Gunshot Roses
Chapter Two
@---
"Umm . . . Mr. Himura?"
Kenshin turned quickly and saw a young girl standing timidly behind him. She had short brown hair and hazel colored eyes.
"Yes, Miss?" he said turning all the way around.
"Um, is there anything I can help you with?" she asked referring to the fact that he was saddling up his horse.
"That's alright, but the company would be much appreciated. What's your name?"
"Tsubame Kamiya" she said moving to the horse and petting it gently.
"Ah, you're Miss. Kaoru's sister, are you not?" Kenshin smiled and threw the saddle over the horses back. "What are you doing up so early?"
"I have chores to do outside."
"All alone?" Kenshin asked looking down at the girl who was keeping his horse very calm.
"No, Soujiro is going to be out in a while to help," she said. She fed the horse a little bit of food from her hand and giggled as the horse's velvety nose brushed against her hand.
"You enjoy working with the horses, do you not?" Kenshin smiled.
"Yes. It was originally Kaoru's chores to work out here, but she'd much rather clean inside, and I loved the horses, so we switched," Tsubame looked up at him and smiled a bit. "Are you leaving?"
"Yes," he sighed, turning back to his horse. "I don't want to be in the way."
"My sister is going to be a little upset," Tsubame turned to the horse again. "She was really hoping you would stay a little longer."
"Did she now?" Kenshin looked up. "In any case, I really should be leaving."
"Are you going to be in town a little while longer?"
"Perhaps," Kenshin climbed onto the saddle of the horse.
"Hey Cowboy!" Kenshin turned to see Soujiro waving. "Thank you for regarding what I said last night!"
"It's alright, I don't want to be a bother." He kicked his horse, "Hope to see everyone later!" He waved and rode off.
"Um, Soujiro?" Tsubame asked.
"Yeah?"
"What did you say to Mr. Himura?"
"I told him about Kanryuu and the proposal," Soujiro said attending to chores.
"But . . . why? Kaoru really likes him!"
"We don't need another person making it harder for Kaoru. He may have helped to save her, but it doesn't mean he's good enough for Kaoru."
"You're a bit critical . . ." Tsubame sighed.
"Yeah I guess."
From the window, Kaoru watched her cowboy ride off. She huffed and closed the shade.
@---
"Hey! Sou!" Kaoru called walking out of the house. "Help me please? I got to go to Tae's now."
"Sure," Soujiro smiled happily and helped saddle up her horse.
Kaoru smiled and nodded. "Oh!" she said suddenly. "I forgot something in the house! One second!"
She ran in to the servant's quarters and grabbed a pocket knife. She laughed to herself as she looked at the engraved initials: KH. She slipped it into her purse and walked back outside. As she was walking to the stables, someone called her name. She turned and saw Kanryuu smiling as he walked toward her.
"Kaoru, my dear, where are you going?" he smiled
"To Tae's . . ." she said as she kept walking.
"Hmm . . . I don't think I like the idea of you working there." She tuned around and he grabbed her wrist. "You're too beautiful and I may not be able to protect you next time you're attacked."
"But you've never saved me, it was Kenshin . . ." she starred at him in confusion.
He looked at her sternly, but then his face curved into a sick grin. "Kaoru, my dear, my point is that you're too beautiful for men like that -cowboy- to view you. I think you should stay home, with me because I would never try to hurt you." With one hand still latched onto her wrist, he placed his free hand underneath her chin so she was looking up at him.
"Kanryuu, don't . . ." tears swelled in her eyes. If she fought him, he could make her life hell or beat her. He had every right to do so as her master. If she didn't fight. . .
"Beautiful angel," Kanryuu kissed her lips. Kaoru clenched her jaw. She pulled away and starred at him. He laughed and kissed her jaw line.
"Kaoru?" Soujiro called looking for her. He then saw Kanryuu and her and made a face, "That's sick . . ."
