A/N @_@ wow I think I got carried away with this chapter. I think this may
be the longest one so far, and it's only took me two day s to write it.
Well y'all huffed and puffed and twisted my arm, So here it is, The chapter
of Kenshin and Karou sweetness. ^_^ I told you that it would come soon.
Y'all just had to wait.
I want to thank all my reviewers, I hope y'all like this chapter. * waves* welcome back Shadow_ girl....We lost you there for a few chapters, but it's nice to see that you are back ^_^ ( p.s. Give a hug to Kohan for me)
Ok enough of that, lets get to the story.
Disclaimer: * stomps around the room* I...don't...own....Kenshin!....
Devotion
By
Melissa ^_^x
Kenshin was not surprised to see Sano waiting for him in the kitchen when he woke up that morning. After what seemed like hours, the ex-samurai had finally fallen asleep; though he was plagued with the images that Tanako had brought up. Sano told him what he found out about a strange group of people who had arrived into town the other day. Kenshin listened attentively as he made breakfast, remembering to make extra for Sano. Karou showed up and made Sano tell her everything he had just told Kenshin. Kenshin was so deep in thought about the new information that he forgot to tell Karou good morning. When Yahiko showed up and still there was no sign of Tanako, Kenshin started to worry.
"I wonder what is keeping Tanako." He asked as he set breakfast down on the table.
"I peeked in on her before I came in here." Karou said as she set aside a bowl for Tanako. "She was still asleep, the poor girl." She looked over at Kenshin and her pity turned to annoyance. "Good morning Kenshin!" She snapped, after waiting long enough for him to wish her a good morning. Kenshin paused in the middle of his work and suddenly responded.
"Forgive Karou-dono, Good morning Karou-dono." He said quickly as he set a bowl down in front of Karou. "I was worried that she was not up before dawn like she was yesterday."
Sano paused in the middle of his second bowl. "I came over early this morning to tell Kenshin what I had found out. Tanako was awake and sitting on the roof thinking. I don't think she got any sleep last night."
Kenshin nodded, he knew that was the reason. He had heard Tanako sneak out to the house very early in the morning but he had fallen asleep before he heard her come back in. Kenshin sat down at the table and took hold of Karou's hand. Karou set down her chopsticks and looked over at Kenshin curiously. "I hope you got some sleep Karou, I was worried that you would have nightmares, that I did."
Sano raised an eyebrow at the two but pretended to be more interested with his breakfast. Yahiko hardly caught a word the three said, for he had his bowl to his face, eating as fast as he dared.
Karou was surprised at Kenshin's remark, she had seen and heard many horrible things; she was not one to be plagued with night terrors at the sight of blood. "I was fine Kenshin, you don't have to worry about it." She answered coolly as she took back her hand and continued with her breakfast. Knowing full well that Kenshin knew she got little sleep that night as well, but she was not about to admit that. She was about to ask how he slept when Yahiko jumped from his spot at the table.
"I'll see you guys later, I have some things I want to do today." He called as he got ready to bolt out the door. But he was not fast enough, Karou lunged out and took hold of Yahiko's gi, stopping the boy in mid- step.
"Where do you think your going Yahiko? You haven't even done your training today; my ankle feels much better so you have no excuse!"
"Aw, come on. You said you were taking Tanako out shopping for clothes today. I thought that I could have the day off too. It's not fair that you get to have fun all the time Ugly." Yahiko shot back, trying to pull out of Karou's grasp. Karou suddenly let him go and the boy tumbled face first onto the floor. "Hey!!"
"Oh my goodness, I forgot that I promised Tanako that I would take her to get some clothes today." Karou sat back and ignored the curses Yahiko was sending her way. The boy was silenced by one warning look from Kenshin.
"Why don't you and I go shopping for her?" Kenshin offered. He felt so bad that he all but ignored Karou the day before that he wanted to make it up to her. "I'm sure poor Tanako will be asleep for some time and I know she will love whatever it is you get her. It will be a chance for us to spend sometime together as well, that it would." He added grinning at Karou's slight blush.
Sano rolled his eyes at the two lovebirds and got up from the table. " Come on Yahiko, lets you and I spend the day away from these two." He grabbed the boy and pulled him out of the kitchen.
Both Kenshin and Karou laughed at the two as they left. "Well I guess I could let Yahiko have this day off. He has been working pretty hard and it's only fair because I get to go to town today. My ankle is feeling much better and I really want to get out of the house today." Karou said to herself, "Are you sure you want to come with me?" she asked Kenshin turning her gaze to his smiling face.
Kenshin nodded and placed a hand on her cheek and lowered his voice. "I don't know anyone I would rather spend the day with." His smile grew wider when he felt the heat of her blush under his hand.
"A-Alright," Karou silently cursed Kenshin and how the slightest touch or a certain word would send her into a burning blush or a fit of giggles. " Give me a moment to get some things." She excused herself from the table and retreated back to her room.
Kenshin smiled to himself and cleaned up the table before he went to his own room to retrieve his sakabatou. With his sword at his side he quietly slid open the screen door of Karou's room to in time to see her place a note near Tanako's sleeping form. The ex-gang member was wrapped tightly in her blanket and was in such a deep sleep she couldn't sense them there in the room. Karou was startled when she stood up and saw that Kenshin was standing in the doorway, thankfully she didn't disturb the sleeping girl. Kenshin steeped back to allow Karou to leave the room and he slid the screen shut behind him.
"What did you tell her?" He asked as they made their way out if the dojo.
