MY LITTLE PRINCESS
A/N: Hi there folks! I'm sorry for being gone for like a month or so. Like what I said, my internet connection has been fooling again, so I couldn't go online. And I can't possibly save it on a diskette since my drive A is unfunctional.
Anyways, so much for that. Again, lemme say sorry for leaving you with a cliffie on the last chap, I know you all want to kill me, but I hope all your "fury" went out! hehe... To those who have been asking (especially to Fuuko-san) or should I say, "insisting" (?) on an A/K alternative ending, sure, why not? (Happa?) As soon as this is done, I'll start the next fic-- Yoshiwara (a fic which a lot are e-mailing about. It's not an AU fic, and the main character would be Battousai, meaning we will be in the Bakumatsu. And NO, Tomoe will not be in the story. Sorry Tomoe fans) and maybe, side by side, I can make the alternative ending. ^^
Thank yous:
Readers and Reviewers - At the bottom part, as always.
Rekka's Angel and my friend Chellie - Thanks for both pre-reading this chappie!
WARNINGS: Hmmm... Maybe some spoilers, but not too much. Oh yeah, a little WAFFY at some parts and a little OOCness.
Ages: Same as with the last chapter
~Chapter 19. Broken Summer~
Kaoru was perplexed and she felt her heart beating fast. She thought that she had forgotten how to blink for she kept on staring on Kenshin's face. It looked exactly the same, but of course, there were a few changes showing that the young "Ken-nii" was no longer there but was replaced by a man whose name is Kenshin.
"Little Princess, you've grown so much more than I expected! I'm so happy to see you!" Kenshin smiled and took her into a tight embrace.
Kaoru was still at shock and couldn't believe that he was actually there... Holding her in his manly arms!
Kenshin breathed in a distinct scent he had missed so much.
Jasmine rose...You are my little princess... How I missed my little girl!
Kenshin tightened his hug more and then let her go. His forehead crumpled as he saw her rather confused and at the same time surprised face.
"Why, is that a way to treat someone who has been away for some time!? You don't seem to even miss me!" Kenshin chuckled.
Kaoru slapped her sleeping inside. "O-okaeri nasai...k--!" She ended with a wry smile and hesitated or was confused what to call the "man" in front of her.
Ken-nii? It didn't seem to suit him anymore.
Kenshin? Isn't that too disrespectful? He was, after all, ten years her senior.
Kenshin invited her for a sit on the wooden floor and he stared at her marveling at how his little girl changed so much. The innocent blue eyes seemed to teem with more life and her raven black hair perfectly complemented her peachy skin.
"So, how was graduation?" Kenshin began.
"It was...nice..." Kaoru smiled yet again.
"I'm sorry I didn't make it. It's just that, a lot of things came cramming up." Kenshin's voice was sober.
"Ne, daijobou." Kaoru closed her eyes for a second. "I understand." She smiled at him again.
Kenshin couldn't help but stop and gaze at her every smile. He missed them! So much that he couldn't explain even to himself how he missed her! Many years have passed. Sure, he went home now and then, but he never did actually see and watch her grow into the young woman she is now. He wondered if it could be possible that someone might be courting her. He dared not to ask for he thought it was unnecessary right now, and besides, he had to acquaint with her...again...
"I'm sorry if I woke you up with all the hammering and stuff... I still have jetlags, and I saw the tree house and thought of fixing it." It was his turn to smile.
Kaoru looked up at the tree and realized it has been a long time since she really went up. Heck! She wouldn't even fit there anymore. "Now that I remember, it has been ages since I ever tried to go up or at least climb just the stairs." Kaoru sighed. "I guess time just went so fast."
...Time went so fast
Kenshin repeated the words in his head. She was right. Time was like a quick drizzle or a breeze that went by with a zip. She looked at her again and it only added more "evidence".
There was a moment of silence where only the sounds of early morning activities broke the calm.
"Oh yeah, I have something to tell you..." Kenshin said turning earnest.
Kaoru nodded expectantly.
"Well, I told Uncle I should be the one to tell you, so..."
Kaoru raised a brow and Kenshin sighed and then smiled.
