Author: Yeah, a new chapter! I haven't received any reviews yet, but maybe if I had more I'll get some :(. Hope you enjoy. The line still means a switch in the point of view. This one starts out with Memaruu as the point of view.

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.

Chapter 3: Less Than Romantic

'There they were again. Coming in for the regular beating session. I had become accustomed to it now, though the pain was still unbearable. I turned around when they cornered me and readied myself for the whip..."

I woke up in a cold sweat. I sometimes regretted going to bed at night these days. Sleep meant dreaming and dreaming meant that the nightmares would come back. While I was awake, I didn't have to worry about the nightmares. But while I was asleep, there was no stopping them.

I had fallen asleep last night while drawing the picture I had promised for Kenshin. I decided to draw one of him in his friendly form when he is smiling rather than when he is anger. Though I had not seen him angry yet, I had a vague idea of what he would look like.

I couldn't help but wonder what it was I had to do today. Probably many chores, since I had promised to do them so I would be able to stay here. Maybe another one of Kaoru's lessons. She most likely wouldn't start me today. Probably tomorrow. I'd just have to make sure that if I chose to draw that I wouldn't draw Yahiko.

"Miss Memaruu?" I turned around to find Kenshin at my door. Luckily I had just finished getting my clothes for the day on.

"Yes," I said while trying to hold back a yawn.

"Miss Kaoru would like to speak with you."

Fear enveloped my mind. Had I done something wrong? That was highly unlikely. Then I realized it was most likely morning chores. That calmed me a little. I followed Kenshin out of the room and he lead me to Kaoru.

We made it outdoors and found Kaoru and Yahiko standing by the gate. Yahiko seemed to be analyzing his feet as he swayed back and forth. I was sure he was nervous about something, but, of course, I hadn't the slightest idea what was going on.

"Good Morning, Memaruu! Did you have a nice sleep?" Kaoru said happily. No matter how hard I would try, I could never be that energetic in the morning.

"Yes. Thank you," I fibbed. Just like every other night, it was dreadful. But I wouldn't complain.

"I need you to do a favor for me. It will be your first official chore."

My face lit up at the thought. Chores had always had the ability to distract my from my thoughts. That may be why I liked them too much.

"Could you go with Yahiko to the market and buy a few things for me?" Kaoru asked.

My happy expression died down a bit. I had to be alone with Yahiko and go to the market. It wasn't really that I didn't want to be with him. It was just, after what happened yesterday, I had been hoping to avoid him for awhile. I looked over to Yahiko, who was still nervously looking towards the ground.

"Certainly, Miss Kaoru."

"Memaruu, how many times do I have to remind you. You can call me Kaoru. I will not take it as disrespect." She patted me on the shoulder, handed me a list, and walked off. I took a look at the list and noticed it was a significant amount more than "a few things".

"When she says she wants a few things, she never actually means it."

I looked up from the list. Yahiko was smiling slightly at me. I couldn't believe it. He had said something without stuttering or anything. I blushed crimson. This was going to be a long morning.

He then opened the gate and waited. I came out of my own thoughts and realized he was holding it for me. I went past him, muffled a thank you, and walked out. He followed and we began our journey to the market.

"Yes! Phase 1 is in action!" Sano jumped from the bush and pumped a fist.

"Sano, I don't know how you talk me into these things," Kaoru said as she came out from the bush with Kenshin.

"It's because I'm so good looking and attractive. There's no way you can resist!"

Kaoru smacked him on the head. "Let's not get carried away here!"

"Now, now you two," piped Kenshin, who was trying to make sure a fight didn't break loose. To his relief it didn't. "You must admit, Miss Kaoru. The two children look very good together. And their display is humourous to watch."

Kaoru looked out the gate at the couple walking into the distance. "Yeah. Maybe you're right Kenshin. And besides, if they like each other, Memaruu will stay longer. I will finally have another student!"

"You are so selfish. You know that?" Sano said quietly from behind.

"What did you say!" Kaoru began the smack him again.

"Now, now you two..."

