Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is not mine, that it is not.
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A Love for One Hated
By: Mystic Song
Chapter 13 Dinner
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Kenshin stormed into the guesthouse, flinging the door open and slamming it shut loudly behind him. His amber eyes were narrowed angrily, lips drawn into a thin frown. He hated being brushed off when it was his duty to watch after Kaoru. Kenshin stomped up the steps and retreated into his bedroom, the banging of his door smothering Tsubame's timid inquiry.
"Kenshin-sama?" Tsubame had called after Kenshin's fuming form.
Kenshin had seemed to be lost in his thoughts. Tsubame dared not bother the seething man. Instead, she turned her back to the stairs with a slight shrug and returned to Tae in the kitchen.
"Was that Kenshin-sama?" Tae had asked when Tsubame entered the kitchen, wiping her hands free of grease on the blue apron that adorned her front.
"Hai," Tsubame replied ever so softly, "He seems to be in a bad mood."
Tae snorted and opened a bottom cabinet, fishing through its contents for a pot. "I assume that he has just returned from a meeting with Hiko-sama then." She stepped back from the cabinet, a large pot in her hand. She turned to the side and handed it off to a younger girl, requesting her to fill the pot up with water as Tae pulled out some vegetables that needed to be chopped.
Tsubame quickly stepped up to Tae's side to aide her. "I don't know. The last I saw him was when Kaoru-san had just left."
"Aah," Tae recollected as she handed Tsubame some carrots to chop. "I wonder how she is doing."
"Who? Jou-chan?" A boisterous voice sounded from the entrance hall as Sanosuke stepped inside, the door swinging shut behind him.
Tsubame nodded in reply as Tae smiled sweetly at Sanosuke. "Welcome back, Sanosuke. Dinner will be ready soon."
Sano rubbed his hands together anxiously. "Mmm, what are we having tonight?"
"Kenshin-sama's favorite." Tae replied, never looking away from her chopping. "Some of that new Teriyaki steak along with fried rice."
Sano flicked his tongue across his lips. "Sounds good. Shall I bring Kenshin down then?"
Tsubame giggled. "Good luck. He wasn't in a good mood when he got here."
Sano waved a carefree hand at Tsubame. "That'll be easy to take care of." With that, Sanosuke headed towards the stairs.
"Matte!" Tae called from the kitchen, "Dinner perhaps won't be ready for another hour or so!" However her statement fell upon deaf ears.
Tsubame looked up at Tae curiously. "Then why did you say it would be soon?"
Tae looked down at Tsubame with a knowledgeable glint in her eye. "It's Sano, it's better to appease him than to have him complain for the next hour." Tsubame giggled.
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Sanosuke rapped his knuckles on Kenshin's bedroom door briefly before turning the knob and stepping inside. "Hey buddy!" He called as he stepped into the room.
Kenshin was sitting on the bed, his back facing the door. His head was bowed, his bangs shielding his eyes of any emotion that could possibly be present. Sanosuke hesitated for a moment before walking over to Kenshin's side.
"What's the matter, Kenshin?" Sanosuke asked seriously, sitting down by Kenshin's side.
A depressed sigh was emitted from Kenshin as he lifted his face up, revealing somber violet eyes paired with a weak smile. "Why, nothing's the matter, Sano." Kenshin replied, almost cheerfully.
Sanosuke's brown eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Kenshin's wilting form. "Ya know you can't hide it from me, there's something the matter with you." Sanosuke paused for a moment, and Kenshin could almost see the wheels turning in Sanosuke's head. Suddenly, his eyes lit up as he pointed a finger at Kenshin. "It has to do with Kaoru! What happened to Jou-chan?"
Kenshin let loose another sigh. "Sessha believes that Kaoru does not need sessha's assistance any longer."
Sanosuke rolled his eyes visibly. "I don't want to hear any of your unworthy crap, Kenshin. Just because you are not with Jou-chan doesn't mean she's no longer your charge." Sanosuke fingered his hakama for a moment as he pulled out a black parcel. "Now I just came back from the Aoiya. Seems like Jou-chan forgot her mother's cloak so I thought I'd bring it back to her." He firmly handed the parcel over to Kenshin. "But it seems like you need to see her more than I do. So go give this to her and bring her back for dinner...Tae's cooking up something really good." He gave Kenshin a playful wink and stood up from the bed.
Kenshin joined Sanosuke and followed him down the steps. "Arigatou." He murmured quietly.
Sanosuke waved it off. "It's nothing. I'll see you in an hour."
Kenshin nodded and walked out of the guesthouse and up towards the palace.
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Kaoru growled once she entered her room. Why were suitors so damn annoying? Another knock came from the door, and with it came a smooth voice. "Kaoru-san!" He called anxiously. "Would you like to go for a walk?"
Kaoru flopped onto her bed. Suitors had been lining up by her door, requesting her company. She grabbed the nearest pillow and screamed into it, the noise muffled into a desperate moan.
