Also, Saitou had persisted to stay the night, his room across the hall from Kaoru's. The guards that had been guarding the summerhouse earlier were all rounded up, most of which were severely injured. Saitou received replacements in a matter of hours and sent them to guard various places around the house.
Kaoru was protected. That's all Kenshin needed to know to get a good night's rest.
He drifted off to sleep in a matter of minutes, his body weary from the day's traveling. He would need to wake up the next morning fairly early and get in a good breakfast so he could make good time with Kaoru. Her lithe frame wouldn't be too hard to carry for an entire day, but he would become tired none-the-less. Kenshin wouldn't be able to go to town as quickly as he had the previous day with Kaoru in his arms, she would most likely slow the trip by half a day, meaning that it would take more or less a full day and a half just to get to town.
Kenshin pulled the covers up to his chin and turned to face the door, closing his eyes so that his other senses were enhanced. He listened for Kaoru, and could feel her presence in the other room. Yet he also heard something else that bothered him slightly. It was a whimpering sound, and the shuffling of the covers.
Kenshin tried to ignore it, hoping that it would stop and Kaoru would be sound asleep, but the noises persisted. His worries began to grow at the constant shuffling and whimpering, so he pushed the covers back and walked towards the other room, not bothering to knock as he thrusted the door that connected the two rooms open.
The room was dark, and there were no other occupants besides Kaoru. His attention turned to her bed, where the covers were askew and a dark, sleeping form tossed and turned restlessly. To Kenshin's amazement, Kaoru's ankle had remained propped underneath the blankets of her bed.
He wearily made his way towards Kaoru, not wanting to be caught by Kaoru if she would suddenly wake up. Kenshin wasn't ready to explain just why he cared so much to come into her room at night when she was most likely having just some nightmare. But by the expression the moonlight illuminated on Kaoru's face, it seemed to be a traumatic nightmare. Soft moans were escaping from Kaoru's supple lips as her head shifted from side to side, her arms uncurling and curling around the edges of the pillow or the hem of the blanket.
"...Kaoru..." Kenshin said softly, reaching out a tentative hand to brush away the stray ebony locks that had fallen into her face. Once he had brushed away the stray strands, he gently cupped her face with the palm of his hand. His violet eyes were soft and loving. At his touch, Kaoru leaned into his warmth, the shuffling and the mumbling pausing for a brief moment. Yet when Kenshin pulled away, the nightmare returned.
This time, the dream was more violent. Her legs thrashed out on the bed as her head snapped back onto the pillow. She was writhing and moaning louder, her hands bunching the material of the blankets into thick balls.
Kenshin was alarmed with what was going on. He jumped onto the bed and straddled her body with his legs, his arms grasping her shoulders tightly. "Kaoru!" He hissed slightly, not loud enough for the other members of the household to hear but loud enough to penetrate her disturbing dreams.
Kaoru's eyes flashed open at the sound of her name and found herself in a curtain of red hair. She looked up further and was met with a pair of steely blue eyes. Kaoru blushed and gulped loudly, what a position to wake up into!
"Kenshin." Kaoru said meekly. She realized that she had been trembling from the aftermath of her dream ... more of a nightmare. And what a nightmare it had been! She had been cornered in a dark hallway where the only thing Kaoru could see were the beady eyes of the men that were after her and the flash of their metallic swords. They had been recklessly jabbing the swords at her, taunting her with small cuts. Then, the sun suddenly came out and the men cowered back, but a dark cloud seemed to roll over across the sky and the men leapt out again, this time their attacks much more painful then before.
Seeing that Kenshin was still in the same position as he was several moments earlier, Kaoru decided to slide up into a sitting position. However, Kenshin didn't move and she found her face only a few mere inches away from Kenshin's face. She gulped again.
"That was some dream you must have had." Kenshin said softly, his breath tickling her lips.
Kaoru nodded weakly.
