Ohhh um hey guys! (stares nervously at the weapons the reviewers are holding) Long time no see . . .heh heh . . .(clears throat) I am here to announce that I'm am extrememly sorry about the long wait . . .I feel just horrible about it. I had MAJOR writers block but thanks to Lanse! I was able to overcome it! Anyway this chapter was really hard to write because I lot of time has passed from the last chapter. It may be a little confusing but I'll try to answer any questions you have. The story should pick up in the coming chapters. This one is more of a prep chapter if you know what I mean. Anyway, I think that's it. On to the chapter!

Disclaimer: Don't own it . . .

Chapter 24: A Pebble

~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~ Filler ~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:

It has been two years since Kenji was born. Within this time Misao had become pregnant and given birth to twins. Two daughters named Katrin and Selphie. The most recent past year there was a drought and Kenshin's and Sano's crops had suffered greatly leaving both families struggling to make ends meet.

Even though times had been hard the tiny town had all pitched in to help the struggling farmers from around the county. Now with the approaching new season the town has slipped back into the cozy, peaceful environment it once was. But like a lake when a pebble is thrown into it, the now tightly knit bonds of family and friendship would be pushed to the limits and possibly carried away with the ripples.

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The front door opened and Kenshin walked in with a sheen of sweat already covering his body. Kaoru turned and smiled at him as he sat down at the table.

"Good morning early bird. You look like you've been up for a while." Kaoru said as she set the plate of food down in front of him.

"I have. I've already gotten the cattle to a new pasture. It should help with the grazing. I think that we're going to have a couple of new calves on the way."

"In more than one way." Kaoru said quietly.

"What did you say Love?"

"Oh nothing." Kaoru turned back to washing the dishes.

"Yes sir it looks like we're going to have a good harvest this year. What do you think of that little man?" Kenshin smiled at Kenji who was sitting across from him munching on a piece of toast. Kenji grinned back then continued to eat away at the bread.

Kenshin lifted his fork to his mouth then stopped. "Aren't you going to eat?"

"Hmm? Oh no. I really don't need to be putting on too much extra weight right now."

"Extra weight? You already eat like a bird. You couldn't possibly put on extra weight that way."

"There's more than one way." Kaoru said nonchalantly.

"Well if there is I'd sure like to know what-" Kenshin stopped mid-bite and stared at the back of Kaoru's head. She turned slowly to the side and eyed him curiously. He nodded his head once very slowly.

"Yes." She whispered with a slight nod. He was up from the table in a flash and had cupped her face with his hands.

"Really?"

"Are you happy?" She giggled.

"How could I be anything but?" He kissed her firmly then moved his hands to her shoulders. "A baby." He whispered.

She smiled her eyes glowing with happiness. He kissed her again. The walked off.

"Aren't you going to finish your breakfast?" She asked as he grabbed his hat off the back of the chair.

"I couldn't eat another bite. A baby." He opened the door and shut it behind him. Seconds later it opened again. "I love you." Then he was gone.

Kaoru smiled to herself then turned back to the dishes and began humming. All the while Kenji watched. His eyes danced with curiosity at his dad's crazy behavior and now his mommy was singing. He then resorted to stuffing his mouth with the eggs that were left behind by his dad. Whatever his mom and dad were up to would have to wait.

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Sano walked up his front porch steps and into his house. "Something sure smells good in here." He commented to Sayo who was busying herself with cleaning the kitchen.

"Your breakfast is on the table." She replied. He shook his head and sat down shoveling the salted pork into his mouth. He took another look at his wife. She was wearing one of her nicer outfits and her hair was pulled up. 'She's probably planning on going to town today. She always looks nice when she goes to town.' He took a sip of his orange juice and mused over the past years. 'You'd think that after over three years we'd have some sort of relationship. We don't even talk and she's always meeting up with those 'friends' of hers.'

Just then Sayo finished up cleaning and began to put on her bonnet. She picked up her bag and headed for the door.

"Where are you going?" Sano asked without emotion.

"Out." Was her simple reply as she opened the door.

"Out to where. What location."

She stopped moving and he watched her back tense. "Town."

"Why are we out of bread?" He asked as he walked over to the cupboard. "No we have plenty. So why are you going?"

"Because I want to." She stood frozen in the doorway staring back at Sano daring him to try and stop her.

"I want you to stay home today. I need help out in the fields."

She glared at him. "You've always managed quite nicely without me."

"Oh I know, but I'm tired of doing all of the work and besides the house is a mess. You should clean it like good wives do." Sano was feeling a little mischievous and was determined to 'train' his wife.

Sayo stared at him baffled. The house was spotless the laundry was done and he said it was dirty. She clenched fists. "What would you have me do?" She asked her voice tight.

"The table is dirty and I'm done eating so you should probably clean my plate. Then you can go out to the chicken coop and gather the eggs."

"You gathered the eggs this morning." She said exasperated.

