A/N: Hey everyone! I'm sorry that I haven't updated in a while! I've been bust writing this one-shot of mine. Hope you all can forgive me!

Well anyway, I can't really reply to any of your reviews at the moment because (if you didn't get the e-mail) replying to reviews in a chapter is supposedly against this new rule. (roles eyes) y'know what? Screw the rule. I'm replying.

Larie-chan – Yes, being in a towel and confessing your love couldn't be anymore like anything else than well…anything. Heh, that didn't make sense. Anywho, you'll see what Yahiko and Kenji have planned if you read :)

AnimeLCgrl – Well, I aim to make things funny! But I dunno, I think Kaoru did quite well in concealing it from Yahiko for a little while. I mean, if it would shut him up then I would fess! Anyway, thanks for reviewing!

I like vader lots - …um…ok? Oo; -confused-

Whoot – Yes…yes I did. Thank you for noticing oo

XxAznLadyXx – Thank you, I'm glad you liked it :) Thanks for reviewing!

Hisui-chan02 – I'm glad you like my story so much! I aim for that kinda feedback. :)

DragonBlade666 – Yeah, I wanted Yahiko to have a big ego here. It's cute, I think :) And Kenji's already drilled Kenshin for answers XD But Kenshin was a much easier customer than Kaoru. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!

Dreamaker13 – Why thank you very much! I'm trying to improve on my writing so that it's a lot more casual than dramatic. Dramatic ness is quite common. I don't like common XD Anyway, thank you or reviewing!

Anonymous but very interested – (nice name oo ) Well, here's your update! I'm happy you're enjoying my story!

Crystal Winds – Yahiko is very good. Heh heh, thank you for reviewing. I'm happy you like my story :)

Kimberlyann - Yes, yes, they're easy to crack when irritated. Of course, Kaoru's got that temper and Kenshin's got his son so that pretty much solves any questions as to why they're so easily provoked. Thanks for reviewing!

Aldailyn – oo Sorry it took so long nn A lot has happened! It is summer. Anywho, here's your update! Thanks for reviewing!

Beautiful-kamiya – Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad that you're enjoying it :)

Crossfire – Well gee, sorry for taking so long oo; I've got a life to live, y'know? XD Anyway, thanks for reviewing!

EdxWinry – Thank you oo I'm happy you like it…so much XD thank for reviewing!

Sims are awesome – (Sims are awesome.) You did, did you? Dang, I wanted it to be a surprise. Heh, guess it was sorta predictable, considering Kenji did it to Kenshin first. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!

Royal blueKitsune – Aw, don't hurt poor Yahiko! He's being annoying on purpose! XD Anyway, thanks for reviewing!

Peach – Sorry about not updating sooner! I've been working on this one-shot thing…stupid guidelines ee;; Anyway, thanks for reviewing!

Kawaii meeh – Patience! They'll admit their love sooner or later (to each other) But it's not going to happen until later chapters! OO! –ducks-

Lynn-Minmay – Why, thank you! Oh, and if you want to see Kenji drill Kenshin, read the chapter before oo Kenji's already got Kenshin to admit his love XD Anyway, thanks for reviewing!

Reignashii – Wow! That's awesome to know! I'm glad you like it that much! I hope you crack up if you read my new one-shot coming out:) thanks for reviewing!

Shadow Bath – Well I'm glad you loved it:D Please review again! Tsukasa Miyamoto – Thank you :) Review again!

Payne N. Uranus – erm, well, I've updated! You can put away your angry mob! Sorry for taking so long! Anyway, thanks for reviewing!

L1Ldumie TK – I'm glad you like it:) Thanks for reviewing!

Neko-Yuff16 – Well I'm happy you're satisfied! Thank you for reviewing!

Shout2danorth91 – I'm glad you loved the chapter :) Thanks for reviewing!

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Disclaimer – I don't own Kenshin or his evil Battousai conscience. –head down-

Battousai : darn right you don't!

Kenshin: Battousai, don't be so harsh :(

Warning – A lot of heat, a bad sunburn and sand in swimming trunks.

Well anyway, this would be known as chapter 12!

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Chapter 12 – Soak up the Sun

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Waving his hand frantically in front of his face repetitively, Kenshin tried to shoo away the scalding heat that threatened to take over him. The summer day was eating away at his energy and he felt another bullet of sweat drip down his face. It was times like these he really wished that he had installed his air conditioner. He could always do it, but he didn't want to risk his little energy as enough support to carry the large object up the suddenly very tiring and quite steep stairs of his basement.

Ever since that night that Kenji had been able to pry his little secret about Kaoru from him, he had tried to avoid her every chance he got. He felt as though if she was able to look him in the eyes, he'd melt into a puddle and then dissolve away. Though, at the moment, he felt like he needed her company. Kenji was off at her house once more and he had the day off from work because of the unbelievably humid weather and temperature defying heat.

It was definitely Summer.

