Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Walk in the Sunlight ❯ Closer ( Chapter 7 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer - Sadly, I don't own Rurouni Kenshin. It is the sole property of Nobuhiro Watsuki and the many companies who have purchased the rights.

Important note about XP - After the last chapter it has come to my attention that many of you may be confused as to why Kenshin hasn't figured out Kaoru's life expectancy yet. That is mainly do to the fact that Xeroderma Pigmentosum has several different types and most are actually not nearly as severe as Type A. And because Type A is extremely rare, most articles written about the disease gloss over the very important fact that those with Type A usually don't live past twenty and if they do it's not for very much longer. Actually, it took me quite a while to verify the truth but I did finally manage to piece it together through a few different articles, plus I watched a japanese drama called Taiyou no Uta which is also based on XP Type A. I'm very sorry for the confusion and I hope this will help you understand Kenshin's ignorance a little bit more.

Also, I would like to say I'm sorry for the extreme lateness of this chapter. I really didn't expect it to take this long to get it done but for some reason I found this chapter hard to write. I'm not sure why, but it was. Anyway, I'd also like to say I'm sorry to those of you who didn't receive a review reply for the last chapter. I will do my best to make sure all reviews who wish a reply, receive one this time.

Okay, now that I'm done begging your forgiveness, on with the chapter...



Chapter 7 - Closer

Kaoru quickly tucked in her gi and tied up her hakama. Giving herself the once over, she flipped her hair up into a ponytail again and grabbed her bokken from it's home in the wall mount before she headed out into the darkened livingroom. She couldn't help but smile when her eyes lit on Sampson who lay exhausted on his pillow, "Looks like two hours at the beach was too much for you, huh buddy?"

Sampson shifted slightly at the sound of her voice but showed no other sign that he'd heard her. Smirking, she wandered over and knelt down beside him to scratch his head, "It's okay, buddy. You deserved the playtime after the last two nights."

Grinning as he settled even more into his pillow, she scratched his head one last time and headed for the back door. Really, she couldn't fault him for his extended play. For the last two days he'd been pretty much trapped in the house, last night due to the heavy rain that had blanketed the whole southern tip of Okinawa and Saturday because she'd ended up working late again.

Ah, but even though she'd worked late again there had been no chance of her working too late this time because, much to her surprise, and her boss' amusement, Kenshin had shown up at ten after four to walk her home. A shy smile danced across her lips at the memory of him sitting quietly in the corner, sipping at a glass of tea while he waited for her to finish up. He hadn't really said much but his mere presence was enough to hurry her hands so he wouldn't have to wait long. To be honest, she still hadn't been able to figure out why he seemed to want her company, but she had to admit that it was nice to have him watching over her.

Blushing at the thought, she did her best to ignore the sudden increase in her heartbeat as she stepped out into the warm night air. The truth was she'd never expected things to get as far as they had over the last few days since Kenshin had saved her from the sun. But then again she'd never thought she would ever find someone like him either, someone who would look past her disease and see just her.

A warmth that had nothing to do with the heat of the night flooded her veins and she hesitantly cast a glance to the quiet house beside hers. Was this what it felt like to be cared for by someone other than her parents? Someone who cared about just her?

The warmth suddenly vanished as the reality of what she was thinking fully hit her. Swallowing nervously, she immediately tried to shove the thought from her mind and stepped from the porch to slowly make her way out into the middle of the moonlit yard. Now was not the time to be thinking about that, not with her parents’ visit only days away.

Frowning, she did her best to forget why they were coming, and instead focused on the bigger problem. Her father. The truth was right now all she had time for was practice, and besides, she hadn't seen Kenshin since he'd left her on her front doorstep Sunday morning. Granted the rain had kept everyone inside last night but still...

Shaking her head at herself, Kaoru gripped her bokken a little bit tighter and did her best to clear her mind. She had to stop that, what she needed was to get back to where she was when she'd left Sapporo or her father was going to kill her. And sadly she only had three days to do it, with no one to spar with. At this rate there was no way she'd be able to convince her father that she hadn't been slacking. He was so going to kill her.

