Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Flight of the Wounded Dove ❯ Excursion ( Chapter 8 )
[ 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: 3.3K | Visits: 406 | 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: 3.3K | Visits: 406 | Status: Work In Progress
A Note From Sedjet: Hey, kids! I would just like to say that I HAVE THE BEST REVIEWERS EVER!!! Ok. So, I am going to try for responding to feedback this time.
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. The young shopkeeper, however is mine.
Flight of the Wounded Dove
Chapter Eight:
Excursion
Kenshin waited for Kaoru to return from bathing, biding his time by browsing through her closet. When she had left, she had not taken a change of clothes with her, because Kenshin bade her let him choose a kimono for her to wear. So there he was, parting the kimonos to look at each one carefully.
He noticed, with interest, that none of them looked familiar. Every one of the kimonos was new! The kimonos that lined her wardrobe were more mature than the ones she had worn in Tokyo. They had been chosen to compliment her skin tone, or her eyes. Most of them were dark, rich saturate colors. There was a kimono of emerald silk with a creamy rose colored obi. There was a deep blue kimono reminiscent of the one she had worn the previous night, but this one large, Japanese goldfish.* The obi for this particular kimono was it's complimentary color--a vibrant orange. Next to the blue, was a rich, creamy pink kimono with white sakura petals and cream colored obi. He smiled softly as his hand stroked the silk. She will be lovely in this one.
He carefully removed the hanger from the wardrobe, and laid it across the bed. That done, he went back to the wardrobe to look at the other kimonos she had acquired on the trip. One particular kimono caught his eye. It was a crimson kimono with a vibrant yellow obi and a beautifully embroidered phoenix on the back. A possessive smile curved Kenshin’s lips as the Battousai nudged him out of the way. This will be her wedding kimono. Kenshin did not argue. The kimono in question would be stunning against his bride-to-be’s pale skin. It seemed to fit the bride of the Battousai.
Kenshin’s acute hearing caught the sound of small feet padding against the wooden floor of the hallway, and he sensed Kaoru’s chi before the door knob began to turn. In mere moments, the door open and she appeared, dressed in her yukata. Her hair was left down and left damp patches on the thin yukata, causing it to cling to her skin. She was delectable. She looked up at him and smiled beautifully.
“Tadaima,” she murmured softly, and Kenshin chuckled.
“I have chosen a kimono for you to wear today,” he smiled softly, beckoning her to join him near the bed. “I have never seen these kimonos before.” He gazed down at the soft garment on the bed, then up at her, “They are more mature. They fit the woman that you have become.”
Kaoru blushed. She seemed to be finding herself blushing a great deal as of late. “Arigatou. Tae-san helped me choose them. She said they would—“
“Compliment your skin tone. Hai. Every one is perfectly suited for you.” He smiled down at her, “While browsing your wardrobe, I found the perfect wedding kimono for you. The—“
“Crimson with the phoenix?” She smiled smugly. “Yes, I knew that would be your choice.”
His brows knitted in confusion, “Would it not be yours, koishii?”
“No, Kenshin. It is perfect. I think it suits our union beautifully, ne?”
“Hai, koishii,” he murmured, his eyes smoldering with appreciation and something else Kaoru wanted to ignore for the moment. Her ability to read him pleased him. In anyone else it might have been an annoying quality, but the Battousai wanted his mate to be in tune with him.
Kaoru looked down at the kimono he had chosen. “We should probably collect the others for lunch, don’t you think. They will be wondering what happened to us, and will probably come by like the Spanish Inquisition. I know Tae must have jumped to the most embarrassing conclusions!” She laughed at that but noticed that Kenshin did not.
“If Battousai had his way, it would not be mere speculation. It would be a full truth.”
Kaoru blushed from the roots of her freshly washed hair to the tips of her toes. She picked up the kimono, handling it with the utmost care, and made her way to the lacquered dressing screen in the far corner of the room. “You may stay if you would like, or you may go. I will be done in a few minutes.”
Kenshin opted for staying. Now that he had her, he wasn’t going to let her out of his sight, unless it was to sleep in his own room. After all, Kaoru was still a respectable woman, no matter how the town might talk about her taking on two male borders when she was without a guardian. He refused to dishonor her before they had said their vows. It was a pledge that he had forced the Battousai to adhere to. He had agreed grudgingly, but only because he wanted no harm to come to Kaoru in any fashion, whether it be from the hand of an enemy or the tongues of the town gossipmongers. However, all three personalities had to restrain themselves from peeking behind the screen to catch a glimpse of her pale, creamy flesh. The Rurouni’s nose began to bleed from the mere thought of Kaoru’s naked body, and he was out cold. Battousai just rolled his eyes and kicked the Rurouni out of the way.
