I just changed minor details. The next chapter should be coming soon.
Reviewer Responses at the end. –[Remember to review!] Thanks.
Chapter Nine: Three's Company
"You know," she said in a bright and carefree tone, belying none of her inner emotions, "I really can't remember. All the insults and compliments were flowing so freely tonight." She laughed a little, and Kenshin paused slightly, confused.
I thought we were supposed to make her flustered, not the other way around!
[Well, it's about time you learned not everything can go your way- and we tried, sessha says we're done with it.]
Ask for for a goodbye kiss! Battousai's eyes lit up with the sudden burst of inspiration.
Er- how are we going to manage that?
[Kaoru's going to bokken us into the next era if you even *mention* that to her …] the rurouni moaned.
While I'm not against that idea, I am adverse to unnecessary pain and blundering- don't you think that's going a bit far de gozaru ka?
But Battousai was too distracted, watching the movement of Kaoru's lips in fascination.
"Mou- Kenshin… Kenshin!" Kaoru snapped her fingers. 'I thought I had distracted him enough, but now he's completely zoned on me! Stupid man! I don't want him to play games with me, but I also don't want him to completely withdraw… Ugh, I am so confused. At least I'll have time to sort everything out…'
He plastered on a grin that made the rurouni sit back and take notes. As she blinked at him, he put a hand to the back of his neck.
"I just wanted to make sure I told you, Kaoru-dono, and to let you know that I do notice these things."
OOooo that was very nice.
Thanks, I thought it would help us out.
[You guys are pathetic…de gozaru yo.]
I'd like to see you do better!
She frowned. "I think you did..." she looked at him closely. "Are you feeling alright Kenshin? You're acting a little bit different than normal..." 'Not that you really ever act normal, but now you're acting abnormal for even you...' She paused and he looked at her curiously. 'Great, now I'm the one talking to myself... at least Kenshin's personalities manifest... maybe its better if he's gone for a while.'
[Now look at what you've done.] The rurouni said while cringing.
I hope she's ok de gozaru…
This is all your fault. Battousai said petulantly to the rurouni with a menacing look.
"ARGH"
"Kaoru-dono?" he asked from her side, violet eyes wide with alarm.
Shoot, what did we do now?
[Sessha knew you were doing it wrong.] the rurouni said smugly.
Groan.
Kaoru breathed in deeply for a few minutes, deep in thought then spoke as she felt she had an epiphany. "Kenshin, are you actually nervous about this trip?"
"Oro?"
Ok, what just happened here?
[Sessha doesn't care, as long as she's not mad and hitting us.] The rurouni said happily.
Would you just shut up?
[Sessha thought you wanted me to help de gozaru.]
Well you're really not doing anything to further our interaction with Kaoru, now are you?
Kaoru began to speak.
Stop. Kenshin interjected. Both of you.
"I'm sorry Kenshin- I was being misleading. I really am concerned about your health and safety, and your absence will be weighing on me heavily... and I didn't mean to lash out on you like that." She grinned. "I guess little tanuki-chan still can't take compliments, neh?"
She smiled beautifully at him, but he couldn't read her expression. "I'm sure I was just misreading you." she laughed. "I'll never understand men..." She turned away and shyly tucked a few hairs behind her ear. "And I doubt Rui will actually be able to teach me to understand them like he said..." she spoke softly into her shoulder to herself.
What was that? What did Kaoru-dono just say?
So much for this whole non-killing vow… Battousai said, rummaging through a chest for a katana.
[That's just not very proper to say to a young lady de gozaru yo.] The rurouni said disapprovingly. When both Kenshin and Battousai gave him an inquisitive stare and a hard one, respectively, he responded defensively, [What? It simply isn't de gozaru.]
Kenshin opened his mouth to speak, but before he could get any words out, Yahiko walked unto the porch.
"The tea's ready for you guys- and Megumi made some cakes for you too." He didn't look at them and continued to speak blithely. "Neh, Kaoru- Megitsune wouldn't give me one, but there are enough for you both to have two at least- can't I please have one? Please?"
