Settling himself in front of her with arms up caging her Battousai studied her face the fear mostly gone replaced by exhaustion, it must be hard to work to run in a kimono. He could feel her heavy breaths brushing his neck. She would fit snugly just under his chin if she felt so inclined to rest there. He whispered her name gently. Navy eyes shot open causing her to reel back pressing further into the wood and rock of the building. Such a loud noise of despair she made it could have broken his soul. Frantic eyes searched his face then down to his gi travelling the length of his arm then whipped her head to the other side to find another arm trapping her.
Battousai whispered her name again to call her attention but instead she looked out to the street forcibly sliding her body sideways bending his arm. Seeing her opportunity the young woman made to dash for it but he was quicker than she. Large hands clamped onto her slim hips just below her thick obi forcing her in place back against the wall.
She struggled to and fro trying to wrench free of his hold but this time he was not gentle his arms like iron vices held her firm. Finally realizing she was going no where when his fingers grasped her tighter crushing skin seeking bone almost painful she gave a keening sob laying her head back against the wall she trained her eyes to the side opposite the entry.
Battousai kept his grip concrete holding her hips in place. She really did have a small waist and wide hips as well perfect to hold while he did other things past those lovely bones. "Kaoru." He kept his voice gentle to keep her calmer. " I was afraid at first but I'm ready to be honest with you."
Nervous blue slowly turned towards him lifting that little bit to stare into bright amber, so cat-like they entranced her.
Even afraid she was radiantly beautiful. The kohl lining her dark long lashes brought out her sapphire hued orbs full lips bruised from her teeth worrying them. Her skin was flushed pink from her exertion and dark blood pumped through a neck more beautiful and cream coloured than ever did he see.
Kaoru's chest touched his own he could feel her heat through their combined fabric. She was warm and alive and he craved her humanity like a drunk needed sake. All those times he listened to her tell him anything, everything, she complained, she was happy, absolutely everything in between he listened. Now it was her turn.
Battousai took a deep breath to steady himself as he watched her face. "I didn't want to tell you because I was disgusted at myself for what I am and afraid that you would turn me away." She frowned. "Kaoru I have become very attached to you."
She frowned deeper opening her mouth to say something but he continued. "I know nothing will ever come of it because I'm not completely human. I am a jikininki, I have no choice but to eat flesh if I don't it will drive me mad and I will lose my sanity and the ability to walk around as normal as possible. I hate what I am." Battousai eased his death grip on Kaorus' hips, "Being with you reminds me how to stay human so I don't loose myself. I don't want to become a mindless monster more than I already am."
It must have been her female nature but all he seen was unsure compassion for him as her face softened. He might as well have told her he loved her. Perhaps he did but he couldn't recognize that feeling just yet. Hadn't learnt to feel it.
Instead of immediate rejection Battousai felt a small hand on one of his own, warm against his cool one. Unable to help himself he brought his face down to rest in the crook of her neck and she let him. Fabric slipping against fabric was heard as her fingers forgot themselves dropping her kinchaku coins jingling in protest. Warm breath fanned her smooth column as he drank in jasmine, so undeniably her then timid hands slowly twined around his neck under the warmth of his collar.
Closing eyes that could rival the sun the object of his desire held him in the comfort he so desperately craved upon exposing his soul to her. Battousai kept his hands on her hip bones else he would take liberties she was not ready for. He didn't want her to think any less of him than he already was. He wanted her trust, needed her attention, craved her heart.
"I don't hate you Kenshin." She finally whispered in his ear breath rustling his crimson tresses. "But I need time. I watched you kill and eat a man in front of me."
Battousai nodded into her neck nudging soft skin with his nose. "I will give you time." His deep voice agreed with her wishes.
All too soon her arms left his neck telling him she was serious removing himself from her warm delicate flesh he stood back. Uncertainty and understanding vied for dominance over her emotions but he accepted both. He would wait for her to process everything until she was ready. His confession weighted heavy over the pair.