As promised, Kaoru returned minutes later, dressed in the kimono with the obi tied expertly in place. She smiled shyly at the proud look on Kenshin’s face. For Kenshin’s part, he was bursting with pride for the beautiful, strong young woman he saw before him. She was carrying herself with a grace she never knew she had. The pink kimono was just the right color to emphasize the natural pink highlights in her cheeks. She looked like a porcelain doll, but Kenshin knew it was a ruse. He knew the power behind that slim frame was a match for his darker half, and it thrilled him to his very soul to know that she was finally his.
He reached for her hand, and she offered it to him, gracefully. “Before we gather up the others for lunch, I would like to take you shopping,” he murmured.
“Oh, Kenshin. I have already bought so many beautiful things. I honestly could not want more without feeling guilty.”
“Would you deny me the honor of buying a gift for the woman who will be my wife?” He teased.
Kaoru blushed, “No, I just—“
“Good.” He pulled her gently toward the door. “I have a specific shop in mind for our first stop.”
She smiled. It was nice to be pampered and cared for by the man she loved with all of her heart. Kami, I could get used to this.
~*~
Kenshin was a man on a mission. He led Kaoru through the crowded streets of Yokohama at a swift pace.
She laughed out loud, “Kenshin! Where are we going?!”
He turned to look at her, smiling mysteriously, “You will see when we get there.”
After a few more minutes, they arrived at a small shop with glittering bits of glass and jewels in the widows. There were metal frames with large pieces of glass in various shapes dangling from them. They winked and twinkled in the morning light. There were necklaces with large pendants of precious stones. There were rings displayed on a soft cloth in one window.
The tiny, quaint shop made Kaoru smile. She looked up at Kenshin to find him staring at her expectantly. “This is lovely, Kenshin!” She gushed.
He smiled at her, a brilliant, dazzling smiled that lit up his eyes, making them sparkle like jewels. Kaoru’s breath was stolen from her as he smiled, for he had never smiled at her that way before. It was a smile of pure, unadulterated joy and mischief.
“You have yet to see the most breathtaking of this man’s work, koishii,” he murmured. “Come,” and he tugged on her hand a little, leading her inside the dimly lit jewelry shop.
A young man, probably a few years older than Kaoru greeted them as they entered the shop. “Ohayo, gosaimasu.”
“Ohayo,” Kenshin smiled, noticing how the young man’s gaze drifted to Kaoru. You better put those eyes back in your head before I rob you of them, was the Battousai’s wicked thought. Please don’t scare the boy, Battousai, he is young, and our Kaoru is beautiful, the Rurouni reasoned. Besides, Kenshin added, He doesn’t stand a chance!
“Ohayo!” Kaoru chirped cheerfully.
“How may I help you today, good gentles?” The young man bowed to them.
“We are looking for an engagement ring worthy of my fiancé,” Kenshin replied, noting the slightly crestfallen look on the star-struck boy’s face. He chuckled inwardly, Eat your heart out. The woman belongs to me.
Kaoru looked up at him in shock, “Kenshin! I told you, I do not need a ring. A traditional ceremony is fine with me.” She placed a hand on his forearm, “All I need is you, koibito.” She blushed a little as she tested out her new pet name for her beloved.
Kenshin smiled a smile that was purely possessive and every bit male. “But I want the world to know that you are mine, koishii,” he murmured softly, nuzzling her hair.
“If that is what you wish, koibito, then it is what I wish.” She replied demurely.
“Well, then, sir. Let us see what you have to offer that could possibly rival this woman’s beauty.” He winked at the young man who blushed and scurried behind the front counter.
He disappeared beneath the counter’s surface, and the couple heard him rummaging around down there. After a few moments, he popped up with a triumphant smile on his face. He motioned for them to come to the counter and offered the small box he had produced. Inside were the most beautiful rings Kaoru had ever seen.
She gasped, her hand flying to her chest. She looked up at the young man, “May I touch them?”
The young man smiled, brightly, “Of course! That is what they are here for.”
