Author's Note: Here's a triple helping of fluff for all the Kenshin/Kaoru fans out there. Some references to episode 78 so a bit of a spoiler. Also, the names of the innkeeper and the two maids were made up since they were never named in the episode. Enjoy their honeymoon. Glossary of Japanese Words

Dansu—dresser

Tengoku No Niwa—literally "Heavenly Garden" In episode 78, the inn that the Kenshin-gumi stayed had rooms named after flowers so I thought it would make a nice name for the inn.

Yokoso—Welcome

Omedeto-Congratulations

HONEYMOON IN HAKONE

The resort village of Hakone was rapidly becoming a favorite vacation spot for its scenic beauty, with the majestic Fujiyama in its distance. The colorful foliage of autumn added to the spectacle as the train chugged into the station with a whoosh as the steam expelled from its engine. Inside, the passengers began to gather their things and file out, with Kenshin and Kaoru among the crowd coming off the train.

Kaoru glanced around delightedly as Kenshin retrieved their bags. "Oh Kenshin, it's so beautiful around here in the fall. I'm so glad we're here."

"Hai I am too," her husband said as he scanned the surroundings. "And I'm also glad that I'll be sharing it with you." He planted a kiss on her cheek and a few people around them smiled as she blushed.

"Mou, Kenshin not here, in front of everyone," Kaoru admonished as she lowered her head shyly.

Kenshin smiled at his wife as he picked up the two small bags and took her elbow. "Then let's go to the inn, koishii so we can be alone and relax."

The Tengoku No Niwa Inn was one of the many inns in Hakone that had their own hot springs on the premises, surrounded by beautiful flora. Their lodgings were lavishly decorated with various flowers in each of their rooms, hence the names of each room was after a certain flower. The Lily Room was decorated with tiger lilies, the Chrysanthemum Room had colorful chrysanthemums all about, the Gladiola Room had a rainbow of gladiolas in every corner and their finest room, the Rose Room was filled with red and white late season roses that perfumed the very air of the chamber. For that reason, it was considered a favorite for newlyweds.

Kenshin and Kaoru entered and were immediately spotted by the innkeeper, Fujimoto who approached them with a warm greeting, welcoming the newlyweds.

"Ah Ken-san, Kaoru-san, yokoso. I'm honored to have you both back here at my inn." He bowed obsequiously and the head hostess came forward and smiled broadly as Kenshin returned the greeting.

"Fujimoto-dono, Naomi-san, it's good to see you, that it is," the diminutive swordsman said as he and Kaoru bowed. "We remember your kindness to us the last time we were here when we misplaced our money."

Fujimoto chuckled as he recalled the incident. "I remember well that the two of you and your friends all worked very hard for us in repayment. And is your visit this time different?"

Kenshin reached in his gi and drew out his wallet, intact. "Hai, this time we are able to pay, that we are."

Naomi feigned disappointment. "Too bad. I've never had such good workers as all of you and I could use you again. The group I have now is a lazy bunch."

Kenshin laughed as he rejoined, "Sorry to disappoint you, Naomi-san but this time is quite different." He gazed lovingly at his bride and squeezed her hand. "We are here for our honeymoon, that we are."

Kaoru smiled shyly as Naomi said in delight, "Omedeto! I wish you all the best."

Fujimoto spoke right up. "Then you must have the Rose Room. It's considered the favorite when we have newlyweds staying with us." He rang a bell and a young maidservant came out bowing.

"Juri, take Himura-san's bags to the Rose Room," he directed as he gestured to the stairs. He bowed again as he said, "Ken-san, Kaoru-san, please enjoy your stay as my honored guests."

"Arigatou, Fujimoto-dono."

"Arigatou," Kaoru replied as the two climbed the stairs and headed to the Rose Room.

As they followed the girl Juri, Kaoru mused how in a year's time things had happened so to find her back at this inn and in addition, Kenshin's bride. The last time they had come to the inn had been a lark, a treat as they were journeying back home to Tokyo after the battle in Shimabara with Amakusa Shougo. They had finished a sumptuous meal and were relaxing when Fujimoto had entered and asked if they would be able to pay. Kaoru assured him they could and asked Kenshin to show him when they discovered that the money they had was gone, lost through a hole in Kenshin's sleeve. They all were embarrassed and faced with eviction when Naomi came running in and informed the innkeeper that a huge number of customers just arrived and they were short of help. It was then the Kenshin-gumi all volunteered to work for their keep.

