Chapter Twenty-Seven

The siblings' return to the lab ended up being two days late due to the weather. Even though they got to spend that time stuck at a beautiful beach house with clear skies and a relaxing view, Enishi had hated every minute of it. Being at the beach house was fine, but he had never been fond of the ocean. Mostly because it was impossible for him to swim. The fact that they were stranded there also fed his frustration, and knowing Kaoru was staying in Himura's apartment did little to lighten his mood.

His sister, on the other hand, had seemed perfectly unaffected, and spent much of the time cleaning the seashells Kaoru had collected or sunning herself on the back deck. While he was certainly glad that his sister had found some peace about the situation, witnessing her achieve tranquility somehow made him ashamed of his own troubled heart. He had known for quite a long time that Kaoru's heart already belonged to the fire demon. Knowing and accepting were two very different things, it seemed.

At this point, he knew that he was only hurting himself. Doing things for her, going out of his way to spend time with her, and expecting a reaction different than what he received, only solidified how hopeless his affection for her was. He knew it, so why could he not accept it? Kaoru had not even reacted to his adult form, not even to point it out, and had acted and treated him no different than usual. Even though in his mind, he had hoped she would finally see him as a man and not a child. A blush, was that too much to ask for?

Crossing his arms and leaning against the side of the elevator, Enishi sighed for what was not the first time.

"Are you feeling that impatient, little brother?"

Emerald irises glanced up at Tomoe standing perfectly straight and poised beside him.

"You've been sighing since yesterday."

"I'm fine." The grumpy response earned him a sad smile.

"…Let me know if you'd like to talk about it."

The arms across his chest adjusted, and he dropped his chin to break eye contact.

The elevator dinged as the doors slid open on their floor, and he followed his sister down the hallway to the host lab that Kaoru was supposed to be staying in. She was not there, however. Himura was supposed to be dropping her off soon before heading off to work. There didn't appear to be anyone inside when they entered the lab, and Tomoe immediately sat herself at the desk she had taken over inside the main room. Excusing himself to the restroom, Enishi headed further into the space and through the rec room.

As he was making his way down the short hallway, the restroom door opened and the green-skinned ogre helping with Kaoru's seals stepped out. Though he was small for an ogre, he was still larger than Enishi. He smiled immediately when their eyes connected, but Enishi glowered instead. Something about him had not sat well with the stone golem from the beginning. His repulsion was purely instinctual, however, as he had never caught or heard of him doing anything that deserved skepticism.

"Good morning, Enishi-san. You're looking a little taller today."

"Whatever." His deep, gravely voice sounded grumpy.

"You don't seem to be in a very good mood." The grin on his face stayed like a Cheshire cat, and Enishi had to fight a sneer.

"And what business is that of yours?"

Iizuka shrugged. "It's not because of our cute little ward, is it?"

Everything about the question was wrong, starting with 'our' and 'cute'. The frustration already riding high in his mind flared, and he had to bite his tongue.

"Sorry." He didn't sound an ounce apologetic. "I've just noticed the way you follow her around. I get it. She's very… what's the word… adorable, trying to act all strong. It makes you want to make her cry." There was too much pleasure in the words, and Enishi straightened defensively.

"You need to stay the fuck away from her."

"What? Me?" Holding his hands up to claim harmlessness, Iizuka looked genuinely shocked. "I wouldn't dream of it. I just thought that's what you might want to do to her. Forgive me if I misjudged you, but don't you think it's so cute when girls cry because of you?"

The frown on Enishi's face was becoming permanent. "No."

"Alright. My mistake." Letting his hands drop to stuff into his pockets, Iizuka's grin turned to a smirk. "Maybe you're the type to prefer a dominating woman then. Maybe a little red or black underwear. Kaoru seems to have that in her, too."

What the fuck is wrong with this guy? And who does he think he is addressing her so casually?

"You could check, while no one's here." One hand indicated the room behind him, and without thinking, Enishi glanced in its direction. Strangely, the door to Kaoru's room was ajar, and he jerked his head back to the ogre in instant suspicion. A flash of red caught his attention, and he looked down to find the corner of something soft and crimson peeking out of the pocket Iizuka had just pulled his hand out of.

"You sick son-of-a-bitch."

A hard right hook caught Iizuka square in the jaw, and knocked the ogre into the wall behind him. The small, square glasses barely perched on his nose went flying, as well as a single, bloody tooth. Wide red eyes spoke of shock at the reaction, and Iizuka was lucky enough to dodge a second punch. The green-skinned ogre scrambled down the hall to get away, but a hard kick to the back of his knee dropped him to the floor next to the couch in the rec room. By that time, Tomoe had heard the ruckus.

