So, everyone has some theories going, but I guess you'll all have to wait to see. I'm actually really excited about everyone's reaction. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter, and for those of you who wanted a little more progression, here we go.

Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin does not belong to me. This includes all of the characters and whatnot.

Chapter 30: Shadows and Hidden Paintings

Kazuki stopped, his dark eyes swinging to the door of the training hall. Focused, intent, his brow furrowed as he tried to penetrate the darkness of the trees. Something was out there. He didn't know how he knew, but whatever it was made his stomach uneasy.

"Hey! Pay attention!"

Ducking and wincing, Kazuki cradled a hand to the crown of his head, his black irises darting back to his brother. "What did you do that for?"

"Master left me in charge, idiot. So I have to keep both of you in line while he's visiting his daughter." Bringing his wooden practice sword back down on top of Kazuki's head one more time, Haruki continued reasonably. "Besides, we were sparring, little brother. Of course you're going to get hit once in awhile. Especially if you're not paying attention." Smacking him again, he laughed when Kazuki growled.

"Stop it!"

"Make me."

Throwing down his own sword, Kazuki launched himself forward and tackled his older brother to the ground.

"Come on, you guys. Master would be less than pleased!" Anxious and perhaps a bit embarrassed by their immature actions, Ren stood at the far end of the hall, his kata forgotten. "You were supposed to be learning to control your anger, not give into it!" Arms hanging limp by his sides, Ren huffed irritably, and came hesitantly closer. "If you don't stop I'll tell Aunt Oka on the both of you!"

"Oh, shut up!" Both brothers yelling at the same time, they each reached out a hand and grabbed his ankles, flipping him onto his back before resuming their wrestling match. Grunting and gasping for breath, Ren blinked dazedly at the ceiling before allowing his head to roll limply to the side. Outside the sun was low on the horizon, reflecting here and there off the high canopy of the forest. Beneath the trees were dark shadows full of ominous foreboding. It made him uncomfortable.

"So you noticed too?"

Jumping, Ren looked over to his cousins, surprised that he had not noticed the lull in their fighting. Still sprawled on the floor like him, Kazuki jerked his head at the open door. "There's something out there." Sitting up on the other side of him, Haruki stared blatantly out the opening.

"Is that what I've been feeling?"

"Don't act all superior now, big brother. You're only saying that because you're supposed to be in charge."

Making a face as his only reply, Haruki stood to his feet. "Do you think we should see what it is?"

"Definitely." Grabbing up his wooden sword, Kazuki followed his brother out the door.

"I don't know, you guys. Maybe we should wait for the master." Scurrying to catch up, Ren whispered his concern. "What if it's someone wanting to challenge the dojo?"

"Grow a backbone, you baby. It's probably just a wild animal or something."

"Yeah, and even if it is a challenger, are you just going to lay down and let him take over without a fight?"

"No!"

"Shh!"

"And what are you three up to?"

Recoiling in unison, Haruki overbalanced, knocked into Kazuki, who elbowed Ren, causing the smallest one to land yet again on the floor.

"Master!"

Sighing, Koshijirou bent to offer a hand to his youngest student. "I was hoping to find my pupils diligently working on the assignments I left them with when I came back, not playing like children."

"But Master, we weren't playing." Earnestly trying to correct him, Haruki stepped forward. "There's something out in the woods."

"He's right, Master, I felt something earlier."

"I felt it first." Straightening, Haruki puffed out his chest.

"You did not." Smacking him in the gut, Kazuki scowled.

"I did to."

Closing his eyes and searching for patience as the brothers once again started arguing, Koshijirou glanced down at Ren when he tugged softly at his sleeve. "Master, I felt it too, and… it's still there." Lifting his sword, he pointed out across the yard. Smiling, Koshijirou was glad he had acquired at least one levelheaded student, even if the boy was just a bit too timid.

"I know, Ren. I can feel it, too."

Quieting abruptly, Kazuki and Haruki jerked their heads up to look at their master. Fight forgotten, they each gripped their practice swords and frowned. "What do we do?"

