Gunshot Roses
Chapter Five
............... is a flashback again
----------------------
"Milady?" Kenshin asked, as he was taking her to Tae's.
"Hmm?"
"You're brother's name is Aoshi, am I correct?" Kenshin said, hiding his eyes.
"Yes," she leaned over and looked at his face. "Why?"
"Did you know anyone with the last name, Shinomori?" Kenshin asked again, looking at her out of the corner of his eyes.
"My mother . . . Her maiden name was Shinomori. Why?"
"Interesting . . ."
"What is?" she said, tugging at his waist.
"Nothing, Milady," he smiled. "It's just funny how we may have been connected without even knowing when we met . . ."
Kaoru laughed, "I don't understand, but fate has a way of doing that to you!"
"Truly."
------------------
He brought her to the back door of the bar. She smiled, slipped off the horse and he followed her suit.
"Kenshin . . ." she looked up at his amethyst eyes. She looked at the ground, "Thank you, for wanting to protect me . . ."
"It's nothing, Milady." He smiled and brought his hand near her face. She looked up in surprise and he brushed some stray hair back in place for her. "How could I say no to you?" he slightly laughed.
She looked at his eyes and smiled, "You have such nice eyes."
"Not as pretty as yours."
She blushed and looked down again. His hand then rest where her neck met her shoulder and she smiled. "Kaoru . . ."
She looked up. Their faces were so close, his breath gently tickled her. She blinked and he thought, 'Jasmine?' Her hand brushed his hair out of his face and her fingers were tangled in a mess of blood colored hair.
"Maybe someday . . ." she whispered, "I won't be as held back by restrictions and laws as I am now . . . then we- . . ."
"Hush . . ." he smiled. "Let's not think about it."
"Kaoru?! Are you out there?!" Tae's voice shattered their romantic silence. Kaoru turned her head slightly, and smiled, looking back at Kenshin. Kenshin laughed and nodded.
Kaoru bit her bottom lip slightly, with her eyes closed. She looked Kenshin in the eye. He was about to say goodbye, but, quickly, she placed her lips on his cheek. She pulled back and looked in his eyes once more, before running inside the bar.
Kenshin stood there with a stupor look on his face. He touched his cheek gingerly and smiled.
'That's how it is, huh, Kaoru?'
---------------------
"Earth to Kenshin! You there, buddy?"
Sanosuke knocked on Kenshin's head, who was lying down on a bed in the inn. Kenshin rolled over and glared at Sano. Sanosuke laughed, "What?"
Megumi sighed, "Leave him alone, Sano." She turned to Misao, "So, no word from Aoshi?"
Kenshin gagged on air and Misao ignored him, "No . . ."
"Whatcha talking about, fox?" Sano asked, leaning on her shoulder.
"Well, I told Misao to write Aoshi a letter to where he lives . . . or at least used to live," Megumi answered.
Misao groaned, "But he's not answering."
"That's because he doesn't live where you think . . ." Kenshin muttered, while staring out the window.
"What?" Misao frowned at him.
Kenshin looked at her, startled, "Well, I just mean that he probably has moved since you last saw him. How did you two meet, anyway?"
"Well, when I was looking for a job, I met him. He was looking as well. He wanted to get a nice job as an assistant, and work his way up. He said he needed money for his two sisters . . . Their parents had just past away. I never met his sisters though . . ." Misao smiled, "I bet they were good looking, like him."
Kenshin smiled and nodded. 'They are just as good looking . . .' he thought. 'And that explains why she didn't recognize Kaoru . . .'
"Well, I'm going . . . out" Kenshin said, getting up.
"Where to, buddy?" Sano asked.
"No where in particular."
......................
"Leave, damn you!"
"No way in hell! You're coming with me! You wanted to see a new America, so come on! You're gonna live!"
"If you stay with me, you'll die!"
"I'm willing to take that chance!"
"Look out! That's the group lead Hajime Saito, one of the South's finest army captains!!"
"Come on, I'm not leaving you!"
A man lifted another onto his shoulders. An explosion filled the air, and the men jumped a few feet in front of them. "Shit!" the one doing the carrying exclaimed. "I nearly busted my leg!"
"Leave me here, damnit!!!"