Juri led them down the hall and slid open the shoji to the room, the aroma of roses wafting out of the chamber, as they stood ready to enter. Juri took the bags into the room but as Kaoru made to follow, Kenshin pulled her back.

"Kenshin, what's wrong," she turned to say when she was scooped up into his arms and carried into the rose scented room. "Ahh, what are you doing?"

He gave her a boyish grin as he replied, "Carrying you over the threshold." He then leaned in to capture her lips before she could respond as the maidservant watched dreamily, sighing at the romantic couple. . .

Later, after a meal of tempura and vegetables, the newlyweds were locked in each other's arms as they watched the sun set outside their balcony, bathing the room in gold and orange. Conversation was unnecessary as they savored the closeness of each other and both observed the beauty of the fading light of the first day of their marriage.

Kaoru laid her head on Kenshin's chest, his steady heartbeat echoing in her ear adding to her overall contentment as she fingered a stray lock of fire and he caressed her, running his fingers through her own midnight tresses. Her mind wandered as she watched the violet clouds stretch across the patchwork of vivid pinks, oranges, and gold and the half circle that was the sun dipped below the horizon. She sighed in complete contentment, her joy replete in the former hitokiri that was now her husband.

Kenshin's thoughts were different, however, as he thought of the previous decade of his life where he wandered, a man without a home and possessing just the clothes on his back and his sakabatou. The constant surreal scene of the last person he slew numbed his heart, his own wife and first love Himura Tomoe. Their marriage had been too short, they had just begun to explore and discover each other after having been adversaries first. Her death as she sought to protect him was so nightmarish that many a night in the wilderness he had screamed in agony as the woodland symphony of nocturnal creatures would halt at the eerie cry. Many a time those nights his eyes would flood with tears as he would seek elusive sleep and was teeming with self-loathing and the thought in his mind of ever experiencing the joy of marriage again was as far as the east from the west.

But the foggy night he wandered into Tokyo to see for himself what the era he had helped to forge had wrought was fateful as a sweet yet firm voice ordered him to stand down. And so at the moment of that summons, his life had irrevocably changed forever as his future was determined, the path laid down before him by a beautiful swordswoman who was feisty and yet generous, offering something to him he had denied himself, a home. Almost immediately, he fell in love deeply and hopelessly with the lovely girl-woman who bravely stood up to Shishio's Juppongatana yet was petrified of rope bridges, an adorable paradox that just endeared her to him even more. Yet in his stained soul, he deemed her too pure and innocent for him so he held his feelings back until he could no more, when he thought she had been slain by the revenge crazed Enishi and he had lost her forever. After seeing what he had thought was Kaoru's dead body, pierced with a sword and marked on the cheek with a cross, Kenshin left and went to the place of those who lost hope, Rakuninmura to die until Tsubame had come with the news that Kaoru was alive.

Kenshin mentally shook the sadness from his heart as he gazed down at the woman nestled in his arms, her petite warmth chasing the residual chill away. His lips curved into a loving smile as he tightened his arms around his bride.

Kaoru felt her husband's arms squeezing her and she commented with a giggle, "Mou, Kenshin, you're taking my breath away."

He chuckled as he responded, "Then we're even because you've taken my breath away since the moment I first laid eyes on you, that you have."

Sapphire met amethyst and Kaoru returned his warm gaze, her heart pounding like a triphammer as her husband's words made her speechless. Her response was to reach her mouth to meet him, petal soft lips dancing across the cross on his left cheek before they slipped onto his eager and receptive mouth as he opened it and bid her entrance. Kaoru moaned softly and she snaked her arms through his gi and around his torso as the kiss deepened.

When they finally drew apart, Kenshin reached up and freed Kaoru's hair from the indigo ribbon binding it and the raven strands cascaded down in a silky fall to her tiny waist. He then scooped her up and carried her to the waiting futon. It had been set up by the maidservant before she discreetly exited when they first arrived but the couple had not noticed while Kenshin kissed his bride as he cradled her in his arms. Now he laid her down on the futon, as he began to untie the sash of her yukata to uncover her body for his ministrations as his mouth ravaged hers. His fingers slid down the silk covered contour of her body as they pushed the material away from her skin.

