Author's Note- Wow. What a wonderful response! So many reviews…I am sooo happy! (Over sixty!) Thank you guys so much! You are all just too good to me! Don't ever stop! Anywho- I briefly struggled with what I wanted to happen in this chapter. It went a different way then I originally thought it would- So, please don't hate me! Cause, you may be tempted…- What should be said, what shouldn't be said, what emotions should rule each character, what in the world should happen exactly…etc… It was a challenge. (After all, I want everything to go smoothly and stuff. Who doesn't!) I hope that you are happy with the results I worked very hard on.
BTW- your reviews really inspire me…thank you again. -grin- Also, sorry about the wait…I just started working again for the summer.
Disclaimer- Nope…but if anyone wants to give Kenshin and crew to me… I'll accept them... mwhahahaha… sorry.
Rating- R/M- And it hits the fan. Oh yeah!
Things Left Unsaid
Chapter Five
Meeting of Kin
(Several Hours Earlier)
Kenshin shifted in his seat, separating and sorting through the papers spread out in front of him. Rubbing at his temple, he sipped from a hot cup filled with black coffee. Pushing down the last remaining effects of the scotch he had consumed earlier, Kenshin shut his eyes briefly and stretched his legs out. His body was tense with anticipation. Shutting out the loud obnoxious sounds of an airplane in mid-flight, he adjusted the arm sleeves of his shirt and placed his attention on the small table in front of him.
Taking a long gulp of the burning liquid, he noted the small empty plane. Brightly lit, the seats were few and far between, and covered with a dark leather. Tables adorned with bolted on lamps and small mini fridges rested between the seating areas. Two large retractable flat screen televisions were set into the front and back of the planes interior. He eyed the decadence with feelings of disinterest. There were some advantages to being an important member of a company that made billions of dollars a year. One of them being the fact that in the middle of the night he was able to secure a private plane at less than an hours notice.
Taking in the pages surrounding him yet again, he organized and sorted through every detail that was found on Kaoru's life the last four years. He soaked up the information with vigor. He was more curious than he would like to admit about where she had been and what she had done. Once her alias name had been discovered, her trail became much more apparent.
Kia Kanzaka.
He smiled at her choice of name. She still had the same initials. Kenshin wondered if she had done that consciously in an attempt to keep some semblance of her life before. Shifting to the first pile of papers, he sifted through documents chronicling her life before Chicago in Florida. The papers were few and far between, but he was able to piece together some important information.
Firstly, she gave birth in Florida. Aoshi could pull strings like no one else he knew, and the medical documents in front of him only further reiterated his belief in that. The child had been born four days premature, and the birth had obviously been difficult for Kaoru. The documents documented her problems with both the pain medication, and the over twenty hour long labor that had ensued. He screwed his eyes shut at the thought.
More than anything he wished he had been there. Opening his eyes, he gently lifted the birth certificate. Sex: Male. Weight: 7 lbs. 7 oz. Length: 20 in. Kia Kanzaka had been printed and signed under mother, the signature flowing with familiar curves, however the father space had been left simply with a set of initials obviously written in the hand of the mother. K.H. Nothing more. No signature, no explanation.
It clenched at his heart. Although she had never told him that she was pregnant, she had not disregarded or ignored the fact that he was the father. She could have left the slot blank, completely removing him from the role of father. Denying him his right. She hadn't though. He was a father. He was more than certain now. He had a child.
"Kenji."
He spoke the name softly, shaken slightly by the sound. That was his son's name. It was a good name. His son. Controlling the emotions that seemed to want nothing more than to spin out of control, he reminded himself of the task at hand. Once he found them, he was going to need to get to the bottom of Kaoru's disappearance. Not only that, but Kaoru was his to protect, and so was their son. He wondered how long it would take to convince her. Kenshin needed to be a vital part in both her life, and their son's.
Their son.
He was still trying to adjust to the fact that they had created a child together. A child out of their love. So, why had she left? He wondered briefly what his son looked like. Aoshi had said red hair, but what about Kenji's eyes? Were they like his own, or did they mirror his mother's? What was his favorite color? Food? Toy? Was he afraid of the dark? Did he chew on his fingernails when he was nervous? Could he walk without wobbling, and how many dings did he get when learning to walk?
Did he even know that he had a father?