Nodding, Koshijirou showed approval of their actions. "First we must determine what kind of threat is there before we make any move against it. Does this make sense to all of you?"

"Yes, Master."

"Good." Stepping to the edge of the porch, Koshijirou raised his voice. "Come on out, boy. Hiding is for cowards and criminals."

Laughter echoed within the dense enclosure of foliage. It was cold and selfish and Koshijirou could feel Ren waver next to him. Placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder, he steadied him for the confrontation. "How did you know it was me, old man?"

Lip curling, Koshijirou tried hard not to spit the bile from his mouth. "I've known you too long to forget your twisted, cruel energy, Enishi."

Soft rustling preceded the appearance of the intruder, the darkness cloaking him as he stepped out into the clearing. Tall and somehow graceful, he leaned back into the nearest tree, his teeth abruptly white when he grinned. "Such harsh words from my old master. You wound me." Uncrossing his arms, the katana at his waist shifted slightly, catching a faint ray of light. One hand reaching for the glasses covering his eyes, he slid the dark lenses down his nose to peek green irises over the top. "If I were a weaker man I might be offended beyond consolation."

"If you were a stronger man you would find no offense in hearing the truth."

"Still preaching your nonviolent views to a world that doesn't care?"

"Still using your strength for your own gain?"

Laughing again, Enishi pushed off from the tree and stepped closer. "Of course, what other way is there to use strength, really? Which reminds me." Green eyes sweeping over the three standing behind Koshijirou, he lifted a dark brow as if in question. "Where's Kaoru? I've been gone for so long, I was looking forward to seeing my betrothed."

"Your betrothal to my daughter was ended over two years ago, Enishi. Your right to know anything about her ended then."

Something foul contorted Enishi's features, his hand grasping the hilt of his katana. Behind him Koshijirou could feel his three disciples preparing themselves to defend. "I never agreed to that. Kaoru was meant to be mine." Blade shining threateningly as he pulled it slightly from its sheath, Enishi's voice became demanding. "Now, you will bring her out to me, or I will be forced to make you."

Slowly placing a hand on his own weapon, Koshijirou had no intention of replying when the older of the brothers spoke up angrily. "Kaoru-san doesn't live here anymore."

Following his brother's lead, Kazuki fed fire to the conversation. "Yeah, she's already married and living elsewhere, so just shut up and go away."

Feeling a surge of irritation at their impatience and loose tongues, Koshijirou shot each of them a look. Ducking, they dropped their eyes to the walk. The quiet that followed was extended and heavy, and when Koshijirou finally looked back to Enishi he found the boy frighteningly still.

"Is that true, old man? Did you marry off my woman to someone else while I was gone?"

Grumbling low in his throat, Koshijirou chose his words carefully. "It is true Kaoru is no longer under my care. Her protection now belongs to a man that commands more strength and honor that you ever could."

"Is that so?" Eyes narrowing, the hand on his katana shook. "And where does this man live? Tell me, for I greatly wish to test his strength for myself."

"Save yourself the shame of defeat, Enishi. You would stand no chance against him. And besides, what prize would you seek to claim from such a duel? You know my daughter has no love for you."

"Her love does not interest me, old man. It is her fire that I want. Such strength would be a benefit to my family."

Anger inserted itself over the calm Koshijirou was trying desperately to hold onto, wishing to deal with this nuisance civilly, and yet wanting to soundly whip him and send him home like he used to. To speak of his daughter as if she were just some breeding mare was too much. Kaoru deserved to be loved, not broken. "You will leave sight of my house now, boy, before I lose my temper."

Though the rage on Enishi's features did not falter, he did shift back a step, speaking of his wariness. Growling, he shouted across the yard. "Tell me his name and I'll leave."

"Get out." Voice low with warning, Koshijirou stepped forward.

Taking another step back, Enishi snorted. "Is he really just a coward? Have you built him up to be some great samurai when he is really nothing more than a weakling that she protects?"

"Don't make me tell you again, boy."

Shifting his attention to the three students, Enishi lifted an eyebrow. "Well? What do you three think? Is this man your master speaks of so highly really just a coward? Do you think he would appreciate being protected by his father-in-law? If he had any honor at all he would face me openly in battle and not hide behind others."

