*Disclaimer: I own quite a lot in this chapter. ^_^ As always, I own Ami, who I cherish very much, and now I own Domon and Sachi-san too! Not too mention little Nazen from before. I still don't own Kenshin, but don't worry, I'm working on it! :P*

~Innocence is shattered, a man hides behind his mask. She finds a home in him, and adoration begins to shine in her eyes...~

Daughters & Domon

A village, Ami thought as they walked. Maybe...I can get Kenshin something. She became more aware of the money pouch inside her pack. Not that she had too much, though...

However, it was nice to dream. If she did have that kind of money...what could she get? Ami watched Kenshin walking in front of her, his high ponytail swishing. She smiled. Then her eyes turned to his gi. The edges were slightly frayed, and Ami could see very faint traces of stains on it. She pursed her lips.

She knew her own clothes were frayed. But it didn't matter; she was just a little peasant girl. Kenshin ought to have something better. He was a traveling swordsman, a hero... She began to idly pick out colors and patterns in her mind, passing the time.

~*~

They walked further, and both noticed the farms they began to pass more frequently. Both were reminded faintly of their old lives. Kenshin remembered the time when his name was Shinta, living with parents he couldn't recall too well, and Ami, of her brother and the labors they had tending to the small field.

After a while, they finally walked down the road that led to the center of the small town. They walked down the main street, grocers calling out to anyone who passed, shouting their prices.

"Do you want to get anything?" they asked each other simutaneously. Ami blinked. Kenshin blinked.

"Um..." Ami reached up to unconciously twirl her hair. "How much food do we have left?"

"A bit. I'll buy more."

"I have money too," Ami started, turning to get her pack of her shoulders, when a yell erupted.

"Hey!"

Ami was suddenly bowled over by a man clutching a money pouch to his chest, pushing through the small crowd frantically.

"Ah-" Ami started, eyes widening. She felt a hand against her back, helping her balance, and then it disappeared. "Kenshin!"

But he was already gone. Ami spun around to face the direction where the thief had gone, and saw a flash of red. The thief halted at the sight of the sword in front of him. Kenshin stood there, eyes narrowed slightly.

"Kindly return that man's purse," he said quietly, eyes flickering to the panting man who had rushed over.

The robbed man came forward, his expression mixed with anger and gratefulness.

"Don't do that again," Kenshin said softly, withdrawing his sword as soon as the pouch was dropped into the rightful owner's hand. The thief whimpered a bit then dashed forward, crowd making way. Ami jogged up to Kenshin, a startled and amazed expression on her face.

"You're fast," she stated dubiously, and Kenshin laughed. The robbed man looked at them, and his face errupted into a happy smile. He looked to be in his late twenties, and wore considerably wealthy clothes.

"Arigatou, Arigatou gozaimasu," he cried, and moved forward to clasp Kenshin on the shoulder. The pair turned to face him, with curious looks. The man smiled, beaming.

"My name is Domon Kamashi. Thank you so much, my friends. Please allow me to treat you to dinner!" he cried.

Ami smiled at his cheerfulness, then looked up at Kenshin.

"We do not wish to intrude, and it was nothing," Kenshin said, holding up his hand. "We are merely wanderers...rurouni."

Ami smiled. Rurouni. We. She turned to Domon to see what his reaction would be. His reaction was to completely ignore them. "No no, come, we have plenty of food, and to refuse would sadden me!"

And with that, Domon Kamashi seized Kenshin's wrist and dragged him forward, Kenshin's other hand clasping Ami's. The small human chain then disappeared into the bustle...

~*~

"He would've made us come no matter what we said, ne?" Ami smiled to Kenshin as they walked down a small path to Domon's house, the subject of her talk walking a few feet in front of them.

"Yes. But, refusing was courteous." Kenshin smiled down at her. He was rather glad their host made sure they would accept. He wasn't too sure how much food a young girl should get, but definately not the amount he had been giving her. Having dinner here would be good for her.

They soon approached the house, which was rather....

"Sugoi..." Ami peeped. She and Kenshin stood in awe at the rather large house. Domon laughed and rambled on cheerfully about how his father had struck it good in mining, and his father before him, and his father before that...

As he talked and they came further to the house, they could see a woman coming outside. The woman waved a bit, then waited patiently till they walked up the steps. She had kind brown eyes, and dark hair in a bun.

"Ha, hello Anata," she smiled. She bowed to Kenshin and Ami, and Ami bowed deeply, fumblingly. Kenshin smiled at this and merely inclined his head. Domon smiled broadly.

"Sachi, this is Kenshin-san and Ami-chan."

Ami blushed a bit at the endearment.

"They helped me stop a thief, who had stolen my purse."

To their surprise, Sachi promptly whacked Domon lightly on the head.