"I told her to not worry if she woke up to a empty house. That Yahiko was with Sano and you and I went to town to get her a few surprises." She felt so good about doing this for Tanako and she smiled at Kenshin. Kenshin returned the smile and reached out for her hand. They walked hand in hand all the way to town.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An hour or so later Kenshin was wondering if it was such a good idea for him to accompany Karou. She had gone absolutely crazy at the Kimono shop. Karou had a long time family friend who made kimonos and they had been able to purchase three lovely kimonos and obis for Tanako at a reasonable price. But it took an hour for the bubbly girl to pick what she thought would be best for her new friend. Of course Kenshin wanted to have a word about what she got, and an all out argument on the right colors and designs had the two of them grating on each other. Karou wanted to totally feminize the ex-gang member, Kenshin thought the bright, cheery colors would be too much for the dark woman and he wanted bold, darker colors for her. In the end they had come to a compromise; a combination of dark kimonos and bright obi's. Kenshin had his hands full of paper wrapped Kimonos, and Karou was off looking for socks and a new pair of sandals.
Kenshin wandered away, though always kept an eye on Karou as he gazed into the many shops. Suddenly an item in the shop caught his eyes and he went into the new shop. He made sure Karou saw him go into the shop so she would know where to find him when she was finished with her last purchase. Behind the counter of the shop was a rack with reels and reels of hair ribbons. Dozens of different colors assaulted Kenshin's eyes. He knew they had forgotten to get something for their new member of the family. Kenshin thought that it would be the perfect gift for him to get her. A middle-aged lady raised a eyebrow in a silent question. Kenshin could only see one color that would look wonderful in Tanako's hair. He pointed to a very wide, glossy, pitch-black ribbon and asked for enough for Tanako to weave through all of her hair. The lady was surprised at how long Kenshin wanted to ribbon to be but shrugged it off. She folded the black ribbon and wrapped it in paper. She handed the flat square packet to Kenshin, and he paid for it. Kenshin had his arms full with all the other things they had bought and he didn't want to lose the ribbon. He put the paper wrapped packet safely in the fold of his gi.
He stepped out of the shop just as Karou finished her last purchase. "So what did you get?" Karou asked. She had hoped that she would finish her shopping in time to see what it was that Kenshin was looking at.
"It's a surprise for Tanako." Was all he said, he laughed at the pleading look Karou gave him. "You'll see what it is when I give it to her, that you will." Karou was about to respond to that when something caught her eye in the crowd. She froze and caught Kenshin with her free hand. "What is it?...what's wrong Karou-dono?" he followed her gaze and held his breath when he a group of four men dressed in the same yellow uniform as Tanako. They where wandering in and out of the crowded streets. The gang was careful not to draw attention but the yellow gi gave them away. Kenshin felt the first edge of the Battousai pushing at him. But for once the Battousai didn't want to fight, he had seen the skills that Tanako possessed, and to go after them without knowing what they were capable of was a stupid thing to do. He had to think about Karou, who still stood at his side, he wouldn't put her in harms way. Instead of wanting to fight, Battousai wanted to protect; shifting the items he got one hand free, and took hold of Karou by the shoulder and forced her to keep walking.
"Don't look at them, keep your eyes ahead." He whispered to her, knowing that his voice did nothing to hide how dangerous he could and wanted to be. He almost cursed out loud when he saw the men cross to road to their side of the street. Kenshin could feel Karou tense as they past them, he held his breath when they brushed past Kaoru and continued. Kenshin knew that they felt his aura, it grew stronger as Battousai took hold. He had to force himself to keep the easygoing pace with Karou even when he felt them turn around to look at him. They spotted the sword at his side no doubt and wondered what he was doing with a sword out in the open.
Karou was sending prayers as they continued down the road. Thankfully they were answered, for nothing happened. She could feel the tension drain out of Kenshin as they got closer to home, he kept his hand on her shoulder partly to keep her walking, partly to keep her from bolting. His touch was reassuring as well as calming, even though she could almost feel him trembling in anticipation of a fight. But as they approached the dojo gates he drew her aside and put the packages down.
"Karou-dono, could we keep this between us and Sano? I don't think it would be a good idea to worry Tanako especially now." He took both of her hands in his and looked into her eyes, his own eyes where a swarm of amber, Battousai was still close to the surface and Kenshin could not control the anger that bubbled beneath his calm exterior. However, Battousai cooled considerable when he gazed into Karou's eyes.
"I understand Kenshin, and I completely agree. Tanako just told a horrible story about her past and I'm sure it will be on her mind for days. The last thing she needs is finding out that they may be after her. But Kenshin, she needs to be on alert, they could come at anytime and catch her unaware."
"Yes, Sano and I will buy some time. Perhaps they will not even find her and leave in a few days. But if they seem to be following a trail then we will have no choice but to tell her, that we must. I only hope she doesn't panic and run away to try and keep us from trouble. She will be safer with us, that she would"
Karou bowed her head; things had started to look up that day and now they risked Tanako. Kenshin tipped her head up to look in her eyes once again, the amber in his eyes was still lingering, but had taken on a softer meaning. "Karou will you promise me something?" he asked. Karou saw the trace of amber still in his eyes and nodded silently. "Don't be a hero. I don't want you to get hurt, I know they must possess great skill, and we are unsure as to how many of them are here."
"But what if they-" Karou started but was interrupted when Kenshin placed a hand on her lips to silence her.
"Tanako is a wonderful friend. She would rather go with them then to see you hurt. Promise me you'll not try and protect her." She knew Kenshin wouldn't let up until he got a promise out of her.
"I promise." She whispered against his hand. At her words Kenshin drew her to him in an embrace.
"You're very precious to me Karou. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you. I will protect you and Tanako at all costs." Kenshin held her tighter as he struggled to keep his voice from breaking.
Karou was slightly put off that he added Tanako along with her. But she quickly shoved that thought away. Tanako was a new friend, and new member of the family, and deserved Kenshin's love as much as all his other friends. She scolded herself for allowing such harsh thoughts about Tanako to resurface; she couldn't understand why she was feeling so jealous. Her thoughts didn't dwell on it for too long, for she suddenly found herself locked in a fierce kiss.
She gasped in surprise, giving Kenshin access to kiss her deeper. The kiss had come suddenly and without warning, and Karou felt her worries drain away as Kenshin took what he wanted for her lips and silently begged her to do the same. Hesitantly she reached up and wrapped one arm around Kenshin's shoulders, and began to kiss back. Kenshin sighed and slowed his pace as Karou came into play. Her free hand rested on his chest and felt the muscles on his lean frame react to her touch.
