AN- Thank you all for your great responses. I was looking through some of the older ones, and many of them made me smile or even laugh. Can you believe I started this the DAY after I posted the last chapter? Having nothing to do over break is simply wonderful. I can write to my heart's content. Unfortunately…it never goes quite as I planned… as it is officially near the end of February, and I have not updated…This semester is just killing me. Anywho…Looking back I also see that I tend to rant…. Sorry about that, I'll try to keep it to a minimum.

PS-This chapter was a bit hard to write, but I think I know what I'm doing…haha…

PSS- I have gotten several emails/responses wondering if I am going to continue writing this. No worries, I'm in it for the long haul. I also have several other K and K fics planned.

General Disclaimer- Yeah, I totally own Kenshin and his hot body…not, but I can wish. If I had my own personal Kenshin…I totally wouldn't be writing this, I'd be…otherwise occupied.

Rating R/M- You think Kenshin is a bunny hugger? I think not.

Things Left Unsaid

Chapter 10

Waking

Kaoru snuggled deeper into the mattress, sighing to herself at the comfortable feelings that the warmth invoked. Her eyelids felt heavy and her body was more relaxed than she thought possible. Feeling positively delicious, she scooted slightly backwards, enjoying the way her bed seemed to curve protectively around her frame. She hadn't sleep so well in ages. Keeping her eyes shut against the natural light coming through the window, she allowed herself the pleasure of laying boneless, letting the heat of the sun warm her skin. She felt rested, light, and better than she had in a long time.

She could sense her comforter lying loosely around her calves, a place it often wandered to during the night, and the shirt she had worn to bed had ridden up just over her hip. The air was surprisingly nice against her bare skin, and coupled with the warmth, she felt like a cat stretched out under the heat of the afternoon sun. She toyed with the idea of actually moving. Still mostly asleep, she sighed aloud and rejected the notion of struggling out of bed. She'd wait until Kenji came to wake her up. Knowing how much of an early riser he usually was, Kaoru knew that he would be along soon. For now she would enjoy the soft mattress and the dream world she was still half immersed in.

Something warm tickled the back of her neck, and she tilted her head unconsciously to give it better access. Her nerves jump started at the sensation, and she could feel goose bumps starting to form on her arms and neck. It felt wicked. The feeling was familiar to her, and she frowned slightly in an effort to remember from what. It happened again and she shivered against a seemingly more substantial shape behind her. A shape that was feeling less and less like a bedspread or a bed. Her brain fought against the sleepy fuzz that still held its attention. Yep, the shape wasn't a blanket or a mattress…it was firm, significant. And it was wrapped around her back like a second skin.

Shifting her weight in an attempt to wake her self up, she froze at the feeling of flesh on her stomach and chest. Mentally taking inventory of her limbs, Kaoru determined quickly that one limb definitely wasn't her own. A feeling that she hadn't registered until now. An arm was wrapped around her bare waist, the hand attached to it resting beneath her shirt and cupping one of her bare breasts. She could feel the rough calluses on his fingers, and became suddenly much more aware of the solid body behind her. It radiated warmth and strength, and she could feel his legs entangled with her own. Ginger filled the air. The heat that had been pleasant before was suddenly stifling, her mind rapidly becoming aware of each part of her body pressed intimately against his. She bit her lip at the memories of the night before that came flashing back.

Kaoru was exhausted. No, that was an understatement, Kaoru was dead on her feet. Pulling her sweater closer to her cold frame, she desperately tried to ignore the aching in her feet- the trembling of her legs- the soreness that ran throughout her entire frame. Disregarding the stray pieces of hair that clung to her still sweat dampened face, she trudged through the streets at a slow steady pace.

Work had been…awful. Her mind attempted to make sense of the busy and hazard filled evening. The whirlwind of people, food, and ridiculous costumes. It had started out innocently enough. They'd gotten the dinner rush, and Kaoru had walked briskly from table to table in her outrageous and horrendous pirate costume, taking orders and making polite conversation. It was on the way to being a very productive evening. Tips had been good, and the customers had been less aggravating than usual.