"Me and Marge are engaged."
Kaoru's world broke into pieces. This was the moment she feared the most. The moment when Kenshin would be really taken away from her. She tried to accept that he may never love her in return, but still she hoped. And his arrival made her more hopeful... But then, this happens.
She didn't know what to even say. Damn! She didn't have any authority to approve or disapprove. She was no longer that little girl who can express whatever she wants or feels.
She produced a cynical smile. "That's great!... O-omedetou gozaimasu!" Kaoru bowed quickly to hide her pale face and decided to at least be out of his sight before she could even show any sign of her true emotions.
"Anou, gomen, but I remembered that I have to wake up Yahiko for some practice. Please excuse me." At that, she went up swiftly and hurried down the hall with her eyes almost teary.
Kenshin couldn't do anything but nod and watch deftly as she disappeared at the corner wondering if there was something wrong.
-*-*-*-
"Yahiko!" Kaoru tapped the boy's shoulder as he sprawled on his bed.
"Wake up! We need to practice!" Kaoru insisted as she removed the covers.
"Mmmnn... But, it's too early..." Yahiko mumbled as he went to the other side of the bed.
Fuming, Kaoru pulled the covers out of Yahiko. "Just get up, will ya?!"
Yahiko, giving up, opened his eyes and went up lazily. "Oh, all right!"
Kaoru heard him mutter some things under his breath. She raised an eyebrow. "What was that?"
"Nothing! I said I'll meet you up at the dojo." Yahiko mumbled as he started for the bathroom.
"Good." Kaoru simply said hiding her still bruised feelings.
-*-*-*-
"Straighten your stance!" Kaoru yelled as she raised her bokken midway her torso.
Yahiko was holding his shinai and he firmly glued his feet on the wooden floor.
"Attack." Kaoru said lowly her eyes focused.
She's messing with my concentration... I know she's just pushing me to test where I can go... Yahiko said to himself. She'll probably anticipate where I'll be attacking... In that case...
With a smirk, and a cry Yahiko rushed at his opponent.
Kenshin turned his head on to the dojo's direction. A smile went out of his lips. Memories of yesterday coming in. It was only "a while ago" when he was the one tutoring Kaoru with the "art of the sword." He decided to sneak in for he was only a few walks away from where the dojo was.
Here he comes... Kaoru said to herself preparing as the sight of the speeding boy came to her senses. In just a second, her feet left the ground and she rushed at him too.
Kenshin's eyes sparkled with excitement as he saw the two fight it out.
Much to Kaoru's expectations, just before the both of them made contact, Yahiko stopped right in the middle, and, getting the momentum he had earlier aimed to get a hit on Kaoru.
Kaoru was half shocked at the boy's strategy. At first, she seemed to lose her senses. But she wasn't going to be defeated by her own student!
Acting fast, she let herself slide on the floor her bokken set horizontally and aimed for Yahiko's right leg.
Yahiko was dazed, and letting instinct take over, lowered his shinai to block Kaoru's bokken but the sudden change of pace made him stumble backwards.
He fell to the floor panting looking at Kaoru who stood straight. "You okay?"
Yahiko sat on an India sit. "Well, yeah, guess so."
Kenshin smiled as he hid peeking on the door. Both of them were good sword artists. There was no doubt of that.
Uncle surely made a tactician out of Kaoru... Better watch out Kenshin... He smiled, yet again.
He saw Yahiko get up and move into another stance. He decided to stay there and watch silently.
"Kyaaaaa!!!" Yahiko cried and then the battle ensued.
Kenshin lost track of time. What seemed to be minutes eventually turned into hours of practice and training to both Yahiko and Kaoru. And as for him, he just stood there, quiet and enjoyed the overwhelming "view".
Before he knew it, he saw Yahiko coming out of the dojo, towel in shoulder and shinai in hand. They met up outside, eyes locked with one another.
"Anou... ohayou gozaimasu!" Yahiko was the first one to talk. He looked up to Kenshin with curious eyes.
"Oyahou, Yahiko." Kenshin smiled. Even time did its work on this young boy.
"I didn't know you arrived already." Yahiko said as he wiped traces of sweat in his neck.
