Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Cabana Boy ❯ Chapter 4

 

 

 

Just stating that I don't own `Rurouni Kenshin.' I haven't got much to say so I'm not going to. I hope you enjoy.

 

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Kenshin wiped the sweat from his brow. He had made himself get up early this morning, his body protesting the entire time. It had been some time since he'd had so much to drink. The day before, Aoshi had arrived, raising the number of people he had to contend with to four. He had developed the distinctive notion that everyone coming to visit had more and more to do with Kaoru's ex than anything else. It was apparent that her friends loved her and it made him nostalgic for the days when he once had friends of his own. Of course he really hadn't had many friends at all in the life before.

 

Kaoru and her friends were a bundle of youthful energy. It made him realize he had not been able to enjoy his own childhood. Forced to grow up before his time, Kenshin had never appreciated his adolescence. Regardless, he had been enjoying himself of late. So much in fact, he had been neglecting his sword. Therefore, despite the hangover, he had risen with the sun and now stood in a small patch of grass behind the guesthouse.

 

For three hours he had gone through the movements, his muscles easily maneuvering the techniques. His mind unfocused on the thoughts running rampant through his head, Kenshin had been able to not think of the beguiling woman he was supposed to protect. He couldn't stop thinking of several things he had witnessed or heard over the past few days. He wanted to sort those out before focusing on the woman.

 

First, the person Kamiya had received his name from. It had to be Hiko. No one else truly knew how to find him. But the man who had raised and trained him had sworn never to just let it slip to just anyone where he was. Hiko surely had his reasons. That brought to light another mystery. Just who was Kamiya Koshijirou? He had stated he had not always been in advertising. Did that mean he had been a friend of Hiko from before? The man had lead a secret life, one Kenshin had stumbled inadvertently upon after running away from the orphanage.

 

He had tried to pick the man's pocket and in turn had received a guardian and mentor. The lucrative life had enticed him. What seven year old wouldn't be interested in working as a secret liaison between government factions? Only later, when he had honed his skills and surpassed even Hiko had he began to take on assignments of assassination. That had led to his meeting of Tomoe. He didn't want to think of her in this moment and his thoughts turned once more to more pressing matters.

 

Maybe he should just assuage his curiosity and ask the man. Kamiya stated he knew a bit of his past. The ambiguity was still there. He might know Kenshin had been trained by Hiko, might even know he had done tasks of elimination. The question was did he know Kenshin's other name, the name of Battousai? It was a risk he didn't want to take. He had taken great pains to just disappear. He didn't know if Kamiya would turn him in or not. If he wanted to keep his own secrets, he needed to respect the secrets of his employer.

 

Having come to grips with that issue, his mind was then free to focus on more distracting topics, primarily the woman he was to watch over. Kaoru was a paradox if ever there was one. She was the daughter of a wealthy businessman, and yet she hardly acted the part. She acted much like a girl on the brink of adult hood, not wanting to grow up and yet accepting the responsibilities life threw her way. Two different comments made by her friend had eaten away at him and he had not found the courage to ask her about them.

 

Misao had known he was a martial artist. She hadn't quite realized he was a swordsman, but she had picked up on the defensive manner he did utilize when near Kaoru. In and of itself, the realization warranted a raised eyebrow, but nothing more. When he had helped the girl to her room she had chattered on about her own fighting skills and ninja training. It made sense she would pick up on it. But what stood out in his mind was the mention of Kaoru's background in the art. He had observed the woman and berated himself for not realizing it before now. He wondered what field she had studied and it made him respect her much more.

 

The second comment, made in the midst of fun had also been made by the petite green-eyed girl and it left Kenshin feeling queasy and a bit jealous. In the four days he had known this group of people and watched their interaction, he had not once picked up on a romantic relationship between Kaoru and Sanosuke. In the beginning he had been envious of the close friendship between the two. But the slip of the two having once been lovers ate at him. He liked Sano. The brunette was the closest he'd come to having a friend in a very long time. He didn't want to dislike him for any reason. Yet the idea that the tall man had once been with Kaoru, had the chance to caress her skin, kiss those lips………

 

Thoughts of the woman caused him to lose his balance for his landing and he fell roughly to the ground with a grunt. It had been the first time someone had sidetracked him in his workout. He glanced at the sky, noting the position. He didn't wear a watch, but he deduced it was probably midmorning. He wondered if anyone would be stirring yet.