Kaoru did the same, her eager fingers hungry to know her husband as she pushed his gi farther apart and out of his hakama. He gave her a grin as he assisted by completely doffing the garment and tossing it aside as he captured her lips again. She closed her eyes as the waves of delight tingled throughout her being, like the ripples on a pond. The two continued to disrobe and pleasure each other in lovemaking as their shadows, silhouetted on the wall joined as one. Later, as the moonlight streamed into the room from the open balcony, both Kenshin and Kaoru lay entwined, exhausted but sated as they drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

The next day and the days following were filled with times of joy and fun as the Battousai and his bride enjoyed the sights and each other. Kenshin rented a surrey and a horse and took Kaoru up into the lower region of Fujiyama where the autumn foliage was at its vivid best. They went browsing in the many little shops and usually came out with a package or two as now that he had the resources Kenshin could not resist spending money to please his koishii. They also strolled hand in hand, quite unconventional but as newlyweds the locals gave them allowance with smiles of understanding.

Some of the best times, however were the quiet times they spent, in each other's arms as they shared words of hope from the Bible as they drew closer to their God, their hearts grateful for finally being able to shake off the fetters of uncertainty about each other. They sent prayers of humble thanksgiving after a year of longing for the gift of being one. And they shared many memories of their pasts as they became even closer.

Of course, since the hot spring is the main attraction to the inn, Kenshin and Kaoru took full advantage, in the evening when the rest of the guests had long since retired. This was truly the halcyon time for bathed in silvery glow of the moon, they enjoyed the warmth of the natural hot spring and tenderly served each other, scrubbing each other's backs and experiencing the most intense intimacy that a newly married couple could. Fujimoto was a gracious and thoughtful host as aware of the couple's need for privacy, he had the gate to the spring locked while Kenshin and Kaoru were there and unlocked just before they were ready to leave it. It was a sanctuary and a place where the two continued in their discovery of each other.

The first night as they frolicked in the spring Kaoru and Kenshin reminisced about the last time they stayed at this inn and the incident with the art student who had become infatuated with Kaoru. The conversation was lively as they remembered the intense young man.

"Oh, that was so embarrassing when me and Misao were bathing and we discovered we were being watched by that artist Higashiyama."

"Aa," Kenshin agreed. "I remember how he was sketching you and wanted to paint you."

Kaoru suddenly got shy as she built up the courage to ask Kenshin something she had always been curious about concerning that incident. "Uh, Kenshin?"

"Hai, koishii?"

"I was wondering…how did you feel when you found out that Higashiyama was watching me as I bathed?" She studied him, her sapphire orbs pinning him.

Kenshin did not turn away from her steady gaze and replied, "At first I was furious but controlled my anger until I could hear his explanation. Then when I saw sketches of you in his book, deep inside I became angry once more but then when all he requested was to paint you, I calmed down. After all it was your decision at the time and I had no say in it."

"Kenshin, you could've said something at the time. I would have valued your opinion."

Kenshin frowned as he answered, "Understand me Kaoru, at that time I considered you far above me and felt I had no right to voice a protest although I wanted to."

Kaoru sighed in mild annoyance as she said, "I wish I knew then how you felt. Did you know that he fancied himself in love with me and declared himself to me as he was painting me?"

"Oh did he now?" That was something new to Kenshin for he had no idea that the artist had felt that way. Now the many times the youth tried to attack him made sense. "All right I'll tell you," he said getting irritated. "I did not like it and had I known of his feelings for you I'd have made sure you didn't pose for him." He stared off with his arms folded, scowling.

Kaoru was taken aback by his terse confession and saw the emotion on her husband's face. She was surprised by his reaction as she thought Sanosuke would have told him everything but by the looks of it, he had not. Still, Kenshin's displeasure brought a warm feeling to her as she realized that the titian haired rurouni had actually been affected by her, something he had never revealed.

She entwined her arm with his as she whispered seductively, "I wish it had been you making all the declarations of love Higashiyama made to me."

"Humph! Is that all he did?" Kenshin asked testily, his ire rising as he thought about the artist. If the kid were here now, he would not be so complacent and would set the would-be lothario straight about a few things.

Kaoru saw the storm in his icy blue eyes and so she defused the situation by saying, "He eventually realized that only one man owned my heart and that he had no chance with me. Guess who that was?"

