MY LITTLE PRINCESS
A/N: Hello again everyone!!! Sorry for not updating for a while...I was busy uploading my second website--for Chester Bennington! lol (,) So, if there are any Ches B. or LP fans here, please check the site out at and please do sign the guestbook. Thanks! So, anyway, without much ado, I'm presenting Chapter Six of" My Little Princess"!
TO THE REVIEWERS: At the bottom
Chapter 6. Haru Ga Kita! (Spring has come)
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(Kenshin18;Kaoru8)
Another year has passed again. Time flies so fast. Kenshin thought standing, his hands were shoved in the pockets of his school uniform as he looked outside through the window in Hiko's office. The Cherry Blossoms were about to bloom and the surroundings looked like a panting with the sun setting in the horizon with a golden red hue. It was a few weeks before his graduation day. He blinked and then heard the shouji open. He bowed his head down recognizing the familiar footsteps that echoed through the quiet room.
"Sit down baka-deshi." Hiko spoke low.
Kenshin quietly sat on a chair in front of Hiko's table while the other man sat on a grand chair placing his hands on the polished office table.
Hiko eyed the read headed boy in front of him.
"Are you sure about your decision?" he plainly asked.
"Hai." Kenshin returned quickly.
Hiko shrugged his shoulders and rested his back on the chair.
"It's decided then. I'll arrange all the needed papers and documents by the end of the week." Hiko's emotionless tone replied.
"Doumo." Kenshin answered back while catching a glimpse of his Uncle.
There was a moment of silence. Then, Hiko spoke, his voice gruffy.
"How about the girl? You know she has been fond of you since she was born. . .I think no one can take care of her like you do."
Kenshin sighed hardly. Of all the decisions he made, this was one of the toughest. "I'll be the one to tell her. . . I'm sure she'll understand. . ."
"If you say so." Hiko's "that's it" voice replied. He took his Dolce and Gabbana custom made reading glasses and started to get some files from his drawer and started reviewing them.
Kenshin noiselessly got out of the chair and then he bowed before leaving the office without Hiko eyeing back at him.
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"Tadaima! (I'm home)" Kaoru chimed as she removed her shoes and jumped into her furry slippers.
"Okaerinasai! (Welcome home)" Kenshin merrily met her at the door and then bent down to give her a hug. "And why are you late little princess?" Kenshin raised his brow. It was half past Kaoru's usual arrival from school.
Kaoru snorted. "Well, there was an audition for the kendo club children's division. . .And I was accepted!!!" Kaoru happily declared.
Kenshin frowned a little. "Why didn't you tell me so I could've watched you princess???"
"I wanted to surprise you!" Kaoru said smiling.
"It's no surprise you're accepted. You are a very good kendo student my dear." Kenshin commented feeling proud.
"Thanks to you Ken-nii!" Kaoru threw herself to Kenshin. She was now at Kenshin's hips.
Kenshin chuckled as he rubbed Kaoru's hair. "Actually, you always had the talent. I just helped you to find it."
"Mou!" she simply spoke out.
"Oh, I just remembered something. I made you some dinner my little princess." Kenshin spoke softly.
"Really??? That's nice! I'm starving!" Kaoru said as she handed Kenshin her backpack.
"After dinner be sure to take a bath little miss. . .You smell like you haven't taken a bath for a million years!!!" Kenshin teased as the both went into the kitchen.
"Nani!???!!! (what)" Kaoru fumed and Kenshin dashed off to the kitchen with an angry but laughing Kaoru on his back.
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The last few weeks was really hectic on Kenshin's part. The final exams and tons of assignments and projects gave him "torture"--like hey, he was in his last year of high school. . . Not to mention his 18th birthday. But finally, it was all over. Yesterday was his graduation day. He couldn't believe it himself. High school's finally over!
He woke up early even though he slept late last night. Hiko treated the whole family to the Akabeko, a famous restaurant in the district owned by his cousin, Tae. Who wouldn't be so happy? Kenshin graduated as the valedictorian and gained numerous merits.
Unsure about the time, he got out of bed on his black adidas jogging pants and a white t-shirt. His rich red mane was tied loosely below his nape. He decided to go out for a walk around the compound. Upon opening the shouji he shivered a little. A mist of fog covered the entire place. He didn't mind it and started his little trek around the dojo and the and the house, no one was awake yet. He was glad at that. He wanted to have the place to himself for the moment.
He rounded the dojo and then went at the back of the house. And then he returned to where he started. He saw Kaoru's tree house. He smiled. He looked back at the closed shouji of Kaoru's room and another smile crept upon his lips. She's still asleep. A thought flashed in his mind and his lips twitched and he tried to get the matter out of his intellect.
