A/N: I don't even know where to begin!! AHAHA, I don't know if I'm even
allowed to do this, but i'm doing it anyways. (ff.net banned author's notes
to individual reviewers, but i'm not one to follow the rules...I tink they
did...I don't know anymore, they've got a list of rules somewhere...)
To Lady Battousai: Thanx so much for stickin' with me!! I think your advertising worked, cuz I'm the happiest person in the world rite now!! it's okay that u can't e-mail me, just e-mail me when u get ur e-mail fixed! i'll be waiting! ^.~
To Kanzen ne Tsuki: hehe, I'm still speechless! i'm so honored to be even considered for ur webpage! thanx so much!
To Cowgirl4Ever: Ahahaha, since u didn't leave ur e-mail u get a personal THANK YOU from me rite here!! THANX~
To Forbidden Dreams: thank you so much for reviewing!! Lol, I write a little bit of poetry, but only when I'm in the mood, I get writer's block a lot!
To Invader Zimo: Last, but certainly not the least! Thanx so much for advertising my fic!! HEHEHE, I am truly honored. again, thanx! ^.^
Alrite, this doesn't mean i'm going to get cocky, i'm gonna keep on going, but this time, keeping in mind that i've got actual readers!! ^.^ ahahahaha, sry, i'm kinda giddy at the moment. So, thanx to those who reviewed, and I hope you like what's to come! ^.~
Disclaimer: Oops, I almost forgot this, I also forgot it in the last chapter too, so, ummm, I don't own any of Rurouni Kenshin, k? I just write fanfiction!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
chap. 5 ~ mixed blood
Sunlight streamed into a room, illuminating every board layed onto the floor, shadowing every speck of dust wandering the air or lightly surfacing the walls. The warmth of the star's rays reached the face of a child, delicate porcelein skin tingling under the gentle heat. Agua blue eyes quivered, slowly unfolding, fingers drowsily wiping away the sleep. He unconsciously leaned against his elbows, propping himself upright, gradually accustoming himself to the idea of sitting up. He shook his head, messy hair flying everywhere with every turn. Yawning, he peeled off the covers, only to gasp in surprise at the coldness of the air, reflexively pulling the blankets up to his neck, shivering slightly.
Light footsteps could be heard outside of the room, and Wolf could see a hand reach out to pull the door open. A red-haired man stepped in, smiling brightly, his voice cheerful, "Ohayo."
"Wha'?" Wolf was getting sick of not understanding half the words these people said to him...
"Oh, I'm sorry, ohayo means good morning," Kenshin explained paciently.
Wolf's lips formed into a straight line, suddenly remembering that he could not stay in one place for long, and he stood up quickly. Kenshin only chuckled and shook his head in slight amusement as he put both his hands on the boy's shoulders to stop him from leaving.
"Now, now, don't be in such a rush. You're not in good shape, and I'm sure Megumi-san would be furious if you left in the condition you're in," Kenshin said enlighteningly, "Soooo...," Kenshin pulled the boy back to the futon, "You're going to have a decent meal and a warm bath."
Wolf pouted internally, but gave in to Kenshin's kindness. 'I's should get going... They's could be here any minute now...'
Kaoru appeared at the doorway, arms loaded with clothing. She made her way to Wolf and Kenshin, looking slightly disoriented.
"Are you alright Miss Kaoru?" Kenshin asked, concerned.
"Oh, hehe, I'll be okay Kenshin, here, I've got some comfortable clothes for...Wolf, right? Yes, well, I hope they're a lot more comfortable than the rags you're wearing now. Yes, your welcome, now I'm going to go throw up now, I'll be back..." Kaoru finished on a downbeat as she retreated hastily, the pain doubling in her abdomen.
Wolf stared down at the garments Kaoru had thrown in his face and looked up at Kenshin questioningly. Kenshin sighed half-heartedly, saying, "Go on, put those on, I'll leave you for a minute so you can get dressed, I need to see if Miss Kaoru is alright, but I'll be right back." He laughed apologetically and walked hurridly out of the room, pulling the fusuma shut.
Wolf picked through the clothes and an idea popped into his mind as he placed the garments onto the ground, slipping quietly from the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The air outside was still as Wolf's silent steps echoed painfully loud in the dirt path. He exhaled slowly, not wanting to be heard, wanting to gradually ebb away from his surroundings. 'Them peoples were awfully nice...' he thought, gingerly slowing his pace as he looked back at the dojo behind him. He scrunched his face into a wistful expression as he remembered his objective, and quickened his stride into a steady run, making his way towards the front of the Kamiya Dojo, hopefully he could make his getaway without anyone noticing...and hopefully they wouldn't worry either.
His limp run wasn't as fast as he would have hoped, but it would have to suffice. The gate rustily creaked open, and Wolf slipped through the small gap, carefully closing it behind him. He turned to continue his run, when a low voice rumbled, "Off to somewhere kid?"