Kenshin watched as Kaoru picked gingerly through the collection of rings. He enjoyed her every smile. He was enthralled with by the joy in her. She would pause, holding a ring up for inspection, comment on its craftsmanship and return it to the box. Suddenly, she gasped, pulling out an exquisitely crafted ring from the pile. She turned to Kenshin, offering it for inspection. It was, indeed, a lovely specimen. The Marquise-cut sapphire matched the blue of her eyes perfectly. The band was delicate with flourishes engraved around it. It was simple, yet exquisite, much like the woman herself.
He smiled up at the young man, “I believe we have found the ring she wants”.
“Ah, that one is the finest ring we have. The stone is flawless and the band is white gold.” He smiled wistfully. “It is my favorite to work with…”
“It is beautiful! It is absolutely perfect!”
He winked at the young man who was stuttering under Kaoru’s gushing praise, “Your craftsmanship is excellent.”
The young man looked up at him, questioningly, “What do you mean?”
“I thought I spoke plainly enough,” Kenshin grinned. “Your work is wonderful.”
“How did you know it was mine?”
“Only the creator of something so beautiful can look upon it with the pride with which you look at these rings.”
The man blushed, “Most people think they are my master’s.”
“Most people are fools,” Kenshin said simply. “How much would you like for this ring?”
“Oh! Umm…”
Kenshin grinned, shoving a fat roll of bills into his hand, “Here. Mayhaps it can be put toward getting your own shop.”
Kaoru looked at the sputtering young man, and smiled her dazzling smile. “Arigatou! You have made my day!”
The young man was blushing profusely at her praise, and Kenshin winked at him one last time as he steered Kaoru out of the shop, “Good luck!” he called out as he and Kaoru stepped out into the street. From inside, he could hear a muffled, ‘Arigatou, gozaimasu!’
TBC…. *I do not mean koi. You know those gigantic goldfish with the big, bubbly eyes? Yeah. Those.
I almost wanted Kenshin to have a Loki (from Dogma) moment. I honestly considered having him pull out his sakabatou, sharp side out, and threaten the poor lil’ jeweler’s apprentice until he peed his pants and Kaoru had to drag him out. Sadly, that was only the delirium talking, and I realized that it just didn’t work for this story. Perhaps in Rent…yeah…maybe. Anyhoo, I finished this at 2:45am because I felt guilty for having writer’s block. Please do not hate me if my grammar sucks. I’m so sleepy, and I honestly don’t want to take the time to proof it! I know that is horrible, and I am going to author hell…but…*whines* I’m sssssssssslllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeepyyyyyyyyy! Goodnight, minna!
Flight of the Wounded Dove
Chapter Eight:
Excursion
Kenshin waited for Kaoru to return from bathing, biding his time by browsing through her closet. When she had left, she had not taken a change of clothes with her, because Kenshin bade her let him choose a kimono for her to wear. So there he was, parting the kimonos to look at each one carefully.
He noticed, with interest, that none of them looked familiar. Every one of the kimonos was new! The kimonos that lined her wardrobe were more mature than the ones she had worn in Tokyo. They had been chosen to compliment her skin tone, or her eyes. Most of them were dark, rich saturate colors. There was a kimono of emerald silk with a creamy rose colored obi. There was a deep blue kimono reminiscent of the one she had worn the previous night, but this one large, Japanese goldfish.* The obi for this particular kimono was it's complimentary color--a vibrant orange. Next to the blue, was a rich, creamy pink kimono with white sakura petals and cream colored obi. He smiled softly as his hand stroked the silk. She will be lovely in this one.
He carefully removed the hanger from the wardrobe, and laid it across the bed. That done, he went back to the wardrobe to look at the other kimonos she had acquired on the trip. One particular kimono caught his eye. It was a crimson kimono with a vibrant yellow obi and a beautifully embroidered phoenix on the back. A possessive smile curved Kenshin’s lips as the Battousai nudged him out of the way. This will be her wedding kimono. Kenshin did not argue. The kimono in question would be stunning against his bride-to-be’s pale skin. It seemed to fit the bride of the Battousai.
Kenshin’s acute hearing caught the sound of small feet padding against the wooden floor of the hallway, and he sensed Kaoru’s chi before the door knob began to turn. In mere moments, the door open and she appeared, dressed in her yukata. Her hair was left down and left damp patches on the thin yukata, causing it to cling to her skin. She was delectable. She looked up at him and smiled beautifully.
“Tadaima,” she murmured softly, and Kenshin chuckled.
“I have chosen a kimono for you to wear today,” he smiled softly, beckoning her to join him near the bed. “I have never seen these kimonos before.” He gazed down at the soft garment on the bed, then up at her, “They are more mature. They fit the woman that you have become.”