Spurred by the thought, she took a deep breath and let everything fall away as she settled into the first step of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. Slowly she fell into the welcome rhythm, moving effortlessly through each step until she'd almost reached the final move. Finishing off the second to last step, Kaoru all of a sudden had the distinct feeling that she was no longer alone. Immediately coming back to her surroundings, she grinned as Kenshin's presence tingled across her skin. He was behind her and to the right, so he thought to sneak up on her again, huh?

Feigning ignorance, Kaoru stepped through the last move and blocked her imaginary adversary's strike, effectively disarming them. And then, without missing a beat, she immediately spun on her heel aiming dead for Kenshin's head. She almost laughed at the startled expression painted across his face as her bokken came to a stop inches from his cheek.

"Not tonight, Himura-san."

A wide smile broke out across Kenshin's face. "It seems I've lost my advantage," he chuckled as he took a step back and rested his own bokken against his shoulder. "I was hoping to simply attack you, but it looks like your senses are almost as sensitive as mine."

Kaoru couldn't help the smile that whispered across her lips at his compliment. "You can thank my father for that. He's been ambushing me for years to make sure all my skills were honed."

"Ah, I see. He sounds formidable."

Kaoru snorted and gave him a sardonic smirk, "You have no idea. And he's not going to be happy that I've managed to let myself go. He's going to kill me when he gets here."

Kenshin quirked an eyebrow, "He's coming soon?"

Kaoru nodded and dropped down to the soft grass to rest for a minute, motioning for Kenshin to do the same, "Yeah, and the first thing he's going to do when he gets here is challenge me to a match."

Turning her attention to Kenshin, she was confused to see him still standing, and then he caught her completely off guard.

"Well, then... would you like a sparring partner?"

Surprised, Koaru simply stared at him for several seconds before she whispered, "Really? You'd do that for me?"

Kenshin smirked and lifted his bokken from his shoulder. "Of course. I didn't come over tonight to simply watch you."

Tamping down the wave of excitement that whispered through her chest, Kaoru finally realized that he was, in fact, dressed for a match. His white hakama virtually glowed in the pale moonlight. Giving him a sly look, she couldn't resist poking at his ego, "Are you really sure you want to be beaten by a girl?"

Her only answer was a small knowing smirk and Kaoru felt her heart flip at the sight. Swallowing nervously, she scowled and stood, bringing her bokken up in challenge. "Don't get cocky. I'm not your typical kendo 'princess', I've been doing this my whole life so don't think you'll best me that easily."

Kenshin chuckled lightly and settled into a stance she'd never seen before. "I won't, so don't hold back."

Eyeing the grace with which he'd slipped into his stance, Kaoru chose to settle into one of the more advanced stances of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. One thing she hadn't thought to ask was just what style he knew, but from the looks of it she was in trouble. Fighting off the twinge of doubt that blossomed in her chest, she gave him a small nod and waited for the strike she could see swimming in his gleaming violet eyes.

She didn't have to wait long, without another word Kenshin jumped into action and with lightening speed he shot towards her and swung at her mid section. Startled by the speed of the attack, she immediately blocked and pushed off the connected bokken, before he had a chance to recover she dove at him aiming for his right shoulder. She nearly growled when he effortlessly brought his bokken up to intercept her attack. Stepping back, she waited only a heartbeat before she sprang into action again, this time using the step she'd tested the sakabatou on. She did growl when he simply blocked her strike again and pushed her back.

Digging her heels in, she managed to stop herself and scowled at the calm looking man standing before her. He was far better than she'd anticipated. At this rate the only advantage she would have was her knowledge of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu.

But it would be enough, she wasn't a master for nothing. She'd beat him, of that she was sure.

And yet a half an hour later, Kaoru bit back a groan and sank bonelessly to the ground in defeat, her bokken falling softly into the grass beside her. Something wasn't right. She'd been doing everything humanly possible to best the redhead now settling down beside her, and yet it seemed that was going to be near impossible unless he quit using moves against her that he had no right to know!

Irritated by the whole situation, Kaoru glared at him out of the corner of her eye and growled, "Could you please tell me how is it you know every step of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu?"

Much to her chagrin, Kenshin smirked and set his own bokken down in the grass in front of him. "Remember the one night you spent hours out here training?" When she nodded he continued, "I was watching you the entire time."

