Hello World! Or people who care about my fic . . .lol! Well here's the next chapter and it's fairly long! YAY for me! Well hope you enjoy! On to the fic!
Disclaimer: I don't own Ruouni Kenshin or any of its characters.
Chapter 16: The County Fair
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Kenshin pulled the strap tight over the blankets in the back of the wagon be fore calling out to Kaoru for the 7th time that morning.
"Kaoru! Honey, we have to leave now or we'll be late picking up Sano and Sayo."
Kaoru came down the front porch steps tying the straw hat onto her head with the silk blue ribbon. "I know, I know. It's just I needed to make sure we had everything. We wont be home for a few days and- Oh no the pies." Kaoru turned on her heel and darted back into the house. She reappeared moments later with an apple pie in each hand.
"Here let me get those for you." Kenshin said as he took the pies from Kaoru and secured them in the back.
"I think that's everything."
"I KNOW it's everything I mean you practically packed the entire house."
Kaoru giggled. "Well, it's best to be prepared."
"Yes well if being prepared means braking the wagon in two because of so much weight then I don't know that it's a goo thing."
"Kenshin, the wagon is not going to break." Kenshin just grinned as he helped her up into the seat beside him.
He clicked his tongue and urged the team forward. Kaoru pulled on her tan half gloves on.(A/N you know the kind that cut off right at the knuckle on each finger. I think they're so cute!) Kenshin looked at her out of the corner of his eye and smiled.
She was wearing a sky blue dress with yellow tulip prints on it. Her straw hat had a matching ribbon and to top it all off her hair was neatly clipped at the back of her neck. She looked stunning.
"Did you remember to leave space for Sano's and Sayo's stuff?"
"Yes. Though it was made very difficult by your packing skills." Kenshin answered.
"You know you could have left that last part off."
"Why should I? I thought it was funny." Kaoru just wrinkled her nose and pulled down her hat a bit farther. She didn't need to be getting sunburnt while at the county fair. She looked up as they road up to Sano's house and smiled when she saw Sano walking back from a field carrying a large watermelon.
"Whadyathink Kenshin? Think it'll be a good one?" Sano set the watermelon in the back of the wagon.
"Looks great Sano. How'd ya get it so big?"
"My special secret Kenshin." Kenshin just shook his head and patted Sano on the back.
"So where's Sayo?"
"Inside packing and man can that woman pack." Kenshin just nodded in a agreement.
Kaoru stuck her nose up in mock disgust, "well, I'm going to go help."
"Heaven forbid." Kenshin said under his breath.
"I heard that!" Kaoru said as she walked in the house.
Sano chuckled. "Man Kenshin, she can be a firebrand can't she?"
"That she can . . .that she can."
It didn't take long for the couples to get everything loaded and soon they were on their way to the fair. Kaoru and Sayo sat in the back chatting and sewing, while Kenshin and Sano talked politics in the front.
"I swear I can't get anything done around the house. I hardly have any means to do anything."
"What do you mean Sayo?"
"I mean there's practically nothing to cook with nothing to eat on and nothing to cook. I mean what's a woman gotta do to get some food around here."
Kaoru sweatdropped. Sayo had a pantry full of food at the house. There were more cans and jugs than she could count. She had 5 frying pans not to mention all the pots she owned. What on earth could she be talking about. "Maybe you could start a garden then you'd always have food on hand."
"That's not all the problems I have."
"Oh?"
"Yes, the farm is so boring. There is nothing to do but work, work, work. All day and all night."
'All day and all night?' Kaoru thought perplexed. 'I mean at nighttime Kenshin and I don't work . . .well unless you would call-'
"Kaoru are you listening to me?"
"Oh! Yes I am sorry what were you saying?"
"I was just saying that we should take a girls trip to the city! Wouldn't that be fun?"
"I'm sure it would be fun . . .but I have too much to do around the house. Not to mention Kenshin wouldn't be able to handle everything by himself."
"Kaoru, he managed well enough for years by himself. I think we should do it! Take a vacation."
"We ARE taking a vacation, Right now! Besides I wouldn't want to leave Kenshin for that long a period of time anyway."
"Oh well, I guess it'll always be a dream of mine."
Kaoru just furrowed her brow and looked back down at the quilt she was making. 'Sayo, doesn't have a clue. Maybe Sano's not doing something right . . .hmmm. What are you thinking Kaoru? You of all people shouldn't give advice on home matters. You have a difficult enough time taking care of your own. Besides Sano's a sweetheart maybe Sayo just had a bad week.'
"Kaoru." Kenshin yelled back over his shoulder. "This will be our last stop before arriving at Moutebank. (A/N the town the fair is being held at) Maybe we should all get out and have some dinner."
"That sounds lovely Kenshin." Kaoru hopped out of the back followed by Sayo and the four of them went into a nearby diner."