Of course, then they had gotten an after dinner rush. The amount of people entering had been three times more than what The Blue Spot usually received. Kaoru had been double then triple sat, her body slowly going into overdrive as the evening progressed. She had walked from table to table, then jogged from table to table- her lungs and legs both beginning to burn as time passed. The customers had gotten progressively stupider, and the thick fabric of her costume created a trapped feeling that only increased.

Halfway through the evening she'd noticed Misao on the other end of the restaurant, and nearly stopped in her tracks. Dressed as a cavewoman the young woman had looked pissed off and confused at the same time. And she seemed to be talking to herself. Her poor customers weren't sure what to make of her. Of all the people working tonight, Kaoru had not expected to see Misao. In fact she had been certain that Misao would be spending the evening wrapped around her visiting boyfriend. She'd tried to talk to the girl about it, unsure as to whether or not they were close enough for her to do so. Misao had responded with false cheerfulness- before avoiding Kaoru like the plague.

Kaoru turned another corner and ignored the sounds of the city around her. She had never wanted to take a hot shower more. Waiting for a light to change, she stifled a yawn with the back of her hand.

When work had finally slowed she had been in abject misery. Practically ripping the heavy costume from her form, she had wiggled back into her own comfy clothes. Seeing Misao sitting in the back booth, idly picking at a salad, Kaoru again had tried to make sure she was alright. It just wasn't like Misao to be so down, and as exhausted as she was she still knew that Misao was the closest thing she had to a friend. Misao had been non-committal, saying only that things were fine…and she was only a little stressed. Right. Kaoru had said enough similar things to know when someone was being less than truthful.

Pushing the evening from her mind, she entered her apartment building with only one goal in mind- sleep. Her feet practically dragging, she made her way down the empty hallway, and entered the apartment. Taking a quick look at her surroundings, she immediately heard Kenji's cry of glee as he came running from the living room at un unruly gait. His hair was frazzled, and it tickled at her nose. Scooping him up in her arms, she ignored the brief flash of discomfort in her limbs and held him close. He smelled like cherry popsicles.

"Did you guys have a nice time tonight?"

Mary followed shortly after him, her own smile wide and laughing.

Kaoru listened as her son ticked off the many events him and Mary had done. She leaned over and grabbed a twenty out of her purse, handing it to Mary before she forgot.

"Thanks for babysitting on such short notice."

And she really was ecstatic. Kaoru had needed that time to simply loose herself, to not think of a certain red haired individual that had sprung up seemingly out of nowhere. She would admit to herself that having him around was painful, that every moment she spent in his presence made her want to just spill her guts. She didn't even want to think about his touch. The way his hands had caressed her frame earlier, how close she had come to clawing at the clothes on his body. Kaoru was perfectly aware that if she had done that he wouldn't have objected. Hell, he probably would have helped her. She wondered if his skin still felt the same, if his hair would still slide smoothly through her fingertips like it used to. The memories she had of him from the past were wonderful, but they paled in comparison to the real thing.

She said her goodbyes to Mary quietly, going through the weekly schedule with her before she left. Carrying Kenji to his room, she helped him pull on his sailboat pajamas, noting the way he seemed to talk himself out of energy.

"And then, and then Mary and I made a house out of blocks, and you should have seen it. I can make one with you too if you want…cause I'm really good at building blocks…at least Mary thinks I am. Do you think I am?"

She nodded her assent.

"You are the best builder I know sweetie."

His smile grew even greater, and he pulled at the loose strands of her hair.

"So tomorrow can we build something?"

His voice was hopeful and it caused her grin to grow soft and watery. She would do that with him. She would make the time.

"Of course honey. Tomorrow we'll build ourselves a huge fortress."

Kenji's hands clapped in glee. It saddened her that such a small thing would make him happy. She was an awful mom…she was horrible. She would need to get better, she would need to get stronger. Kenji was depending on her.

"Alright buddy, I need to jump in the shower. Why don't you sit on my bed and then I'll read you a story."

"The one with Hunny Bunny?"

He spoke curled against her shoulder.

"Of course, one Hunny Bunny story coming up."