Kenshin reached down and touched Kaoru's hand to find that it was indeed, still trembling. The poor girl must have been traumatized! He shifted his position on the bed as he sat next to her. Very slowly, and very gently, he placed his hands on her shoulders and eased Kaoru into his lap where her head rested against his shoulder and his arms looped around her waist.
Kaoru took comfort in Kenshin's arms and soon settled down.
Kenshin and Kaoru stayed that way in what seemed like hours when it was actually only a few minutes. But Kenshin felt that he was taking advantage of the situation, and Kaoru, so he pulled back rather reluctantly.
As Kenshin pulled away, a rush of cold air enveloped Kaoru, causing her to shiver. She looked up at Kenshin with pleading eyes as he got up to leave. He paused.
"Please, stay here. I'd feel better." Kaoru said wistfully.
Kenshin looked down at the ground. Kaoru sat hopefully in front of him, pale arms drawn up to her chest as her legs curved to the side. Her hair had fallen out of its braid and gently fell about her shoulders as the moonlight danced upon her legs and shoulders. There was a shimmer in her blue eyes that Kenshin found he couldn't resist, as if they were calling, beckoning him forward. Slowly, reluctantly, Kenshin complied and came to rest behind Kaoru once again.
He sat with his back against the pillow, his legs spread for Kaoru to rest her back against his chest. Once again they assumed their previous position with the blankets drawn about them, and it didn't take long for the both of them to fall asleep to the steady beat of both their hearts.
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A blinding stream of light filtered through the closed curtains and fell upon a stiff figure in a bed that was apparently sleeping, though his eyes were barely shut. This was the kind of man who never put their guard down, who could wake in the blink of an eye and assumes an offensive stance against his intruder. This man was ready for everything.
Well, except for what he came upon in the room across the hall.
Saitou Hajime stood up from his bed, silently cursing at the light for disturbing his 'light' sleep. He walked stiffly to his wardrobe and pulled out the usual gi and hakama and washed up to start his day.
As he stepped out of his room and into the hall, he eyed the door that was facing him. Even though it was Kenshin's duty to protect the young stewardess, Saitou found that it was his duty to make sure that Kenshin completed his duties. He stepped forward towards the door to check on the stewardess, and stealthily pushed the door open without a sound.
He stopped: his jaw dropping open.
Were his eyes deceiving him, or was there another person in bed with the stewardess?
The stewardess was sleeping in the arms of a red haired man, and there was no doubt in Saitou's mind that it was indeed Kenshin. A sly smirk crossed his lips, relishing in the feeling that he would be the one to tell Lord Seijuro of his discovery.
Saitou took several cautious footsteps over towards the sleeping couple and eyed them, somewhat relieved that they were still dressed. Though he was disappointed that his story couldn't be more...interesting.
"What are you doing here?" A soft voice growled, causing Saitou to jump. He looked down and noticed that Kenshin had his eyes cracked open. "I don't believe it is your duty to go about lurking in the stewardess' bedroom."
"Nor is it your duty to be sleeping with the stewardess." Saitou replied, his sarcastic drawl replacing his amusement.
Kenshin's eyes flashed dangerously. "We have done nothing. She had a nightmare and I happened to be the one here to consol her."
"So you were in here before she had requested of you?" Saitou asked, clearly enjoying the situation he was putting upon Kenshin.
Kenshin looked away and a smile played across Saitou's lips. "I had my concerns." Kenshin finally answered.
"I see." Saitou said, turning to walk towards the door. "Better wake your lady friend soon if you want to get a good start into town."
Kenshin nodded as Saitou left and turned to Kaoru, nudging her gently.
"Wake up, Kaoru."
Kaoru groaned as her eyes fluttered open. "Just a few more minutes...?" Kaoru asked sleepily.
Kenshin emitted a soft chuckle and shook his head. "We must get going, that we do. Go get ready and I'll make sure your breakfast is ready by the time you come downstairs."
He helped Kaoru down from the bed and ushered her to the bathroom before leaving himself to quickly throw on a gi and hakama and go to the kitchens to order Kaoru's breakfast.
