This one does not own RK, blah blah blah....
This one is quite surprised at the 20 reviews this one got for the first 2 chapters! This one did not believe the story would do well....amazing 00..............Okay, this one will stop rambling now...
Chapter 3
Late evening
Four days had gone by. Another day and Kaoru would be out of food and money. She rummaged through the boxes in her shed. There had to be something in here of significant value. She opened another box and filed through its contents. Everything in it seemed to be broken or worn out. She slightly wondered why she kept it all, but continued with the task at hand.
She had another job planned for the next day. She would be working with Tae at the Akabeko, doing whatever little odds and ends she could, since she didn't want to be hired full-time. But that would only get her enough money to feed her new family for a few days. In a final attempt, she opened a large box in a far corner, where it stood alone. It was her mother's box.
All the memories she had of her mother were in here. Some of her old clothes and belongings were tucked away in this box, waiting for someone to come and look at them, to remember her by. Kaoru felt tears well up in her eyes. She didn't want to get rid of her mother's things, but...if she wanted Yahiko, Sano and Kenshin to eat, she didn't really have a choice.
Finally at the bottom of the box, Kaoru spotted a brand-new kimono. She gingerly pulled it out of the box, careful to not snag it on any of the other belongings in there. When it was finally out, Kaoru stood up and shook it out, releasing the soft silk from its folded state. There was hardly a wrinkle on it, despite being trapped in the box for such a long time. It was a peach color, with large orange flowers adorning different sections. The inside was stainless, and it was in very good condition. One may never have known it was ever worn. But Kaoru knew, and remembered.
Kaoru shook her head of the memory. She couldn't become too attached to it now. It would sell at a fair price. The silk was high quality and it was still in mint condition. She stood from her spot, leaving the box open. She folded the Kimono in her arms until it was just a small bundle. Tears threatened to leave her eyes, but she held them back, reminding herself that it was all for a good cause. Walking out of the shed, she looked around to see if any of her boarders had seen her. Feeling that the coast was clear, she continued to her room, as the sun began to creep behind the trees in the horizon...
Kenshin peeked around the corner of the house. He could see Kaoru walking inside with something in her arms. The door of the shed was closed, but she had forgotten to lock it, so Kenshin was positive he'd be able to go in and out without too much trouble in between. He really wanted to know what Kaoru was up to, and why she had lied to him. He hoped the answer would lie on the other side of the shed doors. He'd seen her go in and out of them every so often for the past month or so, and he was curious as to why she would always bring something in, but accumulate nothing in the house or her room.
When Kaoru had entered the house without hindrance, Kenshin began his walk to the shed, being careful to not be spotted by Kaoru or the others. He stepped up to the shed and stretched his hand toward the door. He didn't want to pry. Kaoru's business was her own, but it was eating away at him that she would lie to his face. He had to know what was wrong.
Finding a renewed strength, he placed his hands on the door and began to pull it open, when he heard something behind him. He wheeled around fast, trying to think of a way to explain to Kaoru why he was there. But when his eyes focused on the tall bird-headed man in front of him, his heart slowed down and he relaxed.
"Sano, what are you doing here. It's getting late, de gozaru-"
"Cut the crap Kenshin," Sano interrupted.
"Oro?"
"You know why I'm here, and I know why you're here. Jou-chan's up to something and I wanna know what it is." Sano's face showed no sign of giving up, even if Kenshin tried to dissuade him. Sighing, he decided to just give in.
"Kaoru-dono has been taking things from this shed, de gozaru. She hasn't been eating with us, and she keeps leaving to 'help friends'. Sessha is worried, de gozaru yo."
"I think she's been hiding the good stuff from us."
"Oro?"
"Jou-chan's been keeping a stash of hidden food in there, and she's not telling us! She's getting all the good food and we're stuck with the same old boring stuff everyday!" Sano had flames dancing in his eyes. "How dare she keep that food from us!"
"Maa maa," Kenshin waved his hand in the air. "Sessha does not think Kaoru-dono would do such a thing, de gozaru. We shouldn't jump to conclusions." Sanosuke seemed to calm down and shoved his hands in his pockets.
"If she is keeping food from us, she's gonna get it." Kenshin could tell he didn't really mean it, so he proceeded to turn back around and open the door. Successful this time, due to a lack of disruptions, Kenshin opened the door to the shed and stepped inside. The light from the setting sun cast eerie shadows all around, and he could see the dust swirling around the room without a care.
