Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is the creation of Nobuhiro Watsuki, with the manga and anime rights belonging to Jump Comics and Sony Entertainment, respectively. FF is non-profit, meant for entertainment only. FF can be archived anywhere, just let me know where. Please send no flames, I'm sensitive. For all other comments 0_o you may contact me at kaoru_koishii@yahoo.com

Chapter Sixteen

*************

The air felt warm, too warm in fact to sleep in. Slowly she opened her eyes adjusting them to the dimness of the room. She stirred a bit and immediately felt sore. 'No more clubs,' she thought as she yawned. At least not for a while.

"Finally."

Her head snapped to the left making her hiss in pain. She closed her eyes as a throbbing ache ran between her temples. She didn't have to see him anyways. "What time did you get in?"

"An hour after you." He smirked as he stood, leaving the chair he'd been sitting on and walking to her bedside.

Kaoru massaged her temples for a moment before she dared to open her eyes She studied him for a long moment, noting there was something odd in the way he looked at her. Her mouth parted in half asked question before heat rushed to her face and her ears grew hot.

His eyes glittered in amusement. So now she remembered. "You've slept half the day." He sat on the bed, looking down at her reddening face. "Didn't you want your gift today?"

His smirk grew large when she groaned and hid her face. "It's time to get up koibito." He said over the pillow covering her head.

Sighing in frustration, she pulled the pillow away. Her large sapphire eyes were narrowed menacingly though the dark blush on her face lessened the effect.

"Take these." he said placing two small tablets in her palm. The lines on her brow smoothed as she looked at him. An expectant gaze that didn't go unnoticed. He half turned and retrieved the bottled water he'd brought up. Snapping the top open before he handed her the beverage. She took the offered water without word. Placing the pills on her tongue before she gulped a large portion of the water. Handing him the bottle, she lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. A nap would do nicely just about now.

"Kaoru."

She opened her eyes and spared him a glance. Why couldn't he let her sleep? "Aren't you tired?" She yawned. Blinking slowly at him and missing the look that flashed over his eyes.

"Come on." He said flinging her covers off. Kaoru yelped realizing she was still undressed. Now fully awake she clutched at the remaining piece of blanket. "Let go of my blanket." She hissed.

"Modest by and a de- "

"All right!" She yelled interrupting him. "I'll get up." She swallowed the curse words at the tip of her tongue and yanked her blanket out of his grasp. She stood on the opposite side of the bed and wrapped the blanket securely before she strode past him and into the bathroom.

He laughed and began to change the covers on the bed. She was cranky this morning but it wasn't anything he couldn't fix with aspiring and a present.

*************

She stood in front of the mirror trying to decide if she should wear it up or down. Up, she held it back with her hand or down ,she thought letting it go.

"Kaoru." He knocked on the door.

Up or down, she was already dressed, all she had to do was decide on how she wanted to wear her hair. Up or down.

"Kaoru."

"Kami," she yelled from behind the bathroom door. "Can't I even fix my hair in peace this morning."

"It's past twelve." He reminded as he opened the door and let himself in. She glared and strode past him, her hair swooshing to the sides angrily. His eyes of course settled on the curve of her back as she strode past him.

Kaoru grabbed her purse off the bed and stomped out of the room. It's like he was been annoying on purpose. Her brow crinkled in thought. He was almost playful today. She couldn't remember him being that way before. At least not in this life. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs, thinking as well as waiting.

A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes, watching her just standing there. He reached the bottom of the stairs without sound, grabbing her by the back he turned her around and pressed her against the wall.

A starling shriek escaped her lungs until she realized it was him. "Baka!" She yelled into his amused face.

"You look nice." He said stroking her thigh. His eyes drank in her angry features, the flash of steel in her cobalt eyes. Her face though angry seemed to loose it's scowl. Instead her lip stuck out into a little pout. Tempting as it was, he squeezed her hip and let her go. He strode over to the door and waited for her to join him.