Kaoru blushed. She seemed to be finding herself blushing a great deal as of late. “Arigatou. Tae-san helped me choose them. She said they would—“
“Compliment your skin tone. Hai. Every one is perfectly suited for you.” He smiled down at her, “While browsing your wardrobe, I found the perfect wedding kimono for you. The—“
“Crimson with the phoenix?” She smiled smugly. “Yes, I knew that would be your choice.”
His brows knitted in confusion, “Would it not be yours, koishii?”
“No, Kenshin. It is perfect. I think it suits our union beautifully, ne?”
“Hai, koishii,” he murmured, his eyes smoldering with appreciation and something else Kaoru wanted to ignore for the moment. Her ability to read him pleased him. In anyone else it might have been an annoying quality, but the Battousai wanted his mate to be in tune with him.
Kaoru looked down at the kimono he had chosen. “We should probably collect the others for lunch, don’t you think. They will be wondering what happened to us, and will probably come by like the Spanish Inquisition. I know Tae must have jumped to the most embarrassing conclusions!” She laughed at that but noticed that Kenshin did not.
“If Battousai had his way, it would not be mere speculation. It would be a full truth.”
Kaoru blushed from the roots of her freshly washed hair to the tips of her toes. She picked up the kimono, handling it with the utmost care, and made her way to the lacquered dressing screen in the far corner of the room. “You may stay if you would like, or you may go. I will be done in a few minutes.”
Kenshin opted for staying. Now that he had her, he wasn’t going to let her out of his sight, unless it was to sleep in his own room. After all, Kaoru was still a respectable woman, no matter how the town might talk about her taking on two male borders when she was without a guardian. He refused to dishonor her before they had said their vows. It was a pledge that he had forced the Battousai to adhere to. He had agreed grudgingly, but only because he wanted no harm to come to Kaoru in any fashion, whether it be from the hand of an enemy or the tongues of the town gossipmongers. However, all three personalities had to restrain themselves from peeking behind the screen to catch a glimpse of her pale, creamy flesh. The Rurouni’s nose began to bleed from the mere thought of Kaoru’s naked body, and he was out cold. Battousai just rolled his eyes and kicked the Rurouni out of the way.
As promised, Kaoru returned minutes later, dressed in the kimono with the obi tied expertly in place. She smiled shyly at the proud look on Kenshin’s face. For Kenshin’s part, he was bursting with pride for the beautiful, strong young woman he saw before him. She was carrying herself with a grace she never knew she had. The pink kimono was just the right color to emphasize the natural pink highlights in her cheeks. She looked like a porcelain doll, but Kenshin knew it was a ruse. He knew the power behind that slim frame was a match for his darker half, and it thrilled him to his very soul to know that she was finally his.
He reached for her hand, and she offered it to him, gracefully. “Before we gather up the others for lunch, I would like to take you shopping,” he murmured.
“Oh, Kenshin. I have already bought so many beautiful things. I honestly could not want more without feeling guilty.”
“Would you deny me the honor of buying a gift for the woman who will be my wife?” He teased.
Kaoru blushed, “No, I just—“
“Good.” He pulled her gently toward the door. “I have a specific shop in mind for our first stop.”
She smiled. It was nice to be pampered and cared for by the man she loved with all of her heart. Kami, I could get used to this.
~*~
Kenshin was a man on a mission. He led Kaoru through the crowded streets of Yokohama at a swift pace.
She laughed out loud, “Kenshin! Where are we going?!”
He turned to look at her, smiling mysteriously, “You will see when we get there.”
After a few more minutes, they arrived at a small shop with glittering bits of glass and jewels in the widows. There were metal frames with large pieces of glass in various shapes dangling from them. They winked and twinkled in the morning light. There were necklaces with large pendants of precious stones. There were rings displayed on a soft cloth in one window.
The tiny, quaint shop made Kaoru smile. She looked up at Kenshin to find him staring at her expectantly. “This is lovely, Kenshin!” She gushed.
He smiled at her, a brilliant, dazzling smiled that lit up his eyes, making them sparkle like jewels. Kaoru’s breath was stolen from her as he smiled, for he had never smiled at her that way before. It was a smile of pure, unadulterated joy and mischief.
“You have yet to see the most breathtaking of this man’s work, koishii,” he murmured. “Come,” and he tugged on her hand a little, leading her inside the dimly lit jewelry shop.