Wolf gasped and turned to see the same man from the night before, "Umm..."
"We're offering you some pretty damn good hospitality and you're running away from it? Not a very grateful kid, are you?" Sanosuke mused, back against the iron stakes of the gate.
Wolf smiled nervously, not knowing what to say in reply. However, he didn't need to answer Sano's question, for Sano continued his curt speech, "Naw, forget about it. Next time Kenshin brings a stray kid in, I'll have to check if the kid's grateful enough to accept the hospitality being handed to him."
Wolf looked at his barefeet, biting his lower lip, trying to ease the guilt tearing at his gut.
Sano's stern face softened at Wolf's fidgeting, he was obviously ashamed at being caught sneaking out of the dojo. "...But...you've undoubtly got somewhere important to go...if you had stayed......you would have been in good hands...you would have been safe...the choice is yours though..." With those words, he turned his back, the "bad" symbol flapping in the breeze.
At that, Wolf's breath caught, and he discovered he had new-found respect for Sano.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
After Kenshin had put a dizzy Kaoru into bed, he walked up the steps to Wolf's room. He entered, and saw Wolf dressed in the clothes Kaoru had given him, which were several sizes too big. In the corner, he found Sano, sitting loosely, chewing lightly on a fish bone in his mouth. The atmosphere in the room told Kenshin that apparently something had gone on between Wolf and Sano, and he found it better not to ask.
"I see the clothes Miss Kaoru gave you are a bit big. They were Yahiko's, that they were, and Yahiko is quite big compared to you," Kenshin remarked.
"HEY! Are you calling me FAT?!" Yahiko appeared out of nowhere, smoke curling out of his ears.
"Erm...no...of course not, Yahiko!" Kenshin explained hurridly, "I was merely..."
Yahiko snorted and waved his right hand, dismissing Kenshin's attempted explanation and turning to Wolf, "So, where did you say you were from, boy?"
Wolf was offended at being called a boy, especially by one that was hardly a couple of years older than him, and he snorted indignantly, "I'd hardly call you a boy too."
"Just answer the question!" Yahiko shouted impatiently.
"I's from the states."
"Where?!"
"America," Kenshin stated knowingly.
Sanosuke muttered something that sounded suspiciously like, "Gaijin."
Kenshin only shook his head at Sano's rudeness and laughed cheerfully, "Well, I guess we haven't properly introduced ourselves to you quite well...I'm Kenshin Himura. That is Yahiko," he pointed Yahiko, who was busy picking at his ear, "And I'm sure you know Sano."
Wolf bobbed his head at each introduction, then paused, as he realized that now was a good time for him to respond, "My name is Wolf Yukishiro."
"Tell us more about yourself," Kenshin requested politely.
Wolf furrowed his eyebrows in deep concentration, wanting to get his words right before he said them,"My father is American, and my mother was Japanese..."
"Was?" Yahiko interjected suddenly. Sano scowled at Yahiko's bluntness.
"She died right after I's born..."
There was uncomfortable silence in the room following the statement, each member of the room knowing fully well what it was like to loose a loved one. Kenshin muttered quietly, "I'm sorry to hear that."
Wolf shrugged and added, "I's didn't know her tha' well anyways, I's eight now, an' I's been gettin' 'long fine."
Kenshin gave Wolf a perplexed look, wanting to know more about a foreigner in Japan, there weren't many mixed blood in Japanese lands, "And if you don't mind me asking, how have you been 'getting' along?"
Wolf's face drooped at the question, not wishing to tell complete strangers everything about him, even if they did give him food, a roof, and....
"KEN-SAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Loud cheering interrupted the quiet morning, and Kenshin turned around to be greeted by two charging girls.
Both Suzume and Ayame glomped Kenshin head-on, with a furious force, sending Kenshin tumbling to the ground. "Oro...." His eyes swirled round and round at the impact.
"Ken-sama, Kaoru-sama said that the bath is ready for Wolf-chan!!!" Suzume sang happily.
"Yea, and she said - "
"- to hurry up -"
"-'cuz the water's getting -"
"COLD!!!" Both girls finished eachother's sentences with amazing speed and precision that everyone in the room smiled at Suzume and Ayame's animated faces, pulling Wolf out of the room, holding each of his hands in theirs.
