Remodeling

Shiro was waiting in Katsura's office when Shishio showed up. Shishio had a smile on his face, but it disappeared when he saw Shiro's frown. "Hey, what are you so gloomy about?" he asked.

"Maybe you're just too happy, Shishio," he barked. "Have you finished with your tasks?"

"Yeah, most of those advisors had about ten guards on them. Nonetheless," Shishio opened a sack and dumped out the heads of his victims, letting them roll across the floor. "They won't be giving the shogun anymore advise. What about you?"

"Yeah, I got my targets, too. I also had to take the Battousai's marks. I'm sick of taking care of his business. We should just kill the bitch and be done with it! Then we can take care of the shogun!"

"Patience, my friend. We need her, remember? Besides, I've been getting some interesting information for my backup plan."

"Miss Kaoru, Miss Kaoru, where are you?" Kenshin yelled. He had lost sight of her again. If Katsura found out that she was wondering around by herself, he would have a fit. Kenshin finally found Kaoru looking out a window in an enormous bedroom. He noticed that she wiped away a circle of dust to let in some sunlight through the window. "Miss Kaoru, what are you doing in here? You're going to get us into big trouble."

"Why is there a mansion on top of the prison?" she asked. Kenshin had to think about it.

"I suppose that the government didn't want the people to know that Edo kept prisoners in the city, so they built the mansion over it to cover it up. I think the guards used it for hospitality, but it's been abandoned for years." Kenshin looked at Kaoru.

"Do you think we could redecorate it? It would be a much better place to live then that dusty old cell. All we would have to do is a little sweeping and dusting. Then we could buy some new furnishings."

"I don't know if we should," Kenshin protested.

"Why not?" They both turned around at the mysterious voice. It was Katsura. "It would probably be better to live in the manor rather than the prison. I can send for some furniture and shades. You two can clean the place up."

"But that will take forever!" Kenshin exclaimed.

"You only have to clean up a couple rooms to sleep in, unless you want to clean more. Think of it as a way to get better acquainted." He threw them some cleaning supplies and left. "Make sure you get all the cobwebs." They started cleaning the room. It was about ten minutes before Kenshin decided to start a conversation.

"So, any new loves in your life?" He regretted asking that question. Why would anyone ask a prisoner that?

"Well," Kaoru started. "I'm supposed to marry the shogun's son, Kyochi. My dad arranged it so I would be safe. I guess that didn't exactly work out, did it?"

"It must be nice to be connected to royalty."

"I wouldn't say getting kidnapped is nice. He is really sweet and generous. He bought me so many gifts. But they didn't mean a thing. You see, I don't think I love him."

"It is hard when you are forced to marry someone. But sometimes it isn't so bad." Kenshin had to pretend that he was married to Tomoe, but he liked it. Tomoe even asked him to marry her for real just before he killed her (1). "I was married once."

"I thought samurais didn't have time for a family."

"I wasn't supposed to have time, but it was for our protection. It wasn't as bad as I thought. In fact, the woman I married was the one I loved. But she died last year."

"I'm sorry," Kaoru said as he saw a tear fall down his face.

"It's alright. I do miss her a lot, but I've moved on. Who knows, maybe I'll find another person to love." Kaoru looked at the man before her. She could tell that he hadn't moved on. He still loved his wife. She couldn't believe how selfish she was. "I'm sure you'll find that certain someone."

"No," Kaoru said as she blushed. "I don't think anyone would want me now."

"Sure they would. You're pretty, smart, strong, and that comb in your hair makes you look more radiant." Kaoru touched her mother comb in her hair. She was glad someone liked it. She turned to Kenshin for one final question.

"Kenshin?"

"Yes?"

"Do you…think you could pass the broom?" That wasn't the question she wanted to ask. She decided to wait with the real question. Kenshin threw the broom to her and she caught it. "Thanks."

Yeah, I thought I would end with that little comic-relief. It probably isn't that funny. I only have one footnote for you.

1. In Trust/Betrayal, Kenshin accidentally kills Tomoe while fighting with an old fist fighter. He received the first mark of his x scar from Tomoe's first betrothed. Kenshin also killed him. At the end, he learns how much pain she has gone through because of him. In her dying moments, Tomoe makes the final mark on his scar so that he is reminded of her always.

And now, more reviews.

Animelover: Yeah, I had more. I erased it all because I'm improvin the story and changing some stuff. It will have the same plot basically, but some things will change. So if you've read it already, you might want to scan over it alittle. Don't worry. Everything will come back. Thanks for reviewing.

Well, that's it for now. Cya.