 

With Aoshi's arrival, the gang had decided to have a barbeque. What had followed had been massive amounts of red meat and alcohol. Misao, Kaoru, and Sanosuke had all consumed the lemonade Sano had been spiking all day long. He and Aoshi had split a bottle of bourbon. The thing was, he couldn't fully recall how the bottle had become empty. How he had found his own bed the previous night astounded him. More importantly was the knowledge he had gotten up after four hours of sleep. Deciding no one else would be up yet, he decided he should start on the garden before Sanosuke awoke. He needed to plant some new trees and plant some more bulbs. Once the brunette rose, it would never happen, at least not today.

 

He came around the corner of the house where he stayed and heard water lapping against the sides of the pool. He blinked in surprise and studied the figure in the water. It was a man, long clean strokes bringing him closer. His hand touched the hilt of his sword and then relaxed when he finally recognized Aoshi.

 

“Feeling a bit tense this morning?” The man asked, his head rising out of the water as he paused to sip from a water bottle.

 

“Perhaps a bit.” He admitted. He eyed the cool water, wanting to jump in and get rid of the sweat that still clung to him.

 

“Any particular reason?”

 

Now he turned his attention to the man in the water. Immediately he had liked him, his reasons a bit unclear. Shinomori Aoshi was a hard man, sculpted by the hardships life had thrown his way. His dark hair clung to his face, his dark indigo eye narrowed and calculating everything around him. Kenshin bent down and rolled up his pant legs, placing his sword on the ground. He dangled his feet into the water. Aoshi crossed his arms, resting them on the edge of the pool and looked up at him. Kenshin glanced at him and offered the stoic man a smile. “Trying to recuperate from last night, that I am.”

 

He snorted and brushed his dark hair from his face. “I can relate to that. By the way, do you remember who drank that bottle of jack?”

 

“I thought it was you.”

 

“I'd hoped to god it was you.”

 

They chuckled together and Kenshin felt that feeling of kinship wash over him. The man looked at the sword on the concrete. “A swordsman?”

 

“A bit.”

 

“No wonder you and Kaoru get along.”

 

The violet eyes blinked. “Kaoru knows kendo?”

 

“She's probably down in the studio right now, working through her own hangover.”

 

“Oro?”

 

He chuckled again and climbed out of the water. He wrapped a towel around his waist and sat down next to him. “Okay, she probably isn't down there, only because she doesn't need to do anything today. Usually she rises early if she has class or something else to do. If she's been drinking the night before she breaks out her bokken and would go through a warm-up. We've all learned how to survive Sano's drunken excursions. Even he can work through the hangover.”

 

“So you're telling me that everyone is up at the moment.”

 

Aoshi shrugged. “Probably not. They were drinking concoctions of Sanosuke's. Why do you think I chose to only partake in the bourbon?”

 

Kenshin studied him. “I figured you weren't a vodka man.”

 

“I need to keep my wits about me when Misao has been drinking. Plus it makes the scenes between Megumi and Sano all the more entertaining when you are sober enough to recall them the next day. That way you can choose whose side to be on and correct the other when he or she starts acting stupid.”

 

“Megumi is………?”

 

“She's Kaoru's roommate from school. I imagine you'll meet her within the next few days.”

 

He nodded and tugged absently at his hair. He glanced at the red strands in his fingers. One more person now to deal with. He felt the need to talk to someone, really confide in a person. He wanted to know exactly why Kamiya had felt the need to hire him to protect his daughter when it was apparent so many people cared for her. “Are you all involved with the martial arts?”

