Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Twist of Fate ❯ Chapter 3

Forgive me for taking so long to get this out. The last few weeks have been a blur. I'm completely overwhelmed as karma first smiled at me and then slapped me back down. I've been on carribean cruise, only to return to cold weather and a flat tire. But, it was all worth it!! Now I'm trying to figure out how to pay my bills and then taxes….but you aren't here for that, so why wait any longer?

 

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Kaoru placed the basket of sheets at the foot of the ladder before ascending to the panel. With a soft groan she shoved against the heavy wood, and cringed when it fell back with a loud bang. She offered the redhead a sheepish grin before climbing into the attic.

 

The space wasn't extremely large, only extending over the downstairs area. Kaoru had once come here as a retreat while she was growing up. Here she would spin fantasies of the handsome prince who would come rescue her. It had been her space, the only room in the house that had been completely hers. The small pallet still lay beneath the single windowsill. It was fairly clean; Kaoru was forced to dust up here every other week.

 

She stood up, the ceiling just inches above her head. She surveyed the room, a few scattered trunks not taking up nearly as much space as she had feared. A momentary sense of nostalgia came over her. It had been several weeks since she truly spent any time up here. Kenshin came up behind her and pressed against her so he could step from the ladder. With a start, Kaoru stepped away from him spinning around. She flushed at having felt him so close to her. The man was playing hell on her nerves. From the way she was acting, one might think she'd never been around one before.

 

“It's not very spacious with all the knick knacks.” She stammered, her cheeks flaming. “We're very limited with the space we have.”

 

“It's fine.” He stated.

 

“I'll bring you some clean blankets.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

She didn't move and risked raising her eyes. He was watching her curiously. “I need to get by.” Kaoru explained.

 

The violet eyes blinked. “Oro?” He glanced behind him and offered her a wry grin. “Forgive me.”

 

She tried to scoot by him and he gripped her upper arms as they switched places. She pressed up against him again fleetingly and her heart sped up. She looked up at him, her mouth slightly open as she drew in a ragged breath. Then she was by him and she felt a slight disappointment when his hands left her. With no other choice, Kaoru made her way back down the ladder. She glanced back up and listened as his footsteps moved towards the window. She placed a hand to her chest trying to steady herself. What was wrong with her?

 

Desperately she tried to gain control of her breathing. Why was she reacting this way? Sanosuke had made her blush before, but never had he made her feel so self-conscious about it. Anxiously she stopped to glance at herself in the small mirror, truly looking at her appearance for the first time. She studied her reflection, trying to see herself as the redhead might possibly see her. It didn't make her feel any better. She felt as though her nose was too small and her lips too large. Her hair was nothing more than blah black and her eyes were the same color as the sky. She didn't think she was ugly. She had seen the unattractive women who paraded themselves around the market. However, she was nothing compared to the elegant grace of Megumi. She had seen the way Sano gazed at her friend. Even Misao, with her striking green eyes had something going for her. To Kaoru, her reflection was fairly plain, nothing extraordinary.

 

With a dejected sigh, she turned from the cursed mirror and went in search of a blanket. She wondered if someone as handsomely beautiful as Kenshin might ever find her attractive. She frowned slightly. He had asked her about her fighting ability. What were his thoughts on that? Her mentor wanted his identity kept a secret and she had vowed to it. He had told her it would be unseemly for people to learn he had a female student, though he had thought it good for her to know how to wield a weapon.

 

How was she ever to find her true love if she was merely a plain girl who could fight? She paused with her hand on the knob to the closet. Kenshin had stated he was a wanderer. Perhaps he would approve of her fighting. He had not seemed upset when he had asked her about it, merely curious. Maybe he wouldn't be so judgmental. He did seem to like her. Maybe he hadn't really met any women in his lifetime. He seemed fairly young, probably not much older than her. Maybe he could be the answer to her dreams. It might explain why the few times he had smiled at her, she thought she might faint. Kaoru allowed the fantasy to take flight in her mind as she opened the closet door.

 

She found a thick woolen blanket after putting the clean sheets away. Feeling a bit better about herself, she made her way back upstairs. Kenshin was kneeling on the pallet, examining the few books on the small stool. She watched him a moment. The late afternoon light set his fire ablaze and Kaoru sighed dreamily. His profile was clear, the strong chin with the slightly small nose. His lips were not as full as a woman's but delicious enough for her. Long lashes adorned his large eyes. His long bangs hung low over his face and she imagined he could hide he gaze from strangers at will if he so chose.

