=) thanks for all the reviews! I'd been meaning to do this- well, ok I lied. I was going to do this once I completed the fic, but I realized, I have no idea where this is going! (Not too reassuring, I guess…) And anyway, in my weird philosophy of reviewing (somewhere I mentioned it was like gift giving…) anyway, I love being acknowledged so, I thought I'd return the favor! If you aren't following this fic any longer… well, then you're just wasting my computer space sniff
Just so you all know, my side hurts- well, it does today, but I'll post later… For all you who don't care… I'm sorry, but… maybe my silly responses will interest you. And if you want to be a part of the insanity, all you need to do is click on the button at the bottom!
I'm not going to add any proper or respectful Japanese suffixes, sorry (b/c I don't want to be wrong, putting the same thing for everyone would be dull, and maybe I'm not feeling respectful?) ::shrug:: Lastly, I didn't write all my comments at the same time, and about halfway through? It was like a week later, and… I'd been cleaning my room at "old house"… la.
osvark- my very first reviewer! *muah* =) well, in this fic, it goes both ways but in one I will post (soon- once I edit and type it…) soon, it'll go the way you thought, w/ one loving the other and there being no real response.
ruby-mist^5- sorry, I didn't clarify that… not, darling Rui-kun is *not* a red head b/c although you can find many of those in Japan nowadays (only it's not exactly a natural red…) there weren't too many then. And, as this is like my one not A/U fic, these people all look Asian, like they're supposed to (other than… well, you know how the characters look in the anime- like anime characters!) =) and I like putting a twist on things, Kenshin is so often portrayed as invincible, so I wanted him to be fallible. Thank you so much for being a loyal reviewer! Uhm- I'll look into the name mix-up (unsurprising knowing my track record of mistakes, and I had made some changes… la) Hm, well, the pairing will depend on reviews I get, I guess ;-) and… don't worry. Or… I wouldn't kill off Kenshin (probably) but… you know, it is very easy to get lost at sea…
Kamimura Kaoru^3- well, =) you got your answer… I hope you like how Kenshin and Battousai are working together- I'm trying to make Kenshin a proper melding of the rurouni and Battousai, yet unique in his own right (well, trying) –and also, yeah Kenshin! *cheers* oh- and this is K/K… I guess…
dementedchris- thank you *so* much for your encouragement! I think your review was the one that prompted me to continue… I refuse to think, but if I do, I think I'll collapse on the floor and just mull over how horrible everything I'm posting is… so with a very nice review like that… *considers doing a dance but then realizes it'd hurt too much*
Zackire- oro! Well, I love Kenshin so… I hope he's redeemed himself, but yeah, he can be a major baka sometimes.
Yurisama- yeah, all the guys in RK are pretty kick-ass in their own right. (and the girls too) I mean, compare them to fishigi yugi? *shudder* even Kenshin is less stupid, sometimes.
Gypsy-chan- thanks so much for the review! And… you prompted much of chapter 3, because I realized, I was disappointed about Kaoru's "first kiss" too- so I changed it *mua hahahaha* hooray for being the author(ess)… =) and yeah, I'm fascinated by 3-d fics too, though I don't think I'm doing it justice
Go-chan^2- yeah, Kenshin ain't no pansy… (oro- just wait for yet *another* fic I've got boiling in my head…) ::chuckles:: Kenshin's getting some emotional smack, so I think I'll leave the poor guy alone physically… for now =) I'm so glad you like this!
Nim^3- I had thought so, but your comment cemented it, I live in constant fear of my summaries. I don't know how to do it. I don't know what brevity is. And also- you needn't be afraid to read anything I write, I'm majorly die hard K&K (though so far you can't tell from the other stuff I've written…) Yup- see (I dunno which comment blurb) about Kenshin… I dunno about the action (well, I don't know what exactly you're implying either but…) read and find out! *cowers and hides behind couch* Sorry! No choking- no choking! =) I'm very ticklish, and it's just bad when people touch my neck. Oh- and… "Kaoru Kamiya" should work for you… as would "Summer Guest," with "complicated love," you'll have to wait for it, and for "prom," Kaoru's got Kenshin in her heart, but… shrug things (the cosmos) are just against her.