The nearby maid took that as a signal as she exited the room, waving off the many suitors that were piled up at her door. When she returned, she cautiously approached the stewardess.
"Kaoru-san," the maid asked gingerly, "Would you like to join Lord Hiko for dinner tonight?"
Kaoru shook her head quickly. "I would like to be left alone for a while." She muttered quietly.
The maid took the hint and exited the room with a helpless sigh. "I will check on you later, ne?"
Kaoru nodded stiffly and watched as the door shut behind the slender maid before staring blankly at the window.
Her room was possibly just as blank as her stare. The walls were white as well as her furniture. Her canopy lacked the sheer fabric that usually draped its edges, and no draperies adorned the walls or windows. The sheets and comforter on her bed were both of a beige color. Kaoru's bedroom was huge, possibly four times as large as her room at the Aoiya. Here, she had an unfurnished fireplace, a sitting area, a bathing area, a large closet, and her sleeping area. The maid had apologized profusely when she had first entered her room, saying that her visit had come unexpectedly early. Though with all of the suitors present in the palace, she had to stay in her own room.
Kaoru wanted to make plans as soon as she could to return to the guesthouse and remain there. No doubt that her room would be gorgeous when it was finished, but the suitors had to have come early.
Why must so many suitors come when she had already given away her heart? Did anybody have any idea of how she felt? She was being dragged around from place to place, dodging Shishio's men left and right. Not that she minded with Kenshin by her side, but now she was left all alone in this palace, facing suitors. She needed his strength now.
A soft tapping noise on the window caught Kaoru's attention, abruptly jerking her away from her thoughts. She stared at the window curiously before she saw a small pebble come flying and hitting the door, causing her to jump. Who had just thrown that anyway?
She cautiously left the bed and walked up to the glass door, sliding it open slowly to step out onto the balcony. The gardens were placed directly underneath her bedroom window, stretching out across the vast acre of land that surrounded the rear of the palace. Below her, she noticed, was a blotch of red that contradicted the entirety of the garden.
She leaned over the edge in disbelief. "Kenshin?" She asked bemused.
Kenshin gave Kaoru a dopey smile from beneath the balcony, the black parcel tucked within his gi. "Hey," he greeted softly, bringing a bright smile to Kaoru's lips. "I was wondering if you wanted to join me down here."
Kaoru nodded eagerly and assessed her position on the balcony. There was no way she was going to leave the safety of her room to only confront dozens of suitors. Instead, she found a vine that crawled up the sidewall and decided to clamber her way to the bottom.
Kenshin watched Kaoru with enjoyment as she adjusted her kimono so it wouldn't bunch up at her knees. She sat on the balcony's edge, hastily grabbing for the nearest vine as she hoisted herself down onto one of the vine's knots. Very slowly she made her way down the wall as Kenshin positioned himself at the bottom, patiently counting down until Kaoru would...
A startled shriek emitted from Kaoru as she lost hold of the vine.
She fell.
And right into Kenshin's arms.
He smiled down at her artlessly as she clung onto his chest, still trying to regain her breath. "You knew – that I would – fall - didn't you?" Kaoru managed in-between pants.
Kenshin decided not to reply as he set Kaoru on her feet and steadied herself against him. "How about we go for a stroll, shall we?" Kenshin held out his arm for Kaoru to take as he led her towards the heart of the garden.
"Aren't there guards patrolling the gardens?" Kaoru asked suspiciously in a hushed whisper.
Kenshin shrugged. "I come out her all the time and they never seem to bother me."
Kaoru smiled and gently tugged on Kenshin's arm. Kenshin looked down at her curiously. "It's a little chilly out, don't you think?"
Kenshin chuckled and extended his arm around Kaoru's waist, the other fishing through his gi for the parcel. Kaoru sidled up next to Kenshin, leaning in close for his comforting warmth. She wished she could stay in the position forever, though Kenshin pulled away, handing Kaoru the parcel he had pulled from his gi.
"Here," Kenshin said warmly, "You left this back at the Aoiya. Sano wanted me to give this to you."
Kaoru smiled gratefully as she took the parcel from Kenshin's hands, carefully drawing the strings as the black cloak that belonged to her mother slid out onto her fingertips. "Thank you." She murmured quietly, enveloping Kenshin into a hug.
Kenshin wrapped his arms around her into a soothing embrace, "You should really be thanking Sanosuke for this, that you should."
Kaoru looked up into Kenshin's deep violet eyes and nodded. "Should we go see him now then?"
Kenshin shrugged. "You may also stay for dinner. I think Tae-dono and Tsubame-dono would very much enjoy your company."
Kaoru nodded eagerly, draping the cloak over her shoulders. She tugged on Kenshin's arm, pulling him towards the direction of the guesthouse. On the way there, she wrapped her arms boldly around Kenshin's torso. Kenshin looked down at her, slightly surprised, but wrapped his arms securely around her none-the-less.
Though from outside a pair of bright blue eyes shown from the shrubbery, watching their every movement.