Having learned their lesson, they simply glared back. Finding no help from them, Enishi huffed condescendingly. "I guess your master didn't think you were important enough to inform? Or perhaps he just doesn't have a name. Perhaps my Kaoru isn't married at all, merely hidden away, waiting for me to come find her."

"Give it up, Enishi. It is not your name that she speaks."

Growing impatient with the word bantering, Enishi snarled. "Then tell me the name that she does."

"Come on, Master. What difference does it make if he knows his name?"

Ren's whisper spoke of his unease, and Koshijirou sighed. Perhaps it would make no difference… and perhaps it would make all the difference in the world. Whatever way, Koshijirou couldn't shake the apprehension he felt. "His name is Kenshin, now be gone."

"Just Kenshin?" Laughing at the tightness on his old master's face, Enishi turned to walk away. "Very well, it's enough anyway." Enough to find him, and end him.

X

Kaoru sat next to Kenshin in his office, only half-listening to the audience he was holding, her mind adrift in other thoughts. Shortly after her father had left for home, she had gone back to visit Tomoe. The excitement of learning about her daughter and the villagers had overshadowed everything else, and in the process she had forgotten to ask the sorceress a very important question. One that had been weighing on her mind every since learning of the curse.

Now that everything was once again clear and calm, Kaoru wanted to know what Tomoe had not told her. A way to break the spell. After the initial shock, Kaoru had been told to let herself accept everything that she had learned and decide just how she felt about it. Task accomplished, she wanted to know what needed to be done next. Because she still felt the same as she had before, she still wanted to help Kenshin and everyone else to be free of their restrictions and longing.

It seemed, however, that Tomoe's curse was a bit more complicated to break than a simple charm. It was going to take time. Time they were quickly running out of, and it frustrated Kaoru that Tomoe was acting so very nonchalant about that fact. She knew Tomoe wanted to break the curse just as much, if not more, than Kaoru did, so she did not suspect her of stalling. Even still, Tomoe's plan was much too time consuming for Kaoru's liking.

"This must be handled very delicately, Kaoru-chan."

"Why's that?"

Smiling, Tomoe petted her hair. "I have had a very long time to study this curse of mine, and I'm afraid my haste in casting it has created a very specific method for breaking it. It is the very reason why spells need to be as vague as possible."

"Oh. Ok, so what do we need to do first."

Amused with her enthusiasm and determination, Tomoe sat back, her eyes crinkling. After learning of her daughter, Tomoe had taken to smiling much more than before. "For now, child, what you need to do is very simple. I want you to focus your attention on Lord Himura. This tree may be what holds all of the power behind the curse, but he is the receptacle that it pours into."

"Alright…" Unsure what was supposed to happen because of her attention, she pursed her lips. "but what good is that going to do?"

"My dear, you have done a wonderful job helping him to see those around him, to care for others and acknowledge his emotions. All you need to do now is show him more. Show him how to live. Teach him that it's okay to truly care. Help him to be truly happy."

"That's it?"

Nodding, Tomoe's smile pulled slightly downward. "It may sound very simple for you, but this is very important. Not many people know how to be truly happy."

"Right."

"Just relax, Kaoru-chan, and act normally. Everything will fall into place soon enough."

Letting out a breath, Kaoru rolled her eyes. Act normal, she says. How can I do that when she specifically told me that this needs to be handled delicately? If I was to describe myself, delicate would be the last thing that came to mind. Blinking out of her daze, she smiled at the egret standing across from her. Shigure, she was certain was his name, and he tended to the gardens. Why did Kenshin need to see him again? Shaking her head, the obvious answer came two seconds after the question. Because it's spring and the gardens are blooming, you idiot. Hmm… gardens. Should I see if Kenshin wants to take a walk sometime? Seeing the flowers might help accomplish whatever it is I'm supposed to be helping him to do. Frustrated, she pouted. This is ridiculous! What good are flowers going to do?

Curious of the wide range of emotions pulling at the different muscles of Kaoru's face, Kenshin tried not to smile, but found it much too hard. Giving his attention back to Shigure, Kenshin nodded his head at his report.

