A/N: IM SORRY THAT THIS TOOK SO LONG. This story has been getting harder for me to write just because I am running out of creative situations. It will probably only be a few chapters more until it is through. But never fear, I am going to leave an opening for a sequel, just in case I ever feel the urge to write one. Anyway, there will be some lemon in the next chapter. I hope that I will be able to get it out fairly soon.

The Price of Blood

Chapter 12: Talks and Intrusion

Stretching lightly, Kaoru rose from the bed of her futon. Her small hand came up to her raven locks, running through the disheveled strands. Turning her pale face to the window, she smiled lightly. Her hand fell down to run lightly across her lips. She trembled. The memory of the previous evenings events were still strong in her mind. She could still feel Kenshin's lips against her own.

It amazed her how gentle he had been. He did not even try to force himself upon her. The entire experience was something that she did not anticipate nor discourage. There was something about it that made her heart beat just a bit faster. Maybe Kenshin really did care for her. After all, he had been the one protecting her for all of these years.

Sighing, she carefully untied her robe, letting the fabric pool to the floor around her. She quickly glanced around, making sure that no one was looking. Giggling lightly, she shook her head at herself. She should know that Kenshin had more honor than to stoop that low. Picking up her vivid yellow kimono, she slipped it over her shoulders, securely wrapping about herself.

The faint smell of rice came to her nose. Kaoru's stomach growled as she sniffed in the scent. Quickly grabbing her blue silk ribbon, she smoothed her hair into a ponytail. Sliding open her shoji, she happily walked out of the room, a small smile ghosting on her face.

Before Kaoru sat Kenshin, patiently awaiting for her at the table. In front of him paid two bowls of rice. His blood red hair was loose behind his back, the ends gently curling upwards. Kaoru could not see his amber eyes. Curiosity made her wonder if they would be as devoid and fearsome as they usually were. His hands were tucked into the sleeves of his gi, hidden from her blue eyes. He seemed to be staring off into nothingness. Kenshin did not even seem to notice her entrance.

Softening her eyes, she quietly said, "Good morning."

Kenshin's head jerked back towards Kaoru. His haunting eyes were still the same terrifying color and there seemed to be little change in his expression. Nodding his head to her, he then turned away, staring off into the distance again.

Hesitating slightly, Kaoru shifted uncomfortably. Lowering her gaze to the floor, she quickly glanced up to his form every few seconds, waiting for his permission to come closer.

After a few moments, he half turned towards her. In one of her quick glances, she noticed his amber eyes upon her. Pursing his lips tightly, his eyes narrowed momentarily before returning to their normal state.

"Come, Kaoru," he calmly spoke to her. "Breakfast has been ready."

Letting out a breath that she did not know that she had been holding, Kaoru began to move forward. Carefully stepping lightly, she maneuvered her around the man. Stopping at his side, she lowered herself into a sitting position. Kaoru looked over at Kenshin. His gaze was burning into her, studying her intently. She smiled lightly at him, only to cause him to turn his eyes away.

Frowning slightly, Kaoru sighed. It seemed as though nothing much had changed since yesterday. Perhaps he was unsure of himself or perhaps he thought that it all was a mistake. Her frown deepened as she picked up her chopsticks and began poking at her rice.

"What's wrong?"

Kenshin's voice sliced through the silence, slightly startling Kaoru. Jerking her head up, she looked him in the eye before quietly replying, "Nothing."

Scowling, Kenshin had no intent on leaving the subject lie. "What is wrong, Kaoru?"

She should have known that he would press the subject. He was too inept at reading her to allow her to get away with an answer like that. For once she cursed that the man cared about what she thought. She was not ready to face the answer that was likely to occur.

Swallowing up her courage, Kaoru's quiet voice asked, "Do you regret what happened?"

"Do you?" he asked her back calmly.

A spark of fire flashed through her cerulean eyes as she gazed at Kenshin. "I believe that I asked you first, Kenshin."

Quickly and firmly responding, he commanded, "No. Now do you?"

Kaoru's eyes widened slightly. He did not regret what happened? Did he actually care about her? Her heart fluttered with hope. As unlikely as it seemed, perhaps this man could actually love her.

"No," she replied softly.

"Good. Now eat," came the stiff response.

Sighing, Kaoru smiled lightly before picking up a wad of rice from her bowl.

Crimson hair fluttered gently in the breeze, coming along the side of his face. The long strands of hair carried upwards until they almost masked the deep scar along his cheek. His powerful limbs were tightly tucked to his sides, making his sitting position one he could easily react from. Piercing eyes canned the dojo yard, looking for any signs of threats. Something was making him uneasy. Even though there was nothing to tip this reaction, Kenshin still could not shake the feeling.

The soft padding of feet sounded in his alert ears, making him momentarily tense. Closing his eyes briefly, he allowed the calming scent of jasmine to take over his senses.

"Yes?" he asked Kaoru.

"I...It's...would you like me to leave?" she babbled out softly.

Letting out a huff of breath, he turned slightly to her. She was still unsure and tentative around him. Despite her incredible urge to make conversation with him, Kenshin still preferred it when she was with him. Not only did it make it easier for him to protect her, but he rather enjoyed her calming presence. He was more annoyed that she did not recognize it.