Karou felt as though her very lifeblood was on fire; scorching her veins from the top of her head down to her toes, to her fingertips, and everything in between. She feed off Kenshin, taking in his strength and power. The slight breeze was a roar in her ears; she was suddenly aware of her body as a warm sensation settled low on her stomach, and her legs threatened to give out on her. Kenshin ran his hand though her hair, removing the ribbon and completely destroying her perfectly made ponytail. His other hand left a blazing sensation on her back as he pressed her closer to him. The hilt of his sword bumped at her hip and only help to remind her who it was that held her.
Kenshin had no idea what had come over him, all he knew was he said Karou was precious to him, and he meant every word. He would not go another moment without holding her in his arms, and he couldn't go another moment without tasting Karou, knowing that she would taste just as sweet as she looked. The sight of her sapphire eyes, the feel of her body against his own, had crumbled his control and he had to kiss her. The kiss was rushed, not giving her a moment to retreat if she wanted. And Gods help him, he didn't know what he would have done had she backed away from him. His very life soared when she timidly started to kiss back; taking him a little at a time before they were locked in a full fledged passionate kiss. Both forgot where they were and who they were, the only thing that mattered was the person in they held in their arms.
He touched her silk like hair and when her hair ribbon interfered, he simply removed it; clasping the indigo ribbon tightly in his hand. Kenshin felt a heat grow inside him that he had not felt for many, many years as Karou gave him everything he asked for. When she reached up and started to run her hand though his own hair, nothing in the world could have stopped the soft moan that escaped him. Suddenly the heat began to burn brighter, blinding his mind to everything but what his body cried out for. Knowing what this heat would lead to if it was allowed to grow; he suddenly pushed himself away from Karou. His heart pounded loud in his head as he tried to catch his breath, his eyes aflame from his wanting. Karou stood stock still with her arms still half way in the air before she slowly returned them to her sides. Her eyes were wide with shock and confusion. Her hair was wild from his ravaging hand and her lips where red from his needful kiss. She looked absolutely beautiful to him.
"I'm sorry." Karou whispered, thinking she had done something wrong, she clasped her hands in front of her and bowed her head. The hurt in her voice wrenched at Kenshin's heart and he took her in his arms again.
"No my sweet Karou, You did nothing wrong. If some one must apologize, it should be me, that it should." He whispered softly in her ear as he held her close. How could he let one kiss morph into a passion that he had not felt in what seemed a lifetime? It was too sudden for him and for Karou. Kenshin could feel her trembling in his arms and felt her body go weak, he held her tightly against him to keep her from falling. He cursed himself for his carelessness; he wanted to woe her slowly, not make her swoon; she was unused to what it was she was feeling, she could hardly keep her feet under her. He himself was having trouble standing, his mind was flying in so many directions and so many emotions went through him, he though he might be the one to black out. They clutched at each other tightly as they calmed, both knowing that the relationship between them had just took another step. When he was sure that they could both stand on their own, Kenshin moved to look Karou in the eyes once more.
"Karou-dono, are you alright?" he asked, Battousai's last grip on him failed and the amber in his eyes was gone, replaced by the gentle amethyst. Karou nodded and the only effect she suffered was a slight red tint in her cheeks. "Well then," he pulled away from Karou and reached for the clothes that were quickly forgotten on the ground. "Why don't we show Tanako the things we picked for her." He said with a smile and handed her a few packages.
Karou huffed at Kenshin's sudden shift of attention, but as she and Kenshin headed into the dojo, she couldn't help the giddy feeling in her stomach at the thought of presenting such gifts to Tanako. They found Tanako sitting at the kitchen table by herself, looking extremely tired and lonely. She smiled and bounced to her feet when she heard them come in.
"Well there you guys are, I was wondering what-......" Tanako trailed off when she spotted Karou. Her hair was still wild from her encounter with Kenshin. Tanako pointed to her own hair and asked Karou with a raised eyebrow what was up with her hair. Kenshin looked down at his hand clutching the packages, and saw that he still had Karou's indigo ribbon tangled around his hand. Karou let out a squeak when she saw this and all but dropped everything on the table and yanked the ribbon from Kenshin, almost causing the equally embarrassed man to drop what he was carrying.
Tanako pressed her lips together to keep from laughing at the poor couple. She pretended to be more interested in the packages to save Karou the embarrassment of being watched as she hastily put her hair back in order, and returned the ribbon back to it's proper place. When Karou was finished she sat down next to Tanako and silently thanked her that she did not press the question of why Kenshin had her hair ribbon wrapped around his hand.
"Look Tanako, Kenshin and I went clothes shopping for you. We thought that you wouldn't feel up to it today." She chirped, placing her packages in front of Tanako on the table. Kenshin joined them. Sitting on the other side of Tanako and placing his own packages in front of her as well.
"We hope you will like what we got you," Kenshin said with a smile and a slight laugh. "We're afraid we didn't know you well enough to know your kind of taste so we got what would suite you best, that we did"
"Oh Kenshin, Karou, Thank you!" Tanako hugged each in turn before turning back to the stack of gifts in front of her.
Karou laughed, "Well don't thank us yet, you haven't seen what we got for you."
"Oh that doesn't matter, I'm sure I'm going to love it all." Tanako responded as she reached for the first gift.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After much tears and thank you's, Tanako had finally opened all of her new gifts; hugging both of them each time she was overwhelmed by their generosity. Karou helped Tanako take her new things into her room and put them away. Karou chatted about who thought of what, and how Kenshin had the worst taste in women's clothes, for he had tried to get her all dark clothes. In fact he was rather adamant about it. Karou thought, but she shrugged it off when she heard Tanako laugh at her tales.