Kenshin stepped inside carefully, looking around for any sign of Kaoru being there. His eyes caught a box in the far corner of the room, its lid hanging open. He walked over to it, careful not to bump into anything else in the room. Sano followed close behind, wondering what Kenshin had seen. Looking over the ex-hitokiri's head, he could see a box open in the corner of the room.
"Aha! I told you she was keeping food from us!" He declared rather loudly, and bounded over to the box. Kenshin sighed and followed close behind, noting the look on Sano's face as he peered into the box.
"What is it, Sano?" Kenshin leaned over to look in. His eyes widened a bit. From the contents, he knew immediately what the box was and who it belonged to. Sano almost seemed a bit disappointed, but the same sad realization was dawning on him as well. Without saying a word to each other, they walked back out of the shed, Sano heading off to who-knows- where, and Kenshin heading into the house.
Kenshin was a bit perplexed, though. If she had been bringing her mother's things into the house, why hadn't he seen any of them? It just wasn't piecing together like he'd wanted it to. And why was she lying to him? His brow furrowed in frustration as he tried to figure out what was going on with his Kaoru-dono...
Early morning
Kaoru had woken up early that morning. She hoped Kenshin would still be asleep, but to no avail. As she walked to the kitchen, he was beginning to prepare this morning's breakfast. At the sound of her, Kenshin turned around and gave her his big rurouni smile. Kaoru smiled back, trying to figure a way out of breakfast.
"Kaoru-dono," Kenshin's voice brought her out of her thoughts. "There doesn't seem to be enough food for all of us today, de gozaru." Kaoru's smile faltered. He couldn't know yet. She had to think of a plan.
"That's right, Kenshin. I'm going in to town today. Another friend of mine would like some help with some things, and she said she'd prepare some food for me. So yesterday, I made some extra food for Yahiko and Sano since I knew we wouldn't need it for today." Kenshin's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't notice. She'd lied to him again. He always took notice of the amount of food they had, and lately when she cooked, there would only be enough for Sano, Yahiko, and himself.
She had never made any extra at any given time. He'd always wondered why there wasn't enough for all four, but she'd said she had already eaten, so he tried not to think too much of it. But now...now that she said she had made extra, he was sure she was lying. The amount had been the same yesterday, just like the other days. Something was going on, and he didn't like it.
"Kaoru-dono," he sounded so serious, Kaoru began to panic. She quickly went to the door before he could say anything else. She just turned around and smiled at him.
"I'll be back later Kenshin. This friend of mine...she's quite a chatter box, so I'll be over at her house for a while. We haven't talked in so long..." she was trying to make quick conversation. She felt a bit light-headed from the lack of food and her thoughts were swirling. She waved at Kenshin before he had time to say anything more and walked out of the house. Her insides felt empty, not only from the hunger, but also from the guilt. She couldn't stand lying to him. But she just couldn't see any other way.
Kenshin watched as she retreated. He hadn't gotten to say anything about the recent events. He looked down at the food. Only enough for today. Kaoru had been doing the shopping lately. He wondered if she did it on purpose, only buying enough for three for each day. But if that was the case, when was she eating?
Kenshin shook his head to clear his thoughts. Maybe she was eating on the side, smaller amounts than normal, but still eating. He hoped this was the case. She couldn't be starving herself just to feed them. It wouldn't be right. It just couldn't be that way, right? ...
Kaoru walked into the Akabeko, once again feeling out of place. She wasn't here to eat, and she wasn't an employee. People gave her odd stares as she walked to the back of the restaurant. She saw tae near the entrance to the kitchen and joined her there.
"Tae-san," Kaoru spoke softly – timidly. Tae turned around and smiled.
"Kaoru-chan, you're here early. Shall we put you to work?" Tae looked at her friend's face. It was a bit paler than normal. "Do you want to have something to eat first, Kaoru-chan?" Kaoru looked up quickly.
"No, Tae-san. That's ok. I had some tea before I came over." 'Cold tea,' she thought dryly. She'd kept a cup in her room over night, in case she needed it. To save money on tea as well, Kaoru only drank enough to get her through the moment. She usually kept about half a cup with her in her room for the next day, which she would sip throughout, to keep her stomach from making those awful noises.
"Kaoru-chan, tea isn't enough to be working off of..." Tae looked down sadly at the young girl. But Kaoru just smiled back up at Tae.
