Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Flight of the Wounded Dove ❯ Reunion ( Chapter 4 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Shaeya Sedjet Namir 
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 06.18.2007 | Updated On: 06.21.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 544 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 06.18.2007 | Updated On: 06.21.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 544 | Status: Work In Progress
A Note From Sedjet: I felt really bad about taking over a month to update, so my gift to you all is a second chapter update! Happy Thanksgiving!
Disclaimer: I am in no way claiming to own any sort of right to Rurouni Kenshin! I just like to pretend that I am god and bend the characters to my will. Mwahahaha!!! Ahem. Kenshin and his friends actually belong to Noburhiro Watsuki.
Flight of the Wounded Dove
Chapter Four:
Reunion
The trio reached Yokohama in the early afternoon. Luckily, Tae had made reservations for them at the Golden Dragon Inn, and Sanosuke hired a carriage to take them to their destination.
Despite its name, it was a western-style inn. It was more than a bit strange for the three travelers. The innkeeper had been given instructions to give Sanosuke the key to Kaoru’s room, and he led an unsuspecting Kenshin right to his heart’s desire.
Kaoru’s room was on the second level of the four story inn. The trio of young men trudged up the stairs in single file with Sanosuke leading the way, Kenshin following Sano and Yahiko bringing up the rear. The inn was nicely furnished with rich, burgundy wallpaper embossed with golden designs. The trio had never seen anything so nicely furnished, and they admired their surroundings.
When they reached Kaoru’s room, Sanosuke slid the key into the keyhole. Kenshin was admiring the craftsmanship of the ornately carved western style door right before Sanosuke opened it to reveal a young woman sitting at a dressing table.
“Tae! Why didn’t you…”her eyes settled on Kenshin, “…knock?”
At the same time she began to speak, Kenshin averted his gaze and began to spout a rapid stream of apologies. “There must be some mistake! Gomen nasai, miss. The innkeeper must have given us the wrong…key,” he finished with her. He had realized in the middle of her reprimand just who the voice belonged to.
He turned to look at her and stood frozen. Suddenly, realization crashed down on him They had planned it all. Tae, Sanosuke and Yahiko had somehow managed to plan this entire ‘vacation’. They had brought him to Kaoru to cheer him up. And yet, he could only stare at her. She was so beautiful in a kimono of deep purple with a lavender obi. Her hair was unquaffed and hung in a silken mass down her back. She, too was frozen, her brush poised to stroke once more through her glossy raven hair.
For her part, Kaoru was stunned. Kenshin was the last person she had expected to pass over the threshold of her room at the inn. Frankly, he was the last person she desired to see. She was suddenly self-conscious. The way he was staring at her made her feel as if she were on exhibition, and the fact that he was even standing in her room made her a bit peevy. However, the look on his face—the relief that was so apparent softened her. She wanted to reach out to him, but she did not dare. She commanded herself to stay put.
Kenshin snapped out of his trance and crossed the short distance between them. He took her into his arms and clutched her to him as if she might vanish in a poof of smoke.
“Kaoru!” he whispered desperately, and she was startled by his dropping of the honorific that was always used in conjunction with her name. “I am sorry.” Kaoru gently, but firmly extracted herself from his embrace. She sighed. She too had figured the equation. Tae had told them where she could be found. “I know exactly how you found me, but what I want to know is why.”
“Well, that’s a fine how-do-you-do!” Sanosuke muttered, “We drag our butts all this way by train,” he emphasized the word because she was quite familiar with his disdain for the iron horse, “And we don’t even get a ‘hello, how are you?’ Well, how’s that for friendship.”
Kaoru planted her hands on her hips, “I want to know why you came,” she demanded.
Sanosuke leveled a look at her, “Because we were tired of Kenshin moping around. All he has been doing since you left is eat, sleep and pout. It’s disgustin’.”
Kaoru turned her wide-eyed, slightly disbelieving gaze on Kenshin, “You missed me?”
Kenshin wore a faint blush and a wry smile, “Of course I have,” he scratched the back of his head self-consciously, “Although, I did not realize it was so obvious.”
Yahiko rolled his eyes and Sano stared incredulously wondering what he could throw at the silly rurouni.
Kenshin’s confession prompted a smile that lit Kaoru’s entire face.
Kenshin reached out with a tentative hand to touch the corner of her mouth, “It is good to see you smile again.” He reached for her, and this time she came willingly into his arms. He rested his head atop hers, stroking her silken hair with sword-calloused hands. The expression on his face could only be described as blissful.