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"We're back!" Kenshin called as he opened up the door to the guesthouse, holding it open for Kaoru to walk through.
The soft clattering of pots could be heard from the kitchen as Tae replied. "Oh good, Kenshin, you're just in time. Dinner will be ready in a minute. Did you bring Kaoru-san with you?"
"Hai!" Kaoru replied, answering for Kenshin.
Tae peered around the kitchen and into the entrance hall. "Oh good, you are here!" She called out happily. "Come on in."
Kenshin led Kaoru forward into the kitchen, standing against the far wall so as not to get in the way of any of the maids. One of the maids had approached Kaoru, her hand held out expectantly. Kaoru's eyes flashed with realization at what she meant as she slid out of her cloak and placed it gingerly in the maid's arms. With equal care, the maid walked over by the front door and placed the cloak in the side closet.
Kaoru looked up at Kenshin and smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you for bringing me down here. I hate being up at the palace all by myself."
A lopsided grin formed across Kenshin's face. He brought his arm around Kaoru's waist and pulled her to his side. Kaoru complied willingly. Kenshin bent his head forward, his lips inches from her ear as the breath tickled her neck. "It was a pleasure to."
Kaoru giggled softly just as a tall man had entered the other side of the kitchen. "Jou-chan!" He called out excitedly. "So good to have you come back!"
"Hey Sano." Kaoru greeted warmly as she stepped forward to give Sanosuke a polite hug.
Tsubame trailed after Sanosuke, and once the two had separated, she leapt up into Kaoru's embrace. "Kaoru-san!"
"Tsubame-kun!" Kaoru yelped in surprise once the young girl had leapt up and into her arms. Once she set the girl back down on her feet, she looked at the girl with surprise. "My, have you grown?" It was more of an exclamation than a question.
Tsubame blushed and bobbed her head. She then retreated diffidently to Tae's side. Tae placed a large plate of meat into Tsubame's hands, announcing that dinner was finally ready.
Kenshin took Kaoru's hand and walked with her over to the dining room. He sat himself down at Kaoru's side and watched as the maids filled their plates with steak and rice.
Sanosuke did most of the talking at dinner; most of it was with his mouth opened. He talked mostly about the kitsune and himself. Though he mentioned the whereabouts of the Aoiya and its occupants every now and then.
Kaoru sat contentedly by Kenshin's side. Their hands occasionally brushed underneath the table, creating a pinkish hue across her cheeks. Kaoru did not say anything, nor did Kenshin. They were simply enjoying the company that surrounded them.
After dinner, the party had diffused. Sanosuke claimed that he wanted to go into town, most likely to get drunk while gambling at the nearest bar. Kenshin announced that he was going to escort Kaoru back up to the palace so that she could get some sleep.
The walk back up to the palace was quiet and for the most part, uneventful. Kenshin and Kaoru were hand in hand, walking up to the gardens and pausing underneath Kaoru's balcony. Kaoru gave a disgruntled sigh before grabbing onto the nearest vine and started her long climb up the wall. Kenshin soon joined her so that if Kaoru did fall, she wouldn't fall far.
Before long, Kaoru had made it up to her balcony with Kenshin by her side. She looked at him appreciatively. "Arigato, Kenshin." She smiled sweetly at him before glancing ruefully at her room. She hated how empty it was.
Kenshin saw Kaoru's look of disappointment. "I will talk to Shishou tomorrow and see if you can change rooms. He might allow you to stay at your old room in the guesthouse."
Kaoru nodded eagerly. "If you could!"
Kenshin chortled and stared deeply into Kaoru's sapphire eyes. Kaoru stared back, being caught in his trance. She could see in his eyes all of the love he had for her, though there was something that was holding him back.
"You know," Kaoru said slowly, her voice slightly lower than normal. "You don't have to hold back from me any longer." Her hand rose slowly to cup his scarred cheek, and Kenshin could see in her eyes understanding and love. "You don't have to be afraid. These suitors mean nothing to me, and I need you to be there for me as I become stewardess. Without your strength, I am nothing."
Kenshin took Kaoru's hand in his. "Without you," he said, his voice dropping in octaves, "I am nothing."
Kaoru felt something rise in the pit of her stomach as Kenshin took a step forward. His hand sliding around her waist and her hands sliding up his chest to rest on his shoulders. His face neared hers, tilting to the side as their lips met.
At first, it was a simple brush of the lips, sending shocks up and down both Kenshin and Kaoru's spine. Kenshin pulled back immediately as his eyes opened slowly, searching Kaoru's for approval. Kaoru kept her eyes closed, standing up on her toes as she pressed her body flush against Kenshin's, her lips seeking his.
Kenshin's hand slid slowly from her waist up to her chin, guiding her lips to his. When their lips met, a multitude of passion was released. Kaoru's arms wrapped tightly around Kenshin's neck, her fingers running through his red hair. Kenshin's hands roamed her back and sides as his tongue flicked across her lips. In reply, Kaoru's mouth opened slightly and Kenshin made his way inside, tongue fluttering across the contours of her mouth.
