Chapter Twenty-One

After leaving their appointment with Shigure, Kenshin pulled Kaoru by the hand into a small craft store he had noticed on their way to the apartment building. The inside of the store was cluttered from floor to ceiling with every type of art supply imaginable. Colors bombarded them from all sides, but despite what appeared to be chaos, each item was carefully placed and organized. Beside him, Kaoru pulled the sunglasses from her face, and slowly revealed to him the utter shock slackening her facial muscles. Satisfied with her reaction, Kenshin's smile tugged wider.

"I noticed your notebook is almost full. We should find a replacement before then."

Blue eyes slid over to him, but she appeared to need a second before she understood what he was saying. When the meaning of his observation sank in, her teeth clicked together and she swallowed. A decidedly bashful expression darkened her skin.

"If you find something else you want, I don't mind getting it for you."

Instantly her head shook, and a crease formed along his brow.

"What's wrong?" A gentle squeeze of his hand around her fingers conveyed reassurance. "I can at least buy you one other thing. Wouldn't you like to pick out something on your own, for once?"

Longingly, her gaze pulled to the shelf next to her, and she looked so tempted by the offer that his smile came back.

"You don't have to be shy."

Despite his encouragement, in the end she made certain to pick out something small and cheap. While he loitered by the different spiraled notebooks of drawing paper, she browsed the overflowing shelves and bowed slightly when the shop-keep greeted her. He wanted to make sure that he left her to her own devices, and refrained from rushing her choice. When she finally came back to his side, she held a single, red colored-pencil in her shaky fingers.

Kenshin frowned. "Are you sure that's all you want?"

A quick, insistent nod confirmed.

"But… don't you already have one?"

Her head tilted to one side, and she held up her free hand to measure out a short distance between her thumb and forefinger. It took a moment, but then he realized what she meant.

"Ah, is it almost gone as well?"

He chuckled when she nodded again, this time with pursed lips.

"Very well."

When they exited the store with the notebook and pencil carefully tucked into a paper bag, Kaoru practically glowed with joy. Such a simple thing to be so happy about. Gathering her free hand back into his, he returned her cheerful smile when she directed it at him. I can imagine the horrible things that were done to her before I found her… but despite that, her heart remains so pure. The intense blue of her eyes looked away to follow a bird high overhead, and the bag in her other hand swung slightly with the added enthusiasm she put into each step. Both red brows crinkled together in near anguish as he watched her, and something deep inside him trembled.

Can I ever be this happy with my life? After everything that has happened, can I too refuse to allow its influence to mold my perception of the world?

Swallowing, he demanded her attention, just to keep those captivating irises on him.

"Since you let me off easy, how about I take you somewhere to eat?" As if on cue, her stomach growled, and her mouth formed a small o of embarrassment. A low chuckle rumbled up his chest, and he brushed the hair from her eyes.

"We better not keep your stomach waiting."

Even though he knew the Akabeko would be busy at that time, Kenshin found himself standing at its doors. Mainly because he wasn't familiar with any other restaurant in the area, and he was certain he could afford the food. Also, he knew the food was good, and the service was better. He wanted this outing to be a positive one for Kaoru, so that she would not be afraid to go out with him again. It helped that he had quickly become acquainted with his co-workers there, and knowing they were generally nice kept the risk of a bad experience to a minimum.

A chorus of welcomes greeted their entrance, and then Tae herself was standing before him. She looked puzzled at first, and even glanced at her watch to check the date. When her brown eyes shifted to Kaoru, however, her customer service smile came back immediately.

"Table for two?"

"Yes, please."

Gentle, yet rapid, herding tucked them into a small table amidst the buzz of the busy restaurant.

"Tsubame will be with you shortly to take your order."

Kaoru smiled and nodded at the way Tae looked at her when she spoke, but Kenshin was fine with being ignored. In fact, it was even better in his eyes that Kaoru was getting to experience the formal treatment. As Tae left, though, she turned just behind Kaoru's shoulder, and gave him a thumbs up with a knowing smirk. Confused by the display, Kenshin frowned, which unfortunately caught Kaoru's attention. With a twist of her neck, she too looked over her shoulder at whatever had caused his strange expression, but saw only Tae walking away.

Tsubame was a full-time college student and a part-time worker. From the few interactions that Kenshin had had with her, she seemed to be a sweet but super-shy girl. Her personality and pretty features made her a favorite among the regulars, who never complained if she messed up. To be fair, that did not happen often as the young girl was a diligently hard worker.

Short, black hair cropped about her chin was highlighted by a hair piece of soft wisteria. Though the piece looked perfect enough to be fake, the petals were nothing less than real. No doubt, being a floral demon came with such perks.

"Good evening. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the menu."