At that moment, Tae popped up out of nowhere wearing a triumphant grin. Her sudden appearance caused Sanosuke and Yahiko to face-fault into the room’s luxuriously carpeted floor.
“She can be sooooo scary,” Yahiko whispered to Sano as they regained their feet.
Tae shot them both a look, but as she turned her attention back to the couple, she wore a pleased smile, “I think we should leave Kenshin and Kaoru alone for a while.”
“Yeah,” Yahiko seconded, “They’re makin’ me sick.”
The reunited couple paid no attention to him. They were too engrossed with each other.
“Let’s eat!” Sanosuke said, rubbing his hands together greedily.
Neither Kenshin nor Kaoru noticed when their three compatriots took their leave.
Kenshin clutched her to him, “Don’t run away from me again. I am sorry for everything. I never meant to hurt you! I did not realize. You should have told me.”
Kaoru pulled back a little in order to look at him fully, “I know that you would never deliberately do anything to hurt me.” She placed her palm on his cheek, “There were some things I needed to work through—for myself.”
Kenshin nodded, “Have you worked them through?” he asked, hopefully.
She hesitated. “Not quite. There are still a few things that I am working on.”
“May I ask what you are working on?” he queried softly.
She buried her head against his chest, “You would laugh at me.”
Kenshin placed a hand on either side of her face, lifting her face gently. He looked her directly in the eyes, “I promise you that I will not,” he murmured solemnly.
She nodded, hiding her face against his chest. “I have been learning how to cook,” she mumbled into his gi.
Kenshin smiled. He was flattered. There was no doubt in his mind that she was learning to cook in order to please him, and it gave him an odd sense of pride. He hugged her, chuckling. He sighed softly, cupping her face in his calloused hands. “What a pair we make. Two people who cannot simply admit their feelings for each other.” He stroked a stray strand of hair away from her delicate face, “Instead, we spend our time trying to show how we feel through our actions. You are learning to cook. I do everything in my power to keep you safe, even if it means alienating myself from you.”
Kaoru searched his eyes for a long moment. She saw nothing but complete sincerity…and something else—something she could not identify.
Kenshin was suddenly very serious, “A naked blade needs a sheath,” he murmured, stroking her face. He studied her thoughtfully, “You are my sheath…koishii.”
Kaoru’s eyes went wide. The impact of his words sank in, and she pressed a delicate hand to her lips. She sobbed, and tears slipped down her alabaster cheeks.
Kenshin cupped her face in his hands, “Please do not cry, koishii. I have been the cause of enough of your tears…more times than I care to think about.” He caressed her hair, his gaze roaming over her face, “I love you, Kaoru.” He pressed a kiss against her forehead and inhaled her scent of jasmine and woman, “It feels good to finally say it out loud.”
“I am so happy,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.
He brought her into a gentle embrace, “Sit with me a moment, koishii. I would like to hold you for a while.”
She nodded, smiling shyly and offered him her hand. He led her to the western style bed, and sat down on it. He was a little bewildered by the softness of the mattress as he sank into it. He decided he liked it and moved so that his back was against the wall. He offered his hand to Kaoru and helped her to settle herself between his legs. When they were situated, her back was nestled against his chest, and his chin was resting against her shoulder.
“I am sorry that emotions do not come easily for me,” he murmured, absently stroking her hair, “If I seem cold, always know that I am thinking of you. Always know that I care for you more than anyone or anything else.”
Kaoru bowed her head, “I thought you were still in love with your wife,” she murmured softly.
Kenshin raised his head from her shoulder and dropped a kiss on the top of her head, “Our marriage was a charade. It was founded on nothing but lies.” He sighed sadly, “I was so young, then and I was completely fooled.”
“May I ask what happened to your wife?” came the tentative question.
Kenshin hesitated, but decided it was time to tell her the truth, “She was killed by my blade as she tried to protect her father. She died in my arms.” He sighed, “In the end, I think she may have returned my feelings.” He took deep, cleansing breath, “But I was a different person then.” He gazed down at her with loving eyes, “I have finally found my life partner.” He smiled softly, “And in the most unlikely of places.”
Kaoru turned shifted in order to rest her head against his shoulder, “I have loved you so long, Kenshin, and with all of my heart,” she murmured, near tears.
Kenshin tightened his hold on her, “I have tried desperately not to love you, but I love you more than life.”