She did but she refused to look at him. She wouldn't give him the pleasure of knowing how much he got to her. Arrogant son-of bitch. She huffed a little as she got into the car.

"Where do you want to go." He said as he started the car.

"Takashiyama's."

He frowned a moment trying to remember where that was. "Is that on Karasuma-dori?"

"No Kawara-machi in Shimogyo-ku." She said as she looked out the window.

Hm, he knew where that was though it'd been a long time since he'd been to that area.

They drove in silence though unlike before, it wasn't an angry silence just a quite ride to the department store.

Kaoru's eyes grew large when they neared the parking-lots. She'd been dying to come here. This place had all the best stores. It was heaven for a true shop-aholic. She could already smell the aroma of brand new pursues and leather shoes.

He turned the ignition off once he parked the car, surprised as to how quickly she got out and moved over to his door.

"Hurry Kenshin." She said pulling on his arm the moment he stepped out of the car. He was just able to slam the door close before he was dragged off. He didn't understand what her hurry was, it's not like the place would just get up and move.

The moment they stepped in, the first thing she did was to breath. Inhaling that yummy scent that wafts to your nose when you first step into a department store, a mixture of perfume and clothes. Of shoes, purses and make-up. It'd been a while since she'd actually been shopping, real shopping that is.

She clung to his arm the way she often did with her father, feeling excited about the prospect of new clothes though in this case it would be jewelry.

He didn't know brining her to a store could make her this happy. "What are you going to buy me?" Her tone was hopeful, her face lit with joy. It made him feel like he should buy her the entire mall. To keep her this happy he would do just about anything. "Anything you want." Was the only response appropriate enough for that pretty face she made when she looked at him.

She nodded and pulled on his arm. A tingle ran along the palm of her hands a feeling she often got when she just had to buy something. She was a compulsive shopper which is why she didn't leave the house while in Tokyo. She could easily put her father in the poor house so because of that she opted for staying in and away from the stores.

They stopped in front of one of her favorite stores. The glimmer and sparkle of jewelry was everywhere. She already knew what wanted but she would have to see if that's what he bought her or if he backed out and bought her something cheap instead.

Kenshin had never been to Tiffany's. To be honest, he'd never been to any sort of jewelry store before. This place, he observed, was full of men with young pretty women. Men that seemed much too old for the girls they were with. He at least didn't look his age plus he was barely in his thirties.

"Oi," the sound over voice interrupted his thoughts. They'd paused in front of one of the glass casings. She'd turned and now stood in front of him, so close he could feel the warmth of her body.

"Welcome to Tiffany and Co. I'm Hitomi, how can I help you today?"

Kaoru had turned at the sound of the young woman's voice, smiling lightly she greeted the woman back. "Hi, I'm looking for the Dragonfly charm bracelet, it's from your nature collection."

The young woman nodded. "A very fine choice."

Kaoru's grip on his hand increased when the woman turned to get her bracelet. The sales woman had noticed Kenshin and her eyes had strayed, too much for Kaoru's liking.

"Here we go," Hitomi said as she came back with the bracelet.

Kaoru took it, admiring the detail. Thirty-two round brilliant diamonds, pavé-set on a platinum link bracelet, 7" long. She'd been dreaming about it for a while. She had hoped to get it for Christmas from her father but it looked like she might not have to wait that long. "Kenshin." She said handing it to him. Giving him the chance to examine it as well as to guess the price. If he could then he could still back out and buy her something else.

Kenshin took the small piece of jewelry. It was pretty, the small dragonfly is probably what had caught her attention. "Get it, if its want you want."

Kaoru smiled. "We'll take it then."

"Should I gift wrap it?" Hitomi said as she picked up the bracelet from were Kenshin had laid it along with his credit card.

"No, I'll wear it out."