Kenshin had dinner finished by the time the two laughing girls returned to the kitchen. Sano and Yahiko where already at the table, they waited very impatiently for dinner. Sano bowed his head slightly at Tanako as she walked in; at Kenshin's request Sano was to not say a word about the gang members that had been spotted. Tanako smiled back and sat down next to Yahiko and was suddenly swept into the young boy's story of the fishing he and Sano had done that day. The many tales of the one that got away to the moment Yahiko slipped to everyone that Sano had fallen in the river, made this dinner the best one Tanako had so far. They talked long after dinner was over and soon it was so late that Sano started to nod off. He bid his goodnight and headed back to his home at Ruffian Row.
Karou also excused herself for bed and with much griping, was able to drag Yahiko to bed as well. The boy went reluctantly, shouting that he didn't think he needed to sleep, but the threat of a few hundred extra practice swings silenced the boy and he went on his own free will. Kenshin excused himself as well and followed Karou and Yahiko down the hall. Tanako was left alone and she took up a lantern and headed out the kitchen door to sit on the porch. She had slept half the day away and didn't feel the least bit tired.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kenshin placed a soft kiss not on Karou's cheek, but on her lips, and whispered goodnight in her ear. Karou returned the kiss and wished him the same before she turned away shyly and retreated to her room. Kenshin smiled at the new step they had decided to take and no longer would his kisses be simple chaste kisses on the cheek. Turning to his own room he spotted a dim light still lingering in the kitchen and wondered if Tanako was still there. Wanting to say good night to her as well, he headed to the kitchen only to find it empty and the light came from the open screen door.
Stepping out on the porch he saw Tanako sitting on the wooden floor and gazing up at the sky. She turned when she felt his eyes on her back.
"Kenshin? Is the lantern light bothering you?" She asked, wondering why he was still up.
"No, it's not that at all Tanako, I just wanted to say goodnight." Kenshin replied as he crossed his arms loosely in front of him. He felt the sharp edge of the paper wrapped ribbon against his skin and suddenly remembered. "Oh! I forgot all about this." He reached in his gi and pulled out the packet and sat down next to Tanako. "I was going to give it to you at dinner, but with all the fun we were having with Sano and Yahiko, I forgot all about it." He handed the packet over to her. "This is my gift to you, I thought you would like it."
Tanako took the gift from Kenshin and held it in her hands. "You got something for me Kenshin?" Kenshin nodded and encouraged her to go ahead and open it. Smiling and bowing to thank him, Tanako attacked the brown paper, unfolding it to reveal the black satin hair ribbon. She gasped when she saw the shimmering gift and was almost afraid to touch it. Carefully, she reached into the torn paper and picked up the ribbon. It was warm from Kenshin's body heat and felt like warm water running though her hands when she ran her hands across the satin fabric. "Kenshin," Tanako couldn't finish what she wanted to say because she didn't trust her voice to remain clear. Her vision blurred as tears began to form in her eyes; the lantern light caused the ribbon to sparkle with life as she looked down at it. It was such a simple gift, but such a thoughtful one. This was her first hair ribbon and try as she might she could not hold back the emotion.
Kenshin understood completely, when Tanako looked up at him with her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Your welcome Tanako." He whispered to her, sliding closer to comfort her. Another flare of hatred rose in him, Tanako was never treated how a woman should be. Never had things of her own besides her weapons, was never given a gift in her life. Kenshin wanted to comfort her but didn't know how to; so he took a chance and leaned in to place a kiss on her forehead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ( and wouldn't you know.......)
Karou had something important to tell Kenshin, and it couldn't wait till morning. She paced back and forth in her room for several minutes before she finally figured out how to talk to him. When no answer came to her knock, she looked around and noticed the faint lantern light in the kitchen. Walking to the kitchen she realized the light came from the porch outside and she heard Kenshin talking with Tanako. She got a strange feeling about that and she silently stepped up to the open screen and peek around the corner just in time to see Kenshin kiss Tanako on the forehead. Karou gasped softly and she covered her mouth to keep from making another sound. Karou saw tears fall from Tanako's eyes as she launched herself in Kenshin's arms to hug him.
"Oro?..... Tanako?" Kenshin asked as he caught the girl. Knowing all she wanted was someone to hold on to Kenshin allowed the hug to linger as long as Tanako wanted it.
Karou took a step back when she saw Kenshin embracing Tanako. She spotted the black ribbon clutched tightly in Tanako's hand and knew that that had to be the surprise Kenshin spoke about. A ribbon....Kenshin got her a hair ribbon? She could hear Tanako whispering to Kenshin but the words were soft and muffled because Tanako had her face buried in Kenshin's gi near his neck and Karou couldn't hear what she said.
"It's alright." Kenshin replied in a soothing voice, reaching up to pet her head. "I thought the ribbon would look just right for your lovely hair, that I did." He continued as he ran a hand through the girl's impossibly long hair.
Karou had seen enough, no longer able to watch them, she turned and fled silently back to her room. Only when she was safe in her room did she allow the tears to come. It was just a hair ribbon, she shouldn't bee so upset. But it wasn't just the intimate gift he had given her, it was the kiss and the hug and the petting. Karou had felt as though she was on fire when Kenshin kissed her just a few hours ago outside the dojo gates. Didn't he feel the same? Leaning against the screen door she slid to the ground and sat there, allowing the tears to fall. He clutched her own hair ribbon after ravaging her hair. Now he ran his hands over another's?. Didn't the memory of her kiss burn his skin as his kisses burned her?
A sob escaped Karou's throat and she bit her hand to stop them. She knew Kenshin would hear her if she allowed herself to cry. She didn't want to know if he would come to her or not, wondering if she was alright. She didn't want him to know what she just witnessed. Had her fears been placed wrong?......Should she worry about Kenshin and not Tanako? Karou's chest ached and she knew she heart must be dying, she slowly succumbed to the weight of the situation and felt her head touch to cool surface of the floor as her body stretched out on the ground. Was this heart break? She didn't know, she had never felt the way she felt about Kenshin before.
She left to tell him she loved him............and got her heart broken instead.