"No way in hell!!!"
The men dragged themselves across the battlefield, until they found shelter, given to them by a beautiful black haired woman. She was apparently a doctor. She took one look at the man being carried and her eyes widened.
"Is he that bad, doc?"
"No . . ." she stuttered. "It's just . . . oh nothing! Get him on the bed over there!"
"You're not a . . . Southerner, are you? Because we're not going to let ourselves get stabbed in the back by a woman!!"
"Number one, a woman could backstab you worse then any man, and number two; all people are just patients in a doctor's eye. No matter what color, race or beliefs they may have." She pulled her instruments out of a bag. "Now will you accept help or no?"
"Fine . . ." The man laid his friend, who was now passed-out from loss of blood, on the bed in the nearest room. He turned to the woman who was now at the man's side, trying to help. "I have to go back out there . . ."
"You're so young, though. How can you stand it?"
"It's what I've been called to do . . . I must . . ."
"Please don't . . . what if Southerners come here?"
"I thought you we-. . ."
"They aren't as understanding about a doctor's obligation," she sighed, while sewing up a wound.
"I see . . . so you want . . . protection?"
"I wouldn't mind the company . . ."
The man laughed, "Alright."
She looked at him and smiled, "You have such a nice color of hair! I've never seen a shade of red like that!"
He laughed again, "Thank you."
...........................
The ride home was in silence.
Kenshin and Kaoru were both a bit red in the face, being this close to one another after the morning's happening. They both were unsure what to say, so they said nothing.
The mansion came in clear view shortly, and Kaoru got off. She looked at Kenshin, her mouth trying to form words.
He smiled and she thought how much she loved that smile. "Milady, I'll be back in the morning as usual?"
"Wonderful," she smiled as well and he thought the exact same thing she had.
------------------------
'I wonder what she's- . . .'
"Kaoru! You! Stop!" Kanryuu shouted as he marched across the lawn. Kaoru froze and her eyes widened. Kenshin kept his cool. "What in God's name are you doing on my property, boy?"
"I was bringing Miss Kaoru home, that's all," Kenshin bowed slightly. "If you have any problems, please let me know."
"I have a huge problem! Why the hell are you with my Kaoru?" Kanryuu said angrily.
"Like I said, making sure she got home safely, since is seems you do not care about her enough to send someone to take her to Tae's and back!" Kenshin barked. He sighed, "I'm sorry sir, I shouldn't have shouted. It's just that Miss Kaoru seems to be in danger when she travels, and I just want to make sure she doesn't get attacked."
"You shouldn't be worrying with problems that concern my workers. I ask you to never again visit my dear Kaoru here. I don't want you to see her, talk to her, or in anyway concern yourself with her. Is that clear?" Kanryuu slightly growled.
Kaoru interjected, "But Kanryuu! He's just trying to help me! Why is it that you push people who I get close with away? Why can't I- . . . why can't . . . I . . ."
'Why can't I be free?'
"Sir Kanryuu, that is a bit rash, considering that I did nothing to violate Miss Kaoru in any way!" Kenshin shook his head.
"You shut up!! Or I'll have you silenced!" Kanryuu bellowed.
"I believe you can do no such thing!" Kenshin clenched his jaw.
"Want to try me, Cowboy?"
"I will defeat you any day, coward!"
Kaoru came between the two men, who were in an intense staring match, "Stop!" They both looked at her, stunned and Kenshin bowed.
"I am sorry Milady."
"Kenshin, please, just leave . . ." she said, her eyes not wanting to meet his.
"Kaoru . . ."
"Please!" she said as she turned toward Kanryuu. Kenshin sighed and left without a glance back. Kaoru looked back at him, sorrowfully, but Kanryuu jerked her by the arm forward.
'Kaoru . . . Why? Why must fate throw us into situations such as these?'
-------------------------
"Thank you, Sou," Kaoru said, her eyes dulled.
"Kaoru, please don't be upset over that cowboy . . . I'm sure that it's for the best," Soujiro offered her a smile, but she gave him the same look.
They stood behind the bar, waiting for one another to speak. Never in all the years that they had known each other, had it been like this between them. Soujiro sighed, "Till tonight, Kaoru."