 

The violet eyes made her own gaze go unfocused as she imagined them looking at her in desire. Her blood began racing again and her heart began to pound. She took a sharp breath, trying to contain herself. Now was hardly the time. However, it strengthened her resolve to have him change her life.

 

“Interesting reading, it is.” He stated without turning to her.

 

Her blue eyes blinked, bringing her from her daydream. “Sorry?” She moved towards him after a moment, her arms full of the linens.

 

The amethyst gaze turned towards her and though she couldn't quite see his eyes, she could tell he was amused. He rose and she placed the blankets on the mattress. She gazed at the book in his slender fingers. Immediately her cheeks flared and she snatched the volume from him, hugging it to her chest. Mortified she glanced at the remaining books on the stool and quickly grabbed them as well. It was too late, however; he would have already seen them. She was unsure of what to say as she held the illicit novels Misao had given her to her bosom.

 

“I didn't think you'd be able to get a hold of those particular novels.”

 

“A friend gave them to me.” She stammered, not able to meet his gaze.

 

“Really?”

 

“Besides they are commonly found at the market.” She retorted lamely. She studied the faded green blanket folded neatly on the pallet. “Many people have found them entertaining.” Her blush deepened as she realized one of the implications in her statement. “At least I know how to read.” She continued fiercely, stumbling desperately for some explanation. “That's more than many people.” Her embarrassment gave way to defiance and she forced herself to meet his eyes.

 

There was no admonishment in his gaze, merely inquisitiveness within the dark depths. “I'm surprised you have them in hardback. They are quite expensive. I myself have a copy of this one.” He reached forward and took the top book from her. It was plain, the title not revealing anything of the sexually explicit details hidden within. “It's more shocking to know that it is not so far from the truth.” He replied nonchalantly as he casually flipped through the pages.

 

Her blush deepened and she dropped her gaze to the floor once more. It was obvious the pages were well worn. She had read that particular book more than once. It had been the only book given to her by Megumi who had refused to read it or admit to its origin. “You are not offended?” She asked meekly.

 

“As I stated, I own one myself, that I do. I merely hope you do not find offense since you have been so kind as to offer me dinner and a bed.”

 

Tendrils of her dark hair brushed her cheeks as she shook her head. “No.” She whispered. Offense no. Embarrassment and mortification filled her. Slowly she backed away, thinking to make a getaway. Risking another glimpse at him she lifted her eyes. “I should help Tae with the meal.”

 

“I'll be down in a moment, that I will.”

 

“There is no need. You are our guest.”

 

He didn't reply and Kaoru spun around quickly to descend the ladder. She closed her eyes, refusing to let the tears flow. What would he think of her now, to know she was the owner of those books? She sniffed and let her previous fantasy fade away. It was just as well. After the morning, he would most likely be on his way. Life would return to normal and Kaoru would once more be stuck with the impossible dream.

 

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Kenshin watched her go, unsure of what to make of the situation. More and more questions began to swim in his head. How indeed had she managed to come in contact with such fiction? True, the novels were commonly found at market. If one knew where to look. The only hardbacks he had seen existed within the noble households. They were rare and hard to come by. Even more rare was the one volume they both owned. How she had come across it, he couldn't even begin to guess. He knew for a fact only five copies existed in the known world. Of course, he had no clue as to who exactly Sanosuke had given those few volumes to, save himself. In fact, he wondered if the brunette even knew where the other four remaining books were. He would never suspect one had ended up deep inside the woods.

 

He shook his head to think of his good friend allowing such a novel to be published in the first place. It had been in response to one rejected woman. In turn he had decided to put down on paper all his exploits, plus those he had been told over the years. “I'm sure it's caused more than enough rifts between him and his current lover, that it has.” He surmised aloud with a shake of his head.

 

He turned toward the pallet. It would be nice to know he had a dry bed to sleep on for the night. Without a second thought he flung himself down onto it, wincing slightly to find it wasn't quite as thick as he had first thought. He sighed, fatigue settling in. Hopefully his search was over. He would stay with Tae for a few days and learn exactly how skilled she was. Then he would convince her to seek sanctuary within the walls of the palace. He would be allowed to go where he wanted at that point, until Hiko tracked him down again.

 

Kenshin turned his head into the pillow and took a deep breath. It smelled slightly of jasmine, a scent he had quickly identified as Kaoru. He opened his eyes slowly, imagining she must have lain here on this pallet. Apparently she had read those books. What had she done while reading them, he couldn't help but wonder.