"How many times has that happened? It's only the second week of March, and you've already gotten it nabbed four times this month!!"

Domon smiled, oblivious to the small whack she dealt him again. "I invited them to dinner! They are ronin, and are staying the night too."

"Ah?!" Kenshin and Ami gawked a little. They definately didn't remember agreeing to that.

Sachi stopped her whacking and immidietly transformed into a being as cheery as Domon. She put on a hostess smile, and clapped her hands cheerfully.

"Well, that's wonderful! We have plenty of room and food to spare. Come in!" She ushered them in quickly.

"Would you and your daughter like to get cleaned up first?"

Ami turned bright red, while Kenshin turned slightly pink. Daughter? Ami looked up at Kenshin, feeling embaressed yet pleased. Can I really pass off as his child?

Kenshin gave a short embaressed laugh and tried to explain.

"Ah, but Ami-chan is not my-" but he was cut off as servants swirled around them, taking their packs upstairs, bustling about. Sachi chirped at them, asking them their favorite dishes.

"A-any," Ami stuttered, Kenshin nodding. And then, suddenly Sachi was pushing them upstairs.

"Get cleaned up, the servants prepared baths-"

"But-"

And then they were pushed into their room.

~*~

"Ano...is this the bathtub?"

Ami pointed dumbly at the strange white tub filled with hot water. Kenshin came into the bathroom and stared.

"I suppose. It looks foreign," he said, tracing a finger along the smooth surface. Ami made a little face.

"It looks like you can slip in there."

"Aa."

Ami looked up at him. "Do you want to go first?"

Kenshin shook his head and smiled at her. "You can go if you want." Ami slowly nodded then looked around. Sure enough, on a little stool, there was a kimono about her size. She walked slowly over to it and lifted it up. It was a dark magenta color with green vines curling over the left side. She held it up to her and turned to Kenshin, who stared appraisingly. It looked well contrasting with her midnight black hair. She smiled a bit shyly and set it down, and Kenshin exited the room, closing the door slightly behind him.

Ami peeled off her clothes, and sank into the hot bath. She was a bit dismayed at how quickly the water turned a very light brown. Am I really so dirty? She scrubbed at her skin harshly. Then, she sank back, letting the water wet her hair.

They thought...that I was his daughter. Ami tilted her head so that she could see through the small crack of the door. Kenshin was rummaging through his pack. They thought...that he was my father. Her heart beat quicker. She shifted and the water made small waves. He called me "chan" she realized suddenly. When Kenshin was trying to explain...was that a secret message to me? That he does feel that way? Or was it really nothing, a slip of tongue...?

She watched him through the crack, eyes bleary.

~*~

Kenshin stood and looked around the room. Regular Japanese closets, but Western beds. Kenshin put a hand on one of the beds and pressed down experimentally. There was some type of metal under there, he decided. When he removed his hand, the small pit sprung up again. He sighed. He hoped they wouldn't be uncomfortable. He'd have rathered sleep on the floor, if that wouldn't be disrespectful to his hosts.

He stared at the two beds, rather gratefully. It would've been rather uncomfortable to share a bed with Ami. She was only a child to him, but she was ten. It would've been unproper. He remembered Sachi-dono's mistake. He would have to correct her sooner or later. He smiled a bit. He was reminded of the thought he had had yesterday.

Would you and your daughter-

If Tomoe and I-

.....He heard Ami sloshing in the tub, beginning to hum idly. He closed his eyes, feeling peaceful. A knock came to the door, and Kenshin heard Ami make a small eep and stop her humming. Smiling, Kenshin walked over to the door and opened it to see a servant. The servant bowed a little.

"Mr. Himura? The Mistress was wondering if you would accompany her to the garden."

Kenshin blinked. "Yes, of course," he answered, wondering what intent Sachi-dono had. The servant went away, and Kenshin came to the doorway of the bathroom.

"Ami," he said softly, not to alarm her. He heard the water slosh as she moved.

"Yes?"

He cautiously peeked through the crack of the door. Ami's arms and head hung over the rim of the bathtub, peering at him curiously. "Sachi-dono has requested that I see the garden with her. I will be back in a while." Ami smiled at him.

"Okay. I'll be done by then," she said, then disappeared back inside the tub. Kenshin smiled and closed the door fully shut, then exited the room.

~*~

It really was a nice day, Kenshin thought to himself as he entered the garden. Different birds were flying around from tree to tree, and further up Kenshin thought he could spy a Koi pond. Further down the path he could see Sachi.

He hurried his pace so that she wouldn't wait long. As he came up to her, he could see a soft smile on her face.

"Mr. Himura," she said, a small nod of her head.

"Hello," he returned, feeling slightly nervous. How many personalities did this woman have? Just a while ago she was so...hyper.