 

Aoshi shrugged and he dark eyes narrowed slightly. “In some form or another. Kaoru learned kendo from her father; Misao's grandfather brought her up to be a ninja. I myself have trained since I was four. Sanosuke's a bit rougher. He has more of a sense of street and gang fighting more so than a particular art. And Misao informs me that you are familiar with it as well.” He reached towards the sheathed weapon and Kenshin immediately pulled it away from him. The fingers paused and Aoshi glanced up at him. “You are tense about something.”

 

Not one to incur speculation upon himself, Kenshin merely smiled and shrugged. “I just don't want you to harm yourself, that I don't.”

 

The deep blue eyes studied him for a moment. With a polite nod of his head, he moved away from the sword and looked up at the sun in the sky. Kenshin let out his breath and looked at the water. He moved his legs around slowly, watching the ripples fade out into the center of the pool. “Kaoru is an extremely enigmatic woman.”

 

Kenshin now switched his gaze to the man at his side. “Why would you bring her up?”

 

He shrugged and once more brushed wet black hairs from his face. “She has a way of bringing us all together.

 

“I would hardly describe that as mysterious.”

 

“Maybe not. But she does catch your eye.”

 

A surge of protectiveness touched him. “What if she does?” He said stiffly.

 

A hint of a smile touched the man's lips. “And finally I have won.”

 

“Oro?” The statement staggered him, keeping him from his biting comment. “What exactly have you won?”

 

The man had the decency to blush and he kicked the water. “I apologize and if you like I will relinquish some bit of my own feelings. However, Sanosuke and I had a bet. We wondered which of us might get you to admit your attraction to the woman.”

 

Flabbergasted, Kenshin could only stare. “I haven't admitted anything.” He stammered.

 

“Didn't you?”

 

He opened his mouth and then in turn closed it again. “What will you do with this information?”

 

“I have no plans. Personally if you like, which I think you will, I won't share the gossip. Sano made the bet last night in a moment of drunken debauchery. He's a gambling man and probably won't recall making it in the first place.”

 

“Thank you.” He told him softly.

 

“Your welcome.” They sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Kenshin sighed and glanced down at his lap. “I do think very highly of her.” He whispered, the admission costing him and yet relieving him at the same time.

 

“She's a great girl who doesn't deserve the hardships life has given her.” Aoshi answered, just as soft.

 

He vacillated over his question and finally asked. “What do you know of her ex?”

 

The man sighed. “That guy?” He asked, a hint of disgust in his voice. “That guy was bad news.”

 

“Why?”

 

Aoshi sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “You have to understand I believe he knew what he was doing when he met Kaoru. I have no clue what he knew of her father's past, but I can't help but wonder if he knew who she was before he walked into that bar. He swept her off her feet from the beginning. I personally thought Sanosuke was being outrageously jealous. Kaoru wasn't acting any different. But then, I didn't speak with her all that much. It wasn't until Misao began to complain that I took notice. It was then that I made it a point to go out with the two of them. Three days later the man called me personally and told me to stay away from his woman.”

 

Kenshin absorbed it not saying anything. It fit with what little he had learned. “What happened in the end?” He asked, wanting to glean more than what Kamiya had told him.

 

“He hit her. Apparently Enishi felt threatened by her relationship to Sanosuke, something that had deteriorated during the course of his involvement with Kaoru. Sano had finally gotten Kaoru out for a drink. The two had a bitter argument about her boyfriend and she had stormed out of the bar. When she arrived at Enishi's apartment, he flipped. Struck her and called her a whore. Ironic considering the man was only the second she had actually been with. Supposedly he received a call and she was able to get away. She called me and I allowed her to stay with me for several days.”

 

“And that was the end?”

 

“It never ends.”

 

The man didn't elaborate and Kenshin didn't ask. He knew her ex, Enishi, had been calling her lately. There was no need to inquire of further contact. Silence descended once more, the sound of lapping water reaching his ears. “So what of you?” He asked after a moment, his own interest getting the better of him.