Kanryuu's hand had gone to her should now and was traveling downward toward her chest. Kaoru bit her lip and thought this was her limit. She couldn't deal with that.
"Kanryuu . . ." Kaoru whispered, "Forgive me." She kicked him in the crotch and ran for the stables.
Soujiro called to her, "Your horse is ready!"
"Many thanks Soujiro!" she called as she mounted. Soujiro laughed to himself as Kaoru spit on the ground and made a gagging noise.
Soujiro looked over at Kanryuu, bending over on the ground. His smile turned to laughter as he walked away to tend to the other horses.
@---
"Oh great," Kenshin sighed. "I forgot my knife!"
"Go get it," Sano said bored. "Won't take long."
"I suppose."
@---
'Oh my god,' Kaoru thought, disgusted, as she traveled down the ten mile road, 'I can't believe he kissed me!!! I'll have to wash out my mouth with soap! That was disgusting! That's the farthest he's getting! Ew! What should I do? I mean . . . I kicked him! He'll surely punish me! Oh no . . . why did he do that?'
Tears swelled up in her eyes and she tried blinking them away. She looked up when she heard the sound of a horse coming down the road and gasped.
"Cowboy!!" Kaoru called. "Hey!"
Kenshin looked up from starring into nothing and saw Kaoru coming down the road. 'Oh no,' he thought, 'she's going to be mad at me that I just lefted . . .'
He quickened his pace to meet her and noticed the tears in her eyes and her sorrowful look. "Kaoru?" he slipped off his horse when they were next to each other. "Miss Kaoru what's wrong?"
She got off her horse and looked up at him, tears threatening. She didn't love Kanryuu . . . How could she?
Teardrops fell and she leaned into his shoulder, crying. He sighed and put his arms around her, not asking the problem. When her crying had stifled he rubbed her back and asked her again what was wrong.
She swallowed hard, "K-Kanryuu . . . he . . . he cornered me again and . . ." She swallowed again and looked up at Kenshin. "He kissed me . . . but his hand . . . and he was . . . urgh!" she leaned onto his shoulder again, but this time to hide herself from him.
"Did he hurt you? Are you alright? Did he get far?" Kenshin grabbed her shoulders and moved her so she was looking at him. "Are you alright Miss Kaoru?"
"I'm fine . . . physically anyway . . . I kind of . . . stopped him before he got any farther." She looked at the ground instead of Kenshin.
His grip loosened and he laughed, "You kicked him where it hurts?" Kaoru blushed and nodded as Kenshin laughed. She sighed and his face got seriously. She looked up at him and he spoke, "You're not one to be tamed, are you?"
"Huh?"
"You're more of a free spirit. You want to go where you wish and love who you want to, isn't that true?"
"Yes . . ."
"You want to be free and you don't really want to be bound be chains of slavery, or forced marriage. Soujiro will kill me for saying this, but I think you shouldn't submit to that man. He's wrongfully holding you captive . . . I wish there was more I could do to help you, but there's nothing right now," Kenshin sighed and cocked his head, "I must sound foolish."
Kaoru smiled tearfully, "Not at all."
"You're crying again?" Kenshin asked.
"It's because," she smiled, "no one ever truthfully wanted to help us."
"Well then," Kenshin said brushing away her tears, "I truly am happy to help you."
They got back on the horses and slowly made their way to town, while talking. Kaoru then laughed, "I had one boyfriend before you know . . ."
"Oro?" he looked up at her, "What happened?"
"Well, Kanryuu found out and he tried to kill him a couple of times," she sighed. "He had told me he loved me . . . He said that Kanryuu couldn't scare him. He said that he would find a way to stop Kanryuu. He had lied . . ." she looked at Kenshin and laughed lightly. "That was when I was fourteen. He ran away in the middle of the night and I never saw him again."
"That's unfortunate," Kenshin looked down. "It seems that you have not had such a happy childhood."