Kenshin pictured Kaoru cradling a red haired child, and his heart clenched painfully. The notion of family sprung to the back of his mind, and he felt a desperate urge to protect and shield those closest to him. He had a family, a real family.
Noticing the slipping control he had on his emotions, he put aside the medical documents. He couldn't afford to let himself lose focus. Sorting through the rest of the documents from Florida, he looked over the places she had lived and worked. The address and amount for rent at the apartment she had resided in for most of her time there made it obvious that she had been struggling. And three weeks after giving birth, she went back to work at a local hair salon as a secretary.
A month after that, she had added a job as a waitress- working three nights a week at a grill and bar called Happy Joe's. Kenshin leaned forward onto one of his hands. Why? Why would she allow herself to struggle so much? Kenshin wanted to provide for her, for them- for the rest of their lives. And she had ignored that and instead worked herself to death to supply the bare minimum.
She had picked up and moved after two years in southern Florida, a bus and train ticket with Kia Kanzaka's signature he had copies of. Why had she moved? He looked over the specs of where she lived now. It seemed better than the first place, but it was still undoubtedly unacceptable. He wouldn't allow her or their son to be in any danger. Her job as a waitress at the Blue Spot paid more than her last job too. It didn't make him feel any better however.
Finishing off his now luke warm coffee, Kenshin picked up the only picture of Kaoru that had been acquired. An employee picture for the Blue Spot, it was taken just after she'd been hired. A black and white photo, her familiar and beautiful features jumped off the page. Hair bobbed just under the chin, her smile seemed slight and forced. He could sense her exhaustion even through the picture. He touched her image with his hand.
She was still enchanting.
Feeling a drop in altitude, Kenshin gathered up the loose papers. Placing them in a folder he put away the coffee mug and reclined his chair. Stretching slightly, he cursed the uncomfortable seats. They would be landing in Chicago within the next thirty minutes. Maybe he could catch a little shut eye before then. Yeah, right.
Kenshin pulled into the lot, parking the black rental car. The drive to her apartment had been uneventful, the traffic minimal. He guessed that few would be traveling early on a Saturday morning. Shutting the door with a resounding clap, he crossed the street while examining the area.
The rising sun cast an attractive glow on the otherwise dismal neighborhood. Small pieces of garbage blew haphazardly around, collecting in the street's nooks and crannies. He could taste the pollution that was heavy in the air. The two buildings on either side of Kaoru's apartment were dilapidated, and her own wasn't much better. Two people dressed in scruffy clothes were just visible in the darkest corners of the street. It was unacceptable.
Aoshi had met him at the airport. Not having much more to tell Kenshin, he gave him directions to Kaoru's home. Kenshin had thanked him, hoping that it wasn't too obvious how anxious he was. Aoshi hadn't said anything about his behavior, and Kenshin was glad. After getting the information, Kenshin had sent Aoshi away. He didn't want anyone to be there when he saw Kaoru again. It was just for them. He would call Aoshi later.
Opening the door to the building, he wrinkled his nose at the dank smell of age that hung heavily in the air. Dimly lit, he eyed the worn doors and carpet as he traveled deeper into the building. The hallway lights flickered and flared in the small space. Passing room 101, then 103 and 105, he felt his heart beat quicken. It seemed like only yesterday he had met her. The young woman that was filled with life and energy.
Kenshin walked stealthily, a tightness in each step he took. On his way to a casual meeting with Aoshi, he had opted to walk instead of drive. It allowed him to clear his mind, and walk familiar streets. He rolled his shoulders back and blew a stray hair out of his eyes. Work was hell right now. Kenshin smirked.
Scratch that. Work was always hell.
Kenshin had yet to find himself enjoying more than one or two aspects of his ever growing, ever changing job. That was one of the reasons he hated driving. He wanted to feel like he was part of the real, normal world. As his life continued to delve into a realm similar at times to that of the Twilight Zone, being surrounded by regular individuals and situations was refreshing and strengthening.
Walking through a mostly residential area, he took in the nice houses and cars lining the street. He had to admit that New York had some beautiful neighborhoods. Letting his vision broaden, his eyes focused as they came across a group of people seemingly just lounging. It seemed a bit odd for anyone to be out so late in this sort of area. Eyeing the group he walked around them, giving enough room so that he was unnoticeable. No reason to let his stealth skills go to waste.
