Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Cabana Boy ❯ Chapter 9

Moving right along. For those of you who have been waiting, this chapter does contain some material sexually explicit in nature. Definitely citrus in nature. Enjoy!

 

And for all those who are interested, I don't own any of the characters below. Nabuhiro Watsuki is the creative genius. I merely borrow them for my own lascivious needs.

 

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Kaoru knocked on the door to the guesthouse a bit reluctantly. She could see no real reason why Megumi had insisted she come and retrieve Kenshin. Not wishing to get into an argument, she had just acquiesced and come down. She didn't quite believe the woman when she had promised not to taunt her all night long. Of course, she needed to take advantage of any precarious situations that might occur. She paused. Was that the woman's motive? Get her down here to see if Kaoru would so just that. Kenshin had probably just finished whatever chore he had decided to do today. She drew back from the door, unsure now of what to do. Should she go in or not?

 

Her curiosity got the best of her. She had yet to enter the small house since Kenshin took up residence and she had returned home over a month ago. She was a bit curious to see how he lived. What did he keep stocked in the pantry? What pictures did he hang on the walls? She wanted to know what kind of man she was pining after. For that reason and that alone, she knocked again, despite her suspicions that Megumi had other plans for her visit.

 

There was no answer and she tried the knob. It turned easily in her hands and she cautiously opened the door. “Hello?” She called. There was no answer and she stepped inside, pulling the door shut behind her.

 

The walls were barren. She glanced around and saw there were no pictures anywhere. The walls gleamed white in the afternoon sunlight. Stepping further into the living room she spotted several books on the table. All of them were well worn; one even was missing the cover. Other than the paperbacks, there was no sign that anyone resided within the walls. She came closer to the table, interested to know what the man read. Behind her something creaked and she spun around.

 

Kenshin stood in the doorway. He must have relaxed from his attack the moment he saw Kaoru, because he didn't look poised to move. But his appearance caught her and she could do nothing but stare at him open-mouthed. He had obviously just come from the shower. His red hair was loose and wet. It hung around his torso, bared for her to see. He was muscled, though wiry for his frame. His arms were defined and he had washboard abs. In appreciation, she absently licked her lips. Scars, however, marred his upper body. Some older than others, but serious injuries must have once beleaguered him. Her eyes drank it all in and she wondered how far down the faded wounds went. She colored at the thought and it was then that her eyes were drawn to the samurai sword in his hands. It was still sheathed, but she bet that wouldn't have mattered if she had been a serious intruder. What life had he once led? She knew he knew kenjetsu; he had admitted as much. Obviously he felt threatened enough to retrieve it. What demons did he fear? Then she seemed to come out of her daze and realized he wore only a blue towel around his waist.

 

“Kaoru-dono. What are you doing here?”

 

She swallowed, searching fro her voice. “Meg- Megumi said you…… …um………you were supposed to help her.” She stammered, her eyes roving over his frame and being drawn once more to the sword in his hands.

 

“She did?”

 

Kaoru nodded mutely. Was this one of the opportunities that she was supposed to utilize? She blinked and took a step towards him. “What happened?” She whispered.

 

He blanched. “It doesn't matter.”

 

She blinked. Questions swam in her head. What had he done before he entered her life? Did it matter? Did it really? She thought of her father. In knowing him, it didn't matter what he had once been. The man in front of her was honorable and loyal. She knew nothing else and for her, in this moment, that was enough. “You're right. It doesn't.” She agreed.

 

Surprise flashed in the violet depths of his eyes. “You're not concerned with my past?”

 

“I'm curious, yes. If you have an urge to confess your history, I would listen. Overall, it doesn't concern me.”

 

“You know nothing about me. I could be a serial killer and you would have no clue.”

 

“Do you have a desire to kill me?”

 

Slowly he shook his head. Kaoru sighed. “Get dressed. Dinner should be ready shortly.” She murmured, averting her gaze from his form.