Kenshin chuckled. "Nah, I just wanted to surprise you guys."
Yahiko nodded. "So, you were here the whole time?"
Another smile crept out from Kenshin. "Just a bit."
Yahiko raised both eyebrows.
"Seems you have a good trainer. Kaoru must've been pretty hard on you." He smiled, yet again remembering the earlier days when Kaoru was the student and he was the teacher.
"Heh, you could say that again. All she does is too beat the hell out of me." He said crossly, but still showed naive ness.
Kenshin noticed the shinai in Yahiko's hand. "Hey, did you forget to return that or...?"
Yahiko slapped his forehead with his palm and sighed. "I forgot to give it back to Kaoru before she went out! Wait--"
Yahiko was about to take a step when he heard Kenshin speak. "Let me return it. It has been long since I stepped inside this dojo. Besides, I think you deserve some nice rest."
"Well, okay... Sure!" Yahiko shrugged his shoulders and handed the shinai to him. "Later." He bowed and then walked off.
Kenshin gazed at the wooden object on his hand for a time. He let his palm wrap tightly around it and then loosened it, and wrapped tightly around it again. He sighed and then stepped up and removed his slippers.
Quietly, he went inside. The familiar scent of it filling his senses. Yep. This was 'home' all right.
Much to what he thought, Kaoru was still inside, sitting in the center of the room. She had her back on him but he was sure her eyes were closed in deep meditation.
I thought Yahiko told me she went out already?! Kenshin planned to at least have the dojo to himself for a while, but just before he could make another step, Kaoru spoke just audibly enough for the both of them to hear.
"Don't you know it's rude to sneak up on somebody?" Kaoru kept her eyes closed.
"Uhm, gomen nasai, Kamiya-sensei." Kenshin said smiling but kept his voice restrained.
Kaoru got up from her sitting position and turned around to face him and noticed the shinai on his hand. Yahiko's? That brat!...
She raised a brow and craned her head onto one side. "Don't you know it's forbidden for someone to take the dojo's equipment outside, Mr. Himura?"
Kenshin closed his eyes and bowed and then looked up again. "I know Ma'am, and for that I am very sorry."
Kaoru's eyes queered and she kept herself from smiling. Kenshin noticed it and was amused himself. "Now ma'am, may I now return the shinai to its cabin?"
Kaoru didn't answer but they kept eye contact. Kenshin broke the silence and walked towards the cabin which was on the other side of the room. Just before he could pass by Kaoru, she quickly raised her arm, bokken in hand horizontally.
"You think you can go away just like that for what you did?" Kaoru raised her chin up. She wondered if what she really meant was of Kenshin holding the shinai--heck! She knew it was Yahiko's fault.
Or...
For what Kenshin told him earlier... About his engagement... She was altogether confused but desperately tried to hide it.
"I don't really know, but..." Kenshin took a glance of the firmly raised bokken, "I guess not." He removed any sign of emotion in his face as well.
Without any other word, Kaoru pulled her arm back swiftly and moved into an offensive stance. "When was the last time you held such a weapon, Himura? Do you think you're still good at it?"
"Odd don't you think? But I think it's good nevertheless. Almost a decade has past and kendo is still alive. I guess you're one of those who I have to thank for." Kenshin blankly said.
Kaoru never moved a muscle. "Enough talk. Try me, former shihondai!" That sounded much more of a challenge.
It has been a long time... But can I still manage to do this? The fact that I'll be against my own creation. What if I hurt her accidentally? Thoughts ran through Kenshin's head. Calming down, and after such a deliberation, he finally started on a defensive stance.
"It is said, that the student is never any wiser than his own teacher." A smirk went out.
"I beg to differ." Were the only words that came out from Kaoru.
Kenshin nodded and then sighed. "Well, why not? It has been long since I can remember having practice."
A few seconds passed and all they did was to look at each other. Kaoru tried hard not to get distracted and show any emotion even though those beautiful purple eyes of her Ken-nii seemed to dig through her core. She shrugged those thoughts off seeing to it that she didn't spill anything.