"Huh . . . I guess so."
"Oro?"
"Well, I never really thought I was unfortunate. Sure there are people who live better, but there are also people who live worse. You know?"
Kenshin laughed, "Yeah I know."
They got to Tae's and Kaoru tied up the horse. She thanked Kenshin greatly and he asked if she wanted him to come later and ride with her home. She starred at him in surprise then nodded and smiled.
"Oh!" Kaoru said, looking in her handbag for something. "I almost forgot!" Kaoru pulled out a pocket knife and handed it to Kenshin. "It's yours, isn't it?"
"Yeah . . ." he laughed. "Thanks."
She nodded and headed inside. Kenshin watched her go and shook his head.
@---
Kenshin walked into the inn where he and his comrades were staying. Sano and Yahiko were lazily playing a card game on a table while Misao and Megumi were watching.
"Hey Kenshin! Where've you been?" Sano called.
"Around," Kenshin said idly while sitting backwards on a chair.
Misao nudged him, "When are we gonna take care of you know what?"
Everyone looked up at Kenshin. Megumi said, "You know she's right. The more time we have it, the more trouble it'll cause. Let's get it over with and leave this rusty town."
Kenshin lowered his head and stared at the wall, "Yeah . . . but . . ."
Sano laughed, "You don't wanna leave that girl, huh?"
A smile ran across Kenshin's face, "Yeah."
"Then, I guess . . ." Megumi sighed.
"We should stay longer!" Yahiko grinned.
"For Himura!" Misao jumped up and nearly knocked over the table.
"Weasel girl!!" Sano cried, holding the table still.
Kenshin laughed and watched his friends playfully fight. "Well," he said getting up, "Let's head out now . . . I promised Kaoru I'd walk with her home."
"In broad day light?!" Misao said looking surprised.
"Why not? We've done it before!" Kenshin laughed again and they left the inn together.
@---
"Bring these to table three, got it?"
"Yeah."
Kaoru picked up a heavy tray and brought them to the said table. She placed them down and smiled, "Enjoy."
"Thank you, lady," the one man said.
Kaoru nodded and walked back. When she sat on a stool at the bar she caught wind of a interesting conversation.
"Didja hear? They say those legendary thieves came into town today!" one man said.
"Huh? Who?" another asked.
"You know, the group led by Kenshin the Gunslinger!"
Kaoru turned around on the stool and froze. Her eyes widened and she leaned over to hear more.
"No kidding? Is zat the same guy who took out fifty men in Gleeson last week?"
"Yeah. Funny thing though, they say nobody died."
"Really?"
"Yeah. You know, I don't think he's all that bad, cause nobody's ever seen him steal nothing."
"But they call 'em a thief?"
"Yeah him and the guys he rides with . . . well two are women, but anyway, I guess they lack a better word. Nobody really knows what they're doing 'round here . . . they've been ridin' 'round these parts for months. People stay you can here the jingle of an immense amount of money of 'em but no one knows where it comes from . . . They also say Kenshin was- . . ."
"Hey!" Kaoru called getting up and walking over. "What does this 'thief' look like?"
"Well, hey missy, that's a bit rude . . ."
"Sorry, PLEASE tell me what he looks like"
"Well, lemme think . . . they say he's got long fiery red hair and these real strange purple eyes that look soft, but will turn in an instant to a cold stare. And lastly, a funny cross shape scar on his left cheek," the man drew an x-shape on his own left cheek.
Kaoru stared and the men with her mouth open. She then clenched her jaw and nodded, "Thank you."
She walked away and looked up at Tae, who gave her more orders to serve.
@---
"Whew!" Misao sighed as they rode back from what they had been doing. "Didn't think that'd be so hard! Or boring!"
"Yeah well, it's what we do . . ." Yahiko sighed. "And it's boring . . ."
"Sometimes . . ." Kenshin laughed.
Megumi started to hum a popular tune and Sano whistled along. Everyone else laughed.