The six young men lounged and smoked cigarettes, their conversation slightly harsh in the still evening. One of them laughed loudly, and Kenshin couldn't help but tense at the annoying sound. He could tell that they thought they were pretty 'tough.' He snorted silently. Pathetic. They would undoubtedly cry like babies if anything really dangerous came along. Passing them silently, Kenshin rounded the corner and let them fall from his sight. If he didn't hurry he would be late.
A woman's voice broke the stillness, her voice a mixture of a terrified and angry shout.
Dropping immediately into a defensive stance, he darted back through the street, his senses picking up the location of the noise. He wasn't sure what was going on yet, but he'd be damned if he just let something happen when he could prevent it. Pausing between two cars, he realized the sound had originated near the group of people he had just passed. Feeling his lips draw back into an angry scowl, he quietly drew himself closer to the group.
They had gathered farther down the street, spaced between two dimly lit street lights. The group was drawn up in a tight semi circle, cigarettes forgotten as they seemed to shout out words of encouragement at three of their members who appeared to be struggling. He saw the flash of long dark hair, and his blood grew cold. Scratch that. They were shouting words of encouragement at two of their members who were trying to restrain a woman. It made him sick.
"Don't touch her."
His voice sounded almost like a growl to his own ears. Disgusting pigs- they deserved what they were about to get.
On the offensive, Kenshin quickly ran up behind them, knocking two out with a sharp jab to the back of the neck. Spinning quickly, he took out another young punk with a knee to the stomach and elbow to the back of the head. The guy hadn't even noticed him yet. The last man not struggling with the girl was thrown neatly into a dumpster, his body sagging slightly as it hit the wall next to it first. A couple of swift kicks later, and only him and the woman were conscious.
He approached her carefully, doing his best to seem non-threatening. Who knew what she was thinking. The woman dusted herself off, and pulled herself up into a sitting position. Kenshin took in the short skirt that was wrinkled and skewed, allowing his eyes to briefly glance at the incredibly long legs that it didn't hide.
Her white blouse was ruffled as well, the three top buttons which had been undone, quickly were redone by her slightly shaky fingers. His eyes again focused, this time on her pale smooth collarbone and graceful neck. She stood on trembling feet, and Kenshin forced his physical reaction to her body down. The girl had just been attacked.
"Are you alright?"
His voice betrayed little of the inner turmoil he felt. She kept her head bent, the dark hair held in a ponytail rushing over one shoulder as her bangs hid her facial features from his view. He hoped that nothing had happened to her before he had heard her cries. Taking a step closer to her, he stopped when she visibly flinched. Of course she was scared, and he was more than likely not helping.
"I'm fine."
Her voice was weak and forced, and Kenshin held back his urge to grin. She seemed determined to show no weakness. He liked that.
Her head tilted up, allowing him a good look at her face, and his breath caught. Two expressive blue eyes stared at him, both fearful and challenging, yet still amazingly innocent. Set on a pale face and framed with dark thick lashes, her eyes were complimented with both a cute nose and a pretty kissable mouth- she was radiant. Her dark hair furthered her beauty, strands that had fallen from the securing piece of elastic resting against her cheeks and moving slightly in the cool breeze.
He wanted her.
Taking in her attire again, he inwardly flinched as the pieces came together. The pleated skirt, the white blouse, and the plain black shoes. It was a uniform. The girl was in fucking high school! He clamped down on his raging hormones and resisted the desire to growl in frustration. Shit. He wasn't the kind of guy that robbed the cradle.
"You shouldn't be out here at this time of night. Not dressed like that."
And he meant it. She looked like she had walked out of some guy's fantasy. The one involving the bad school girl that needed a spanking. Pushing the sudden imagery and the effects it had on him out of his mind, Kenshin was shocked at the anger that seemed to envelop her suddenly.
"What!"
Her voice sounded loudly, her hands flying to her hips in indignation. Now that was a sight. The woman's eyes enlarged with barely contained rage, making them sparkle even as her cheeks flushed with emotion. If possible, she was even more attractive. Taking a steadying breath, he scratched at the back of his head. Down boy. He needed to calm her down, and get her to her home. He wasn't going to leave her roaming the streets at this time of the night dressed like that.
Glancing back up at her, he caught her suddenly studying him. Her eyes at the moment seemed to be entrenched in his long red locks of hair. Was that…longing he saw in her gaze? She bowed her head suddenly, and Kenshin nearly jumped at her sudden change in demeanor.