"Goodnight Kenshin." The woman smiled up at him just a little as she murmured her exit.
Battousai shut his eyes against her choking down a bubble of emotion that trickled up as he too gave a low reply, "Goodnight Kaoru." His voice faltered on the syllables of her name. He didn't want to see her leave him, walk down the street to her home. He heard her bend to pick up her forgotten kinchaku coins tinkling merrily then her slow steady taps of her sandaled feet getting farther and farther away.
Opening his eyes when he could not hear her anymore Battousai let out a shuddering breath willing his heart to beat faster than the achingly sluggish tempo he had grown used to. At least she didn't hate him or was repulsed by him she initiated the contact. To be held by another was an indiscernible feeling it brought him closer to living feeling like a normal human.
Passing a hand over his face Battousai started out of the dark alley looking down the street where she would have gone but Kaoru was long gone leaving a hint of jasmine. Her path was lit by bright moonlight and candle lamps outside doors hanging off signs she would be alright tonight.
Clenching his teeth together Battousai headed across the street into the shadows swords swaying against his left thigh. There was a hunger still in him and a corpse barely devoured by a bridge he knew of. He hated himself even if she didn't.
Days turned into nights then weeks but Kaoru would have nothing to do with him. When she did see him she would shake her head no at him, not ready. He feared she would never let him approach her again, embrace her. In order to give her space he refused to walk her daily path of routine for what felt like an eternity to him.
He had nearly bumped into her just yesterday at the market at the center of busy little Kyoto. The sun was sweltering hot and the breeze that day that wound around the various merchants stalls was warm offering no relief to the few shoppers that dared go out in the direct sun. she was buying fish selecting a few small ones with a perfect finger pointing out what she wanted.
A young child with dirty feet and a sticky face pushed past him in his hurry to get somewhere when his balance was off ended and he narrowly collided with another shopper stopping himself just in time. Said person recoiled stepping back gripping the bag of rice painfully tight as a gasp was heard. Once he was steady on his feet Battousai glanced up and the apology was stuck in his throat as his mind stumbled and blanked. Would she yell at him? Call him out for what she had seen?
Kaoru did neither as she mumbled an apology glancing downward towards her heavy bag of rice. He took his eyes off of her so she would feel less threatened by him instead watching the merchant as he wrapped up three very tiny fish. The dojo master must not pay her very well. While she was busy studying the cloth encasing her previous purchase he took advantage of her distraction pulling a few coins out of his sleeve pocket passing them over to the smiling vendor.
"Forgive me for almost spilling your rice." The sound of his baritone brought her face back up to him as he offered her the fish she had picked out. Battousai watched an undecided emotion settle over her charming face as her eyes sought his bravely. She took the bundle from him careful not to touch his skin with a quick word of gratitude. He felt her confidence start to rise up but waver just a little when he smirked at her.
"Be careful walking home Kaoru." Was all he told her before gliding past her continuing along the street long market in the blistering sun. inhaling heady jasmine his eyes closed of their own accord engraving her visage further into his memory.
He missed walking her home at the end of the day, her constant chatter, the way her eyes would look him over when she didn't think he noticed, her smile when he told her something funny. He missed her all of her. If he were a normal human he would strive to obtain her for a wife he would retire as a manslayer if it meant keeping the little kendo teacher happy.
But she would never take him as he was no one could be with a jikininki and be content. He was doomed to be alone for his long life as a pet assassin for the Ishin Shishi.
Hardening his features from the scrutiny of the people he passed Battousai headed for the inn he called home it was much too hot to be outside. He felt the sweat covering his back as it trickled down his spine. Maybe the kitchen would grill fish for the evening meal.
A week later Battousai was sidled up to a tall dark outer wall out of view of the candle nestled into a hanging iron frame flickering jovially beside a sign proudly displaying the dojos' name and the current master teacher as well as the assistant master. Taking the black envelope out the red head furiously unfolded it to confirm the dojo and owners' names. Lifting bright gold he nodded they were correct.