The soft soprano of her voice made Kaoru smile at the floral demon's bowed head, and Kenshin could already tell she was fascinated by the hairpiece. When the young girl straightened, she finally recognized Kenshin, and her customer service smile became more genuine.

"Himura-san. I suppose you know the menu from top to bottom." Her giggle was like a chime of bells, and Kenshin was worried Kaoru might be infatuated. Then her deep black eyes, like the center of poppies, swung to his companion, and she bowed once more. "Is this your first time here?"

Captivated blue eyes never once left Tsubame's face, and she nodded slowly. Her focused attention made the girl duck her head shyly.

"Everything on our menu is delicious, but our special for the evening is the broiled butterfish."

Kenshin tried his hardest to hide his amused smiled.

"We may need some time to look things over."

Small hands clasped together in front of her, and Tsubame smiled. "I'll check in again later. Take your time."

Placing his menu flat on the table between them, Kenshin carefully explained each dish, the corresponding side dishes, and how it would be brought out. Though it did take a while, Kaoru listened attentively, and looked a little less overwhelmed by her choices. After it was all said and done, she even excitedly pointed to her final decision without a trace of hesitation.

"Good choice." She grinned toothily, as if receiving high praise, and he chuckled despite himself.

The meal seemed to be going smoothly, and he entertained himself by watching her scarf her food down. No matter how long it had been, he still enjoyed watching her eat because he still remembered how small and malnourished she had been in the beginning. Kaoru, unfortunately, entertained herself by unnerving their poor server each time she stopped to check on them. She was completely infatuated with her, and the way her skin glistened like dew-covered petals. Near the end of their dining experience, Kaoru looked briefly uncomfortable, and signed something he didn't understand.

"Uh…"

"Oh!" The floral demon had returned and caught Kaoru's question by chance. "I'm so sorry." As she spoke, she signed the apology, too. "I should have realized sooner."

Kenshin blinked, but was also relieved. "You know sign language?"

"Yes. I'm studying language in college, and I like how sign language allows you to speak without words." The shy girl looked bashful talking about herself. "But I haven't had the chance to use it outside of school. It never even occurred to me that she was staring because she was reading lips."

Kenshin outright laughed. "Don't give her too much credit. She can hear fine."

Kaoru's mouth pursed on a frown as he continued to chuckle, but his voice softened as he finished explaining.

"She isn't able to speak, and I'm still trying to learn sign language."

A resigned, but contrite, sigh huffed from Kaoru's mouth, and she twisted in her seat to sign something at their waitress. Tsubame blushed crimson. Kenshin only caught the signs for 'sorry' and 'beautiful.'

"T-thank you." Bashfully, Tsubame tucked her hair behind an ear. "You were looking for the restroom, correct?"

Kaoru nodded eagerly. Kenshin was just chagrined.

"It's right over there." Smiling, Tsubame pointed across the room at the signs on the wall. "Would you like me to show you?"

A little later, Tsubame returned to clear away their plates, and Kenshin asked for a pot of tea to settle their meal. She agreed amiably, but paused on an indrawn breath.

"Um… this is the sign for restroom." She repeated the sign for him to study, and he mimicked it faithfully. "J-just in case. It's embarrassing for a girl to have to ask a guy such a thing."

"Right. Thank you, Tsubame-san."

The tea came out before Kaoru came back, and he was starting to get a little worried. After consuming a full cup, he stood to track down Tsubame. Kaoru was wearing the charm he had given her, and because it had not activated, he knew she was not in danger. That did not keep him from feeling anxious about her extended bathroom break. The waitress was helping other customers, and he waited for her to walk away from their table before he grabbed her attention.

"What's wrong, Himura-san?"

"Could you check on Kaoru in the restroom? She's been in there for a while."

"Of course."

A part of him expected he was being overly paranoid, but he worried the food might not have agreed with her. Whatever he had imagined did not prepare him for Tae grabbing him by the arm a couple minutes later.

"You need to come with me."

Something leaden dropped into his stomach. "Where is she?"

Looking around to make sure they were not upsetting any of the other customers, Tae smiled and nodded at a curious glance.

"I had Tsubame take her to the employee locker room. Is she sick?"

"W-what? Not that I know of."

Rushing now that they were through the door separating the kitchen from the dining area, his arm jerked from Tae's grip so he could easily dodge through the busy chaos of the kitchen. At the door to the locker room, he paused to find Kaoru doubled over on one of the benches and wheezing. One hand was pressed against her chest.

"She's having trouble breathing." Tsubame was distraught, and one hand rubbed up and down Kaoru's back as if to help ease whatever was afflicting her. "Does she have asthma?"

"No… I… I've never seen her do this." Seating himself on her other side, Kenshin flattened a hand across her forehead to push back her bangs. "Kaoru."

Her hand pulled away from her sternum long enough to sign something he knew very well. A frown darkened his features.