"You have my permission to recruit as many new hands as you need, as long as they are willing."

"Thank you very much, my lord." Bowing regally, the egret glanced sideways at Kaoru, his eyes suspiciously bright. "If I may, my lord, I have calculated that tomorrow will be the peak for the trees. Since the lady has not seen our gardens in full bloom, I think she would find it very pleasing to see the different phases."

Starting, Kaoru's eyes widened, and then she blushed, wondering how the egret had read her mind so easily. Taking the look as one of delight, Kenshin nodded. "A good idea, Shigure-san." Mouth opening, Kaoru stuttered incoherently while Kenshin spoke over her. "You did say you wished to see the trees in bloom, did you not, Kaoru-dono? If you are free tomorrow, and as long as the weather permits, we shall fulfill that wish."

Blush darkening, she gave up trying to talk and dropped her eyes to her lap. "Okay."

Nuzzling his beak under a wing to scratch at a ruffled feather, Shigure hid his amusement and then graciously took his leave. "I still need to check on the far eastern gardens before nightfall." Bowing his head to Kenshin, he turned to repeat the respectful action to Kaoru. "I wish you a good evening, my lady, and I hope you enjoy your walk through the gardens tomorrow."

"T-thank you." Flustered, and unsure exactly why, Kaoru watched him hop down into the hallway, and then looked up at Kenshin as he stood and stretched.

"Come along, my lady." Offering a hand, Kenshin helped her up. "We are late for our evening meal."

They caught up to Shigure just outside the tsumado, but before they could all go their separate ways they were stopped by a beautiful, white swan. Heading Shigure off as he tried to round the corner, the swan fluffed its wings, startled, and then froze. For several long seconds, the graceful creature did nothing more than blink, a look darting to Kenshin before her eyes locked onto the egret and stayed.

"Shigure-san…"

For a moment the egret seemed confused, at a loss, but then his body straightened and he swept out a wing. "Toki?" Ducking her long neck in embarrassment, Toki nodded. Surprised, Shigure stepped closer, his voice warmer. "It's been such a long time."

"Y-yes… yes it has." Soft and timid, her smooth voice breathed back.

"How have you been?" There was note of sadness in his tone, genuine concern, and something else that was unreadable.

Hesitating, Toki looked away. "Fine, Shigure-san…" Dark eyes coming back to him, her voice gained strength of certainty. "My brother has missed you. You should visit him sometime."

Suddenly uncomfortable, Shigure glanced behind him at the lord and lady. "I doubt he would wish to see me." Bowing his head, he stepped to the side. "I am glad to see you are well, Toki-san. Perhaps I will see you later, so that we may catch up."

"Well, I…"

"I'm sure you wished to speak with the master, and I have duties that need my attention." Already past her and heading around the corner, Toki extended a wing after him.

"But…"

Clearing his throat, Kenshin grabbed her attention, Shigure stopping to peek around the corner in case he wished to address him as well. "Was there something you need to discuss with me, Toki-san?"

Reluctant to let Shigure go, she looked between the two. "Yes, my lord…" Pausing with her mouth open, Toki closed it slowly and tilted her head to the side. "I mean…" Gasping in a quick breath, she blinked, was silent for a long space of time, and then exhaled. "I'm sorry, my lord, but… I seem to have forgotten."

Kaoru bit her lip and tried hard not to giggle. Shigure, on the other hand, was unable to help his own amusement. Mortified, Toki hid her head underneath one large wing and apologized in a small, soft voice.

Feeling uncharacteristically upset with her humiliation, Kenshin frowned. Toki reminded him a lot of his mother, and a protective part of him wished to defend her. "I'm sure you have much on your mind, Toki-san. Whatever it was must not have been important, and therefore should not be worried over. You will no doubt remember later, and I promise to listen then."

"Thank you."

Following Kenshin's lead, Kaoru added. "I'm sure you were merely surprised to find an old acquaintance, right, Toki-san? Everything else must have gone right out of your head." Lifting a brow at Shigure's still lurking presence, Kaoru decided it was time to get him back. "Perhaps a walk through the gardens might help clear your mind. You should see if Shigure-san will take you with him."

