*Chibi Zoso runs through her house with "D" over her shoulder, being chased by an angry Kenji-chan!*

"He's gaining on us…"

"Shut up D! I'm running as fast as I can!"

"You should finish that story…"

"Thanks for the insight oh wise one…"

"……"

(I'm so excited! I finally got to see the new D movie! Fantastic! Totally awesome!!)

I am so very very sorry for the long delay…I've been extremely busy and am back at work now, so my time is fairly limited…I hope you will all forgive me, but I'd rather wait and produce a decent chapter than put up a crappy one just to keep my updates current…does that make sense? I've started writing the next chapter as well, but went back to my normal notebook format (which is a lot slower than sitting in front of the puter and making things up as I go along…) Also, I've outlined the next story, actually I have two in mind, but not sure which on I'd like to do first…I'll have to discuss it with some of my sources…LOL…I thank you all once again for reading and reviewing this story…I'm absolutely amazed (once again) at the response…thank you all for your help and encouragement!

Standard Disclaimers Apply

Chapter 14

Kenji growled at this tabi, twisting the uncooperative sock around his foot and into an even more awkward position. He hissed as he tore it away, dangling the limp fabric in front of his face like a dead rodent. From this angle, it was difficult to believe how impossible such a simple piece of clothing could be to put on, but no matter how hard he tried, he could not manage to get it to fit correctly. His toes either ended up in the wrong spot or the heel came out on the top of his foot.

He gave the tabi a quick shake, a punishment of some sort for its disobedience and sighed. Why his mother insisted he put on socks was beyond him. Even in the waning light, the impending evening proved to be warm and slightly sticky. There would be no chill tonight, that was for sure.

Kenji heaved another sigh and dropped his hands into his lap, winding the sock around is small fists. He would never understand his mother's reasoning and he knew better than to question it. Slowly, he allowed his eyes to survey the dim room dejectedly, searching for something to aide him in his plight. His gaze stopped abruptly as he spied his father's travel bag lying in the far corner of the room. A small grin spread across his face and he crawled, belly low across the floor. Quietly, he began to rummage around inside the worn bag, smiling, as he knew his tabi problems would soon be solved.

******

Kenshin stretched and rolled his muscles, feeling them slide tiredly beneath his skin. The trip to his master's cabin had taken its toll, his body protesting the day's exertions angrily. His hips and knees ached with a dull fire and his back cracked each time his made a sudden movement, reminding him of how fragile he actually was.

He lounged in the warm bath, allowing the heated water to loosen the pained joints and strained muscles. Tension washed away as he sunk lower, ignoring the grinding and grating as his body moved. He sighed, trying to remember a time when such things didn't bother him, but it was to no avail. His body paid the price for his many battles and the strains of Hiten Mitsurugi, and he knew things would never get any better. As he aged, his small frame would continue to deteriorate, and the pain he felt would only intensify. More than likely, he would become almost completely immobile by the age of sixty or so.

It didn't bother him really, his life had been a full one and he looked forward to the time when he could sit back and watch the youth of the age take his place as protectors of the innocent people. Yahiko and Kenji would do just fine, and Kenshin smiled at the thought.

Slowly, he rose out of the bath and wrapped himself in a light robe, and proceeded into the hall of the Aoiya. The smell of supper cooking and the sounds of people talking in the kitchen stopped him from going straight to his room the dress. He could hear his wife's laughter, and the sound tugged at him, drawing him to the kitchen. He paused in the doorway, watching the women as they giggled and teased one another, oblivious to their watcher for the moment.

They were unique women, both feminine in appearance, but masculine in personality to some extent. Many men would find their traits unacceptable and even a little intimidating, but Kenshin admired them both. Never before had he met two more courageous women, unafraid to stand up for their beliefs and protect the one's they loved. Just watching them reminded him of the hope and faith he had almost lost. They were the embodiment of spirit, love, and determination.

Kaoru jumped when she noticed her husband watching them from the door, his face set in an amused and almost affectionate smile. "Oh! Kenshin, you startled me!" she declared as she wiped her hands on a towel.