This dojo name looks familiar….
His eyes shifted to the last plaque where a woman's name was expertly carved into the wood with care.
Kamiya Kaoru, assistant master.
Battousai's mind stumbled in its thought processing. This was the dojo Kaoru taught at. He had been sent to kill the man that had graciously offered her his students even though she was female. She would know it was him if he even so much as took one bite out of the body, she would hate him. He would make it look like an accident not like his usual strategy of leaving a half devoured body cold and lifeless by the time it was discovered.
After he completed this how would she financially survive? Would she transfer all the students to her home dojo? It might cause a scandal, assistant wanting to become the master sooner so she kills him. Ugh he hated this situation. If he didn't finish this Katsura would send another in his place to do the job. Crumbling the paper in his fist Battousai refolded it stuffing it back inside his dark blue gi leaned his head against the dark wall and released a tired sigh, come what may the deed had to be accomplished. Giving himself time to clear his mind and detach himself he focused on the night noises listening deep feeling hard for the targets' ki. It only took a few moments but he latched on pushing himself off of the wall.
Kaoru would have left hours ago so the main as well as the back gate would be long since barred but that never deterred him. Scaling a nearby over hanging tree Battousai leaped over the tall wall landing with cat like grace on the other side. Scanning the yard bright amber dimmed to dull brass as he pulled the katana out of its sheath at his side. Heading to the main house he scurried with the shadows along the building pinpointed the exact room his targets ki beckoned him towards.
The property was clean and tidy as far as night surveying went the outbuildings were large and from somewhere a lone chicken clucked. The owner must be fairly wealthy or a pawn in some corrupted group. Skirting around the engawa to the main house he avoided the bright light of the lantern hanging off of a hook attached to the roof advancing on the weak vibrations of ki he sought. Near the back of the house the assassin slipped onto the smooth elevated wood his sandals silent as he padded towards the second last sliding door. Right here! No light illuminated shadows upon the thick rice paper but soft snore reached his acute ears. Katana gripped in one hand he set his palm against the warm wood slowly sliding the screen in its track hushing any sounds at all allowing cool summer air to dance its way into the room.
Stealing inside he closed the shoji equally as quiet listening to the deep nasally snores for any change in his targets' state. Dim eyes burned with a yearning to complete his mission quickly so he could lock himself up in his room at the inn to wait out Kaoru's sorrow. He was taking her means of living away.
careening over to the futon Battousai watched the man sleep peacefully for a moment not without noticing he was alone. Kaoru often mentioned a wife. Where was she? They must sleep separate. If he had a wife he would most certainly not allow her to be separate from him while they slept. The warm body and constant beating heart would chase away most of his nightmares.
Battousai thought to wake the man so he could have a fighting chance. It wasn't the first time he had killed a man in his bed and it probably would not be the last either.
Crouching down next to him Battousai studied the dreaming man with the moons glow. He had an old wizened face of a man well into his years around his eyes so many lines he must smile a lot and short black hair.
Bringing his sword up hovering near his chin he readied himself by cupping a hand just a hairs breadth away from the breathing mouth. Taking a concentrated inhale Battousai hands worked in skilled inusion one hand clamped over the mouth to still any noise while the other instructed the blade to slice the throat deeply. Shutting tawny eyes Battousai hand grew more iron against the choking gargle and spasm that rocked the mans body in sudden shock.
Then it was all over as the body lay still comfortably against the fluffy futon eyes closed head turned just so. The assassin withdrew his one hand to help the other wipe the blood from the steel with the crumpled blanket. Listening for any disturbances within the house Battousai neatly brought the blanket up to the mans chin and stood up.
