Chapter Thirty-Eight
Kenshin grinned down at his phone as he sat in the small break area reserved for the employees of Tae's restaurant. On his screen, a small animated bunny hopped up and down in excitement before taking off into dizzying circles. Kaoru was really looking forward to their evening out, and it simultaneously warmed his heart and made him feel guilty to know she was so happy. Only a couple days prior, they had been at odds, or at least he had been. Now it was as if nothing had happened, and a part of him wondered if that was really okay. Relationships were complicated but amazing.
I haven't said anything to her about the fireworks. I'll need to find a good spot to watch them with her. Maybe I'll do that in the morning.
Since he had missed a few of his scheduled work days, he was no longer getting the entire day off like he had originally planned. In order to make up his absences to Tae, he had agreed to work the lunch shift the next day. Nevertheless, she was again being gracious by allowing him to still take off for the evening. She was a tough lady, but treated her employees really well.
"Are you feeling better, Himura-san?"
Violet eyes glanced up to find Tsubame settling into the seat across from him at the round table. Her hair piece for the day was a small bunch of blue forget-me-nots.
"I'm sorry?"
"You didn't look well the other day when Tae-san sent you home. Haven't you been out sick?" Her soft voice was full of genuine worry.
"Oh… right. Sorry for any trouble I caused. I do feel much better." The phone in his hand was pocketed, and he bowed his head slightly.
"That's good." Dark eyes glanced up at Yahiko as he pulled out the chair between them, and she smiled when he handed her a bottle of tea. Then her eyes came back to Kenshin once more, and her expression was a little shier. "H-have you had any luck… with the books I recommended?"
Kenshin glanced at Yahiko as well, and had to clear his throat to hide a grin when he found a frown on the young man's face. It was clear he had no clue what Tsubame was talking about, and was in the midst of deciding how he felt about it.
"I have been very fortunate. Thank you for your help, Tsubame-san."
"Oh." Her voice rose an octave, and her cheeks flushed pink. "I'm so glad. Have you responded yet?" Abruptly, her head ducked, and she covered her face with both hands. "I'm sorry! You don't have to answer that. It's none of my business."
Kenshin chuckled at both Tsubame's curiosity and Yahiko's deepening frown.
"I haven't, but I do realize it's important." Pausing, he closed his eyes on a smile before sharing, "We're going to the festival tomorrow night. I think she'll really enjoy the fireworks."
Dark eyes peeked at him from between her fingers, and her features brightened as she realized what he was saying.
"I think so too!" Her hands balled into small fists and she leaned forward earnestly.
"I can take you if you want to go." Yahiko's voice was brusque as he cut into the conversation, but he looked away as he said it. The floral demon blinked at him quietly, and he shot her a look. "We're both off tomorrow, right?"
"Y-yes."
"You probably already have plans, though." Now his voice was slightly petulant, and Kenshin purposefully looked the opposite direction to at least pretend he wasn't part of the conversation anymore.
"N-no." Her voice was quiet and bashful. "I'll go… with you. I'd like that." The confession was almost high pitched, but also soft like flower petals.
"G-good. Himura-san won't mind if we tag along, right?"
"Huh?!" The jerk of his head nearly upset the thick elastic hairband he wore while cooking. It was only just caught on the small horns at his hairline, but his shock superseded all else. Next to him, Yahiko's face was alarmingly pinched and screaming for help.
"We couldn't do that, Yahiko-kun." Small fingers tugged at his shirt, and her voice lowered. "Tomorrow's going to be important for Himura-san and Kaoru-san."
Sighing, Kenshin closed his eyes and forced a smile. Yahiko looked quite panicked, and he didn't have the heart to completely deny him.
"Why don't we walk there together? We could meet at the restaurant tomorrow." Yahiko's shoulders practically fell in relief.
"Are you sure? We don't want to be a bother." Though the young lady was hesitant, she also seemed a little relieved. Which was a curious for the couple.
"It's fine. I'm sure Kaoru would like to see you both again, as well."
"Oh, do you know what she plans to wear? Maybe we could wear yukata together."
A blush darkened Yahiko's nose, but Kenshin believed he understood. While he didn't know what Kaoru would be wearing, the thought of her in a yukata was somehow heartwarming.