Kenshin was as tense though he kept it inside him too. He couldn't believe he was actually going to 'fight' with her. As far as he could remember, he used to 'teach' her and not this. Well, whatever it is, everything's in place now and there's no turning back!
As if dew fell off a leaf, Kaoru rushed at him her bokken trusted forward. "Kyyyyaaaaa!!!"
She's fast. Kenshin thought. He made sure his foot was set firmly on the ground and kept his defense active. As soon as Kaoru was in front of him, he countered the hit by putting the shinai just underneath Kaoru's bokken and thrust it up. Kaoru, acting fast, quickly removed the contact to prevent Kenshin from making a hit.
She landed on one side of the room, about two feet from where Kenshin was and then shifted to a defensive stance. "Koi."
Kenshin thought of using the battou joutsu, but then reminded himself that it was too strong and might not work good on the wooden sword. He used a lesser variation of it instead.
As soon as Kaoru saw his posture, she delved into her memory bank to determine what technique he was using. At last, she found it. Battou joutsu... She said to herself. An attack with the sword pulled from his right, accompanied by quick steps from his left foot and then succeeds into fast and constant foot work. She sighed hard preparing for the attack.
As if light has just passed, Kenshin was on his foot aiming at his target. Kaoru kept her eyes still to focus on the upcoming assail. As soon as she caught sight of the shinai's tip she let her right foot step back to secure ground and gracefully slid herself to one side so that Kenshin was now on her back. With another twist, she planned to hit Kenshin from above but he caught it with his shinai.
The both of them leapt away for another time to avoid yet, another contact. Kaoru was now a bit panting. She remembered how she fought with Aoshi. It was daunting, but this was different. Very different. Even though Kenshin had been off to kendo for such a time, his skills were still polished as if he trained day and night.
Kaoru finally gave up of tactics... There was only one left... The Kamiya Kasshin ougi. Sure, Kenshin might have known it, but he was trained more at the Hitten Mitsurugi. Kenshin saw it and realized what it was. He had knowledge of it, but never mastered the ougi anyway. And if there's one person who could execute it perfectly like the late father of Kaoru, it's Kaoru herself. He equally prepared for it. Now, they were both in offensive battle positions.
At the blink of an eye, the both rushed at each other. The sound of wood clashing and voices rang through the dojo's inside. Both tried to make a hit, but they were all countered. At last, Kaoru found a hole to use the ougi and eluded Kenshin to hit her from above. Unfortunately, Kenshin read her mind and instead of hitting her from where she expected, slid it down to his left and aimed straight for her abdomen.
Kaoru, a little bit dazed, suddenly lost her next move and clumsily swung her bokken against Kenshin's shinai with much strength that it sent the two weapons clashing down the wood... And that didn't exempt the two from loosing their grace.
Unlike what happened with her and Aoshi, she dropped to the floor with a loud thud but she felt her head being craned by Kenshin's hand. Her eyes were closed tightly through it all. Suddenly, all turned silent and the only sound she heard was her own breathing. She abruptly came to the realization of Kenshin's welcome weight pressing down on her.
Slowly opening her eyes, she was more taken aback when she realized they were almost nose to nose with each other. She gulped and let her eyes fix on his face. She swore she was blushing. "Uh, I guess I don't know my own strength."
Kenshin was half shocked and was quite relaxed when he made sure that Kaoru's head did not hit the floor. But he himself became quickly sentient to their "present state". Oh her curves suddenly obvious to him. He felt his pulse quicken. From his point of view, he could clearly see Kaoru's perfectly shaped and creamy throat. Her training gi was partly set to one side revealing a portion of her upper chest. He thought he saw her gulp or was it only him or what? Is she blushing?
"I, I'm s-sorry." Kenshin mumbled and quickly got up seeing to it that she wasn't squished and then offered his free hand for her to get up. She was still dumbfounded, but kept her feelings to herself.
"Well, I guess I have to owe you an apology too. I guess I miscalculated your attack." Kaoru hid her face and arranged her clothes.
"Ah."
Kaoru did not reply, but she just picked up the the fallen shinai and bokken on the ground. Kenshin watched her gather them and return to their respective places. He just stood there, guilt stricken. But... What was there to be guilty of? He used to even sleep with this girl and cuddle with her and a lot of things...which he truly did miss.
