I do not own Rurouni Kenshin ;-)
Treasured
Chapter 2 – A Strange Bedfellow
'I stink'
'You do.'
'I can't help it…'
'How many times have I told you not to sleep here?'
'Was I supposed to count Jou Chan?'
'No ahou. It's a figure of speech. It stinks here. You stink.'
'It's comfortable though'
'It's a menagerie Sano'
'Hn'
Kenshin noticed that while all the crew gave Kaoru their respect, Sano was allowed certain discretions that other crewmates were not. He teased her, and allowed her the same courtesy and called her Jou Chan. They were like siblings and looking at them reminded him of his sister Ami. Her sweet gentle tone's, kindness and naivety were things he had overlooked all too often. Did I protect her too much...is that why she was taken away? Because she knew too little of the world? He remembered their time together often. Sighing he smiled to himself as he listened to Kaoru and Sano's banter. Although she was tough, she was fair and true to her heart. Each time he thought he knew her, she surprised him with her depth of understanding of human nature. She gauged each persons measure correctly and interpreted their needs without fail.
'One should never be overly judgmental Kenshin'
'But what if the situation requires a severe riposte? Perhaps the person in question deserves brutality in order to understand the errors of their ways'
'I don't believe in harsh measures to overcome stupidity or ignorance. When you judge someone you prevent yourself from empathising. Apathy is the sibling of ignorance, Kenshin, which leads to false consciousness...is that what you want?'
Her compassion and uncanny blunt nature had somehow imbued itself within his heart. It had only been a few weeks. Kenshin felt like it had been a decade.
Kaoru watched Kenshin from the corner of her eye. She found that the more outwardly happy he appeared, he was least happy in his heart. Whenever he thought no one was looking, his face reflected sorrow and desolation at being unable to find any leads regarding his sister. Their several land stops had been fruitless even with Kaoru's extensive list of contacts and knowledge of the pirating arena.
At their current stop however, Kaoru was sure some progress would be made. It was a group of islands highly favoured by pirates due its geographical position which was central to all trade routes, and generously populated with characters of ill repute. On the main island, various states of 'social immorality' could be found. Kaorus favourite place however, was the Akebeko, a strangely sanitary ale house compared to its surrounding elements. Walking in, Kaoru and her crew were immediately greeted with loud shouts and raucous yelling. Walking up to two ladies who looked entirely too similar she greeted them warmly.
'Sae, Tae! Long time no see!'
'Kaoru Chan! You should have sent word and we would had everything set up for your arrival!' they enthused 'And who might this be?' inquired Sae, the more vivacious of the twins.
'Oh, where are my manners! This is Kenshin. Himura Kenshin, he's travelling with us for the time being. Kenshin these two lovely ladies are Tae and Sae' she said gesturing towards the twins.
'It's a pleasure to meet you Kenshin San!' they chorused
'Ah, Tae san and Sae san, I can assure you that the pleasure is entirely mine in making your acquaintance' he responded charmingly. By the looks on their faces Kaoru knew they thought he was gorgeous in more ways than one. The Akebeko was place she could rest and stayed there often to regather thoughts the future. Resting a mug of warm Meade on her knee she looked out over the bustling pirate city.
'May I join you Kaoru san?' without turning she knew it was Kenshin.
'Of course Kenshin. There is no need to ask.'
'You seem thoughtful of late. Can I be of any service to you?'
'Ah dear Kenshin. You cannot solve all the world's problems, let alone yours and mine. You have had no success in finding your sister.' She stated. At this he remained silent for a moment before replying.
'Do you believe that she is alive?'
'Does it matter what I think Kenshin?'
'Yes'
'It shouldn't'
'But it does.' He stated quietly. Sighing Kaoru knew she had to tell him what she was about before he took things to the point where she could no longer refuse him.
'You know I'm not like the debutantes in London Kenshin. I don't settle.' For anything…
Facing away from him, she felt his movement as his arms came around her, his hands resting over hers on the balcony wall.
'Why must it be that way Kaoru? Why' he whispered. Turning in his arms she faced him.
'It will always be like this. We're from two different worlds Kenshin. We can never be. And my life is such that I'm never settling down. As if we could ever be one in this day and age. I am not selfish enough to take a step with you that I know I could not follow with another. You don't even know me'
'I know what you won't do Kaoru. I know your 'societal reasons', and frankly I find it hard to believe that a woman who has defied society with each step she takes, will back down from experiencing something special simply because the tonne will frown upon it' he stated fiercely. 'I know my heart and, I know that we have something special.'
He knew that in the mood she was in, all arguments would be fruitless. Sighing he returned to his room with a heavy heart.
Unreciprocated emotions were strange bedfellows indeed.
A short chapter compared to the last one I know ;-)
Tell me what you think - whether it's good or bad :-)
cheers,
Iuvenalis.