For almost half the way there we walked in silence. We probably both thought the same thing. What should I say that won't sound stupid? Even with the experiences I had been through, I didn't have an answer to that simple question. I could have asked like 'How long have you been at the dojo? Or What do you think of Kenshin? Anything would have sounded reasonable and would make good conversation. I was very fortunate that I didn't have to start conversation, because he beat me to it.

"How do you like the dojo so far? I know you've only been here a short while, but what do you think?" Yahiko said. I saw him take a deep breath after he was finished. He must have been planing out that line since our trip began. Though I was prone to blush, I was very good when I began to speak.

"It is magnificent. Everyone there is so good to me," I answered. There was no lie behind that. Everyone was really kind to me though I had just recently arrived.

"Even Sano?" He looked at me questionably. I wasn't sure how to answer that one. Sano wasn't all that kind to me, but he wasn't mean either. So far, he let me be as I did for him.

"I haven't really associated with Sanosuke yet. But, he hasn't been a bother or anything."

Opps, that was a lie. He was very disturbing when he chewed.

To my surprise, Yahiko began to chuckle a bit and put a hand to his mouth. I didn't understand what was so funny. Maybe that's because I didn't know Sanosuke very well. He looked over to me to find me in a confused state, blushed, and turned away.

I had a feeling there was something a little strange going on. All of a sudden Yahiko was more confident when speaking to me. Maybe not in a significant way, but a noticeable way.

There was silence again until Yahiko spoke.

"You think you'll be staying here for a while?" He asked. Was that hopefulness I heard in his voice?

"Possibly as long as I can." I thought that answer would help him in his worries. To be honest, I didn't plan on leaving partially because of Yahiko.

He then let out a loud breath again. He had probably been holding it in anticipation.

"That's nice to hear." He commented, looking over to me with an adorable blush on his face.

The statement caused me to blush and give him a slight smile. But, unlike Yahiko, I had to look away. To think I could become so vulnerable around a boy. I had always daydreamed that when I met my first boy, I would be calm and it would be simple. I had always wanted a relationship similar to the one my mother and father shared, but when I told my mother that, she said it would be much more difficult than I thought. And she was right.

"Me...mema...ruu?"

I was brought out of my thoughts and looked at Yahiko with confusion. Why was he stuttering again? I had thought he had overcome that.

"Do..do youhaveaboyfriend?" He said unusually quick. Not quick enough, however, for I had heard every word clearly. And for once, it caused me to stutter as well.

"N..oo. Wh..why do you as..sk?" Even though I had not had experience with boys, I had an intelligent enough mind to realize what was happening. I doubted he actually wanted to be my boyfriend, but I had a feeling it would crush him if I actually did.

"I...it's ju..st...I wa..as curious?" It was clear that he either didn't want to tell me why or he wasn't even sure himself. That was fine with me because I honestly didn't want an answer. The situation was very bizarre.

We stayed in silence the rest of the way. It was not long until we had reached the market anyway. Now it was my turn to speak.

"Alright. Let's split up the list and meet back here as soon as we've finished," I instructed. I had not done these things with another person ever since I was very young, so, naturally, I took control. He answered in a simple nod and we went our separate ways.

Yahiko rushed down the street searching for the items he was told to get. He had just made a fool of him, yet again, in front of Memaruu. 'I don't think I could have been more obvious.' He scolded and cursed himself many a times.

'Was this what Sano meant by winning her over. 'Cause I'm doing a lousy job!' He couldn't remove the negative thoughts swarming his mind as he gathered everything. He was going to have to do a much better job if he wanted to win Memaruu's heart. As corny as that sounded, that's what he really wanted.

Becoming stronger and swords had always been his top priority until Memaruu had arrived. It was hard to concentrate on anything when she was around.

Yahiko knew there were two ways of going about his problem. One was to completely dismiss any feelings for her and forget her, which he knew was an impossible solution. The second was to make her love him in return, so he did not have to worry about how she felt towards him all the time. The first one would be the most difficult and he knew he would probably not be happy because he was spending his time trying not the like Memaruu. The other one, however, would make him very happy. It seemed like the obvious choice.

Yahiko tried to keep his thoughts in the back of his mind as he grabbed the last of his items and rushed back to where he had to meet Memaruu.