"Should I give you her number?"
"If you don't think she'd mind."
The information was provided, and he gave Kaoru a heads up before he excused himself back to work. As he expected, Kaoru's response was immediate and thrilled that she would be seeing the floral demon again.
A little later in his shift, Yahiko stopped by his work station, and his dark eyes looked around as if strangely afraid of being caught. When he finally spoke, he leaned in close, and his voice was flustered.
"What do we do?"
Kenshin frowned. "About what?"
"Tomorrow. At the festival. I… I've never gone to one before."
Kenshin's hands paused over the skillet he was working with, and his eyes lifted to lock with Yahiko's gaze. "Seriously?"
The young man became a touch defensive, and his arms crossed. "Yeah, so? Mom never let me."
A slow breath pulled into Kenshin's lungs. It made sense. She had probably worried about her child slipping up and revealing his true nature by accident. That kind of unwanted attention would have caused trouble.
"Alright. The environment will be laid back, so you don't need to feel too pressured. Just do what you would on any other date, and have fun. Tsubame-san doesn't seem judgmental."
"We…" Yahiko's eyes looked up and to the side, and the words were pulled from him begrudgingly. "We've never been on a date together."
"Huh?" Somehow, Yahiko kept catching him off guard.
"Which means I really need to do a good job, right?"
"Wait a minute. I thought you two were already dating."
This time the redness on his face reached his ears. "No. She's just… been a really good friend… kind of… the first and only one I've got since I moved here."
Red brows lifted, then descended slowly, and a smile pulled at Kenshin's mouth before he returned his attention to the food he was cooking. "You could not have been luckier."
"Yeah." His normally boisterous voice was soft.
"Just don't let yourself be friend-zoned. You know, if that's not something you want to be stuck with forever." The tease slipped out, and Yahiko's features returned to his normal half-grumpy, half-petulant expression.
"Why do you think I'm asking for advice? Sheesh, I thought for sure you'd at least be able to give me some pointers. Haven't you and that ugly girl been dating for a while now?"
Kenshin's smile froze. "I'm sorry, Yahiko-kun… I thought I just heard you say you wanted to go with Tsubame-san to the festival alone tomorrow. Did I hear you correctly?"
"Uh, no-no, you heard me wrong." Recognizing his mistake, Yahiko held up both hands desperately. "I said you and Kaoru-san make a really… uh, nice couple, and I'd be real lucky to have something like that with Tsubame-chan someday."
A turn of his head hid his grin against his shoulder, and Kenshin cleared his throat before responding.
"Is that right? Must be all the noise in here." His nonchalant voice became kinder as he took pity on the young man. "How about this? I have a friend who might be able to get you some tickets to a show that I'm taking Miss Kaoru to. They might be sold out at this point, but I don't mind checking with him."
"Yeah? That would be great! Just let me know how much they cost."
"Sure. Now get back to work before Tae-san catches us chatting and we get an earful."
X
The day had already been long by the time Kenshin arrived at the lab to pick Kaoru up. Between getting back late the night before, waking up early to work on the charm, running out to the festival location to stake out a relaxing spot for viewing fireworks, and then working the lunch shift, Kenshin had decided a short afternoon nap was necessary for his survival. Even still, he had to smother a yawn before entering. Instead of Kaoru, though, he was met by Tomoe with a department store bag.
"You look nice, Himura-san." The bag was shoved into his hands with a smile. "I prepared this for you. Why don't you put it on?"
"But…" Her hands shooed him towards the bathroom, and he looked around for Kaoru in hopes that she might rescue him. "You said I look nice. What's this for?"
Tomoe continued to smile, and closed the door between them without answering. Frowning, Kenshin pulled the looped handles apart and tried to make sense of the clothes within. Upon extracting them, he recognized what it was he was holding, and his heart did a flip. If this is what she was making him wear, he could guess without a doubt what it was Kaoru would be wearing. All of his reluctance went out the window, and he changed quickly.
"Do you need any help, Himura-san?"
"No, thank you." He had never told anyone, but upon his father's insistence, he had grown up in traditional clothing. Wearing a yukata was quite comforting as well as comfortable. When he came back out of the bathroom, Tomoe looked him over and nodded in approval.