He raised up his nose and drew in the fresh air that the trees offered. A well-known scent caught his senses. Sakura. . .So you have bloomed already. . . He whispered to himself as his eyes confirmed his musings. The fog was slowly disappearing as the sun gradually appeared. The first flowers of the Sakura trees in the compound sprouted out. Another genuine smile formed in his lips.
"Ken-nii. . ." a muffled voice called out.
Kenshin looked back and then saw Kaoru in her usual pajamas, the teddy bear which the two won almost three years ago was on her arms. Her hair was unbound while she leaned on one of the posts.
"You're up early today princess." Kenshin commented looking openly at her.
She tilted her head on one side making her hair fall out. "I thought I heard your door open, and so, I got up to see who it was. . ." She returned weakly but was still audible for Kenshin to hear.
"Look, the cherry blossoms bloomed already." he said returning his gaze to the trees.
Kaoru's eyes grew in pleasure. "They sure did. . . Now, all we have to do is enjoy looking at them. They'll be just around for barely two weeks!" she said jokingly.
To Kenshin, it didn't sound that way. Now, all we have to do is enjoy looking at them. They'll be just around for barely two weeks!. . .Two weeks. . .Two weeks. . .Two we--
"Ken-nii, do you have anything to do today?" Kaoru cut in to his senses.
"Why?" Kenshin walked nearer to her and sat on the corridor near Kaoru's feet.
Kaoru looked at the horizon and the sun reflected on her young face. To Kenshin's point of view, she remained unchanged. The little girl was still the little girl he loved as a sister and had sworn to protect and take care of.
She looked at Kenshin and then walked to his back hugging him from behind. Kenshin took her arms and hugged her back.
"Well, I just wanted to go out with you. I really don't know why, but I really want to Ken-nii." Kaoru said invitingly.
"Why not? It's Saturday after all." Kenshin said with a hidden meaning. Something that he hesitated to tell her.
Kaoru didn't notice it though and he was relieved.
"Really? Yokata!" Kaoru exclaimed hugging him further.
Kenshin's hair was tangled with Kaoru's actions and he chuckled. "So where do you want to go?"
Kaoru leaned on his back while her finger rubbed her chin. "Hmmm. . .To the mall, Tokyo Tower and. . .and anywhere! I do deserve a 'tab' from you Mr. Valedictorian!" she slyly said.
"So I do little princess. . .So I do. . ." Kenshin said his eyes softening while he caressed Kaoru's arm that hung in his front.
The two just stayed like that enjoying the quietness watching the sun fully emerge from the sky.
"C'mon Ken-nii, let's get breakfast and prepare!" Kaoru pulled at his shirt and the two eventually went inside to eat.
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Kaoru was on a sky blue, hooded three fourths over a dark blue checkered skirt. She wore matching sky blue socks that reached past her knees. Her shoes were of navy blue too and her knapsack was of the same shade. Her hair was up in its usual ponytail tied by a furry ball of sky blue. She was waiting outside of the house for Kenshin.
"Sorry I'm late your highness!" Kenshin said teasingly as he came out of the door. He wore a beige Marlboro polo shirt over khaki pants and Mendrez leather shoes. "So, shall we go?"
"Hai!" Kaoru replied with her eyes closed happily.
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"Where do you want to go first?" Kenshin asked as he shifted gears upon turning on an intersection. Hiko was "pleasant" enough to let Kenshin drive his car--the latest version of the Mc Claren sports car series .
"To the mall???" half answered, half questioned.
"So be it then!" Kenshin replied as he smoothly manipulated the car to the shopping district.
A few minutes later, the two reached their destination and Kenshin parked the car on the third floor of the parking area.
As soon as they got out of the car, Kaoru was eager to go inside. Kenshin just followed the little girl smiling to himself.
To him, those moments were precious. He knew "this" won't last forever. Like what Kaoru said, they would have to enjoy it as long as it is still there.
Entering the sliding doors two women cheerfully greeted them and Kaoru smiled back at them her petite hands enveloped in Kenshin's.
They by-passed a bookstore and Kaoru couldn't help but to purchase story books like she usually did when her father was still alive. In the paper bag was Snow White, Beauty and the Beast and Rapunzel.
As they got out of the store, the two walked further and then Kaoru saw a Guess kids stall and she instantly pulled Kenshin's arm telling him to go inside.
