Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin characters. pooh.
AN: I'm sorry it's been forever since I've updated. I've had major writers block with the story. I wasn't sure where to go with it. Plus not many people seem to like it very much, but I'm still going to finish it anyways. So without further ado, I give you............
Ch. 5
A few years later.... in a small cottage in the woods....... (I know the gap's kinda big, but I needed Yahiko to be old enough so I skipped ahead a bit)
"Kenshin?" "Yes Kaoru-dono?"
"Do you realize what today is?"
".......um......"
"It's been three years exactly since we first met, when you rescued me."
"It's been that long already? I guess it has. Let's go into town to celebrate shall we?"
"Yes, that would be nice. Oooo, can we try that new restaurant that opened up? The Akabeko, I believe it's called."
"Whatever you want, Kaoru-dono."
And as it had always been over the last few years, the once rurouni followed after the one he swore to protect.
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"Hey rooster-head, come back here!"
A young woman shouted as she darted between people on the crowded streets, chasing after a tall man who had just "borrowed" money from her to probably go gamble. Behind them, another tall, but very different man followed from a distance, sighing at their childish antics.
When she had finally caught up with him, he had paused in front of what looked to be a restaurant.
"Don't get so worked up Misao. I just wanted to treat you guys to a nice meal for once." He said with his most charming smile.
"Yeah, treat us with MY money."
At his shrug, she continued with a sigh. "But I suppose it's a pretty good idea. I'm starved. But don't think you're not going to pay me back! I'll make sure you do before.....Sano?"
Spinning around she realized that she was standing alone; Sano and Aoshi weren't anywhere. Looking through the restaurant window, she could make out the silhouettes of two tall people, one with hair that stuck straight up, so grumbling to herself, she went inside to join them.
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"Yahiko-chan!" A young girl called into the apartment.
"Don't call me that!!!" An irritated voice replied. "I'm not a kid!"
"Of course. I must have forgotten. Forgive me.....Yahiko-chan." Giggling to herself, she patiently waited for her snoozing friend to get out of bed.
For awhile after the attack on the castle, Yahiko had closed himself up, not speaking a word to anyone. But Tsumbame had dedicated herself to getting him to open up again, and slowly but surely it had worked, and had also created a special bond between the two ever since then.
Smiling when the boy stumbled out of his room, still half asleep, Tsumbame grabbed his hand and started dragging him downstairs.
"The restaurant's really busy today, and mom needs all the help she can get, so she told me to come get you."
Yahiko had been a big help with the restaurant since it had opened, and since it had become so popular in such a short time, help was in a big demand.
So the two hurried downstairs, to help out with the crowds and chaos that awaited them.
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Kenshin's POV
Glancing over at Kaoru, Kenshin couldn't help but stare as the wind whipped her dark locks around her face. Her azure eyes were sparkling in merriment, and he hoped that they would always sparkle that way. Although he could remember a time when they didn't; when she wasn't so free-spirited and cheerful.
After he had rescued her from that gang of thugs, she had been so withdrawn and reserved, but that was to be expected after what she had been through. Her family slaughtered before her eyes, and then being taken by the very men who had done it for entertainment and pleasure. A flash of gold passed through his eyes when he thought of those men and what they had intended to do to his Kaoru-dono.
She had seemed so broken after that, but he was determined to fix her. Even though it had taken over a year, and she occasionally went through some hard days, he had finally pulled her out of her depressed and miserable self into what she was today, happy to be alive.
Looking over at her again, he appreciated her beauty and strength. She had her eyes closed as a slight smile graced her face, enjoying the breeze that surrounded her, giving Kenshin the chance to admire her without her knowing.
He found himself doing this often, sneaking secret glances every chance he got. He didn't know when exactly it had happened, but sometime over the three years, he had fallen in love with this woman. Who wouldn't have though? She was beautiful, selfless, and strong. She always put others first and tried to help out whenever she could. She was caring, sweet and kind. She had a fiery spirit but it was mixed in with a gentle and tender side as well. She was cute and courageous. She was everything.
Sighing to himself, he realized that he could never tell her what she meant to him. He didn't deserve her. Although he had shared his past as Battousai the Manslayer with her, and she had fully accepted him with out a hesitant thought, he could never dirty her pure and wholesome self with his bloody hands. She probably didn't have any feelings beyond friendship for him anyways. But no matter what, even if she could never love him back, he would always remain by her side, he would always be there for her. No matter what.
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Kaoru's POV
Kenshin. Kenshin. Kenshin. She loved his name. He was such a kind and considerate person, and she had always leaned on him for support during the tough times. He was always there for her; she could always count on him ever since he had saved her.
Smiling to herself, she could feel his gaze on her now. He always thought that she couldn't tell when he was staring at her, but she usually could, and she loved it.
Did she love him? She had never really asked herself this question before, but now that she really thought about it, she realized that she did. Very much. But she would have to share her entire past with him before she acted on it at all. She felt guilty enough not telling him everything after he had spilled his entire story to her.
All she had told him was that her family had lived in the village that had been attacked; she hadn't told him anything about being royalty. Even though it didn't really matter anymore, she still always felt a pang of guilt for omitting some very large details in her story. She had to tell him before she could even consider him loving her back. She would tell him everything tonight. It would be appropriate, seeing as it's their "anniversary."
Hopefully he wouldn't be too angry at her for......what is she talking about. It's Kenshin; he's never mad. In fact, in the three years, he had never raised his voice at her ever. The only time she saw him upset, and he was rather furious, was when those three drunken guys tried to take advantage of her when he wasn't looking, but they were idiots for even trying that. They hadn't even been able to touch her before Kenshin had knocked them all unconscious. That's when she realized that he would always be there to protect her. She was always safe when he was near.
Smiling, she turned to Kenshin. Bringing them both out of their reflections, she broke the silence.
"We should probably hurry up a bit, if we want to miss the lunch crowd."
"Yes, Kaoru-dono, we probably should if we want to get a table."
And so they started off again, not knowing that today may very well change their lives forever.
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Well that's all for now. Hopefully I won't have another case of writers block with this story. Maybe some reviews will help. hehe. Until next time,
Western