"I'm sorry I've been so impolite. Thank you for helping me."
Wow. That had been unexpected. He gazed down at her bent form, his intrigue amazingly pricked once again. Her emotions were so pure and undiluted. It was a fresh breath of air. Feeling himself calm at her presence, he smiled reassuringly at her. When she smiled back, he felt his heart race.
"It's no problem, let me make sure you get home safe."
She turned and started walking, Kenshin matching her steps and rhythm as they went. He clamped down at the excited feeling he got knowing that he would know where she lived, and concentrated on the streets around them. Letting his senses take in her form, he breathed deeply the scent of jasmine. The scent clung to her body, and was integrated into her very form. Kenshin felt the sudden unexplainable need to bury his head in the crook of her neck in an effort to memorize the sweet smell.
Shaking off the feeling, he wondered exactly why she had been out at this time of night. And why exactly was she dressed like that? He needed to know more about her.
"What were you doing out so late?"
Kenshin asked the question straight out, half sure that she would scoff at him and tell him to mind his own business.
"I was at a party."
Now that was interesting. She had been at a party? This pretty innocent little thing? He was expecting something along the lines of a late science project at school- Not that she had been out boozing with other highschoolers.
"You don't seem like the party type."
And she didn't. With her innocent eyes and independent personality, a party girl he would have never pegged her as. She laughed then. A clear ringing sound that crawled deeply within him and took root. If possible his desire for her grew.
"I'm not really, my friend threw me one for my birthday."
That caused him to start. Her birthday? Kenshin couldn't help the nagging question that unfurled within him. How old was she exactly? She acted mature for a woman still in her teens. Turning his body, he allowed himself the pleasure of looking deeply into her eyes.
"Today is your birthday?"
He felt the naked want in his own voice and noticed the way she shivered under his scrutiny. She looked slightly confused at her own reaction. She really was completely innocent.
"How old are you?"
He asked the question carefully, slightly wary of what her answer would be. He couldn't help the desperate craving he had for her. And if she was legal, she was his.
"Eighteen."
Kenshin felt the wide smile grow on his face, and didn't try to stop it. She smiled hesitantly back, and he realized that she was totally unaware of what had just happened. Then again, he liked the element of surprise. He wanted her, every part of her, and he didn't want to scare her off before it had really begun. So for now, he would hide the intense passion he felt for her, and concentrate on learning everything he could about her.
They arrived at her home a few minutes later. A light inside of the mid sized white house shown brightly in the dark. It seemed that someone was waiting for her to return home safely. She turned to face him, her body trembling slightly under his gaze.
"Thank you, again, for helping me out."
Her voice was soft, soothing, and genuinely thankful. He needed to know this woman's name.
"It wasn't any problem…?"
He wanted her to answer, needed her to answer. Not only would it complete their introductions, but it would also show that she trusted him.
"Kaoru, my name is Kaoru."
Kaoru. He worked the name over in his mind, and found himself repeating it softly back to her. He watched both a blush spread down her cheeks, and a shiver worked its way down her body. Kenshin couldn't help but grin. She was too cute.
"I'm Kenshin."
Her eyes widened slightly at his admission, and he watched her through veiled violet eyes. Kenshin wanted nothing more than to throw her up against the side of the house and kiss her senseless. Instead he held out his hand, and she took it. Shaking hands, he felt the soft skin of her hand within his own, and marveled at how well they fit together. She was made for him. Disengaging his hand slowly, he watched her unhurriedly walk up the front steps.
"Thank you, Kenshin- and good night."
He loved the way she said his name. She looked back at him, and he could feel his desire for her swell.
"Happy birthday Kaoru."
And he meant it. Already his mind was reeling with an overload of information. Ticking off a list of things he needed to do still tonight, he watched her step into the house and heard the lock turn back into place. Stepping back farther, he watched the darkened windows. A light came on in the second story far window, and he saw the shadowed outline of a woman. It was Kaoru. She pulled open the blinds, and he drifted back deeper into the shadows. She stretched her arms over her head before leaning forward on the windowsill.
He watched her body stretch, his eyes glued to the blouse that was pulled tightly across her chest. Averting his eyes, he was struck with the feeling of guilt. Kaoru didn't deserve to be spied on like some sort of cheap whore.