"I'm glad we went with the indigo. It suits you."
It was mostly solid, with a single-lined pattern that went from one shoulder straight down to the bottom hem. The obi was jet black with a similar pattern in white.
"I found a pair of sandals for you as well. They're by the door."
"You didn't need to do this, Tomoe-san."
Tomoe folded her hands and smiled gently. "Do not blame this on me. Kaoru insisted we get one for you, too. However, her choice was something a little more flamboyant, so I will take credit for the pattern."
Kenshin laughed nervously, and wondered what he would have ended up looking like if Kaoru had gotten her way.
"Is… she ready?"
Tomoe's smile softened. "She's waiting for you in the rec room."
Trying not to appear eager as he made his way down the hall, Kenshin paused for a moment at the opening to allow his eyes to find Kaoru. The straight line of her figure stood in front of the couch, and he was content to discover that she indeed wore a yukata as he had hoped. While it seemed like she was waiting patiently, her flame blue irises darted to him immediately, and her face lit up like sunshine. She attempted to keep no appearances, and openly hurried to meet him halfway in her excitement. Unfortunately, her yukata tangled at her legs, and she tripped into his chest. Catching her by the shoulders, he instantly scolded her, but she merely grinned up at him happily.
"Careful, Miss Kaoru."
Both of her strong hands were flat against his chest, and her eyes closed as if embarrassed and pleased. With the demanding blue of her irises hidden, Kenshin's gaze was filled with the vibrant and festive red of her yukata. Small pink and white flowers decorated the cotton fabric, and the obi was pure white and without flaw. The color suited her, and complimented her open enthusiasm and love for life. Though he couldn't put his finger on it, there was also something different about her face. Whatever it was… it made it difficult to breathe.
"Now, remember to stay close to Himura-san." The reminder of Tomoe's presence jerked at Kenshin's muscles guiltily, and he pushed Kaoru up so that she was once more standing on her own. The coal demon fussed a few moments with Kaoru's clothes and hair, but smiled when Kaoru beamed at her in reassurance.
"You look so beautiful, sweet girl." The smile settled into a stern expression when she turned her attention on him. "Don't let anyone hassle her."
Kenshin frowned. "Of course not."
A smile twitched back on her lips. "I know you will be a good escort, Himura-san."
It was hard, but Kenshin stifled a sigh. I've never had a mother, but I wonder if this is what it feels like.
"Have fun you two."
Kaoru nodded happily, then slipped her hand into his without hesitation. Squeezing her fingers lightly, he turned them so that they were facing Tomoe, and then bowed formally at the waist. He could feel Kaoru's eyes on him, but she followed suit after a moment. Once they were again upright, he worried Tomoe would cry.
"Y-you should get going now. Be careful."
They met Tsubame and Yahiko in front of the restaurant, as planned. As soon as they were close enough, Kaoru's hand slipped from his and she eagerly greeted the floral demon in sign language.
"Kaoru-san! You look beautiful!"
Tsubame was wearing a yukata as well, but of a gentler color to match her personality. The cotton of her clothes was a soft pink with floral patterns and an obi of similar color. Her dark hair shone in the summer sun, and a single, large peony sprouted from the black strands just above her ear.
"Your hair is so elegant today, Kaoru-san. I didn't realize it before, but there's a pretty blue tint to it that matches your eyes." Tsubame's gushing was making Kaoru blush, and Kenshin smiled as Kaoru readily returned the compliments.
"Hey." Yahiko jerked his chin at him, and Kenshin nodded in turn. "Did your friend have any tickets left?"
"Don't worry, Yahiko-kun. He said he would leave two at the entrance for you."
A strangely nervous breath released from the young man's chest, and he nodded. "Okay, good."
Because he couldn't help it, Kenshin ruffled Yahiko's parted and slicked down hair, and then laughed when he jerked out of reach.
"Hey, dammit! I spent forever trying to get it to lay down." With only a little bit of friction, the deep brown strands on his head shifted and floated upwards back into his normal gravity-defying hairstyle.
"Don't worry, Yahiko-kun. No one is going to notice that your hair does this naturally."
He continued to glare at him until Tsubame chimed in.