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A/N Nooooooo!!! What have I done!!! I broke Karou's heart. Damn!! * sigh*...well it had to happen sooner or later. BUT NEVER FEAR!!!! I think......anyway things will get better....I hope. Leave reviews and tell me what y'all think ok. Thanks ^_^
I want to thank all my reviewers, I hope y'all like this chapter. * waves* welcome back Shadow_ girl....We lost you there for a few chapters, but it's nice to see that you are back ^_^ ( p.s. Give a hug to Kohan for me)
Ok enough of that, lets get to the story.
Disclaimer: * stomps around the room* I...don't...own....Kenshin!....
Devotion
By
Melissa ^_^x
Kenshin was not surprised to see Sano waiting for him in the kitchen when he woke up that morning. After what seemed like hours, the ex-samurai had finally fallen asleep; though he was plagued with the images that Tanako had brought up. Sano told him what he found out about a strange group of people who had arrived into town the other day. Kenshin listened attentively as he made breakfast, remembering to make extra for Sano. Karou showed up and made Sano tell her everything he had just told Kenshin. Kenshin was so deep in thought about the new information that he forgot to tell Karou good morning. When Yahiko showed up and still there was no sign of Tanako, Kenshin started to worry.
"I wonder what is keeping Tanako." He asked as he set breakfast down on the table.
"I peeked in on her before I came in here." Karou said as she set aside a bowl for Tanako. "She was still asleep, the poor girl." She looked over at Kenshin and her pity turned to annoyance. "Good morning Kenshin!" She snapped, after waiting long enough for him to wish her a good morning. Kenshin paused in the middle of his work and suddenly responded.
"Forgive Karou-dono, Good morning Karou-dono." He said quickly as he set a bowl down in front of Karou. "I was worried that she was not up before dawn like she was yesterday."
Sano paused in the middle of his second bowl. "I came over early this morning to tell Kenshin what I had found out. Tanako was awake and sitting on the roof thinking. I don't think she got any sleep last night."
Kenshin nodded, he knew that was the reason. He had heard Tanako sneak out to the house very early in the morning but he had fallen asleep before he heard her come back in. Kenshin sat down at the table and took hold of Karou's hand. Karou set down her chopsticks and looked over at Kenshin curiously. "I hope you got some sleep Karou, I was worried that you would have nightmares, that I did."
Sano raised an eyebrow at the two but pretended to be more interested with his breakfast. Yahiko hardly caught a word the three said, for he had his bowl to his face, eating as fast as he dared.
Karou was surprised at Kenshin's remark, she had seen and heard many horrible things; she was not one to be plagued with night terrors at the sight of blood. "I was fine Kenshin, you don't have to worry about it." She answered coolly as she took back her hand and continued with her breakfast. Knowing full well that Kenshin knew she got little sleep that night as well, but she was not about to admit that. She was about to ask how he slept when Yahiko jumped from his spot at the table.
"I'll see you guys later, I have some things I want to do today." He called as he got ready to bolt out the door. But he was not fast enough, Karou lunged out and took hold of Yahiko's gi, stopping the boy in mid- step.
"Where do you think your going Yahiko? You haven't even done your training today; my ankle feels much better so you have no excuse!"
"Aw, come on. You said you were taking Tanako out shopping for clothes today. I thought that I could have the day off too. It's not fair that you get to have fun all the time Ugly." Yahiko shot back, trying to pull out of Karou's grasp. Karou suddenly let him go and the boy tumbled face first onto the floor. "Hey!!"
"Oh my goodness, I forgot that I promised Tanako that I would take her to get some clothes today." Karou sat back and ignored the curses Yahiko was sending her way. The boy was silenced by one warning look from Kenshin.
"Why don't you and I go shopping for her?" Kenshin offered. He felt so bad that he all but ignored Karou the day before that he wanted to make it up to her. "I'm sure poor Tanako will be asleep for some time and I know she will love whatever it is you get her. It will be a chance for us to spend sometime together as well, that it would." He added grinning at Karou's slight blush.
Sano rolled his eyes at the two lovebirds and got up from the table. " Come on Yahiko, lets you and I spend the day away from these two." He grabbed the boy and pulled him out of the kitchen.
Both Kenshin and Karou laughed at the two as they left. "Well I guess I could let Yahiko have this day off. He has been working pretty hard and it's only fair because I get to go to town today. My ankle is feeling much better and I really want to get out of the house today." Karou said to herself, "Are you sure you want to come with me?" she asked Kenshin turning her gaze to his smiling face.
Kenshin nodded and placed a hand on her cheek and lowered his voice. "I don't know anyone I would rather spend the day with." His smile grew wider when he felt the heat of her blush under his hand.
"A-Alright," Karou silently cursed Kenshin and how the slightest touch or a certain word would send her into a burning blush or a fit of giggles. " Give me a moment to get some things." She excused herself from the table and retreated back to her room.
Kenshin smiled to himself and cleaned up the table before he went to his own room to retrieve his sakabatou. With his sword at his side he quietly slid open the screen door of Karou's room to in time to see her place a note near Tanako's sleeping form. The ex-gang member was wrapped tightly in her blanket and was in such a deep sleep she couldn't sense them there in the room. Karou was startled when she stood up and saw that Kenshin was standing in the doorway, thankfully she didn't disturb the sleeping girl. Kenshin steeped back to allow Karou to leave the room and he slid the screen shut behind him.
"What did you tell her?" He asked as they made their way out if the dojo.
"I told her to not worry if she woke up to a empty house. That Yahiko was with Sano and you and I went to town to get her a few surprises." She felt so good about doing this for Tanako and she smiled at Kenshin. Kenshin returned the smile and reached out for her hand. They walked hand in hand all the way to town.
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An hour or so later Kenshin was wondering if it was such a good idea for him to accompany Karou. She had gone absolutely crazy at the Kimono shop. Karou had a long time family friend who made kimonos and they had been able to purchase three lovely kimonos and obis for Tanako at a reasonable price. But it took an hour for the bubbly girl to pick what she thought would be best for her new friend. Of course Kenshin wanted to have a word about what she got, and an all out argument on the right colors and designs had the two of them grating on each other. Karou wanted to totally feminize the ex-gang member, Kenshin thought the bright, cheery colors would be too much for the dark woman and he wanted bold, darker colors for her. In the end they had come to a compromise; a combination of dark kimonos and bright obi's. Kenshin had his hands full of paper wrapped Kimonos, and Karou was off looking for socks and a new pair of sandals.