The sweet smell of blood teased his nose assaulting his base need forcing him to take a step back clenching his teeth. If he so much as tasted a fingertip full of blood there would be no turning back he would devour the whole body and then Kaoru would know it was he who had killed the dojo master. She would scorn him for the rest of her mortal days and maybe even beyond. His lovely Kaoru would cease to exist to him in every way.
Sheathing his blade Battousai turned from the tempting corpse to start out of the room when a small writing desk caught his attention where something glittered on its surface. Curios he leaned over it was a few yen coins and papers lots of papers it looked like a paper trail for money was being documented for something. Curiosity sated Battousai scooped the coins up and continued out of the room it was too dark to read the papers anyway and he did not need to know why he was to kill that man if those papers were any indication. He just murdered and got paid for it.
Leaving the room as silently as he had come Battousai boldly crossed the yard the few feet to the back gate jumping over it landing onto the hard packed dirt of the road. Walking at a quick pace he flanked the tall walls hidden by the shadows around him. Out of his sleeve pocket he pulled out the coins counting them they could feed him for quite a few days. He really did not need any more money but he was sure Kaoru would appreciate the extra.
As the red haired man made his way back to his room at the inn his thoughts again fell on Kaorus' money issue. She would be alright if she could keep her borrowed students but if she could not what then? Would she have to recruit her own or work a menial job? What if she could not find work? If she could not take care of herself he would whether she agreed to him or not. Maybe in time if he could prove to be able to support her financially she would consider being his wife. He would be her solidity. He might even become happy living his miserable existence.
Tucking the few stolen coins back into his sleeve Battousai continued up the dirt street navigating the uneven ground seamlessly heading for the inn headquarters hid behind. Maybe some sake would help him sleep and forget the terrible deed he had done.
So many days went past since he had to terminate Kaorus' employer he had lost count twice. The weather had shifted greatly with the coming fall the days were temperate and nights grew chilly. Shopkeepers and vendors brought out their warmest fabrics and their final crops for the year end growing season, the local florist already barring the doors proving that winter was on its way.
Still Battousai would not dare approach the blue eyed beauty he had once walked home willingly he had seen her a few times in the market or walking home at night from the dojo the owners wife must have let her continue to teach the students. He watched her from the shadows trailing behind her so she would be safe.
A few times when she had looked up their eyes had connected strongly through the distance. She had stopped shaking her head no at him just recently making his soul hopeful that she would accept him once again into her life. He craved her living presence like a tree craved the sun. it felt right to him to let her come to him when she was ready.
Lifting his chopsticks to his mouth Battousai chewed the last morsel in his bowl putting it down firmly as he listened to a lewd conversation going on beside him about one of the vendors daughters from the marketplace. Some me were just disgusting he resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Tipping back the rest of his tea the red head let the cup join the rest of his empty dishes before he tilted his head towards Katsura in a goodbye.
Leaving the room filled with still dining members of the Ishin Shishi Battousai fished out the black paper shoved into his sleeve to read what was written one more time. Another at home job, less witnesses to hear or see.
Slipping through the gate Battousai tucked his haori closed tightly watching his breath puff out in a tiny cloud of smoke. It wasn't too cold but would take time to get used to the bite of the fall weather. Walking towards the main street the market angled off to Battousais' right but he chose the long route just in case his target was a dallier. Killing someone at home was so much more different than killing in a dark alley way.
Battousai watched the people on the still busy street as the vendors packed up their wares and shops barred their doors for the night. Jasmine lilted up to his nose as he people watched steps slow and sure against the uneven dirt. A smile almost touched his lips as he inhaled deeply the feminine scent.
An image of Kaoru dusted across his mind clad in a close fitting yellow kimono her grey obi bringing in her little waist while her wide blue eyes gazed up at him with sweet compassion and he could almost feel her charming hip bones underneath his fingers.
Glancing up at the sky gold surveyed the dark orange and pink melting into inky blue. Dark like her hair. The smell of jasmine came to him again and he would have lost himself again if it weren't for so many people still out rushing this way and that.
