Hey Guys! I'm finally back! So sorry! (ducks all the rotten fruit thrown at head) I know I know! I said Monday and today's Tuesday! Forgive me! I had two 9 weeks exams and I needed to study! I finally finished this chapter and I hope it's okay. I'm trying to get the story moving again! And after another climatic point in the story it's hard to get it moving again. Ahh well, I've talked long enough! Hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN RUROUNI KENSHIN!

Chapter 14: Visiting Misao

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Kenshin re-gripped the plow as he shifted it into its place on his shoulder. Then he brought it down with force into the parched soil beneath him. He wiped his brow and stood there reminiscing about the weeks past.

It had been three weeks since his illness and since then he and Kaoru had improved their relationship dramatically. 'In fact, I even believe it's safe to say we've become friends. At least I don't have to sleep on the couch anymore.' He thought happily to himself. 'There may not be love but as long as we are both content that's all that matters I suppose.' He picked up his plow again and began to strike the ground again when he heard a blood-wrenching scream come from the barn.

'Kaoru!' his mind screamed as he raced around the house. He yanked the axe out of the cutting block and rounded the corner only to see his wife quickly retreating from the barn.

"Go to the porch!" He commanded and ran into the barn to find the offender.

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Kaoru paced on the front porch waiting for Kenshin.

"That horrible awful thing! It was so disgusting! I hope Kenshin killed it!'

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Kenshin rounded the house walking up to the front porch and looked at Kaoru with confusion.

"Did you get it Kenshin?"

Kenshin just gawked at her.

"Did you kill it???"

Kenshin cleared his throat. "No I didn't kill it. IT was just-"

"Why didn't you kill it? It was so ugly and disgusting and"

"Kaoru." Kaoru looked at his perplexed face. "It was just a raccoon. It's not going to hurt you. As long as you leave them alone you should be just fine."

"THEM! You mean there's more of them?"

Kenshin sweatdropped. How could his wife be so petrified of . . .raccoons. 'Perhaps she has never seen one' he thought fleetingly.

"Oh Kenshin why didn't you kill it?" Kaoru pleaded.

"Kaoru it's like I said-" Kenshin stopped and turned as Sano raced up the road and dismounted his horse.

"What happened? I was riding up to get my milk when I heard a scream. Is everyone alright?"

"It was a horrible little creature in the barn!" Kaoru said still recovering from the shock. Sano looked at Kenshin.

"Huh?"

"Kaoru met a raccoon." Kenshin explained.

"Ahhh, so the little missy finally met her counterpart." Sano chuckled.

"What?" Kaoru asked in confusion as she tilted her head to the side.

Kenshin growled in his throat glaring at Sano.

Sano quickly put up his hands in defense, "I said, Yeah those guys are real common 'round these parts . . .heh heh."

Kenshin turned back to his wife and Sano sighed in relief. Kaoru just winced.

"Well, like I said I came to get my milk, deliver eggs, and Oh yea there's a letter here for you Kaoru. I believe it's from the mayor's wife."

"Misao!" Kaoru smiled as she took the bundle from Sano. "I'll go get your eggs Sano." Kaoru left the two men standing outside.

"So, how are things with you and the missy?" Sano asked with a spark in his eye.

"Ohh fine, fine. Our crops are gonna come in real good." Kenshin countered.

"Kenshin . . .that's not what I meant."

"Oh? Wasn't it?" Sano smirked and Kenshin grinned mischievously.

"How are things with you and Sayo?"

"Oh, they're fine. I guess." Sano shoved his hands in his pockets and stared at the ground.

Kenshin looked at him with concern. "Whadaya mean?"

"Well, I mean things are fine . . .it's just that-"

"Kenshin!" Both Sano and Kenshin looked up at Kaoru. "Misao wants me to come and stay with her for a few days. May I?"

"Of course. If you want to."

"Thanks. Could you saddle up Findii for me?"

"I'll just take you."

"No it's ok. I can go alone. I know where she lives. I mean it's hard not to miss, and besides you still have a lot to do today. This way I can come home anytime I need to."

Kenshin didn't like the idea. "I'll just take you Kaoru it really wouldn't be a problem. I'm not really comfortable with you riding by yourself."

"Kenshin. I rode into town in the dark with pouring down rain not having a clue where I was going. I think I can handle it."

"She does have a point Kenshin." Kenshin glanced forlornly at Sano. Then sighed.

"Fine. I'll saddle up Findii for you."

"Thanks Kenshin. OH and here is your milk Sano."

"Thanks a bunch! I'll see you two around."

"Tell Sayo I said 'hi'"

"Will do." Sano tipped his hat and mounted his horse and road off.

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Kaoru arrived in town within two hours. Kenshin's smile still prominent in her mind. 'He looked so worried.' She thought sadly. 'He'll have to get used to it though. I mean he can't do everything for me. Now where is Misao's house. Oh yea.'