Sanosuke rode right next to Megumi and put an arm on her shoulder. She laughed and shook her head.
Yahiko rolled his eyes and whispered to Kenshin, "They should just come out with it . . . Everyone knows he's the reason she rides with us."
"Each to his own, Yahiko, each to his own." Kenshin nodded. "Let's hurry, I told Miss Kaoru I'd walk her home."
Sano grinned, "Whoo hoo!"
Kenshin rolled his eyes, "Sano, stop."
@---
Kaoru sat on the back steps of the bar. She stared up at the night sky and got lost in thought.
She thought of Kenshin, and whether or not he was a thief . . . If he was, would she be safe with him? Was he deceiving her the whole time? Was there any chance of th- . . .?
The sound of hooves broke into her thoughts and she looked up at the approaching rider. Kenshin smiled, "Good evening."
"Mmm . . ." she mumbled and looked at the ground.
"Something wrong?" he asked, offering her his hand. She shook her head no, took his hand and climbed on the horse.
They rode in silence at a steady pace. Kaoru was a bit intimidated by the fact that he might be . . . a thief. Thieves were bad right? Thieves were the kind of people that killed right? Then what . . .
"Miss Kaoru? Tell me what's wrong," Kenshin asked again.
"It's just . . . I heard from some men in the bar that you're a . . . a thief. If that's true, are you only helping me to get to Kanryuu? Why are pretending to help me? If thieves are bad men . . . what are you?"
Kenshin smiled lazily, "So I'm a thief now . . . Well, Miss Kaoru, you'll just have to trust me when I say I only wish to help you. And to answer what I am . . . I am just a man, wishing to help you in return for your company, if it's not to bold as to say."
Kaoru blushed and looked down at her knees. Kenshin smiled silently. "Kenshin?" she asked. "How did you get that scar?"
Kenshin laughed, "That should not be discussed at this time . . . perhaps I will tell you another day."
"Alright," she said with a shiver. She giggled, "Its cold out tonight!"
"Oh?" he said turning his head. "Is Milady alright?"
"I'm fine. It's just usually much warmer!"
Kenshin nodded, "Let's hurry getting you home."
"You don't have to hurry to fast . . ." she said slowly, her arms tightening around his waist. "Sou told me you might leave town soon, but . . ."
"Kaoru," titled his head back. "I shouldn't get involved with your life no matter how much I wish to help."
"Why?" she said fiercely. "You're going to leave as well? Are you afraid of Kanryuu too? Why? Kenshin . . . Why?" she buried her face in his back. A sob escaped and Kenshin bite the side of his mouth.
"Kaoru . . . I'm . . . I'm sorry."
"I've been hurt many times . . . and I'm not complaining, but if you leave and go back on your word . . . I'll never forgive you. I can't live with Kanryuu. It's as you said, I want to love who I wish to love . . . and I don't love Kanryuu."
Kenshin sighed, "Kaoru, I'm sorry, it's just, Soujiro told me of what might happen, and I don't want you hurt more then you have been in the past. If Kanryuu finds out about me and how I'm trying to help you, he'll kill me and torture you for treachery. I don't want that." As she lifted her had up, Kenshin leaned back into her grip. She squeezed his waist and leaned her head gently on his back.
"Kenshin, please don't leave me . . ."
"Never . . ."
@---
A/N:
Hey! I'm just singing Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2 at the top of my lungs in my room while writing! Haha!
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys this chapter! Sorry it took so long! I was working on New York and Cherry Blossoms, and homework cause everyone knows, schools a bitch! But anyway! I hope everyone reviews please!! Like I said in New York and Cherry Blossoms, reviews will change the ending(s)! So please leave one!
Song of the day: Sunday Bloody Sunday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you've never heard it, get your butt over to my house and listen!! Hahahah. Just kidding! Don't want a bunch of strangers over here!
Hope you continue reading!