But...
It's different now... Sure, she was still Kaoru, the little girl he had care for so much... like his own sister...
But no... It's entirely a different story...
He had to accept. Even if how hard it was.
But how ironic.... He thought that he could come home to the Kaoru long, long ago and watch her grow up... And make up for wasted time....
But still... The truth is the truth.
She was no longer a "little girl".
-*-*-*-
"So?" Misao eyed Kaoru as she munched on a donut.
"I, don't know myself Misao-chan. It felt right but so wrong at the same time." She sighed. "He's no longer the Ken-nii we know. He's Kenshin. Kenshin Himura. And... it's hard to believe how everything changed between us all of a sudden..."
"Change..." Misao muttered silently. "And they say, nothing is constant in this world except change."
"Absolutely... It's both mortifying and blessed as well..." Kaoru could only sigh.
"What did you say when he said he was going to get married?" Misao asked this time.
"Nothing..." Kaoru had her eyes covered for a while.
"What?! You didn't even say if it was okay for you or not?" Misao exclaimed.
"Who am I to tell him what to do or not? He has his own life now... It's not the same anymore. I'm not a child anymore to wail over something..." Kaoru pursed her lips. Sometimes, I want it to be that way... If only it can be...
Misao took a glimpse of the clock. "It's late in the evening Kaoru-chan. Don't you think you should go home? You had been here the whole day."
"Yeah, you're right. I should be going, Uncle's away for a business meeting tonight and he'll eventually arrive tomorrow, so I guess I have to look after Yahiko and the house as well." Kaoru started to put her small back pack on.
Misao giggled. "Like duh! Kamatari-san and of course, Himura Kenshin is there!"
Kaoru smiled. She almost forgot about that.
-*-*-*-
The streets were filed up of people going here and there. Kaoru hugged herself. She was wearing a light jacket, but for some reason, it was summer but the night's still cold. She walked by the park and only a few were there. Rounding a corner, she was almost alone, but she thought of hearing some footsteps. Breathing hard, she quickened her pace when suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder from behind.
She almost screamed if she didn't saw who it was. She was relieved. "Aoshi-san! You scared me!" He was wearing a black long sleeved hood shirt over jeans.
"I'm sorry. But I guess you didn't hear me calling you. I was about to go home through the park and then I saw you." Aoshi bowed.
"Same here. Well, I guess we can't talk much now. I have to hurry home, you see." Kaoru smiled.
Amongst the dimly lighted park, Aoshi saw Kaoru's smile which made him so attached to her. "I'll walk you home then."
"Really, I don't want to be a trouble." Kaoru smiled once again.
"No, I can manage it anyway. And besides, you're a woman, so I think it's not fit for you to walk alone especially at night." His black eyes painted sincerity.
Kaoru smiled, and finally giving up to defeat, allowed Aoshi to walk her home.
It wasn't long enough when the two reached the gate of Kaoru's house. Kaoru placed her hand over the identification pad on the gate, and the lights on the walkway lighted acknowledging her arival. "Thanks for your effort Aoshi-san." she looked at him thoughtfully.
Aoshi bowed his head low but his eyes were still on her. "The pleasure is all mine."
Kaoru smiled back. "Ah sou, thank you very much again. And, good night."
Aoshi smiled for the briefest moment and then bowed again, and after a few steps, he was gone. Kaoru sighed... A happy one and then decided to get inside as well.
-*-*-*-
"Kamiya Kaoru on the gate, lights will now be turned on section A-3." The computer paged announcing the arrival of Kaoru. Kenshin excused himself from his visitors to meet Kaoru. But before he could even open the main door, he saw two figures at the gate. Peeking through the glass door, the image of a male was clear. An unknown feeling surged through. What it was, he didn't know. All he knew was he wasn't all that happy to see her with a man especially at this time of hour. It was already near 20:00.
When he saw Kaoru coming, he decided just to wait for her at the front lounge. The door opened and Kaoru greeted him with a smile. She removed her shoes. "Sorry I'm kinda la--"
"Do you know what time it is?" Kenshin cut her off with a stern voice.
