MY LITTLE PRINCESS
A/N: Hawoooow! I'm back! Sorry for the looong silence. I have had problems with my internet connection for about a week. Thank God it's okay now! I always feel like paralyzed whenever I can't access the internet!
TO THE REVIEWERS: At the bottom, as usual.
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Chapter 7. The Last Flowers of the Cherry Blossoms in Spring
Kenshin removed the fried bacons from the frying pan and placed them neatly on a plate. He shifted his attention to the fried eggs that were on the other pan. After a few minutes, he placed them on another plate and brought them to a round glass table that was in the kitchen. He then went near the fridge and and took out a pack of milk and poured it to two tall glasses and set them in the table. He went back to the kitchen counter and took four toasted breads and spread butter on them. He worked quietly and patiently his movements graceful and calm. It was about 7:00 in the morning.
After a few seconds, he stared at the table. There were two plates, two glasses of milk at each side, a plate of bacon and egg and a tray of toasted bread. He sighed happily to himself feeling an air of satisfaction. He then went out of the kitchen and walked to Kaoru's room.
As he stood outside the door, he hesitated to go in. But he decided, it's gonna be now or never. Kaoru needs to know. . .And he had to tell her whether he likes it or not.
Opening the shouji silently, he expected that Kaoru would still be in bed. But he was wrong. She was on her bed, still on her pajamas, arranging the items they had shopped yesterday since she didn't had a chance to arrange them last night.
"Oh, Ohayou Kaoru-hime, I'm sorry, I thought you're still asleep so, I just came in to wake you up for breakfast." Kenshin said as he neared her.
"Morning too Ken-nii. . . I don't know, I just woke up early!" she smiled at him folding a yellow polo shirt.
Kenshin sat on the edge of the bed near her. "I had our pictures developed last night. Would you want to see them?"
Kaoru looked at him smiling. "Of course! Oh, yeah, can I have the negatives? I'll have some recopied to an half inch."
Kenshin knew what she meant and he smirked. "For the locket?"
Kaoru gave out a short laugh and nodded.
There was silence for a moment. Kenshin watched as Kaoru arranged the garments. There was a pile of shirts, a pile of skirts, a pile shorts, a pile of pants and a pile of blouses. On one side were the ribbons gleaming under the morning sun.
"Ne, Ken-nii. . ." Kaoru started while she was looking at her hands.
"Yes?" he asked.
"I, I just wanted to thank you. . .for all of these and for taking care of me. . .I wouldn't know what to do without you." she said in a low and somber voice.
Kenshin was half-stricken. I wouldn't know what to do without you. . . He felt that all his courage to tell Kaoru that he was leaving vanished into thin air. What was he going to do now?
As he mused, he didn't notice Kaoru nearing him. He only realized it when he felt her small body in his chest and her arms around him. Her head was rested on the crook of his neck.
"Ken-nii, I love you so much. . .Very much. . ." Kaoru whispered while she tightened her hold on him closing her eyes when Kenshin embraced her back, jasmine filling his senses.
Kenshin was at loss. Ken-nii, I love you so much. . .Very much. . . At that point, he was afraid. . .Afraid of breaking the news to her. He didn't want to know how she'll react. . .
"Ken-nii, do you remember when we were up on the tree house? You said I'm the most important girl in your life. . .You'll wait for me, ne? You promised. . ." Kaoru said in a subdued manner but she was smiling at the thought.
Kenshin chuckled and caressed her raven black hair which reached her shoulders. "You are, my dear. . .The most important girl to me. . .No one will ever take your place in my heart. You're my little princess, remember?" he returned sweetly.
Kaoru tightened her hug even more happy at his response.
"So, let's get you fed up. I got us some breakfast!" Kenshin stated as he helped Kaoru on the floor. As they went out of the door, Kaoru placed her arm around his waist and was proportioned when he placed his arms around her shoulders.