The sales woman nodded at Kaoru's words leaving for a moment to ring the item up as well as to remove the security tags. She came back a couple of minutes later handing Kenshin the receipt as well as the bracelets' box in one of Tiffany's bags. The bracelet it self she put on the counter in front of the two.

Kaoru picked it up and handed it to Kenshin, almost jumping in place with the excitement she felt as she held out her wrist. He'd actually bought it, just like that. Her heart fluttered in her chest. He hadn't even looked at the receipt.

Kenshin took the item and put it around her wrist, brushing his fingers over it lightly once he was done. He pulled his hand away, watching the odd expression on her face as she looked at her wrist. Her eyes were slow in meeting his though he noticed the same look in her eyes when she looked at him. "Kenshin," she breathed his name with an odd inflection, something he had never heard before but liked. "I love it," She said just before she pounced. Catching him off guard, he stumbled a step as he caught her around the waist.

Her arms were quick in pulling him down to her, kissing him with an insatiable thirst. The throbbing of her heart pulsed through her veins as she kissed him, melting his heart with the heat of her touch. Lack of air caused her hold to weaken, releasing him with an audible gasp, leaving them both panting for air.

She panted against him, resting her face against his chest until she could breath again. Sighing she pulled back, avoiding eyes now she kissed his chin and pulled on his hand. "Let's go." She rasped, deliberately evading other peoples gaze as they stepped out of the store.

Kenshin, who'd allowed himself to get dragged out, walked close to her now, letting her pull him by the hand. His thoughts still too busy processing her behavior. Her gratitude though unexpected was very welcomed. He hadn't expected for her to act that way. He was slow to realize. "You like shopping."

"Yeah," Kaoru conformed as she led them to the food court. She still couldn't believe she'd kissed him just because he'd bought her something. True the bracelet's cost was over two thousand dollars but still.

She tried not to sigh.

Maybe they'd eat at a restaurant instead of the food court that way she could have some wine. She needed wine though the thought of getting drunk again didn't appeal to her, not when he was home anyways. She didn't want last night's events to repeat themselves.

"Let's just go in here." She said as she led him into one of the many restaurants with in the mall. A nice little Italian restaurant with a homey feeling, soft lighting, small tables and cozy booths. They were greeted and seated in less than five minutes.

She was glad having chosen one of the booths; she sat extremely close to him, resting her head against his chest. This way she didn't have to make eye contact and if she lied well she could do it with a straight face. Her left hand rested over her stomach while her right, the one with her bracelet lay over his lap. She was waiting for her wine. They hadn't talked since the jewelry store and now she sat here waiting for her wine, needing the alcohol-induced courage to talk to him, to look him in the eye and lie.

The constant stroking of his fingers was going to drive her insane. He was acting so . . . . . so affectionate. Grrhh. The most irritating part about it was that she knew why he was acting like this. It was because of last night. Damn it to hell. He was acting like this because of her. Because she'd touched him like some sort of slut, stroking and groping him.

Her skin broke out into goose bumps and she wasn't sure if it was because she'd liked being that way with him or if it was because she was so disgusted her skin crawled. She sighed unconsciously gripping his leg.

His fingers stopped stroking her arm causing her to turn and make the mistake of looking at him. His eyes were dark pools of amethyst, sizzling with restrained hunger. She blinked trying not to get caught. She knew those eyes. She was afraid of them, especially when they turned to gold. He was there then lurking just behind.

Her eyes lit up when the waiter came, not only had he saved her but he had her wine. The dark red liquid swooshed into the glass as it was poured, emitting an intoxicating aroma. She took her glass when handed it to, drinking it down in two gulps. It burned and warmed her tummy all at the same time, it was good and since she hadn't eaten breakfast or lunch for that matter it wouldn't be long before she had a buzz. That's all she needed, she thought closing her eyes. Aware of Kenshin speaking to the waiter, ordering their food while she just sat there, holding her empty glass and resting against his chest.

Kenshin felt her relaxing against him while he ordered their food, his attention darted back to her once the waiter was gone. "Do you want more?" He asked, taking the glass out of her hands.