Startled, Kaoru simply stared at him as a strange feeling whispered over her skin. He had watched her the whole time? How long had he been doing that? And then it finally dawned on her just exactly what he had implied and her eyes flew wide in disbelief. "Do you mean to tell me you learned it all simply by watching me for one night?!"

Kenshin inclined his head and gave her a shy smile. "Yes. Ever since I was very young I've been able to learn a style like that. Shishou never did like that."

Kaoru simply stared at him in stunned silence and then she finally found her voice, "But if that's true, then what did you need a shishou for?"

Kenshin grinned and shrugged. "He's often asked the same thing but the style he taught me was one that even I needed quite a bit of training to learn. Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu is a lot more demanding than any other style I've ever seen."

Kaoru quirked an eyebrow at the name, "Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu? I've never heard of that style before."

Kenshin smiled sadly and glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "I'm not surprised. Shishou and I are the only two left who know Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu and neither of us plan to ever pass it on..." shifting his attention to the star studded sky he added in a whisper, "... it's not a style that's needed anymore."

Taken aback by the sudden change in Kenshin's tone, Kaoru held her tongue and simply watched as a pained expression flickered across his features. As if he felt her stare, he slowly shifted his attention back to her and smiled as if nothing was wrong.

"So, do you still want to practice or should we call it a night?"

"Still practice!" Kaoru blurted out without thinking. Blushing to the roots of her hair, she scowled and tried to regain her composure, "I... I really need a partner if I plan on getting back to where I was when I left home."

Kenshin chuckled and stood. "I'm glad to be of assistance then. Should I continue with the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu? Or would you like me to use another?"

Kaoru pushed off the ground and rolled her shoulders in preparation, "Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. That's what my father will use against me."

Kenshin nodded in understanding and waited for her to ready herself. "Is there any place you want to start or should I just come at you randomly?"

Kaoru took a second to think about it and then said, "Randomly. I've already practiced all the steps now I just need to use them against you and tighten them up." When he nodded, she gave him a shy smile and whispered, "Thanks again for doing this."

Kenshin met her smile with one of his own and settled himself. "You're welcome... besides, it gives me a chance to spend time with you." And without another word he shot towards her.

Completely taken off guard by that last statement, Kaoru wasn't at all prepared for his fast action. Stumbling back, she did her best to intercept his strike and deflect it from its intended path. And she did but only by the skin of her teeth. Watching as he sprang back out of her reach, she glared at him and growled, "That wasn't fair! You... you shouldn't say things like that!"

Kenshin grinned and readied himself for the next attack. "Why not? It's the truth. Besides, you managed to deflect me even though I surprised you."

Kaoru bit back another growl and settled herself again, "Still... don't do that again."

Kenshin smirked but said nothing and simply came at her again to begin the true practice. From then on they both fell into the rhythm of attack/block; Kenshin sending her through all the steps and back again.

An hour later, Kaoru sank to the ground exhausted and tried her best to ignore the dull throb of just about every muscle in her body. Tugging the ribbon out of her hair, she flopped backwards into the soft grass and stared up into the black sky, "I think I'm ready to die now. I didn't realize just how out of shape I am."

Kenshin chuckled lightly beside her. "You did very good though. I think you'll do fine against your father."

Blushing at his praise, Kaoru rolled her head to the side and was just about to thank him when, all of a sudden, a flash of lightening illuminated the entire area soon followed by a loud crash of thunder. Startled, she immediately bolted upright and nearly swore when the first large raindrop splashed onto her outstretched leg, quickly followed by another and then another. And then the sky suddenly opened up, the water falling in sheets instead of drops.

Swearing a sting of curses under her breath, Kaoru immediately jumped to her feet and threw Kenshin a quick glance before she bolted for the relative safety of her back porch. Stumbling up onto the porch, she quickly moved out of the way so Kenshin could get in out of the rain.

"Well, it seems our sparring is done for tonight." He chuckled as he landed on the porch beside her.

Biting back a sigh, Kaoru glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and frowned. He was completely and thoroughly soaked. And then the clammy feel of her own clothes finally registered on her mind and she realized that she was no better. Without another thought, she grabbed his hand and tugged him towards the house, "C'mon. If you stay in those wet clothes you'll get sick even if it is eighty degrees out."