~Ciao
Chapter Two
@---
"Umm . . . Mr. Himura?"
Kenshin turned quickly and saw a young girl standing timidly behind him. She had short brown hair and hazel colored eyes.
"Yes, Miss?" he said turning all the way around.
"Um, is there anything I can help you with?" she asked referring to the fact that he was saddling up his horse.
"That's alright, but the company would be much appreciated. What's your name?"
"Tsubame Kamiya" she said moving to the horse and petting it gently.
"Ah, you're Miss. Kaoru's sister, are you not?" Kenshin smiled and threw the saddle over the horses back. "What are you doing up so early?"
"I have chores to do outside."
"All alone?" Kenshin asked looking down at the girl who was keeping his horse very calm.
"No, Soujiro is going to be out in a while to help," she said. She fed the horse a little bit of food from her hand and giggled as the horse's velvety nose brushed against her hand.
"You enjoy working with the horses, do you not?" Kenshin smiled.
"Yes. It was originally Kaoru's chores to work out here, but she'd much rather clean inside, and I loved the horses, so we switched," Tsubame looked up at him and smiled a bit. "Are you leaving?"
"Yes," he sighed, turning back to his horse. "I don't want to be in the way."
"My sister is going to be a little upset," Tsubame turned to the horse again. "She was really hoping you would stay a little longer."
"Did she now?" Kenshin looked up. "In any case, I really should be leaving."
"Are you going to be in town a little while longer?"
"Perhaps," Kenshin climbed onto the saddle of the horse.
"Hey Cowboy!" Kenshin turned to see Soujiro waving. "Thank you for regarding what I said last night!"
"It's alright, I don't want to be a bother." He kicked his horse, "Hope to see everyone later!" He waved and rode off.
"Um, Soujiro?" Tsubame asked.
"Yeah?"
"What did you say to Mr. Himura?"
"I told him about Kanryuu and the proposal," Soujiro said attending to chores.
"But . . . why? Kaoru really likes him!"
"We don't need another person making it harder for Kaoru. He may have helped to save her, but it doesn't mean he's good enough for Kaoru."
"You're a bit critical . . ." Tsubame sighed.
"Yeah I guess."
From the window, Kaoru watched her cowboy ride off. She huffed and closed the shade.
@---
"Hey! Sou!" Kaoru called walking out of the house. "Help me please? I got to go to Tae's now."
"Sure," Soujiro smiled happily and helped saddle up her horse.
Kaoru smiled and nodded. "Oh!" she said suddenly. "I forgot something in the house! One second!"
She ran in to the servant's quarters and grabbed a pocket knife. She laughed to herself as she looked at the engraved initials: KH. She slipped it into her purse and walked back outside. As she was walking to the stables, someone called her name. She turned and saw Kanryuu smiling as he walked toward her.
"Kaoru, my dear, where are you going?" he smiled
"To Tae's . . ." she said as she kept walking.
"Hmm . . . I don't think I like the idea of you working there." She tuned around and he grabbed her wrist. "You're too beautiful and I may not be able to protect you next time you're attacked."
"But you've never saved me, it was Kenshin . . ." she starred at him in confusion.
He looked at her sternly, but then his face curved into a sick grin. "Kaoru, my dear, my point is that you're too beautiful for men like that -cowboy- to view you. I think you should stay home, with me because I would never try to hurt you." With one hand still latched onto her wrist, he placed his free hand underneath her chin so she was looking up at him.
"Kanryuu, don't . . ." tears swelled in her eyes. If she fought him, he could make her life hell or beat her. He had every right to do so as her master. If she didn't fight. . .
"Beautiful angel," Kanryuu kissed her lips. Kaoru clenched her jaw. She pulled away and starred at him. He laughed and kissed her jaw line.
"Kaoru?" Soujiro called looking for her. He then saw Kanryuu and her and made a face, "That's sick . . ."