The different colors and designs caught Kaoru's eyes. She tried everything that made her smile. Shirts, blouse, skirts, shorts, pants, some bags and others. She was really having fun putting on and off the garments while she asked his Ken-nii for his comments. Two shopping baskets were filled with different kinds of clothes. As Kenshin checked the stuffs out, he gave out his credit card and paid the cashier almost 27,000 yen (about 200 $). But, he didn't seem to care, hey, the girl was like his sister. And something inside of him told him that it will be a long time after he can ever do this again with her. . .
"Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu!" the salesladies said as the two got out of the glass door. In Kenshin's hand were two shopping bags containing all of Kaoru's garments. If he was correct, they spent almost two hours inside the shop. But, just as paying them, he didn't seem to mind. He was rather enjoying.
As the both of them rode the escalator bringing them up, a particular shop caught Kaoru's blue eyes. As her foot stepped on the floor, she was like on a trance. Her legs made her walk towards the shop involuntarily. Kenshin was right on her back keeping a vigilant eye making sure she wasn't out of his sight.
Kaoru pushed the door open with her two hands and the chime rang signaling the arrival of a customer.
Kenshin followed and the store turned out to be a Japanese antique shop.
"Irasshaimase! (welcome)" An old woman greeted them on the counter. Her grey hair was up in a bun in her head. She was wearing a cream blouse and a matching cream pencil cut skirt. Kenshin nodded back while Kaoru's eyes was caught by a beautifully crafted kimono that was on display at the window glass. She raised her right hand and carefully touched the kimono's surface. It was silky and very soft.
"Kirei. . ." she sighed to herself.
"Do you like it?" the old woman asked as she neared Kaoru. "This is actually hand made my child."
Kenshin made an "O" shaped mouth and nodded in amusement. The kimono was really something. It was made of very fine and expensive blue silk. Embroidered with golden stitches in the patterns of butterflies accented with white yumes and pink sakuras. The obi was of gold, in patterns of bamboo leaves which were embossed. To sum it all up, it was a work of beauty.
Then, Kaoru frowned. There's no way she can wear this. Heck! The kimono was for a grown woman. She was merely a child! But then, as she scanned the place, ribbons caught her sight. They were displayed on another corner in a variety of colors. Pink, violet, yellow, powder blue, and others. She smiled and then walked to them.
Kenshin followed her. He was sure she wanted them.
Kaoru took one and caressed it. It was as smooth as the kimono.
"Do you want some of those little princess?" Kenshin asked lowering his head to be at the same level as Kaoru's.
"Oh, Ken-nii, may I?" Kaoru querried with expectant sapphire eyes.
"Of course you may have! As many as you want!" Kenshin replied sweetly.
At that, Kaoru returned to look at the ribbons choosing from the different colors and patterns.
"You're little sister?" the old woman asked Kenshin.
Kenshin grinned. "Well, something like that."
The old woman smiled. "I see you're really committed in taking care of her. I'm sure you'll be at her side until she grows up."
Kenshin grew stiff. He felt somewhat guilty. Until she grows up. . . He snapped out of his stupor and answered the woman absently. "I hope so Obaa-san. (grandmother)"
"Kore (here) Ken-nii!" Kaoru spoke out cheerfully as she showed Kenshin the ribbons of her choice. There was cherry red, pale green and a monochromatic blue ribbon.
"Are you sure that's all?" Kenshin asked with his brows raised.
"Uhuh!" Kaoru replied nodding.
"Let me have it fixed for you then, my child." the old woman gladly stated.
Kaoru handed the ribbons out and followed the woman to the counter which turned out to be an antique cabinet which had some jewelries displayed on it.
Kaoru looked at the jewelries through the glass covered shelf while Kenshin and the old woman quietly talked. There were ear rings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and others. As she gazed upon them, a particular necklace caught her eyes. The golden necklace wasn't thin nor too thick. It had a beautifully carved heart shaped pendant. As she moved her face forward to take a closer look, Kenshin put his face next to hers.
"Anything that might please you little princess?" Kenshin asked thoughtfully.
At first, Kaoru hesitated. But as she saw Kenshin's asking violet eyes, she whispered to him.
"I want to see that. . ." while pointing at the necklace.
Kenshin saw it and was equally attracted by the necklace's enchanting features. He nodded and stood up.
"Ano, sumimasen (please excuse me) Obaa-san, but may we see that necklace?" Kenshin politely said as he directed her to the particular jewelry.
The old woman gladly smiled as she took out the necklace. The gold necklace shone brightly reflecting the lights in the room. The heart shaped pendant also glowed making their eyes shimmer in awe.