"Do as you wish," he answered her.

He intently listened for her reaction. For a few moments he heard nothing. She was undoubtedly considering her choice. For a brief moment, he thought that Kaoru was going to leave him. He was pleased when she positioned herself beside him. His amber eyes focused upon her, drinking in her lean form before turning back to the dojo yard.

"It's a depressing day, ne?" Kaoru asked, breaking the silence.

Kenshin grunted in response. What she said was true. Although it was not raining, the clouds were overcast with a dark grey tint. The wind blew constantly, slightly bending the delicate trees. The day's appearance did not help his discomfort. It was on days like this that complications arose.

"Is there something wrong, Kenshin?" Kaoru asked.

Startled, Kenshin whipped his head to her. He found her blue eyes staring at him, concern reading through them. Was it possible that she was able to understand him? More importantly, was it possible that someone was actually able to care about him?

"I don't know," he responded, his voice dropping low. The defense left his tone. He found that as much as he wanted to, he could not bring himself to lie to her. Not now.

Slowly, Kaoru reached her hand out to place it on top of his. Her smooth skin felt good against his calloused hands. Letting his eyes close, he allowed himself to shortly revel in the moment. It was funny to him. He, the Battousai, the legendary manslayer, had somehow found comfort in this woman. He never would have thought that someone would willingly wish to hold onto his tainted hands.

Grunting lightly, he pulled his hands from underneath hers.

"I'm so..." she began, but was cut off when she held his hands wrap around her.

Sliding his arms around her waist, he pulled her to him. Kaoru's body collided into his, her curves molding into his. He heard her small squeal of surprise and it brought the ghost of a smile to his lips. Dropping his head, he allowed his head to fall into the curve of her neck, burying himself into her black mane. Unconsciously, his grip tightened upon her, refusing to let her move from her position.

"Kenshin," she breathed out.

Brushing his lips against her soft skin, he loved the way that she shuttered beneath him. Kami, did he love it when she called out his name.

"Say it again," he hoarsely whispered.

"Kenshin," she barely muttered.

Bringing his head up from her, he brought his face close to hers, letting his eyes search hers. Emotions rolled over her large, captivating eyes. However, he could tell that they were glazed over in delight. Descending his lips, he allowed his breath to graze over hers.

"Kaoru," he whispered before plowing his mouth onto hers.

Kaoru moaned beneath him, opening her mouth up willingly. His tongue ran over the perimeters of her lips before delving inside of her mouth. Kenshin's hand loosened itself from her waist, gliding over her form until it reached her head. Fisting itself in her dark hair, he tilted her head to the side. Crushing his lips further against hers, he possessively sought to taste as much of her as possible. Her trembling body responses did nothing to quell his desires.

Kaoru's own hands moved up his body, coming to twist around his neck. Latching into his free bound hair, she pulled him closer, desiring more of his touch. Her heart pounded against her chest. Her head felt dizzy, but she liked it.

"Well, isn't this touching," called out a harsh, cold voice.

Wrenching away from Kaoru, Kenshin roughly pushed her behind him. His hand instinctively flew down to grasp the hilt on his katana, while the other shielded Kaoru. His eyes dissolved into frightening slits and one could hear the threatening growl emit from his throat. He was angry with himself. It was his fault that he did not hear the intruder. It was his fault that he had allowed himself to let Kaoru get this close to danger.

"Who the hell are you?" Kenshin hissed darkly. His eyes flashed with warning as his body visibly tensed.

The man before him laughed evil. His tall lean frame stood out darkly against the grey sky. His dark hair blew softly in the light breeze. He stood tensed, his dark eyes never leaving Kenshin's form. The unusual thing was that this man carried no weapon at all. He stood bare in the dojo yard. Kenshin's eyes flashed once again. Was this man just a fool or did he have something planned?

"That is not important, Battousai. There is no time now for formalities. I have some business that I need to take care of immediately," the man dully replied, beginning to step towards the pair.

Kenshin slowly rose into a crouching position, his potent muscles twitching in apprehension. "I was not aware that we had any business to discuss. What are you here for?" Kenshin forebodingly asked.

"It is simple, Battousai. Since you did not hear me approach, it seems as though my job will be fairly unchallenging. I am merely here for your life."

Roaring in anger, Kenshin fully rose, fiercely grasping the hilt of his katana. Dropping his body low, he tensely awaited for the man to make the first move. His eyes were intently watching, all of his senses on high alert. He was driven by anger. This had never happened before. No man was ever able to get this close to him without his knowledge. This man would pay for his intrusion. He would pay with his life.

The man before him laughed bitterly, throwing back his head slightly. Bringing his hand to his mouth, he let out a short, but clear, whistle. Out of the shadows of the dojo dropped several men. Each dark clothed man was equipped with a katana. It seems as though the man was not as stupid as he thought.

Kenshin's breath was deep and ragged, trying to control his rage until the right time. From behind him, Kenshin could hear Kaoru let out a surprised gasp. Not moving from his position, he quietly whispered to Kaoru, "Go inside, Kaoru."

"But Kenshin..." she started. Kaoru was worried for the man before her. She had seen him this enraged before. She did not want him to do something that he regretted. Her body was slightly shaking in fear. How had this happened?

"Now."

TBC...