Sachi Kamashi began to walk down the path, Kenshin following her lead.

"How long have you and your daughter been traveling, Mr. Himura?"

"Ah," Kenshin said, putting an awkward hand to his neck. "Ami is not my daughter, de gozaru."

Sachi looked up at him in surprise. "Is that so?"

Kenshin nodded. He wondered if he was going to be reprimanded for not telling her sooner. "Yes. In fact, we just met...about four days ago." It sounded strange even to him. Only four days?...

"Oh!" She gave an embaressed little laugh. "You two looked so familiar with each other, I just presumed..."

"I understand." He thought for a while, deciding. After making up his mind, he smiled. "She does feel like one, however. I came to meet her under...rather unfortunate circumstances, for her part." His tone of voice had become more serious.

Sachi gave a small nod, not wanting to inquire further. She tried to make the topic lighter.

"Even though we've just met, I can tell she is a very sweet girl."

They walked on in silence, Kenshin turning his attention to the flowers.

"I....I am not able to have children, Mr. Himura."

Kenshin turned to her, shocked at her statement. She smiled a little wistfully.

"Seeing you and Ami-chan together...it seemed so precious."

Kenshin turned his gaze away from her.

"I love children. And if you and Ami-chan do not have plans...we'd both love it if you could stay for a while. At least get more provisions. Because....I just want to know!"

Her voice rose slightly, wavering. "I want to know...if I'd make a good mother. I just want to see...if this isn't a punishment from the gods! If it isn't for the best..."

The air seemed too tense for Kenshin's liking. He let out the pent up air inside of him.

"We'll stay for a while, Sachi-dono..." She was a few steps ahead of him, head down. He turned and began to walk the path back to the house. "As long as we're welcome. I'll see you at dinner."

"Mr. Himura!"

He turned, trying to ignore the tears in her eyes as he looked into her face. She gave a small smile.

"You have something precious with you. Do not lose it."

~*~

Ami was sitting on the bed, wearing the new kimono. She looked up and gave a happy smile as Kenshin came through the door.

"Hello! Was the garden nice?"

Kenshin tilted his head to look at her. He gave a small smile. "It was beautiful. Perhaps you will be able to see it, tomorow."

"Tomorow? So we are staying tonight?" She watched Kenshin nod. She smiled to herself, eyes lowered. "They seem like very nice people, ne?"

Kenshin didn't reply. Instead he strode into the bathroom.

"One of the servants came and refilled it, and gave you a set of clothes to change into," she called, stating the obvious as Kenshin looked around.

"All right," he answered, and gently closed the door behind him. Ami looked down to the floor, hands clasped together on her lap.

What were they doing? she wondered, feeling a bit sadder. Kenshin looked like something was on his mind...I wish he would tell me.

She slowly lay back onto the bed, twisting a bit, trying to get used to it. She put her hand to the collar of the kimono, fingering the material. She smiled a bit. She had never worn anything so beautiful before. Or so confining... It was nice to wear such fancy clothes, but she felt a lot freer in her raggedy garb.

Her stomach growled. Ami turned pink and rolled onto her stomach, trying to muffle the sounds. She looked at the door to the bathroom, trying to listen for any sound that Kenshin had heard. None. She sighed a bit, and began to twirl her hair idly. Truth be told, she had been a lot hungrier lately, traveling with Kenshin. She was used to not having a lot of food, but walking all day as well had taken a small toll on her. She stiffled her stomach pangs as much as she could, which were already pretty minimal, and thankfully Kenshin hadn't seemed to notice. It didn't matter how hungry she felt. She'd starve herself before complaining about the lifestyle she shared with Kenshin.

Ami's mind suddenly wandered to the dinner. These were rich people. Ami wasn't sure about their customs. Kenshin might know, she thought. She didn't know what Kenshin's past life was about, except that he had probably been put in a battle of some sort; hence the deaths he had caused. Maybe he had been the vassal or son of a rich lord, fighting for him, but renounced his title when the blood had been spilled, Ami wondered, eyes sparkling as she thought of how heroic that sounded. That sounded just right for him.

Her mind strayed to the previous thought. Slowly, she got up from the bed and went to the mirror. She stared at herself. Her hair was still slightly damp. It was long and still a bit tangled, falling past her shoulders. Ami remembered Sachi's neat bun and looked to the floor. She was beginning to feel a bit nervous. She stood up and knocked on Kenshin's door.

"Kenshin?"

"Hai?" Kenshin's voice was slightly muffled through the door. He wondered what was wrong. Ami sounded worried.

"Do you-....d'you think I should put my hair up?"

"Oro!" Whatever he had been expecting, that had not been it.

Ami blinked at his cry and couldn't help looking a tiny bit miffed. "Aiya, Kenshin! Do you think I'm supposed to??"