"I like it better this way, Yahiko-kun." Her soft smile was hidden quickly behind her hands as she continued to work a sprig of cherry blossoms into the soft, low bun behind Kaoru's left ear. The red hair charm had been pinned once around the base of the bun, and then coiled into an offset accessory that now complimented the fresh pink petals.
"Yeah, well. What are you doing, anyway? Cherry blossoms are out of season." Changing the subject quickly to hide his embarrassment, Yahiko pointed at the back of Kaoru's head.
"But… it matches her yukata."
"So, nothing's going to make her cuter."
Because Kaoru was so open, Kenshin worried how this kind of teasing would affect her mood. To his surprise, one of her brows lifted at the young man, and she looked down the bridge of her nose at him. Just like Megumi did when she talked down to others. Then her hands formed a slow and deliberate response to his mocking.
"And nothing's going to make you any less of a brat."
Kenshin chuckled and even Tsubame giggled, though nervously. Though she had pulled it off convincingly, Kaoru grinned almost immediately afterwards, and her features returned to reflect her normal carefree personality.
"What? What did she say?"
Kenshin offered Kaoru his hand, and her smile transferred to him before taking it.
"Let's get going, shall we?"
As they walked on ahead of the other couple, Kenshin grinned over at Kaoru as Yahiko fumed behind them.
"Hey! What did she say?"
"Yahiko-kun." Tsubame tugged at his sleeve, and he jerked his grouchy face over to her. A light blush was dusting her nose and cheeks, and his expression melted slowly. "Next year… would you wear a yukata, too?"
"W-wha?"
"I… think you'd look really mature in one… like Himura-san does."
"Huh?" Caught between jealously and joy, Yahiko grumbled before turning his face away from her and roughly offering his hand. "… Sure."
His face burned beet red when her fingers curled shyly around his.
X
A wolf's den. That was where Cho had found himself. The fact that he had been transferred from his original post had not surprised him, but where they had sent him had been a shock. At first, he had willingly accepted it, since it was to a squad with more resources and information. Not to mention, transferring in was unheard of, and passing up the opportunity would have been ludicrous. After a few months, though, Cho was already wishing he could just quit.
Saitou Hajime was a hard ass. He did not find Cho's lackadaisical attitude amusing in the least, and constantly demanded his best out of every assignment. His department was strict and uniform. What was worse, everyone else under his supervision was perfectly fine with it. The entire squad were lunatics, and it was wearing the grass demon thin.
That stupid shadow demon. He promised me Master Shishio's sword if I helped him retrieve that girl. Then he just lets her slip through his fingers, and I had to take the heat. This is bullshit.
"Get up."
The hard tone of the okami beat down on him as he leaned back in his chair. Crossing his arms behind his head, Cho grinned up at Saitou to hide his irritation.
"Where we going, boss?"
The feet he had propped up on his desk were offered a side-eyed glance from the yellow eyes of the wolf demon, and the sharp, pointed ears sprouting from Saitou's slicked back hair twitched. A second later, the chair jerked out from under him, and Cho found himself sprawled on the floor. The office burst into laughter.
"Careful, boss! You'll break that broomstick in half!"
One sweeping glance of his yellow eyes shut down the jeers.
"Up. Now. We have orders to stake out a possible wind spirit. We are to apprehend it if confirmed."
Pale blonde eyebrows lifted as Cho shot upright.
"Whoa! We still have those? Count me in!" Jumping to his feet, Cho paused. "Wait. How do you catch a wind spirit?"
X
A/N: This ended up being a shorter chapter, but after some new stuff started coming to me to add in the festival, I got really excited. Perhaps that doesn't make sense, when talking about the length of the chapter, but it meant I needed to add some smaller details that I hadn't originally planned for. So, next chapter, we FINALLY get to the summer festival, and an unexpected confrontation. Yippee! I hope everyone is continuing to enjoy the story. I know it hasn't been really exciting these last two chapters, but sometimes it's good to take it easy and build up. It can't be the best all the time, otherwise, the fun parts wouldn't be as enjoyable. That's what I believe anyway. Really, I'm just happy to get some love out into the world. Whether the world is going crazy, or is perfectly stable, we all need some love to get us through. See you next week!