Stunned, Kenshin simply let her guide him to the wall and settled against it as she headed for the back door.

"I'll be right back."

And with that she disappeared into the house. Surprised, he simply watched her disappear then grinned as the reality of the situation hit him, this was the first time she'd been this comfortable around him. Maybe she really was starting to see him as a friend. If that was true, then it wouldn't be too much longer before he'd be able to bring down the wall completely and see if she'd see him as more than just a friend.

A few minutes later, Kaoru came back out, freshly changed herself, and tossed a towel over his head. Startled, Kenshin found his way out from underneath it and smiled as she offered him what looked like a set of training clothes just like the ones she'd changed out of.

"I'll go back inside so you can change out here. I'd let you in, but Sampson might not like that."

Kenshin gave her a small understanding smile. "I understand. I'm surprised he hasn't come to the door barking yet."

Kaoru snorted and cast a glance over her shoulder at the closed door, "I doubt he's going to wake up anytime soon. I tired him out at the beach earlier."

"Ah, another game of tag in the waves, eh?"

Startled by his knowing tone, Kaoru snapped her attention back to him to ask him just how knew that but stopped dead when she saw the warm look he had fixed on her. Doing her best to ignore the gaggle of butterflies that sprang to life in her belly, she stuttered, "I...I better get inside so you can change." And with that she spun on her heel and bolted for the door. Kenshin's light chuckle chased her into the kitchen and she felt a blush explode across her cheeks. Kami, why did he have to look at her like that? If he kept that up she'd never be able to keep this as just friends.

Sagging slightly at the thought, she flipped open the cupboard to her right and grabbed a couple of glasses; filling them with tea. It would remain just friends, of that there was no question. She wouldn't let it go any further... she couldn't, not now. Besides, she wouldn't be able to stay here much longer anyway. She already knew her parents were going to do their best to get her to go home now that she'd reached her birthday. But maybe, just maybe they'd let her stay if she told them she wasn't truly alone. Maybe they'd let her stay if she told them that she had, for the first time in her life, made a friend.

Smiling sadly at the thought she shook her head. She seriously doubted even that would stop them and really she couldn't blame them. But that still didn't stop her from wanting to stay just a little bit longer, to be selfish one last time and enjoy the friendship she'd finally found.

A light knocking on the back door signaled Kenshin was finished and she shoved the thought from her mind as she grabbed the glasses then headed back outside. Nudging the door open with her elbow, she stepped out into the extremely muggy air and felt her heart skip a beat at the image that greeted her. Kenshin was leaning against the rail dressed in her dark blue hakama and white gi with his damp fiery locks hanging loose down his back.

Lifting her eyes to his, she paused for a second surprised by the soft violet gave fixed on her. Fighting the blush creeping up her neck, she swallowed nervously and held out a glass to him, "Um... would you like a glass of tea?"

Kenshin smiled and accepted the offered glass with a small nod. "Thanks."

Relieved that he didn't seem to know what effect he was having on her, Kaoru bit back a sigh and settled down against the wall away from the rain. Tucking her legs up against her chest, she grimaced as the muscles in her legs grumbled at the added abuse. Smiling ruefully, she glanced at Kenshin, "Thanks again for taking the time to practice with me. It really helped... although I don't think my muscles feel the same way."

Kenshin smiled and settled down beside her with one leg up against his chest, the other curled around the front of him. "If you'd like, I'll continue until your father comes. By then you should have loosened up enough that he won't notice."

Touched by the offer, Kaoru smiled shyly and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, "Really? You'd do that?"

Kenshin simply nodded and took a sip of his tea. "Yes. I haven't been able to work out like that in a long time either."

"Ah, so it's not just for my benefit then," Kaoru teased playfully.

Kenshin chuckled at her tone and gave her a sideways glance. "It's mostly for your benefit, I promise."

Blushing at the look he had fixed on her again, Kaoru shifted her attention to the last few rain drops falling from the sky and tried to ignore the heat burning her cheeks. Friends, they were only friends. Silently chanting that over and over in her head, she gradually won out over the blush and finally relaxed. More than likely it was all in her head anyway, why would he feel anything more than friendship? They'd only known each other for a week. Not to mention no one but Sai had ever shown any type of interest in her.