Grabbing Kenji's stuffed cat, Momo off the bed, she carried him to her room and bundled him up in her covers. He yawned wildly, his little mouth opening into a large 'o'. His free hand curled around the stuffed animal and she watched him pull the animal closer.

Stepping into the bathroom, she quietly undressed and turned on the shower. Pulling the curtain behind her as the hot water hit her sore muscles, she found her thoughts returning to Kenshin. Her hands traced the places he had touched earlier, and her mind conjured up the image of his strong body hunched protectively over hers. It had been wonderful…it had been terrible.

She had expected him to knock on the door the minute she was back. She had the situation all planned out. Kenshin would have knocked, and she would have ignored it and kept the door locked. Kaoru would have pretended he wasn't even there, and he would have gone away. At least, that's how it had happened in her mind. He hadn't come however, and that seemed to be causing her even more worry. What was he planning? He hadn't given up, had he? She wanted him to stop, she should be thrilled that he was leaving her alone.

So why did Kaoru feel miserable?

Washing away the lingering scent of food and sweat, she turned off the stream of water with a twist of her hand. She couldn't take a long soak with Kenji outside alone. Stepping out of the shower, she towel dried her hair and ignored the warm chain around her neck. Quickly dressing in a loose long sleeve shirt and a clean pair of underwear, she braided her thick locks efficiently and turned off the overhead light.

Opening the door quietly, she walked out and waited for her eyes to adjust. Was Kenji still awake? She was ready to read him a story and send him off to lullaby land. Hunny Bunny, even that story made her grin. The lump in her bed was larger than Kenji, and she frowned in an attempt to figure it out. Had Kenji bunched up all the blankets? Her eyes came into focus, and she started at the plethora of dark red hair spread out across her pillow. Her heart fluttered at the sight, beating itself against her rib cage almost painfully. Kenshin lay in her bed, with Kenji next to him. They were both asleep, Kenji curled up in a content ball- his soft snores echoing through the room. She bit her lip at the sight. The look between the two of them was darling. They looked amazing together. In her mind she had sometimes pictured Kenshin and Kenji together, but never had they looked so much like…family. They belonged together and maybe…maybe even if she and Kenshin couldn't…be together…the father and son could become better acquainted. Maybe. She didn't acknowledge the relief she felt at his presence.

A couple of times on the way home she had sensed some sort of presence that she usually associated with Kenshin, but in her exhaustion she had ignored it- too tired to care. As long as he kept her distance, she didn't care. Kaoru wasn't sure what she wanted to do with Kenshin, what she wanted to say.

After watching them sleep for several minutes she had come to a simple realization. She was worn out and ready for bed, but her bed was otherwise occupied. Kaoru hadn't had the heart to wake and move Kenji, and she hadn't been sure what Kenshin would do if he woke up. She had debated sleeping on the couch or in Kenji's room, but the couch was uncomfortable, and Kenji's bed was way to small. So she had done the only thing she could think of and packed in next to Kenji.

Now, however, Kaoru wasn't sure if crawling into her bed had been a good idea. It had seemed innocent last night, but this morning, with Kenji nowhere in sight, she was left feeling some sort of anticipation. It probably had something to do with the man snuggled up against her back. She needed to figure out a way to disentangle herself from him. He was probably still asleep, at least…she hoped he was.

Had he wrapped himself around her in such a suggestive way knowingly, or was it an unconscious act in his sleep? Which would she prefer? Either way, this…position…was making her feel… uncomfortable. Trying to subtly shift away from him, Kaoru stilled when the body around her moved. If possible he fit his frame even closer to hers, and the arm touching her pulled her closer. The hand on her chest moved, and Kaoru heard the loud sound of her breathe catching. It felt amazing, and she hated herself for it.

She needed to get out.

"Kaoru."

His voice was low, gravelly, a mix between a whisper and a groan. Kaoru loved the way he said her name. It didn't help that his lips were pressed to the shell of her ear. She tried to reposition herself again, but his body wouldn't budge. Kenshin's voice always could make her toes curl. The hand on her breast moved again, and this time Kaoru knew that it was intentional. Her eyes fluttered open as he became much more aggressive, his jean clad legs moving against hers provocatively. He was truly using whatever he could to his advantage, and Kaoru could feel herself slowly succumbing. She wasn't even sure if she wanted to fight.