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Kaoru haphazardly made her way about the bathroom cleaning herself up by pressing a warm cloth to her face. She smiled sheepishly under the comforting warmth as her thoughts drifted back towards her night with Kenshin. To wake up to the soft deep sound of his voice was like heaven to her, and she had a crazy wanting to wake up to that every morning for the rest of her life.
Also, after her nightmare when Kenshin had wrapped her protectively into him, all of her nerves, fears, and worries drifted away. She didn't have a nightmare for the rest of the night. No one, not even her parents, managed to chase the ghosts away as he had done.
Kaoru lazily stripped herself of her sleeping yukata and pulled on a gi and hakama. She would not be traveling in a kimono. The kimono was only good for presenting one's self at a party and to make a good impression to friends, family, and neighbors. She figured that nobody would see her traveling on the road, and once she reached town, nobody would care since she was known as the adjutant master of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. Everybody was used to her walking across town in her gi and hakama to help teach at other dojos.
After she had dressed, she tottered down the steps and hobbled into the kitchen to eat her breakfast. Once she had reached the dining room, however, she found a bowl of fruit, a plate of scrambled eggs, and some toast laid out for her. Kaoru gave a meek smile as she made her way towards her chair and took her seat across from Kenshin and next to Saitou.
Kenshin looked up and examined Kaoru eating, making sure that she had her morning's fill. When Kaoru noticed that Kenshin was watching her, she looked up as well and her eyes were trapped in Kenshin's violet depths.
Saitou issued a loud clearing of the throat, causing Kenshin and Kaoru to quickly look away from each other. He smiled victoriously and resumed to eating his bowl of fruit.
"Are you finished, Miss?" A maid asked politely as Kaoru dabbed a napkin to her mouth once she had finished her toast and jam. Kaoru nodded thankfully as the maid took away her plate. The maid soon returned and eyed Kaoru as Kenshin and Saitou rose from the table, beckoning Kaoru to come with them.
"Miss!" The maid cried out before Kaoru was able to leave the room. Kenshin swerved around and glared at the maid, causing the maid to falter.
Kaoru nudged Kenshin and shot him a sidelong glare. "Yes?"
The maid cleared her throat and resumed her upright posture. "You're not going out wearing that, are you?" She asked, motioning towards the gi and hakama that Kaoru was wearing.
Kaoru nodded.
The maid scrunched her nose up. "If I may make a suggestion?"
Kaoru motioned for the maid to continue.
"Perhaps we could clothe you in one of the master's kimono's. I'm sure we can find one that fits you well." The maid suggested. "You can not go walking about town in men's clothing!"
Kenshin noted the fire that was burning in Kaoru's eyes at the moment the maid mentioned her traveling in a kimono. Though she amazingly held her cool and collected expression. "I have been in that town dressed in a gi and hakama before, and the people do not seem to have a problem." Kaoru retorted rather coolly.
"But you'll be in public!" The maid protested.
"She will be able to wear what she wants." Kenshin snarled, taking an aggressive step forward causing the maid to cower slightly. He was agitated with the fact that she wouldn't leave Kaoru alone even though she told her that she was not going to wear a kimono.
"No," Saitou drawled, "She does have a point. Kamiya here is going to become stewardess, and it is important for her to look respectable in public." The maid bowed at Saitou in appreciated respect. "Go take her up to her room and dress her appropriately."
The maid bowed once again and led the hobbling Kaoru out of the dining room and up the stairs.
Once Kaoru had left, Kenshin turned on Saitou. Kenshin felt that he had to say something in Kaoru's defense, yet he didn't exactly want to express that he was defending her. "That will just slow us down even more!" Kenshin hissed.
"She's not walking though." Saitou said smartly. "You're the one carrying her. And by all means, her wearing a kimono will make this trip shorter. You know that she is not going to take the matter of you carrying her lightly. This way, you won't be kicked as much since her legs are practically bound together."
Kenshin looked down at the ground and walked slowly into the entrance hall. He hated it when Saitou was right. He stood at the foot of the steps, watching Kaoru's bedroom door expectantly.
