Author's Note: Well, here's chapter 6 and, as I mentioned in the first chapter about some inconsistencies, this is the chapter where they start. I knew where I wanted to go with the story but hit writer's block and tried to push through it. I hope it's not too bad.


Chapter 6

11am, Saturday

Late morning sunlight filters through the window, illuminating the person in bed. Kaoru lies on her back, staring at the ceiling. She's trying to decide whether or not to get up.

Kaoru thinks to herself, "Kenshin never said what time he was coming over. He could be here any minute. I really should get up."

As she's debating, someone rings her doorbell. She gets up and takes a quick look in the mirror. Her sleeping attire, sweats and a tank top, while very casual, are, at least, presentable. She silently thanks her parents for the flawless skin gene as she doesn't need make-up but her hair is a tangled mess.

Kaoru shouts as the bell rings again, "Just a sec."

She grabs a comb and mercilessly yanks it through her hair until it looks decent, then goes to the door.

Kaoru argues mentally, "It's probably just the mailman." She opens the door and inwardly groans, "No, it's Kenshin."

Sure enough, Kenshin, in black pants and a burgundy dress shirt, stands on the porch with a box in his hands.

Kenshin greets her politely, "Konnichiwa, Kaoru-dono. I brought some rice balls and tea in case we get hungry later."

Kaoru responds, "Hello. Thanks for the food, I'll put it in the kitchen. Would you like coffee or something?"

Kenshin answers, "Whatever you are having."

Kaoru waves him in and heads for the kitchen, "I'll be just a minute then. Make yourself at home."

Kenshin follows her past the dining room to the small yellow and white kitchen and watches as she put his box on the counter, then begins to make coffee.

Kaoru pulls two mugs from a cabinet. Seeing him in the doorway she asks, "Cream and sugar?"

Kenshin answers, "Both, I'm still developing a taste for coffee."

Kaoru immediately apologizes, "I'm sorry, I didn't think. I can make you tea."

Kenshin replies a little too quickly, "No. I wish to drink your coffee."

Kaoru gets the cream from the fridge, "Ok."

When the coffee's finished, they take it out onto the porch.

Kaoru curls up on a chaise and says, "I hope you came ready to clean, cuz when we're done with our coffee that's what we're doing."

Kenshin's head snaps in her direction, "Oro?"

Kaoru continues as if she doesn't hear him, "I thought you could move the furniture for me so I can vacuum back there. You know, the heavy stuff."

Kenshin abruptly changes the subject to distract her, "This is a very interesting mug, Kaoru-dono."

Kaoru barks, "Hey, don't change the subject! Huh?"

Kenshin holds up his mug, black with a red and gold dragon and repeats himself, "The mug. I like it."

Kaoru explains, "Oh. It was my father's. He had coffee from it every morning. You're the first person to use it since…."

Kenshin encourages her to continue, "Since…?"

Kaoru answers, sadness coloring her words, "Do you remember I told you my aunt and uncle, Sano and Yahiko's parents, were killed in a car accident two years ago?"

Kenshin responds, "Yes."

Kaoru continues, quietly: "My father was in the car too."

Kenshin apologizes, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for bringing up painful memories."

Kaoru looks out at the quiet street, "It's ok. I prefer the memories to the alternative. All too often I find days go by without thinking about him. That realization hurts more than remembering."

Kenshin asks carefully, "May I ask about your mother?"

Kaoru smiles and answers, "I don't remember her as well. She was always sick and died when I was eight. One day father became frantic and the ambulance came and I had to stay with Sano, Yahiko wasn't born yet. Then my father told me I'd never see her again. Father was crushed but he was always there for me. Even in death he took care of me. He had made sure Okina would give me a job and he left me the house."

Kenshin observes, "It's obvious he loved you very much."

Kaoru tries to change the subject, "So, what about your parents?"

Kenshin sighs heavily, "I hardly remember them. They died when I was very young. Cholera, I think. My father was a farmer and all I remember of him was that he always smelled like fresh dirt. Of my mother, just a bit of a song she used to sing to me. Not the words, just the tune."

Kaoru is immediately sorry, "I'm so sorry. How awful it must be, being an orphan so young."

Kenshin continues, "Orphanages in Japan aren't like orphanages here, especially in rural areas. The man who ran the orphanage had a field that we worked in all day, everyday."

Kaoru's feelings are apparent on her face, "How horrible."

Kenshin says, "One day, the local yakuza came to collect their monthly protection fee and, when he refused to pay, they killed everyone."

Kaoru asks, "How'd you survive?"

Kenshin, explains, "A passerby intervened. He took me in, raised me and trained me to succeed him as master of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu"

Kaoru recognizes what he's talking about, "My father told me something about that style. It's very old, from the Sengoku Era, right?" (AN: 1478-1605)

Kenshin goes on with is tale, "Its intent is to protect the weak from oppression but its nature is to kill. It has never been modified from its original form."

Kaoru inquires, "So he taught you to kill?"

Kenshin explains, "It is what he knew, his legacy. The truth is, the nature of all swordsmanship is to kill. With the desire and motivation, I could be very dangerous."

Kaoru rationalizes what he just said, "So could we all. Everyone has the knowledge and means to kill another. Mental and physical restraint are what prevent the majority of us from action."

Kenshin answers her with a weary smile, "Spoken by one who has never known what it is to take another's life."

Kaoru is confused by his words, "Are you making fun of me?"

Kenshin's demeanor brightens a little as he says, "I would never do that. I simply meant, not all see things as you do. If they did, the world would be a better place."

Kaoru whispers, "Are you one of those people?"

Kenshin responds, cheerily: "That's another story for another time. Didn't you say you had furniture that needs moving?"

Kaoru watches him as he walks into the house, thinking about the odd turn of their conversation. He is very capable of killing, so what? But that last part, it was as if he had killed and envied me for not knowing what that truly means.

Kenshin pokes his head out and asks, "Are you coming?"

To Be Continued…