Kaoru half smiled. "I know, that's why I want to say sorry for being late."
"Where have you been anyway?" Was another unexpressed question.
"I visited Misao. Is there something wrong with that?" Kaoru couldn't understand why he was like 'this'.
"Nothing, but the point is, the time is unlikely for you to be out." Kenshin's voice seemed to raise a little notch.
Kaoru cringed. Not even Hiko would act this way even if she did go home late. Hiko would always tell her in the nicest way. Not this!
"Okay, I'm sorry. You don't have to yell at me. I'm back one piece!" Kaoru threw back at him.
Kenshin froze. Why the heck did he do that anyway? Couldn't he have just asked her nicely? But then again, he wasn't sure why!
"You could have at least called so I could've fetched you." Kenshin tried to calm down.
Kaoru gave out a watery laugh. "It's not like Misao's house is over the Pacific Ocean. And besides, a friend of mine saw me and walked me home."
Kenshin raised a brow briefly. That guy?... He didn't dare ask about that. "Have you eaten already?" he asked instead.
"Hai. Misao's mother let me eat at their house." Kaoru said meekly.
No one said anything for a while until Kaoru started to talk again. "Is that all?"
Kenshin nodded and let her pass, his eyes closed.
Kaoru was surprised when she saw Megumi and Sanosuke on the living room.
"Kaoru-san!" Megumi went out of her seat to give the younger girl a hug. She was wearing a floral lavender straight dress.
Kaoru smiled. "It's nice of you to come visit! How have you been?" She wondered if they overheard what happened later. She hoped not.
Megumi smiled widely and covered her mouth with her hands and then took Kaoru's hands. "Look how big you are now! You were just a little girl back then!"
"Yeah, and you sure had a loud mouth back then young miss!" Sanosuke broke in. He looked much mature in his white polo and cream pants topped with a navy blue jacket but Kaoru wondered if his attitude had made any progress.
"Sano!" Megumi gave him a look. She set her sight back on Kaoru and then took something from her bag and then gave it to her.
Kaoru looked at it much more closely and saw that it was an invitation for a presentation of a newborn baby.
"Oh my!" Kaoru smiled with delight. "You mean--?!" Kaoru looked at the both of them. "Congratulations!" Kaoru couldn't think of anything to say at that time.
"Be sure to be there, okay?" Megumi smiled back and then he saw Kenshin coming. "O, Ken-san, I already told Kaoru about the event." Kenshin just nodded.
"Phone call from Mr. Seijorou Hiko for Miss Kamiya." the computer paged for the second time and then she asked for pardon to be out for a while.
"She has grown up so fast, ne, Ken-san?" Megumi said as Kaoru left the room.
-*-*-*-
At first, Kenshin hesitated. But eventually, he had to do it or he won't get anything. He knocked on Kaoru's door but no one seemed to be inside. Just like olden times, he opened the door. The room had a few reconstructions, but it was still Kaoru's room he had came to remember as his little girl's. He looked for the big framed picture he gave to her as a present. Odd. It was on top of her bed when he had last come home. But now, it was transferred on a nearby wall.
"Kaoru, are you in here?" he asked again. No answer. She mustn't have been inside. In his hands was a rather huge box wrapped in red. He took a few steps until he was close at her bed and then saw something on top of her night table. Curious, he went nearer. In dismay, he found out it was a kimono--threaded and knitted in gold. He wondered if Hiko bought it for her. By the looks of it, it was expensive. Or so he thought.
The sound of footsteps awoke him from his stupor and at his back was Kaoru. "Oro!~"
Kaoru had a questioned look on her eyes. Even now, she didn't know what to call the man in front of him.
"G-gomen, I thought you were here but when I saw no one was in, I just went inside. I-I'm sorry. It was totally rude of me." He was blabbering.
Kaoru smiled. "Daijobou. I understand. No harm done anyway."
Kenshin fell silent and then saw Kaoru's eyes which were on the circular box he was holding. "A, o, yeah, I almost forgot. This is for you." Kenshin handed it gently to her.