ali-chan^2- =) I guess you'll have to read and find out… thanks for the positive feedback! And I'm so glad you read my author's notes/ random babbling… there *is* a reason I wrote it (kinda…) yay! And about WAFF… look for it in this chapter! =)
lizzie- I'm so glad you like what I'm doing by making Kenshin very messed up. Poor guy… =)
vesca- yay! You like the 3-d ness too! The heart ripping scene… I did explain that… I don't exactly like how I wrote it… but I'm glad I achieved this "different-ness"
chibi-rinoa- thanks for all the bribes! *huge grin* but oro- I'm gonna get fat!
ChristianVir- *bows* gomen! I hope I clarified the differences of the personalities… yeah, I know it wouldn't be the best end to have the guys… sea… anyway, it's my way of being petty and getting reviews =) *shrug* I'm also hoping for ideas? I myself don't know. Thank you so much for the encouragement! ::blushes::
Colleen- yah… *makes face* in my own simple way, I might be trying to foreshadow something with the rurouni's attitude… maybe =) you'll have to see. I think I'll have to write the homecoming on a bad day… *shrug* I hope to make it (more) realistic…
Marianna- *gracefully inclines head* I am so flattered that you consider this "worth reading" =) I think I can feel my ego inflating… or… not inflating, maybe… starting to form? So happy you like the split personalities! I was afraid people wouldn't like it…
hotohori- thanks for the complement about my "oro" usage… being not fluent in Japanese at all, I always end up feeling a little foolish when I write anything in it. *sigh*
sorry- Kenshin will be on the ship… *cowers* =) we'll see what happens
Fiochan- =) I love battousai too! Thank you so very much for the review!
marstanuki- I'm so so so very honestly flattered! =) your review alone may have prompted me to continue writing the next chapter of this fic- I'm so glad you like "all" my other ones… (see nim's message, while nemo continues to cower) I can't seem to please everyone, which is reasonable, but still saddening. =) my baby pc might be mad @ me sometimes but… la, it's a "newborn" yah, ff.net has been having problems, and I know sometimes when my fic gets moved back (when others update) mine gets hidden but… when I see some other fics that have like… way more reviews than me… and- well, I won't go into dept about that since I don't want to be snide or mean, but lets just say… there are differences in style and diction… it's very upsetting
cat- thanks =) yah, I know I shouldn't be all demanding and stuff about my personal life… (and I did update *way* late)… *sweatdrop* I'm working on working on it! =) although, I came up with all these great ideas while I was @ my new house (I'm in the process of moving) but I didn't put any of them down, and I've like forgotten! Oro!
Sue- =) thanks for the review- yah… there *is* something up with the rurouni… *shrug* who knows what'll happen…
koneko-dono- *big grin* thank you so much for reviewing! (I'm recognizing your name…) –thanks for the belated birthday wish… =) I hope you enjoy this chapter!
micky- thanks for the encouragement and the reviews! Glad to know that you want more!
Ranma1517730129- [impressive name! =)] oro- sorry about the non-clarity, I'm trying to make it apparent also by… speech patterns who's talking, but, []= the rurouni, =battousai, bold= Kenshin
White Plum- =) about the rurouni… hm…. But no, it wasn't him at first… I'm working this fic one chapter at a time (ororo)
Supernaturalove^2- O_o =) you win the most detailed review award, and I *love* it! I've found that sometimes I like reading all of a story in one sitting… then I feel bad and review all the chapters at once and it looks weird but… =) I love it when Kenshin's shy- I'm glad you agree! I have read "A Date with a Senpai"- and it was very good- *bows* thank you for comparing my work to it! Yah- Kaoru does have it good, I guess I really like her character, but if you want some Kaoru torture, I'd read my fic "prom" (and I'm only planning more angst for her… oro) Hm, well, the idea was for Rui to be pretty damn near perfect- kind, sweet, attentive, devoted, wealthy, masculine… thus it brings more questions to mind b/c… there are no guarantees really.