Moans elicited from the recesses of Kaoru's throat as the new pleasures enveloped her body. Not that Kenshin was unaffected either. Soft groans were emitted as he felt himself lose control: hands wandering a little too carelessly. He needed to stop himself. He slowly, and very reluctantly, pulled away from Kaoru, panting slightly.
Kaoru looked up at him appreciatively and placed a final, chaste kiss upon his swollen lips. "Aishiteru." She whispered.
"Aishiteru." Kenshin answered as he brushed his lips against her knuckles. He then pulled away and attempted to hop down from the balcony. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Kaoru nodded and watched Kenshin leap into the night. Her fingers subconsciously traveling up to her swollen lips.
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Kaoru woke quickly from her slumber, feeling fully refreshed. The kiss that she had shared with Kenshin the night before still had her lips tingling. She giggled to herself before sliding out of bed to start her day.
Kaoru left her room wearing a pale orange kimono and pink obi. She planned on meeting with Lord Hiko to discuss the matters of her room. She wanted to stay in the guesthouse where she wouldn't be hounded by suitors all of the time, and to be closer to Kenshin.
As she stepped out of her room and headed towards the steps, she met up with a young man with short black hair that fell about his forehead, and bright blue eyes. His eyes met hers, his smile never wavering. "Good morning, Kamiya-san." The young man greeted warmly.
Kaoru smiled in response at this man's courtesy. He didn't greet her like all the other suitors did. "I believe we haven't met." Kaoru said politely.
The man's smile grew larger as he stepped forward, gently grasping Kaoru's wrist. "I am Seta Soujiro." His head declined in a bow, his lips gracefully meeting her knuckles.
"Aa." Kaoru murmured, impressed. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Seta- san."
"Please, just call me Soujiro." Soujiro greeted warmly, that smile still plastered onto his face. His arm was held out to her for hers to take. "And the pleasure is all mine."
Kaoru gave a polite blush before taking Soujiro's arm and allowed him to escort her down into the dining hall for breakfast.
Once they arrived, Soujiro noticed how Kaoru was eagerly looking around the hall. Her eyes rested on Lord Hiko, who was not so calmly talking to a red haired man. Soujiro gave Kaoru a sidelong glance and discerned the way her eyes lit up when they landed upon the red head.
Soujiro gave a soft chuckle, drawing Kaoru away from her trance upon the red head. Kaoru looked at Soujiro curiously.
"Shall we go sit for breakfast?" Soujiro asked calmly.
Kaoru sighed. "I suppose we should."
Soujiro steered Kaoru towards the table by Lord Hiko's side, eager to examine the relationship that Kaoru had with the red haired man.
"Ah, good morning Kaoru." Hiko greeted warmly from the head of the table.
Kaoru sat by Hiko's side and was pleased to find that she was sitting across from Kenshin. Kenshin looked over at her and gave her a warm smile. "Good morning, Kaoru-dono." He emphasized the honorific 'dono' and glanced around the table at all of the suitors that were eyeing Kaoru suspiciously.
Kaoru nodded. "Good morning to you too, Kenshin-san."
The rest of breakfast consisted of pleasant small talk. Kaoru found Soujiro to be a very kind and caring young man. Kaoru also found it to be very easy to talk to Soujiro with just about everything.
After breakfast, Kaoru watched Kenshin retreat out of the dining hall and up the stairs. Kaoru quickly excused herself and followed.
"Kaoru," Kenshin said softly once Kaoru had ascended the steps. He beckoned her over to the side hallway by Kaoru's room.
Kaoru kept on walking, grabbing Kenshin's hand as she led him into her room, closing the door shut behind her. "Did you talk to Hiko?" She asked anxiously.
Kenshin nodded, walking over to the nearest couch and sitting down. "He said that you can live in the guesthouse –"Kenshin paused when Kaoru exclaimed some sort of cheer, "Only after he announces the top ten suitors that he approves of." Kaoru physically deflated and plopped down onto the couch next to Kenshin.
"When is he going to do that?" Kaoru asked.
"Tomorrow evening." Kenshin replied simply before adding, "Then there will be a ball two nights later where you will choose the suitor that will take your hand in marriage."
"What?" Kaoru practically shouted, leaping up from the couch and glaring at Kenshin. Kenshin almost cowered beneath her scolding glower. "You mean I actually have to choose one of those brats?"
Kenshin bowed his head. "I'm afraid so."
Kaoru looked disbelievingly at Kenshin. "I can't do this. I can't be stewardess. I am NOT picking a suitor. Oh god Kenshin..."
She broke down into tears, falling into Kenshin's arms. This is where she wanted to stay. She didn't want to do anything else but stay in his arms, forever.
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A/N: This is a bit of a stretch, but I really want to finish this story in the next two weeks. I'm not sure how far I'm gonna get. However, I will be able to write more since school has ended. I think there might only be two or three chapters left in this story. Thanks for all of you encouraging reviews! I finally broke the 100 review marker!!