 

“Of me?”

 

“You mentioned you would reveal feelings of yours.”

 

A hint of color touched the pale skin. He scratched his head. “I will admit to one thing, only because you involuntarily revealed your intentions.”

 

“I have no intentions!” Kenshin argued.

 

The indigo eyes glanced at him before looking at the water. “I am well aware of Misao's affections. I can not say that I do not return them.”

 

“But you two are not together?”

 

“No.”

 

“May I inquire as to why?”

 

A sad smile played on the man's face. “I have made many mistakes in my life. I'm several years older than her. Misao deserves more than I have to give.”

 

Kenshin swallowed, the man's words echoing his own thoughts. “I know how that goes, that I do.”

 

Aoshi glanced at him, a question in his eyes. Before he could ask, a shout rose from the house. Quickly he rose, his hand on his sword. Aoshi had risen as well, a hand shielding his eyes from the sun. He sighed and shook his head. “And another day of gluttony begins. I hope you didn't have any plans.” He headed towards the house, leaving Kenshin to stare at the house.

 

Surprisingly Sanosuke stood there, his hand in the air waving. Sighing, Kenshin quickly hurried to his quarters. He put up his sword and rushed to meet up with the group on the patio. Looks as though he would have to start on the garden another time.

 

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Kaoru rubbed her temples. She had no clue what exactly Sanosuke and Misao were arguing about now. All she knew was that she was bored. She rose and headed inside, not wanting to hear any more out of the bickering pair. Aoshi had gone down to swim more laps and Kenshin had disappeared somewhere. Pausing by the kitchen, she saw Elena inside. She was muttering under her breath, her attention focused on something. She decided not to bother the woman and passed by without saying anything. Not really knowing what she could do in her room with a house full of people, she crossed through the foyer and out the front door. She sat down on the steps and sighed.

 

Not for the first time she wished she had stayed in the city for the summer. But that would have meant finding a job and she really did want to take advantage of the freedom her father was allowing her. But living there would have meant not having to entertain. But then, she wouldn't have met Kenshin.

 

More than anything, she just wished everyone hadn't insisted on having her home be the designated vacation spot of the summer. She'd really wanted to work out that morning, but Misao had bounded into her room before she could escape down into the studio. Her father had turned the basement into a training facility. He had taught her his own style, a technique he had renovated after meeting her mother. She loved it and enjoyed the craft that was sword fighting. But no one else she knew really knew how to yield the weapon. Enishi had, but he had never allowed her to practice when he was around.

 

She frowned. More and more it seemed she could find so many things to find fault with the man. Why had she stayed with him for so long? She hugged her arms and shivered despite the summer heat. She had an intense desire to just hop in her car and drive away. Where she'd go, who the hell knew. Right now she just wanted to escape her life and feel the breeze on her face.

 

Behind her the door opened. “Kaoru-dono?”

 

A curve touched her mouth as she recognized the voice of the redhead. “Yes?”

 

He sat down next to her and she looked over at him. He had changed into a dark blue tee shirt and grey cargo pants. His hair was pulled back in his usual style and her fingers itched to touch it. “Why are you out here?” He asked finally.

 

Shrugging, she turned to look at the street barely visible. “I just wanted to get away from everyone for a few minutes.”

 

“Any particular reason?”

 

“I get tired of listening to Sanosuke and Misao argue. I can't wait until Megumi arrives. Then the squabbles will really commence.”

 

“Why? Do they not like each other?”

 

She looked over at him and giggled. “No, it's not that at all. Do you remember how I said Sano wants to out wit the fox?” He slowly nodded his head. “That's Megumi. He calls her kitsune, because she is. She's really intelligent and doesn't for a moment allow him to forget it. They bicker mostly because they can. The problem is, she's usually right and he knows it. But then he can't let her just win and therefore he comes across as looking like an idiot on occasion. It's quite entertaining when they really get going. But sometimes it is quite harrowing on one's sanity.”

 

“And how does that explain it?”