Kenshin wandered away, though always kept an eye on Karou as he gazed into the many shops. Suddenly an item in the shop caught his eyes and he went into the new shop. He made sure Karou saw him go into the shop so she would know where to find him when she was finished with her last purchase. Behind the counter of the shop was a rack with reels and reels of hair ribbons. Dozens of different colors assaulted Kenshin's eyes. He knew they had forgotten to get something for their new member of the family. Kenshin thought that it would be the perfect gift for him to get her. A middle-aged lady raised a eyebrow in a silent question. Kenshin could only see one color that would look wonderful in Tanako's hair. He pointed to a very wide, glossy, pitch-black ribbon and asked for enough for Tanako to weave through all of her hair. The lady was surprised at how long Kenshin wanted to ribbon to be but shrugged it off. She folded the black ribbon and wrapped it in paper. She handed the flat square packet to Kenshin, and he paid for it. Kenshin had his arms full with all the other things they had bought and he didn't want to lose the ribbon. He put the paper wrapped packet safely in the fold of his gi.
He stepped out of the shop just as Karou finished her last purchase. "So what did you get?" Karou asked. She had hoped that she would finish her shopping in time to see what it was that Kenshin was looking at.
"It's a surprise for Tanako." Was all he said, he laughed at the pleading look Karou gave him. "You'll see what it is when I give it to her, that you will." Karou was about to respond to that when something caught her eye in the crowd. She froze and caught Kenshin with her free hand. "What is it?...what's wrong Karou-dono?" he followed her gaze and held his breath when he a group of four men dressed in the same yellow uniform as Tanako. They where wandering in and out of the crowded streets. The gang was careful not to draw attention but the yellow gi gave them away. Kenshin felt the first edge of the Battousai pushing at him. But for once the Battousai didn't want to fight, he had seen the skills that Tanako possessed, and to go after them without knowing what they were capable of was a stupid thing to do. He had to think about Karou, who still stood at his side, he wouldn't put her in harms way. Instead of wanting to fight, Battousai wanted to protect; shifting the items he got one hand free, and took hold of Karou by the shoulder and forced her to keep walking.
"Don't look at them, keep your eyes ahead." He whispered to her, knowing that his voice did nothing to hide how dangerous he could and wanted to be. He almost cursed out loud when he saw the men cross to road to their side of the street. Kenshin could feel Karou tense as they past them, he held his breath when they brushed past Kaoru and continued. Kenshin knew that they felt his aura, it grew stronger as Battousai took hold. He had to force himself to keep the easygoing pace with Karou even when he felt them turn around to look at him. They spotted the sword at his side no doubt and wondered what he was doing with a sword out in the open.
Karou was sending prayers as they continued down the road. Thankfully they were answered, for nothing happened. She could feel the tension drain out of Kenshin as they got closer to home, he kept his hand on her shoulder partly to keep her walking, partly to keep her from bolting. His touch was reassuring as well as calming, even though she could almost feel him trembling in anticipation of a fight. But as they approached the dojo gates he drew her aside and put the packages down.
"Karou-dono, could we keep this between us and Sano? I don't think it would be a good idea to worry Tanako especially now." He took both of her hands in his and looked into her eyes, his own eyes where a swarm of amber, Battousai was still close to the surface and Kenshin could not control the anger that bubbled beneath his calm exterior. However, Battousai cooled considerable when he gazed into Karou's eyes.
"I understand Kenshin, and I completely agree. Tanako just told a horrible story about her past and I'm sure it will be on her mind for days. The last thing she needs is finding out that they may be after her. But Kenshin, she needs to be on alert, they could come at anytime and catch her unaware."
"Yes, Sano and I will buy some time. Perhaps they will not even find her and leave in a few days. But if they seem to be following a trail then we will have no choice but to tell her, that we must. I only hope she doesn't panic and run away to try and keep us from trouble. She will be safer with us, that she would"
Karou bowed her head; things had started to look up that day and now they risked Tanako. Kenshin tipped her head up to look in her eyes once again, the amber in his eyes was still lingering, but had taken on a softer meaning. "Karou will you promise me something?" he asked. Karou saw the trace of amber still in his eyes and nodded silently. "Don't be a hero. I don't want you to get hurt, I know they must possess great skill, and we are unsure as to how many of them are here."
"But what if they-" Karou started but was interrupted when Kenshin placed a hand on her lips to silence her.
"Tanako is a wonderful friend. She would rather go with them then to see you hurt. Promise me you'll not try and protect her." She knew Kenshin wouldn't let up until he got a promise out of her.
"I promise." She whispered against his hand. At her words Kenshin drew her to him in an embrace.
"You're very precious to me Karou. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you. I will protect you and Tanako at all costs." Kenshin held her tighter as he struggled to keep his voice from breaking.
Karou was slightly put off that he added Tanako along with her. But she quickly shoved that thought away. Tanako was a new friend, and new member of the family, and deserved Kenshin's love as much as all his other friends. She scolded herself for allowing such harsh thoughts about Tanako to resurface; she couldn't understand why she was feeling so jealous. Her thoughts didn't dwell on it for too long, for she suddenly found herself locked in a fierce kiss.
She gasped in surprise, giving Kenshin access to kiss her deeper. The kiss had come suddenly and without warning, and Karou felt her worries drain away as Kenshin took what he wanted for her lips and silently begged her to do the same. Hesitantly she reached up and wrapped one arm around Kenshin's shoulders, and began to kiss back. Kenshin sighed and slowed his pace as Karou came into play. Her free hand rested on his chest and felt the muscles on his lean frame react to her touch.