Scowling at the direction her thoughts were wandering, she did her best to clear her mind and simply enjoy his company. At this rate she'd end up scaring him away, and to be honest that's one thing she didn't want to do now. Rolling her eyes, she wrinkled her nose at herself and peeked at the object of her attention out of the corner of her eye. Eyeing his profile, she eyed the deep red scar marring his cheek and wondered, once again what could cause such a mark. She'd never seen anything like it before in her life, it was an almost perfect X, as if he'd been branded for some reason.

Before she even knew what she was doing she asked, "Kenshin, where did you get that scar from?"

Kenshin's head snapped around and she was shocked to see a flicker of pain shoot through his eyes as he lifted his hand to the marked cheek.

Thoroughly embarrassed, Kaoru stammered, "I.. I'm sorry. I.. I didn't mea-"

"It's okay..." Kenshin cut in gently as his hand dropped back into his lap. "... I've been wondering how long it would be before you asked."

Blushing to the roots of her hair, Kaoru mumbled, "You don't have to tell me. I can see it hurts you."

Kenshin smiled sadly. "It does hurt but not in the way you think." Lifting his hand again, he ran his fingers over the scarred skin. "This was cut into my cheek the night my wife died. It's a constant reminder of the mistake I made that took her life."

"Oh..." was all Kaoru could think to say. Kami, she was good at sticking her foot in her mouth. At this rate she would scare him away.

"Really, it's okay. Someday maybe I'll tell you the story but for now I think it's time I head home, the sun will be up soon." Kenshin said quietly as he stood and prepared to leave.

Surprised, Kaoru jumped to her feet too and mumbled, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Kenshin shook his head and gave her a small reassuring smile, "You didn't make me uncomfortable..." waving his hand at the now clear, lightening sky he added, "... it really is getting light out."

Finally taking a minute to glance out beyond the porch, Kaoru saw the truth of his words and blushed at her idiocy. It was good thing he was here to point out the obvious, because if he wasn't then she'd likely end up getting caught out in the sunlight. But then again wasn't he the cause of her inattention?

Rolling her eyes at her weak excuse, she scowled and reached down to retrieve Kenshin's bokken along with her own. Handing him his, she finally met his curious violet gaze and once again noticed their distinct uniqueness. And then all thoughts of his eyes flew out of her head as his fingers brushed against hers. Startled yet warmed by the contact, she quickly withdrew her hand and did her best not to let the flush that was creeping up her neck reach her cheeks. "So,... um... I guess this is goodnight then. Or more like good morning in our case," she joked in an effort to hide her embarrassment.

A tiny smile twitched the corners of Kenshin's lips but he managed to keep a straight face. "I guess it is, see you later tonight." And with that he stepped from the porch into the predawn light and headed towards home.

Watching as he made his way into his yard, Kaoru all of a sudden called out, "Wait! Do you think we could do this in your yard from now on? I don't think I'm going to get this lucky again with Sampson."

Kenshin stopped and glanced over his shoulder as the first rays of sunlight fell into the connected yards, "Sure. And afterwards I'll make you dinner. I'll see you say, around eleven?"

Kaoru smiled and nodded, "It's a date." And then it hit her just what she'd said and she felt her face flame a bright red in mortification. "Um... I d..didn't mean -"

"Yes, Kaoru, it's a date."

And with that Kenshin headed into his house leaving her sputtering on her porch. Beyond embarrassed, Kaoru slapped palm to forehead and rubbed in irritation. Kami, maybe she should stop talking to him all together because so far every time she'd spoken to him she'd somehow managed to insert her foot in her mouth at some point during their time together.

The sudden ringing of her phone knocked her from her misery and she bolted for the back door. Flinging it open, she nearly tripped over Sampson who'd come to find her.

"Oh! Sorry, buddy!" she managed as he yelped and backstepped. Stumbling past him she hurried into the livingroom and grabbed the phone as it rang a fifth time, "Hello?"

Kaoru! Where were you?!