"Sure Yahiko-chan." She said absentmindedly, a delicate blush on her cheeks. Yahiko stiffened and looked surreptitiously at both Kenshin and Kaoru's faces.
'Aww crap- I have the worst timing in the world.'
"Uh, on second thought, nevermind. I'm sure there's something for us hidden in the kitchen… Anyway, Sano and I are going to walk Megumi and Dr. Genzai and the girls back- Megumi says she'll be back tomorrow, Kaoru, but she forgot some things. See ya!"
"Mm-whatever you want Yahiko." Kaoru said distractedly, but Yahiko was already out of earshot, more than eager to leave Kenshin's intimidating piercing gaze.
We gotta get her thoughts back on us.
Yes of course, but how gozaru ka?
Both men sat silently, pondering. Their concentration was suddenly broken by the random thought,
[Sessha wonders if they left any dishes for me to do… Megumi made Sano and Yahiko wash the dinner dishes, but maybe sessha can wash the cups from tea…]
I thought you didn't like doing dishes and the other chores.
Yes… that's right… Kenshin looked at the rurouni strangely.
The rurouni stared off into space, choosing not to reply.
Kenshin sweatdropped. I think the stress is getting to all of us de gozaru.
Kaoru smiled at Kenshin, and began getting up. "I think tea seems like a good idea right now. I'll go get it before it steeps for too long."
"All right Kaoru-dono." He smiled back at her, enjoying the somewhat more natural atmosphere.
As much as I don't like saying it… I think it's a little better when we're alone.
Of course it's better when we're alone with Kaoru! Then we can-
The flowers!
Hurry!
He dashed to his room, and plucked the flowers out of the bowl of water he had put them in.
[You know, it wasn't very polite to just leave Kaoru-dono without telling her anything de gozaru.]
Both other personalities ignored him and hurried back to his seat on the porch, relieved that Kaoru had yet to return.
Calm down- we have to keep acting normally.
I'm trying…
[Why don't you look at the stars de gozaru ka?] Was the calm suggestion.
You know… that's actually a good idea…
Kaoru took long enough for Kenshin to begin wondering where she was, and as he contemplated getting up and going to her, Kaoru walked unto the porch holding a heavy tray. She opened her mouth, but Kenshin seemed so deep in thought, that she didn't want to disturb him. She stood there, hovering in the doorway, observing Kenshin for a few minutes, and she was so engrossed in watching him that she almost didn't notice the flowers that were lying right where she had been sitting.
"We're both very contemplative tonight, aren't we?" She set down the tray and picked up the bouquet in one smooth motion, bringing the blossoms to her nose.
Kenshin turned to her, and then said in a slightly amused tone, "Sessha is going to miss Tanabata- and he didn't want another fiasco like that one year…"
Damn straight- that was a nightmare.
[You have no idea…] The rurouni said woefully, rubbing his head.
Kaoru set down the flowers, a slow smile blooming on her face. She touched a few of the petals almost reverently and said softly,
"We have been through a lot, haven't we Kenshin?"
"Yes, we have Kaoru-dono."
[A bit too much if you ask sessha…]
We didn't…
We haven't done some things… Battousai said lasciviously.
[Hentai.]
"Mmm… not even what most people would think about-" Kaoru continued in a contemplative tone, "like if they knew about you saving Japan countless time… but I mean *us.* So many silly things happened that wouldn't occur to anyone else."
Kenshin drank his tea in silent agreement.
You know, this is all your fault.
[Sessha hasn't the faintest idea what you're talking about.]
Kaoru looked at the tray in between them and said gently, "Try one Kenshin- I know they aren't perfect, but I made them and even Yahiko said they were acceptable." She picked up a tea cake and handed it to him, and his fingers brushed against hers. Kaoru looked away, a slight blush on her cheeks, due to her embarrassment for her lack of culinary ability, she told herself.
She's so cute… Battousai said smitten.
[Get away from sessha de gozaru.]
Kenshin smiled as he took it. "I've never been one to criticize your cooking, Kaoru-dono." He said honestly. "But it really has been improving recently."