The paper door slammed shut, so hard that it slid out of its path, falling flat to the ground with a loud "thump." Sano, Yahiko, and Kenshin stared astounded at the fallen paper door. Yahiko suddenly burst into fits of laughter, "Kenshin," it was hard for him to talk through the supressed giggles,"I think you're gonna have to make another paper door!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Well, that was an abrupt ending, but I didn't know when to make a reasonable story break. Sry the main plot is coming in so late, but i'm still organizing it and planning it through. And besides, I plan to work through this fic all the way 'til the baby comes!! ^.^ Everyone wants to see that! (ahaha, I know I do...)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
To Lady Battousai: Thanx so much for stickin' with me!! I think your advertising worked, cuz I'm the happiest person in the world rite now!! it's okay that u can't e-mail me, just e-mail me when u get ur e-mail fixed! i'll be waiting! ^.~
To Kanzen ne Tsuki: hehe, I'm still speechless! i'm so honored to be even considered for ur webpage! thanx so much!
To Cowgirl4Ever: Ahahaha, since u didn't leave ur e-mail u get a personal THANK YOU from me rite here!! THANX~
To Forbidden Dreams: thank you so much for reviewing!! Lol, I write a little bit of poetry, but only when I'm in the mood, I get writer's block a lot!
To Invader Zimo: Last, but certainly not the least! Thanx so much for advertising my fic!! HEHEHE, I am truly honored. again, thanx! ^.^
Alrite, this doesn't mean i'm going to get cocky, i'm gonna keep on going, but this time, keeping in mind that i've got actual readers!! ^.^ ahahahaha, sry, i'm kinda giddy at the moment. So, thanx to those who reviewed, and I hope you like what's to come! ^.~
Disclaimer: Oops, I almost forgot this, I also forgot it in the last chapter too, so, ummm, I don't own any of Rurouni Kenshin, k? I just write fanfiction!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
chap. 5 ~ mixed blood
Sunlight streamed into a room, illuminating every board layed onto the floor, shadowing every speck of dust wandering the air or lightly surfacing the walls. The warmth of the star's rays reached the face of a child, delicate porcelein skin tingling under the gentle heat. Agua blue eyes quivered, slowly unfolding, fingers drowsily wiping away the sleep. He unconsciously leaned against his elbows, propping himself upright, gradually accustoming himself to the idea of sitting up. He shook his head, messy hair flying everywhere with every turn. Yawning, he peeled off the covers, only to gasp in surprise at the coldness of the air, reflexively pulling the blankets up to his neck, shivering slightly.
Light footsteps could be heard outside of the room, and Wolf could see a hand reach out to pull the door open. A red-haired man stepped in, smiling brightly, his voice cheerful, "Ohayo."
"Wha'?" Wolf was getting sick of not understanding half the words these people said to him...
"Oh, I'm sorry, ohayo means good morning," Kenshin explained paciently.
Wolf's lips formed into a straight line, suddenly remembering that he could not stay in one place for long, and he stood up quickly. Kenshin only chuckled and shook his head in slight amusement as he put both his hands on the boy's shoulders to stop him from leaving.
"Now, now, don't be in such a rush. You're not in good shape, and I'm sure Megumi-san would be furious if you left in the condition you're in," Kenshin said enlighteningly, "Soooo...," Kenshin pulled the boy back to the futon, "You're going to have a decent meal and a warm bath."
Wolf pouted internally, but gave in to Kenshin's kindness. 'I's should get going... They's could be here any minute now...'
Kaoru appeared at the doorway, arms loaded with clothing. She made her way to Wolf and Kenshin, looking slightly disoriented.
"Are you alright Miss Kaoru?" Kenshin asked, concerned.
"Oh, hehe, I'll be okay Kenshin, here, I've got some comfortable clothes for...Wolf, right? Yes, well, I hope they're a lot more comfortable than the rags you're wearing now. Yes, your welcome, now I'm going to go throw up now, I'll be back..." Kaoru finished on a downbeat as she retreated hastily, the pain doubling in her abdomen.
Wolf stared down at the garments Kaoru had thrown in his face and looked up at Kenshin questioningly. Kenshin sighed half-heartedly, saying, "Go on, put those on, I'll leave you for a minute so you can get dressed, I need to see if Miss Kaoru is alright, but I'll be right back." He laughed apologetically and walked hurridly out of the room, pulling the fusuma shut.
Wolf picked through the clothes and an idea popped into his mind as he placed the garments onto the ground, slipping quietly from the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The air outside was still as Wolf's silent steps echoed painfully loud in the dirt path. He exhaled slowly, not wanting to be heard, wanting to gradually ebb away from his surroundings. 'Them peoples were awfully nice...' he thought, gingerly slowing his pace as he looked back at the dojo behind him. He scrunched his face into a wistful expression as he remembered his objective, and quickened his stride into a steady run, making his way towards the front of the Kamiya Dojo, hopefully he could make his getaway without anyone noticing...and hopefully they wouldn't worry either.
His limp run wasn't as fast as he would have hoped, but it would have to suffice. The gate rustily creaked open, and Wolf slipped through the small gap, carefully closing it behind him. He turned to continue his run, when a low voice rumbled, "Off to somewhere kid?"
Wolf gasped and turned to see the same man from the night before, "Umm..."