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A Love for One Hated
By: Mystic Song
Chapter 13 Dinner
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Kenshin stormed into the guesthouse, flinging the door open and slamming it shut loudly behind him. His amber eyes were narrowed angrily, lips drawn into a thin frown. He hated being brushed off when it was his duty to watch after Kaoru. Kenshin stomped up the steps and retreated into his bedroom, the banging of his door smothering Tsubame's timid inquiry.
"Kenshin-sama?" Tsubame had called after Kenshin's fuming form.
Kenshin had seemed to be lost in his thoughts. Tsubame dared not bother the seething man. Instead, she turned her back to the stairs with a slight shrug and returned to Tae in the kitchen.
"Was that Kenshin-sama?" Tae had asked when Tsubame entered the kitchen, wiping her hands free of grease on the blue apron that adorned her front.
"Hai," Tsubame replied ever so softly, "He seems to be in a bad mood."
Tae snorted and opened a bottom cabinet, fishing through its contents for a pot. "I assume that he has just returned from a meeting with Hiko-sama then." She stepped back from the cabinet, a large pot in her hand. She turned to the side and handed it off to a younger girl, requesting her to fill the pot up with water as Tae pulled out some vegetables that needed to be chopped.
Tsubame quickly stepped up to Tae's side to aide her. "I don't know. The last I saw him was when Kaoru-san had just left."
"Aah," Tae recollected as she handed Tsubame some carrots to chop. "I wonder how she is doing."
"Who? Jou-chan?" A boisterous voice sounded from the entrance hall as Sanosuke stepped inside, the door swinging shut behind him.
Tsubame nodded in reply as Tae smiled sweetly at Sanosuke. "Welcome back, Sanosuke. Dinner will be ready soon."
Sano rubbed his hands together anxiously. "Mmm, what are we having tonight?"
"Kenshin-sama's favorite." Tae replied, never looking away from her chopping. "Some of that new Teriyaki steak along with fried rice."
Sano flicked his tongue across his lips. "Sounds good. Shall I bring Kenshin down then?"
Tsubame giggled. "Good luck. He wasn't in a good mood when he got here."
Sano waved a carefree hand at Tsubame. "That'll be easy to take care of." With that, Sanosuke headed towards the stairs.
"Matte!" Tae called from the kitchen, "Dinner perhaps won't be ready for another hour or so!" However her statement fell upon deaf ears.
Tsubame looked up at Tae curiously. "Then why did you say it would be soon?"
Tae looked down at Tsubame with a knowledgeable glint in her eye. "It's Sano, it's better to appease him than to have him complain for the next hour." Tsubame giggled.
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Sanosuke rapped his knuckles on Kenshin's bedroom door briefly before turning the knob and stepping inside. "Hey buddy!" He called as he stepped into the room.
Kenshin was sitting on the bed, his back facing the door. His head was bowed, his bangs shielding his eyes of any emotion that could possibly be present. Sanosuke hesitated for a moment before walking over to Kenshin's side.
"What's the matter, Kenshin?" Sanosuke asked seriously, sitting down by Kenshin's side.
A depressed sigh was emitted from Kenshin as he lifted his face up, revealing somber violet eyes paired with a weak smile. "Why, nothing's the matter, Sano." Kenshin replied, almost cheerfully.
Sanosuke's brown eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Kenshin's wilting form. "Ya know you can't hide it from me, there's something the matter with you." Sanosuke paused for a moment, and Kenshin could almost see the wheels turning in Sanosuke's head. Suddenly, his eyes lit up as he pointed a finger at Kenshin. "It has to do with Kaoru! What happened to Jou-chan?"
Kenshin let loose another sigh. "Sessha believes that Kaoru does not need sessha's assistance any longer."
Sanosuke rolled his eyes visibly. "I don't want to hear any of your unworthy crap, Kenshin. Just because you are not with Jou-chan doesn't mean she's no longer your charge." Sanosuke fingered his hakama for a moment as he pulled out a black parcel. "Now I just came back from the Aoiya. Seems like Jou-chan forgot her mother's cloak so I thought I'd bring it back to her." He firmly handed the parcel over to Kenshin. "But it seems like you need to see her more than I do. So go give this to her and bring her back for dinner...Tae's cooking up something really good." He gave Kenshin a playful wink and stood up from the bed.
Kenshin joined Sanosuke and followed him down the steps. "Arigatou." He murmured quietly.
Sanosuke waved it off. "It's nothing. I'll see you in an hour."
Kenshin nodded and walked out of the guesthouse and up towards the palace.
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Kaoru growled once she entered her room. Why were suitors so damn annoying? Another knock came from the door, and with it came a smooth voice. "Kaoru-san!" He called anxiously. "Would you like to go for a walk?"
Kaoru flopped onto her bed. Suitors had been lining up by her door, requesting her company. She grabbed the nearest pillow and screamed into it, the noise muffled into a desperate moan.