Finally letting gravity get the best of him, Kenshin allowed himself to be pulled down onto the couch cushions. The unattractive ceiling pattern started to fade from an off-white to a black color as he felt the humidity start to invade his senses and lull him to an unwanted fainting. As he suspected, he felt the pull of consciousness start to slack and unconsciousness wade on victory until the sharp ringing of his phone drove him out of his sudden drowsiness. He reached over to silence the sudden annoying screech of the phone.

Weakly grasping the phone from the receiver, he placed the speaker to his ear and muttered a tired-

"Hello?"

And to his surprise, he didn't receive the greeting, but to his amusement, he got a small yet friendly demand on the other end of the line.

"Get over here."

He blinked slightly, running a hand through his hair.

"Pardon?"

"I said, get your butt over here you loser!"

Kenshin frowned at the little name. Who was she to call him a loser? He sat upright and pouted.

"Kaoru, is that really necessary?"

Kaoru, who was desperately trying to retain her jovial mood, cracked her composure and broke out into a fit of giggles. Kenshin couldn't help himself as her infectious laughter possessed his mood and caused the irritating heat to disappear and a chuckle emitted from him.

"Kenshin, c'mon. All the kids are outside and playing in the ocean. It's a scalding hot day and you deserve the reprieve just as much as anyone else. So I say, get your sorry little butt over here!"

Kenshin sighed, a smile plastered onto his face, there to stay for the day most likely.

"Alright, alright. I'll be there in 15 minutes."

"10." Kaoru challenged.

"12" Kenshin bargained.

He heard Kaoru laugh over the phone and smiled as she agreed.

"Deal. See you soon, neighbor."

Kenshin chuckled and said his goodbye then hung the phone up once more. Talking with her made him feel 18 again. Sighing slightly, Kenshin pushed off of the couch and headed toward his room to grab his swimming trunks.

Looks like he was going to spend the day swimming.

-

Looking out at the group of kids who played furiously in the ocean's tide, Kaoru held a hand over her eyes to block the bright sun from her vision so she could keep a watchful eye on the rambunctious bunch, a pair of sunglasses atop her head. She smiled and laughed as she watched Yutaro dunk Kenji and then Yahiko dunk Yutaro.

The summer sun was almost painful it was so hot but Kaoru enjoyed it all the same. Just as long as she had her sunscreen, she'd be fine.

She broke out into her usual laughter as all three, Yahiko, Yutaro, and Kenji were engulfed in a large wave but surfaced looking quite irritated with the unpredictable water.

"Ahoy!"

The familiar male voice had pleasantly made it's way into Kaoru's hearing range and she swiftly turned around to see the red head making his way toward her wearing a simple T-shirt and swimming trunks. She smiled and waved jovially at him and beckoned him to proceed his walking toward her deck.

"C'mon! The ocean calls to us!"

Kenshin rolled his eyes and waved his hand.

"Pff. Sure."

Kaoru, once in hitting range, pouted at him and whapped him on the shoulder. Kenshin chuckled and smiled, signifying that he was simply joking. Sticking her tongue out at him, Kaoru decided that his punishment would be put on hold for the time being.

She had a simple white button up shirt on that folded upward at the elbows and hugged her curves quite nicely, though portraying a comfortable and maneuverable slack. Underneath was a black bikini that tied around her neck and behind her back and also tied at her hips. Kenshin found himself desperately trying to focus on her face, rather than her legs. Kenshin approached the deck, stumbling slightly from the sand. With a smile he turned to the waves where he saw his son and two others. As he had hoped, his son turned to him and spotted his form then waved, earning a wave back in return.

Kenshin chuckled as his son was rudely interrupted in his greeting by Yahiko tackling him into the water. He shook his head, laughing slightly, before turning to face the sitter. He watched her a moment, her elbows supported on the railing of her porch, her tongue out in a playful gesture while she watched the kids play.

"So. How've you been lately?"

It was quite difficult to start a conversation that was so simple, Kenshin noted. At least with the woman before him. Kaoru shrugged her shoulders and smiled, turning to face him.

"Well, I'm better than some and worse than others, I suppose."

Kenshin nodded in agreement, turning his gaze back to the sea. He squinted his eyes as the sun's powerful shine glazed off of the water and proceeded to project into his eyesight, no say for him to object or oblige to the irritating beam of light. Kaoru shoved his shoulder slightly and laughed. Slightly perplexed, Kenshin looked up at her with a look of confusion.

Kaoru pointed her thumb toward the sea and cocked her head to the side.

"How 'bout we take a dip? It's hotter than hell and I think it's much deserved, don't you?"

Kenshin slowly shrugged his shoulders, tongue-tied and unable to reply anything in speech. Kaoru smiled and hopped off of her deck and discarded the white shirt and left it in a heap on the sandy beach, racing toward the ocean and it's crashing tide. She turned around in her fast stride and beckoned him to come along with her while Kenji, Yahiko, and Yutaro were a few steps ahead of them, already contently drenched.

Kenshin sighed slightly, unable to still his beating heart as he rid of his sandals and slowly removed his shirt, taking that time to think things through. He needed to keep his cool and keep his composure in check. With that branded in his brain, he made his way down the beach, lowering the pace level to a walking speed, compared to Kaoru's jog. Kenshin shielded his eyes of the blaring sun as he approached the shore-line, Kaoru already bravely submerged under the cool water.