 

“Explain what?”

 

“How you have not yet come to the conclusion they don't like each other?”

 

Her blue eyes blinked. “You'll have to see them interact. She does everything she can to get underneath his skin. It's how she operates. It's strange and bizarre, but she acts a certain way mostly because it will get those around her to react the way they're supposed to. Fawn all over some guy and maybe Sanosuke will stop dicking around and just ask her out. It's obvious to me, if not to them, they both want the other. Why they haven't simply slept together astounds me.”

 

He nodded absorbing her words. She cocked her head to the side and studied him. She couldn't see his scar and she was able to forget it momentarily. She wondered how he had gotten it. She opened her mouth to ask and then closed it again. Asking questions then gave him the privilege. Besides did she really need to know about his past? Her father wouldn't have hired a killer and in the few days she had known him, she had come to trust him. She licked her lips and her gaze strayed to her car sitting off to the side.

 

“That's right!” She cried out, jumping to her feet.

 

“Oro?” He looked up at her curiously.

 

“I promised I'd teach you to drive.” Kaoru grinned and offered her hand. Slowly he took it and she hauled him to his feet. He rose and didn't drop her hand. His fingers were warm and dry and she heard her blood racing in her ears. “That is, if you aren't doing anything else right now.” She murmured, unnerved by his presence.

 

A slight smile played on his lips. “I am enjoying your company right now, that I am.”

 

She bit her lip and looked up at him shyly through her eyelashes. “Okay.”

 

They stood that way for another minute, her mind completely void of any thought. Her senses were focused purely on him. Then she blinked and she stepped back, color rising. “I should go and get my keys.” She stammered and dashed inside.

 

She paused, her purse and keys right by the front door. She placed hands to her flaming cheeks and took a deep breath. It would be the first time the two had been alone since the first night. It's not as though they were going on a date. She was teaching him to drive. Nothing would happen. Having thus convinced herself, Kaoru opened the door and saw him standing on her stoop. He turned and smiled when he saw her there.

 

“Ready?”

 

Dear god it felt like a date. Mutely she nodded and followed him to the car. He climbed into the driver's side. At least he didn't open her door, she thought to herself. Once inside she handed him the keys. Wordlessly he took them from her and hesitated. “I just put it in here?”

 

Kaoru blinked. “Right!” She pointed to the ignition and nodded. “It goes right in there.” He did as she said and stopped. “Turn it forward. It's not a stick so you don't need to worry about the brake or anything just yet.”

 

He glanced at the pedal at his feet. “The brake is on the left, right?”

 

“Right. The thing to remember is to drive with only one foot. I really don't feel like getting whiplash just by driving around the driveway.”

 

He offered her a weak smile and she laughed. “I'm kidding. I'm sure it won't be that bad. Now turn the engine over.”

 

Kenshin turned the key and the engine roared to life quickly followed by a loud grinding sound. He dropped the key and the car stalled. He sat back with a sigh. “I'm sorry.”

 

“For what? I think I did the same thing when my father taught me to drive. Just let go the moment you feel the engine turn over. The starter should catch.”

 

He attempted it again and this time the engine purred to life. “Now place your foot on the brake.” He complied. “Now you want to put the car in reverse. It's the first gear down.” She turned around in her seat to glance behind them. She felt the gear change. “Now gently take your foot of the brake, but don't put it on the gas. The car will just roll and since that's all we want to do right now, that's good.” Kenshin did, the vehicle gliding smoothly out of her spot. Thankfully no one had parked directly behind her so she didn't need to worry about him trying to get around another car. “Are you looking behind?” She asked, her apprehension beginning to grow as he edged closer towards a tree.

 

“Um………”Instead of answering he pressed on the brake and Kaoru fell back against the seat.

 

She glanced at him and saw his knuckles were gripping the steering wheel tightly. “It's alright. I guess I should have mentioned that. But now, we'll just go forward.” Kenshin smiled weakly at her. Turn the wheel to the left so we can get out of this spot. Put it in drive, that's two more down and then take your foot of the brake again.”