Misao stopped chopping the vegetables and looked up. She stared at Himura in awe, surprised she had never really noticed how beautiful the man actually was. She was aware of his attractiveness, but as he stood in the doorway, his hair damp and dressed in a light robe, he became extremely alluring to behold. She'd never seen him in anything other than his normal hakama and gis since the man was quite modest, but now she could understand why Kaoru's eyes were constantly fixed upon him.

She smiled at the way the two of them gazed at each other, like they were just seeing one another for the first time. It was as if they had not been married for six years at all, and Misao hardly doubted that old age would dull her friend's relationship. They were truly in love and, no doubt, filled the voids left in each other's lives.

She sighed to herself and wondered if she would ever be as lucky in love as her two friends. Though she seemed to be making progress with Aoshi, she found herself doubting her actual success. It was a game of where two steps were taken forward, only to have two more taken back. He had told her things would come in due time, but she pondered how much time it would take him to come around, though it really didn't matter. She would wait, no matter how long it took. There was no one else she could possible give her heart to.

She shook off her thoughts and grinned at Himura. "Welcome home, Himura! I didn't even know you'd come back!" She waved the ladle she was holding around her head and laughed, internally dismissing her worries.

Kenshin smiled goofily and tucked his hands inside his robe, slightly embarrassed he'd wandered into the kitchen so underdressed. "Hai, Misao. I went straight to the bath when I got back. Traveling wearies my body somewhat and the warm water eases the tension."

Kaoru frowned slightly and moved closer to her husband. She could tell he was down playing the extent of his fatigue, but that was typical of Kenshin. Still, it irked her slightly when he disregarded his body's limits. "You didn't over do it again, did you? You know what Megumi says…"

Kenshin smiled apologetically and shook his head, "I'm fine, koishii. Honest. The bath really helped."

Kaoru blew her bangs out of her face and Misao giggled at her friend's frustration. It reminded her of Aoshi's stubbornness and his refusal to remain bed ridden until his wounded ribs healed.

"Where's Kenji?" Kenshin quickly asked, hoping to avert his wife's temper to something else for the time being.

Karou gave him a dirty look, knowing what he was up to, but she let it go and pointed to the stairs. "I told him to put something on his feet, so he should be in our room."

Kenshin nodded and turned to leave. "So, he's come out of his corner? That's good to hear. I'm glad he's decided to give up his silly repentance for that accident."

Kaoru laughed and gave Kenshin a push into the hallway. "Oh, probably not, since he's got your incredible memory and knack for blaming yourself for things that are out of your control….but I imagine he'll let it go for now." She poked her husband in the ribs and giggled as he leapt forward, peering over his shoulder with a confused look.

"Oro?"

She poked him again and watched him squirm away from her. "Don't play dumb with me rurouni! Go upstairs and get ready for supper!"

"Hai!" Kenshin yelped, smiling slightly as he retreated to their room.

Kaoru watched her husband make a hasty retreat up the stairs and smiled to herself. Her husband was back, not just in body, but in spirit as well. His face was free of the worries and strain that plagued him these past few weeks and his humor had come back as well. The answers he had come to find had been found, and she couldn't be more relieved.

To be honest, she hardly doubted that Hiko would fail in opening Kenshin's eyes. She imagined that the master had not gone easy on him, since it was not Hiko's nature to be gentle with the truth. Only that sort of brashness and abrasiveness would be able to break through her husband's steel coated stubbornness. A good dose of Hiko was exactly what Kenshin had needed.

Regardless of the Hiten Mitsurugi master's less than pleasant demeanor, Kaoru liked the man. She did not feel intimidated by his arrogance and self-proclaimed greatness, but admired him for his self-assurance. If others would stop to take a good look at Seijuro Hiko, they would see more than an insufferable braggart. Behind his attitude was a caring and compassionate man, who was merely a mortal human, not some bizarre god so many made him out to be. He had feelings, worries, and doubts just like all the rest of the human race. Yet, unlike the rest of mankind, he just refused to dwell on his emotions, and somehow that made him seem cold and unfeeling.