Kaoru rode a ways down the road until she came to a whitewashed house with black shutters. 'This must be the place.' She thought with satisfaction as she dismounted with grace. 'Now where should I put Findii?' Her brow furrowed as she looked around for a stable. That is until she saw Misao coming down the walkway toward her.

"Kaoru! I'm so glad you came! Take her horse to the stable." Misao commanded a nearby servant then took Kaoru's hands in both of her's.

"Come inside. We have so much to catch up on!"

Misao grabbed Kaoru's arm and led her into the massive foyer. Kaoru gawked at the lush curtains and the stained wood floor.

"Here. We can go into the parlor." Kaoru followed Misao's lead as they entered a lavishly decorated room. The carpet was thick and the couches were a red burgandy. "Please get us some lemonade." Misao commanded another servant that was standing by. "Now, Kaoru, please sit down and make yourself comfortable. How has everything been going for you of late? I trust you and your husband are getting along amicably?"

Kaoru was shocked. This was not the same Misao she used to know. This young woman was well mannered and quiet spoken, with an un-measurable grace about her. She just looked at Misao in confusion. How on earth had she become so . . .civil?

"Things are going well. How about you?"

"Oh, Kaoru! Things couldn't be better. I love my Aoshi more every day! He is such a good husband. He makes sure I have all I need and all I want! I just couldn't ask for a better life." Kaoru listened as her friend told her of all the new experiences she had gone through. All the different places she had already traveled. All the wonders of decorating a house with no budget. By the time the lemonade cam Kaoru was feeling quite self-conscious of her gray cotton dress and leather boots.

"Thank you." Misao said quietly to the servant. "Now, Kaoru I really must tell you this before I burst!"

Kaoru raised her eyebrows and looked at Misao perplexed.

"Kaoru, I'm pregnant!"

Kaoru about dropped her glass as she jumped up from the couch, ran across the room, and hugged her friend. "Oh Misao! I'm so happy for you! How is Aoshi taking it?"

"Oh he's ecstatic. He's such a dear he brags about it to all of his friends and he talks of how when his son's born he's going to teach him all he knows. And how our son will be the next mayor and carry on the Shinamori name."

Kaoru sat there half-listening to her friend as she thought about what Misao had said. 'Son? What if it's not a boy?'

"Kaoru- Kaoru?"

"Hmmm?"

"Are you okay? You seemed to zone out there for a minute."

"Yes I'm fine." Kaoru reassured.

"Oh good. I sure am hungry how about we both grab a light snack before dinner?"

Kaoru agreed and the two women went into the kitchen talking about what they should do to prepare for the baby.

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There! Once again sorry for the late update. STUPID EXAMS! Oh well, I will now thank all of you lovely people who reviewed!

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

Noner_89- YAY I get it! Wow I'm a real retard sometimes! Okay hope you liked this chappie!

Moonsilver- Hehe. I agree unfortunately that's not how it's gonna happen. As you can see things are progressing, but now it is time to add some more . . .drama! hehe. Hope you enjoyed this chappie!

Me, Myself, and I- Yea busy weekend and that's why it took me so blasted long to update! SHEESH! I wish I had 20 extra hours a day! Glad you liked the candy! Hehe and the plot continues to unfold! Hope you liked this chapter!

Kakashi-fan- As you can see I answered your request and added Aoshi/Misao stuff even though I was already planning to! Yes Sano will have to 'save the day' sort of! Hope you liked this chappie!

Allin656- I'm so glad you like the way I portrayed Megumi, I put a lot of thought into it. Yes everything is good right now . . .but it won't stay that way forever . . .muahahahaha!

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The Nonesuch- Sorry for the late update! So glad you find my fic interesting! Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well!

Lily of the Shadow- (Thwacks you on head with the shiny thing) Where have you been? LOL! Well the shiny thing is still working and I'm so glad your back! I missed you! Hope you liked this chapter!

Koishii Sweet- Yes they're just precious! I'll try to update again really soon!

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Wackoramaco87- Yay! I'm glad you gave my story a chance too! Thanks, I really try hard to keep everything in the time period! I love that time period. I plan on writing another fic around that time period but I'll let everyone know about it when I perfect the idea! Hope you liked this chappie!

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WOW! So many reviews! You guys are great! I'll try to update soon but don't hold me to a day because I have another exam comin up! YUCK! Hope you all liked this chapter and remember to REVIEW!

~Kairi7~

Note: By the way I know Kaoru should be fine with raccoons but come on now I thought it would be funny. And I think it is so don't get mad at me and be like 'Kaoru's not scared of raccoons.' Well, guess what? She is now! HAHAH! Ha . . .. Okay I'm done. LOL Please Review!