Kaoru laughed, “Listen to us! We are like silly, gushing teenagers!”
Kenshin pressed a kiss against her exposed temple, “We have to make up for all the times we have neglected to say, ‘I love you.’”
A light rapping interrupted their reverie. “Kenshin, Kaoru? May I come in?” Tae queried from outside.
Kenshin untangled his limbs from beneath Kaoru’s and made to open the door. On the other side, Tae looked more than a bit disappointed.
“Is something wrong, Tae-dono?” Kenshin asked, concerned.
“I was hoping the two of you would be…indisposed.”
The couple blushed profusely.
Tae merely shook her head, “In any case, we are going out. Are the two of you up to going with us?”
Kenshin turned to Kaoru, “Are you feeling well enough for dinner out, koishii?”
Tae smiled a secret smile. She was perversely proud of her underhanded method of bringing Kenshin and Kaoru together.
Kaoru graced him with a soft smile, “I have never felt so wonderful in my life.”
Tae beamed, “Alright. Kenshin, grab your clothing and go dress in Sanosuke’s room. I will help Kaoru dress here.”
Kenshin grabbed up his pack from the floor near the door. On his way out, he stopped in front of Kaoru, who had followed his progress. “I will see you shortly.” He hesitated only a moment before swooping in and pressing a soft kiss against Kaoru’s cheek.
Kaoru could only stare after him with a silly grin on her face.
Kenshin paused at the door and looked back over his shoulder. He did not want to leave her—not for one moment, but he made his way to Sanosuke’s room with the expectation that the sooner he got out, the sooner she would be ready and the sooner he would be able to see her again.
Kaoru stared after him, and Tae waved a hand in front of her face, “Kaoru! We must be quick. You know San-chan. He is liable to murder Yahiko and cook him over an open fire if we do not eat soon.”
This provoked a peel of hearty laughter from Kaoru. Then, a thought struck her. She turned desperately to Tae, “What am I going to wear???”
Tae looked at Kaoru as if the younger girl were and complete and utter dimwit, “The evening sky kimono, you silly girl! What else?!”
Kaoru ducked her head, blushing, and Tae merely shook her head.
“I had forgotten that love makes fools of the young,” she smiled, shaking her head. “Let’s get to work.”
To be continued…
There! I hope you like it! This chapter was a little longer than the others…a little over five full pages. If I am feeling brave, I may even venture to post the fifth chapter before the end of the weekend. We shall see how things go…
Disclaimer: I am in no way claiming to own any sort of right to Rurouni Kenshin! I just like to pretend that I am god and bend the characters to my will. Mwahahaha!!! Ahem. Kenshin and his friends actually belong to Noburhiro Watsuki.
Flight of the Wounded Dove
Chapter Four:
Reunion
The trio reached Yokohama in the early afternoon. Luckily, Tae had made reservations for them at the Golden Dragon Inn, and Sanosuke hired a carriage to take them to their destination.
Despite its name, it was a western-style inn. It was more than a bit strange for the three travelers. The innkeeper had been given instructions to give Sanosuke the key to Kaoru’s room, and he led an unsuspecting Kenshin right to his heart’s desire.
Kaoru’s room was on the second level of the four story inn. The trio of young men trudged up the stairs in single file with Sanosuke leading the way, Kenshin following Sano and Yahiko bringing up the rear. The inn was nicely furnished with rich, burgundy wallpaper embossed with golden designs. The trio had never seen anything so nicely furnished, and they admired their surroundings.
When they reached Kaoru’s room, Sanosuke slid the key into the keyhole. Kenshin was admiring the craftsmanship of the ornately carved western style door right before Sanosuke opened it to reveal a young woman sitting at a dressing table.
“Tae! Why didn’t you…”her eyes settled on Kenshin, “…knock?”
At the same time she began to speak, Kenshin averted his gaze and began to spout a rapid stream of apologies. “There must be some mistake! Gomen nasai, miss. The innkeeper must have given us the wrong…key,” he finished with her. He had realized in the middle of her reprimand just who the voice belonged to.
He turned to look at her and stood frozen. Suddenly, realization crashed down on him They had planned it all. Tae, Sanosuke and Yahiko had somehow managed to plan this entire ‘vacation’. They had brought him to Kaoru to cheer him up. And yet, he could only stare at her. She was so beautiful in a kimono of deep purple with a lavender obi. Her hair was unquaffed and hung in a silken mass down her back. She, too was frozen, her brush poised to stroke once more through her glossy raven hair.