She took it and found it to be rather heavy. "T-thank you..." She smiled again and he loved it. "What is it?"
"It's a surprise. Is it heavy? Here, let me take it." Kenshin asked and then took it from her to place it on her bed.
Again, a clothe of silence covered them. "Listen, about what happened earlier, I, I'm sorry."
Kaoru kept silent but she stared at him with her eyes in blue black pools.
"Really, I know even Uncle wouldn't act that way towards you. Sumanu." He bowed low.
"That's okay. I mean, I had my fault too. Sorry if I, answered back." They both smiled at each other.
"So, I guess this is good night." Kenshin suddenly took her into his arms and gave her a hug. "I missed you so much my little princess..."
Kaoru was astonished but she kept silent and just let herself be drowned by his warmth and strength. It won't be long until she can no longer be with him like this...
"Good night." he said once again.
"Oyasumi nasai." She replied and it was only then that he let her go.
They smiled, for the uncountable time and Kenshin walked out. He closed the shouji and leaned on it for a while. He had to admit he missed her so much! His little girl... Then he asked himself... Why did he became all too angry when he saw her earlier this evening. Was it because she went home late? It didn't seem to fit in. It struck him...
Jealousy?... It couldn't be... But still, what kind of jealousy? A brother for his younger sister? Yes, that's it. But then, it felt... wrong.
It couldn't be...?
-*-*-*-
Kaoru sat down on her bed and started to work on opening the box. She was half curious, half excited. What could it be? She was sure it was something, which 'worth something'. She untied the lace which secured it and then removed the lid. Inside, unwoven paper topped it... It was kind of familiar. And then, as she poked further, she found out it was a kimono!
She was taken aback. It wasn't just any kimono! It was tht kimono she long wanted in the shop! The kimono she saw when she was but a child. And now, it was there! Right in front of her! She couldn't believe it. Kenshin reserved it just for her not minding how many years it took him.
She touched the fabric and it was so smooth and silky. Its design was so intricate and how she loved its blue color.
So he did remember me after all... And I thought... Kaoru bit her lip in guilt trip. Then her eyes traveled at the other box which was on her night table... The one Aoshi gave her... What a coincidence...
Ken-nii... Kaoru thought.
If only you knew... If only you knew...
Kaoru hugged the fabric and then let herself fall to one side of her bed.
-*-*-*-
Tsuzuko
A/N: Well, that's it! The ending was like, uh, duh! I don't know! I couldn't think of anything to put up. But hey, anyways, I know you are all glad to see Ken-nii back in the story! ^^ Sorry once again for the long update! Hehehe... Time to thank yous lovely people! It's 22:03 right now, but I guess I have to finish this whatever's the deal!
dark-luv-dove - Yezzzz, and I'm sorry for that. Things really crammed up the last month and well, that's what happened.
The Girl Who Cried Oro - Well, sowi! I just had to place a cliffie, but hey, there's a lot of K/K scenes here! ^^ Happa?
Pia Bartolini - And here's the update!!! Like it?
allin656 - ::gulp:: Yes ma'am. Understood ma'am... LOL!!! ^^ Thanks!
Midnight Dreamz - Yo! How's this chap? Tell me again, ne?
Clemen - Well, if you would like an A/K ending, like what I said, there will be an alternative one, so just wait for it, k?
dewey - Cheer up! I made up for that stupid cliffie in here, don't you think? Hmmm... Conceited diary15! Baka! LOL
M@ry - Nope. You're amazing cuz you're still reading this crap... Hehe... Thanks for the support! Mwaaaahhh!
thelegendjen - There? Love me already? ::blush:: hehe... ^^
LittleDragon5 - Well, hope you read my A/N on the upper portion cuz there'll be, as requested by you guys, an alternative ending. Happy?
iminyourmind - ::laughs:: did I make him? Tell me, tell me, was he jealous? Or still not good enough? ^^
teddygrahms - MORE KENSHIN it is! Hehe...
tomboy101 (kenshinfan) - Oh, that's great! E-mail me or anything so I may read your ficcie. Thanks!