"Goodbye, Soujiro."
She stepped inside and began another day at work. Although this day, she was not as cheerful.
----------------------
Kenshin lay on his bed, hands behind his head, brooding over what Kanryuu had said. He thought about everything and decided that he wouldn't go down without a fight. There was no way that he'd lose to a man who needed others to do his biding.
No way would he give up Kaoru to a man like that.
No way . . .
But you can still feel a sense of warmth, as the couple surly did seconds before they perished, together.
"That reminds me . . ." Kenshin said, getting up. He grabbed his gun holster and walked out of the building. He walked toward the bar and entered quietly.
The bar was noise, as expected. Various card games were being played and shouts of accusations were heard. Kenshin walked up to Tae and nodded, "Where's Miss Kaoru?"
Tae looked up in surprise and shook her head, "No . . ."
He took a step close and she a step back. "Where is she?" he asked again.
"I . . . I won't . . . you'll hurt her! She told me what Kanryuu said! It's the same thing he said to her old boyfriend . . . and when he went back to her, Kanryuu attempted to kill him! And, I don't want her to get hurt again! Please . . . leave her alone!" Tae gave him a pleading look and he clenched his jaw.
"Please," he said roughly, "tell me where she is, now."
"No . . . she-"
Kenshin reached over the bar table that separated them and took her shoulders, "Damnit! You don't understand!"
"Tae?" a sweet voice filtered the air. Kenshin turned instantly and saw Kaoru, looking a bit surprised and frightened at the site of Kenshin being so fierce with Tae. "What in heaven's name is- . . .?"
"Kaoru, please, whatever he says don't listen!! I don't think he's in his right mind!" Tae said going to Kaoru and putting a hand on her shoulder. Kaoru stared at her and then at Kenshin.
"Miss Kaoru . . . I . . ." he bowed deeply. "I'm sorry."
"What are you doing here? If Kanryuu finds out . . ." she whispered hoarsely.
'What am I doing here?' he thought. 'What ever went through my head probably doesn't make sense . . . I guess I just want to be near her . . . I guess I lo-'
"Well?" she asked again when he did not answer.
"I wanted to see you . . ." he muttered.
Tae blinked and cried, "You liar! You're probably here to cause more trouble! Please go!"
"Tae . . . I'm sorry," he said earnestly.
Kaoru put a hand on her shoulder, "I think you've been working to hard . . . but in any case, can I talk with him? Alone?" Tae took the hint and nodded, while walking away. Kaoru looked back at Kenshin, "Why? Why did you want to see me?"
"Kaoru . . . I . . . I am so sorry for the trouble I caused you . . . I think it may be time that my companions and I left . . ." Kenshin sighed.
"No!" she took his shirt to prevent him from leaving that minute. "You promised!" He stared down at her as emotions played across her face. "Don't leave me . . ." she whispered.
"Kaoru . . ." his face was mixed. Then the smiled, "Come with me now."
"What?" she looked in his eyes.
"Come away with me now, and I'll show you something . . ." he took her hand and led her out of the bar.
.......................
"You're so damn lucky . . ." the red haired man chuckled.
"I know! I almost had my freaking head blown off!" his friend, a brown haired man, exclaimed.
"Oh stop it!" the black haired woman huffed. "You're perfectly fine!"
"I coulda died out there! It's horrifying!" the brown haired man grinned. "You should give me some more respect then that! I'm helping protect the country!"
"Right . . ."
The door flew open and a teenage boy stood there, bloody and worn. His mouth moved to say something, but his legs gave away and he pitched forward, only to be caught by the red haired man. The woman ran forward and immediately began to clean his wounds.
...............
"Where are we going? Not back to my home, are we?" Kaoru asked, sitting on a horse that Kenshin was directing. They were heading in the direction of the Kanryuu estate.
"No, that's the last place I would take you, Miss Kaoru."
"Oh . . ." she stared off at the passing scenery. "Well then, where?"
"You'll see . . ." he smiled slightly.
..............
"I'm Misao Makimachi!" the young girl laughed. "And you are?"
"Kenshin Himura. What are you doing out here? I hardly think the park is a safe place for a young lady such as yourself."
"Uh . . . I got a little lost . . ."