For her part, Kaoru was stunned. Kenshin was the last person she had expected to pass over the threshold of her room at the inn. Frankly, he was the last person she desired to see. She was suddenly self-conscious. The way he was staring at her made her feel as if she were on exhibition, and the fact that he was even standing in her room made her a bit peevy. However, the look on his face—the relief that was so apparent softened her. She wanted to reach out to him, but she did not dare. She commanded herself to stay put.
Kenshin snapped out of his trance and crossed the short distance between them. He took her into his arms and clutched her to him as if she might vanish in a poof of smoke.
“Kaoru!” he whispered desperately, and she was startled by his dropping of the honorific that was always used in conjunction with her name. “I am sorry.” Kaoru gently, but firmly extracted herself from his embrace. She sighed. She too had figured the equation. Tae had told them where she could be found. “I know exactly how you found me, but what I want to know is why.”
“Well, that’s a fine how-do-you-do!” Sanosuke muttered, “We drag our butts all this way by train,” he emphasized the word because she was quite familiar with his disdain for the iron horse, “And we don’t even get a ‘hello, how are you?’ Well, how’s that for friendship.”
Kaoru planted her hands on her hips, “I want to know why you came,” she demanded.
Sanosuke leveled a look at her, “Because we were tired of Kenshin moping around. All he has been doing since you left is eat, sleep and pout. It’s disgustin’.”
Kaoru turned her wide-eyed, slightly disbelieving gaze on Kenshin, “You missed me?”
Kenshin wore a faint blush and a wry smile, “Of course I have,” he scratched the back of his head self-consciously, “Although, I did not realize it was so obvious.”
Yahiko rolled his eyes and Sano stared incredulously wondering what he could throw at the silly rurouni.
Kenshin’s confession prompted a smile that lit Kaoru’s entire face.
Kenshin reached out with a tentative hand to touch the corner of her mouth, “It is good to see you smile again.” He reached for her, and this time she came willingly into his arms. He rested his head atop hers, stroking her silken hair with sword-calloused hands. The expression on his face could only be described as blissful.
At that moment, Tae popped up out of nowhere wearing a triumphant grin. Her sudden appearance caused Sanosuke and Yahiko to face-fault into the room’s luxuriously carpeted floor.
“She can be sooooo scary,” Yahiko whispered to Sano as they regained their feet.
Tae shot them both a look, but as she turned her attention back to the couple, she wore a pleased smile, “I think we should leave Kenshin and Kaoru alone for a while.”
“Yeah,” Yahiko seconded, “They’re makin’ me sick.”
The reunited couple paid no attention to him. They were too engrossed with each other.
“Let’s eat!” Sanosuke said, rubbing his hands together greedily.
Neither Kenshin nor Kaoru noticed when their three compatriots took their leave.
Kenshin clutched her to him, “Don’t run away from me again. I am sorry for everything. I never meant to hurt you! I did not realize. You should have told me.”
Kaoru pulled back a little in order to look at him fully, “I know that you would never deliberately do anything to hurt me.” She placed her palm on his cheek, “There were some things I needed to work through—for myself.”
Kenshin nodded, “Have you worked them through?” he asked, hopefully.
She hesitated. “Not quite. There are still a few things that I am working on.”
“May I ask what you are working on?” he queried softly.
She buried her head against his chest, “You would laugh at me.”
Kenshin placed a hand on either side of her face, lifting her face gently. He looked her directly in the eyes, “I promise you that I will not,” he murmured solemnly.
She nodded, hiding her face against his chest. “I have been learning how to cook,” she mumbled into his gi.
Kenshin smiled. He was flattered. There was no doubt in his mind that she was learning to cook in order to please him, and it gave him an odd sense of pride. He hugged her, chuckling. He sighed softly, cupping her face in his calloused hands. “What a pair we make. Two people who cannot simply admit their feelings for each other.” He stroked a stray strand of hair away from her delicate face, “Instead, we spend our time trying to show how we feel through our actions. You are learning to cook. I do everything in my power to keep you safe, even if it means alienating myself from you.”
Kaoru searched his eyes for a long moment. She saw nothing but complete sincerity…and something else—something she could not identify.
Kenshin was suddenly very serious, “A naked blade needs a sheath,” he murmured, stroking her face. He studied her thoughtfully, “You are my sheath…koishii.”