Larbyrinth- =) I dunno, in my twisted way, I love a messed up Kenshin (it undermines the otherwise incredibly light fluffiness going on) I'm glad you like it too… (I think) =) I hope you like this chapter! Thank you for reviewing!
LittleDragon5- =) I know I got you in the previous chapter but… I'm still really… impressed I was e-mailed a review! =) yay!
Saiyanprincess- thank you so much for taking the time to e-mail me a review! It was really encouraging, and… prompted me to write another chapter!
Hinami-chan- thank you for e-mailing me! =Þ I'm sure you're much better than you give yourself credit for- I mean, I think my stuff is junk too! Keep at it- practice makes perfect, neh? (or so they keep telling us…)
Katie^2- @_@... O_o… ok, while I'll admit, this fic is fun… the greatest fanfic ever??!! – ok, when I recover, believe me, I'll be jumping around like a maniac. Very pleased. So happy, that I might go eat some cereal- perfect seeing as it's 8:30… in the evening… *blink*.
nadid- =) I'm so pleased you think this fic is cute- I'm trying… don'tcha just wanna pinch it's chubby little cheek and give it a kiss? Oro—too much cleaning and dust for me…
Yume Kazerei- arigato gozaimasu for reviewing! =) thank you so much for taking the time… =Þ I liked it. It was funny. Horaay for reviews! *throws confetti* *achoo* or… were those dust particles? *tries to look around but nemo's eyes are teary from sneezing*
Gakkuri Naishinnou- =) yah, one part of Kenshin's personality doesn't like the laundry… oro! =Þ I hope you read the other chapters, b/c our baka-red head is… trying to get a move on… I really enjoy your reviews! Keep 'em up! (oh- and.. for "complicated…"- yeah, all those reviews did help!) HUGE kudos and *offers cake or pie of choice*
I must say I'm surprised you people seem to like this one most… I had thought that this was my worst fic… shrug =) I must say… I have… I like "complicated love" – and for all you die hard k/k fans- try it out! You might be surprised! (foreshadowing?... mmmmmmaaaaaayyyyyybbbbeeee) =) enjoy this next chapter! Remember, to review please! (or also- thanks for reading all I wrote!) (oh- and chibi prom promoter pops up- Nemo pleads… I *seriously* have a GREAT ending for "prom"- I just need the encouragement to write to lead up to it…) – yeah, I'm allowed to promote other fics in … well, other fics… they all appear on the same screen for me, and get typed on the same keyboard by the same hand… (although I write then in different pens in different notebooks…) oro- too much information.
One thing, I freak out about reviews, b/c I have self worth issues- wait, lemme re-state that- what self worth!?? Ok, get the point? =) I have issues about me … my… argh, if you didn't get it, don't worry, and just read on to enjoy the light heartedness!
Lastly,
[]= rurouni
= Battousai
bold= Kenshin
""= dialogue
''= thoughts
typos= I'm stupid
AND… when kenshin/battousai/rurouni does something physically, I usually say "Kenshin"- b/c that's who everyone sees… unless I mention eye color… I mean, Kaoru doesn't look at Kenshin and see three guys. (unless…) =Þ I hope this helped!
Chapter 6: Interruptions
Later that evening, Kenshin disappeared for a short amount of time. Kaoru had gone to take a bath because as she had smilingly said,
"I want to look nice for this special occasion."
As soon as he had heated her bathwater, which he had drawn- all tasks he had insisted on doing himself, he quietly left the dojo, assured that Kaoru was comfortable.
We should get Kaoru something nice de gozaru.
Definitely- that goes without saying.
How about flowers? Kaoru-dono seems to like them a lot…
And a ribbon to tie them with… or something- for the one she used on us. He fingered the edge of the silk bandage.
Kenshin stared at Battousai, impressed. So you don't just have superficial feelings for Kaoru.
Battousai actually looked hurt. Well of course not… I'm not just a sex craved killing machine you know…
Kenshin shrugged. I was beginning to worry…
Battousai grumbled something under his breath.