"Understandable . . . New York is a big city. Why were you in a tree though?"
"Well . . . I was chased by a dog, if you can believe it . . . and the damned thing almost bit my hand off!"
"Well, you certainly are something else . . . although that can be said just by looking at the way you're dressed . . ."
"Hey!"
"No offense meant by it! It's just . . . you hardly ever see a woman in men's pants."
"They're comfortable . . ."
"Yes . . . well . . ."
.....................
"Are you ok to climb up here?" Kenshin asked Kaoru. They stood on a hill that was steep and rocky. She nodded and began to climb, following Kenshin. The rocks beneath her gave away a bit and she began to slip. He grabbed her hand and steadied her. "We should be careful," he smiled.
"Yes . . ."
They managed to get to the top and walked past the bushes that closed off the area. Kaoru stopped and looked at the scenery before them. She gasped, "It's beautiful . . ."
The plateau in between the mountains was completely green. There were a few willow trees that rippled softly in the wind. A lake adorned the middle of the grassy area and flowers were scattered everywhere. The entire scene was obscure for a deserted area filled with sand and dry heat. A cool wind ruffled the couple's hair as well as the greenery and water.
Kenshin's eyes widened, "Amazing . . ." He took her hand and they quietly made their way down the slightly declining land.
Kaoru ran right up to the water and stared at it. She smiled at Kenshin, "I haven't seen a lake like this since I was a little girl in Virginia!"
He laughed and fell into a sitting position on the ground near the edge of the lake. She crouched down and touched the water. "It's chilly," she giggled. She fell backwards and sat down near Kenshin. "Thank you . . ."
"Of course," he smiled. They sat in silence, jut soaking up their surroundings. Kaoru started to gather flowers and place them on her lap. One by one, she intertwined the stems and made a wreath. Kenshin watched her with a playful smiled. He stood up and plucked a pink carnation from the ground. He broke part of the stem off and leaned over Kaoru. She blushed as he put it behind her ear. "It suits you," he laughed.
Kenshin walked around the edge of the lake and Kaoru rose to follow him. He leaned over and pulled a cattail out of the water. Kenshin grinned and tickled Kaoru's nose with it. She giggled and pulled back. He walked back to where they had originally been sitting and stood where the water met the land.
Kaoru came up behind him and giggled. He turned around and she pushed him into the water. As he fell, he grabbed her arm and dragged her down as well. They both hit the water with a splash and levitated to the surface. Kaoru had landed on Kenshin's and stayed there as they swiftly floated in the surprisingly deep water.
Kenshin ran his hand through her wet hair and smiled. They both stood up and the water stayed a shoulder level as their feet touched the bottom. Kaoru smiled at Kenshin as her raven hair floated gracefully around them, mixing with scarlet locks. He brought his wet hand up to her face and she smiled. He pulled himself toward her and gently placed his lips on hers. Kaoru wrapped her arms around his neck, making him stay in their everlasting moment.
He pulled away suddenly and looked at her, "Kanryuu will surly have my head for this . . . I shouldn't put you in danger . . ."
"You think I care?" she asked frankly. "It's worth whatever punishment Kanryuu gives us . . . that's to say, if he ever finds out."
She grinned and pulled him toward her again for another kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist and understood.
--------------------
"She is Liberty, she comes to rescue me. Hope, Faith, her Vanity, the greatest gift is Gold."
U2, "In God's Country"
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A/N:
Hey, everyone! Well, sorry for the long wait, but this just took me a while . . . and it's pretty long . . . eight pages, without the author's note I'm writing. Also, I've had a ton of school work and final projects and finals and yeah . . . you think that at the end of the year, they'd ease up on us . . . I've also been reading a lot of fanfics so yeah . . . Not to mention I'm drawing Bando-sama a picture for her story, "Viox".
I'm very sorry that New York and Cherry Blossoms hasn't been updated, for those of you who read it . . . it's just really tough . . . I think I'll give this one a little break and go work on it, since that has such an intricate plot, that it's gonna be ten times longer then this. Actually, this one is going to be short, maybe not even ten chapters!
Hope you're enjoying it! All reviews get a cowboy chibi Kenshin! Haha they're so cute!