They ate dinner for about an hour and were soon back on the road again. Before long they had arrived in Moutebank.
"Well, we're here. Kaoru why don't you stay with the wagon while I find us a place to set up camp." Kaoru nodded her head and jumped into the front seat aside of Sano.
"Been an ok trip Missy?"
"Just fine. Though my back kinda aches. I can't wait to get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be so much fun." She watched as people strolled up and down the street. "I had no idea so many people came to this thing."
"Yea, they come from miles around. It's a pretty big deal. I mean it's the biggest thing out here. Except for the plantations themselves." Kaoru laughed along with Sano. Until she spotted Misao and Aoshi walking down the street.
"Misao!" She stood up and waved her hands. She watched Aoshi stop for a minute before smiling (A/N SMILING? Wow so OOC!) and slipping his arm around Misao's already bulging waist trying to guide her through the crowd.
"Kaoru you dear! I'm so glad I caught up with you before tomorrow. Where are you all camping perhaps I can come and stay with you for the day! Aoshi's been trying to get me to sit down since we arrived, but I was just too excited and we've been touring the town all day! Isn't that right Aoshi Darling?"
Aoshi just smiled faintly at his wife. "Actually I think the baby's wearing him out more than it is wearing me out." Misao laughed to herself and Kaoru just smiled comfortingly to Aoshi.
"Well, Misao if you do come and spend the day with me you'll probably be sitting for half of it. I really want to get some sewing done while I'm out of the house."
Aoshi smiled gratefully at her and she nodded knowingly back. "Kaoru that's no fun. You don't go on vacation to work."
"It's not work. It is fun. I like to sew."
"Yea just like I like to get the eggs every morning." Sayo said bitingly from the back seat. Misao arched her eyebrow at Sayo.
"Sayo? Is that you? I haven't seen you in forever." Misao looked as if she would have jumped up and down, but in her current condition it made it a difficult option so she resorted to clapping her hands together. "You haven't heard my wonderful news then have you? Or Kaoru have you gone and spoiled it?" Kaoru shook her head. "Wonderful, I'm going to have a baby!"
Sayo rolled her eyes. "Yes, I can see that." Sano looked at Misao compasionately as the girl's happiness seemingly melted before them all. Sayo's lack of celebration grated against Kaoru's nerves and she wondered what the problem was. But before anyone could address it, Kenshin walked back up smiling.
"I found the perfect spot! Just wait until you see it!" Kenshin said his eyes shining. " You're going to love it Kaoru! Mayor! How are you?" Kenshin noticed Aoshi standing beside with Misao whose eyes were now downcast.
"Fine, Himura fine. I trust all is well with you?"
"Of course."
Sano now feeling in his element began to join the men's conversation. Before long the Aoshi had invited them all to lunch tomorrow after the pig judging contest. Of course they accepted and soon they were setting up camp on a tiny hill just outside the main grounds.
"Kenshin this spot is lovely! I wonder why it's not taken yet?"
"Because most try to see if they can get a room in an inn before resorting to the outdoors. Luckily I have a darling wife who doesn't mind it one bit."
Kaoru smiled. "Of course I don't mind it. Why should I? It's beautiful out here." Kenshin leaned up against a tree and patted the ground beside him. Kaoru went obediently to his side and sat down.
They watched the men below set up different stalls and hang up lights. Kaoru leaned her head on his shoulder and slipped her hands through his arm. Kenshin smiled then glanced over at Sano and Sayo.
'Where is Sayo. I wonder . . .' Sayo had gone off to fetch some water but hadn't returned yet. Sano was struggling to finish setting up the tarp that would serve as a bedroom for the night. Kenshin reached over with his hand and squeeze Kaoru's arm. TO his surprise she was already asleep.
He scooped her up and laid her in their 'room' and kissed her on her forehead before going over to help Sano.
"Here, you look like you could use a hand."
"Thanks." Sano grunted as he stretched the wire to secure it.
"Where do you think Sayo got off to?"
"Who knows. She'll come back before dark." Sano said too assuredly for Kenshin's comfort.
"How do you know? What if she got lost." Sano looked at Kenshin with hard eyes. (A/N you know when someone looks at you like you're stupid) "She's not lost Kenshin."
"Oh . . . Sano is there something wrong?"
Sano looked as if he was debating whether to talk about it or not when Sayo returned. (A/N Darn that Sayo right? Sorry you guys. You can't know everything yet.)
"Oh good, you got it up."
"Where's the water?" Kenshin asked confused.
"Oh, the water. I uhh couldn't find any." Sayo disappeared beneath the tarp.
"I thought she went to get water." Kenshin said to Sano.
"No Kenshin, she didn't go to get water."
"Oh."
Sano sighed. "See ya in the morning buddy."