 

She turned to leave. “Kaoru-dono.” She paused and looked back at him over her shoulder. “Thank you.”

 

“For what?”

 

“For nothing. For understanding.” She smiled at him and opened the door.

 

“I'll see you at dinner.”

 

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Kenshin watched her go. It was going to be an interesting evening. If she really wasn't troubled by not knowing his past, perhaps he could slowly tell her. Maybe start with his childhood, his guilt over Tomoe's death. Then finally admit to what he had been and how his first wife had really died. That decided, he returned to the bedroom. Quickly he dressed, pulling his hair back. He grimaced as he studied the ends. Maybe he should cut it off. But then he recalled how Kaoru had clung to him last night. She had trailed her fingers through the red tresses, freeing it as he sunk his fingers into her own hair.

 

“Perhaps not.” He murmured studying himself in the mirror. Tonight just might be the night. He could allow himself this evening of happiness; feel her in his embrace if she allowed him. It was apparent she wanted him. Now he had finally admitted he wanted her. With that in mind he left his room and headed towards the main house. Misao and Kaoru were setting the table on the patio when he arrived. The shorter one greeted him cheerfully. “Feeling better?” She asked.

 

“Yes.” He answered, his eyes on Kaoru. She offered him a shy smile before turning abruptly to disappear inside. Sanosuke came out then, bypassing the woman.

 

“I can finally understand how you do it.” He stated, clapping him on the shoulder.

 

“Oro?”

 

“There is nothing quite like showering and dressing up after spending a day sweating in the sun and getting dirty. There's something quite satisfying. Nothing compares.”

 

“You're just now realizing this?

 

Sano ignored Misao. “Nothing compares except beating the shit out of some lowlife.” Megumi came outside carrying a salad. “Or perhaps a great night of wild, reckless sex.” He said, his brown eyes watching the tall woman.

 

The dark eyes glared at him. “If you've decided to make yourself useful, tori-atama, then why don't you help set the table?”

 

He glowered and then smiled brightly. He winked at Kenshin and followed her inside quickly.

 

Kenshin glanced at Misao. “Can I help?”

 

The green eyes glittered. She tossed him a lighter. “You can light the candles.”

 

He complied and set about lighting the three candles ticks on the center of the table. “Anything new and exciting?” He asked, trying to make conversation.

 

“Not with me, really. How about you?”

 

“Nothing has really happened since I saw you last night, that it has not.”

 

“Really?” He glanced at her and saw she had raised an eyebrow. “That's not what I hear.” She stated conspiratorially.

 

He colored and nearly stumbled as he leaned over the table. “What do you hear?”

 

The girl grinned. Before she could answer Kaoru came back out followed by Aoshi. Both carried serving dishes in their hands. Sanosuke came out carrying six wine glasses. Megumi was the last out, two bottles of wine in her hands. “Everyone hungry?”

 

There was a chorus of yeses as she placed the bottles in an ice bucket. He moved to Kaoru's right side in the hopes of gaining the seat next to her. Megumi surveyed the group before raising the domed lid of her entrees. The aroma was delectable and Kenshin heard his stomach rumble. Kaoru glanced at him and he smiled sheepishly at her. “I haven't eaten all day, that I have not.” He admitted.

 

“You're in for a treat.” She told him.

 

“Let's sit down.” Megumi announced and Kaoru moved towards the table. Kenshin immediately came up behind her chair and pulled it out for her. “Thank you.” She murmured as she sat down gingerly.

 

He pushed her seat in. Kenshin leaned down next to her, his lips next to her ear. He breathed in her scent of jasmine. “Any time.” He moved to his own seat next to her and looked up to see Sanosuke watching him. He raised an eyebrow and Sano grinned ruefully.

 

He duplicated Kenshin's action and held out the chair for Megumi. Surprised the elegant woman blushed before accepting the chivalrous offer. Sano winked over her head before picking up one of the bottles of wine. Misao and Aoshi were already seated and she turned her green eyes on the man. “Why didn't you do that for me?” She asked.