Ciao
Chapter Five
............... is a flashback again
----------------------
"Milady?" Kenshin asked, as he was taking her to Tae's.
"Hmm?"
"You're brother's name is Aoshi, am I correct?" Kenshin said, hiding his eyes.
"Yes," she leaned over and looked at his face. "Why?"
"Did you know anyone with the last name, Shinomori?" Kenshin asked again, looking at her out of the corner of his eyes.
"My mother . . . Her maiden name was Shinomori. Why?"
"Interesting . . ."
"What is?" she said, tugging at his waist.
"Nothing, Milady," he smiled. "It's just funny how we may have been connected without even knowing when we met . . ."
Kaoru laughed, "I don't understand, but fate has a way of doing that to you!"
"Truly."
------------------
He brought her to the back door of the bar. She smiled, slipped off the horse and he followed her suit.
"Kenshin . . ." she looked up at his amethyst eyes. She looked at the ground, "Thank you, for wanting to protect me . . ."
"It's nothing, Milady." He smiled and brought his hand near her face. She looked up in surprise and he brushed some stray hair back in place for her. "How could I say no to you?" he slightly laughed.
She looked at his eyes and smiled, "You have such nice eyes."
"Not as pretty as yours."
She blushed and looked down again. His hand then rest where her neck met her shoulder and she smiled. "Kaoru . . ."
She looked up. Their faces were so close, his breath gently tickled her. She blinked and he thought, 'Jasmine?' Her hand brushed his hair out of his face and her fingers were tangled in a mess of blood colored hair.
"Maybe someday . . ." she whispered, "I won't be as held back by restrictions and laws as I am now . . . then we- . . ."
"Hush . . ." he smiled. "Let's not think about it."
"Kaoru?! Are you out there?!" Tae's voice shattered their romantic silence. Kaoru turned her head slightly, and smiled, looking back at Kenshin. Kenshin laughed and nodded.
Kaoru bit her bottom lip slightly, with her eyes closed. She looked Kenshin in the eye. He was about to say goodbye, but, quickly, she placed her lips on his cheek. She pulled back and looked in his eyes once more, before running inside the bar.
Kenshin stood there with a stupor look on his face. He touched his cheek gingerly and smiled.
'That's how it is, huh, Kaoru?'
---------------------
"Earth to Kenshin! You there, buddy?"
Sanosuke knocked on Kenshin's head, who was lying down on a bed in the inn. Kenshin rolled over and glared at Sano. Sanosuke laughed, "What?"
Megumi sighed, "Leave him alone, Sano." She turned to Misao, "So, no word from Aoshi?"
Kenshin gagged on air and Misao ignored him, "No . . ."
"Whatcha talking about, fox?" Sano asked, leaning on her shoulder.
"Well, I told Misao to write Aoshi a letter to where he lives . . . or at least used to live," Megumi answered.
Misao groaned, "But he's not answering."
"That's because he doesn't live where you think . . ." Kenshin muttered, while staring out the window.
"What?" Misao frowned at him.
Kenshin looked at her, startled, "Well, I just mean that he probably has moved since you last saw him. How did you two meet, anyway?"
"Well, when I was looking for a job, I met him. He was looking as well. He wanted to get a nice job as an assistant, and work his way up. He said he needed money for his two sisters . . . Their parents had just past away. I never met his sisters though . . ." Misao smiled, "I bet they were good looking, like him."
Kenshin smiled and nodded. 'They are just as good looking . . .' he thought. 'And that explains why she didn't recognize Kaoru . . .'
"Well, I'm going . . . out" Kenshin said, getting up.
"Where to, buddy?" Sano asked.
"No where in particular."
......................
"Leave, damn you!"
"No way in hell! You're coming with me! You wanted to see a new America, so come on! You're gonna live!"
"If you stay with me, you'll die!"
"I'm willing to take that chance!"
"Look out! That's the group lead Hajime Saito, one of the South's finest army captains!!"
"Come on, I'm not leaving you!"
A man lifted another onto his shoulders. An explosion filled the air, and the men jumped a few feet in front of them. "Shit!" the one doing the carrying exclaimed. "I nearly busted my leg!"
"Leave me here, damnit!!!"