----
Kaoru just got in from the dojo. Every Saturday, she had her judo sometimes under Kenshin and sometimes under Hiko. Plain luck, and it was Hiko who handled her today. After a grueling three hour practice, her training gi ad hakama were wet with sweat and she was panting. Just as she passed the living room, the phone rang. Sensing there was no one inside, she went near the phone stand between the couch and the chair and sighed to catch her breath.
"Hello?" Kaoru said as she placed the handset on her ear.
"Hello, Kaoru-chan, is that you?"
"Misao-chan?" Kaoru instinctively said.
"Oh, it's you Kaoru-chan. I had been calling a while ago, but no one was answering the phone."
"I'm sorry, everyone in here's really busy." She chuckled while the strain in her voice was still eminent.
"Are you okay? You sound like you were run after by a tiger or something!" Misao asked curious.
"Uh, well, something like that. It's not a tiger actually, let's say a dragon!" Kaoru joked. The both laughed at that. "Why'd you call anyway?"
"Oh, yeah, almost forgot. I just wanted to invite you and Himura-san for some kite flying. Sou-chan and Okita-kun are coming too. We wanted to have some fun before we make the assignments for the summer. We were wondering if you wanted to come to."
"Really? That's nice. But I do have one problem. . .I got no kite!" Kaoru said.
"That's not a problem! Okita will bring a dozen of kites! Trust me! We'll have a great time!" Misao chimed.
"Okay, okay. I'll tell Ken-nii about it." Kaoru agreed.
"Yatta! We'll drop by your house at about 16:00 o'clock. The sun would be a little nicer at that time and at least there will be some wind." Misao informed.
"Okay, we'll be waiting for you. Thanks for the invitation!" Kaoru chirped.
"No big deal! See yah!"
"Bye." At that, Kaoru returned the handset to its counter.
----
"Ken-nii!" Kaoru called out she searched for him outside. She caught sight of him under the tree house.
Kenshin was in a deep thought and didn't hear Kaoru's voice. How will I tell her? Think Kenshin, think! He scolded himself. What if she cries in front of me? What if she don't talk to me anymore! He let out a heavy sigh and saw a hand waving in front of him.
"Oro! It's you princess. I-I'm sorry, I was quite distracted. What were you saying a while ago?" he muttered.
"Mou! Ken-nii! I was asking if you have anything to do this afternoon." Kaoru said.
"Nothing much my dear. Why?" Kenshin spoke as he invited Kaoru to lean on him which did so.
"Well, Misao-chan called. She invited us to go kite flying with them. Can we go?" Kaoru questioned as he looked up at him turning her head back.
"Sure, why not!" Kenshin exclaimed as he tapped Kaoru's shoulders with his fingers. "Anything for your highness!"
They both laughed, but then Kenshin remembered something. "But, how are we going to fly a kite if we don't have one? We won't have sufficient time to make one now!"
Kaoru took his arms and placed it around her. "Daijobou (it's fine) Ken-nii! Misao-chan says Okita-kun will bring kites." she assured cheerfully.
"Well, that is settled if that's the case. So, how's your training under Uncle today?" Kenshin asked changing the subject.
Kaoru groaned while she stretched her head backwards on Kenshin's chest. "It was heaven!"
Kenshin gave out a watery laugh. "So what do you got today? Some sore arm? A sore thigh?"
"I really don't want to find out. If it starts to hurt tomorrow, I'll tell you!" it was her turn to laugh. And Kenshin laughed with her. . .Half-heartedly. . .To him, the word "tomorrow" had slightly a different meaning.
"Ken-nii!" Kaoru tugged at his arm. He swept back to reality and saw Kaoru's blue eyes questioning him. "You're day dreaming again!"
"Sorry, I just remembered something. Hey, want me to give you a 'foot spa'?" Kenshin asked smiling wide.
"Oh, would you Ken-nii!??? I miss our 'foot spa'!" She exclaimed facing him.
"I thought you might need one. So, up you go." he motioned Kaoru to go up the tree house which was still suited to her. Kenshin, on the other hand, needed to duck in order to fit in.