He hesitated, testing the temperature with his toe, then pulled back quickly, as if touching acid, the cold temperature almost painfully clashing with his scalding hot skin.

"Sheesh! Kaoru, I can't believe you just jumped in!"

Kaoru surfaced rather ungracefully, spitting the water from her face and brushing back her bangs with a laugh.

"What? Too cold for you?"

Lowering her palms into the water, she revved them forward and splashed the water onto the cowardly male who quickly recoiled with a yelp. Kaoru laughed once more and continued to splash him, only earning a quick retreat of the red-head.

"Kaoru, don't!"

Kaoru placed her hands on her hips as she glared at Kenshin who stood at a safe distance. She turned away and folded her arms, walking deeper into the water.

"Fine! Be a wimp!"

Kenshin frowned as Kaoru dove under the water. She knew darn well that he didn't enjoy cold water very much. He sighed as he slowly headed toward the water, step by step. He could feel the sun beating down onto his skin harshly and he knew that if he didn't get into the water soon, he'd by fried.

He watched as Kaoru and his son in the water and pouted. Where did his son get the nerve to just dive into ice-cold water? He wanted to sit down and whine about the curses of fate but decided to just deal with the sudden shock of temperature change.

Easing himself into around the level of his knee caps, Kenshin felt the almost numbing cold suddenly adjust to his temperature and the water started ot feel slightly more reasonable. He decided that if he guided himself into the water slowly enough, then it wouldn't be as bad as it seemed. But to his dismay, he felt quite wet arms wrap around his neck from behind along with a wet body.

"Kaoruuu!"

The sudden force of Kaoru's tackle set Kenshin off balance and the addition to the surprise attack not only set him off balance, but knocked him off his feet as well and down into the water. With a large splash, Kaoru burst out into laughter as Kenshin lay rigid, teeth grit and shoulders stiff. Drenched and quite cold, Kenshin turned around to look at Kaoru who continued to laugh in her victory.

His boyish nature suddenly reared it's ugly head as the teenager within him revealed itself as he suddenly silence Kaoru in her laughing by tackling her into the water. With the little squeak and a large splash, a goofy grin spread onto Kenshin's face, satisfied with his hardy work and what the outcome came to be. Kaoru's hair had fallen loose from it's tie on her head was thrown askew all over her face.

Kenshin held in his dark snickers as Kaoru blew the water from her mouth through her hair while slowly parting the ebony tresses in agitation. Kenshin laughed maliciously as Kaoru glared at him.

That particular cycle of wipe-outs and tackles continued on for most of the day as the 5 of them all enjoyed the surf to the best of their abilities. After a long day of playing with the tide, the sun started to set, sinking slowly below the horizon. The three pre-teens and two mentally-teenaged couple decided to call it a day as they all headed back up to Kaoru's inviting home and most comfortable couches and cushions.

"Aw man! This sucks!"

Kenshin whipped his head toward his son and pointed a finger at him.

"Watch your mouth!"

Kenji responded to him with his tongue and turned back to his complaint.

"I have a sunburn…!"

Yahiko snickered and inspected Kenji.

"Really?"

"OW! Don't touch it!"

Kenshin laughed as he watched the two battle it out with each other while shaking his head slightly. He too had gained a sunburn that was going to be quite sore. But he decided to act mature and deal with it with the vulgar language absent in his mental complaints.

However, when he took a seat on one of Kaoru's porch chairs, he quickly jerked back up into a standing position and glanced at his swimming trunks before slumping his shoulders and groaning.

"This sucks…"

Kaoru blinked and stared at him a moment before breaking out into laughter.

"What's so funny…?"

Kenshin's irritation didn't help Kaoru's attempt to keep her laughter in control as it simply aided her with more hilarity.

"Y-You got sand in your shorts, d-didn't you."

Kenshin's eye twitched with her statement, signifying that she was, indeed, correct. Kaoru lost it at that moment, clutching her sides in attempts to keep her stomach from bursting open. Kenshin sighed and decided to try and empty the unwanted barrels of sand from his shorts and get the uncomfortable grit off his body completely with a shower later on.

By the time he had managed to rid of the extra loose sand from his trunks, Kaoru had controlled herself and wiped the mirthful tears from her eyes.

"Kenshin, it's the beach. You have to know and own that you're not going to get chlorinated and sand-less swimming privileges at the beach."

Kenshin felt the need to come back with a sly retort, but suddenly, a very evil yet very kinky idea sprouted in his mind. He smirked slightly, and that happened to catch Kaoru's attention. What a lucky man he was to have the luck of having the kids inside.

"So Kaoru…have you discovered a way to prevent the sand from getting into one's bathing suit…? And if not…I'd be more than happy to help you remove some of that sand."

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Lendra-chan: I'm sorry for making this chapter so short! I've been busy. School started and high school's a pain. My older sister just went to college today and all that. I'm really sorry for the delay!

Just do me a favor and REVIEW!

I'll update faster if you do!