A young man, probably a few years older than Kaoru greeted them as they entered the shop. “Ohayo, gosaimasu.”
“Ohayo,” Kenshin smiled, noticing how the young man’s gaze drifted to Kaoru. You better put those eyes back in your head before I rob you of them, was the Battousai’s wicked thought. Please don’t scare the boy, Battousai, he is young, and our Kaoru is beautiful, the Rurouni reasoned. Besides, Kenshin added, He doesn’t stand a chance!
“Ohayo!” Kaoru chirped cheerfully.
“How may I help you today, good gentles?” The young man bowed to them.
“We are looking for an engagement ring worthy of my fiancé,” Kenshin replied, noting the slightly crestfallen look on the star-struck boy’s face. He chuckled inwardly, Eat your heart out. The woman belongs to me.
Kaoru looked up at him in shock, “Kenshin! I told you, I do not need a ring. A traditional ceremony is fine with me.” She placed a hand on his forearm, “All I need is you, koibito.” She blushed a little as she tested out her new pet name for her beloved.
Kenshin smiled a smile that was purely possessive and every bit male. “But I want the world to know that you are mine, koishii,” he murmured softly, nuzzling her hair.
“If that is what you wish, koibito, then it is what I wish.” She replied demurely.
“Well, then, sir. Let us see what you have to offer that could possibly rival this woman’s beauty.” He winked at the young man who blushed and scurried behind the front counter.
He disappeared beneath the counter’s surface, and the couple heard him rummaging around down there. After a few moments, he popped up with a triumphant smile on his face. He motioned for them to come to the counter and offered the small box he had produced. Inside were the most beautiful rings Kaoru had ever seen.
She gasped, her hand flying to her chest. She looked up at the young man, “May I touch them?”
The young man smiled, brightly, “Of course! That is what they are here for.”
Kenshin watched as Kaoru picked gingerly through the collection of rings. He enjoyed her every smile. He was enthralled with by the joy in her. She would pause, holding a ring up for inspection, comment on its craftsmanship and return it to the box. Suddenly, she gasped, pulling out an exquisitely crafted ring from the pile. She turned to Kenshin, offering it for inspection. It was, indeed, a lovely specimen. The Marquise-cut sapphire matched the blue of her eyes perfectly. The band was delicate with flourishes engraved around it. It was simple, yet exquisite, much like the woman herself.
He smiled up at the young man, “I believe we have found the ring she wants”.
“Ah, that one is the finest ring we have. The stone is flawless and the band is white gold.” He smiled wistfully. “It is my favorite to work with…”
“It is beautiful! It is absolutely perfect!”
He winked at the young man who was stuttering under Kaoru’s gushing praise, “Your craftsmanship is excellent.”
The young man looked up at him, questioningly, “What do you mean?”
“I thought I spoke plainly enough,” Kenshin grinned. “Your work is wonderful.”
“How did you know it was mine?”
“Only the creator of something so beautiful can look upon it with the pride with which you look at these rings.”
The man blushed, “Most people think they are my master’s.”
“Most people are fools,” Kenshin said simply. “How much would you like for this ring?”
“Oh! Umm…”
Kenshin grinned, shoving a fat roll of bills into his hand, “Here. Mayhaps it can be put toward getting your own shop.”
Kaoru looked at the sputtering young man, and smiled her dazzling smile. “Arigatou! You have made my day!”
The young man was blushing profusely at her praise, and Kenshin winked at him one last time as he steered Kaoru out of the shop, “Good luck!” he called out as he and Kaoru stepped out into the street. From inside, he could hear a muffled, ‘Arigatou, gozaimasu!’
TBC…. *I do not mean koi. You know those gigantic goldfish with the big, bubbly eyes? Yeah. Those.
I almost wanted Kenshin to have a Loki (from Dogma) moment. I honestly considered having him pull out his sakabatou, sharp side out, and threaten the poor lil’ jeweler’s apprentice until he peed his pants and Kaoru had to drag him out. Sadly, that was only the delirium talking, and I realized that it just didn’t work for this story. Perhaps in Rent…yeah…maybe. Anyhoo, I finished this at 2:45am because I felt guilty for having writer’s block. Please do not hate me if my grammar sucks. I’m so sleepy, and I honestly don’t want to take the time to proof it! I know that is horrible, and I am going to author hell…but…*whines* I’m sssssssssslllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeepyyyyyyyyy! Goodnight, minna!