The nearby maid took that as a signal as she exited the room, waving off the many suitors that were piled up at her door. When she returned, she cautiously approached the stewardess.
"Kaoru-san," the maid asked gingerly, "Would you like to join Lord Hiko for dinner tonight?"
Kaoru shook her head quickly. "I would like to be left alone for a while." She muttered quietly.
The maid took the hint and exited the room with a helpless sigh. "I will check on you later, ne?"
Kaoru nodded stiffly and watched as the door shut behind the slender maid before staring blankly at the window.
Her room was possibly just as blank as her stare. The walls were white as well as her furniture. Her canopy lacked the sheer fabric that usually draped its edges, and no draperies adorned the walls or windows. The sheets and comforter on her bed were both of a beige color. Kaoru's bedroom was huge, possibly four times as large as her room at the Aoiya. Here, she had an unfurnished fireplace, a sitting area, a bathing area, a large closet, and her sleeping area. The maid had apologized profusely when she had first entered her room, saying that her visit had come unexpectedly early. Though with all of the suitors present in the palace, she had to stay in her own room.
Kaoru wanted to make plans as soon as she could to return to the guesthouse and remain there. No doubt that her room would be gorgeous when it was finished, but the suitors had to have come early.
Why must so many suitors come when she had already given away her heart? Did anybody have any idea of how she felt? She was being dragged around from place to place, dodging Shishio's men left and right. Not that she minded with Kenshin by her side, but now she was left all alone in this palace, facing suitors. She needed his strength now.
A soft tapping noise on the window caught Kaoru's attention, abruptly jerking her away from her thoughts. She stared at the window curiously before she saw a small pebble come flying and hitting the door, causing her to jump. Who had just thrown that anyway?
She cautiously left the bed and walked up to the glass door, sliding it open slowly to step out onto the balcony. The gardens were placed directly underneath her bedroom window, stretching out across the vast acre of land that surrounded the rear of the palace. Below her, she noticed, was a blotch of red that contradicted the entirety of the garden.
She leaned over the edge in disbelief. "Kenshin?" She asked bemused.
Kenshin gave Kaoru a dopey smile from beneath the balcony, the black parcel tucked within his gi. "Hey," he greeted softly, bringing a bright smile to Kaoru's lips. "I was wondering if you wanted to join me down here."
Kaoru nodded eagerly and assessed her position on the balcony. There was no way she was going to leave the safety of her room to only confront dozens of suitors. Instead, she found a vine that crawled up the sidewall and decided to clamber her way to the bottom.
Kenshin watched Kaoru with enjoyment as she adjusted her kimono so it wouldn't bunch up at her knees. She sat on the balcony's edge, hastily grabbing for the nearest vine as she hoisted herself down onto one of the vine's knots. Very slowly she made her way down the wall as Kenshin positioned himself at the bottom, patiently counting down until Kaoru would...
A startled shriek emitted from Kaoru as she lost hold of the vine.
She fell.
And right into Kenshin's arms.
He smiled down at her artlessly as she clung onto his chest, still trying to regain her breath. "You knew – that I would – fall - didn't you?" Kaoru managed in-between pants.
Kenshin decided not to reply as he set Kaoru on her feet and steadied herself against him. "How about we go for a stroll, shall we?" Kenshin held out his arm for Kaoru to take as he led her towards the heart of the garden.
"Aren't there guards patrolling the gardens?" Kaoru asked suspiciously in a hushed whisper.
Kenshin shrugged. "I come out her all the time and they never seem to bother me."
Kaoru smiled and gently tugged on Kenshin's arm. Kenshin looked down at her curiously. "It's a little chilly out, don't you think?"
Kenshin chuckled and extended his arm around Kaoru's waist, the other fishing through his gi for the parcel. Kaoru sidled up next to Kenshin, leaning in close for his comforting warmth. She wished she could stay in the position forever, though Kenshin pulled away, handing Kaoru the parcel he had pulled from his gi.
"Here," Kenshin said warmly, "You left this back at the Aoiya. Sano wanted me to give this to you."
Kaoru smiled gratefully as she took the parcel from Kenshin's hands, carefully drawing the strings as the black cloak that belonged to her mother slid out onto her fingertips. "Thank you." She murmured quietly, enveloping Kenshin into a hug.
Kenshin wrapped his arms around her into a soothing embrace, "You should really be thanking Sanosuke for this, that you should."
Kaoru looked up into Kenshin's deep violet eyes and nodded. "Should we go see him now then?"
Kenshin shrugged. "You may also stay for dinner. I think Tae-dono and Tsubame-dono would very much enjoy your company."
Kaoru nodded eagerly, draping the cloak over her shoulders. She tugged on Kenshin's arm, pulling him towards the direction of the guesthouse. On the way there, she wrapped her arms boldly around Kenshin's torso. Kenshin looked down at her, slightly surprised, but wrapped his arms securely around her none-the-less.
Though from outside a pair of bright blue eyes shown from the shrubbery, watching their every movement.