That's right! My koishii is perfect!
[She's encroaching on sessha's territory…] The rurouni sniffed.
Kaoru grinned and said, "Thanks Kenshin- but compared to all the other women in your life…" she laughed. "Megumi could be a doctor or a chief, and Tae is one!"
In the relaxed atmosphere still feeling unusually honest and straight forward, Kenshin forgot to keep his tongue in check and said absentmindedly,
"I guess, but nobody could compare to Tomoe though. She was domestic perfection in every way." Too late, he realized what he was saying.
[Wow, even I couldn't have done better. Congratulations.]
#@$^&~%#$*@+
A brittle smile replaced Kaoru's smile and her eyes shone brightly.
"Well," she said with false cheerfulness, "thank goodness I'm not trying to replace her." 'Anymore…' "Goodnight Kenshin." 'Why do you keep sending these mixed signals and insulting me like this, Kenshin?' She got up carefully, picking up the tray. She took a few steps towards the kitchen then turned back and said calmly, "Be well… I hope you have a nice and safe trip. I- I don't think I'll be able to send you three off, so please give Sano and Yahiko my farewells. Sleep well."
She left quickly, and after a few minutes, Kenshin heard the door of her room snap shut.
I'm… so… stupid. Battousai said, long minutes later.
[Yup de gozaru.]
How did that slip out?! I meant… I meant to talk to her more about Tomoe… but… not like that.
The rurouni shrugged. [You were just telling the truth, you know.]
Kenshin was too dejected to speak.
A long time later, Kenshin slowly gathered himself up and trudged over to Kaoru's room, too afraid to enter, but unwilling to just leave her. Finally, he settled himself by her door.
I wonder what I should say to Yahiko when he comes back… and especially if Sano is with him…
After a few hours however, he was surprised they were still gone, but then figured they had stayed with Dr. Genzai or gone to Sano's place, and he was grateful. Kenshin listened at Kaoru's door for a long time… but he heard no unusual sounds and nothing happened. Kaoru went through her nightly rituals are usual, read a little, blew out her candle, got in her bed, and shortly after, she fell asleep.
She… didn't do anything differently than normal.
[You know, it's a little scary how you know exactly what Kaoru-dono does each night.]
Battousai glared, and proceeded to ignore him. She… she didn't cry…
[That's a good thing, isn't it de gozaru?]
I really don't know…
Hours later, Kenshin fell asleep, leaning comfortably against a beam, satisfied Kaoru wasn't crying, yet somehow feeling troubled in his soul because of that fact.
AN: I hope you liked this. It was very very very hard for me to continue writing it in the same tone, but I took comfort that there has been a slight change and this chapter called for something a bit more serious.
Things are hopefully getting better- we shall see.
^_~ Unloading some stuff in therapy. But you don't care and don't want to hear about that. :-D
Anyway, I felt like I had gotten back into the swing of things with this chapter, so we'll have to see.
9/17/02
marstanuki^3- =) yah, AA is me! LOL hm, *sigh* I dunno what I was thinking starting so many things but, la! I can do it… eventually… - thanks for reading!! . Sorry, life was sucky... hopefully I can update more often...-will do, I'll add you onto my e-mail list. :-D
Hitokiri Hatokou- *laughs* it's ok, you can dislike Rui… *phew* I guess it's good you're not so attached to him since we all know what's going to happen… hm… *blushes* about that "hot stuff" first of all, there'd be my personal apprehensiveness, and now somebody I know has found me… so LOL unless you kill him off, I think most of my stuff will be relatively tame. =) again, I loved the review, thanks!
K-chan- *nemo joins in waving K/K flag* =) thanks for reviewing!
Isis 13- oro! Cliffhangers? *twiddles thumbs and looks everywhere but at Isis* me? *gives innocent rurouni smile* ^_^ LOL! Hey, dvd's are better than nothing, which is what I've got… *tear*
Aki-chan- *high five* =) thanks so much for the encouragement!
macy- oro, sorry, I know the chapter was short… *wince* I just… was finding it really hard to write- no inspiration but I wanted to get it out… Make sense? Sorry- hopefully you'll like this one better! *laughs* yeah, let's say I'm developing the… "unexplored" side of Battousai!