As Kenshin headed to the market, he tried to think of what kind of flowers to get Kaoru. While he was thinking, he met a cloth merchant.
"Hello good sir, can I interest you in some cloth for a new set of clothes?" The elderly gentleman asked kindly, trying not to look too pointedly at Kenshin's well worn-gi.
As soon as we get back from that trip and buy a ring for Kaoru, we're getting some new clothes. Battousai growled.
Agreed de gozaru.
Meanwhile, Kenshin sweatdropped. "Iie… Ano… sessha was actually looking for… a… well a ribbon for someone."
The man smiled. "Ah! A gift for your wife?"
You betcha! Now, later, it is meant to be!
"Ano… no, sessha does not have the honor of being married to Kaoru-dono de gozaru."
[Should you have let that name slip?]
Go away!
"Ah…" the merchant said knowingly. "A nice ribbon for the woman you are courting. Here- I think you'll find something that is suitable for her." He spread out various sorts of ribbons across the surface of the stand.
Kenshin blinked. How can we choose? There are so many my eyes are hurting…
There are more ribbons here than sword techniques I know!
"So," asked the kindly old man. "What would you like to get your girlfriend?"
Battousai continued to browse, while Kenshin answered,
"Silk," then feeling the slight prick of his conscience, "er… Kaoru-dono isn't exactly sessha's girlfriend do gozaru."
"Oh- but she is a girl you are trying to woo?"
"Ano… well… sessha… er… Kaoru-dono is… sessha said something to Kaoru-dono that he didn't exactly mean, and she's… well, she's with someone else…"
The man nodded sagely. "A lover's quarrel- so you're trying to patch things up and win her back… well, you're going to want to give her something nicer then." The man pulled out a silk wrapped bundle and laid it over the other ribbons. He opened it to reveal a rainbow of exquisitely embroidered silk ribbons. As the withered old hand spread them out, something caught Kenshin's eye.
It was exactly the color of his eyes when he was Kenshin, with the ends a golden color that was strikingly similar to Battousai's, and embroidered on it were tiny jasmine flowers. He reached for it tentatively.
"An excellent choice, sir."
Kenshin picked it up, and immediately knew it was more than he could afford. Kaoru-dono deserves so much more than I can give her…
"How much is this de gozaru ka?" He asked wistfully, hoping he could strike a deal, but already putting it back.
The venerable merchant named his price. Kenshin stared at the man, wondering if the ten years of wandering and the bakumatsu had finally taken their toll. Then, the man repeated his price.
Kenshin stiffened. I won't accept charity
Just take it- don't let pride get in the way when Kaoru is involved… and… it's not exactly charity…
Kenshin blinked, slightly surprised at the way things were going.
"Sessha is sorry, sir, but… sessha cannot take advantage of you like that- perhaps I could repay you in some other manner?"
The price the merchant had named was less than Kenshin paid for the daily tofu.
The seller smiled, "Such pride… young man, let me tell you, when it comes down to love and pride… your heart should come first. I've heard about you. I know you deserve more than you have for all you've done. I've also known of the Kamiya family. The poor child needs some joy- I wish you luck in courting her. I would offer the ribbon as a gift, but I know you wouldn't accept, so please, consider it a favor to an aging old man if nothing else will do."
Kenshin bowed gratefully. "Arigato de gozaru yo. Sessha appreciates this from the bottom of his heart."
[There… are good people out there…]
Kenshin carefully tucked away the wrapped package then went in search of a flower stand, and almost bumped into a little girl carrying a basket of flowers.
"Would you like to buy some flowers sir?" asked the waif.
Buy some… urged Battousai. Help her out- she probably needs the money.
Why you're just an old softie! Joked Kenshin,
Battousai said something vile, then he growled, This is all for Kaoru. Only for her.
Kenshin knelt down. "Of course- why don't I buy the whole basket?" he smiled.
The girl's eyes were the size of saucers.
"Really?"
"Yes de gozaru."
She giggled, "You talk funny, mister." She then put a hand to her mouth and looked crestfallen. She scuffed a toe in the dirt. "Do you still want to buy the flowers?"