It didn't take long before Kaoru's door had opened and a slim figure could be made out through the doorway.
"I can't walk in this thing!" Kenshin could hear Kaoru protest.
Kenshin took this as his cue and clambered up the steps until he was at Kaoru's side. A goofy smile spread across his lips as he took in Kaoru's appearance. She was wearing a simple cobalt kimono that matched Kaoru's eyes and a black obi. The kimono itself wasn't close fitting and didn't accent any of Kaoru's curves, but it fit Kaoru appropriately.
Without waiting for another word from Kaoru, Kenshin bent down and scooped Kaoru up into his arms.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru exclaimed, immediately throwing her arms around his neck in response.
Kenshin grinned and headed down the stairs. "I think we're all set. Let's go."
Saitou nodded in compliance as they headed out the door and into the woods.
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Kaoru was growing stiff in Kenshin's arms after walking for half a day, and Kenshin and Saitou had yet to slow down. Her head wobbled from side to side at Kenshin's long strides since she had given up clutching to Kenshin's gi for her to stay still.
She had earlier complained a good bit, realizing that physical punishment wasn't an option since the kimono limited her movements. After a few hours of her nonstop ranting, Saitou gave Kaoru a cold stare. "Stop." He said as long and as intimidating as he possibly could. His hand were bunched into tight fists at his sides, and he was slightly crouched, appearing that he could leap at her in less than a second's notice. Kaoru had immediately shut up and resorted to staring blankly at the scenary.
The sky was a blood red above the trees as small beams of orangey light seeped through the leaves and spread across the forest floor. The sun was setting and was by then dipping fairly low behind the horizon. The night's chill grew stronger as it penetrated Kaoru's kimono and sent her shivering against Kenshin's chest.
Kenshin looked down at Kaoru once she had started shivering. For him it was not a problem, he was used to traveling in freezing temperatures, as it was part of his job. But Kaoru was used to sleeping indoors most the time, and when she had ventured outdoors she would carry a blanket to keep her warm. Now she had no blanket, and the cold was penetrating her skin.
Kenshin hesitated for a moment, realizing that the night would indeed become colder. He looked over at Saitou and wondered if they would stop to rest for that night.
"We keep going." Saitou stated once he noticed that Kenshin was looking at him expectantly. The girl in his arms could easily fall asleep and it would not be a problem. If anything it would mean less complaining since he had heard her grumbling once again after he scolded her. Saitou knew that he couldn't deal with the tanuki any longer or else he would inflict serious damage to her small, frail body. Though Kenshin had reasoned with her by saying that her foot would worsen if she were to walk on it. In the end, Kenshin's patience outlasted Kaoru's and he had won the quarrel.
Kenshin looked once again down at Kaoru. He and Saitou could keep on walking and not tire, but Kaoru would not be able to rest properly and would be significantly sore once she'd awaken. She would also not be able to have a blanket to keep her warm. Kenshin felt sorry for Kaoru and shifted her position in his arms so that her back rested near his left shoulder as his left arm and hand supported her beneath her thighs. Then, with his right hand, he opened up his gi so that his entire chest was exposed to the night air. Saitou looked on at Kenshin with a curious expression splayed across his austere face.
Kenshin then shifted Kaoru back into her original position where her head was resting lightly on his chest. At the moment Kaoru's cheek rested against his warm flesh, her hands immediately slipped into his gi and wrapped around his waist, pressing herself to him for more warmth.
Once Kaoru had settled herself, Kenshin drew his gi around Kaoru's back, acting as a makeshift blanket. Saitou couldn't help but smirk at Kenshin's small act of affection.
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"...Kaoru..." A deep voice seemed to rumble about her. "...Kaoru, we're here...wake up..."
Kaoru stifled a large yawn as she pushed herself away from the chest that she was snuggling into. Wait? Chest? Who's chest was it? Kaoru's eyes traveled up the well-chiseled chest and rested upon the soft violet orbs that she had encountered the morning before. How did she manage to get into such situations? Not that she was complaining...