Jason M. Lee^9- *giggles* yay for fast connections! Uh-oh… you just gave me an idea… and I don't know if you'll like it… =) but it'll all work out in the eventual end! ^_^ A faithful reviewer of so many people, and so helpful. Thanks a bunch. As to one issue, I guess there are blatant cultural mistakes in this story, but this one... I've been working to keep lighthearted and simple. It is meant to be a [solely] fun read.
tenshineko- LOL! *bows* thank you for your confidence in me! Hm, =) interesting idea, but I dunno if I could do horror (good idea tho!). Pft- I tend to be a wuss when it comes to that. Hehe- I loved your review!
Tanuki-dono- orororo! Working on the rest! *laughs* well, if you're going to camp out, you can stay on the porch- that'll offer more shelter ^_^ So glad you like this!
Pia-san- *looks around for inspiration* hm… =) maybe it'll hit me when I least suspect it, or when I'm making lunch… oro! I'm glad you like my story and the divisions of Kenshin! I actually have really tried to separate them.
Yen^2- *huge grin* hm… *giggles* I think now I might just add some more k/k scenes for you… I'm so glad you like the different characters (within Kenshin)! I hope I've kept it somewhat realistic.
Shojin Takaru^2-=) no harm done, I'm sure you didn't *mean* to miss me… I hope… hehe- it's ok… a lot of the time my stuff flops - and your review did make me giggle! Definitely continue to write! *offers cookie to start inspiration* :-D I still love your reviews.
SukiHunny- orororo! Er well… =) I hope [this] comes out sooner too! I'm thinking… *sniff* I lost a part of a chapter I had written during the move! *wails* I don't know what to do now!! Thanks for the review!
LSR-7- gomen, gomen! Hm, cliffhanger… okok, I admit it! I… I… (pft- seriously? I didn't know how she should react and I hoped someone would have an opinion and offer it in a review!!) I seriously will work on making this chapter longer!
Vesca- LOL thanks for the review! Hehe- *sigh* yeah, I have two unfinished chapters for other stories… Ororo- well, by the time you read this I will (hopefully) have unfinished chapters for other fics… well, I found "his and her circumstances" in ff.net, but I dunno what I was supposed to do w/ "righstuff.com"… sorry! But I will try to look into it.
Ayumi- *laughs* well I don't know if I can type b/c my head is so weighted down with ego now… =) ororo- okok, I hadn't planned on it, but I added a K/K scene to this chapter b/c you were so enthusiastic!
Tan Kimiko- *offers dessert of choice* ^_^ doesn't matter- I'm still thrilled. LOL- yeah, O_o Kenshin talking to… himself… & two others ones of himself… glad you like it!
DiaBLo-=) I think I now take pride in how many reviews I've written (along w/ the huge pride from how many I've received) thanks! *hugs*- I'm trying to make this unique…
Kamimura Kaoru- =) I'm glad you like this! Thanks for reviewing!
ariescelestial- =) I'm glad you like how I present Kenshin- I'm trying to make him different and keep it all light hearted, I guess it's a break for him from what everyone else puts him through. *purses mouth* as to the reviewer responses, yeah, I know it's frustrating to think you're going to get a giant chapter and not… but… *shrug* I do it b/c… I always feel so disappointed when an author addressesother people and not me when I review- and I *really* liked being acknowledged, so I guess I'm doing it for everyone else! Sorry if it bothers you!
Chri- yeah, =) a lot of interesting things can happen in 3 months… hehe, oh well, glad you liked it! Thanks for reviewing!
Bunny- ^_^ I love your name! =) I'm glad you found this and that you like it! *wince* uhm… *offers ice for tooth* I dunno =) I like ice.
Fall Rate^4- *laughs* I indulged in a hysterical bout of laughter after I read your reviews… gotta watch myself now. =) hope my generalization of RK characters worked for you…LOL- yes, you are a jerk. Mou "rather clever" *sniffs disdainfully* haha, Battousai… *snickers* only you. ^_^ thanks for reading!!