"Yeah," she answered without looking; holding her eyes closed until she'd built herself enough courage more than usual as to avoid thinking about the previous night.

He refilled her cup and handed it back to her, stroking her hair as she drank it. She could drink as much as she wanted when she was him; he would take care of her after all. He just didn't like it when she did with strangers, aside from it making him jealous anyone could take advantage of her in that state. He sighed and curved his thoughts away from that, knowing it would only make him jealous which would serve only in making him mad.

They'd had a good day so far, he only hoped that the rest of the weekend was the same. 'To a good weekend,' he thought as he picked up his glass and took a long drink, draining more than half the wine in that one gulp. She sipped hers now, which was just as well he didn't want to carry her out. The thought made him smile thought he couldn't say why.

*************

There was a heavy, lethargic feeling flowing through her body, alcohols' affect. She yawned a bit not out of sleep but rather out of fatigue. They'd eaten their meal, finished their dessert and eventually gone back to the mall for further shopping. They were in the car now with bags in the trunk, stuff she'd seen and just had to have. Presents, because she hadn't paid for them herself.

She closed her eyes and let her head fall back against the seat. Maybe she'd take a nap when she got home, she hadn't sleep for two days. Friday she'd been too upset to think and Saturday well . . . . . she didn't want to think about that.

"Kaoru."

She opened her eyes somewhat surprised to see him so close. She must have fallen asleep somewhere along the way. "We're home already?" Asking though she already knew. She watched him nod just before he moved back, giving her enough room to step out without really leaving her side.

She took the extended hand, feeling a slight jolt when they touched. "Static," she reasoned knowing he'd felt it too. She swayed once she stood and leaned on him for support.

Kenshin closed the door and locked the car. She looked well enough to walk but he wouldn't make her if he didn't have to. He picked up her bags with his left hand, feeling the strain of their weight a moment before he picked her up as well.

"Kenshin." Her startled cry was close to his ear. She wrapped her arms around his neck to keep from falling. "You'll drop me."

"I won't," he assured as he sat her on his lap and opened the door. He strode into the house and kicked the door close.

"You can let go."

He would have if she hadn't rested her head on his shoulder. Walking the rest of the way in he realized he would have to carry her up to the second floor. Taking a deep breath, he treaded up the stairs taking two at a time until he reached the top. Several strides later, he reached their room. Thankful that the door was open, he walked in and over to the bed where he carefully lay her down. She wasn't asleep quiet yet but she seemed close. He put the bags down by the closest and went back down to lock up. You could never be too careful. Just because you lived in a nice area didn't mean you where safe. Kaoru's father knew that first hand, having had his wife murdered. Kenshin wouldn't make the same mistake. He finished checking the windows and strode over to the kitchen.

Thinking ahead of time, he took two water bottles from the fridge and headed back up to their room. The bottle of aspiring was still there so he wouldn't have to look for it later. He walked back into the room finding her just where he'd left her. He smiled and removed her boots so she could sleep comfortably.

Yawning he realized he hadn't really slept in the last two days plus she had a way of making the bed look alluring. He kicked off his shoes and tossed his jacket off to the side. He would keep her company for a while. Usually he would take his slacks and shirt off but she was still dressed so it wouldn't be right. He scooped her into his arms once he laid beside her, sighing in contentment as he closed his eyes. It was still hard to believe he'd fallen in love with her so quickly. So soon after meeting but he had. And whether it had been love at first sight or not he wasn't sure, he just knew that he did and with time she would return the sentiment. Maybe then he yawned. Maybe then they could get married.

I love battousai :::sigh::: I'm going to be sad when this story comes to an end but I still have have the Impious Empress and I can truly say that aside from Lost in the Madness that other story is really up there for me. I think it's going to become a lot of people's favorite too.

This chapter is pretty straight forward so I don't believe it needs an overview. But if you have any questions email me.