"No way in hell!!!"
The men dragged themselves across the battlefield, until they found shelter, given to them by a beautiful black haired woman. She was apparently a doctor. She took one look at the man being carried and her eyes widened.
"Is he that bad, doc?"
"No . . ." she stuttered. "It's just . . . oh nothing! Get him on the bed over there!"
"You're not a . . . Southerner, are you? Because we're not going to let ourselves get stabbed in the back by a woman!!"
"Number one, a woman could backstab you worse then any man, and number two; all people are just patients in a doctor's eye. No matter what color, race or beliefs they may have." She pulled her instruments out of a bag. "Now will you accept help or no?"
"Fine . . ." The man laid his friend, who was now passed-out from loss of blood, on the bed in the nearest room. He turned to the woman who was now at the man's side, trying to help. "I have to go back out there . . ."
"You're so young, though. How can you stand it?"
"It's what I've been called to do . . . I must . . ."
"Please don't . . . what if Southerners come here?"
"I thought you we-. . ."
"They aren't as understanding about a doctor's obligation," she sighed, while sewing up a wound.
"I see . . . so you want . . . protection?"
"I wouldn't mind the company . . ."
The man laughed, "Alright."
She looked at him and smiled, "You have such a nice color of hair! I've never seen a shade of red like that!"
He laughed again, "Thank you."
...........................
The ride home was in silence.
Kenshin and Kaoru were both a bit red in the face, being this close to one another after the morning's happening. They both were unsure what to say, so they said nothing.
The mansion came in clear view shortly, and Kaoru got off. She looked at Kenshin, her mouth trying to form words.
He smiled and she thought how much she loved that smile. "Milady, I'll be back in the morning as usual?"
"Wonderful," she smiled as well and he thought the exact same thing she had.
------------------------
'I wonder what she's- . . .'
"Kaoru! You! Stop!" Kanryuu shouted as he marched across the lawn. Kaoru froze and her eyes widened. Kenshin kept his cool. "What in God's name are you doing on my property, boy?"
"I was bringing Miss Kaoru home, that's all," Kenshin bowed slightly. "If you have any problems, please let me know."
"I have a huge problem! Why the hell are you with my Kaoru?" Kanryuu said angrily.
"Like I said, making sure she got home safely, since is seems you do not care about her enough to send someone to take her to Tae's and back!" Kenshin barked. He sighed, "I'm sorry sir, I shouldn't have shouted. It's just that Miss Kaoru seems to be in danger when she travels, and I just want to make sure she doesn't get attacked."
"You shouldn't be worrying with problems that concern my workers. I ask you to never again visit my dear Kaoru here. I don't want you to see her, talk to her, or in anyway concern yourself with her. Is that clear?" Kanryuu slightly growled.
Kaoru interjected, "But Kanryuu! He's just trying to help me! Why is it that you push people who I get close with away? Why can't I- . . . why can't . . . I . . ."
'Why can't I be free?'
"Sir Kanryuu, that is a bit rash, considering that I did nothing to violate Miss Kaoru in any way!" Kenshin shook his head.
"You shut up!! Or I'll have you silenced!" Kanryuu bellowed.
"I believe you can do no such thing!" Kenshin clenched his jaw.
"Want to try me, Cowboy?"
"I will defeat you any day, coward!"
Kaoru came between the two men, who were in an intense staring match, "Stop!" They both looked at her, stunned and Kenshin bowed.
"I am sorry Milady."
"Kenshin, please, just leave . . ." she said, her eyes not wanting to meet his.
"Kaoru . . ."
"Please!" she said as she turned toward Kanryuu. Kenshin sighed and left without a glance back. Kaoru looked back at him, sorrowfully, but Kanryuu jerked her by the arm forward.
'Kaoru . . . Why? Why must fate throw us into situations such as these?'
-------------------------
"Thank you, Sou," Kaoru said, her eyes dulled.
"Kaoru, please don't be upset over that cowboy . . . I'm sure that it's for the best," Soujiro offered her a smile, but she gave him the same look.
They stood behind the bar, waiting for one another to speak. Never in all the years that they had known each other, had it been like this between them. Soujiro sighed, "Till tonight, Kaoru."