 

The man grinned and placed a hand on her shoulder. He rubbed it gently. “I'll see if I can make it up to you later.”

 

Misao colored. “Okay.”

 

They began to dish out the meal as Sano opened the wine. “I must say I'm impressed.” Megumi commented when he had successfully opened the bottle. He went around and poured for everyone. “Why is that, Kitsune?”

 

“You actually know how to open a bottle of wine that didn't have a screw cap, nor did it come from a box.”

 

“I worked as a bartender through school. Plus my parents used me as the wine steward when they would throw dinner parties of their own. It was imperative that I didn't embarrass them.” He stated, resentment lacing his words. “There are things about me that I'm sure would surprise you.”

 

“I know.” Megumi touched his hand as he sat back down. There was compassion in her gaze and Kenshin once more wondered about them. She smiled and tossed her hair. “You've had a big day. You also did actual work. That I admit surprises everyone here.”

 

Sanosuke shrugged as he sat down and raised his glass. “To me, then, for proving maybe I'm not as useless as everyone seems to think. To Megumi for preparing what I'm sure will be a scrumptious meal. And to friendship. To not hiding behind our fears and having the courage to take what is offered, when it is offered, regardless of whether we are worthy or not.”

 

Kaoru frowned slightly and glanced at Misao. She shrugged in return and raised her glass. Kenshin watched the brunette. His words were meant for him, he knew that. He inclined his head, letting the man know he had accepted his advice. Sanosuke grinned and they clinked glasses. Sipping his wine he glanced at the woman to his left. Kaoru met his gaze and smiled shyly into her drink.

 

“So tell us, what was it like to get off your lazy ass and perform manual labor this afternoon?” Megumi asked, sliding the fork delicately from her mouth.

 

Sanosuke looked up at her. “I thought we had formed a truce.”

 

“What? I'm just trying to make conversation.”

 

He studied her for a minute, placing the bite he had on his fork into his mouth. His eyes widened and he smiled slowly. “Damn, Megumi. This is phenomenal.”

 

The woman blinked to hear her real name pass his lips. “Thank you.” She muttered and focused on eating her meal.

 

Kenshin smiled and looked over at Aoshi. “What deprived us of your company this afternoon?” He asked, knowing he hadn't shown up until later in the day. Lately he had taken to vanishing in the afternoons.

 

“Work.” Was the response.

 

He didn't elaborate and Kenshin let it go. “What of you Misao-dono?”

 

She swallowed her food and cast a glance at Aoshi. “I've been helping out. My grandfather isn't keen on it, but he's allowing me to do some recognizance.”

 

Kaoru blinked. “He's okay with that?”

 

The girl shrugged. “I've been doing it for the past two years anyway. This way he's decided that he can keep a better eye on me. He'll know just what kind of trouble I'm getting myself into. Besides, there are other factors coming into play as well.”

 

“Such as?”

 

Misao glanced at Aoshi and colored. The man at her side had grown still as well and he shifted slightly. Kenshin narrowed his eyes, watching him. “Let's not discuss this now.” He murmured, reaching for his wine glass.

 

“Why not? Does he want the two of you to get married or something?” Megumi inquired.

 

Aoshi nearly choked on the wine as the question was asked. Wide eyes turned to him to see the man lose his composure. Misao had buried her face in her hands and shook her head. Kenshin surveyed the table, a bit unsure of exactly what was going on. After a few minutes Misao lifted her head. “What did you girls discuss at lunch?”

 

Kenshin paused and cast a sideways glance at the woman at his side. She was frozen, her fork halfway to her mouth. Her cerulean eyes moved towards Megumi. The woman sipped her wine thoughtfully. “Wouldn't you just like to know?”

 

“Yes. That's why I asked.”

 

The woman smiled and put her glass down. She loaded her fork and elegantly ate her fish. “You should have come with us then.” She chided.