Soft chuckles dying off, Shigure stared at the lady, and then looked down at the beautiful swan. Watching as she shifted uncomfortably for a couple of seconds, he finally nodded slowly. "A wonderful idea, Lady Kaoru." Holding out a wing in imitation of offering a hand, the egret bowed his head. "If you are free this evening, Toki-san, would you care to join me?"

Instantly forgetting all of her annoyance and embarrassment, Toki nodded eagerly. "Oh yes. I would love that." Soft voice sounding even more breathless, she followed him off down the veranda.

Watching them go, Kaoru smiled and shook her head. "I've noticed quite a lot of that recently."

Curious, Kenshin's brow furrowed. "Noticed what, my lady?"

Continuing as if she hadn't heard him, which was likely, Kenshin conceded, Kaoru tilted her head thoughtfully. "Of course, it is spring, I guess." Features dropping, she slapped a hand to her face and groaned. "I did not just say that out loud."

"I'm sorry, my lady?"

"Never mind." Grabbing his hand, Kaoru dragged him towards the dining hall. "Come on, I'm starving."

X

Smiling, Kaoru shook her head as his complaining finally stopped. She didn't know why Kenshin was so adverse to her brushing his hair, but she basically had to threaten him to get the chance. He could, obviously, brush it himself, but he always just left it hanging, free and wild down his back. While fine when he was sleeping, he looked quite disheveled during the day.

It was late, warm, and comfortable in his room, a single candle glowing proudly in the corner. After their baths, Kaoru had helped Kenshin with the ties on his yukata, and then followed him to his room, arguing the entire way. The hour probably had much to do with his resistance, the impropriety of her presence in his quarters no doubt a bad stain on her reputation. Kaoru rolled her eyes. She had been in his rooms this late before, so she didn't know why he was being so contrary about it. Sliding the brush down his back and to the tips of his long hair, it snagged gently on the collar of his sleeping robe and the base of his wings. It didn't take long for his hair to lay tame and smooth, but Kaoru continued, the motion hypnotic.

A small part of her didn't want to leave. She liked being near him, and she wasn't really sleepy yet, anyway. Even if they weren't talking, the friendship they shared made the atmosphere relaxed and calming. After all they had been through, their bond was much stronger than before; their laughter easier, their smiles warmer, their talks longer. It was the best feeling in the world, knowing she had someone she was so close to. Which was why her emotions were a bit conflicted.

It had all started the same day their friendship had been renewed, the same day her father had visited. At the time, she had ignored it, because too many other happenings had demanded her immediate attention. It wasn't until a few days later, after her father had left, did she even allow herself to think about it. It had all happened so fast, so abruptly, that all of her emotions had tangled, knotted, and then burst apart, leaving her disoriented and breathless; confused. One thought had stood out above the rest, however, ruling her reaction and words. Joy. Innocent, naïve, blinding joy for the arms wrapped around her and the words of promise spoken in her ear.

Joy for the relief it gave him, for the show of appreciation, for the progress of their relationship. He cared enough to worry about how she thought of him, how she felt about him, felt comfortable enough to want comfort from her. Comfort she would gladly offer, freely, whenever he wished. Comfort he had not taken advantage of again.

The touch of disappointment spearing her heart only added to her confusion. The only other time they had embraced was when her overzealous glee had thrown her into his chest and nearly knocked him over. Still slightly embarrassed, Kaoru ducked her head, but kept brushing, the wet strands drying slowly. She knew she could get overexcited, but she had wanted to show her own appreciation to him. How was she to know that her brief hug was going to cause such a stir?

Inwardly, she conceded, not out. It was that second time that brought forth other observations besides just joy to the forefront of her attention. Like the anxious flutter in her stomach, trembling there long after she had jumped away, the one quick inhale of his scent still lodged in her nostrils. It was crazy! How could something so small cause such a reaction? It wasn't like his scent was anything different or new. He just smelled like soap, sharp and clean.