Sidestepping a pair of men dressed brightly Battousai's hand caressed the hilt of his katana in familiarity. Ducking his eyes under crimson bangs as the two passed him he released the breath he didn't realize he had been holding.
Moments after he had passed the men a light touch curled around his upper arm and a soft voice was questioning his name compelling him to turn. Stopping he did turn and his heart almost beat a normal rhythm when he seen who was in front of him.
Amber eyes watched her lower her hand to clutch her dark blue kinchaku with both delicate hands. His Kaoru! She wore her training garb under a thick forest green haori but she still shivered against the chill. Her face was red and puffy as wide sad eyes timidly lifted to his bright marigold coloured irises. She looked like she had been crying not too long ago dried tear tracks a stain on her beautiful face. Instead of her typical topknot much like his own her glossy hair was braided over her shoulder. Her ki reeked of despair as her body unwittingly submitted to his powerful vibrations.
Battousai blinked down at her caught by mild surprise at her docile stance. "Are you alright Kaoru?" He watched as his deep smoky voice forced a fleeting unknown emotion to pass through her exotic eyes.
The small woman nodded glancing away the look of upset still painting her face. "Would you walk me home Kenshin, please." Her voice sounded desperate to his ears. Her plea so welcome and mundane how could he not oblige her. Removing his hand from his sword he let it drop to his side heavily, how long had he waited to hear this?
"Of course Kaoru."
She made the first move bringing him out of his momentary stun falling into step beside her Battousai watched the breath puff ice clouds. Her eyes were downcast ki was broken stuttering her jaw slightly clenched like she was holding something back. Worst of all she was silent. Kaoru was never quiet. She was so very strong and proud.
His target could wait he would allow him to live a few more hours Kaoru was much more important right now he had all night to kill the man.
Watching the young woman beside him as they travelled past quickly darkening shops and restaurants Battousai could almost feel the cracks in his soul at her submissive yet upset ki. Should he ask what was wrong? Did someone hurt her? Her cute little bottom lip trembled just enough to make it noticeable and if he listened just so he could hear her small noises of despair.
Battousai kept silent for a few minutes more until they had passed what was left of the main lighted area into more of the residential streets before the curiosity regarding her mood ate at his patience.
Calling out her name Battousai placed a hand gently on her shoulder causing both to stop shadowed by a tall outer wall of a home. Kaoru half turned to face him as he removed the hand he had placed upon her the fabric cold from the changing temperature. Her small rounded face turned up to his agonizingly slow giving him pause then again in a quiet voice he called her name. when the blue eyes he loved so much met his steady gaze his tongue flopped. The object of his desire had eyes so lifeless and void of any spark he was taken aback. Where was her fire and fighter spirit?
Silence and stars surrounded the pair as they stood beneath the tall tree shrouded in shadow less likely to be seen by anyone passing by with prying eyes.
Battousai watched her sigh chest shaky from emotion as she shifted her weight to the other foot. Turning her eyes away from him she spoke lowly, "My dojo master is dead. Did…did you kill him?"
Painting false confusion across his features Battousai's voice greeted her ears firm and sure. This lie he would take to the grave if he ever did happen to die. She did not need to know he had ruined her enough
Watery cerulean turned back to him after asking feeling condemned by her need to ask. "You didn't kill him." It was more of a shocked statement than a question.
Her voice sounded hopeful to him. Shaking his head ruby red hair swayed behind his head wrapped in its tight knot. "No Kaoru I did not kill the man." A tight feeling in his heart grabbed at him. The impulse to clutch his chest was strong as he denied the deed. "If I had killed him I would not have left him whole." Battousai smiled inwardly at the open display of thought processing she seemed to think his words valid and most likely because she gave a curt nod.