Kenshin watched Sano go under the tarp as well. He walked back up to his and Kaoru's spot. And shoved his hands in his pockets. 'I don't get it. Why won't Sano talk to me?' He sighed and crawled beside Kaoru. He wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his nose in her hair. 'I just don't understand.' He thought sadly as he drifted asleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *The next day was filled with fun and games for the couples. The women worked a bake sale stand until they ran out of things to sell. They then headed over to watch the pie-eating contest.
Kaoru and the others made their way through the crowd in search of their husbands. She soon spotted Kenshin and Aoshi talking to one another under a tree in front of the main platform.
"Kenshin!" Kenshin heard his name and turned to see his wife followed by Sayo and Misao making their way over to him.
"How's your afternoon been?"
"Very profitable!"
"Good."
"Where's Sano?" Misao asked with interest.
Aoshi snorted, "He's preparing himself for the contest."
"What? You mean he's in the contest? How exciting!"
Aoshi just smiled faintly and took Misao's hand in his. "Have you gotten any rest today?"
"Of course!"
Aoshi looked up at Kaoru for conformation. "She's been very good Aoshi. She sat behind the table and worked the cash box."
He nodded his approval at his wife and she beamed with delight. Then everyone turned their heads up to the platform where a man with a major cowlick and wiry glasses stood up to announce the participants.
Kenshin took this opportunity to lean down and ask Kaoru a question. "How's Sayo been today?" He whispered.
She looked at him confused. "Fine . . .why?"
"No reason." He stood back up and looked at the platform.
Kaoru reached up and pulled him back down. "WHY?" she asked harshly through gritted teeth.
He sighed. "She and Sano don't seem to be getting along with one another recently. I was wondering if she had said anything.
"No . . .nothing." Kenshin smiled weakly and returned his gaze to the platform where the men were now readying themselves to indulge in the delicious pies.
"Do you think Sano has a chance?"
"Can birds fly?" Kenshin countered laughing.
"Oh, I see. Guess I was out of the loophole."
"He'd better win this." Aoshi said threateningly.
Kenshin nodded his head in response.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kaoru glared at Kenshin. "Kenshin what have you done?"
"Aoshi? What did you do?" Misao and Kaoru harassed their husbands mercilessly until a familiar voice sounded.
"Well, if it isn't Kaoru and Misao."
Kaoru and Misao turned and found themselves facing Megumi.
"Megumi!" They said simultaneously as they hugged their mutual friend.
"And I see Misao is already expecting . . .that was quick. Ohohohohho!"
Misao blushed and Kaoru put her hand up to try and quiet her giggling.
"What are you all doing?"
"We're watching a friend of ours compete."
"Which reminds me . . ." Kaoru said turning back to her husband. "What did you do?"
"Yes, Aoshi, what DID you do?" The women began imploring their husbands until the bell sounded for the crowd to quiet down.
"I will find out what it is!" Kaoru threatened in a whisper.
"You will be a dead man." Misao spat out right before the crowd hushed.
Both Kenshin and Aoshi shot each other pitying looks. Before the gunshot fired. Then men on the stage tore into the pies viciously. Before long the 5 minute time limit was up and Sano had been declared the winner.
"Megumi." A voice sounded behind the group. "We must head back to our camp. Mrs. Freeman has fallen ill."
"I see, well, I'll see you girls later. It's nice to see that you're well Mr. Himura."
"Yes thank you Mrs. Megumi." Megumi nodded and disappeared into the crowd just as Sano came strolling up grinning and wiping his face with the back of his shirt.
"Congrats Sagara." Aoshi said as he slapped Sano on the back.
"Yea, you beat 'em easily this year Sano."
"Well, it's only thanks to the fact I didn't eat breakfast this morning."
"Good strategy." Aoshi mused.
Sano rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, it wasn't really for strategy." He smiled sadly to himself.
'Let me guess.' Kaoru thought angrily 'Nothing to cook with Sayo?' She looked around for the offending woman, but Sayo was nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Sayo?" Misao said as she looked around for her friend. "Didn't she stay to watch Sano compete?"
Sano shrugged. "Prolly not. She's prolly in town enjoying its conveniences." He said tartly.
"How about we go get that lunch I promised you all now?" Aoshi volunteered not liking the strained silence.
"That sounds good except, I think I'll go and find my wife. You guys have a good time." Sano waved as he walked off.
"Hey Sagara, could you pick up my load while you're walkin' around?"
"No problem, want me to do the same for you Kenshin?"
"Yea that would be great see you later Sano!"
Sano tipped his hat and strode off with his hands in his pockets.
"Load?"
Aoshi sweatdropped. "It's nothing you should concern yourself with dear."
"Oh really?"
Kaoru raised her eyebrows and looked at Kenshin, "Kenshin do you have something you need to tell me?"
"Oro?"
"Kenshin!"
