Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or any of it's characters, however, original characters and ideas are mine to claim.

AN: sigh I had to work all weekend and it's a miracle I made this chapter! wipes sweat drop off her forehead So I hope you all enjoy!

Last Chapter

Just then . . . two strange men walked into the Akabeko.

Tae turned to see a man clad in black-lensed glasses and a blue cloak.

End of Last Chapter

After Sumi's encounter with Hiko, she returned to the kitchen, to prepare the next order. She felt strangely relaxed.

Her initial shock to see her "guardian angel" at the Akabeko had worn off and she was comforted that he was here. She just knew that nothing bad could happen to her if he was near.

She delivered her next order with a delightful smile on her face. She was truly happy.

She had another order waiting for her by the time she got back to the kitchen. She grabbed the semi larger order and gracefully made her way to the customers' table.

She said "Good Afternoon . . ." in a cheerful voice and set the pot down in front of the customer's. She didn't really look at who she was serving until she stepped back from the booth.

When she looked up, she thought she recognized one of the men she was serving. Suddenly it dawned on her that this was the man she bumped into in the market earlier that day!

Sumi said, "Ummm . . . Hello . . ."

The man nodded; short silver hair moving slightly to reveal stoic green eyes fixed on her. Yet, not so, they held a small amount of sincerity towards her, only her.

Sumi smiled, she didn't know what to say and his stare was starting to make her feel uncomfortable.

The man could see the uneasiness in her eyes and spoke up. "I didn't know you worked here." The man said, then realized what a stupid statement that was.

Sumi just kept smiling, and then he introduced himself.

"My name is Enishi." He mockingly bowed. Sumi giggled.

The name surfaced her mind before truly sinking in. "Enishi, where have I heard that name before?" Sumi questioned herself.

Izo paid little attention to the two. His masters business was just that. So he just relaxed until his master would start eating.

Sumi ignored the feeling of déjà vu and said, "My name is Sumi. . . Please enjoy your meal," she said and took her leave.

Enishi realized he recognized her from the night of the murders a few days ago. He was almost sure it was her, "No matter though, she saw neither Izo or myself that night. She poses no threat." He thought.

Enishi and Izo began eating their meal, forgetting about Sumi, for the time being.

Slowly drinking his sake, in attempt to make it last longer; since Kenshin and Kaoru kept none around the dojo, he dwelled on unimportant issues. One in particular, which stole all logic from him, was a certain someone, a Miss Sumi. "That woman is messing up my vacation!" he thought. "At least she's a beautiful hindrance," Hiko mused.

Kenshin and Kaoru talked and talked. They took forever to eat and now they were spending more time chatting with the hostess . . . Tae. Apparently it was closing time. "Oh well," Hiko thought, "As long as they're not bothering me."

He was leaning against a wall, out of sight for all except Kenshin when he saw his angel again.

Sumi walked towards Tae to tell her she was going to leave. She saw Kenshin and Kaoru talking to Tae. As she walked towards the group, she looked around for Sir Hiko. Upon seeing him nowhere, she gave up her search and spoke to Tae when she turned to her.

"Go on home now darlin'. Thanks so much for running to the market for me today. I'll see ya tomorrow!" Tae said to Sumi with an very cheery smile. Sumi nodded and smiled.

"You're welcome! I'll see you tomorrow," Sumi said as she turned to leave.

Hiko observed the whole conversation with interest and followed Sumi as she walked out the back of the restaurant.

He wanted to spend some time with her.

Sumi walked through the back of the restaurant out through the kitchen on her way to the cottage.

" I still have a long way to go before I can get a place on my own . . . But don't worry Takara . . . I'm getting closer," Sumi said out loud, looking up that the stars above, expecting no one to be around. She lowered her head and closed her eyes, her long hair flowing down to cover her face, like a curtain. ". . . So close . . ." She sighed, raised her head, and started again, walking to the cottage.

Sumi was thinking to herself when she heard footsteps from behind her. Frightened, she turned to see what was behind her.

She gasped as she turned to see a figure walk out of the shadows and into the white moonlight. She was most relieved to see that the noise was coming from a dashing tall male know to her as Sir Hiko.

". . . sigh . . . You frightened me . ." Sumi said as relief replaced fear in her beautiful eyes, which appeared golden in the soft white moonlight.

Hiko, relieved she was no longer frightened, stepped closer so Sumi could see his face more clearly. As he stepped into the moonlight, Sumi could see what appeared to be a smile. She giggled. He had a very funny looking smile, like he didn't smile very often.

She couldn't help but comment . . . "You don't smile very often do you?" Sumi asked with a mocking grin.

Hiko blushed, something he never did. "Had I been smiling?" He asked himself. "I haven't always had many things to smile about." He told Sumi.

"I haven't either . . . but I try," Sumi said.

Hiko then felt himself smile. People with positive outlooks always amused him. It was almost like the real world didn't exist to them. It seemed that these people always needed someone like him to protect them.

Sumi saw him smile again, and felt like this time, it was genuine, and she liked it. "See . . . See . . ." she said in a childish voice as she giggled and pointed to his mouth. "You can smile!"

Hiko blushed again as Sumi giggled. Her giggle turned into a laugh, and a moment later Sumi and Hiko were laughing together.

Hiko couldn't remember the last time he had laughed like he did with Sumi. It felt natural, almost . . . necessary.

After they laughed and took a breather, they were silent. It wasn't an awkward silence for Sumi, it was comfortable. She was unexplainably content with Hiko's presence. Then Hiko just had to go and ruin it.

"Can I walk you home? . . I mean . . " he stuttered. "To make sure you get home safe." He looked up at the dark star filled sky, then looked back to Sumi. "It's very dark . . ."

Sumi smiled and nodded, though she was on her guard if he tired to steal a kiss. (hehe) She found it sweet, albeit she did not live far, not far at all.

They walked in silence, like they had the first time they met. Then Hiko posed a question that had been eating at his brain for some time.

"Why didn't you tell the police about the murders?" Hiko asked.

Sumi stopped . . .

AN: Ok, I had to update this chapter at like 8 pm because I had to work ALL weekend, so for all you who looked for it earlier in the day, Gomen nasai. It won't happen again! Kat bows I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Arigatou gozaimasu minna-san for reading my story. Now if it would be possible . . . please review my story!

REVIEW RESPONSE

Female Sesshoumaru: Thank you so much for reviewing! Don't worry, there will be plenty of Hiko/Sumi scenes to come.

Thank you.

. Kat