"We're offering you some pretty damn good hospitality and you're running away from it? Not a very grateful kid, are you?" Sanosuke mused, back against the iron stakes of the gate.
Wolf smiled nervously, not knowing what to say in reply. However, he didn't need to answer Sano's question, for Sano continued his curt speech, "Naw, forget about it. Next time Kenshin brings a stray kid in, I'll have to check if the kid's grateful enough to accept the hospitality being handed to him."
Wolf looked at his barefeet, biting his lower lip, trying to ease the guilt tearing at his gut.
Sano's stern face softened at Wolf's fidgeting, he was obviously ashamed at being caught sneaking out of the dojo. "...But...you've undoubtly got somewhere important to go...if you had stayed......you would have been in good hands...you would have been safe...the choice is yours though..." With those words, he turned his back, the "bad" symbol flapping in the breeze.
At that, Wolf's breath caught, and he discovered he had new-found respect for Sano.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
After Kenshin had put a dizzy Kaoru into bed, he walked up the steps to Wolf's room. He entered, and saw Wolf dressed in the clothes Kaoru had given him, which were several sizes too big. In the corner, he found Sano, sitting loosely, chewing lightly on a fish bone in his mouth. The atmosphere in the room told Kenshin that apparently something had gone on between Wolf and Sano, and he found it better not to ask.
"I see the clothes Miss Kaoru gave you are a bit big. They were Yahiko's, that they were, and Yahiko is quite big compared to you," Kenshin remarked.
"HEY! Are you calling me FAT?!" Yahiko appeared out of nowhere, smoke curling out of his ears.
"Erm...no...of course not, Yahiko!" Kenshin explained hurridly, "I was merely..."
Yahiko snorted and waved his right hand, dismissing Kenshin's attempted explanation and turning to Wolf, "So, where did you say you were from, boy?"
Wolf was offended at being called a boy, especially by one that was hardly a couple of years older than him, and he snorted indignantly, "I'd hardly call you a boy too."
"Just answer the question!" Yahiko shouted impatiently.
"I's from the states."
"Where?!"
"America," Kenshin stated knowingly.
Sanosuke muttered something that sounded suspiciously like, "Gaijin."
Kenshin only shook his head at Sano's rudeness and laughed cheerfully, "Well, I guess we haven't properly introduced ourselves to you quite well...I'm Kenshin Himura. That is Yahiko," he pointed Yahiko, who was busy picking at his ear, "And I'm sure you know Sano."
Wolf bobbed his head at each introduction, then paused, as he realized that now was a good time for him to respond, "My name is Wolf Yukishiro."
"Tell us more about yourself," Kenshin requested politely.
Wolf furrowed his eyebrows in deep concentration, wanting to get his words right before he said them,"My father is American, and my mother was Japanese..."
"Was?" Yahiko interjected suddenly. Sano scowled at Yahiko's bluntness.
"She died right after I's born..."
There was uncomfortable silence in the room following the statement, each member of the room knowing fully well what it was like to loose a loved one. Kenshin muttered quietly, "I'm sorry to hear that."
Wolf shrugged and added, "I's didn't know her tha' well anyways, I's eight now, an' I's been gettin' 'long fine."
Kenshin gave Wolf a perplexed look, wanting to know more about a foreigner in Japan, there weren't many mixed blood in Japanese lands, "And if you don't mind me asking, how have you been 'getting' along?"
Wolf's face drooped at the question, not wishing to tell complete strangers everything about him, even if they did give him food, a roof, and....
"KEN-SAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Loud cheering interrupted the quiet morning, and Kenshin turned around to be greeted by two charging girls.
Both Suzume and Ayame glomped Kenshin head-on, with a furious force, sending Kenshin tumbling to the ground. "Oro...." His eyes swirled round and round at the impact.
"Ken-sama, Kaoru-sama said that the bath is ready for Wolf-chan!!!" Suzume sang happily.
"Yea, and she said - "
"- to hurry up -"
"-'cuz the water's getting -"
"COLD!!!" Both girls finished eachother's sentences with amazing speed and precision that everyone in the room smiled at Suzume and Ayame's animated faces, pulling Wolf out of the room, holding each of his hands in theirs.
The paper door slammed shut, so hard that it slid out of its path, falling flat to the ground with a loud "thump." Sano, Yahiko, and Kenshin stared astounded at the fallen paper door. Yahiko suddenly burst into fits of laughter, "Kenshin," it was hard for him to talk through the supressed giggles,"I think you're gonna have to make another paper door!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Well, that was an abrupt ending, but I didn't know when to make a reasonable story break. Sry the main plot is coming in so late, but i'm still organizing it and planning it through. And besides, I plan to work through this fic all the way 'til the baby comes!! ^.^ Everyone wants to see that! (ahaha, I know I do...)
~~~~~~~~~~~~