His touch was wonderful, and she had gone four years without it. She started moving her legs against his, enjoying the friction created by her smooth legs against the coarse material of his pants. Tilting her head back, she didn't object to Kenshin's lips and teeth working their way down her neck. He kissed gently at the chain that held the diamond he had given her on it and she shuddered at the tenderness. Not bothering to censor herself, she let her free hand come up to cup the back of his head. She wanted to see his face. He lit a fire deep inside of her.

"That's it Kaoru. My Kaoru."

His words were spoken possessively against her neck, and she could feel his lips draw back into a smile against her. It felt sinful. It felt heavenly.

Kenshin's free hand moved down from her breasts and ghosted along the top of her panties. She knew immediately that this was getting out of control, but the only sort of response she could produce was one of pleasure, her hand fisting and entangling itself deeper into his hair. Kenshin's hair felt like strands of silk between her fingers. Just like she remembered. A wordless half moan followed shortly after.

"Shhhh Kaoru," his hand dipped underneath the cotton fabric and she jumped in shock and delight as Kenshin's fingers moved against her, the strokes firm and teasing. His voice was pure seduction, "I'll take care of you. Let me take care of you."

Kaoru wasn't clear if the desperation she heard in his voice was real or not. But she believed him. He really truly unconditionally loved her, and she didn't deserve him. She pushed herself forward, not sure if she was attempting to pull away from his body or closer to his hand and the wicked pleasure it gave to her. He chuckled low against her ear, and she knew exactly which one he thought she was doing.

Kaoru could feel the pleasure twist and grow inside of her, her breath turning into sharp gasps as her hips continued to move of their own volition. Kenshin's voice was unrelenting and speaking in low tones against her ear, his hot breath and intimate words increasing the heat within her. His hand changed its pattern and Kaoru reeled, unable to find footing. Kaoru's pants sounded loud in her ears, the moans growing into soft cries as her legs attempted to find footing in the tangled sheets. Her fingers clenched and unclenched in abrupt spasms, her body becoming tighter and tighter.

"Come on Kaoru, you're almost there."

Kenshin's voice ghosted over her, the words triggering something deep within her.

Her desire crested in an abrupt wave that left her mouth open in a sharp keening noise. Before it could emerge Kenshin turned her head to his and covered it with his mouth. He swallowed her scream, and for the first time in four years, Kaoru kissed Kenshin. His lips tasted just as she remembered, and his kiss was just as familiar. Her eyes shut in concentration, and her body shuddered repeatedly before slowly coming down. The twisting movement of her hips slowed their frantic actions. She lay quiet, still trembling, his mouth moving over hers softly. His hand drew circles on her abdomen, his fingers damp against her stomach. Kaoru's sweat cooled against her skin, and pieces of her hair stuck against her face. Eventually her body stopped shivering and she lay unmoving in his arms, her mouth accepting Kenshin's lips and intruding tongue.

Kenshin made her feel beautiful, sexy, and wanted. He had given her pleasure, unconcerned with his own, and she knew that he didn't mind. His focus was on her, it was always on her, even when they were dating. He loved to make her smile, hear her laugh. And he would give and give and think nothing of himself. She adored that about him, loved his giving nature.

He slowly rolled her over to her other side so that she faced him. Kaoru couldn't bring herself to open her eyes. She felt weak and shaky. His mouth left hers, and she leaned forward in an effort to keep the contact. His hand continued its slow exploration of her stomach and side. She heard him sigh and felt his hand move along her hip in a soothing fashion.

"Kaoru," his voice was soft and coaxing, "Open your eyes Kaoru, let me see your eyes."

Listening to his voice, she couldn't help but force them open. He lay close to her, his nose nearly touching hers. The light from the window lit up his red hair, creating a look of fire and enhancing his nearly amber eyes. He seemed to focus on her alone, seemed to be taking in her every expression and move. In that second she realized exactly what had happened. She could feel the sudden flush on her cheeks and the self-consciousness that quickly followed. Did he think less of her? Was she nothing but an easy slut? Did he worry that she slept around? Where did this put them? Did he expect her to fold? What had she just done?