"Goodbye, Soujiro."
She stepped inside and began another day at work. Although this day, she was not as cheerful.
----------------------
Kenshin lay on his bed, hands behind his head, brooding over what Kanryuu had said. He thought about everything and decided that he wouldn't go down without a fight. There was no way that he'd lose to a man who needed others to do his biding.
No way would he give up Kaoru to a man like that.
No way . . .
But you can still feel a sense of warmth, as the couple surly did seconds before they perished, together.
"That reminds me . . ." Kenshin said, getting up. He grabbed his gun holster and walked out of the building. He walked toward the bar and entered quietly.
The bar was noise, as expected. Various card games were being played and shouts of accusations were heard. Kenshin walked up to Tae and nodded, "Where's Miss Kaoru?"
Tae looked up in surprise and shook her head, "No . . ."
He took a step close and she a step back. "Where is she?" he asked again.
"I . . . I won't . . . you'll hurt her! She told me what Kanryuu said! It's the same thing he said to her old boyfriend . . . and when he went back to her, Kanryuu attempted to kill him! And, I don't want her to get hurt again! Please . . . leave her alone!" Tae gave him a pleading look and he clenched his jaw.
"Please," he said roughly, "tell me where she is, now."
"No . . . she-"
Kenshin reached over the bar table that separated them and took her shoulders, "Damnit! You don't understand!"
"Tae?" a sweet voice filtered the air. Kenshin turned instantly and saw Kaoru, looking a bit surprised and frightened at the site of Kenshin being so fierce with Tae. "What in heaven's name is- . . .?"
"Kaoru, please, whatever he says don't listen!! I don't think he's in his right mind!" Tae said going to Kaoru and putting a hand on her shoulder. Kaoru stared at her and then at Kenshin.
"Miss Kaoru . . . I . . ." he bowed deeply. "I'm sorry."
"What are you doing here? If Kanryuu finds out . . ." she whispered hoarsely.
'What am I doing here?' he thought. 'What ever went through my head probably doesn't make sense . . . I guess I just want to be near her . . . I guess I lo-'
"Well?" she asked again when he did not answer.
"I wanted to see you . . ." he muttered.
Tae blinked and cried, "You liar! You're probably here to cause more trouble! Please go!"
"Tae . . . I'm sorry," he said earnestly.
Kaoru put a hand on her shoulder, "I think you've been working to hard . . . but in any case, can I talk with him? Alone?" Tae took the hint and nodded, while walking away. Kaoru looked back at Kenshin, "Why? Why did you want to see me?"
"Kaoru . . . I . . . I am so sorry for the trouble I caused you . . . I think it may be time that my companions and I left . . ." Kenshin sighed.
"No!" she took his shirt to prevent him from leaving that minute. "You promised!" He stared down at her as emotions played across her face. "Don't leave me . . ." she whispered.
"Kaoru . . ." his face was mixed. Then the smiled, "Come with me now."
"What?" she looked in his eyes.
"Come away with me now, and I'll show you something . . ." he took her hand and led her out of the bar.
.......................
"You're so damn lucky . . ." the red haired man chuckled.
"I know! I almost had my freaking head blown off!" his friend, a brown haired man, exclaimed.
"Oh stop it!" the black haired woman huffed. "You're perfectly fine!"
"I coulda died out there! It's horrifying!" the brown haired man grinned. "You should give me some more respect then that! I'm helping protect the country!"
"Right . . ."
The door flew open and a teenage boy stood there, bloody and worn. His mouth moved to say something, but his legs gave away and he pitched forward, only to be caught by the red haired man. The woman ran forward and immediately began to clean his wounds.
...............
"Where are we going? Not back to my home, are we?" Kaoru asked, sitting on a horse that Kenshin was directing. They were heading in the direction of the Kanryuu estate.
"No, that's the last place I would take you, Miss Kaoru."
"Oh . . ." she stared off at the passing scenery. "Well then, where?"
"You'll see . . ." he smiled slightly.
..............
"I'm Misao Makimachi!" the young girl laughed. "And you are?"
"Kenshin Himura. What are you doing out here? I hardly think the park is a safe place for a young lady such as yourself."
"Uh . . . I got a little lost . . ."