Kenshin closed his eyes and relaxed his position as he mused upon his wife's statement. I had always hoped that what she said was true, at the time it was my deepest hope but I felt so unworthy so soiled to have entertained thoughts that Kaoru could love me. I knew she cared but to love me was something totally unthinkable.

He placed his hand on hers and squeezed it then wrapped an arm about her as the warm water caressed their bodies. "I know, tenshi, I know. Forgive this fool for not acting sooner."

Smiling, Kaoru reached up to plant a kiss on his scarred cheek. "You're forgiven. Just never forget that my heart is solely and completely yours."

"Never," he promised as he cradled her and captured her lips, the water rippling about them.

The two weeks flew by on rapid gossamer wings and then sadly the last day before their departure arrived so the newlyweds decided to make the most of it. They rose early and after making love, having devotions, and eating breakfast, Kenshin and Kaoru left to stroll the marketplace again, making purchases of gifts for their loved ones back home. They stopped once to have lunch at a small restaurant then continued perusing the marketplace. The two spent the afternoon so involved in their shopping spree, they did not notice the clouds had gathered and stray drops of rain began to fall.

The merchants all scrambled to protect their wares as Kaoru lamented, "Mou, it's raining! I don't want to get my kimono wet!" She was wearing a new kimono that Kenshin had purchased for her, peacock blue silk with yellow daffodils and butterflies along the edges and a yellow silk obi.

Her husband took her hand. "Come along with me! There's a store front with an awning just ahead where we can stay dry."

They sprinted over to the storefront as the rain began to fall in earnest and both had gotten a bit damp. The autumn rain was chilly but neither Kenshin nor Kaoru noticed as they huddled together in each other's arms. The streets were emptying as others sought shelter as well. Kenshin took advantage of the weather providing he and his wife privacy as he began to rain kisses on Kaoru's ivory visage, from her temple to her lids to her cheeks.

"Kenshin!" Kaoru protested weakly but to no avail. "We can't get like this, we're out in public."

"Look around you, tenshi. The sudden shower has chased everyone inside, that it has. We're all alone." He kissed her, closing off any further conversation.

She sighed and surrendered to her hitokiri's gentle attack, breaking down her defenses as she was swept into the maelstrom of passion that was erupting between them. The rain fell harder, the drops pounding on the canvas like a steady drum yet they were oblivious as the kiss deepened and swept them away.

The rain was slowing down to a moderate shower and so Kenshin and Kaoru drew apart, slightly out of breath as they came down from the emotional heights. Kaoru took a deep breath as she spoke first.

"Oh Kenshin," she said softly. "I can't believe you. I never thought you'd be so bold, you're always so proper."

Kenshin threw his head back and laughed. "Just making up for lost time, that I am. And enjoying having you to myself before we get back to Tokyo tomorrow."

She smiled as she said, "Remember the times we were caught in the rain before?"

He returned the grin. "Uh-huh, like it was yesterday. We seem to get caught in the rain quite a bit." He brushed her damp inky bangs back as he continued, "Because of that I have grown quite fond of the rain, that I have."

Kenshin cradled her face in his hands for another kiss when he picked up on a faint but malevolent ki that caused a general uneasiness. Frowning he released Kaoru and went to draw his sword as he cautiously looked around.

She was immediately concerned. "Kenshin, what is it? What's wrong?"

"Stay here," he ordered as he ventured out into the pelting drops, sakabatou at the ready.

Kaoru was nervous as she glanced about, seeing nothing but the former hitokiri was alert to the danger he was sensing as he went into the waning deluge checking around corners and alleys, which like the main street were deserted. Nobody was about yet he could feel a presence as the hair on his nape of his neck prickled. He scanned the empty streets one more time and finally satisfied, he slipped his blade in its scabbard and headed back to Kaoru.

She was alarmed by Kenshin's scowl and the fierce look in his eyes as he grabbed her elbow and said brusquely, "Let's go back to the inn, Kaoru."

"But it's still raining, I'll get my kimono wet."

He brooked no disobedience. "Now," he snapped as he pulled her out into the pattering rain.

They hurried along wordlessly as the inn came into view. Kenshin opened the shoji and shoved Kaoru inside where they shed their sandals as they both were damp from the rain. Fujimoto came from behind the registrar's desk and approached them, concern on his craggy face.