"Hello." Kaoru greeted groggily with a grin. She tried to stretch but found it quite difficult as the pain she received shot throughout her entire being. She groaned loudly.
Kenshin immediately frowned. "Are you alright?"
Kaoru frowned as well. "I feel so sore. Can you let me down for a while so I can walk? How long have you been carrying me anyway?"
Kenshin chuckled softly. "We've been walking all night." Kenshin replied. "And I'm going to have to put you down anyway. Saitou says that town's just around the corner and he doesn't want to have you seen carried around town."
Kaoru glanced over at the stoic man that marched in front of her. He shot his head back at her and glared at her. Kaoru bowed her head, emitting a soft giggle. How could he be so serious all the time?
Immediately after her thought, she felt two hands slide down the side of her body as she slid out of Kenshin's arms and stood on her good foot on the ground. "Now don't put any weight on that." Kenshin warned.
Saitou walked over to Kaoru and scoffed at Kenshin. "She's going to have to put some weight on it if she's going to get to town."
"But it will only do worse to her foot!" Kenshin complained, placing a pout on his face.
Saitou's mouth dropped in surprise. Since when did Kenshin pout? "It will be treated by the local doctors once we arrive and she will be receiving better care here than what was offered back at the summerhouse." Saitou retorted after a moment of silence. "Now, Kamiya, I'll need you to either lean against me or Himura to help stabilize you as we go into town."
Kaoru nodded in understanding and leaned against Kenshin, gripping his offered arm tightly. His arm swept around her waist in support as they headed slowly towards the town.
"Hold it!" A voice rang out behind the trio just as they were about to round the bend that would leave the woods.
Kaoru whipped her head around to stare at a tall figure wearing an odd green cloak and black grungy hair pulled back in a high ponytail. On the clasp on the cloak was the coat of arms that belonged to Shishio. Kaoru gasped and dug her nails into Kenshin's arm.
Saitou growled. "Himura, Kamiya, get your asses out of here. Don't give a damn about her foot either."
Kenshin nodded and half carried, half ran with Kamiya down the path as Saitou drew out his sword. In a matter of seconds, Kaoru could hear the clamor of swords not far behind her.
She could see the opening now, the gap in the trees that would lead into town. It wasn't much further away, she would make it...
Yet there were a group of at least ten men blocking their path, all wearing the green cloaks and bearing the same crest that the man before them wore.
Kenshin shoved Kaoru behind him and faced the men bravely. His hand itched at his hilt, waiting for their first move. He didn't have to wait along as all ten men launched forward at Kenshin at once.
Kaoru gasped as she took a few staggered steps backward. A blur of red could be made out as the ten men blindly launched themselves at the blur that was Kenshin. Yet as they fought on, Kaoru could hear through the clamor of swords Kenshin calling, "Go on! We'll meet you at Makimachi's!"
Kaoru gaped at Kenshin. Did she hear him correctly? She was staying with Misao? Kaoru could have jumped in excitement, but giving the current situation and her foot, that was going to have to wait until later. Kaoru took a step forward, but was held back as a hand grabbed her, one around the waist and the other at the shoulder as he threw her up onto his shoulder and ran away.
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A/N: Yeah, so it wasn't as long, and it was a pain to write because it's one of those chapters that fills you in from one even to the next. Also, I noticed a trend in the reviews. It seems that the more chapters I write the less reviews there are. Oh well, I thank all of you that do bother to review with much gratitude. Gosh, I sound like a hypocrite, but I did say the once I finished this I would review all of your stories in thanks. Hopefully this will get me back into the swing of things.
So, some questions and comments:
Bando-Eido no Megami-Sama: Yeah, I kind of did leave that part out that a sword is heavier than a bokken. Thanks for reminding me. I'll make sure not to do that again.
Lightning-storm: Thank you! I can finally say that!! (
The-Lone-Lemon, MizzLee, Silver Eyes Bright, Koishii Sweet, chibiBattousai, tiaravball15.
THANKS!
Don't forget to review!! And later days!
~Mystic Song