Hiko, himself, boasted at having no weaknesses, but Kaoru knew that was a lie. He had two of them, and they came in the form of two flame haired swordsmen. Though the master would disagree with it to his grave, Kaoru knew the man cared deeply for his student and their son. He would deny them nothing, withhold a little yes, but deny them, never. They were his family, in a warped, round a bout sort of way, so much like a son and grandson.

Kaoru smiled, knowing she would keep Master Hiko's secret, and also making a mental note to thank him for his help once again.

********

Kenshin stepped into the bedroom and allowed his eyes to adjust to the dim light. It would be fully dark in less than an hour, the day having come and gone at what would seem a rapid pace. He surveyed the room and scratched his head, wondering where his son had gone off to. Kenji was no where to be found, and Kenshin became slightly concerned. Not knowing where Kenji was often led to trouble.

Something in the corner of the room caught his attention and he padded over to the wadded mass quietly. "My bag," he murmured, a hint of confusion in his voice. He scanned to room again, trying to remember if he had put the travel bag there himself or if someone else had moved it. Nothing else seemed to be out of place, so he shrugged it off as his own forgetfulness carried the bag back to the futon.

Dressing speedily in a clean hakama and gi, he toweled his still damp hair and stooped down to rummage inside the bag. He began to grumble as the item he was looking for didn't turn up and soon he was tossing various odds and ins over his shoulder. "Where the heck are they," he muttered, finally dumping the bag out on the futon and tossing it into a corner. "I know I put some in here!"

"HIMURA KENJI! What on earth do you think you're doing?"

Kenshin's head shot up and he craned his head to the door. If he had a yen for every time he heard that phrase, he'd be a very rich man. He stood up quickly, staring down at the mess on the futon and sighing. The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place and he had a sneaking suspicion on who had tampered with his things. Tucking his hands into his gi, he made his way down the stairs on bare feet, wondering how on earth he had managed to remain sane for the past six years.

********

Kenji stared at his mother with wide eyes, a small finger tucked innocently into the corner of his mouth. He wasn't quite certain what he'd done now to make her so angry, but he'd long since given up trying to figure out his mother. He learned what angered her by trial and error, there being no real pattern to her moods or temper.

This time he was completely perplexed, he'd done what she'd told him to do, so really she had nothing to be mad about. He glanced down at his feet, which adorned a pair of wine colored tabi, held in place by several pieces of wide bandages. He huffed slightly, wondering what the big deal was. So the socks weren't his, that shouldn't matter, since their purpose was the same. He was actually quite proud of his ingenuity. His father's tabi were far to large, coming up to his knees almost and if it hadn't been for the bindings he'd found in his mother's bag, he would have never managed to keep them on.

"Mama?" he asked, tilting his head to one side, "What's the matter?"

Kaoru stared at her son, not sure whether to laugh or shout at him. He was truly a funny sight to behold, and she admired his problem solving skills, but she did not appreciate the fact that he used her breast bindings to hold up his socks.

"Where are your tabi, Kenji?" she asked, folding her arms in front of her chest.

Kenji pouted and wiggled his toes. "They wouldn't work, mama," he mumbled.

"Wouldn't work?"

Kenshin came down the stairs, following the sound of his wife's agitated voice. He stopped short once he entered the dining area and took in the sight before him. His eyes scanned over Misao, who was covering her mouth with a hand and desperately failing at hiding her smile. Okina coughed a few times, his face a peculiar shade of red, and even Aoshi sat with his ever-stoic face set in stone, but icy eyes dancing with obvious amusement. Finally, Kenshin's gaze settled upon his son and he burst out laughing, causing everyone to turn and look at him.

He doubled over, holding his stomach, trying hard to fight back the tears that threatened to spring from his eyes. He wasn't sure what he found more hilarious, his son's knee high, floppy socks, or the indignant look his wife donned. He tried to compose himself, but each time he looked at them, he only laughed harder, and finally he had to steady himself against the doorframe.

Kenji stared at his father with an open mouth. Certainly, he'd seen his father laugh before, but never like this. The man was known for his calmness and composure, but as Kenji watched, he grew concerned. His father had gone mad, totally and completely insane, and was now in a fit of hysterics in the dining room. Kenji glanced at his mother, who was also staring at Kenshin, one brow arched to her forehead.