"No, you are not fine."

"She can rest here as long as she needs to." From the door, Tae uncrossed her arms. "I'll handle your tables, Tsubame. Stay here and I'll send that new bus boy in to help."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Thank you." Standing quickly, Kenshin bowed. A second later, Kaoru's free hand curled into the hem of his shirt, and when he looked, her expression was sorrowful. "Don't worry about anything else, just tell me what's wrong."

Her lips trembled, but she slowly obeyed. Tsubame translated.

"She says her chest hurts."

Like that other time? But she was coughing then.

"Can you not catch your breath?"

"She says it's just a little painful." Tsubame's hand came up to cover Kaoru's forehead. "She doesn't have a fever. In fact… she's a little cold."

Kenshin copied her, and his frown deepened because she had not been cold only a few seconds before.

"I'll go get her some hot tea." Tsubame stood this time as Kenshin sat back down, and then a young man poked his head into the room.

"Tae said you needed some help."

"Could you stay with them while I get some tea, Yahiko-kun?"

"Sure." The young man shrugged, and stepped all the way into the room so that Tsubame could exit. Too preoccupied with Kaoru, Kenshin gave the young man little to none of his attention. "Just, uh… let me know if you need something."

Violet eyes spared him a brief glance and a word of gratitude. As Kaoru continued to struggle with her breathing, he cupped her face in both hands and helped straighten her neck to open her windpipe. Closed, dark lashes fluttered open, and the deep sapphire of her irises locked on him. They were just as captivating, just as consuming, as on their first meeting, and he found himself powerless to look away. The longer he stared, the less like an iris her eyes appeared to be. Instead, they undulated, the way a living flame might. Tiny blue licks pushed against the whites, imitating a mirage in the high heat of the desert. It waved to him. Beckoned him. He wanted to follow it anywhere.

"HEY!"

A hand was shaking his shoulder, and his mind pulled closer to consciousness. Close enough that he was aware of being trapped. Still, he could not move.

"H-Himura-san, what's wrong?"

He felt his mouth open, but no words would come out. A touch of panic was infiltrating his mind, but his heart was at such peace. Kaoru wouldn't lead him astray.

Darkness suddenly engulfed his eyesight, and the spell was broken. A sharp intake of breath jerked him back into reality, and it took him a moment to realize that it was Kaoru's hands that were crossed over the bridge of his nose and covering his eyes. They were cold, and callused from training, but gentle.

The floral demon, and the young man he was not acquainted with, were worried, so he plastered on a harmless smile and turned his neck slightly in their direction. The hands covering his face stayed in place, and no doubt made him look comical.

"Is everything alright?" His innocent question was exasperating for the others, and Yahiko sighed loud and impatiently.

"Jeez, it looked like she was eating your soul or something."

"Yahiko-kun." Tsubame scolded him, but Kenshin just chuckled.

"What a silly thing to assume."

"I… brought her some hot tea."

"Thank you, Tsuabme-san."

Kaoru's hands finally disappeared to take hold of the teacup offered to her. Blinking against the sudden light, Kenshin let his eyesight focus before attempting to move. For the first time, he noticed that Kaoru was shivering. Again, he brushed back her bangs, but she refused to look at him now. The tea was taken in sips, and as it disappeared, her breathing became easier.

"Maybe her throat hurt." The floral demon's voice was thoughtful and relieved by the notion.

"Or maybe she doesn't handle being cold. What's her demon type?" Yahiko was obviously a brash young man, but his observation had some merit.

"Yahiko-kun. You know that's rude to ask." The young man shrugged again, and crossed his arms to lean against the lockers.

"Maybe he's right." Holding his hand palm upwards, Kenshin conjured a round ball of flame. The other two reacted nervously, but he offered them another harmless smile. "Don't worry, it will emit heat, but it's not dangerous." Turning so that he was fully straddling the bench, he held the ball of flame between Kaoru and himself. "Is that any better?"

Sapphire irises glanced over at the flames, but instead of surprise or delight, her features curled in contemplation. It was a look he had seen a few times before, as if he had done something she recognized. Slowly, she sat aside the empty teacup, and one of her hands reached to fully submerge her fingers into the fire up to the second knuckle. Tsubame and Yahiko gasped, or cursed, in horror, but Kenshin watched quietly as she pulled her hand back and rubbed her thumb against the tips of her unburnt fingers.

"You've seen something like this before."

She glanced at him, but nervously flitted her gaze away. Confusion creased her brow, as if she wasn't completely sure.

"I thought all the fire demons died out in the war." Yahiko's voice was a touch confrontational, but more in disbelief than fear.

Kenshin continued to look at the crown of Kaoru's head as she huddled closer to the warmth from the flames.

"All but one."

"She's regaining some color." Tsubame tried to distract the conversation away from the sad look on Himura's face.