"Please Kaoru," she strained her ears to hear his voice, "Don't be embarrassed. That was beautiful, you are so beautiful."

She struggled at the sudden urge she had to cry. Her eyes felt watery and she blinked repeatedly in an effort to quell them. He leaned forward and she held her breath as Kenshin kissed away the few tears that had escaped. Always he seemed to know exactly what she was feeling.

"I love you."

Kaoru nodded her head, accepting the words he spoke. Reaching forward with her hand, she allowed herself the luxury of touching his face. He seemed to freeze beneath her hand, his eyes searching hers for something. What it was he wanted to see, she didn't know.

"I know you do Kenshin."

They were the first words she had spoken to him that day, and they were the truth. And she knew that this morning, no matter how wonderful, only weakened her resolve. Shaking her head slightly, she rolled away from him, putting her feet over the side of the bed and sitting up.

Kaoru still felt slightly flustered, and she brought her hand up to try and adjust her messy hair. There were several red strands threaded through her fingers. She didn't remember clenching her hands that much. Hastily she pulled them off. What was she supposed to do now? What had she just done? He moved up behind her, placing his hands carefully on her shoulders.

"Don't shut me out. Don't push me away."

He spoke quietly into her ear, his face incredibly close to her own. Although he was still as powerful and intense as he always was, there seemed to be an added sense of knowing in his words. What did he know now that he hadn't known before? She had no idea.

"I just…" she tried to gather her thoughts, "I just need to think a bit."

Kenshin rubbed at her shoulders, his strong hands easing out knots that hadn't relaxed during his earlier ministrations. He kissed her cheek then removed himself.

"Okay." his voice was calmer than she'd thought it would be, "Why don't you take a shower and I'll check on Kenji."

What? Just like that? Wasn't he going to pester her for more information and then use what had just happened against her? If he hadn't done what he did to gain an advantage, than what exactly was he thinking? Shouldn't they be arguing? Shouldn't she be trying to throw him out? Why hadn't he continued in his previous motions. She had been more than willing to help him remove his jeans. If he removed his shirt now and pulled her back, she still wouldn't say no. She loved that he wasn't overly concerned with his own release, but…she wanted to give him the same pleasure he gave her.

Ignoring her inner monologue, she stood up and made her way across the room, trying to disregard the feeling of his eyes watching her. Her legs felt unstable beneath her. His actions had…unnerved her. She wished she had slipped on her robe, but it was hung up in the bathroom. Kaoru pulled at the bottom of her shirt, wishing it were a bit longer.

Opening her bedroom door she shrieked and closed it again. There were two men standing in her living room with Kenji between them- and she was half naked. How long had they been there? She felt a violent blush on her cheeks. Had they…heard her and Kenshin?

Kenshin was instantly next to her, pushing her back and stepping protectively in front of her. He hadn't seen what was outside of the door, but she had cried out. Instinctively he protected her, and Kaoru felt her heart both soar and sink at this. Turning to her, his eyes traveled the length of her frame quickly, making sure there wasn't any damage. She resisted the urge to shake him. Kenshin's eyes moved up to her own, and he gently pushed at her shoulders so she was far from the door. She tried to get his attention, but he was already approaching it, a tenseness and fierceness suddenly in his stance.

Crap. This was not good.

AN- I know what all of you are probably thinking. This chapter was wayyyy to short. Well, you are right. But, because I'm on a school break right now, I am going to work my bum off to get you another chapter in the next week and a half. I'm hoping that will quell any anger. Oh, and by the way I know Yahiko didn't make an appearance this chapter…unfortunately I didn't get to him, that will happen next time. So, feel free to review, they make me sooo happy. Oh, and where did ALL that sexiness come from? I have no idea.

Next Time- Yahiko works with his hair (finally), Kenshin finds himself in an awkward situation, and we get to see Misao during one of her stressful moments.