Kaoru paled as her father's deep baritone filled the ear piece. "I..I just came in from outside. Why? Is something wrong?"

No, nothing's wrong. It's daylight. Why were you outside?

Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, she sighed, "Are you going to call me every morning, dad? I swear, that will never happen again."

A long pause met her question and she shook her head in exasperation, "Dad, there is no way for me to accidentally work too late again because I now have a permanent escort home. Himura-san has designated himself my keeper for some reason so there's no reason to worry."

Nothing but silence met her statement and she started to worry that he might really be angry and then he finally came back on.

We want to meet this person when we get there. Invite him to dinner.

Shocked by the demand, she stuttered, "B..but I -"

No. Your mother wants to meet him so she can thank him for taking care of you.

Kaoru swallowed nervously at his tone, the underlying tinge of steel in his voice made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. This wasn't good. Every time she'd heard that tone it had led to someone getting hurt. Her father was known for his fiery temper.

"Dad, I - "

Kaoru?

Kaoru sighed as her mother's gentle voice came through the earpiece. "Mom, tell dad I don't think Himura-san is quite ready to meet you guys yet. It's not like we're close or anything, he's simply going to walk me home." She frowned as the lie fell from her lips, she hated lying, especially to her mother.

I'm sure Himura-san won't mind, Kaoru. He's doing us a great favor by watching over you and we'd like to thank him.

Kaoru crinkled her nose in irritation and tried to think of some way to get out of this, but much to her dismay she couldn't think of anything they would believe. Biting back another sigh she finally gave in, "Okay, I'll ask him but I can't guarantee anything."

That's fine, we'll see you Thursday night then. I love you, Kaoru.

Closing her eyes in defeat, Kaoru mumbled, "I love you too, mom. See you Thursday."

And with that she hung up. Biting back a growl, she flopped onto the sofa and rubbed her forehead. Okay, now how was she going to manage this? If anything was going to scare him away this would do it. Most of the time when a man met the father it was because they were a couple and she and Kenshin were anything but. What would he think of her father wanting to meet him?

With a growl, Kaoru shoved off the sofa and headed for the shower. Sadly, she'd know the answer to that question very soon, well that is if she could dig up the nerve to actually ask him.

A shiver of dread whispered down her spine at the thought and she scowled, leave it to her parents to make things more complicated.

Kenshin yawned as he shrugged out of Kaoru's gi and folded it neatly; the scent of jasmine tickling his nose as the material rubbed against itself. With a grin he set it on his bedside table and did the same for her hakama then slipped into his robe.

Heading for the shower, he rounded the end of the bed and all of a sudden stopped when, out of the corner of his eye, he caught his reflection in the mirror hanging on the wall. Stepping closer to the polished silver of the ancient mirror, he lifted his hand to the scar that had never disappeared and frowned. Even after all these years it still hadn't faded in the least, in truth it shouldn't be there at all. Vampires didn't scar and yet he was no ordinary vampire, not since that night so long ago. His reflection in the mirror proved it... among other things.

Stifling a sigh, he traced the line running lengthwise down his cheek as the feel of Tomoe's fingernail scraping deep into his skin whispered through his face again. Grimacing as the phantom pain raked through his flesh, he scowled and simply dealt with it. In her last moments of life, Tomoe had been in such pain that she hadn't realized what she was doing. A pain that had been all his doing. A pain that she did not deserve.

Slowly, the pain receded and he absently traced the intersecting scar as the feel of the glass cutting deep into his face flickered across his cheek again. That very same night, in a fit of rage, Enishi had ripped him away from his dying sister and thrown him through the glass doors leading to the gardens; the action completing the brand that would, from that day on, remind him of his idiocy and selfishness.

But he had deserved it. No, he'd deserved so much more than that but it was too late now. There was no way for him to make reparations for what he'd done all those years ago. Not now.

Shaking his head in an effort to clear his mind, he started for the bathroom again. Yes, he'd screwed up all those years ago but this time he wouldn't. What was done, was done. It was time to start over and if tonight was any indication, his new beginning was well on it's way.

Smiling at the thought, he stepped into the bathing room and set to work. Yes, things were finally starting to look up for him, now all he could hope was that they would remain that way.
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