"I think I have to make a bigger one!" he joked as they got in. Kenshin opened a small cabinet inside the tree house. "Lotion, powder or baby oil?" he asked looking at her.
"Lotion!" Kaoru returned as she seated herself in front of Kenshin her hands were on the back supporting her.
"The customer is always right!" Kenshin took out a medium sized Rinna Ketty Lotion and gestured Kaoru to place her right foot on his folded lap.
He poured an ample amount of lotion unto his palms and started to massage Kaoru's foot making her sigh in relief.
"We should do this more often!" Kaoru chimed as she watched Kenshin work on her small foot.
Kenshin didn't answer, he continued to massage her foot. "What time are your friends coming here?"
Kaoru swung her head a little to the left. "About One thousand, six hundred hours. . ."
Kenshin looked at his wrist watch. "It's 9:00 o'clock."
"And it means, you'll have a lot of time to massage my foot!"
----
"Here are the pictures hime." Kenshin said as he seated on himself on the couch next to Kaoru. They were both waiting for Misao and the others.
"Oh, let me take a look on them!" she said excitedly as Kenshin handed them to her.
"I placed the half-inch copies on your desk already."
"Thanks." she informally replied as she scanned the pictures one by one. "Ken-nii, you look crazy in here!"
Kenshin looked and he remembered when Kaoru took a shot with his tongue protruding out. "Are you kidding? That's my best pic!" and the both laughed.
As they viewed the last piece, the door bell rang.
Kenshin looked at Kaoru. "I guess it's them. C'mon let's go."
As they went out, it was really the them. Misao was wearing a pair of blue shorts and white shirt decorated with the cartoon character Shinosuke Nohara and his dog Shiro. She waived at Kaoru who was wearing a flowery baby doll cut shirt and and a pair of cotton blue shorts.
Soujiro was there with his usual smile. He had an off white fisherman's hat on his head. Okita, on the other hand was carrying a huge bag, which contained over a dozen of kites. He had a chocolate bar on his hand.
"Ready togo?" Misao asked as Kenshin and Kaoru went out of the gate.
"Yup!" Kaoru replied and the four went off.
----
The weather near the hill was perfect. The sun was partly covered by the clouds and there was enough wind.
Okita started to take his kites out of his bag one by one. When he laid it on the ground, Misao was right! There was a dozen kites. Some were in the form of a butterfly, a cat, a bird and others.
"See, I told ya he has a dozen kites!" Misao elbowed Kaoru and winked.
"Yeah, I see what you mean." Kaoru replied smiling.
"Himura-san, what would you want to have?" Okita asked Kenshin.
"Oh, I think I'll just have the diamond kite." Kenshin returned.
"All righty." And Okita got the kite handing it to him. "That is actually my seventh kite. It only took me fifteen minutes to finish that unlike some of my kites which lasted for hours. . .
"Oh boy, he's not gonna stop now." Soujiro exclaimed. "Just get what you want Kamiya-san, and don't ask Okita anything!" Soujiro said in his usual smile.
Misao chose the cat-shaped kite and continued to blabber about its big eyes. Soujiro picked the small box kite. Okita got an owl shaped kite while Kaoru chose the butterfly.
"Okay, so, we'll have a competition!" Okita exclaimed. "We'll see who's gonna have the highest flight!"
"Sure!" Soujiro chimed.
"You're on!" Misao followed.
"That's a great idea!" came Kaoru's voice.
"Beat me if you can kids!" Kenshin arrogantly said and all of them laughed. The four had been very good friends since Kaoru was on first grade and Kenshin seemed to be like their elder brother.
"Positions! At the count of three. . .One, two, three!!!" Okita bellowed out.
As soon as Okita said "three" all of them ran as fast as they could to achieve lift. After a few seconds, their kites were off and went up to the sky.
At first, Kenshin's kite was the highest followed by Okita, Kaoru, Soujiro and last but not the least, Misao.