"Enishi!"

With one hand fisted into the front of the ogre's shirt, and his other fist pulled back threateningly, he froze to give his sister the attention she demanded.

"What are you doing?"

"He's trying to sneak underwear out of Kaoru's room!"

"W-what?" Flinching away from the still raised fist, Iizuka shielded his face and tried to appear as non-threatening as possible. "I would never!"

Tomoe marched over and jerked a finger for Enishi to move. "Get off of him." Reluctantly, Enishi stepped aside. Her finger pointed next at the ogre.

"You. Get up."

Iizuka immediately obliged.

"Right pocket." With Tomoe between them, Enishi informed her of where to look while he continued to scowl over her head. The crimson material had dislodged itself even further from the ogre's pocket, and was even more visible in the aftermath of their brief scuffle.

"T-this?" Iizuka pulled at the corner of the reason for his missing tooth, and revealed a large red handkerchief. "I-I have allergies, and this is easier than going through a box of tissues every day."

Tomoe crossed her arms and turned an unamused expression on her brother.

"Enishi, I think it best you go home for the day." From the tone of her voice, he could tell she was holding back what she really wanted to say.

"But sis…" Angry and confused by how the situation had turned on him, Enishi tried to defend himself, but a doubtful part of him couldn't find a leg to stand on. He knew he was already irritated, and that he didn't like the ogre. That didn't give him the right to attack him, though. Even if what he had said had made him angry and uncomfortable.

"This is where I work, Enishi." Instant shame filled him. What if his actions resulted in her losing her job? With everything piling up, a growl of disgust escaped his throat, and he turned sharply to leave. He couldn't, however, keep himself from calling over his shoulder.

"I'm watching you, you piece of shit."

Iizuka stood slowly, and was surprised to find Tomoe still standing unfazed and patiently waiting for him to right himself.

"My brother doesn't strike others for no reason." Her black eyes were steady and focused upon him, and an internal part of him squirmed under her gaze.

"I-I must of said something wrong without meaning to. I'll be sure to apologize."

Gracefully, her head bowed forward. "I am sorry the confrontation resulted in violence. Please be sure to inform me of any medical costs. I will handle them." Once she was again upright, her hands folded properly in front of her. "I don't believe I should have to say this, but please do not ever enter Kaoru's room. I also don't think it wise for you to be in this lab unattended from now on, to avoid any future confusion. I will speak with Megumi-sensei about ensuring you are accompanied going forward."

The coal demon turned her back to him and walked unhurriedly to her desk. Behind her, the ogre ground his teeth and sucked on the blood filling his mouth angrily. Riling up the golem was meant to cause friction between the siblings, but instead it had only brought more attention upon himself.

I'll have to come up with something a bit more drastic to get the attention back off of me.

X

Though tensions had been high, Kenshin could truthfully say that he had enjoyed having Kaoru stay with him for the two nights that she had. She was energetic, slightly goofy, and an all-around warm presence that changed the ambience of his apartment. Getting the apartment had been a necessity, and wanting that particular one had been a complicated combination of finding the right space and amenities and pleasing Kaoru. After moving in, however, it had surprised him by how empty it had felt. Staying with Hiko and the komainu for a year had resulted in him becoming used to the presence of others, but had also helped him to realize how much he had missed Kaoru. Afterwards, living with Kaoru at the lab, even for a short time, had confirmed how much he favored being near her.

He liked how she made him feel important, reliable, and wanted. He liked how her enthusiasm pulled him in, and how easy it was to laugh. He also liked how she made him want to be better, when before he had been content to just be as he was. She pushed him, encouraged him, and supported him by walking with him instead of in front or behind. With her small hand wrapped warmly around his, she tugged and insisted, and her flame blue eyes, like small burning stars in the sky, beckoned him to follow her. And he knew he would. He would follow her anywhere. After all, had he not already thrown himself headfirst into the terrifying embrace of the ocean just for her?

With her there, his apartment finally felt like a home, and not just a dwelling where he laid his head down at night. But while it was comfortable, it was nerve-wracking at the same time. She constantly kept him on his toes, but easily soothed him with a glance and a smile. Grinning to himself, he looked at her next to him. What was a little tension, anyway? Though new and unexpected, it didn't alarm him, and he had already accepted it. It just meant he would have to be a little more aware of his and her actions going forward. If anything, it made their interactions a little sweeter with slow anticipation.

