*Hey guys! I've finally added the finishing touches to this chapter and now I will post it!! ENJOY!

DISCLAIMER: I have to do this everytime . . .why must I suffer??? I don't own Rurouni Kenshin . . .OK!

Chapter 11: Settling Differences

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Kenshin rode back slowly his eyes on the ground. He really didn't want to talk with her right now. She was probably still upset and embarrassed and he didn't want her reactions to feed off of that. He looked up at his house, which had now come into view.

'I think I'll go work in the field. I'll talk to her later.'

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Kaoru was still frantically ranting around the bedroom. 'He actually walked in on me! I can't believe it! He's such a-' She stopped. It hit her like a load of bricks. She was the intruder in reality. She had intruded upon his hospitality. Taken his room. Used his food, and slept under his roof. She sat down on the bed. She had definitely crossed the line this morning. 'What if he kicks me out . . . I'd have nowhere to go . . .' 'HE wouldn't toss you out Kaoru you know that!' 'I know.' 'You should apologize for yelling. After all he IS your husband. He has every right to-' "I KNOW!' She cut herself off. She was tired of debating. 'I wonder where he went anyway.' She looked out the bedroom window. The day was already getting late. 'I should probably prepare dinner.'

Kaoru went in the kitchen and began working. She looked out the window when she saw Kenshin plowing the nearest field. His arms rhythmically raised and brought down the plow. Sweat glistened over each of his muscles and they worked to do the job. Then he stopped and put his hand to his temple. 'He's probably thirsty Kaoru . . .' 'Yea you're right.' 'So GO GIVE HIM SOME WATER!' Kaoru grabbed a glass out of the cabinet and went outside to the pump.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

He was so tired. His muscles felt like they were on fire and his head was pounding. He put his head in his hand when he noticed a shadow had approached. HE turned and found himself looking at his wife.

"You- I mean- you looked like you were thirsty." She handed him a glass of water, and he took it gratefully, all the while keeping his eyes locked with hers. HE downed the cool liquid quickly and handed the glass back to her.

"Thanks." She smiled nervously at him, and blushed and turned to go back into the house.

"Oh, and Kenshin." He looked at her. "Dinner will be ready soon."

He smiled, "Thanks. I'll be in shortly." She nodded and went back inside. He watched her go. 'Well,' he thought, 'looks like tonight we're going to HAVE to have a little talk.' HE turned back to his work and began thinking of how he should start off.

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Kaoru got up from the table and began clearing the dishes away. Kenshin sat contentedly in his chair watching her. She began scrubbing each dish with vigor. She figured if she could get the work done now then it would be easier on her later that night. She was working on a hard spot when she felt Kenshin's shoulder against her own. She cast a questioning glance at him as he dropped his hands into the soapy water and began helping.

"I think I'll help with the dishes tonight. Is that ok?" She blushed.

"Sure. I mean if you want to." He smiled and began working. He figured now was as good a time as any. He looked at her to make sure she wasn't in a bad mood before beginning.

"Kaoru?"

"Hmmm?"

"I think we need to talk about things." Her stomach plunged. 'Oh great here it comes.'

"I am sorry I walked in on you this morning, I really am but-" Kaoru cut him off.

"No. You had every right to go where you wanted. I should have expected something like that in advance, and . . . I', sorry I yelled at you. It wasn't my place. It's your house and-"

"Our."

"What?"

"It's our house." She nodded.

"Yes . . .I guess you're right.

'Well, that was easy.' He thought then went on to say,

"I'll try and be a little more considerate to your adjustment. I sure it is much harder than mine."

"You do too much already, Kenshin. I should be grateful that I'm married to you . . .I just sometimes forget how fortunate I am to have someone who generally cares whether or not I'm comfortable."

"Well, I do care believe it or not. But I also need you to realize that eventually we're going to have to come to a point where, if one of us is ready and the other is not . . .both will have to bend. If that's the right word for it." He looked at her to see if she had heard him. She nodded slowly so he continued, "However, I for one am definitely not at that place, and I assume you aren't as well." She giggled just slightly.

"Yes, I guess I not." She said with sarcasm.

"Yes, I think that would be evident from the interesting events of this morning."

She giggled again. And he cast a teasing glance at her. "You didn't break anything . . .did you?" Her sparkling eyes met his with a playful glare.

"And what if I did. There's not much decoration in this place anyway. It would just mean you have to make more . . ." She watched his reaction with glee.

"Oh, so you think I soul have to make all the new stuff hmmm?" He looked back at her expectantly for the next move.

"Yes. I do. In fact I have an EXTREMELY LONG list of things you can make, so that I will be happy."

"Oh I see, you are the only one whose happiness matters now, hmm?"

"Yes. I am." He went back to washing dishes. She just stood there waiting for his reply.

"Well, you want to know what I think about that?"

"I am SURE I'm going to find out anyway." He looked at her with an evil gleam in his eye. She took a step back unsure on how far he was going to take this.

"I think . . .that this means . . .WAR." With that he took a dishrag that was lying in the water and flung it at Kaoru. She screamed before taking her own dishrag in response and promptly slapping it across his chest.