 

Kaoru released her breath and Kenshin tried to hide a grin. He was convinced he had been the topic of conversation. But why hadn't the woman made an insinuation to confirm it. It was not like Megumi to let these things go away with out some kind of taunt. He let it go and the rest of the meal passed in enjoyable conversation.

 

Afterwards he helped Megumi wash the dishes. The other four sat inside the living room talking and consuming the last of the wine. He placed the last plate in the dishwasher and turned to look at her. The woman was standing at the sink, staring out the window. “Megumi-dono?” She looked at him. “What are you thinking about?”

 

She swallowed and lowered her brown eyes. “Just thinking.”

 

“About what?”

 

She shrugged and wrapped her arms about herself. “I was just thinking about what my life might have been like if I hadn't met Kaoru.”

 

“You and me both.” He murmured.

 

“She's an amazing woman.”

 

He smiled. “We already had this conversation, that we did.”

 

“But you haven't wised up from it.”

 

“I suppose you are here to reiterate what you told me before?”

 

“I would let her in. You might be surprised by what you find.”

 

Kenshin took a deep breath. “There are actions I have committed that I can not take back.”

 

“I'm well aware of this. But we aren't thinking of the same actions. You're dwelling on what you did years ago. I'm referring to what happened last night.” He blinked and stared at her, color rising to his cheeks. “You kissed her. The woman is trusting and loves blindly. I'm not saying you don't deserve that, but don't lead her astray. I really like you Kenshin. I think you are a good man who deserves a break from whatever shoddy cards fate has dealt you. You should take advantage of your time here. But don't you dare break your heart. I might not have the same fighting stamina as the rest of the group out there, but I will not hesitate in hunting you down and making you regret hurting her.”

 

He swallowed thickly at the threat. “I have no intention of hurting Kaoru-dono.”

 

She smiled and touched his cheek. “Then don't run from her.”

 

“I have no intention of doing that either, that I do not.” He told her.

 

The brown eyes widened and her grin turned devious. “That's certainly news.” She linked arms with him and dragged him into the living room where everyone else was. She guided him towards a couch and sat down. Kenshin saw the shadow that passed over Kaoru's face and the scowl on Sano's.

 

“What else do you have planned for us, Kitsune?” He demanded darkly, his dark eyes on the hand on Kenshin's arm.

 

Megumi chuckled and sat back. Her hand left Kenshin and breathed a sigh of relief. “Why not just talk and catch up. We could play a game or something.”

 

Misao clapped her hands. “And what game did you have in mind?”

 

Kenshin tuned out the conversation as his eyes caught Kaoru slipping from the room. He strained to hear where she went, to see if she would go out the front door. He didn't hear anything and furrowed his brow. After a few minutes, she dashed by the doorway, dressed in her blue robe, her feet bare. He rose, ignoring the group who had unearthed a deck of cards. No one paid him any heed and he didn't hear the snickers as he left the room.

 

He followed her out the back door and saw she had stopped by the pool. Slowly she slid out of her robe and pulled the band from her hair. He stood there watching her as she sat on the edge and gingerly hopped into the water. He meandered down the stairs, hoping not to surprise her. Kaoru floated in the center of the pool, her eyes closed.

 

“Decided to go for a swim?”

 

She stood up quickly, the splash of water loud in the quiet night. “Just wanted to escape for a bit.”

 

He nodded, his hands in the pockets of his khakis. “I can relate to the need.”

 

She was quiet, her body below the surface of the water. “Care to join me?”

 

Did he ever. But he didn't want to risk leaving for fear the others might catch on and decide to come down for a late night swim as well. “I'll just sit here.”

 

She shrugged and moved away from the lip of the pool. “Suit yourself.”

 

A slow grin spread across her features as he bent down to slip off his shoes. He had seen that look before and knew she was planning something. Not sure what, and adamant that he really didn't care, he approached the edge of the pool, curious to see where the night would lead.