"She is. Does your chest still hurt?" Her hand flattened, palm downward, and shook from side to side. "I see." Turning his attention to the waitress, he smiled. "Thanks for your help, Tsubame-san. We should be fine now. I'll let her rest a little longer, and then we'll be going." Digging into his pocket, he pulled out some money and handed it to her for their bill.

"I'll be back with your change."

The forgotten shopping bag was brought to the back with the leftover money, and he thanked them both again. In the back of his mind, he reminded himself to thank Tae properly on his next shift. Fitting the loops of the bag on his forearm to keep his hands free, he stood next to Kaoru and offered her his assistance.

"Do you think you can walk, Miss Kaoru? I can carry you, if you're not sure."

Her entire face flushed red, and her mouth thinned into a single, pink line. A firm shake of her head disagreed with that idea, but she did take his hand to steady herself. Tsubame giggled.

"She's so stubborn."

"Yes, she is." The words were more affectionate than he realized.

It took only one step to prove it.

"Look out!"

The young man had remained in the room with them while Tsubame was gone, and had just moved aside to let them pass. His quick warning only narrowly preceded Kaoru's legs buckling, but also the strong gust of unnatural wind that swept upwards from behind her. Kenshin instinctively felt the power before it could get close, and something purely protective surged up from his core. With his right arm, he hooked Kaoru around the front of her waist, and with his left, he chopped downward in a straight line behind her spine. Fire erupted into the small space with the sound of a sonic boom, and sliced through the gust of air, choking it out and cutting it short of touching her. The fire dissipated once its purpose had been fulfilled, and not even a whiff of smoke remained to hint at its previous, threatening presence.

The room in the aftermath was deathly quiet.

Something golden flashed in the glare of his eyes, and the arm still holding Kaoru had forced her flush into his chest defensively. The hard glower was aimed at Yahiko, and the young man was wide-eyed in shock. Slowly, his hands lifted in surrender.

"I-I was… just trying to help."

The words were alarming in the face of this foreign reaction, and Kenshin snapped out of sentinel mode with a guilty lurch. No one else he had ever been around had produced such a primitive and involuntary desire to protect. It was a little frightening, but less so than his instinctive anger towards humans. Perhaps because the principal emotion behind the reaction was different.

"I'm… sorry."

Glancing down, his thoughts still went quickly to Kaoru and her safety. Strangely, he found her face smashed directly into the curve of his shoulder and pectoral muscle. When she turned her nose slowly to one side to look up at him, her eyes were narrowed in surprise and indignation. Loosening his grip awkwardly, he allowed her to stand fully upright, but kept her balanced at the elbow.

A shaky gasp pulled into Tsubame's mouth, and she clapped her hands together as if to lighten the mood.

"Well. I didn't realize you were that worried about Kaoru-san, Yahiko-kun."

Sputtering, Yahiko looked between the floral demon, Kenshin, and Kaoru's blue eyes as she looked over at him curiously. "Wha-… Says who? I-I just thought it'd be a shame if she fell on her face and got uglier."

Tsubame instantly berated him for calling a girl ugly, and while Kenshin frowned, Kaoru's scrunched expression distracted him. For a moment, he thought perhaps she was going to cry. Certainly, being called ugly by anyone was not a pleasant experience. A second later, she twisted to free both hands, and formed the sharpest, angriest set of signs he had ever seen.

A hand covered Tsubame's mouth, but she was unable to keep herself from dissolving into giggles.

"What? What did she say?" Demanding an answer, Yahiko looked petulant and belligerent at the same time.

"She…" More giggles. "She said your such a little brat, you wouldn't know beauty if it smacked you in the face."

X

A/N: lmao Once that scene came to me halfway through the chapter, I knew it had to be added. I wasn't originally going to include Yahiko in this story, but it worked out way too well for him not to be. Did anyone maybe catch his demon trait? I thought about it for a bit, and I didn't want to overuse animal traits. I was also trying not to overuse elemental traits, either, since I wanted them to be some of the more powerful ones, but I think it suits him. Tsubame is also such a sweet character, that I love using her. Being a floral demon makes her even cuter. Of course, not all flowers are sweet scents and pretty petals, lol. Which is why it's also kind of fun.

I originally wanted to end this chapter on a fight between our two love-birds, but ah well. Even though I try to map out the chapters in my head before I write them, so I can keep myself straight, I'm trying to be more patient with this process and allow myself to simply continue what I couldn't get to in the next chapter. So, spoiler alert? Lol Fighting helps people grow closer, too. As long as they figure out how to communicate, in the end. I've also found ways to sneak pieces of the main plot into our fluff moments, so that makes me happy. Sorry it's a little late today, but thank you for continuing to read! Next chapter… maybe Kenshin has a bit of good luck?