A/N: Oh the boredom of the end of the school year. I may just get this worked on yet.

Reviewer Responses:

Charmed Wolf-- thank you, again. I like to be encouraging, and I actually forgot I still needed to get this chapter up.

Zia-- Never fear, I could never write a graphic scene (how depressing is that:P). The most graphic would come later on, and it would be describing a Cesaerian section.

MellowyelloW2007-- thank you very much I also look forward to writing the sequel, but first things first, I need to get around to finishing this story (which will mean determining the reasonings for who lives where and why, etc). I am really pleased with the early perception I have for teh charachters of the sequel, though...

Patto-chan-- Any rating change would come about for aforementioned reasons and that won't happen for a good while yet.

Where My Heart Lies ch 7

That day of the wedding came so quickly for everyone. Even so, I have never seen any woman so happy, ready, and fearless as Kaoru. She smiled so brightly that one might think that her face would stick that way. Megumi and I helped Kaoru into her wedding dress (in the western style that Miss Tae had ordered for her). Sanosuke, in an unusually gratuitous gesture, was repaying Tae for her feely given gift by helping her and Yahiko in their preparation of food for the reception. This left Aoshi to assist Kenshin.

The ceremony was over soon enough, as Kenshin gave Kaoru the ring (which he had bought), a square diamond with tiny pink gems on either side set in a gold band. As unconventional as ever, she threw her arms around him before kissing him. They turned around and waved to all their guests. Sanosuke, Megumi, Tae, Yahiko, and Tsubame (who had rested that morning after completing her masterpiece cake) all cheered. Even Saitou Hajime was there with Tokio (who had obviously had to drag him there). Okon, Omasu, and Okina all turned up after the ceremony to congratulate the new couple. They had sent a messenger pigeon three days before, saying that they would be away on a small mission. We all marveled at Tsubame's 3 layer wedding cake. It even had small, painted wooden figures of Kenshin and Kaoru. As astonishing as the cake was, it was after all a cake, and Tsubame was complimented time and again for her skill. I myself had about 4 pieces of the cake, as well as Aoshi's excess frosting. Megumi didn't look too pleased with my high sugar intake, but I would have Aoshi to exert my hyperactivity upon.

We walked home towards Kyoto, Aoshi and I. The other Oniwabanshu, it turned out, would be away for a week still. Aoshi's large steps easily kept up with my fast-paced skipping. As sunny, warm, and blue skied as the day had been, the evening brought heavy clouds, and as we walked along the long road to Kyoto, rain suddenly began to pour. We ran down the road looking for a place of shelter, but none was to be found. Aoshi pulled me to the partial shelter of the trees. An especially large tree stopped most of the falling rain, but we were already soaking wet. My new kimono was heavy with the water and I had to wring it out from time to time. I went around to the opposite side of the tree to change into my much drier onmitsu outfit. It would be just as wet, eventually, but in the mean time, it was dry and I knew it would provide much more freedom overall.

I came back around to Aoshi only to be pulled into strong arms and (to my great surprise) kissed. He pulled back and looked into my face. Stunned, I put a hand to my lips. Then I smiled and punched him playfully, "Aoshi, now I'm all wet again!" This got me another, very warm kiss.

A/N: It's short, I know, but I needed a recuperation break in here (and I really think this works so much better than a simple page break). I am thus far pleased with my story and teh way its going. Please review! why? I give myself so little credit that some praise would do me good. Update threats are also welcomed ;-)