 

 

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Kaoru watched him, treading water, as he rolled up his pants and came to dangle his feet in the water. She decided in that moment she didn't need to know about his past. It didn't matter; it had been in the past. All she knew was she was falling for this man, falling hard. Anything that he had done in a previous life had gotten him to this point and that was whom she wanted. Her father was living proof that one could have a bad past and still be a good man. She trusted Kenshin completely and utterly and nothing anyone said could change that belief.

 

Having come to this decision, she decided to become bold. She had promised Megumi; she had promised herself. She moved to the edge of the pool, near where he sat. He had come to the water near the middle. She could stand, and not be completely submerged in the water. Wanting to have a bit of fun, and not really knowing what else to do, she came to him and gently grasped the backs of his calves. Kenshin tensed slightly and relaxed. His cuffs were wet, skimming the top of the water. She looked up at him and his violet eyes stared back at her. A hint of a smile touched her lips and he returned it, a bit uneasily. There was a questioning look in his face and before she could change her mind, she pounced.

 

She stood up abruptly and grabbed his waist, pulling him into the water. Caught off guard, Kenshin stumbled in, though he didn't go completely under. His red head still dry, the hairs floated on the top of the pool. “Now you have no choice.” She grinned.

 

A wry smile was on his lips and she giggled, splashing him. He held up his hands in defense and she swam around him, placing her hands on his shoulders. She pushed down, trying to get his head to fall beneath the surface. Instead he merely reached around. His hands were warm on her waist and then he was flipping her. Kaoru came back up, sputtering for air, splashing the laughing man.

 

“You're trying to ruin my clothes.” He reprimanded her.

 

“I'll buy you new ones.”

 

“It's not necessary.”

 

He still stood and Kaoru swam around him, looking for another opportunity to catch him unawares. He spun slowly, always keeping her insight. “You claim I ruined your clothes then I'm obligated. Besides, the chlorine won't ruin them. Just make the colors fade.”

 

“I like this color.”

 

So did she. The blue went well with his eyes. She was behind him and she swam to his back. Her hands were on his waistband and she pressed up against him. “Then there's only one thing to do.” She whispered into his ear. He shivered and she licked her lips in anticipation. “Take the shirt off.” She tugged both the shirt and the undershirt from his pants. He didn't argue with her as she pulled it over his head. Feeling triumphant, she tossed the material to the side where it landed on the concrete with a wet plop. Then her blue eyes were on his back and she froze, taking in the sight before her.

 

Earlier when she had seen him from the front, she had marveled at the number of scars on his chest. In comparison, there was only a single mark on his back. However, it was pale and puckered and lay diagonal across his entire torso. Timidly she touched it with her finger and again the man shivered.

 

“What happened?” Kaoru couldn't help but ask.

 

He hesitated before answering. “I was in a duel.”

 

She blinked. A duel? That could account for why he would have a sword then, why he didn't openly discuss his past. Had all of his wounds been received in duels? Tenderly she placed a kiss on his back as though she could erase the wound. She came around to face him, Kenshin's eyes watching her warily. She reached out to touch his cheek where his cross-shaped scar glimmered in the pool light. “And here?”

 

“The last fight I was in, I received the final mark. It is a brand of the life I once lived.” He said, a touch of bitterness in his voice.

 

“How long was that?”

 

“Nearly ten years.”

 

Kenshin went to move away and she stopped him, capturing his face in her hands. Ten years was a long time. If it had been that long since his last fight, then it truly was another life. Whatever he had run from, or what had happened, he was here with her now. In this moment she wanted him still. She licked her lips again and leaned up to press her lips to his.

 

He responded immediately, his mouth opening and their tongues mingled, their mutual desire igniting. Kenshin's hands were at her back, caressing her skin and his own flesh was like silk underneath her fingers. She wrapped her legs around his waist; her arms tightly wound around his neck. He tasted divine, the smell of cedar and sandalwood intermingling with the chlorine from the water. She lifted up, so she was above him, her tongue exploring his mouth. Her dark hair hung in a wet curtain.