"I will conquer you Himura-san!" Okita yelled as he released more string.
"Oh yeah?!!" Kenshin returned lauging and his kite went up still.
"Wait for me!" Misao wailed because she was at the bottom of the track.
All of them had a great time flying with their kites. But in the end, one won--
"Yokata! I won! I won! I won! I won!!!" Misao chirped dancing about and waived the kite in her hands.
The others just looked at each other and laughed to themselves.
After a few moments of nice chatting, they sat on the grass and decided to watch the sun set.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" Kaoru broke in the silence.
The others just nodded in return acknowledging the comment.
"If I could only paint! I'd paint this very scene!" Soujiro happily spoke out.
All of them stayed like that enjoying the serene sight.
But, they had to go home when the sun completely settled on the horizon. Kenshin and Kaoru walked the others home seeing to it that they went home safely.
Kenshin had his arms on Kaoru's shoulders as they went home walking.
"Did you have fun?" Kenshin asked.
"Uhum. . .!" Kaoru returned smiling widely.
Kenshin looked at the river that was shimmering under the moonlight and street lights. Sakura petals were falling like snow filling the air with its delicate scent. He remembered something but shrugged it off thinking that he had to tell something more important.
He wanted to speak but there was a lump in his throat. They continued to walk in silence. Nearing the dojo, Kenshin stopped walking making Kaoru stop to.
She looked up at him but his face was covered by his bangs. He removed his hold from her and faced the river.
"Ken-nii?" Kaoru asked softly.
Kenshin closed his eyes and gulped. It was now or never. He sighed. A very hard one. He slowly faced Kaoru who was at his back.
"Kaoru, My Little Princess, Ken-nii h-has s-something to tell you." he started nervously.
Kaoru became curious. "Yes?"
Kenshin combed his bangs back but they fell back on his face. He didn't know where to start. "Ken-nii is going to college."
"I know. And I wish you luck!" Kaoru returned innocently smiling. It only made things hard for Kenshin.
He sighed again and batted his eyes. He put his right hand on Kaoru's shoulder and bent down on one knee to have a better view of her. The moonlight and the streetlights shone softly on her young face. Her naive blue eyes were shimmering.
"It's like this, Ken-nii decided to. . .to--" he couldn't find the words.
"To? To what?" Kaoru asked her brows raised.
Kenshin closed his eyes again. This was the hardest part. And it was harder that what he thought. He licked his dried lips and then looked at Kaoru again. As calmly as he could, he started to speak.
"I know this is not going to be nice on your part Kaoru-hime. But, Ken-nii has decided to study in America."
Kaoru was dumbfounded. Her lips were half open. Did she just hear that right? He was going to study where? America? Does that mean he's going to leave her?
She gulped. "W-when are you going to leave?"
Kenshin looked at the paved ground. "The day after tomorrow."
Kaoru forced to smile. "I, I see. . .So, should I pack my things? I am going with you, right?"
Kenshin didn't answer. His other hand was on her other shoulder too gripping them hard.
"Ne, Ken-nii? I'm going with you right? Right? Ken-nii. . ." Kaoru's voice was trembling. Tears were unconsciously dripping down her eyes.
Kenshin was astonished. Kaoru was crying! "Oh no, Kaoru-hime, don't cry, please. . .Don't cry!" he wiped her tears with his thumb but they continued to fall down unceasingly.
Kaoru let her limp body fall to Kenshin. "But why?. . .Ken-nii? Why can't I come? Why must you leave? Are you tired of taking care of me? Am I too spoiled? Tell me what to do so you won't leave! Ne, Ken-nii? You won't leave, ne? Don't you love me anymore?" She was now crying hard and stammering.
A single firefly flew slowly in front of Kaoru's face. It's light was blurred since she was crying.
Kenshin rubbed Kaoru's back. "Kaoru-hime, shhh, please forgive Ken-nii. I, I didn't mean to make you feel like this... Ken-nii has to be gone for a while so he can have his dreams realized for his self, for Uncle-Hiko and most especially you. . ."