Kaoru’s eyes went wide. The impact of his words sank in, and she pressed a delicate hand to her lips. She sobbed, and tears slipped down her alabaster cheeks.
Kenshin cupped her face in his hands, “Please do not cry, koishii. I have been the cause of enough of your tears…more times than I care to think about.” He caressed her hair, his gaze roaming over her face, “I love you, Kaoru.” He pressed a kiss against her forehead and inhaled her scent of jasmine and woman, “It feels good to finally say it out loud.”
“I am so happy,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.
He brought her into a gentle embrace, “Sit with me a moment, koishii. I would like to hold you for a while.”
She nodded, smiling shyly and offered him her hand. He led her to the western style bed, and sat down on it. He was a little bewildered by the softness of the mattress as he sank into it. He decided he liked it and moved so that his back was against the wall. He offered his hand to Kaoru and helped her to settle herself between his legs. When they were situated, her back was nestled against his chest, and his chin was resting against her shoulder.
“I am sorry that emotions do not come easily for me,” he murmured, absently stroking her hair, “If I seem cold, always know that I am thinking of you. Always know that I care for you more than anyone or anything else.”
Kaoru bowed her head, “I thought you were still in love with your wife,” she murmured softly.
Kenshin raised his head from her shoulder and dropped a kiss on the top of her head, “Our marriage was a charade. It was founded on nothing but lies.” He sighed sadly, “I was so young, then and I was completely fooled.”
“May I ask what happened to your wife?” came the tentative question.
Kenshin hesitated, but decided it was time to tell her the truth, “She was killed by my blade as she tried to protect her father. She died in my arms.” He sighed, “In the end, I think she may have returned my feelings.” He took deep, cleansing breath, “But I was a different person then.” He gazed down at her with loving eyes, “I have finally found my life partner.” He smiled softly, “And in the most unlikely of places.”
Kaoru turned shifted in order to rest her head against his shoulder, “I have loved you so long, Kenshin, and with all of my heart,” she murmured, near tears.
Kenshin tightened his hold on her, “I have tried desperately not to love you, but I love you more than life.”
Kaoru laughed, “Listen to us! We are like silly, gushing teenagers!”
Kenshin pressed a kiss against her exposed temple, “We have to make up for all the times we have neglected to say, ‘I love you.’”
A light rapping interrupted their reverie. “Kenshin, Kaoru? May I come in?” Tae queried from outside.
Kenshin untangled his limbs from beneath Kaoru’s and made to open the door. On the other side, Tae looked more than a bit disappointed.
“Is something wrong, Tae-dono?” Kenshin asked, concerned.
“I was hoping the two of you would be…indisposed.”
The couple blushed profusely.
Tae merely shook her head, “In any case, we are going out. Are the two of you up to going with us?”
Kenshin turned to Kaoru, “Are you feeling well enough for dinner out, koishii?”
Tae smiled a secret smile. She was perversely proud of her underhanded method of bringing Kenshin and Kaoru together.
Kaoru graced him with a soft smile, “I have never felt so wonderful in my life.”
Tae beamed, “Alright. Kenshin, grab your clothing and go dress in Sanosuke’s room. I will help Kaoru dress here.”
Kenshin grabbed up his pack from the floor near the door. On his way out, he stopped in front of Kaoru, who had followed his progress. “I will see you shortly.” He hesitated only a moment before swooping in and pressing a soft kiss against Kaoru’s cheek.
Kaoru could only stare after him with a silly grin on her face.
Kenshin paused at the door and looked back over his shoulder. He did not want to leave her—not for one moment, but he made his way to Sanosuke’s room with the expectation that the sooner he got out, the sooner she would be ready and the sooner he would be able to see her again.
Kaoru stared after him, and Tae waved a hand in front of her face, “Kaoru! We must be quick. You know San-chan. He is liable to murder Yahiko and cook him over an open fire if we do not eat soon.”
This provoked a peel of hearty laughter from Kaoru. Then, a thought struck her. She turned desperately to Tae, “What am I going to wear???”
Tae looked at Kaoru as if the younger girl were and complete and utter dimwit, “The evening sky kimono, you silly girl! What else?!”
Kaoru ducked her head, blushing, and Tae merely shook her head.
“I had forgotten that love makes fools of the young,” she smiled, shaking her head. “Let’s get to work.”
To be continued…
There! I hope you like it! This chapter was a little longer than the others…a little over five full pages. If I am feeling brave, I may even venture to post the fifth chapter before the end of the weekend. We shall see how things go…