 

Kenshin broke this kiss and brushed back the wet strands from her face. “You are so beautiful.” He murmured, their lips connecting again for another fervent kiss. His legs finally gave out, dropping them both into the water. He was moving backwards, his arms still around her, his hands on her. He reached the steps in the shallow end of the pool and pulled her against him into his lap.

 

Against her, Kaoru could feel his arousal and she smiled against his mouth, her pulse quick and her breath short. “What?” He gasped, his lips leaving hers to nibble at a spot just behind her jaw.

 

She moaned as his hand skirted up her right side, his palm grazing the side of her breast. “Nothing.” She murmured, twisting slightly so he really touched her.

 

Taking the hint his hand slid around to her front and gently cupped the breast in his hand. She groaned, arching slightly into the touch. She threw her head back as his tongue savored her throat. He moved back, his mouth closing over hers once more. His finger brushed the tip of her nipple through her top and her breath caught. He tweaked it, the nub hard and erect in the cool water and she gasped into his mouth. She needed him to touch it, feel his mouth on her and she whimpered slightly when his hand left her and moved to her back. His other hand stroked her thigh and she grinded her hips against him, delighted with the moan he emitted at her actions.

 

His hand paused just above the clasp at her back and he pulled back from her ever so slightly. “Are you sure?” He asked huskily.

 

Kaoru stared down into the purple depths of his eyes and fell in love with him a bit more. It was apparent to both of them she wanted this, that he wanted this. And yet here he was, asking for her permission to continue. Enishi had not once asked and for that reason, that Kenshin cared enough to make sure she understood the line they were about to cross, she nodded her head.

 

“Kaoru!”

 

Her eyes widened and she cursed loudly. Reluctantly she clamored out of the pool, her temper up. She was going to kill Misao. “Kaoru!” The small girl came running around the corner and stopped. “Ummm……….” She looked apprehensive, realizing what she had just interrupted.

 

“Oi! Misao! I think you should……… wait………” Sanosuke skidded to a halt and Kaoru glared at both of them as she jerked her robe over her shoulders. She glanced back over her shoulder and was a bit surprised to see Kenshin still sat in the water. His eyes were closed and he looked as though he was counting.

 

“What the hell is so important?” She demanded, stalking over to where her would be lover still sat. He looked up at her approach and offered a weak smile when she handed him her towel. Quickly he rose from the water, wrapping the material around his waist. She didn't say anything, but she found the gesture odd since he wore pants. Then she recalled what she had felt against her and she blushed, knowing exactly why he hadn't jumped from the water. She whirled on the two intruders. “Well?”

 

“You got a phone call.” Misao stammered.

 

“Wait! Don't tell her!” Megumi came running up then.

 

“Now you decide to wait.” Kaoru crossed her arms.

 

Misao shook her head vehemently. “It's important.”

 

Aoshi strolled up then and Kaoru glanced at him. “I suppose you have an opinion on the matter?”

 

He shook his head and smiled faintly. “I just came to watch the show.”

 

“You mean see me slaughter the three of them. What gives?”

 

“The phone rang—” Misao started.

 

“Misao!” Megumi warned.

 

Sano placed a hand on the tall woman's arm. “Jou-chan has a right to know what's going on.”

 

Megumi looked at him for a minute and then reluctantly nodded.

 

Kaoru threw her hands up in the air. “Would someone please explain to me who could have called that would have you all acting this way?”

 

Misao looked around and then swallowed. “You see, the phone rang and I answered. At first it was quiet and then he asked to speak with you. I realized who it was and said no. Then he told me he was coming for you and there was nothing any of us could do.”

 

“Who was coming?” Kenshin asked suddenly. Kaoru glanced at him, curious at the answer.

 

“It was Enishi.”

 

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I'm sorry that I keep interrupting them. But this time blame her ex! Coming soon is the meeting between Kenshin and Enishi plus Kenshin and Kaoru will finally have their night together and then some. Bear with me! Please tell me what you think and I will try and have the next chapter out soon.