I tried my hardest to wait patiently for Yahiko, but it wasn't working. I wanted to get home as soon as possible. It was strange...to call something home without pain and fear striking my heart. I actually felt comfort and joy for the first time in a while. I took in the last moments of free thinking as soon as I saw Yahiko running back to me.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," he rambled when he finally reached me. Actually I had only been waiting there a minute or so, but that was beside the point. I nodded and began to walk in the direction of the dojo. Yahiko scrambled to catch up with me and we made our journey back.

It was about noon time when we were walking home. The trip there had been easier, since we were not carrying heavy items at that time. Now it was more difficult. Why did Miss Kaoru have to get so many things at once?

"Do you need any help?"

I had almost forgotten that Yahiko was walking right next to me. Maybe my thoughts were too focused on the extra weight on my shoulder.

"No thank you. I am fine," I answered with another one of my fake smiles. I had been getting good at that. Yahiko didn't say another word about it after.

"Do you like sunsets?" he suddenly asked. That was such a random question, but he was most likely just trying to start conversation.

"Yes, I do. They are very beautiful," I replied.

"Would...would you...?" He seemed to stop abruptly.

"Would I what?" I was actually quite curious about what he had planned to ask me. But, I knew that I shouldn't get my hopes up too high.

"Would you like to watch it with me tonight?" Yahiko asked as his entire face turned crimson.

I thought I was about the fall down on my face. I had not prepared myself for such a question as this. My mother had said that girls and boys often got together alone to spend time with each other when they liked one another. Would saying yes mean I was admitting I liked him. But how could I say no? I mean I did like him, and eventually he would find out.

I looked up at him with a smile. "Of course. I would like that."

His face lit up with a smile. He stared at me for a moment without any nervousness, which I was glad about. That is, until he realized what he was doing and looked away. I didn't blame him though. I would have done the same.

"I have not been able to just watch a beautiful sunset in a long while. I can't wait till we do," I said with a sigh. I was very good when it came to telling people what they wanted to hear. I was sure Yahiko would appreciate that. And I wasn't just saying it for nothing. I meant it. I was going to watch a beautiful sunset with a boy that I had just began to like. What did my mother call it again...having a crush or something like that? I knew we were a little young to be truly in love, but this was a start.

"Yeah! It will be great! We can watch it from the rooftop if you want. Kaoru doesn't like when I go up there but I'll bet she'll make an exception." Yahiko appeared much happier than he had been before. That was a good sign. It felt good to make someone feel happy.

We didn't have much conversation after that, but we enjoyed each others company until we finally made it home.

"Look! Look! Here they come. Everyone act casual," Kaoru instructed. Everyone tried to act casual, but failed miserably. Sano sat down under a tree to pretend to take a nap but would open his eyes every moment. Kenshin stood there in a confused state and looked around desperately for a place to hide himself. Kaoru waited at the gate and watched as the young couple entered.

"Why, hello you two! Welcome back. Did you get everything?"

Memaruu answered for them. "Yes, we certainly did."

Yahiko looked happily over to Sano, who was watching them intently. He gave him a secret thumbs up, which was difficult considering his hands were full. Sano smiled and closed his eyes. He was finally ready for that nap. He could always talk to Yahiko about it later.

"Here, let this one help you with that," Kenshin offered. He didn't wait for an answer and took the items from Memaruu.

"Thank you."

Usually, Yahiko would have complained and asked why no one helped him. This time he made an exception. He was sure he was in good shape with Memaruu and he didn't want to risk anything. The last thing he needed was for her to think he was a loser.

"I think that's enough of chores for today. That probably took a lot out of you two. You may take a nap if you would like, Memaruu," Kaoru said kindly before leaving with Kenshin to the kitchen. Yahiko quickly followed.

I stood there until everyone had left. I actually didn't want to take a nap, but I was grateful for the offer.

For some reason, everyone seemed to be acting really strange. Even Kaoru, whom I thought was never strange, seemed to be hiding something. Though, knowing them for as long as I have, I could tell it wouldn't be anything too bad. I'd have to find out eventually anyway...

Author: That's all for now. Please review! I'll try and update soon if I get any reviews.