Kanryuu's hand had gone to her should now and was traveling downward toward her chest. Kaoru bit her lip and thought this was her limit. She couldn't deal with that.
"Kanryuu . . ." Kaoru whispered, "Forgive me." She kicked him in the crotch and ran for the stables.
Soujiro called to her, "Your horse is ready!"
"Many thanks Soujiro!" she called as she mounted. Soujiro laughed to himself as Kaoru spit on the ground and made a gagging noise.
Soujiro looked over at Kanryuu, bending over on the ground. His smile turned to laughter as he walked away to tend to the other horses.
@---
"Oh great," Kenshin sighed. "I forgot my knife!"
"Go get it," Sano said bored. "Won't take long."
"I suppose."
@---
'Oh my god,' Kaoru thought, disgusted, as she traveled down the ten mile road, 'I can't believe he kissed me!!! I'll have to wash out my mouth with soap! That was disgusting! That's the farthest he's getting! Ew! What should I do? I mean . . . I kicked him! He'll surely punish me! Oh no . . . why did he do that?'
Tears swelled up in her eyes and she tried blinking them away. She looked up when she heard the sound of a horse coming down the road and gasped.
"Cowboy!!" Kaoru called. "Hey!"
Kenshin looked up from starring into nothing and saw Kaoru coming down the road. 'Oh no,' he thought, 'she's going to be mad at me that I just lefted . . .'
He quickened his pace to meet her and noticed the tears in her eyes and her sorrowful look. "Kaoru?" he slipped off his horse when they were next to each other. "Miss Kaoru what's wrong?"
She got off her horse and looked up at him, tears threatening. She didn't love Kanryuu . . . How could she?
Teardrops fell and she leaned into his shoulder, crying. He sighed and put his arms around her, not asking the problem. When her crying had stifled he rubbed her back and asked her again what was wrong.
She swallowed hard, "K-Kanryuu . . . he . . . he cornered me again and . . ." She swallowed again and looked up at Kenshin. "He kissed me . . . but his hand . . . and he was . . . urgh!" she leaned onto his shoulder again, but this time to hide herself from him.
"Did he hurt you? Are you alright? Did he get far?" Kenshin grabbed her shoulders and moved her so she was looking at him. "Are you alright Miss Kaoru?"
"I'm fine . . . physically anyway . . . I kind of . . . stopped him before he got any farther." She looked at the ground instead of Kenshin.
His grip loosened and he laughed, "You kicked him where it hurts?" Kaoru blushed and nodded as Kenshin laughed. She sighed and his face got seriously. She looked up at him and he spoke, "You're not one to be tamed, are you?"
"Huh?"
"You're more of a free spirit. You want to go where you wish and love who you want to, isn't that true?"
"Yes . . ."
"You want to be free and you don't really want to be bound be chains of slavery, or forced marriage. Soujiro will kill me for saying this, but I think you shouldn't submit to that man. He's wrongfully holding you captive . . . I wish there was more I could do to help you, but there's nothing right now," Kenshin sighed and cocked his head, "I must sound foolish."
Kaoru smiled tearfully, "Not at all."
"You're crying again?" Kenshin asked.
"It's because," she smiled, "no one ever truthfully wanted to help us."
"Well then," Kenshin said brushing away her tears, "I truly am happy to help you."
They got back on the horses and slowly made their way to town, while talking. Kaoru then laughed, "I had one boyfriend before you know . . ."
"Oro?" he looked up at her, "What happened?"
"Well, Kanryuu found out and he tried to kill him a couple of times," she sighed. "He had told me he loved me . . . He said that Kanryuu couldn't scare him. He said that he would find a way to stop Kanryuu. He had lied . . ." she looked at Kenshin and laughed lightly. "That was when I was fourteen. He ran away in the middle of the night and I never saw him again."
"That's unfortunate," Kenshin looked down. "It seems that you have not had such a happy childhood."
"Huh . . . I guess so."