 

He sat up at the turn his thoughts were taking. What on earth had possessed him to think that? He shook his head, trying to shake the image that began to form. Kenshin took a steadying breath and closed his eyes. He thought he had sworn off women, not having met one that interested him since he had left his previous life behind. Yet he couldn't deny that Kaoru intrigued him in way no one had. She held an innocence about her, and yet she obviously wasn't unfamiliar with the sexual acts that existed between a man and a woman. Her bedside reading attested to that fact.

 

Jumping up he began to pace, trying to still the desire that threatened to rise. He had known the woman for such a short period of time. What was it about her that stirred his blood? Kenshin was aware something else was going on than he had first surmised. He trusted his instincts, having spent years perfecting them. He was determined to delve beneath it, even if he might stray from his initial intentions.

 

The king had sent him here for a purpose, though it somewhat alluded him. He had mentioned a healer; Kenshin obviously was to protect this healer, Tae. No matter, once he had a task at hand, he never had problems focusing on it. Then why was he being distracted by thoughts of her young charge, Kaoru?

 

Hiko had mentioned words of a diversion, and Kenshin rarely let such things go unnoticed. The man never said more than was necessary. Looking back, it could almost seem as though the man wanted him to interact with Kaoru. But why would the king send him here to protect a commoner? Tae he could understand. Even this mysterious Megumi obligated research. Why would he need to look after the young woman?

 

His libido calmed down with the thoughts of what exactly he was supposed to do, Kenshin moved towards the ladder. He inhaled the rising smell of a rich broth and felt his stomach rumble. He grimaced and looked down at his abdomen.

 

“If nothing else, you and I will have at least one satisfying meal, that we will.”

 

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The sound on the steps froze her momentarily. Kaoru glanced up, her bottom lip caught between her teeth when the redhead finally came into view. She had finally gotten over her mortification and she offered him a small smile. He returned it, paused at the foot of the stairs. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

 

“Nonsense. You are our guest.” Kaoru told him a bit shyly.

 

“If he helped you with laundry, he can help cut the vegetables.” Tae interrupted, waving Kaoru's protest aside.

 

He offered her a grin before moving towards the counter. “I can do that, Tae. There's no reason for him to do anything.”

 

“Absolutely not child. I have no desire to cook a second dinner after you botch the first one.”

 

Kaoru stared at her guardian horrified. She cast a quick glance at Kenshin and felt her mortification grow as she realized his grin had deepened. She turned away and moved towards the cupboard where the plates resided. She couldn't look at him as she took three plates and moved towards the table. It was no big secret in the cottage that she couldn't even boil water. But it wasn't something she wanted Kenshin realizing. Not until she had figured out exactly what was going on every time he came close to her.

 

It also threw a wrench into her other plans. If she was going to have the man marry her, she was going to have to prove she was worthy in some areas. So cooking wasn't necessarily one of them. She could learn. She wrinkled her nose at the last time the attempt had been made. And the time before that.

 

“Kaoru-dono?”

 

Her cerulean eyes blinked and she looked up at him. She was standing by the table, one plate still poised in the air to be placed on the tabletop. It clattered loudly as she dropped it in surprise, embarrassed once more at having been caught daydreaming. She turned away before he could see her blush and she swore silently.

 

Quickly she left the house, moving outside towards the well behind the cottage. Now that she was out of sight, she could allow her thoughts to wander. Megumi would be home soon. Perhaps she could convince Kenshin to stay for another day. If she could get some advice form her friend, then maybe she could still succeed. That was if Megumi didn't set her sights on him first.

 

The thought made Kaoru frown. She didn't understand the nature of Megumi's relationship to Sano. To read about the illicit affairs between men and women was one thing, but to see it first hand was something completely different. Besides, she couldn't imagine the two doing anything she had read about in the pages. She could barely imagine herself participating in some of the lascivious acts.

 

Despite her negative thoughts, she was sure that Sanosuke and Megumi were devoted to each other, despite some arguments that might suggest the contrary. She got so fired up when he paid Kaoru attention, that she could only assume the older woman reacted with jealousy.

 

She shrugged and quickly drew up the bucket. Without someone to talk to, she was going to come to no answers on her own. Hopefully, Megumi would arrive sooner rather than later and give her some insight.

 

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“What brings you through the woods?” The question broke through his mind.