Innocence8 - This one's WAFFYier... (Well think so) ^^
Aryanne - LOL! Easy there my dear. You hafta cool down! ^^ *joke* can't blame you anyway. Thanks! Yeah, a lot of people say Chap 7 is sad. Darn that Kenshin!
Baka-Ryu - Well, quoting from you, it's gonna be "love and torture"! LOL!!! It'll be a little hard, but I guess I hafta make them end up together anyways...
Angela - Ow, shucks! Thanks deary!
Aura Jade - Not that fast. It's actually, what can I say? Starting? LOL...
Fuuko-san - Received my text? Awww, you hate me? ::sob:: *joke,joke,joke* Don't worry, you'll have your A/K naman e! Mwaahh!
Kitsune KeNsHiN - Watashi mo! I can't wait for the Battousai fic to come out. So, until next time!
Otaku - So much! And because of that, I have these eye bags that won't disappear no matter how early I sleep. Oh well! Might as well "practice". When students are in college, SLEEP is a CRIME! LOL! It's a K/K fic, so they'll eventually end up together! (There, I'm spilling it already! No more "suspense"!) hehe...
raine84 - Well, whaddya think? Was it okay? ^^
Angel338 - With all my pleasure! ::laughs evily::
Female Sesshoumaru - Hmmm, does this chap at least give you a "premonition" on what's gonna happen when Aoshi meets Kenshin? DISASTER! *joke* Seriously, you hafta wait. ^^
pensquared - Both. But the K/K ending will come up first. It was supposed to be K/K only but since some were asking for an A/K, there'll be an A/K.
ixchen - And thanks for the wait! ^^
Kiyoshi-chan - Aw, that's okay. You mean Marge? Well... ^___^ (secret!)
Hira - (T.T) Is that a bad thing or a good thing?
Kyo Terayashi - Is this more of a KAWAINESS or WAFFYNESS??? Hehe...
CrismHeart - Awww, that's so kind and I'm soooo flattered! Hehe... Thanks very much! Me too. I'm a die hard K/K!
angelic_m - Here ya go!
Dark-Trinity - Forgive me? Well, this was my "as soon as possible"... Sorry! ^^
ponchita - I believe this chap is quite long. Well, that's what I think... I guess the thank yous made it long (again)
lilk0k0 - Honestly, I am a little, but hey, it's a labor of love! ^^
yuhi-thedoerofevildeeds - Hmm, nice name! and hi to kuya Sohiro too! ^^
J1N - Here's the 'more' Enjoy!
omochi - Yep. Absolutely correct! Missed ya!
Haruko 1 - Thanks for the very nice complement! I'm smiling right now-- ^__________^ K/K dear. But if you want, there'll be an A/K as well.
CurlsofSerenity - Yes and I hope it made you happy!
PEACH ^_^ - All of the above. K/K, A/K and K&OOC
missblu - did I make you wait soooo long? Sorry!
Mika - Nuuuuuu!!! Poor hamster! Why not use a real big hammer? lol...
donna1857 - Well, that's up to you. There'll be a K/K and an A/K ending as well.
flyingangel777 - Wazzzup? How's ur fic going? I'm sorry if I haven't read the next chap cuz I haven't been in ff.net for a while until now.
PoEy - Kababayan!!! ::hugs::
kyanti - heheh... here's the update! Doumo!
wolfpack - Then I guess the A/K ending would be best for you. You just have to wait for that.
Chibilover2000 - Sorry it took me quite long! But hey, at least this one's done! Thanks for the wait.
Naiya-chan - Doumo Arigatou!
Aino Saori - Tomoe? Well, I just wanted to change the mood cuz a lot of other stories have been using Tomoe, and like what Kaoru said, "I beg to differ". ^^
Himura Kamiya Kaoru - Hey you! When are you gonna update your stories? I'm waiting! ^^ LOL...
CharlieTheOtakuNymph - Oh please be kind on me! Please be kind! ^^ Here's my "ransom" LOLOL...
EK - ::hugs:: I missed you too!!!!
A/N: Well, that's it! Have to zip! (I'm sooo sleepy!) Bye bye! Till next time! Do be kind enuf to leave
a review.... Clickie!!!