"Daijoubu, Tae-san. Everything will be fine. Just tell me what you need me to do. I have to go shopping today for some food, so I need more money. Oh yeah!" Kaoru reached into a small bag she was carrying. She pulled out the folded kimono and handed it to Tae. "You said you could find someone who would buy something from me. Here." She handed Tae the kimono. "Sell it for whatever price you think it's worth. I can't put a price on it because it has emotional attachments, so I'm trusting you." Tae looked down at Kaoru's serious face, and then at the kimono she held in her hands. She could tell it was of fine quality and would fetch a fair price, but she had never seen Kaoru wear it before.
"Kaoru-chan," Tae was going to protest selling it, but the look on Kaoru's face told her otherwise. She sighed inwardly. "When do you need the money by?" Kaoru smiled. She thought Tae was going to protest selling it.
"Tomorrow would be nice, but I can hold off for a few days if necessary."
"No, I think I can get it sold sometime today. I know a man who's been looking for a kimono for his wife." Kaoru jumped up and hugged Tae. She was a bit surprised at the outburst at first, but then hugged Kaoru back.
"Arigatou, Tae-san!" Kaoru smiled broadly. "Now, what did you want me to do today?" Tae smiled and chatted to Kaoru as she led her to a room in the back where Kaoru would be performing various odds and ends to earn money...
Well, that's it for chapter 3, this one thinks. This one is a bit surprised....actually, "a bit" is just a bit of an understatement. This one is shocked at all the reviews. Arigatou gozaimasu!
Mika: Arigatou for reviewing this one's terrible story.
NoshMono: This one has not seen any such stories, but at least this one has a different take on the situation, ne? Kaoru-chan is not only skipping lunch, but many other meals too, de gozaru. She eats as little as possible, sometimes only going through the whole day with the bit of tea she saved from the day before. Arigatou for reviewing!
Dark Thorn White Rose: This one is glad you like her story. Yes, it is quite difficult to sacrifice so much, but Kaoru-chan is up to the task so that she can feed her family...even if they are freeloaders --; This one hopes you enjoyed this chapter as well. Arigatou for reviewing!
Leah T: This one is glad you found it interesting. Arigatou for reviewing!
Quist: This one is glad you like her story, and glad that you find it easy to read as well. This one tries hard, though she has recently found a few mistakes in her second chapter (hits self over head)...owwy. Anyway, arigatou for reviewing!
Sakura Hopes: This one doesn't know what it's like to go without food for days on end (this one loves food so much...) but this one does know what it feels like to go through most of the day without breakfast or lunch...School does that to you, you know? ... Ahem, anyway, arigatou for reviewing!
jam12: This one tries to keep the grammar within the range of the grade (high school...ick)...sometimes this one will slip, but otherwise, this one aims to please the wide range of audience this one writes for! Arigatou for reviewing!
The Man Slayer: e-mail? This one has never been given such a request before...this one is terribly sorry, but this one cannot comply with your wishes. Gomen nasai!!! Arigatou for reviewing!
emi: This one shall continue (and maybe even finish! --). Arigatou for reviewing!
Sakura Mori: This one is glad you like it. (pobre cita...? This one is not sure what this means...) Arigatou for reviewing!
Bibliomaniac: Finances are never easy when you have three freeloaders! (two of which eat more than they should at any given moment...) Keep reading and you shall see the outcome! Arigatou for reviewing!
euthalia: Glad you like it! Arigatou for reviewing!
dipstick: This one will update as soon as it is possible! This one is glad you like the story! Arigatou for reviewing!
Shannon: Oro? You disagree with this one? ... oh well, this one is entitled to her opinion, ne? Glad you like it. Arigatou for reviewing!
Animegurl444: This one is glad you like the story. Arigatou for reviewing!
Ochanoko: So happy to hear you like it! Arigatou for reviewing!
GB: Kaoru-chan will not do any such thing so long as this one is the authoress! This one doesn't think she'll become an underground fighter either...ano...arigatou for reviewing!
hime-chan: Hi, hime-chan! Glad you read my story...sorry Sano isn't drunk...Why was No One talking to you? ... shouldn't you guys be looking for the white carrot with red hearts?
animegurl23: This one shall continue, de gozaru. Arigatou for reviewing!
Calvin: whoa. You called yourself Calvin. Anyway... Baka desu! Baka Baka Baka desu! C.A.L.J!! you should be ashamed of yourself for saying such things! Yahoo smiley boy... (glares) honestly, you of all people should be ashamed of yourself... "...people can mostly catch on to what's going on" .... One word, C.J. .... DUH! Arigatou for reviewing! (forced smile)
Well, that seems to be all of them. Thank you once again. Oh yeah, and if anyone happens to find mistakes, let this one know! This one would like to fix them as soon as possible...spelling, grammar, etc. Even names and other such info. Arigatou!