"Oro?"
"Well, I never really thought I was unfortunate. Sure there are people who live better, but there are also people who live worse. You know?"
Kenshin laughed, "Yeah I know."
They got to Tae's and Kaoru tied up the horse. She thanked Kenshin greatly and he asked if she wanted him to come later and ride with her home. She starred at him in surprise then nodded and smiled.
"Oh!" Kaoru said, looking in her handbag for something. "I almost forgot!" Kaoru pulled out a pocket knife and handed it to Kenshin. "It's yours, isn't it?"
"Yeah . . ." he laughed. "Thanks."
She nodded and headed inside. Kenshin watched her go and shook his head.
@---
Kenshin walked into the inn where he and his comrades were staying. Sano and Yahiko were lazily playing a card game on a table while Misao and Megumi were watching.
"Hey Kenshin! Where've you been?" Sano called.
"Around," Kenshin said idly while sitting backwards on a chair.
Misao nudged him, "When are we gonna take care of you know what?"
Everyone looked up at Kenshin. Megumi said, "You know she's right. The more time we have it, the more trouble it'll cause. Let's get it over with and leave this rusty town."
Kenshin lowered his head and stared at the wall, "Yeah . . . but . . ."
Sano laughed, "You don't wanna leave that girl, huh?"
A smile ran across Kenshin's face, "Yeah."
"Then, I guess . . ." Megumi sighed.
"We should stay longer!" Yahiko grinned.
"For Himura!" Misao jumped up and nearly knocked over the table.
"Weasel girl!!" Sano cried, holding the table still.
Kenshin laughed and watched his friends playfully fight. "Well," he said getting up, "Let's head out now . . . I promised Kaoru I'd walk with her home."
"In broad day light?!" Misao said looking surprised.
"Why not? We've done it before!" Kenshin laughed again and they left the inn together.
@---
"Bring these to table three, got it?"
"Yeah."
Kaoru picked up a heavy tray and brought them to the said table. She placed them down and smiled, "Enjoy."
"Thank you, lady," the one man said.
Kaoru nodded and walked back. When she sat on a stool at the bar she caught wind of a interesting conversation.
"Didja hear? They say those legendary thieves came into town today!" one man said.
"Huh? Who?" another asked.
"You know, the group led by Kenshin the Gunslinger!"
Kaoru turned around on the stool and froze. Her eyes widened and she leaned over to hear more.
"No kidding? Is zat the same guy who took out fifty men in Gleeson last week?"
"Yeah. Funny thing though, they say nobody died."
"Really?"
"Yeah. You know, I don't think he's all that bad, cause nobody's ever seen him steal nothing."
"But they call 'em a thief?"
"Yeah him and the guys he rides with . . . well two are women, but anyway, I guess they lack a better word. Nobody really knows what they're doing 'round here . . . they've been ridin' 'round these parts for months. People stay you can here the jingle of an immense amount of money of 'em but no one knows where it comes from . . . They also say Kenshin was- . . ."
"Hey!" Kaoru called getting up and walking over. "What does this 'thief' look like?"
"Well, hey missy, that's a bit rude . . ."
"Sorry, PLEASE tell me what he looks like"
"Well, lemme think . . . they say he's got long fiery red hair and these real strange purple eyes that look soft, but will turn in an instant to a cold stare. And lastly, a funny cross shape scar on his left cheek," the man drew an x-shape on his own left cheek.
Kaoru stared and the men with her mouth open. She then clenched her jaw and nodded, "Thank you."
She walked away and looked up at Tae, who gave her more orders to serve.
@---
"Whew!" Misao sighed as they rode back from what they had been doing. "Didn't think that'd be so hard! Or boring!"
"Yeah well, it's what we do . . ." Yahiko sighed. "And it's boring . . ."
"Sometimes . . ." Kenshin laughed.
Megumi started to hum a popular tune and Sano whistled along. Everyone else laughed.