Kenshin didn't answer for a bit. Ami was sure if she looked, she would see Kenshin laughing. She waited for a minute, then called softly, "Kenshin?" No answer, and another miffed look. "Ken-"

"If you wish, Ami-chan." His voice sounded like he was trying to conceal amusement. But Ami couldn't help feel more light hearted at the endearment. "But I believe both Domon and Sachi-dono would not mind either way."

"Okay..." She stepped away from the door and returned to the mirror, picking up a hair tie on the way.

Just to see, ne? She cautiously gathered her hair up and tried to twist it into a bun like the one Sachi was wearing.

...She messed up.

"Ah..." she made a small frustrated noise and tried again. But after tying it together, the bun fell to her neck, stray hair all around. A word came to mind. One that could be used for all situations as helpless as these.

"K...Kus-"

"Ami?"

It was needless to say she was more than startled. Ami spun around, heart pounding wildly. Kenshin was standing at the doorway, looking at her confusedly.

Swearing? Kenshin thought, almost disbelievingly. He pretended that he hadn't heard her so he wouldn't have to deal with it, because he wasn't sure how to. Should he just ignore it and pretend swears were the normal vocabulary of a young girl, or actually reprimand her?

She stared up at him, shocked and embaressed. "Ano...." she trailed off, staring. Kenshin was dressed in a black haori jacket with dragons emboidered on the front and sleeves, with a blue gi and pants. His hair was still down. She gaped for a while longer, then flushed, looking away. Her gaze fell to the hair tie in her hand. She held it up to him, trying to find words.

"I couldn't do it..." Her gaze had a slight desperation to it. "Did you..." Did you hear me? She tried to finish her sentence, but couldn't find any words."...Gomen," she said, lamely.

She stood up, staring at her hands a while longer, than walked to the door. She was about to step out when she paused and faced him. "I...I'm going out for a bit." Her face had a distraught and very helpless look as she gazed at him, then turned away and stepped out, shutting the door behind her, leaving a very confused and awkward Kenshin behind.

~*~

Stupid, she thought to herself. Idiot. She wasn't sure why she acted like she did. All she knew was that a deep shame was welling up inside of her. She wanted to rectify herself to Kenshin, explaining to him that she didn't swear much and this was one of the few times she had even bothered to try. The way he had looked at her...like he was shocked that she would mouth such a thing. Perhaps he saw me as a little girl, Ami wondered miserably. Before, she might've been unsatisfied with such a vision, but now she was yearning for it. And he was shocked that I would do such a thing. And then I stared at him like an idiot. But he...he looked so perfect, standing there.

She wandered down the hall, barely noticing the beauitul paintings and decor. A voice called her from her thoughts.

"Ami-chan?"

Ami looked up, startled. Sachi was standing in front of her.

"Ah, hello Sachi-san." Ami gave a little bow, and Sachi smiled at her.

"Would you like to help me in the kitchens?"

"You-...you're cooking yourself?" Ami was surprised. She'd have thought the servants would do it. Sachi nodded.

"Cooking is a favorite of mine, so practically all of the meals are prepared by me." Sachi turned and took a few steps towards the stairways leading down to the first floor. She paused, and waited, hesistantly.

Like she's afraid, Ami realized. She stared for a second, then bobbed her head in a "yes" and followed her down the stairs.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Author's Notes:

Hurray! Another chapter finished. *sigh* I had no idea when to end this one. I originally thought I'd be able to end it after their dinner, but then all these other things took so long...^^ I changed the summary, so that's why the old one is up at the top. I decided to make it more informative. :P

What was I gonna say?? Erm...oh yeah!! I finished drawing a picture of Ami! ^_^ On the computer, and it's pretty okay if I do say so myself...^^' Then I realized, I didn't have to wait to post it on a website! I could just attatch it to an email and send it to all of you. But I didn't do it right then, because I was afraid that maybe it would fill up your inbox or something (I'm not sure how much space the picture will take, not too much I hope). It's Ami when she was 7. Anyway, if you'd like to see it, let me know and I'll send it to you, kay?

Replies:

Haruko: Thank you for the support! And you're fics were really good, so I'm not so much better. ^^' In fact, I think I'm worse off. I have so many fic ideas in my head, that it's hard to keep track. @_@' Oro....

AnimeAmba: Yeah...I picked up a manga of "Oh My Goddess" today from the library, and I was amazed at their hairstyles. I admire the manga authors for being able to create such original looks...^^' Also...*drags you out again* Don't hide! Lookie here, peeps! Another good author! ^_^

Baka: *salutes* Working as fast (Er...okay, maybe a little less ^^') as I can! Glad you like.

PS, Oh yeah, I apologize for leaving such a big gap at the last chapter after it ended...I hadn't realized. 0_o' Well, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!