Gochan- *laughs and claps hands* that was hilarious!! =) maybe I should lock the rurouni up w/ you and let you bully him a bit, b/c so far he seems to be backing down. Oro! Your review was hilarious and I loved it! Thank you thank you thank you!
5/5/03 ^_~
Hatokirei- *blink* *blink* :-D I really can't think of a response to your review, but believe me, I loved it.
Azura Dea- I'm sorry it took me so long to update. Hopefully now things will be getting better. Thanks for your support.
SukiHunny- Here you go. ^_^
Crystal- Thanks for the encouragement!
Istoria- *muah* thanks a bunch for the review
Peggy Bundy- ^_^ We'll see who gets control.
Spellcaster Inverse Gabriev^8- ^_~ Glad you like it! Thank you *SO* incredibly much for reviewing each chapter! You have no idea at all how grateful I am! *major glomps!*
Mauken- O_o concussions are bad. :-D I advise you not to do that. As to pies… mmmm what a waste, don't smash your head in them, eat them!! =) glad you like Battousai. *wink* I like him too.
5/13/03
Rekka's Angel- I'm so glad you liked the inter-Kenshin parts, =) it's what I pay the most attention to. :-D
Rath- Thanks a million for the encouragement.
Fire Mistress- Haha, here you go. :-D
Shiomei-*grin* Thanks for reviewing. (Yeah, I said in my bio the previous few chapters were reposts)
Hecate^2-I truly appreciated the review, and I'm ever so grateful for you pointing out specific things in this story! *gives cheesecake* Mmmmm- but I would prefer Battousai [too]!
la-nonymous- ^_~ Read and find out- thanks for the interest!
furygrrl-^_^ I like that system.
Istoria-=Þ I'm working on it, thanks for the support!
brownilocs-haha "K-B-R-K-R" very nice. ^_^ Thanks for the review!
Ryoko^3- =) I really liked how polite your review ended. -cute. (:-X Yahiko just always makes such a great scapegoat... sorry about that) O=) [getting where?]
Reviewer^2- Wow, your review definitely made me smile. I'm grateful.-also, I've been saying this to some people, this story is meant to be light hearted. For something with a tad bit more "content" you might want to try some of my other stories... ^_^ Thanks!
Serenity-Kenshin- Heh, I'd like to be crafty, but I think this will be a k/k.
Tsume Yamagata-Yeah... K/K are perfect aren't they? *dreamy sigh*
Shinta- ^_^ Haha, thanks for reading it all!
evilangeL- *gives strawberry shortcake* mmmmm ^_^ I'm so glad my story amused you!
Polka Dot^2-Kenshin does seem to have issues, neh? ^_~ Hopefully they will be resolved... haha, poor rurouni... :-P I'll think about the internal fighting.
swtrkgurlz-haha, thanks for disciplining Yahiko, he can get out of hand sometimes... =
amarome- hm.... time will tell. ^_^ I do like the ship idea though...
Yuki-Whoa- Happy Belated Birthday- I hope it was great! :-D
Kenshin- I hope my e-mail explained a little... thanks for your interest!
lizzie^2- ^_^ Your reviews made me smile.
koishii-Yes, and I'll try!
San- O_o I'm... flattered... yet scared at the same time... *blink* am I odd? Or are you? ... Does it matter? ^_~
Shiek- Er... oro... break my fourth way? Whatever you mean... I hope not!
Icegal- =) I'm so glad you reviewed.
shishigami13- WOW! :-D I have the biggest smile on my face from your review! *hugs* Thank you so much! (And yes, I'm trying to keep this story lighthearted)
Mika blue eyes- ^_^ Your review amused me, and I shared it with a friend. (And I think your pen name is really cool)
Vixie- Er... (honestly, I'm a bit scared) Heh, thanks for the review. (Might be one of my biggest) -you're gonna have to translate some things for me though...
AN: Should I leave out the "de gozaru's" etc, or put them back in?
(unedited)
More reviews=more inspiration.
*muah*