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"We're back!" Kenshin called as he opened up the door to the guesthouse, holding it open for Kaoru to walk through.
The soft clattering of pots could be heard from the kitchen as Tae replied. "Oh good, Kenshin, you're just in time. Dinner will be ready in a minute. Did you bring Kaoru-san with you?"
"Hai!" Kaoru replied, answering for Kenshin.
Tae peered around the kitchen and into the entrance hall. "Oh good, you are here!" She called out happily. "Come on in."
Kenshin led Kaoru forward into the kitchen, standing against the far wall so as not to get in the way of any of the maids. One of the maids had approached Kaoru, her hand held out expectantly. Kaoru's eyes flashed with realization at what she meant as she slid out of her cloak and placed it gingerly in the maid's arms. With equal care, the maid walked over by the front door and placed the cloak in the side closet.
Kaoru looked up at Kenshin and smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you for bringing me down here. I hate being up at the palace all by myself."
A lopsided grin formed across Kenshin's face. He brought his arm around Kaoru's waist and pulled her to his side. Kaoru complied willingly. Kenshin bent his head forward, his lips inches from her ear as the breath tickled her neck. "It was a pleasure to."
Kaoru giggled softly just as a tall man had entered the other side of the kitchen. "Jou-chan!" He called out excitedly. "So good to have you come back!"
"Hey Sano." Kaoru greeted warmly as she stepped forward to give Sanosuke a polite hug.
Tsubame trailed after Sanosuke, and once the two had separated, she leapt up into Kaoru's embrace. "Kaoru-san!"
"Tsubame-kun!" Kaoru yelped in surprise once the young girl had leapt up and into her arms. Once she set the girl back down on her feet, she looked at the girl with surprise. "My, have you grown?" It was more of an exclamation than a question.
Tsubame blushed and bobbed her head. She then retreated diffidently to Tae's side. Tae placed a large plate of meat into Tsubame's hands, announcing that dinner was finally ready.
Kenshin took Kaoru's hand and walked with her over to the dining room. He sat himself down at Kaoru's side and watched as the maids filled their plates with steak and rice.
Sanosuke did most of the talking at dinner; most of it was with his mouth opened. He talked mostly about the kitsune and himself. Though he mentioned the whereabouts of the Aoiya and its occupants every now and then.
Kaoru sat contentedly by Kenshin's side. Their hands occasionally brushed underneath the table, creating a pinkish hue across her cheeks. Kaoru did not say anything, nor did Kenshin. They were simply enjoying the company that surrounded them.
After dinner, the party had diffused. Sanosuke claimed that he wanted to go into town, most likely to get drunk while gambling at the nearest bar. Kenshin announced that he was going to escort Kaoru back up to the palace so that she could get some sleep.
The walk back up to the palace was quiet and for the most part, uneventful. Kenshin and Kaoru were hand in hand, walking up to the gardens and pausing underneath Kaoru's balcony. Kaoru gave a disgruntled sigh before grabbing onto the nearest vine and started her long climb up the wall. Kenshin soon joined her so that if Kaoru did fall, she wouldn't fall far.
Before long, Kaoru had made it up to her balcony with Kenshin by her side. She looked at him appreciatively. "Arigato, Kenshin." She smiled sweetly at him before glancing ruefully at her room. She hated how empty it was.
Kenshin saw Kaoru's look of disappointment. "I will talk to Shishou tomorrow and see if you can change rooms. He might allow you to stay at your old room in the guesthouse."
Kaoru nodded eagerly. "If you could!"
Kenshin chortled and stared deeply into Kaoru's sapphire eyes. Kaoru stared back, being caught in his trance. She could see in his eyes all of the love he had for her, though there was something that was holding him back.
"You know," Kaoru said slowly, her voice slightly lower than normal. "You don't have to hold back from me any longer." Her hand rose slowly to cup his scarred cheek, and Kenshin could see in her eyes understanding and love. "You don't have to be afraid. These suitors mean nothing to me, and I need you to be there for me as I become stewardess. Without your strength, I am nothing."
Kenshin took Kaoru's hand in his. "Without you," he said, his voice dropping in octaves, "I am nothing."
Kaoru felt something rise in the pit of her stomach as Kenshin took a step forward. His hand sliding around her waist and her hands sliding up his chest to rest on his shoulders. His face neared hers, tilting to the side as their lips met.
At first, it was a simple brush of the lips, sending shocks up and down both Kenshin and Kaoru's spine. Kenshin pulled back immediately as his eyes opened slowly, searching Kaoru's for approval. Kaoru kept her eyes closed, standing up on her toes as she pressed her body flush against Kenshin's, her lips seeking his.
Kenshin's hand slid slowly from her waist up to her chin, guiding her lips to his. When their lips met, a multitude of passion was released. Kaoru's arms wrapped tightly around Kenshin's neck, her fingers running through his red hair. Kenshin's hands roamed her back and sides as his tongue flicked across her lips. In reply, Kaoru's mouth opened slightly and Kenshin made his way inside, tongue fluttering across the contours of her mouth.