Fireflies came out from the grasses and lighted up the place with their little lights.
"But it doesn't mean that I don't love you. Ken-nii loves you more than anyone else. If it's hard for you, it is harder for me. I know it's hard to understand on your part. . ." Kenshin pursed his lips. Kaoru's sobs ripped through him like a sharp knife. He tried to fight his emotions. He was near to the brink of crying. "Oh, princess, forgive me!" he placed his palms over Kaoru's head and pulled her closer to him hugging her as tight as he could. Kaoru's tears never stopped and seemed eternal. Her eyes were swollen and her cheeks were flushed.
A gust of wind sent sakura petals over the two of them. Some hit Kaoru's face softly as the sobs turned into occasional hiccups. The fireflies continued to fly over them and over the river.
"Let's get you inside now princess. . ." Kenshin hesitantly said taking Kaoru's body which seemed lifeless in his arms.
Once inside, Hiko met them and shot Kenshin a look. He nodded politely.
Hiko sighed. He knew what happened. He went straight to the kitchen to get Kaoru some dinner. He knew she wasn't going to eat it at the dining table.
Inside Kaoru's room, she was still quiet and stared at nothing. Kenshin knowingly went inside the bathroom and prepared a hot bath for Kaoru.
Unsure if she's going to listen to him, he still gestured her to go inside nevertheless.
Hiko came in with a tray of noodle soup and water and a glass of hot milk.
"She knows, huh. . ." Hiko said without any emotion looking outside.
Kenhsin gritted his teeth and nodded. "Yeah..."
At that Hiko shrugged his shoulders and sighed. He left.
After a few minutes, Kaoru came out with a fresh pair of pajamas and sat on the edge of her bed.
"Would you like something to eat? Uncle Hiko brought you something." Kenshin asked trying to sound normal.
Kaoru quietly walked to Kenshin and let him feed her as if she was sick.
"Now, be a good girl and take a brush. I'll just bring this back to the kitchen and have something to eat." Kenshin spoke out slowly.
Kaoru simply nodded and went back to her bathroom.
Twenty minutes later, Kenshin came back to Kaoru's room. He was also prepared for sleep. He found her lying on her bed reading one of the story books they bought.
"What are you reading?" Kenshin asked when he sat on the bed's edge.
Kaoru looked at him. She seemed to be more at peace. "Snow white."
Kenshin nodded. "Can my princess read it for me?"
Kaoru looked at him. Those blue eyes were staring straight into his own. Blue and violet locked. Then, Kaoru blinked.
"Hai. . ."
The two stayed like that, with Kaoru reading Kenshin the story of Snow White. Kenshin seemed to savor each second he was there with Kaoru. It would be a long time before they can ever do this again. Kaoru fell asleep in his arms. He decided to sleep with her. He didn't even notice that a bead of tear went down his cheek.
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Kenshin stared out of the window of Hiko's van. Time seemed to fly by so fast. The whole day yesterday was a complete zip. They were busy preparing for his trip. Placing important things in bags and boxes. Kaoru stayed quiet. She was up in her tree house. She only came down when it was time to eat.
Kenshin sighed and removed his sight from the window. He looked around the van. There were numerous bags and boxes which contained his personal belongings. On front was Hiko and his driver. Beside him was Kaoru and Dr. Genzai. At the back were Megumi and Sanosuke. The two came to see him off.
Arriving at the airport, Kaoru hesitantly went out. But Kenshin helped her to go down and guided her while walking. Hiko requested some special passes so they can go inside the waiting area.
After checking the baggage, and receiving the boarding pass, they proceeded to the departure area.
They were all seated in chairs with Kaoru sitting quietly next to Kenshin. She was looking vigilantly at her watch.
Then, the intercom made a call. "Attention to all Passengers of Japan Airlines flight no. 1527 boarded for Connecticut, USA, please be informed that you will be leaving in twenty minutes. Thank you.
Sanosuke sighed. "I guess that's you buddy."