 

Kenshin glanced up at the old woman. He studied her a moment, trying to decide if she knew something he didn't. He should have expected the question. It was apparent they didn't have frequent visitors. He would need to tread lightly. The woman had good reason to be leery of him.

 

“My feet led me here.” He answered slowly, not sure what was the correct answer.

 

“Any reason why it might have brought you here, particularly?”

 

He lowered his eyes to the vegetables he was now adding to the stew. His bangs fell over his gaze so she couldn't see his eyes. Why did he feel as though she knew more than he did? He was half tempted to tell her the king had brought him here, interested in what her reaction could be. But she could toss him out and he wasn't ready to leave just yet. “Kaoru-dono came upon me while I was resting.” Not a lie. “She insisted I join you for dinner, that she did.”

 

He looked up at the old woman. She was studying him for a moment. He thought he saw something flicker across her face, but was gone before he had a chance to decipher the look. Then Tae was turning away, glancing out the window. Kaoru was out there, getting water, he knew.

 

“She is quite stubborn. Much like her father.”

 

Kenshin said nothing, merely moved to a chair at the table. He was unsure why she would mention something as random as to the younger woman's father. Briefly he wondered where the man might possibly be. Kaoru had stated it was only herself, Megumi, and Tae. She entered then, a bucket in her hands. She struggled with it and he quickly moved to assist her. She smiled gratefully at him as he took the bucket from her. Their fingers brushed fleetingly and he felt himself flush unexpectedly. So startled by the feeling, he almost dropped the water on the floor.

 

“You can put it on the counter.” He looked up to see Tae once more watching them. He complied while the younger woman moved to get cups. “I'm afraid I used the last of the milk this afternoon. Until Megumi returns, we're out. And I'm afraid I don't have wine to offer.”

 

His violet eyes blinked at the mention of wine. The only time he ever consumed the fermented brew was at the palace and rarely even then. Why then would she suggest it, though she had none? Had she somehow deduced he was from the castle? He could think of nothing that he might have stated to allow her such a conclusion. He let the matter lie, trying to figure out the best way to get beneath the matter.

 

They sat down, Tae serving them the stew. He was mildly surprised Kaoru hadn't done so and he raised an eyebrow at her questioningly. She offered him a lopsided grin and shrugged. She placed a cup of fresh water in front of him.

 

The meal progressed in silence for a few moments. The stew was warming and Kenshin was grateful for the hot meal. After several savoring mouthfuls, he decided to take a more direct approach in finding out his answers.

 

“Is there a healer in the area?” He asked finally.

 

His question was met with silence. Kaoru looked up sharply, her spoon halfway to her mouth. Her gaze drifted towards Tae, a look of confusion in the dark depths. The older woman glanced between the two of them, her face full of confusion. “Do you need a healer?” She asked slowly.

 

He sipped the cup of water and shook his head. “I'm just in need of some medical advice. I heard there was a gifted healer with a way with herbs residing in the woods.”

 

The younger woman's eyes widened and she sat back. He suddenly comprehended the look in her cerulean eyes. She was afraid. Kenshin studied her, trying to determine where her fear was stemming from. He knew something loomed on the horizon but had not realized that these women could be tied directly to it. For the first time he wondered if there was something more to the task that Hiko wanted of him.

 

“What do you need to ask?” Tae inquired, her voice steady.

 

He thought for a moment, realizing he needed to tread lightly. Others might have come looking for her, which could explain her hesitation and Kaoru's fear. “I have trouble sleeping, that I do.” He answered finally.

 

Something flickered in the old woman's eyes; something he thought might have been amusement. “So you have come looking for a healer? I would think an apothecary would be a better option.” He didn't reply, instead taking a bite of his stew. Tae rose and went to the sink. “Tell me something, Kenshin. Once you have your advice, what will you do then?”

 

“Oro?”

 

“Will you leave?”

 

He thought on how to proceed. The two different reactions from the women threw him off. It would do no good to state his intention to protect whomever he would need to. “I have no desire to overstay my welcome, that I don't.”

 

“Don't go, though.” He glanced at Kaoru-dono. The look in her azure eyes was no longer panic, but something else. He wasn't sure why she had been afraid of his earlier question, but it bothered him less than the forlorn look he read in her expressive eyes now.

 

“Would you have me stay?”

 

The older woman was watching them again. “You are welcome as long as you like. I do hope that you will someday return the favor.”

 

A slight smile touched his features. “You hospitality shall always be remembered.”