Moans elicited from the recesses of Kaoru's throat as the new pleasures enveloped her body. Not that Kenshin was unaffected either. Soft groans were emitted as he felt himself lose control: hands wandering a little too carelessly. He needed to stop himself. He slowly, and very reluctantly, pulled away from Kaoru, panting slightly.
Kaoru looked up at him appreciatively and placed a final, chaste kiss upon his swollen lips. "Aishiteru." She whispered.
"Aishiteru." Kenshin answered as he brushed his lips against her knuckles. He then pulled away and attempted to hop down from the balcony. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Kaoru nodded and watched Kenshin leap into the night. Her fingers subconsciously traveling up to her swollen lips.
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Kaoru woke quickly from her slumber, feeling fully refreshed. The kiss that she had shared with Kenshin the night before still had her lips tingling. She giggled to herself before sliding out of bed to start her day.
Kaoru left her room wearing a pale orange kimono and pink obi. She planned on meeting with Lord Hiko to discuss the matters of her room. She wanted to stay in the guesthouse where she wouldn't be hounded by suitors all of the time, and to be closer to Kenshin.
As she stepped out of her room and headed towards the steps, she met up with a young man with short black hair that fell about his forehead, and bright blue eyes. His eyes met hers, his smile never wavering. "Good morning, Kamiya-san." The young man greeted warmly.
Kaoru smiled in response at this man's courtesy. He didn't greet her like all the other suitors did. "I believe we haven't met." Kaoru said politely.
The man's smile grew larger as he stepped forward, gently grasping Kaoru's wrist. "I am Seta Soujiro." His head declined in a bow, his lips gracefully meeting her knuckles.
"Aa." Kaoru murmured, impressed. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Seta- san."
"Please, just call me Soujiro." Soujiro greeted warmly, that smile still plastered onto his face. His arm was held out to her for hers to take. "And the pleasure is all mine."
Kaoru gave a polite blush before taking Soujiro's arm and allowed him to escort her down into the dining hall for breakfast.
Once they arrived, Soujiro noticed how Kaoru was eagerly looking around the hall. Her eyes rested on Lord Hiko, who was not so calmly talking to a red haired man. Soujiro gave Kaoru a sidelong glance and discerned the way her eyes lit up when they landed upon the red head.
Soujiro gave a soft chuckle, drawing Kaoru away from her trance upon the red head. Kaoru looked at Soujiro curiously.
"Shall we go sit for breakfast?" Soujiro asked calmly.
Kaoru sighed. "I suppose we should."
Soujiro steered Kaoru towards the table by Lord Hiko's side, eager to examine the relationship that Kaoru had with the red haired man.
"Ah, good morning Kaoru." Hiko greeted warmly from the head of the table.
Kaoru sat by Hiko's side and was pleased to find that she was sitting across from Kenshin. Kenshin looked over at her and gave her a warm smile. "Good morning, Kaoru-dono." He emphasized the honorific 'dono' and glanced around the table at all of the suitors that were eyeing Kaoru suspiciously.
Kaoru nodded. "Good morning to you too, Kenshin-san."
The rest of breakfast consisted of pleasant small talk. Kaoru found Soujiro to be a very kind and caring young man. Kaoru also found it to be very easy to talk to Soujiro with just about everything.
After breakfast, Kaoru watched Kenshin retreat out of the dining hall and up the stairs. Kaoru quickly excused herself and followed.
"Kaoru," Kenshin said softly once Kaoru had ascended the steps. He beckoned her over to the side hallway by Kaoru's room.
Kaoru kept on walking, grabbing Kenshin's hand as she led him into her room, closing the door shut behind her. "Did you talk to Hiko?" She asked anxiously.
Kenshin nodded, walking over to the nearest couch and sitting down. "He said that you can live in the guesthouse –"Kenshin paused when Kaoru exclaimed some sort of cheer, "Only after he announces the top ten suitors that he approves of." Kaoru physically deflated and plopped down onto the couch next to Kenshin.
"When is he going to do that?" Kaoru asked.
"Tomorrow evening." Kenshin replied simply before adding, "Then there will be a ball two nights later where you will choose the suitor that will take your hand in marriage."
"What?" Kaoru practically shouted, leaping up from the couch and glaring at Kenshin. Kenshin almost cowered beneath her scolding glower. "You mean I actually have to choose one of those brats?"
Kenshin bowed his head. "I'm afraid so."
Kaoru looked disbelievingly at Kenshin. "I can't do this. I can't be stewardess. I am NOT picking a suitor. Oh god Kenshin..."
She broke down into tears, falling into Kenshin's arms. This is where she wanted to stay. She didn't want to do anything else but stay in his arms, forever.
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A/N: This is a bit of a stretch, but I really want to finish this story in the next two weeks. I'm not sure how far I'm gonna get. However, I will be able to write more since school has ended. I think there might only be two or three chapters left in this story. Thanks for all of you encouraging reviews! I finally broke the 100 review marker!!