"Kenshin! You got me all wet. Now I have to-" Her protest were silenced as she was drowned with a splash of soapy water. She glared at Kenshin evilly. Kenshin broke into a fit of laughter at the sight of her face. She was drenched from head to toe with soapsuds arraying her dress with lovely 'decorations'. He bit his lip to keep from laughing further on meeting her eyes. After a long pause she finally spoke.

"Well . . .if we ever have a daughter and don't have enough money for lace. We have an alternative rout to follow to make sure her dress is thoroughly decorated. Upon which Kenshin could hold back his laughter no longer. She too burst out in gleeful laughter after she finished her statement.

This was the true beginning of their long and eventful journey. Though they had barely scratched the surface of things to come, both knew that his partner was willing to pitch in what they could

Kaoru had gotten her assurance that things would go a steady pace and she didn't need to worry about it. As long as she was willing to build a steady foundation alongside him for their family he was content. Anything beyond that would have to come with time.

And Kenshin had gotten his answer without asking for it. She wasn't against having a family, though it would take time, and she really did want to be with him, even though there was so much to work through.

'I'll make this work.' He vowed to himself. 'After all. We are stuck together . . .until death do us part.'

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The next two weeks went by with no major events. The major differences that occurred were the frequent visits to the field made by Kaoru. She would often bring a pitcher of water and help him with his work. Kenshin loved it when she would come out to see him. It was nice to have someone to talk to as the long hours of the day seeped past.

They had gone to Hajime's and Tokio's house for dinner that Friday and had Sano and Sayo over for lunch Sunday. Kaoru had managed this time to write a letter to her mother and brother, and Kenshin had it mailed promptly and things were beginning to look up for the little couple. They still had their occasional 'run-ins' but nothing to worry about.

The days rolled past and soon it had been three weeks since they had been to the store. So early one Saturday Kenshin and Kaoru loaded up their wagon with the latest products and made their way into town.

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After arriving in town the made their way to the local store. Upon entering Kenshin was greeted by old friends.

"Howdy, Kenshin. Lokkin' good t'day. Wut's this here 'casion." The first man said.

"Well, it's been while since I'd been to town and so I thought I should make a point of doin' so."

"Tain't that nice." The second one replied. "Whose dis here luvly lady?"

"Why this my wife Kaoru. Kaoru these are the guys."

Kaoru was greeted with "howd'ya'do's", "Real pleaures" and "fancy that's." She just smiled nervously. Kenshin took her by her elbow and led her through the store to the counter.

"Hey, Jesse. This is my wife Kaoru."

"Pleasure to meet ya ma'am."

"Kaoru you just give Jesse your list of what you need and he'll get it all ready for you." Kaoru nodded and handed over the list she had worked on the night before. "Now, We can go finish some other errands. Jesse, you just load all that stuff on the wagon. I'm gonna take Kaoru down to Mrs. O'Connell's and have her fix her up with some material. Then I'll be back to give you your produce." Jesse gave a nod as Kenshin and Kaoru exited.

"Mrs. O'Connell's?" Kaoru asked hesitantly.

"Yes, real sweet woman. Has two boys and a daughter and she's expecting again."

"Oh. Why are we going there?"

"I thought maybe you could pick out some fabric for a new dress." Kaoru looked at him. "I mean, I love the ones you have but I don't think it ever hurt anyone to get new things."

After walking about two blocks they entered a small little house.

"Mrs. O'Connell?"

"Mr. Kenshin! How good it is to see you. Oh I see there's a Mrs. Kenshin now if I'm not mistaken. Hello Dear, you can call me Lorie." The woman was two inches taller than Kaoru with long blonde hair and dazzling green eyes.

"Mrs. O'Connell I'm going to leave my wife here with you. Please set her up with some nice fabrics and I'll pick it up on the way out."

"Absolutely. You need anything else?"

"That should do. Kaoru just get what you like, and if you want you can get some material to make curtains out of. See you ladies later." He turned to go but Kaoru held onto his arm desperately.

"Don't leave me here alone. Please I don't want to be alone."

He smiled at her sweetly, "Kaoru I have to get my work done. "Mrs. O'Connell is a wonderful lady. Take some time to get to know her. I'll be back shortly."

Kaoru released her grip from his arm and regretfully watched him exit. She hated being in new surroundings alone. She turned to look at Lorie but Lorie had already gone into the next room.

"Oh, come on in here Dearie. I've got some lovely fabrics to show you." Kaoru with a longing glance at the front door turned to enter the back room.

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Kenshin did his work as fast as he could. He hated the way she looked at him as he left. It about took his heart out. 'She's a big girl Himura. She needs to be able to handle things like that.' 'But she's so trusting and loving and-' 'Himura, she has a good head on her shoulders you should know that.' 'I do know that . . .but still' 'Well you won't have to worry much longer you're here.' Kenshin hopped off the wagon and hopped up the front steps. He walked in the room and would have called out for Kaoru, when his cry was silenced by the sound of laughter drifting through the back of the house. He walked slowly into the back room and saw Kaoru and Lorie each sitting contentedly with a child on each lap. While one child played at their feet.