Taking a short step towards the beautiful woman in front of him boldly the manslayer peered down smothering her with his earthy smell of sandalwood, ginger and blood. " Is there anything else distressing you Kaoru?" She was so close now if he bent his head just so he could take her lips to consume them. But he wouldn't , not now at least his obsession was upset and hurting. She did not meet his eyes but he scanned her down turned face for any clue betraying her hurt anyway.
Battousai watched the painful sigh she released while dipping her head hair completely shielding her. He felt her small hands curl into the woollen fabric of his sleeves clutching the material like a lifeline. Inwardly he pea cocked at her coming to him for comfort no one else only him. The satisfaction of male pride bubbled up in his chest.
"His wife is too upset to keep the dojo she released all the students to another school today." She lost her means of work! After all these weeks since he had been demanded to take out the dojo master he was so sure she would keep her employment. "I don't know what I'm going to do but my father has so much debt I'm going to loose my dojo."
The slow fat tears came and the assassin couldn't do anything but watch heart breaking apart. The well known feeling of guilt nibbled on him at the back of his mind for lying to the woman in front of him. Now what was she going to do? Who else would hire a female kendo teacher? How much debt? She could get a job at the inn! She could stay with him if she found work at the inn. Perfect!
"Would you sell the dojo and go elsewhere?" Immediately after the words were asked the manslayer could have punched himself in the nose because more tears fell and her shoulders shook even more violently. Okay now he knew that was definitely not an option. Think Kenshin. Think. Glancing past her trembling frame to the dirt road way ahead the red head swallowed hard, what if he… "Kaoru what if I live with you at the dojo as a boarder until you find work."
The night seemed to pause for a few short moments as the sobbing woman soaked up his words. Watery blues lifted to amber in mild disbelief as she dried her tears with her sleeve untangling fingers from his own sleeves. "You would do that?" She sniffed hard as he nodded.
Never mind he was a flesh eating crazed jikininki who was paid to assassinate members of Kyoto almost every other night. He was most likely the most dangerous creature in the city right now and he had just offered to share living space with a young woman outside of courtship or marriage. Not weird at all.
He nodded again to confirm his words. Whatever it takes to clean the smell of hurt from her sultry floral smell. In time she might want to be his wife. "I want to see you happy no more tears." His low voice so near seemed to melt her bones as she collapsed into his chest arms around his neck, her bag forgotten between their feet while the hilts of his daisho pressed her into him more deeply. The relief calmed and unwound her body plying her more fully against him.
Battousai's eyes closed against the sensation of having the beautiful woman pressed so intimately into him. Bringing his arms around her back his hands pressed firm into the cloth as if to keep her warm against the autumn chill. Inhaling slowly he suffocated on her feminine perfume of jasmine revelling in having her breasts so tightly against him. How sweet her curves were! She was all softness and enchantment in her own gruff way.
A cool breeze plucked at the end of her tidy plait tickling his calluses as it swayed to and fro causing the tiny hairs on the back of his neck to stand alert. The dark from the tree above them kept their confessions secret allowing the wind to steal their words carrying them away so no one else would hear. The leaves twirled a dance of mesmerizing distraction around the pair leaving the parent that once birthed them, almost frost settled upon the perishing grass hiding the life within.
He would make the best out of this lifetime even if it meant caresses and soft words in the dark, her radiant smile would keep his heart beating its never ending sluggish tempo. An odd sensation similar to a flock of birds fluttering about inside his chest erupted for many moments subsiding when the fear from this new feeling assaulted him.
Kaoru tilted her head up face still pressed to his chest no doubt puzzling at his odd heartbeat. Marigold studied the way the lines in her face created shadows reading her expression like an open book.
"I m finished giving you time. I'll keep you human Kenshin." Her voice a hushed lullaby blanketing his keen ears.
Battousai's breath stopped wavering for several seconds. She could not mean she understood him! The wind lifted red and black hair tendrils giving the manslayer perfect view of the look of acceptance splashed across her face. Maybe, just maybe his terrible luck was turning around. His Kaoru had finally accepted him as he was for what he was.