Kenshin looked at Aoshi pathetically. "Come now, why don't we go find somewhere to eat." Aoshi said quickly to change the subject but Misao would have none of it.
"Aoshi Shinomori have you been betting again!?" Misao screamed.
Aoshi cringed. "Hush now dear, can't a man have a little fun?"
"Not when it involves wasting money. You should be more thrifty." Misao said as she huffed away.
"At least I won! I made money! Isn't that good? I only bet when I think I can win."
"Oh in that case come on Kaoru. Let's go find the most expensive place to eat."
Both men fell to the ground in disbelief. This was going to be a long weekend.
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Well, that's all folks! Isn't ironic how close Sano and Megumi can be and yet . . .so far! (evil laugh) Anyway, hope it was a nice long chappie for you all! Now I will thank all of my reviewers!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~My Reviewers~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Me, Myself, and I- Oh I wasn't being mean. I actually am very bad with direction. I do better with landmarks. I guess that's what happens when you're a southern girl right? Yes, well, as you can see they have progressed quite nicely. They've even become good friends, and there's always that stuff you don't mention right?
Koishii Sweet- Hope this chapter was good. It was actually longer than the one before! Woo hoo!
Kakashi-fan- Ahh yes, all that thinking too hard stuff hurts. As you can see I had them 'interact' a little in this chapter. I'm really hesitant about writing anything with Saito or Aoshi. Because I tend to change animated characters in my mind. How I think the really are inside. And I want to bring it out. Hope that Aoshi wasn't too OOC I did try, but it's kind a hopeless cause. Hope you liked the chapter!
Tintin-chan- Actually if any of you knew what evil plans I have in store then you would all have beheaded me by now and taken over my fic. Hope you liked this chapter!
Chocoberry- I agree it's a funny picture! Lol! So glad you liked the last chapter. Hope this one was up to standard!
Lanse- Yes well I could have described the kiss as 'tasted like chocolate' but chocolate back then (if it was even invented by then) was a rich person's luxury not for some farm boy. So I had to resort to something sweet. Hence HONEY! Oh yea, good times! * wink *
Moonsilver- Yes she has a lovely little garden now! Thanks for all the suggestions of flowers I'll need them! Hope this chapter was pleasing!
Lily of the Shadow- (waves sparkly thing) Hey that 'mysterious object' works man. I mean look how fast I updated! Woo hoo! Glad you liked the chapter! Hope this one was ok!
Noner_89- Yay someone commented on the 'raised in a barn' stuff! I had so much fun writing that part! Good times! Hope you liked this chappie!
Ginny-cry- Never seen Fruits Basket. Never heard of Yiki or Aya. But I guess it's all good as long as you're enjoying the story right? Lol! Hope you liked this chapter!
AnimeSoul3- Wow you're so sweet! Thanks for choosing my fic as your first Kenshin fanfic . . .I feel so honored! I hope you liked this chapter!
Allin656- hehehe (devilish laugh) ahh, that's a very good idea . . .hadn't thought of that route . . .just kidding just kidding. I promise that they'll stay together! Hope you liked this chapter!
Hioga-chan- Yay! I'm so glad it was good. And see there I added some Sano and Sayo info in there . . .did you catch it? Huh huh did ya, did ya? Kinda hard to miss . . .lol! Hope you liked this chapter!
Dianango- Yay! You like it! That makes me soooo happy! Hope you liked this chappie!
The Evil Witch- Yay it was romantic! Glad you liked it! Hope this chapter makes your mouth water for more!
Sequel x Kira Yamato- Yes you DO inspire me! Your reviews are fun to read! Hope this wasn't too long of a wait!
Kean Srhuin- I'm so glad you liked my fic! (claps hands happily) And no, the other fic I'm writing won't hinder this one at all. It's just a secondary fic that I'll only update once every week (if that often at all) I Do however hope you'll check it out! It would mean so much to me! Oh yea and I'm a hopeless romantic as well. * sigh * is there any hope for us? Lol! Thanks for the review!
Kenshinobsession- I counted your e-mail as a review! So yea glad you liked the chapter! Hope this one pleases you!
Silver Eyes Bright- (giggles) aww thanks! Tee hee! Hope you liked this chapter!
LillyWind- Aww shucks . . twern't nothin'. Thanks so much! Oh yea and the same goes for me . . .I have no life either . . .that is why I can update fairly quickly! Hope you likee this chapie!
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Hey thanks again guys for reviewing! I mean when you guys review, the chapters just pop out onto the page. Literally! Lol. Well remember to check out my other fic. It's called The Female Doctor: First Position. (Thanks to those who have already reviewed it you make me happy!) As you can tell it is a Meg/Sano pairing. What can I say I LOVE Sano . . .even though I'm making his life miserable in this fic . . .muahahaha! Well review please!
~Kairi7~