HM: (rubs head) Wow it's been a while. Well, I hope you like this chappy!

Chapter 7

(Kyla)

The next morning Shinta was able to get up and move around some, though he was shaky. He would not leave me now, even though he was learning to use the sakabatou as a guide.

"You're going to wear yourself out Shinta." I said softly as he leaned against the wall, pale and breathing raggedly.

He turned his blank violet eyes on me, determination written all over his features. "I need to get well soon onee-san. Walking will help."

I sighed and moved closer to him, slipping an arm around his waist. "Yes it will Shinta, but if you pass out and relapse it's not going to help anyone." I felt him lean on me, pushing the sakabatou though the belt of his hakama. I led him though the dojo to where I knew Kaoru, Sano, and Yahiko to be.

"Hey there Kenshin!" Sano said loudly as we entered. "Nice to see you up!"

I felt my brother cringe as Sano's loud voice agravetted his headache. I gave him a light squeeze as Kaoru whacked Sano. "Baka! Kenshin's got a headache!"

The ex-street-fighter grumbled and rubbed his head. "Gosh Jou-chan, could of just told me."

She glared at him, then came towards Shinta and I as we sat down. "How are you feeling Kenshin?"
He smiled, though he did not look at her. "Better Kaoru-dono, thank you."

"Are you hungry Shinta?" I asked softly. He shook his head slightly. "You really should eat otouto-chan." I was worried about him. With his gi on my brother looked fine, if a bit small. But without it I could see how thin he really was. I could count most of his ribs.

"I don't think my stomach could handle it onee-san. I still don't feel well, that I do not," he murmured, turning his empty eyes on me.

I sighed, but I let it go. Kaoru was also worried, I could tell by the look on her face and her turbulent ki. Shinta suddenly raised a hand. "Kaoru-dono?"

Kaoru met his hand with her own. "What is it Kenshin?"

He stood, pulling her with him. "I wish to speak with you."

They stood and left the room. Sano opened his mouth and I hit him solidly with the hilt of my katana. As he grumbled I smiled lightly. 'Good luck Shinta.'

(Kaoru)

I led Kenshin to the practice room, knowing we would be alone in there. I sat in front of him as he sank to the floor. "What did you wish to talk about Kenshin?"

He moved closer to me, raising his hands. "I want to see you Kaoru."

I instantly noted his drop of 'dono,' though his words confused me. "Okay."

His calloused fingertips touched my cheeks, running lightly over my skin. He ran his thumbs over my eyelids as they fluttered closed, fingers tracing my face. He touched my lips lightly and I gasped.

I opened my eyes to see his face sad and yet happy. "I can see you," he whispered. "I can see your face."

I leaned forward, moving into his arms. He was stiff for a moment, and then he relaxed and wrapped his arms around me. He buried his nose in my hair, his chest heaving in a breath beneath my head. His heart beat strongly in my ear, soothing me in some way.

"Kaoru?"
I pushed my nose into his gi, feeling with worry each rib beneath his skin and clothes. "I love you Shinta." I whispered.

I felt his heart quicken, his chest hitch with his breath. "Kaoru, I believe that I've always loved you. Will you stay with me?"

I knew that he had no wish to be alone in the darkness. In response I leaned up and kissed him soundly, wrapping my arms around his neck. After a moment he responded to my kiss, deepening it and pushing towards me. We fell, but he twisted in midair so he landed on the bottom, me on top of him. His lips left mine, though his nose kept contact with my skin so he would know where I was.

I sighed happily, playing with his fiery red hair gently. There was no place I would rather be.

(Kyla)

When Shinta and Kaoru returned to the room, I knew right away that they had confessed to each other. Kaoru's eyes were shining and her grip on my brother's hand was not quite simply a friend hold. Their fingers were entwined together, and loosely wound. Shinta seemed happy, and his ki was positively broadcasting his joy.

He and Kaoru both sat down and Kaoru reached for some rice. "Kenshin, you should eat," she murmured.

He shook his head. "I don't think my stomach could handle it Kaoru, that I do not." I silently noted that he had dropped the 'dono.' I think Yahiko and Sano noticed too, though neither said anything. Sano just smiled smugly and Yahiko grinned.

Kaoru sighed and set the bowl down. "You're so thin Kenshin. I hope you get well soon."

He smiled gently at her and squeezed her hand. "I'm getting better. I'll eat as soon as I can."

I smiled lightly, taking a bite of my own meal. I suddenly looked up as an unfamiliar ki entered the area. I put down my bowl and rested a hand on the hilt of my katana as I stood.

Shinta stood as well, his blank eyes turned towards the wall. He too was touching the hilt of his sword, ready for a fight.

"Kenshin? Kyla?" Kaoru said nervously. "What is it?"
"An unfamiliar ki." I replied. "Someone dangerous." I walked out of the dojo, feeling Shinta moving after me. He put one hand on my shoulder. "Shinta…."

"No. This is my home onee-san, I will help defend it. I can still use ki," he told me firmly.

I narrowed my eyes, but said nothing. I walked out onto the dojo grounds, Shinta's hand steady on my shoulder as I led him. A man stood in front of the gate, a scowl on his face.

HM: Cliffie! The next chapter will probably be the last. Please review!

Ja ne!