"Father?" Kenji inquired, his voice laced with worry.

Kenshin took a couple of deep breaths and straightened himself before walking over to his wife and son. He stopped behind Kaoru and put his hands on her shoulders, looking down at Kenji and smiling. Things were indeed back to normal in his little family, whatever normal really was, and for that, he was joyous.

"I was looking for those," Kenshin replied, wiggling his bare toes and giving his wife a reassuring squeeze. "Where are yours, Kenji-chan?"

A titter followed Kenshin's statement and Kenji sheepishly scuffed a foot against the floor.

"Mine wouldn't work, father," he whispered shyly, "I couldn't do it."

Kenshin smiled and glanced at his wife, who only grinned and nodded to him. He reached out a hand and ruffled Kenji's perpetually messy hair. "It's okay chibi chan. Sometimes those things can be tricky. Let's go upstairs and trade, okay?" He picked Kenji up into his arms and chuckled as the boy nodded and tugged playfully at his hair.

**********

"Kenji! Chew your food!" Kaoru scolded, pounding her choking son on his back as he gagged on some rice. "Your table manners are worse than Yahiko's!"

"But not yet quite as bad as Sano's," Kenshin offered, taking a sip of his tea and smiling into his cup, purposely avoiding his wife's glare.

Kenji coughed and noisily took a drink of water. "Uncle Sano is messy!' he stated before diving back into his food.

Kaoru arched a brown and shook her head in defeat, "And you're not?"

Misao giggled and pointed a chopstick at the little Himura. "As much as you eat Himura chan, I'm surprised you're not the size of a Sumo!" She wondered where he managed to put all the food, as pathetically skinny as he was for a boy his age. Yet, he managed to eat nearly as much as a full-grown man, if not more, at each sitting.

"The smaller things are, the more they must eat. Their metabolisms burn energy quickly." Aoshi stated blandly.

The table grew silent, all eyes on the former okashira. Even little Kenji halted his face stuffing for a moment to stare stupidly at the man. It was not everyday that Shinomori Aoshi involved himself in the idle banter that went on at the supper table. This was definitely a strange turn of events and one that would probably go down in Oniwaban history. It didn't matter that no one else understood what he was talking about, the mere fact that he'd attempted to make conversation was enough to catch their attention fully.

Thankfully, Kenji broke the stupefied silence before Aoshi could become uncomfortable under the scrutinizing stares. "What's a metablizim," he asked, barbarically spearing a piece of fish off his father's tray with a chopstick.

Aoshi chewed his food in thoughtful silence, not bothering to look up. They were all perched and waiting to hear his answer, and he could feel their curious stares.

"It's a 'metabolism' Himura chan," he corrected, "And it's too complicated for you to understand."

Kenji swallowed the mass of food in his mouth and eyed his uncle suspiciously. "Well, you'll tell me when I get bigger, right?"

Aoshi only nodded and glanced at Kenshin, who was smiling at him.

Misao giggled and looked at Kaoru. "You and Tokio san sure talked for a long time today!" she stated, not noticing Kaoru's warning glare and sharp shake of the head. "How come you two decided not to go shopping together?"

Kaoru slumped in her seat, fighting back the urge to spear Misao in the eye with a chopstick.

Kenshin made a slight noise and set his cup down with a thump. "It's probably for the best," he stated rather dryly. Tokio san seemed like a pleasant woman, but she was the wife of the wolf and that could mean nothing but trouble. The idea of his wife and son spending time with Saito's family alone did not sit well with him one bit and he was relieved to hear the outing was not going to happen.

Kaoru gave her husband a slightly dirty look and shook her head. She really did not want to discuss the change of plans with him at the dinner table, knowing his reaction would be less than favorable, but Misao had already set the wheels in motion and it was only inevitable she had to go on. If she stalled or changed the subject, Kenshin would know something was up, and feel she was trying to hide something from him. Though that wouldn't be too far from the truth.

"Hai, Misao," Kaoru started, taking a deep breath, "We decided that a day out on the town would be too hard on the little ones, so instead I invited Tokio san and her family to our picnic lunch."