 

“Kaoru-dono, I don't know if this is such a good idea.”

 

“Come now. I need a chauffeur this summer.” She chided, a twinkle in her eyes.

 

He looked at her and shook his head. “Where to, ma'am?”

 

“The end of the driveway!” She cried. Instead of the fast take off Sano normally would have followed such a declaration with, Kenshin eased his foot off the brake and pressed down on the gas. The car jumped slightly before he eased up. He finally seemed too get a feel for the gas and was able to gain a bit more speed before he reached the end of the drive. He stopped at the edge, jerking only slightly when he braked. “Why did you stop?”

 

“I don't want to go out onto the road.”

 

“Come now. Are you nervous?”

 

“Yes.”

 

She bit her lip, an idea forming in her head. “Let's do something else then. Put the car in park and switch places with me.” He did and she hopped out. She beamed at him as she passed him in the front of the car. Climbing into the driver's seat, she reached for the windows. He glanced at her as the windows came down and she opened the sunroof. “Put on your seatbelt. “Were gong for a spin.”

 

“Where?”

 

“That's my surprise. But I think it will be good for you.” He raised an eyebrow. Giggling and wondering why she hadn't thought of it earlier she put the car in gear and drove off.

 

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Kenshin laughed to himself as he watched Kaoru drive. She had insisted on the windows being down on the return trip home, the wind blowing her dark hair wildly about her face. She had taken him to a go-kart track. For over an hour they had raced around the tracks, acting like two young children. He had been struck by her carefree nature and her joy. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so free and wanton. It seemed he was doing a lot of thing again when he was around Kaoru.

 

Now they drove back. He had declined the keys, though she said he had enough experience to return them home in one piece. Not quite sure of that, he had said no, but only with the promise they would go out again in the next few days. It had been a good afternoon and he relished the feel of the wind on his face and enjoyed the company of the woman next to him.

 

Too soon they were pulling up into her driveway, the day coming quickly to an end. The car died and she turned to look at him. Her cheeks were flushed, her hair wild and untamed around her face. The afternoon sun glowed in the strands, giving her a haloed appearance almost.

 

“Thank you for a wonderful afternoon, Kaoru-dono.”

 

She smiled. “Thank you. I was feeling quite bored earlier when you stepped outside. We should do it again sometime.”

 

He nodded his agreement. He could think of nothing to say and he licked his lips, not wanting to end the moment. Kaoru glanced at her lap, her hair falling over her face. Before he could think about it, he reached over and brushed a strand behind her ear. She looked up sharply, his fingers pausing on her cheek. Kenshin swallowed, wondering what she would do. The woman didn't move and he spread his palm gently against her skin. She leaned into the caress, her azure eyes closing languidly.

 

The feel of her flesh against his hand was silky soft and smooth. He felt himself leaning in, the scent of her reaching his nostrils. Her eyes opened and she took in a deep breath as she realized their proximity. Somewhere in the back of his mind he made the decision as his gaze strayed to the full lips. The tip of her tongue anxiously licked them and he forced his eyes back to hers. The blue orbs were wide, searching his face. Tentatively she reached out and touched his hair, taking several strands between her fingers. The moment lingered, neither of them making a move. Then she tugged on his hair and he took that as an invitation. Gingerly he leaned in, his lids closing as her breath caressed his mouth.

 

“Where the hell have you two been?!”

 

They sprang apart and he leapt out of the car. He was sure his face was as red as his hair. Sanosuke stood on the front stoop. Too late he seemed to realize what he might have interrupted. Kenshin risked a glance at the woman. Her own face was crimson, darkened by her fury. She pushed past the brunette, shoving him against the open door. Vanished from sight, Kenshin was left to face the barrage of questions alone.

 

The man bounded down the stairs. “Well?”

 

His own frustration began to build and he took a deep breath to steady himself. It was something he hadn't felt for a long time and he didn't know what would occur if unleashed. He looked up at Sanosuke and the man blinked his brown eyes. “What?”

