Disclaimer: I do NOT own RK or PMK.

About Sou and Kenni finding out, I'll build to it (it wouldn't be as hilarious as the New Kyoto Post trilogy version.) Do you think a friendship like that can go unnoticed by those around them? Except Umeko of the Umeya restaurant who is very encouraging to them. A bit of Tomoe-Kenshin build-up as well.

This is a reload as my previous upload was somehow majorly screwed up. DIE, you devilish computer glitch! DIE!

Shadows and Suspicions

Kyoto's Umeya restaurant, Kyoto…

Cheerful waitresses greeted and served her many customers. In the kitchens, chefs and assistants slaved over pots and stoves. Customers chatted and laughed as they enjoyed the ambience and good food. Wiping her hands on her apron, Umeko left floury handprints on the fabric. A kitchen lad whispered a message to her. Nodding her head, she went to the back of the restaurant to meet her latest guest.

In a dimly-lit room, Katsura Kogoro tried to muster his sternest look as he faced his sister. Rumours have been flying about his top hitokiri having a close friendship with a young man. As his de facto guardian, Kogoro was interested in finding out more about the background of Kenshin's new friend.

"Who is this Sou? I have asked Kenshin, but he knows next to nothing about his background."

"So you're asking me to spy on my customers? All I can say is that the boys get along fine and Sou always foots his bills, unlike certain young men under your banner…"

"But he is getting too close." Could the boys be in a certain type of relationship? Anyway, if this Sou finds out about Kenshin being that Battousai…

"Don't you worry, it's just brotherly affection. Kenni has his eye on that young lady at Kohagi. Miss Tomoe, I believe she's known as. Surely you don't begrudge him a friend…" Seeing you have most likely ruined the kid's chances of a normal life now or in the future…

"Doesn't this Sou have a family name?"

"Sou is Sou. Just as Kenni is Kenni. Excuse me, brother. I have a restaurant to run."

Tight-lipped bitch! Kogoro silently cursed as his sister waddled out. She had been putting on some weight, he thought.

Ichimura Tetsu, page to Vice-Chief Hijikata, twitched as he saw Okita-san with that red-haired boy, again. Okita always liked to play with the children at the orphanage but this boy was older. Far too old to be an orphan under the care of the Mibu Temple. The redhead was slightly taller than Tetsu, though they were about the same age. Was he jealous?

They were sparring. The pair charged with their shinai. Resounding cracks sounded amidst the cheers of the ring of child spectators. Inexplicably, Tetsu was reminded of Okita's match with Saitou. He watched as the match concluded in a draw and the youths politely bowed to each other.

"Tetsu-kun, come out from there!" Okita had spotted him hiding in the bushes, so much for his attempt to emulate Yamazaki the ninja. He trotted out.

"Tetsu, meet Kenni." Introductions were made.

Tetsu regarded the other redhead with a certain degree of dislike and suspicion. He wasn't Shinsengumi and he wasn't an orphan. He was a swordsman and possibly the match of Saitou-san or Okita-san. It irked Ichimura Tetsunosuke the he had not achieved the skill and strength he desired while this redhead had. It's like seeing that white-haired brat draw his sword in that shop. Still, Tetsu had to admit he felt a twinge of admiration.

Some days later, Kenshin was out with Kogoro, travelling incognito of course, when they were narrowly surprised by a Miburou band. The duo dodged into an alleyway. The Miburou swaggered down the middle of the main street, with the citizenry keeping a respectfully safe distance from him.

Kenshin recognised Saitou of the Third patrol. His eyes narrowed and blazed amber. His hand went instinctively to his hilt. Saitou was a danger to the Ishin. Already, Saitou had been credited with taking the lives of Ishin supporters in the many skirmishes so common those days. A dark battle lust was settling over his senses.

"No, not now." Kogoro warned as he put a reassuring hand over Kenshin's. This was getting dangerous. Izuka was right about the lad. Kenshin had seen too much killing. It has made him reckless about his life. A drawn sword, he needed a sheath. Thankfully, Kogoro felt the tension melt away as Kenshin's hand relaxed.

It was surprise that caused Kenshin's grip to falter and his hand to fall to his side. He thought he caught a glimpse of a familiar face behind Saitou, but he can't be sure. It must be a trick of the light. Shrugging slightly, he followed in Kogoro's wake as the latter picked his way through the labyrinth of alleys to the safety of Kohagi Inn.

"Himura-san, you looked troubled."

"It's nothing, Tomoe-san," Kenshin replied with a smile as the young woman greeted them at the back door. She invited them in. His violet eyes lit up when Tomoe brought them some refreshments. His eyes followed her as she left to attend to her kitchen duties.

Looking from Tomoe to Kenshin, Kogoro realized he had found the 'sheath'.

Author's notes:

Sorry about that mess up with quick edit. Please review again if you can read the chapter now.