Kenshin choked on his tea, practically spraying the liquid across the table.

Everyone stared at him and Kaoru folded her hands in her lap.

"Are you okay?" she asked quietly, preparing herself for the worst.

Kenshin's mind was miles away as he frantically played out each possible scenario he could think of that had to do with spending an entire day with Saito and his family. None of them were pleasant and even worse, he knew he was stuck. There was no way he could get out of going, to do so would be outrageously rude to Tokio san and her children, and they had done nothing to him. His impeccable politeness would not allow him to be do disrespectful to innocent people who knew nothing of what went on in the past, plus if he didn't go, he'd be spending many sleepless nights on the porch.

Kaoru smiled to herself, knowing that Kenshin would cooperate fully. She decided to deal the final blow and let it all sink in over the next few days. "I presume you gave the proper directions to Hiko san as well?"

Kenshin moaned low in his throat, and slumped forward. He'd forgotten about his master's invitation and now wondered why the Gods hated him so to punish him this way. Dealing with Saito for a day was bad enough, but Saito and Hiko, it would be too much. A dank feeling of doom began to slink over him.

Kenji tugged at his mother's sleeve, his pale eyes concerned. "Father looks sick, mama. You didn't cook this food did you?"

Kaoru thumped her son on the back of the head. "No, it's not the food! Your father is just excited about out little outing we're going on in a few days!"

Relieved, Kenji only nodded and resumed to stuff his face.

********

Misao stared up at the stars, watching the twinkling lights shimmer against the ebony background of the night like faint diamonds. A warm summer breeze ruffled her hair and caressed her skin as she listened to the soothing sounds of the evening. She loved to sit outside during the summers, the nights were always so calming and peaceful, easing the tension of the ending day.

The Aoiya was winding down, the restaurant had long since closed and the rest of the Oniwaban were finishing the final touches on the clean up in preparation for the following day, while the Himura family had retired to bed, though Misao hardly doubted Kaoru and Kenshin were sleeping after the news at dinner. It was obvious that Himura was not happy with the arrangements, and Misao could hardly doubt him. Saito was a difficult man to deal with, and the history between the two was long and tarnished, but Tokio san was a nice woman, and obviously eager for a friendship.

The wolf's wife had to be a lonely woman. It would be hard to have any friends outside the home, let alone any friends that could actually understand what it was like to be targeted and hunted for things done in the past. Kaoru and Tokio were very much alike in that aspect, and Misao knew Tokio was aware of that.

Himura would bear the pains of spending the say with the Wolf of Mibu, though she doubted he'd do so with a smile. What Misao was more curious about was the meeting between Saito Hajime and Seijuro Hiko. More than likely, that would prove to be most entertaining, and Misao wondered how the two arrogant men would mesh together. That was providing Hiko even showed up.

"Misao, it's late."

The ninja girl jumped, nearly falling off the porch. She had not even heard the door open nor was aware of Aoshi's approach.

Righting herself back into a sitting position she smiled up at the tall man and nodded. "I know, but I like sitting out here. Nighttime is the most peaceful time of day, don't you think?"

She was shocked when Aoshi eased himself down next to her, his long legs dangling over the edge of the porch in an uncharacteristically casual fashion. She watched as he tilted his head back, answering her question with his silence, and gazed up at the stars. She smiled softly and turned back to the sky herself, watching the celestial dance in the sky.

They sat in silence for many moments, enjoying the evening.

"They're pretty, aren't they," Misao finally asked, pointing at the stars.

"Strange," Aoshi murmured, "how such beautiful things can be right before our eyes, yet we take them for granted."

Misao's forehead crinkled and she could feel the sting of tears in her eyes, but they would never fall. His words were not lost on her heart and she knew what the true meaning was behind them. Maintaining her composure, she gently touched his hand, slightly afraid he'd pull away. When he did not recoil from her touch, she sighed happily and gave his fingers a slight squeeze.

The night continued to wear on and the pair sat gazing at the sky, miles apart from each other, but bridging the gap that separated them.

Whew…almost done….a couple more to go….I'll update as soon as I can, I've got part of the next chapter written out, and I'm really sorry for the delay! Take care everyone!