Battousai snorted. Compared to the insults I've gotten, that was a compliment.
Kenshin ruffled her hair. "Of course sessha does!" He gave her a somewhat generous amount of money, took the basket and selected a flower and handed it to the little girl. "This is for you de gozaru."
She took it shyly, and whispered an "arigato" before she bolted off to what Kenshin could only assume was home.
When Kenshin arrived home, he heard Kaoru getting out of her bath. He quickly went to her room and left the ribbon in a place he knew she would see, and then he put the flowers in some water in his room to give her later.
Kenshin then went to the kitchen to check on the food. On the way back from the market the first time, he had met Sano and told him to tell the others, giving the ex-gangster yet another excuse to visit Megumi, which he happily took.
Kenshin then heard Megumi arrive, with a bundle of her belongings.
"Hello Ken-san." She greeted.
"Megumi-dono- let sessha get that."
Thank goodness Megumi only flirts with me when Kaoru is around…
I hope she doesn't tonight… we definitely do not want Kaoru-dono to be mad at us right before we go away for a long time…
Good point.
"Ahem."
"Yes Ken-san?" Megumi turned around while unpacking her things and froze when she met his amber gaze.
Shoot- now you've scared her… just say it and go de gozaru!
"Megumi-dono, I would appreciate it if you did not antagonize Kaoru-dono tonight."
His stern gaze left nothing to question and no room to protest. Megumi stayed frozen, but she bit her lip.
'Megumi-dono? Kaoru-dono? I? Ore? What is going on here?' "I wouldn't dream of it, Ken-san." The doctor turned back to her unpacking calmly.
Kenshin lifted an eyebrow, and watched her calculatingly, before turning and walking out of the room.
Wait- where are you going de gozaru!?
Battousai gave a feral grin. To see Kaoru- of course.
But… Kenshin was torn between not ruining things- or rather, not ruining them more, and wanting whatever Battousai had planned.
As he was about to open the door, it slid open and Kaoru almost ran into him.
Kami she's gorgeous…
She gasped upon almost bumping into Kenshin, then, as he didn't move away, she ducked her head slightly and blushed. Her movement drew Kenshin's attention to her hair.
She's wearing the ribbon de gozaru!
Battousai reached out and touched the ribbon.
"Mine?" he asked, even though he knew.
At his words, Kaoru looked up startled. 'His eyes… and… why is he looking at me like that?' More to distract herself than anything else, Kaoru spoke.
"You know Kenshin, you didn't have to do that, but thank you. It is a beautiful gift."
"It is the wearer that makes the gift so, Kaoru-dono."
Kenshin and Battousai congratulated each other.
Smooth.
Thank you de gozaru- you too.
Kaoru blushed.
Hm… I wonder what else I can do to make her blush… He let the hand that hand been on the ribbon fall slightly and settle on Kaoru's shoulders. He was just about to step closer, when Kaoru looked up.
"Megumi- I thought I'd heard you come in- I was just about to see…"
Megumi lifted an eyebrow, and noted Kaoru's flushed face. Megumi had not missed their close proximity before Kaoru had seen her and stepped back.
"Of course- thank you, Kaoru-chan, but I'm fine."
"Oh no… let me help you…" Kaoru moved towards Megumi when there was a tentative knock on the gates and a head peered in through it.
"Ano… is anyone here? Oh!" The man caught sight of Kaoru. "Sorry for disturbing you, Kaoru-chan."
She smiled and walked towards him. "Hello Rui-kun."
Kenshin felt Megumi's eye on him, but didn't turn away.
What the heck is he doing here? We don't even need to worry about the rurouni getting loose if he's going to be around…
Battousai was spewing profanities too vile to be written.
AN: Hmm… I hope you guys enjoy this! For all you people that are wondering- I've already got a ship scene for the guys written… =) hhhhmmm….. any comments? Suggestions? Pleas for something to be done? Well- you know how to tell me! Just click that button and review, review, review! (saying something three times just makes all the difference)
I *love* reviews!