And yet, it was more than just the way he smelled. Everything else was just so twisted she couldn't name them all. If she had the chance to experience them again, then maybe she would figure them out, too, but therein lay the problem. A vague warning in her mind spoke of the intimacy in the action. Perhaps it was the very reason Kenshin had not tried to hug her again. Then again, perhaps he didn't want to at all. Fear of rejection was eating at her stomach, a desire to experience quivering her heart, and dread that her actions might harm their friendship stirred up doubt in her mind.

A recurring argument disagreed, and she sighed. Immediately after their first hug, just before her father had interrupted, he seemed willing, intent even, on making sure the occurrence happened again. This time, though, his actions were slower, but his intentions were not quite as clear. Lightly, his clawed hand had touched her arm, sending a shot of anticipation like a spike through her chest. It had turned quickly into guilt after hearing her father's voice, and Kenshin's touch had withdrawn, but the disappointment on his face had been obvious.

And you know how he is. It takes divine intervention just to get him to do, say, or show something that he wants for himself.

Biting her lip, Kaoru let the brush slip from his hair one last time and put it aside. The red mane was almost completely dry, and she briefly wondered how long she had sat there, contemplating the simple mechanisms of a hug. Absently smoothing a hand down the soft strands, she curiously leaned closer, letting the smell of them reach her nose. It was the same scent of soap, the same flutter of emotion in her stomach. Argh! I feel like a pervert! Closing her eyes and scowling, she argued with herself for a moment before opening them again. Leaning closer to his back, she twitched as his hair tickled her face, smiling to suppress her giggle. Glancing up to see if he had moved, she cautiously rested her cheek against him.

Lightly at first, she enjoyed the warmth he was exuding. When he didn't protest, she scooted closer and leaned more weight against him, one hand stroking the hair in front of her face. The new atmosphere was drugging, forcing her eyelids to droop, and she experienced a more intense sense of comfort and safety. Her heart warmed, the anxious fluttering in her stomach quelled, and the rest of the world seemed far away; insignificant. Hearing no complaint from his mouth, feeling no tension in his muscles, Kaoru smiled lazily and wrapped her arms fully around his torso.

It was wonderful, and she eagerly wondered what it would be like to have him hugging her back. Pushing her cheek into the warmth of his hair, she tightened her grip, almost giddily happy that he wasn't even trying to object. In fact, his breathing hadn't even quickened, nor his heartbeat. Blinking, just a bit putout, she frowned, and then opened her mouth in surprise. It couldn't be. Letting go carefully, she crawled around the drape of one wing and looked expectantly upon his face. A face relaxed completely in sleep.

He fell asleep… while I was brushing his hair. Undeniably disappointed, Kaoru still couldn't help her giggle this time. Idiot. Of course he wasn't coherent, or he would have definitely been protesting. Rolling her eyes, Kaoru smiled, brushed at the bangs covering his face, then looked around for his futon. The least she could do was help him into bed. It was folded neatly in a corner, though it did have a light layer of dust coating it. Unsure what that meant, Kaoru picked it up and brought it back to his seated figure.

Unfolding it in front of him, Kaoru hesitated, before gently encouraging him to lay down. Mostly asleep, but willing, it seemed, to be manipulated, he woke up enough to climb onto the mattress before falling back into unconsciousness. Partially laying on his side and stomach, his wings spread wide to either side of him, he looked rather cute as his tail twitched once or twice before laying still. Tearing her eyes away from him, she searched next for a blanket.

Frowning when she couldn't find one in his room, she stood and opened the shoji that led to the smaller inner room. Carrying the candle with her, she was surprised to find the room cluttered and overrun by all types of knickknacks and expensive looking objects. From jewelry boxes, to boxes of silk, one or two statues of gold, carvings made out of ivory and jade, rich paintings, and then more everyday things, like his clothes and the extra blankets she was searching for were stacked against the walls.

Bypassing the riches, Kaoru reached for the top blanket. It was warm now, but she knew the later it got, the colder it was going to become. Picking it up with her one free hand, she muttered when it snagged on a large scroll shoved up next to it, pulling it free from its perch and throwing it on the ground. Making sure she didn't lose sight of it, Kaoru knelt and sat down the blanket to free a hand for the scroll. Loose and missing a tie to hold it closed, the scroll was partially unrolled, forcing her to sit down the candle as well. Flickering light illuminated the colors of whatever was painted onto the surface as she picked it up, and she tilted her head at finding that she was staring at the bottom half of two people.