"Yes well the chickens might have laid more in that long amount of time." She put her hands on her waist and stared at him with murderous eyes.

"Then if you wouldn't mind go out into the field and begin picking the green beans."

"I never do field work."

"Huh . . .that's funny Kaoru does that kind of work all the time."

Sayo stiffened. She hated it when he talked about Kenshin and Kaoru. How they got along, how they worked together, how they were actually happy. She'd be happy if Sano would just sell the stinky, nasty, dirty farm and move to the city and get a decent job.

She walked over and picked up the dirty plate and stuck it in the sink. Rebellion flared up on her every feature. Sano watched amused as his wife obeyed him with halted movements.

He plopped his hat back on his head. "When you've finished all of that come and find me and I'll get you another job to do Dear."

Sayo glared daggers at him as he closed the front door. He knuckles turned white as she seriously considered breaking the plate in her hands. She did not have to be treated this way. She refused to work on that smelly farm any longer. She'd show him. He'd see that she meant it when she said she hated it there. She'd break him like the little twig he was. He cared about her, she knew that much, and she'd use that to her advantage. 'Just wait until I'm threw with you Sanoske Sagara. You think I'm your little housewife that will do your every bidding. You just wait!'

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Sano stood up from where he was working and looked over to where his wife was kneeling. He was starting to feel a little guilty for the way he had acted but the truth was that something inside of him just snapped, he was tired of not having a wife that pitched in . . .he was tired of feeling lonely when there was another being in the house. 'What can I do to make her at least notice my existence.' He had given her every commodity the west had to offer, but nothing seemed to make her happy. 'I should probably apologize for the way I acted. I'm just making her dislike for the country even worse by making her work out in the hot sun.

He was impressed though. She had obediently changed into more suitable clothing and checked the chicken coop for more eggs. Then she immediately went out into the field where she was now picking green beans a long a tedious task. He had to admit it was nice to have a fellow worker for once.

Sayo sat up and rubbed her lower back. 'Great now I'm going to be sore.' She looked over to where Sano had been plowing and saw him staring at her. She immediately stood and walked over to where he was standing.

'Great now she's He had been expecting an outraged comment or remark and here she was being submissive and gentle.

"Whatever is easiest to prepare I guess."

She nodded and turned back towards the house. He was shocked for once she had asked him what he wanted and didn't demand what she wanted.

He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand and squinted his eyes. 'Why does she hate it here so much? Why does it seem that nothing will satisfy her.' He had asked Kenshin what he could do to help her some to love the country but of course Kenshin didn't have the answers. He had done everything he could think of. He had given her free roam, wherever she wanted to go she could go. At least until that morning, but then again she seemed fine just a moment ago. There was still hope.

'Maybe things could still turn around after all.' He shrugged his shoulders. Well, he did know on thing, he'd have to apologize for his outlandish behavior that morning and the best way to go about doing that had not yet entered his mind.

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Sano walked into his house and smiled, as he smelled the boiling vegetable stew that was sitting over the fire. He looked around but didn't see Sayo anywhere. He walked further into the room then spotted her coming out of the bedroom. She had changed into a clean dress and pulled her hair back. Sano had to catch himself before he said anything. She looked great. 'I hate it when she does this to me!' His mind screamed. After she had started to change and push away it seemed like he had tried everything to keep from getting too attached to her.

She smiled at him. 'It's almost ready I just need to set the table."

He nodded and resorted to going to the wash basin to clean his hands. 'Why is she acting like this.' He was completely confused now. She had looked murderous that morning but the afternoon had seemed to wash it away into a calm serenity. He shook his head and grunted to himself.

"Something wrong?" He looked up she was staring at him bewildered.

"No nothing's wrong I was just thinking."

"Oh . . ." She turned back to setting the table. He watched her as she worked.

"Anything I can do to help?"

She looked up at him, shocked that he would even offer. She had figured he would take advantage of that morning's episode and tell her to do all the work. Instead he seemed as if he was apologizing for it the way he had acted that morning. For a moment she thought he looked so adorable staring at her with his deep brown eyes full of willingness, but immediately she shoved the thoughts away and smirked to herself. 'He should be sucking up the little baffoon."

But Sano didn't catch any of these emotions he just waited patiently for her to give him a job to do. She smiled at him, "No that won't be necessary I'm already done. All you need to do is sit down and I'll bring you your lunch."

Sano furrowed his brow and walked over to the table. 'I must be missing something. Has my wife gone completely insane?' Then he remembered the comment he had made earlier about Kaoru. 'She did get really offended. Wonder if she's tryin' to show up the Missy . . .' He allowed her to serve him and waited until she sat down to begin eating.

The room was silent as both parties ate keeping his own thoughts to himself. 'Well whatever is going on here can't possibly be a bad thing can it? I mean for the first time in a long time we're eating at the same table again.'