Karou felt as though her very lifeblood was on fire; scorching her veins from the top of her head down to her toes, to her fingertips, and everything in between. She feed off Kenshin, taking in his strength and power. The slight breeze was a roar in her ears; she was suddenly aware of her body as a warm sensation settled low on her stomach, and her legs threatened to give out on her. Kenshin ran his hand though her hair, removing the ribbon and completely destroying her perfectly made ponytail. His other hand left a blazing sensation on her back as he pressed her closer to him. The hilt of his sword bumped at her hip and only help to remind her who it was that held her.
Kenshin had no idea what had come over him, all he knew was he said Karou was precious to him, and he meant every word. He would not go another moment without holding her in his arms, and he couldn't go another moment without tasting Karou, knowing that she would taste just as sweet as she looked. The sight of her sapphire eyes, the feel of her body against his own, had crumbled his control and he had to kiss her. The kiss was rushed, not giving her a moment to retreat if she wanted. And Gods help him, he didn't know what he would have done had she backed away from him. His very life soared when she timidly started to kiss back; taking him a little at a time before they were locked in a full fledged passionate kiss. Both forgot where they were and who they were, the only thing that mattered was the person in they held in their arms.
He touched her silk like hair and when her hair ribbon interfered, he simply removed it; clasping the indigo ribbon tightly in his hand. Kenshin felt a heat grow inside him that he had not felt for many, many years as Karou gave him everything he asked for. When she reached up and started to run her hand though his own hair, nothing in the world could have stopped the soft moan that escaped him. Suddenly the heat began to burn brighter, blinding his mind to everything but what his body cried out for. Knowing what this heat would lead to if it was allowed to grow; he suddenly pushed himself away from Karou. His heart pounded loud in his head as he tried to catch his breath, his eyes aflame from his wanting. Karou stood stock still with her arms still half way in the air before she slowly returned them to her sides. Her eyes were wide with shock and confusion. Her hair was wild from his ravaging hand and her lips where red from his needful kiss. She looked absolutely beautiful to him.
"I'm sorry." Karou whispered, thinking she had done something wrong, she clasped her hands in front of her and bowed her head. The hurt in her voice wrenched at Kenshin's heart and he took her in his arms again.
"No my sweet Karou, You did nothing wrong. If some one must apologize, it should be me, that it should." He whispered softly in her ear as he held her close. How could he let one kiss morph into a passion that he had not felt in what seemed a lifetime? It was too sudden for him and for Karou. Kenshin could feel her trembling in his arms and felt her body go weak, he held her tightly against him to keep her from falling. He cursed himself for his carelessness; he wanted to woe her slowly, not make her swoon; she was unused to what it was she was feeling, she could hardly keep her feet under her. He himself was having trouble standing, his mind was flying in so many directions and so many emotions went through him, he though he might be the one to black out. They clutched at each other tightly as they calmed, both knowing that the relationship between them had just took another step. When he was sure that they could both stand on their own, Kenshin moved to look Karou in the eyes once more.
"Karou-dono, are you alright?" he asked, Battousai's last grip on him failed and the amber in his eyes was gone, replaced by the gentle amethyst. Karou nodded and the only effect she suffered was a slight red tint in her cheeks. "Well then," he pulled away from Karou and reached for the clothes that were quickly forgotten on the ground. "Why don't we show Tanako the things we picked for her." He said with a smile and handed her a few packages.
Karou huffed at Kenshin's sudden shift of attention, but as she and Kenshin headed into the dojo, she couldn't help the giddy feeling in her stomach at the thought of presenting such gifts to Tanako. They found Tanako sitting at the kitchen table by herself, looking extremely tired and lonely. She smiled and bounced to her feet when she heard them come in.
"Well there you guys are, I was wondering what-......" Tanako trailed off when she spotted Karou. Her hair was still wild from her encounter with Kenshin. Tanako pointed to her own hair and asked Karou with a raised eyebrow what was up with her hair. Kenshin looked down at his hand clutching the packages, and saw that he still had Karou's indigo ribbon tangled around his hand. Karou let out a squeak when she saw this and all but dropped everything on the table and yanked the ribbon from Kenshin, almost causing the equally embarrassed man to drop what he was carrying.
Tanako pressed her lips together to keep from laughing at the poor couple. She pretended to be more interested in the packages to save Karou the embarrassment of being watched as she hastily put her hair back in order, and returned the ribbon back to it's proper place. When Karou was finished she sat down next to Tanako and silently thanked her that she did not press the question of why Kenshin had her hair ribbon wrapped around his hand.
"Look Tanako, Kenshin and I went clothes shopping for you. We thought that you wouldn't feel up to it today." She chirped, placing her packages in front of Tanako on the table. Kenshin joined them. Sitting on the other side of Tanako and placing his own packages in front of her as well.
"We hope you will like what we got you," Kenshin said with a smile and a slight laugh. "We're afraid we didn't know you well enough to know your kind of taste so we got what would suite you best, that we did"
"Oh Kenshin, Karou, Thank you!" Tanako hugged each in turn before turning back to the stack of gifts in front of her.
Karou laughed, "Well don't thank us yet, you haven't seen what we got for you."
"Oh that doesn't matter, I'm sure I'm going to love it all." Tanako responded as she reached for the first gift.
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After much tears and thank you's, Tanako had finally opened all of her new gifts; hugging both of them each time she was overwhelmed by their generosity. Karou helped Tanako take her new things into her room and put them away. Karou chatted about who thought of what, and how Kenshin had the worst taste in women's clothes, for he had tried to get her all dark clothes. In fact he was rather adamant about it. Karou thought, but she shrugged it off when she heard Tanako laugh at her tales.
Kenshin had dinner finished by the time the two laughing girls returned to the kitchen. Sano and Yahiko where already at the table, they waited very impatiently for dinner. Sano bowed his head slightly at Tanako as she walked in; at Kenshin's request Sano was to not say a word about the gang members that had been spotted. Tanako smiled back and sat down next to Yahiko and was suddenly swept into the young boy's story of the fishing he and Sano had done that day. The many tales of the one that got away to the moment Yahiko slipped to everyone that Sano had fallen in the river, made this dinner the best one Tanako had so far. They talked long after dinner was over and soon it was so late that Sano started to nod off. He bid his goodnight and headed back to his home at Ruffian Row.