One was wearing a kimono, so it was obviously a women, the other was a man, because of the hakama he wore. It took only a moment for her to recognize where they were, the railing and pond telling of the larger open pavilion. Curious now, as the only human portrait she had seen was of Tae, she slowly unrolled the painting all the way.

Instantly her eyes were drawn to the woman, and she gasped, seeing herself, smiling, happy as she pointed at whatever had grabbed her attention in the water. It was undeniably her, from her features, to her blue eyes, even though she was painted with her hair down and she wore an extravagant court kimono. It was beautifully done, detailed, and realistic, even capturing the delight on her face. Abruptly curious, confused, and anxious, her eyes swung to the hand holding her own, then upwards to the face of the man.

For a moment, she could not say she recognized him at all, but then, no one living at the palace looked human anymore. Except, she did know, because no one else had hair as red as his, or those golden eyes, and, since this was no doubt painted after she had arrived at the palace to stay, no one else would be holding her hand so familiarly. Staring, taking in every little detail, Kaoru was a little shocked. Is that what Kenshin really looks like? Holding the painting back, she fought a smile and lost. He's really handsome. Suddenly frowning, she pulled it closer.

Handsome he was, but what was he doing with a painting like this, hidden inside his rooms? Why hadn't he showed it to her before? What did it mean? Eyes coming back to rest once more on his face, her frown lightened into uncertainty. The look he wore was a combination of tender amusement and warm affection. He was happy to be there, happy to be with her, and the curl of his fingers around her own spoke of the close relationship they shared. There was something more to it, though. This painting did not depict two friends. The expression on his face was clearly of a man in love.

For a moment it made her chest ache with longing. How wonderful it would be to be loved so completely.

In the next moment, she wondered if he felt the same way when he looked upon the painting.

Shuffling from the other room caused her to start, and she guiltily rolled up the scroll and stuffed it back into its hiding place. Scooping up the blanket and candle, she tiptoed to the door, but found that he had merely shifted in his sleep. Sighing, shaken, Kaoru took a second to calm her breathing before walking fully into the room. Carefully placing the candle back in the corner, she shook out the blanket to cover him.

Seated next to him as she tucked in his shoulders as best she could, her hand drifted to his face to comb back his bangs with her fingers. She could see much of his original characteristics now in the features before her, and she was happy to realize that she had known he was handsome even before seeing the painting. After all, it wasn't the way he looked that made him beautiful, it was his actions that made her care for him so deeply.

Suddenly wistful, she lightly brushed a thumb underneath his closed eye, letting his lashes sweep across her skin. I wonder if he'll ever really look at me like that.

X

A/N: So, first off… Enishi's back! And he doesn't seem to be too happy about Kaoru getting married off to someone else… not that he could know she's not really married, but he'll still get a fight if he comes looking for one. And looking seems to be exactly what he's going to do. Though, I'm sure the last thing he expects is for her to be living in the palace.

Next, Kaoru gets to deal with trying to go along with Tomoe's plan to break the curse, without knowing exactly what it is she is trying to accomplish, since Tomoe didn't tell her everything. XP Sounds interesting… oh and a few of the other couples seem to be getting together. That was just a small plug of mine, since I did want to do a few other couples, but find they're not really relevant to the story, so I have no excuse to fuse them in. So anyway, Shigure and Toki are the couple that didn't quite get together from the Rurouni Kenshin movie, the same one with Musashino. And, if you haven't watched the movie don't read the rest of this sentence… but I hated the fact that Shigure died. It was a bunch of crap. So here they are, happy, alive, and getting together. Yay!

And last but not least, Kaoru found the painting! And is drawing some conclusions, and now she's suspicious. Wohoo! We might be getting somewhere!

Anyway, please review, and in the next chapter, we get to go on a nice walk, and perhaps some other things. -wink-