Sanosuke rode right next to Megumi and put an arm on her shoulder. She laughed and shook her head.
Yahiko rolled his eyes and whispered to Kenshin, "They should just come out with it . . . Everyone knows he's the reason she rides with us."
"Each to his own, Yahiko, each to his own." Kenshin nodded. "Let's hurry, I told Miss Kaoru I'd walk her home."
Sano grinned, "Whoo hoo!"
Kenshin rolled his eyes, "Sano, stop."
@---
Kaoru sat on the back steps of the bar. She stared up at the night sky and got lost in thought.
She thought of Kenshin, and whether or not he was a thief . . . If he was, would she be safe with him? Was he deceiving her the whole time? Was there any chance of th- . . .?
The sound of hooves broke into her thoughts and she looked up at the approaching rider. Kenshin smiled, "Good evening."
"Mmm . . ." she mumbled and looked at the ground.
"Something wrong?" he asked, offering her his hand. She shook her head no, took his hand and climbed on the horse.
They rode in silence at a steady pace. Kaoru was a bit intimidated by the fact that he might be . . . a thief. Thieves were bad right? Thieves were the kind of people that killed right? Then what . . .
"Miss Kaoru? Tell me what's wrong," Kenshin asked again.
"It's just . . . I heard from some men in the bar that you're a . . . a thief. If that's true, are you only helping me to get to Kanryuu? Why are pretending to help me? If thieves are bad men . . . what are you?"
Kenshin smiled lazily, "So I'm a thief now . . . Well, Miss Kaoru, you'll just have to trust me when I say I only wish to help you. And to answer what I am . . . I am just a man, wishing to help you in return for your company, if it's not to bold as to say."
Kaoru blushed and looked down at her knees. Kenshin smiled silently. "Kenshin?" she asked. "How did you get that scar?"
Kenshin laughed, "That should not be discussed at this time . . . perhaps I will tell you another day."
"Alright," she said with a shiver. She giggled, "Its cold out tonight!"
"Oh?" he said turning his head. "Is Milady alright?"
"I'm fine. It's just usually much warmer!"
Kenshin nodded, "Let's hurry getting you home."
"You don't have to hurry to fast . . ." she said slowly, her arms tightening around his waist. "Sou told me you might leave town soon, but . . ."
"Kaoru," titled his head back. "I shouldn't get involved with your life no matter how much I wish to help."
"Why?" she said fiercely. "You're going to leave as well? Are you afraid of Kanryuu too? Why? Kenshin . . . Why?" she buried her face in his back. A sob escaped and Kenshin bite the side of his mouth.
"Kaoru . . . I'm . . . I'm sorry."
"I've been hurt many times . . . and I'm not complaining, but if you leave and go back on your word . . . I'll never forgive you. I can't live with Kanryuu. It's as you said, I want to love who I wish to love . . . and I don't love Kanryuu."
Kenshin sighed, "Kaoru, I'm sorry, it's just, Soujiro told me of what might happen, and I don't want you hurt more then you have been in the past. If Kanryuu finds out about me and how I'm trying to help you, he'll kill me and torture you for treachery. I don't want that." As she lifted her had up, Kenshin leaned back into her grip. She squeezed his waist and leaned her head gently on his back.
"Kenshin, please don't leave me . . ."
"Never . . ."
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A/N:
Hey! I'm just singing Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2 at the top of my lungs in my room while writing! Haha!
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys this chapter! Sorry it took so long! I was working on New York and Cherry Blossoms, and homework cause everyone knows, schools a bitch! But anyway! I hope everyone reviews please!! Like I said in New York and Cherry Blossoms, reviews will change the ending(s)! So please leave one!
Song of the day: Sunday Bloody Sunday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you've never heard it, get your butt over to my house and listen!! Hahahah. Just kidding! Don't want a bunch of strangers over here!
Hope you continue reading!
~Ciao