Glancing quickly back up, Kenshin watched her back away from the window, her fingers undoing the buttons on her shirt as she turned. Anxious for one last glimpse of her, he waited patiently. The bright light in her window was replaced with a much smaller one, and Kauro's shadowy outline once more appeared in the window.
Wearing a fitted tank top and a pair of underwear, she watched the night sky as she brought a brush through her now unbound hair. Kenshin watched the scene, barely drawing breath between his slightly parted lips. She was beautiful- ethereal-perfect. And soon she would be his.
Kenshin jerked out of the memory, his mind suddenly aware of its surroundings. A door stood in front of him, slightly warped and faded with time. Crooked numbers spelt out 107.
Taking a steadying breath, he rested his head softly on the door. He had been waiting so long for this moment, and now he felt a sudden weight deep inside of him. What if she hated him? He wasn't sure he would be able to take that sort of rejection- Not from her. When she had left he'd been so certain that she hadn't wanted to. What if he was wrong though? Biting at the inside of his mouth, he took another deep breath. She was just on the other side of the door. He was closer to her than he had been for four years.
Angry at his sudden weakness, Kenshin pushed his doubts into the farthest recesses of his mind. Only one thing mattered now- He would have Kaoru by his side again. He wouldn't let anything else happen. She belonged to him. He just had to remind her. Feeling his internal drive harden, he leaned away from the door and knocked.
He listened intently as a shuffling in the room beyond became audible. The door swiftly pulled open.
"Mary you sure are-"
Her voice, still as clear and strong as he remembered cut off abruptly as the door swung open.
She stood in the open doorway, her barely braided hair providing a messy dark halo around her wide shocked face. Her eyes, still as blue as he remembered stared at him, shock and surprise written clearly in them. Kaoru's pretty mouth opened and closed as she watched him, and Kenshin could feel her eyes rove over his still form.
A blue apron wrapped around her body, the straps of a her top just visible beneath the cooking garment. The apron hid little of her form, and he took in the adjustments that time had brought to her face and body. Her looks had grown more refined with time, the porcelain skin still as clear and smooth as he remembered. The curves of her body had changed slightly as well, and he could see the increase in both the flare of her hips and the size of her chest. If possible she had grown even more enthralling. Bits of some sort of concoction stuck to both the apron and to her face. She had been cooking.
The soft scent of jasmine wafted towards him, and he let it sink into his bones. A soft sadness crossed her features suddenly, and Kenshin saw both love and pain in her eyes. Eyes that he could lose himself in.
She took a hesitant step back, and he prepared to catch the door if she tried to shut it on him. He knew just how stubborn she could be.
"Kaoru."
He spoke her name gently, possessiveness and want clear in his speech. She took a gasping breath her entire body heaving as he watched her suddenly struggle for breath. Her eyes glazed over, and he shot forward just as she fell back unconscious.
He hadn't been prepared for that.
Catching her before she hit the ground, he cradled her form protectively against his own. Her soft curves pressed against him, and he carefully stood with her still in his arms. She was just as light as he remembered, and her body felt frail in his arms. No matter what she wanted to do, she was still just a young woman.
Taking a step into her apartment, he glanced down at her. She was still out cold. He shut the door behind him, and stepped into the kitchen. A bowl full of batter rested on the counter, a box labeled Pancake Mix next to it. Moving deeper into her home, he took in the battered furniture, dim lights, chipped wallpaper, and scruffy carpet. Pictures obviously drawn by a child were haphazardly taped on the walls, and Kenshin felt a smile tug at his mouth.
Stepping into what was obviously her bedroom, he took in the small unmade bed and worn dresser. Letting himself inhale the strong scent of jasmine that was practically overwhelming, he used his free hand to pull back her blankets. Kenshin glanced down at her still closed eyes, and reluctantly laid her on the sheets. She felt so right in his arms.
He sat on the edge of her bed next to Kaoru, bringing a hand up to cup her cheek. She leaned into it, and Kenshin felt his heart jump slightly. Unconsciously she craved his touch. Did that mean that consciously she did as well?
"Kaoru."
His voice broke through the stillness, the sound stiff and full of pain. Lowering his head, he rested it against her forehead, his insides churning in turmoil. He didn't know if he wanted her to wake up and face him, or just stay asleep and be near him.