"Ken-san, Kaoru-san are you both all right?" he asked worriedly as by evidence of the tense look on their faces something had happened.

Kenshin took Kaoru's elbow and guided her to the stairs. "We are fine, just wet from the rain so if you'll excuse us we want to go to our room," he said flatly, dismissing the innkeeper as they climbed the stairs to head to their room.

Kaoru was a little annoyed by Kenshin's overbearing manner but she held her tongue until they entered the Rose Room. Once inside, Kenshin slipped his blade out of his waistband and sat on a cushion sullenly silent as Kaoru decided to speak.

"Kenshin, what is the meaning of all this? Why did you act so abrupt and drag me back here, getting me all wet? We could've waited until the rain slowed at least, now my kimono may be ruined!" she said crossly as she reached to untie the yellow obi with upset, jerky movements.

Kenshin said nothing as his mind reflected on what Yamagata had told him in the note he had sent. The group of secret expatriates to the shogunate called Hebikuroi were trying to sabotage trade by attacking fishing villages and vessels that are supplying products to the West with a fringe group of pirates called Samekuroi. He doubted that they would be aware of him being asked to intervene, he had not even agreed to help Yamagata yet. But now out with Kaoru, he had sensed someone shadowing him, and he was determined to find for what reason and whom.

Someone was following us, I'm sure of it. But who? And why? He brooded as he stared out at nothing until he heard a sigh of irritation coming from the corner of the room where the futon and dansu were located. He glanced over and saw his wife as she was changing her wet things and was filled with remorse, knowing he owed her an explanation.

Kenshin rose to his feet and padded over to where Kaoru was tying her yukata, her back to him in a temper and she stood stiff and unresponsive as he slipped his arms around her.

"Kaoru," he said softly, burying his face in her tresses, the scent of jasmine intensified by the rain and so intoxicating.

But she was in a fine pique and so did her utmost to ignore him as she remained silent and unyielding. Undaunted, Kenshin tried again.

"Koibito, are you going to be so cold to me all night, this our last night here?" he coaxed as he brushed her hair from her neck so he could suckle her skin. Her resistance was slowly faltering but Kaoru stood her ground.

"You didn't answer my questions so I figured you wanted me to leave you alone," she sniffed as her husband tried to make amends, nuzzling her.

"Forgive me, koishii. I don't want to worry you, that I most certainly don't," Kenshin said gently against her hair.

Kaoru relaxed her posture but did not turn around as she stated, "I appreciate that but I'm your wife now and there should be nothing that you can't tell me."

"You're right." Kenshin agreed as he turned his wife around but she still averted her eyes by keeping her head lowered. He took her chin in his hand and lifted her sapphire orbs to meet his candid amethyst gaze. "But I took my vows to you very seriously and I mean it when I say I will do all I can to protect you with my life."

Kaoru said, "Is there something going on that will put me in danger?"

Kenshin sighed, "By marrying me, you've already done that and so you'll have to accept that as your husband it's my duty, privilege, and pleasure to do what I said, protect you with my life. So if I have to keep certain things from you and risk your wrath, I'll do it without hesitation." He released her and went over to the balcony to look out where the rain had tapered off to a few drops falling in spots as the cloud cover broke up, showing patches of deep blue and the moon peeking through as night had fallen. Kenshin sighed again as he replied, "I sensed someone following us before but when I checked, there was no one. Nothing is occurring as yet but I have a decision to make when we return tomorrow, that I do."

Kaoru joined him as she inquired, "Does it have to do with the message from Yamagata-sama sent to you before we left?"

"Hai." He frowned as he stared off wordlessly, the only noise being the drip of the gathered raindrops on the leaves still on the trees.

This time Kaoru encircled Kenshin with her arms, pressing against his back as she clung to him to offer comfort to lighten the new burden she knew he was already carrying. She felt his heaviness of spirit as she laid her head against his back, between his shoulder blades and she said nothing, just allowed her presence to lend peace to his troubled soul.

Kenshin closed his eyes as Kaoru's soft essence encompassed him, the warmth of her arms around him and the fragrance of jasmine wafting into his nostrils; a heady perfume that had his head reeling and senses singing. He took hold of her hands and turned around to take her in his arms. Whoever it was watching them, they would not spoil this last night.

With no further word, he scooped Kaoru up and carried her to the futon.

NEXT-FATEFUL DECISION