"Understandable . . . New York is a big city. Why were you in a tree though?"
"Well . . . I was chased by a dog, if you can believe it . . . and the damned thing almost bit my hand off!"
"Well, you certainly are something else . . . although that can be said just by looking at the way you're dressed . . ."
"Hey!"
"No offense meant by it! It's just . . . you hardly ever see a woman in men's pants."
"They're comfortable . . ."
"Yes . . . well . . ."
.....................
"Are you ok to climb up here?" Kenshin asked Kaoru. They stood on a hill that was steep and rocky. She nodded and began to climb, following Kenshin. The rocks beneath her gave away a bit and she began to slip. He grabbed her hand and steadied her. "We should be careful," he smiled.
"Yes . . ."
They managed to get to the top and walked past the bushes that closed off the area. Kaoru stopped and looked at the scenery before them. She gasped, "It's beautiful . . ."
The plateau in between the mountains was completely green. There were a few willow trees that rippled softly in the wind. A lake adorned the middle of the grassy area and flowers were scattered everywhere. The entire scene was obscure for a deserted area filled with sand and dry heat. A cool wind ruffled the couple's hair as well as the greenery and water.
Kenshin's eyes widened, "Amazing . . ." He took her hand and they quietly made their way down the slightly declining land.
Kaoru ran right up to the water and stared at it. She smiled at Kenshin, "I haven't seen a lake like this since I was a little girl in Virginia!"
He laughed and fell into a sitting position on the ground near the edge of the lake. She crouched down and touched the water. "It's chilly," she giggled. She fell backwards and sat down near Kenshin. "Thank you . . ."
"Of course," he smiled. They sat in silence, jut soaking up their surroundings. Kaoru started to gather flowers and place them on her lap. One by one, she intertwined the stems and made a wreath. Kenshin watched her with a playful smiled. He stood up and plucked a pink carnation from the ground. He broke part of the stem off and leaned over Kaoru. She blushed as he put it behind her ear. "It suits you," he laughed.
Kenshin walked around the edge of the lake and Kaoru rose to follow him. He leaned over and pulled a cattail out of the water. Kenshin grinned and tickled Kaoru's nose with it. She giggled and pulled back. He walked back to where they had originally been sitting and stood where the water met the land.
Kaoru came up behind him and giggled. He turned around and she pushed him into the water. As he fell, he grabbed her arm and dragged her down as well. They both hit the water with a splash and levitated to the surface. Kaoru had landed on Kenshin's and stayed there as they swiftly floated in the surprisingly deep water.
Kenshin ran his hand through her wet hair and smiled. They both stood up and the water stayed a shoulder level as their feet touched the bottom. Kaoru smiled at Kenshin as her raven hair floated gracefully around them, mixing with scarlet locks. He brought his wet hand up to her face and she smiled. He pulled himself toward her and gently placed his lips on hers. Kaoru wrapped her arms around his neck, making him stay in their everlasting moment.
He pulled away suddenly and looked at her, "Kanryuu will surly have my head for this . . . I shouldn't put you in danger . . ."
"You think I care?" she asked frankly. "It's worth whatever punishment Kanryuu gives us . . . that's to say, if he ever finds out."
She grinned and pulled him toward her again for another kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist and understood.
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"She is Liberty, she comes to rescue me. Hope, Faith, her Vanity, the greatest gift is Gold."
U2, "In God's Country"
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A/N:
Hey, everyone! Well, sorry for the long wait, but this just took me a while . . . and it's pretty long . . . eight pages, without the author's note I'm writing. Also, I've had a ton of school work and final projects and finals and yeah . . . you think that at the end of the year, they'd ease up on us . . . I've also been reading a lot of fanfics so yeah . . . Not to mention I'm drawing Bando-sama a picture for her story, "Viox".
I'm very sorry that New York and Cherry Blossoms hasn't been updated, for those of you who read it . . . it's just really tough . . . I think I'll give this one a little break and go work on it, since that has such an intricate plot, that it's gonna be ten times longer then this. Actually, this one is going to be short, maybe not even ten chapters!
Hope you're enjoying it! All reviews get a cowboy chibi Kenshin! Haha they're so cute!
Ciao