"This is called the 'kagayaki yorokobi' (shining joy). This necklace symbolizes fidelity and faith. It is once said that when you give this necklace to someone, no matter where they are, they will always be with you. You see, the pendant is actually a locket." the old woman said in her tell-tale voice and opened the locket revealing the inside where you can insert two, one-inch pictures.
"It's very beautiful. . ." Kaoru observed as the woman placed the necklace over her palms.
"Want to try it on?" Kenshin asked. There was something about this necklace.
Kaoru nodded back. At that, Kenshin took it and placed it around her neck. It complemented her perfectly. The heart-shaped pendant seemed to glow more on Kaoru's chest.
Kenshin smiled with satisfaction. We'll take it too, obaa-san." He declared.
"Ken-nii!" Kaoru exclaimed looking very surprised.
"I think it really look good on you and I think it was actually made for you." Kenshin answered back while handing out his credit card.
Kaoru smiled wide. "Oh thank you very much!" She let herself fall onto Kenshin hugging him. He hugged her back and the old woman smiled at the sight.
"Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu!" she chimed as she handed Kenshin the paper bag of ribbons and the credit card letting Kaoru wear the necklace.
"Doumo obaa-san!" Kaoru's high-pitched voice returned.
Kenshin nodded and took Kaoru's hand while she waived back at the old woman with her free hand.
The old woman smiled revealing lines on her face but she still had a very warm look.
The glass door opened and the chime rang once again.
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Kaoru sat on her seat playing with the locket opening and closing it.
Kenshin was busy loading the shopping bags at the back seat and after a few seconds, he was at the driver's seat ready to start the engine.
"Ne, Ken-nii, let's go to Tokyo tower and have some pictures so we can have something to put in here." Kaoru said without looking at him while she toyed with the locket.
"Sure, no prob your highness!" Kenshin retorted placing the key in it's place.
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Arriving at the place, Kaoru waited as Kenshin parked the car. Seeing to it that it was safe to go down, she got out and stretched herself waiting for Kenshin.
After locking the car's doors, Kenshin met up with her on the other side.
"Would you like to have lunch now my little princess? It's near noon already." Kenshin asked as he glanced over his wrist watch.
"Owkhay. I'm kinda hungry anyway. But promise me you'll take me at the tower's top!" Kaoru asked for assurance.
"Hai, hai princess. Ken-nii promises." he returned chuckling.
The two looked for a nice restaurant near the tower. They eventually settled for a pancake house. Kaoru ordered some chicken curry and strawberry cheesecake for desert. Kenshin on the other hand, had some garden salad, a tuna sandwich and pineapple juice, letting Kaoru feed him forkfuls of her desert .
After a tasty lunch, and a little chatting, the two left the restaurant and proceeded to go up the tower. As they stepped into the elevator which was half-filled, Kaoru immediately held unto Kenshin's pants. The older boy affectionately drew his arms over her back making her feel comfortable.
At last, they reached the top. Kaoru quickly ran to the big and wide glasses letting her see the enormous city of Tokyo.
Her eyes grew in admiration. Kenshin was just on her back.
"Look Ken-nii, the people look like ants. The buildings look smaller too!"
Kenshin simply smiled. Then she remembered the locket.
"Kaoru-hime, just stay here for a moment, okay? I'll just get something." he spoke out.
"Okay." Kaoru returned nodding twice and then returned her gaze upon the city.
Minutes later, Kenshin returned holding a disposable camera on his hand.
"Let me see my princess smile!" Kenshin chirped.
Kaoru was taken aback but she still managed to smile before Kenshin can even push the button.
"Nice one!" Kenshin chimed.
"Mou Ken-nii! Now, let's have a picture together!" Kaoru invited pulling at Kenshin's hand.
"Okay, okay. I'll just ask someone to shoot for us." Kenshin asked a man to get their picture who was standing near him.
The man placed the camera on his head while the two posed. Kenshin hugged his princess from behind like what Kaoru done to him this morning.
"One, two, three. . .Say cheese!" and the flash lighted.
"Thank you sir." Kenshin said politely taking the camera from the man.
The two spent the afternoon together taking pictures and playing in a park near the tower. When Kenshin checked his watch again, it was already 17:00 and told Kaoru they had to go home. Kaoru readily said yes and the two eventually rode home.
Upon reaching the dojo's gate, and parking the car, he was about to say "we're home" to Kaoru but he saw that she was soundly sleeping. He smiled upon the amiable figure that was presented before him. He decided not to wake her up and thought of carrying her inside. Before reaching the door he kissed her forehead and then entered inside.
Tsuzuko
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