 

“We got a bit worried. Considering everything that has happened lately, can you blame us?”

 

His anger abated. “I can't.”

 

“Still.” He grinned wryly. “You sly dog. I didn't know you had it in you to actually put a move on her.”

 

He stepped back. “I don't know what you're talking about, that I don't.” He protested, trying to push his own way inside.

 

“Come now, Kenshin. You two were practically in each other's laps.”

 

“She had something in her eye.” He stammered.

 

“Sure. She had her eye on you.”

 

He finally succeeded. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

 

The man followed him inside. “I don't know why you won't admit it.”

 

Finally he whirled on the younger man. “There isn't anything to admit! I work for her father, pure and simple. As it is, I have neglected my duties.” He stormed out towards the patio, needing to do something. He ignored Misao who stood on the patio and tried to say something to him. He hurried down the stairs, intent on hiding out in his room until later. Surely with all these people around, Kaoru would be protected. However he never made it that far.

 

A peal of laughter caught his attention and he looked up from his inner musings and paused. Another female lounged by the side of the pool, Kaoru sitting on the opposite lounge chair. She colored when her eyes met his and she absently tried to calm her hair. The other woman looked at him and he narrowed his eyes thoughtfully as he studied her. She wore a bikini, her slim body accentuated in the right places. Her dark hair was strait and fell softly over her shoulders. She slowly removed her sunglasses revealing intelligent brown eyes. “And who is this spicy tidbit?” She asked.

 

Kenshin took a step back, her abruptness throwing him off. He glanced at Kaoru for help and saw the slight tension in her jaw. “Megumi this is Kenshin. Kenshin, this is Megumi, my roommate.”

 

The woman held out her hand. Compelled, he took it. The woman tugged it, pulling herself to her feet. However, the gesture caught him off guard and he stumbled as she rose. It caused him to fall against her and he threw his arms around her to keep both of them from falling.

 

“I hadn't expected such a warm welcome!” The woman whispered into his ear. Just as quickly, he pulled out of her grasp, his eyes wide and uncertain. However, Megumi wasn't watching him but rather over his shoulder. He glanced behind him to see Sanosuke glowering there. Kaoru's words came back to him and he looked at the woman for confirmation. However, the look in her normally calm cerulean eyes flummoxed him. Blue fire leapt from her gaze and her smile was tight. “I think that's enough, Meg.”

 

Megumi turned to her and tossed her long hair over her shoulder. “Where have you been keeping him?”

 

“He works for my father.” She stated coldly. The comment made him freeze. It was the first time she had ever mentioned what he did with such disdain.

 

The tall woman grinned and turned her gaze to him. She placed a hand on his arm. “If you have need of some entertaining night time activities, feel free to find me.” Her insinuation was loud and clear. Then she was walking away. She pushed past Sano, shoving him hard enough that he stumbled and fell fully clothed into the pool. Kenshin stared after her, more awestruck by her audacity than to actually see her go. For his action, he got a slap upside the head. Trying to fight off the dizzy spell, which threatened, he turned to see a surly Kaoru.

 

“You can close your mouth now.” She snapped.

 

“What are you talking about?” He asked confused at what had just happened.

 

“Nothing.” She muttered and stalked past him in the direction Megumi had gone. They two women met up at the top of the stairs. Words and wild gestures were exchanged before disappearing inside the house.

 

Sanosuke came up then, dripping water onto the concrete. “I don't know who's worse.”

 

“Oro?”

 

The man grinned and slapped him on the back. “Welcome to my world. Except for once I won't be alone.”

 

“What is going on?”

 

“The kitsune has just found Jou-chan's weakness and she'll do everything she can to exploit it.”

 

“Her weakness? And just what is Kaoru-dono's weakness?”

 

“Kenshin, isn't it obvious? The woman's weakness is you.”

 

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Please let me know what you think! I'm not quite sure where to go with the next chapter and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!