An odd reflective light caught his vision, and he searched for the source. His eyes fell on the cause, and they softened. It was the diamond he had given her so long ago. It rested against her body, glinting in the morning sunlight. He touched it and felt the warmth of her skin beneath it. She was wearing it. After all this time she not only still owned it, but was still wearing it. It moved him. It showed that she cared, that he was still on her mind. That despite her efforts, she had not been able to move on with her life.
The sound of a squeaky door jerked Kenshin from his thoughts, and his head turned toward the noise. Startlingly familiar red hair framed wide eyes that stared across the room from him in puzzlement. The eyes glanced down at the unconscious woman, before the figure abruptly darted across the room toward him.
"What did you do to Mommy!"
Kenshin felt his heart stop. The boy still clad in his pajamas was young, his face full of a child's anger. The young child glared at him, and Kenshin could immediately see the similarities between the boy and himself. It was his son. His son. Resisting the urge to pull the child into a hug, he instead brought his hand away from Kaoru's face. He didn't want to scare him.
His son.
"Your Mom was just a little tired."
Kenshin kneeled down carefully so he was level with the boy. He could see intelligence and understanding within the depths of his eyes. They were so likehis mother's, full of every emotin he was feeling. His son was already much more aware of the world than most boys his age. Putting his hand forward, he waited for his son to take it.
"My name is Kenshin, your Mom and I are old friends."
He watched Kenji eye him with a bit of mistrust, chewing on his lip as he thought about what to do. Kenshin waited, his heart uncertain and hopeful. Giving him one more look of concern, the boy's hand finally was brought up to shake with his. Inwardly, Kenshin sighed in relief.
"I'm Kenji."
The boy's voice was directed at Kenshin, but his eyes stared unblinkingly at Kaoru.
"It's nice to meet you Kenji."
Kenji moved closer to his Mom's still form, bringing a hand up to touch her own.
"Mom's been working really hard lately. She's been extra tired."
The boy's voice was solemn and serious. Kenshin examined his son again. He tried even at his young age to look after Kaoru.
Kenshin's son took a step away from his mother, grabbing his father's hand as he went.
"I think we should let Mommy rest. Come on."
Kenshin allowed Kenji to drag them back into the kitchen, the young boy pausing momentarily by the stove. His son eyed the batter resting next to it with a childlike longing in his gaze.
"Mommy was making pancakes."
Kenshin saw Kenji look at him out of the corner of his eye.
"Well, because your Mom is resting right now- I can cook you some pancakes if you want."
The kid's face filled with poorly hidden eagerness.
"If you want to you can."
Kenshin allowed his hand to rest gently on Kenji's head. The hair was soft to the touch. He couldn't help but smile at the notion of cooking breakfast for his family.
"I would love to."
Trying to familiarize himself with the kitchen, it took a relatively short amount of time to create a plate full of pancakes while answering question after question that Kenji posed.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm placing the batter onto the frying pan."
"What is that for?"
"This spatula allows you to flip a pancake over."
"What is that noise?"
"It's the sizzling sound the batter makes when cooking."
"What are you doing now?"
"I'm putting the pancake on a plate so it can cool down and we can eat it."
"What are you looking for?"
"I was wondering where your Mother kept the syrup."
"Do you like syrup?"
"Yes I do. Do you?"
"Yeah its really good and sticky. Can we have milk?"
"Of course we can."
"Why is your hair so long?"
That gave Kenshin a start.
"Huh? Oh, um- Because I like it a bit longer."
Kenshin set a plate with a prepared pancake in front of Kenji at the small kitchen table. Sitting down across from the young boy, he watched the child chew on a big piece of the sticky pancake- leaving a good amount of syrup on his cheek.
"Oh…But why?"
The young boy cocked his head to the side in confusion and Kenshin searched for an answer that would be acceptable to his son. What was Kenji's fascination with his hair?
"I like it long."
Kenshin spun around in his seat, a very embarrassed looking Kaoru resting against the door frame, her hand covering her mouth. The apron she had been wearing was discarded, her scantily clad body in plain sight. Kenshin let his eyes drink their fill. His desire for her hadn't diminished with time. He glanced back up at her face, catching a light flush cover her cheeks.
It seemed she was awake.
AN- Okay… so- Kenshin and Kaoru didn't really have the 'big shakedown' that I was thinking was going to happen in this chapter. I'm sorry- I hope no one tries to kill me….BUT- next chapter it is most definitely going to happen. Not that is much consolation for some of you…I know…Thank you all again for everything…And if you want, you should totally review…