Sayo watched as Sano refilled his bowl and began eating again. 'Just wait until I tell the girls about this.' A part of her was feeling really bad about what she was doing but the other part of her overruled it. She deserved a good life no matter what, and there was no way she was going to spend the rest of her life slaving on a plantation.

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Ahh it's nice to be back. Anyway hope that this chapter wasn't too boring . . .I know it was slow. Once again, sorry for the delay. On to my reviewers!

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

Ochanoko- Can you ever forgive for the long wait on the update? Hope so!Yea I thought Aoshi was pretty amazing in that last chapter! Lol!

Shiro-tanuki- Sweet! I am so good . . .well at least I was until I had that major writer's block. Sorry about the wait hope you liked the chapter!

Star0704- I actually have NO IDEA where Kenji came from. I think he does come from the manga though . . .I never read it. Anyway hope you liked this chapter and are prepared for the long road ahead.

Lily of the Shadow- Radioactive diapers hmmm . . .anyway sorry about the wait. Hope you liked it!

Kenshinobsessed- Glad you love my story! I already answered your question so I guess that's it.

Animemistress419- Yes, they had to ignore each other. Lol! Hope you liked it!

Mz.AmberEyes- Yay for the baby!

Tintin-chan- As you can see there is no way I'll finish before Sunday . . .so umm don't steal my story I promise I'll finish it! I'm out of my writer's block so that's good! Right? Glad I was able to make your day!

AnimeSoul3- You absolutely don't have to pay anything. I mean you can if you want but it's not required. It's a great thing. So when you become all famous with your stories remember me . . .hehehe. You'll have to let me know when you write one! Sorry about the long wait for this chappie!

Me, Myself, and I- I love roller coasters! Fun fun! So sorry about the long wait . . .I feel just awful . . . Hope you liked this chapter!

Allin656- Thanks it took a while to write the Aoshi/Misao scene just cause Aoshi never talks . . .anyways to answer your question . . .you tell me have I ever written it??? Okay okay I'll tell you nope . . .she hasn't muahahahah!

Moonsilver- Thanks for the pic! I loved how Kenshin forgot his horse too! Sorry about the wait!

Ginny-cry- Ummm I don't remember . . .I think I have . . .once . . .dunno

Kakashi-fan- I have no IDEA what color Megumi's eyes are . . .I don't think I've ever read it . . .so ummm yea they're . . .blue . . . Thanks for the compliment. Muahahahah you will never know!

Half-breed-demon-fox- Glad you liked it.

PhoebeOtaku- Thank you thank you . . .arg that WAS the word! And don't worry the wrench is coming slowly but steadily.

Koishii Sweet- ohohoho yes . . . Sorry about the LONG LONG wait!

Aryanne- Yea I guess it is my word . . . I think it's kinda old-timy . . .

De Lazy Lime- No I've never read the manga. Yep they were glittering and they definitely WILL have to meet again! Sorry about the long wait bad writer's block BAD!

The Evil Witch- Yep they're together! Aww so cute I want more scoop about the boy!

Cybele- NO idea if you spelled Kanryu(sp) right. Yea that's pretty much her demeanor. Don't worry things will work out eventually but be prepared for a little rocky road ahead!

Jt- You know you about summed it up in that first sentence lol! I'm so glad you are enjoying my story though. I'll try to work on the finer points of my story! Thanks for the review. Sorry that it took so long!

Jess- Hey gurl! Glad you're enjoying the fic!

Lanse- Yea that grammar teacher's really annoying! I'm loving your story and thanks again for the help!

Mirage- So glad you're enjoying it! Sorry about the long await for the chapter!

Hioga-chan-Wasn't he though?

Kenshinobsession- It's okay that you missed the last chapter lol! Sorry about the LONG LONG wait!

Mishorou Mie- Yay!

Chibi Binasu-chan- Woot woot! Kenji's in da house! Well they had twins! Ummm you can wait on that answer! Lol!

Peridot- I really don't know how they are going to get together yet lol! Sorry that it took so long for this chappie! I hope you are willing to forgive!

Sequel x Kira Yamato- You know I just now sitting here writing this respone figured out where your name came from Kira . . . THE DUDE OFF GUNDAM SEED! Right right?? Man I'm an idiot . . .#1 I didn't update for like FOREVER . . .#2 How could I now know where that name came from and #3 Umm I don't know where you name came from Sequel is it from the same show??? I started watching it just recently so I wouldn't know . . .anyways sorry about the wait and I hopw you two can forgive me!

Gypsy-chan- He's a REAL BOY! Lol! So glad you liked the Aoshi/ Misao fluff! I'll tyr to update more often!

Maya-chan- Good for you, please kill her!

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Once again guys I am so sorry for not updating and I have some bad news . . . I'm going out of town for a week and a half so umm I won't be able to update again before I leave . . .because I leave Sunday . . .Please forgive me! I really feel that I'll be able to get back into the sync of things though. Anyway that's all for now! Feel free to ask me any questions! Please Review!

~Kairi7~