Karou also excused herself for bed and with much griping, was able to drag Yahiko to bed as well. The boy went reluctantly, shouting that he didn't think he needed to sleep, but the threat of a few hundred extra practice swings silenced the boy and he went on his own free will. Kenshin excused himself as well and followed Karou and Yahiko down the hall. Tanako was left alone and she took up a lantern and headed out the kitchen door to sit on the porch. She had slept half the day away and didn't feel the least bit tired.
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Kenshin placed a soft kiss not on Karou's cheek, but on her lips, and whispered goodnight in her ear. Karou returned the kiss and wished him the same before she turned away shyly and retreated to her room. Kenshin smiled at the new step they had decided to take and no longer would his kisses be simple chaste kisses on the cheek. Turning to his own room he spotted a dim light still lingering in the kitchen and wondered if Tanako was still there. Wanting to say good night to her as well, he headed to the kitchen only to find it empty and the light came from the open screen door.
Stepping out on the porch he saw Tanako sitting on the wooden floor and gazing up at the sky. She turned when she felt his eyes on her back.
"Kenshin? Is the lantern light bothering you?" She asked, wondering why he was still up.
"No, it's not that at all Tanako, I just wanted to say goodnight." Kenshin replied as he crossed his arms loosely in front of him. He felt the sharp edge of the paper wrapped ribbon against his skin and suddenly remembered. "Oh! I forgot all about this." He reached in his gi and pulled out the packet and sat down next to Tanako. "I was going to give it to you at dinner, but with all the fun we were having with Sano and Yahiko, I forgot all about it." He handed the packet over to her. "This is my gift to you, I thought you would like it."
Tanako took the gift from Kenshin and held it in her hands. "You got something for me Kenshin?" Kenshin nodded and encouraged her to go ahead and open it. Smiling and bowing to thank him, Tanako attacked the brown paper, unfolding it to reveal the black satin hair ribbon. She gasped when she saw the shimmering gift and was almost afraid to touch it. Carefully, she reached into the torn paper and picked up the ribbon. It was warm from Kenshin's body heat and felt like warm water running though her hands when she ran her hands across the satin fabric. "Kenshin," Tanako couldn't finish what she wanted to say because she didn't trust her voice to remain clear. Her vision blurred as tears began to form in her eyes; the lantern light caused the ribbon to sparkle with life as she looked down at it. It was such a simple gift, but such a thoughtful one. This was her first hair ribbon and try as she might she could not hold back the emotion.
Kenshin understood completely, when Tanako looked up at him with her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Your welcome Tanako." He whispered to her, sliding closer to comfort her. Another flare of hatred rose in him, Tanako was never treated how a woman should be. Never had things of her own besides her weapons, was never given a gift in her life. Kenshin wanted to comfort her but didn't know how to; so he took a chance and leaned in to place a kiss on her forehead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ( and wouldn't you know.......)
Karou had something important to tell Kenshin, and it couldn't wait till morning. She paced back and forth in her room for several minutes before she finally figured out how to talk to him. When no answer came to her knock, she looked around and noticed the faint lantern light in the kitchen. Walking to the kitchen she realized the light came from the porch outside and she heard Kenshin talking with Tanako. She got a strange feeling about that and she silently stepped up to the open screen and peek around the corner just in time to see Kenshin kiss Tanako on the forehead. Karou gasped softly and she covered her mouth to keep from making another sound. Karou saw tears fall from Tanako's eyes as she launched herself in Kenshin's arms to hug him.
"Oro?..... Tanako?" Kenshin asked as he caught the girl. Knowing all she wanted was someone to hold on to Kenshin allowed the hug to linger as long as Tanako wanted it.
Karou took a step back when she saw Kenshin embracing Tanako. She spotted the black ribbon clutched tightly in Tanako's hand and knew that that had to be the surprise Kenshin spoke about. A ribbon....Kenshin got her a hair ribbon? She could hear Tanako whispering to Kenshin but the words were soft and muffled because Tanako had her face buried in Kenshin's gi near his neck and Karou couldn't hear what she said.
"It's alright." Kenshin replied in a soothing voice, reaching up to pet her head. "I thought the ribbon would look just right for your lovely hair, that I did." He continued as he ran a hand through the girl's impossibly long hair.
Karou had seen enough, no longer able to watch them, she turned and fled silently back to her room. Only when she was safe in her room did she allow the tears to come. It was just a hair ribbon, she shouldn't bee so upset. But it wasn't just the intimate gift he had given her, it was the kiss and the hug and the petting. Karou had felt as though she was on fire when Kenshin kissed her just a few hours ago outside the dojo gates. Didn't he feel the same? Leaning against the screen door she slid to the ground and sat there, allowing the tears to fall. He clutched her own hair ribbon after ravaging her hair. Now he ran his hands over another's?. Didn't the memory of her kiss burn his skin as his kisses burned her?
A sob escaped Karou's throat and she bit her hand to stop them. She knew Kenshin would hear her if she allowed herself to cry. She didn't want to know if he would come to her or not, wondering if she was alright. She didn't want him to know what she just witnessed. Had her fears been placed wrong?......Should she worry about Kenshin and not Tanako? Karou's chest ached and she knew she heart must be dying, she slowly succumbed to the weight of the situation and felt her head touch to cool surface of the floor as her body stretched out on the ground. Was this heart break? She didn't know, she had never felt the way she felt about Kenshin before.
She left to tell him she loved him............and got her heart broken instead.
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A/N Nooooooo!!! What have I done!!! I broke Karou's heart. Damn!! * sigh*...well it had to happen sooner or later. BUT NEVER FEAR!!!! I think......anyway things will get better....I hope. Leave reviews and tell me what y'all think ok. Thanks ^_^