 

“When Megumi returns, you may ask her of your sleeping problems.”

 

“Who has sleeping problems?”

 

He turned at the sound of the new voice. Another young woman stood in the doorway. She had long dark brown hair and rich dark eyes. Something about her seemed familiar, though the reason eluded him for the moment. She paused when she saw him. “Hello.” She greeted him cautiously.

 

Kenshin rose. “Hello.”

 

“He's come to ask you for advice.” The statement came from Kaoru, but the tone seemed cross. He glanced at her and blinked in surprise to see her face had darkened.

 

Megumi stared at her as well. “Advice on what, precisely?” She asked slowly.

 

“Medical advice.”

 

The brown eyes widened and she glanced at him sharply. “You heard I was a doctor?”

 

Her reaction threw him as well. She seemed afraid, her terror almost palpable enough that he could taste it. It was not unfamiliar to him. However, he had never encountered it during his recent exploits. “I heard there was healer in the area, that I did.” He answered her slowly.

 

Megumi turned frightened eyes to Tae. The old woman grasped her arm reassuringly. “Do not worry, child. He was sent here. For advice. He is nothing more but a wandering warrior.”

 

“You're sure?” Her question was a whisper.

 

Tae nodded and patted her arm calmingly. “Yes.”

 

The woman immediately relaxed and Kenshin watched the byplay with more interest than before. She turned back to him and smiled easily. “What can I help you with?”

 

“Kenshin has trouble sleeping.”

 

Again the comment came from Kaoru. Megumi looked at her and the smile deepened. Something about it made him slightly uncomfortable. “You must Kenshin.”

 

He nodded slowly, not sure what was going on, but aware something indeed was. Megumi sank into a chair, her dark eyes watching him. “Tell me, what are your symptoms?”

 

Sitting once more, he glanced at Kaoru. The young woman was glaring at her. Tae sighed and left the room. “I can't seem to sleep at night.” He stated slowly.

 

“Is it because you fear your dreams, or that you can not sleep?”

 

He blinked. It seemed strange that she could pinpoint his problem so easily. As a doctor, it was her job. As the warrior she assumed he was, he would have seen carnage on the battlefield that could keep him up nights. As the assassin he had once been, he had seen things that would make most men crumble with insanity. “A bit of both, that it is.”

 

Megumi moved her chair closer to him and touched his arm lightly. The look in her dark brown eyes had him moving away from her slightly. “Perhaps you just need to wear yourself out before attempting to sleep.” She purred.

 

Her insinuation was not lost on him. He had heard plenty of invitations when he was at the palace. He had not expected them here in the depths of the wild. He opened his mouth to gently push her off, when another voice rang out.

 

“That's enough.”

 

The voice trembled with rage and Kenshin glanced at Kaoru. Her eyes were ablaze with her fury. He could tell she was angry with Megumi, but exactly her reasoning, he wasn't sure. Or perhaps he didn't want to admit it to himself. The older woman chuckled heartily and sat back in her chair. Her hand left his arm. “Enough of what? I haven't done anything.”

 

Kaoru's cheeks were pale, her whole body shaking slightly. Then with a toss of her long dark hair, she rose and stalked from the room. She disappeared up the stairs and he heard a door slam. He sighed and turned to Megumi, desperately trying to think of how to dissuade her without offense. Normally he wouldn't care, but this was a different circumstance.

 

However, the woman had risen and moved to the kettle of stew. She ladled herself a bowl. “I can mix you a sleeping tonic if you seriously have a problem.” Megumi told him casually.

 

The swift change in her demeanor once more caught him off guard. Was he really so out of touch with humanity that he could no longer predict the course of their emotions? “If it isn't too much trouble, Megumi-dono.”

 

She studied him a moment, eating her meal. “No problem. Just let me unravel and speak with tae. I'll have it for you before you turn in.”

 

“I appreciate that.”

 

She smiled at him and placed her bowl in the sink. He opened his mouth to question her earlier motives, but she was already out the door. What a bizarre incident. He still wasn't sure exactly what had happened. He glanced at the stairs. He could only imagine what Kaoru might be possibly doing at this moment. Her fear had startled him, but even more so had been the sudden burst of anger from her. It seemed so unlike her. These women were a strange lot. He couldn't help but wonder just what the hell Hiko had thrust him in the middle of?

 

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And there you have it. Hopefully the next chapter won't be so long in coming. No promises! Much love and affection. Let me know what you think!