The building disappointment that he felt while walking her up the concrete steps to the lab was also accepted with quiet resignation. For now, it was best that she spend most of her time at the lab, as it was the safest place for her. Especially while he was at work. There was still too much to figure out and resolve with her seals, identity, and Sojiro's looming involvement. At some point, though, Kenshin imagined her free of it all, but had not yet had the time or forethought to contemplate what happened after that.

Kaoru had been quiet and pouty that morning. Upon learning that she would be going back to the lab, she had asked instead to stay another night. With the tropical storm causing power outages, Tae had called to inform him the day before that the restaurant would stay closed. Therefore, Kenshin had not worked and Kaoru had not been left alone in the apartment. Despite her confidence in him, Kenshin did not like the thought of her staying somewhere alone and unprotected. With Tomoe back at the lab, he preferred for her to be there for the time being. While Kaoru had not exactly argued or demanded to stay, she had moped about as if hoping he would change his mind.

To be honest, it was a little amusing for him to watch her sulk about not wanting to leave, but he hid that emotion from her for fear of upsetting her. Their time together had been too pleasant to end it with a fight.

Besides, now that she's more comfortable being outside the lab, I can take her out more often.

It was getting quite obvious that Kaoru was dragging her feet as they walked through the lobby. The receptionist greeted them, now that he was used to seeing them come and go, and Kenshin nodded his head politely. Kaoru gave him a small smile, but was too preoccupied with her thoughts for more than that. Once in the elevator, she started chewing her nail and stared at the floor. Brushing back her bangs and tucking a section of hair behind her ear, he waited patiently to gain her attention.

"Are you that upset about having to come back?"

Her mouth pursed, and she looked briefly away before shrugging her shoulders and shaking her head.

"Then is something else wrong?"

A short, inhaled breath expanded her chest, and she chewed her nail again.

"If I did something that upset you, you can tell me."

This time her brows lifted in surprise, and she shook her head a little more forcefully.

"Then what is it? It seemed like you wanted to say something yesterday, too." She had asked for his attention multiple times the day before, only to change her mind. Perhaps her uncharacteristic pouting and moping had nothing to do with coming back to the lab at all, and everything to do with wanting more time to tell him something important.

Her hands rubbed together fitfully, and she almost jumped off the elevator when the doors slid aside.

Now she can't wait to get away from me? What is this?

Stifling a chuckle, he followed her down the hallway until she stopped abruptly halfway to her host lab. She spun on her heel, and he froze under the weight of her determined gaze. Another, deeper breath pulled into her lungs, and she deliberately formed four hand signs with slow precision.

Unfortunately, he only recognized two.

"Uh… I don't know these two." He signed them back to her awkwardly, as it was the first time he had ever seen them. Instead of reacting like normal to help him learn, her features scrunched. Unexpectedly, bright pink flushed her skin, and she smacked both hands over her face in embarrassment before she took off running down the hall.

"K-Kaoru." Calling after her and quickening his own steps to a jog, he slowed when the lab door burst open and Enishi stomped out. Bypassing him without even a pause, Kaoru ducked into the lab and disappeared from sight. In the meantime, Enishi spared the girl a long look, but gave Kenshin a hard glare.

"What the hell took you so long?" Pushing past him, Enishi marched off towards the elevator, and Kenshin was left undecided in the hallway. Something had obviously upset the stone golem, and while he was curious, he was preoccupied with his own current confusion. A few seconds later, and Tomoe peeked her head out to greet him.

"There you are. I was concerned when Kaoru came running in alone. Is everything alright?"

"I think so. She signed something to me and then took off. Do you know what this means?" The signs were reproduced, again awkwardly.

Tomoe sighed. "I'm afraid I don't. Enishi probably would, but he's on his way home. I know you need to get to work, but you might be able to catch him on your way out."

"He looked upset." Unsure if he wanted to get in the middle of whatever was going on, Kenshin stalled.

"Yes. He… wasn't very happy about being stuck at the beach house." Tomoe pulled the door half-shut and brushed off her brother's anger in order to avoid a larger scene of chaos. "I'll see if Kaoru will write them down for me, or send you a text."

"Thanks. Tell her I'll stop by tomorrow. I didn't really get to say goodbye." A strained chuckle escaped him before he bowed and left.

As he was walking back through the lobby, he caught sight of Enishi's stiff back as he descended the concrete stairs. Although he still wasn't sure he wanted to get in between what he assumed was a sibling fight, Kenshin hurried to catch up. Kaoru had obviously said something important, and he wouldn't be able to respond properly until he knew what that important statement was.

"Enishi-san." Calling after him, he was relieved when the golem stopped. His features were not very receptive, however.