Kaoru slowly craned her head up to Kenshin. He was now standing. The others were too.
"Kenshin, take care of yourself there. Umm. . .I already informed Saitou that you'll be arriving there tomorrow. He has arranged everything for you." Hiko said patting Kenshin on his shoulder.
"Thank you for everything Uncle." He simply said nodding at him.
"Oi, Kenshin, be sure you don't get into trouble there, cuz I won't be there to back you up." he paused. "But if in any case, just give me a call."
"Aa." and ther slapped their hands together squeezing each others palms before letting go.
"Ken-san, you be good there. . ." her lips were quivering. "I, we'll miss you!" she gave her a short hug and then covered her mouth controlling her tears.
Dr. Genzai came to Kenshin. He placed his arm on his shoulder. "I know you'll do well there. Make us proud my boy, make us proud."
"Thank you Genzai-sensei. Please take care of Kaoru for me." those last words were a mere whisper and he gave the old man a hug.
"Don't worry, me and your Uncle will look after her." the old man emotionally returned.
Kaoru finally stood but she never moved. Kenshin stared at her but she never looked back. He decided to go to her.
He knelt down to catch a last glimpse from her placing his hands on her small shoulders. He tried to smile. "Hime, Ken-nii has to go now. Promise me you'll be a good girl while I'm not around, ne?"
When did she last hear those same words again? Oh yeah, when her father died. At that, Kaoru's eyes were pricked with tears but she fought not to.
"I, I promised not to cry anymore, but, but. . ." she threw herself onto Kenshin. "But I can't Ken-nii! I, I will miss you!" Tears were again flowing down her eyes. The others removed their gaze upon them. Megumi only cried harder and Sano comforted him patting her back.
"There, there, Ken-nii will miss her princess too. If only you can come with me. But, I promise to come back for you. Ken-nii always keeps his promises, ne?" Kenshin said comforting her.
Kaoru only nodded. Her throat was constricted. What should a person say in times like these anyway???
Kenshin sighed. "Well, I have to go now, my baby girl." he hesitated to let her go and pulled her into a tigther embrace for about a few minutes. But, it had to end.
Slowly standing up he was about to let go when Kaoru pulled at his arm.
"I want you to have this." Kaoru said lowly. In her palm was the locket they had bought.
Kenshin took it and opened it. On the left side was a picture of Kaoru which he had taken. On the right side was their picture at the tower. He smiled and closed it.
"Remember what the old woman said? Even though two people are away, this locket will serve as their bridge." Kaoru said sniffing.
His eyes softened. "I remember." he ruffled her hair and kissed her forehead. He sighed and looked at them.
"Well, it's time for me to go!" They all nodded back and Kenshin started to walk towards the gate. "Sayounara minna!"
All of them said their goodbyes and waived their hands. He walked towards the booth to confirm his ticket. Before entering the gateway to the plain, he looked back at them and then bowed his head. Then, he went inside.
----
It was 21:00 o'clock. Kaoru was in a fetal ball position in her bed. She had a hard time sleeping. Outside, the rain has already started. Her hands were clutched in her blankets. As the rain progressed, thunder and lightning ruled the sky. Kaoru was always afraid of these things. Usually, Kenshin was there to comfort her, hug her and tell her he'll be there to watch after her.. The only difference is, there was no Kenshin now. Thunder roared. Lightning flashed again. The room was haunted by shadows that seemed to mock her. She couldn't take it anymore. She was crying again. She was so afraid. . .So alone. . .It was just a few hours, but how she missed him!
"Ken-nii. . .doko wa. . .doko wa. . . (where are you)" her face crumpled and she continued to cry trying to rid the pain in her young heart. . .
And the rain continued outside washing away the last flowers of the cherry blossoms in spring.
Tsuzuko
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A/N: A long one, ne? I hope I didn't make you tired in reading this. . .lol
Well, that's it for now! Till the next time! kk for evah!!! Mawaaahhhhh!!!