"Well, I see you ladies had no problem in finding something to do." They giggled.

"Oh course not Mr. Kenshin did you honestly think we would?" Lorie teased.

"Lorie?" A voice from the other room called.

"In here Jim. Kaoru this is my husband Jim. Jim this in Kaoru Mr. Kenshin's wife."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Kaoru I'm see my wife has already swindled you into caring for our children."

"No swindling was necessary I'm afraid." Kaoru replied with glee. As she cuddled the sleeping infant to her chest. "I absolutely love your children."

Mr. O'Connell smiled with pride as he picked up his oldest and rubbed his head affectionately. "Yes, they are pretty convincing aren't they?"

"Well, I really hate to break this up, but Kaoru, Hunny we need to get home before dark. So it will be easier to get the horses situated."

"You're right." Kaoru handed the little bundle to Lorie as she rose. "Thanks for everything Lorie."

"You're very welcome. Now if you need any more patterns just let me know. And remember the cotton will stretch just a little bit."

"I will." Kaoru said as she looped her arm through Kenshin's.

"Be safe driving home, Kenshin." Jim O'Connell said as he shook Kenshin's hand.

"I will Sir. Thank you and have a good night!"

Kenshin and Kaoru loaded up on their wagon again and rode off towards home.

"You and Mrs. O'Connell seem to have gotten along well."

"Yes, we did. She taught me all sorts of new patterns I can use on clothes. OH and she showed me how to make curtains, and I can even knit an afghan now."

Kenshin smiled with pleasure as he listened to Kaoru carry on about how much she was looking forward to getting started. Of how she was going to decorate their house, and how much fun she had that day.

She soon stopped and looked at him, "Kenshin?"

"Hmmm?"

"You don't mind if I decorate the house do you?"

Kenshin stared at her. Why on earth would he mind? 'Take it easy Himura don't blow it.'

"Not at all! In fact I'm very pleased you are." She smiled with relief and settled down in the seat.

He stole a quick look at her face. Her face was tired from a long day, but also peaceful and content. 'That's all that matters.' he thought with satisfaction as they continued towards home.

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There it is! The next chapter! Wooo hoo! See, I even got some 'positive' K/K action. O man I hate stopping here. I have so many ideas for the next chapter, but sadly I have SOOOO much to do this week. So hopefully you guys will review so I can get my determination set. Well, on to thank my reviewers!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*My Reviewers~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Allin656- Thanks! Yes the time is nearing for Megumi to enter the scene . . .well briefly anyway. I'll try to update really soon!

Noner_89- Yea, fighting! Woohoo! Watch the sparks fly. Yes it's OOC but you gotta have some of it you know??? Yea the Saito/Tokio smoking thing was fun to write. Thanks for the review!

Moonsilver- I think it's finally working again! YAY! Well they go to . . .stand and talk about things . . .does that count? They still have stuff to work through but it's a start.

Me, Myself, and I- Megumi's husband is not atheist it's just that he's- WAIT, I can't tell you yet . . .tee hee. And laughing at Kenshin is great fun! Thanks for reviewing! I look forward to your next one!

Serenity- Yea it was fun with those 'visits' (Yea I know what you mean lol) Hope you liked this chapter.

Poppy2- I'm so glad you decided to leave a review and I'm soooo glad you're enjoying my story! It never gets old hearing that! Yea and the couples are going to have some . . . dramatic times ahead . . .muahahahah! ha . . .but it'll all work out!

Koishii Sweet- Yea those first fights are doozies! Glad you liked it! Hope this one was acceptable.

The Evil Witch- Heh heh aww shucks . . .taint nuthin.(blushes) I'll try to update again soon!

Lady Ann Kenobi- Excellent analysis of the situation! You've got it down to a tee! I'm glad that's the way it was perceived be cause that was the whole point of what I was trying to get across . . .it worked! Hope that this 'brief' discussion helps their relationship . . .don't you??? Thanks for the review!

Tintin-chan- See it was . . .soooo not sappy. But they were playing! Right? Don't worry the sap will come in time. (Snickers says under breath) yea a long time . . . (clears throat) errm anyway hope you liked this chapter! (I am soooo evil)

Kawaii-Inu-Inutaishou- Yay! I'm so glad you're liking it!

Mishorou Mie- She loves it! I love hearing that! Thanks so much!

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You guys are GREAT you know that? Thanks so much for all of your encouragement.

Note: I know that the little 'apology session' went a little quick but if you think about it . . .both go to say what they needed to for the moment and they probably felt a HUGE load go off their shoulders so it was natural that they start goofing off. And the Kaoru not wanting to be alone thing . . .well I think of it as: YES! I know Kaoru went across the ocean by herself and all, but I also wanted you all to know that she was partially becoming a little more 'dependent' (if that's the right word) on Kenshin. In other words I believe Kaoru has a sense of shyness.

OK. (Takes in a deep breath) that said Thanks for all of you who reviewed and to all of you who will review right now! Soooo Review!

~Kairi7~