"What is it?" The deep baritone growl of his voice was as rough as an avalanche.

"Do you mind to translate something for me?"

A long sigh pushed steadily from his nose, but he waved a hand.

"Hurry up. I'm not in the best mood."

"Thanks." Forming the signs for a third time, he was a bit more confident. Strangely, the anger on Enishi's face faded until his expression was flat.

"Is that all she said?"

"Not exactly. I already know this means 'I' and this means 'you'. It's the rest I couldn't figure out. It seemed important to her, and I don't want to ignore it."

Emerald green eyes averted to the side to stare at something off in the distance. When his attention returned, the deadpan expression had not changed.

"Fuck you. Figure it out yourself." Between one second and the next, Enishi had turned to march away.

"W-wait…"

Three steps later, and he jerked back without warning.

"And keep an eye on Kaoru. If anything happens to her, I'll beat the shit out of you."

"Enishi…"

Confused and now worried, Kenshin watched Enishi head off in the opposite direction of the restaurant. Since he was already cutting it a little close, Kenshin knew he couldn't follow him.

At least explain what you meant by that.

X

It was well into the evening shift at the restaurant, and the place was busier than ever. With no time to think about anything else but what was in front of him, it didn't occur to Kenshin that he knew one other person who could use sign language until it was time for his last break of the day. By that time, he had already received a message from Tomoe indicating Kaoru had refused to explain to her what the signs meant. Kaoru herself had sent him no messages, which was unusual. Left with no other choice, Kenshin caught up with Tsubame in the small employee lounge area. A couple of others were resting their feet or staring at their phones.

"Himura-san. You look like you need something." Her sweet voice was welcoming and bashful at the same time.

"I was hoping you might be able to help me translate some sign language."

"Sure!" Luckily, she was enthusiastic about her studies.

Now on his fourth attempt to figure out the signs, Kenshin hoped he was even reproducing them correctly. As soon as he was done, a light blush of pink stained her cheeks and nose, and Tsubame balled both hands in front of her mouth.

"Kaoru-san said that to you?" Her muffled voice was now a bit shy and breathless.

"Uh, yeah. Is it… bad?"

"Oh no! But…"

"But?"

"I really don't know if it's okay for me to tell you. I mean… it's very personal."

"Ah. Someone else I know refused as well. I guess he thought I should figure it out myself."

Tsubame started nodding before he was finished. "Yes, I agree. That would be for the best. Besides," the blush darkened and she hid fully behind her fingers, "I really don't think I could say it out loud."

"Alright. Sorry, Tsubame-san." Chagrined, Kenshin wondered what he was going to do. I guess I could wait for Kaoru to explain it herself.

Tsubame's head shook hard enough to jiggle the fresh blossoms of bluebells in her hair. "No. I'm sorry, Himura-san. I hope… you figure it out soon." Peeking through her fingers, she bit her lip at the slightly dejected slump of Kenshin's shoulders. "Um… I could give you a list of books that might help."

"Really? That would be great."

A short list was scribbled onto a piece of paper, and then Tsubame excused herself to go back to work. Pulling out his phone to check the nearest bookstores for availabilities, Kenshin was surprised to find a new voice message. He was even more surprised by who it was.

"I got your letter, boy."

Hiko-sama? Did he call me from a pay phone?

"The only non-killing techniques I know of were all created and taught by humans. Demons aren't exactly the sort to agonize over such things. The last technique like that died out about three hundred years ago, before the war started. That's all I know." There was a low grumble, and then. "The komainu want to know when you're coming back to visit. If you do, bring that little girlfriend of yours. I'd like to meet her."

The message ended abruptly, and Kenshin looked at his phone as if it could answer all the questions in his head. Sitting it down slowly on the table, Kenshin leaned back in his chair and frowned.

Why would Kaoru know a human technique?

X

A/N: This was a fun chapter to write, even though I didn't have the time to get to it until later than I would have liked. While I resolved Tomoe's feelings, I do still need to work with Enishi, but I also wanted him to be the one to be openly suspicious of Iizuka. Kenshin isn't around him enough to really catch on to things, but Enishi has been there, so he was the best choice. The next couple of chapters will get to some upheaval, but there are also some things that I'm looking forward to introducing in them as a result of that upheaval. Let's hope I make it through this the way I want, and in a way that everyone will still enjoy! Thanks so much for sticking with me! Twenty-seven chapters already?! I've been at this over half a year now! I'm really feeling the love!

Next chapter: Kaoru works hard on her housewarming gift, and secrets are revealed.