Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Vengeance ❯ Confession ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

An update for those who enjoy this story!

Note of words for this chapter:

onigiri- rice balls

shichirin-portable light weight stove that uses charcoal

juubako- tiered box for food storage or to use for picnics

shikidai- wooden step

Chapter 2-Confession

“Okay, now lift up your arms.”

Kenshin obeyed Megumi's instructions, lifting his arms to the side then up at her motion. In the two months since his battle with Shishio, the rurouni had taken it easy, allowing his wounds to heal at an exponential rate. But now was the final physical exam to test his range of movement. And I hope I am well enough to return to my normal routine, that I do.

“Good... you seem to have fluid movement with no pain.” The lady doctor commented, studying the small man with a clinical eye.

“Does that mean I can resume my duties around the dojo then?” Kenshin asked, lowering his arms at her signal.

Megumi was still surprised at how rapid the rurouni's body healed. His scars are nearly gone and he's been moving well for some time now. Truth be told I could have cleared him to return to regular activity weeks ago. “Yes, you have clean bill of health, Ken-san. Though I would recommend you gradually work your way back into things. Don't try to do too much, too quickly, alright?”

“Hai, I'll be careful, that I will. Thank you, Megumi-dono, for all your help.” Kenshin replied, giving a bow of his head.

Megumi smiled then returned the bow. “It's what friends do, Ken-san. Help each other,” She straightened her frame. “I have to head back to the clinic. Tell Sano when you see him that he needs a physical as well.”

“Hai, I will do that, Megumi-dono.” He watched as the doctor left, his gaze falling on Kaoru as she walked past then reversed, coming to stand in the entrance of the open shoji door.

The assistant to the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu saw Megumi exit Kenshin's room, giving a nod to the doctor as she passed, knowing the taller woman had finished her examination of the rurouni and was now heading to her medical clinic. I wonder how Kenshin's doing? She walked forward, turning her gaze as she passed by then backed up at the sight of him standing in the center of the room. His red kimono hung down around his waist, resting against the fabric of his hakama pants, his bare torso visible. The scars were faded, barely noticeable now and the brown haired girl was impressed at the pace of his healing. He is well on his way to recovery. She thought, her gaze lingering longer than it should have on his lean but toned frame. Though she was used to seeing men half naked, there was something about Kenshin that made her blush but unable to look away. I really shouldn't be standing here gawking. It's inappropriate. Yet the red head didn't seem to mind and she soon found his gaze focusing over to her.

“Ah, good morning, Kaoru-dono,” Kenshin called out in greeting.

Kaoru felt self conscious for staring but gave him a smile. “Good morning, Kenshin.” She returned the greeting. “How do you feel?”

Kenshin pulled his kimono up and over his shoulders, sliding his arms into the sleeves. “The one feels well enough to return to his regular duties, that he does.” He answered with a smile. Despite the yearning in his heart to tell her about his feelings, the timing never seemed to be right. And I'm not sure how Kaoru-dono will react to my confession. Though a small part of him was afraid she might not return his feelings, the rurouni was fairly confident the signs were there. When I left for Kyoto, she followed, to see me and to be with me, no matter what. She risked her life to fight with me. Despite the danger she was in, Kaoru-dono told me to live on, even as she was kicked into the sea. She was terrified of never seeing me again. Just as I was of never seeing her. I cannot be wrong on this. I must not be wrong. But how do I go about telling her without embarrassing us both? His gaze shifted to the large circular bamboo basket in the girl's hands and he asked, “Are you going to the market, Kaoru-dono?”

Kaoru looked down at the basket then back up at him. “Hai, just to grab a few things before my students arrive for training.”

The red head smiled at the opportunity to spend time with her in a social setting. “I will go with you.”

The dojo instructor frowned, unsure if he was being overprotective or simply wanted to tag along. “You don't have to, Kenshin. I can handle it.”

“This one knows that, Kaoru-dono, but I'd like to go with you just the same. This one enjoys being in your company, that he does.”

His voice was soft and sincere and it made her heart melt. How can I say no when he talks like that? “Oh... Okay... that would be nice. Thank you, Kenshin.”

The rurouni beamed at her answer, moving over to the rack to grab his sakabato, sliding it under the left side of his obi then followed her out the main entrance, stepping down to slide on his zori, keeping pace with Kaoru along the short path and out the door. He walked with the girl down the steps and onto the street, content to spend time with her as they walked side by side towards the market. He tilted his head back, the autumn sun bringing a soothing warmth and he smiled, voice light and happy. “It is a beautiful day is it not, Kaoru-dono?”

The girl looked over at the red head, noting the radiant look on his handsome face and she smiled. He looks so happy. It must be because he hasn't had a much of a chance to leave the dojo since his fight with Shishio. “ Hai, it is beautiful today, Kenshin.” She agreed.

The pair weaved around the growing crowd, the assistant master buying several vegetables and some rice, placing them into the basket and she blinked as the rurouni held out his hands.

“Let me carry that for you, Kaoru-dono.”

“Alright.” She replied, handing the basket to Kenshin.

The rurouni took the basket, holding it as he walked beside her. “Where to now?” He asked.

“Um... I need to purchase a new tofu basket, then we should be set.” She answered, walking forward, Kenshin keeping pace to her left.

He looked around at the various wares and colorful items for sale, enjoying his outing, the crowd thinning out as they neared a Shinto shrine. It felt good to stretch his legs and walk around the city. And it gives me an excuse to be close to Kaoru-dono without being teased and talked to about her by Sano or Yahiko. Since his return to Tokyo and his convalescing to recover his lost strength and stamina, the two males had noticed the way the red head would study Kaoru. Why don't you ask her to marry you already, Kenshin? You know she loves you, right? Yahiko would often say. Kenshin, Kaoru cares about you. She is strong and independent plus she's not bad on the eyes and she can defend herself pretty well in combat. Too bad she can't cook, but that's why she has you! Sano would tease, a stupid grin on his face. The rurouni sighed, knowing they meant well. It's not that easy, though, Sano and Yahiko. I want it to be right when I ask her, that I do.

Kaoru heard a soft sigh escape from the red head's lips and she turned her gaze to him. “Is something wrong, Kenshin?”

“Oro?” Kenshin sounded out, shaking his head to clear his mind. “Sorry, Kaoru-dono. I was lost in my thoughts for a moment.”

“Care to share them?” She asked innocently enough.

The rurouni shifted nervously, features becoming shy. “It's just... well... complicated....” He said softly.

She found his shy look adorable and she tilted her head. “I don't mind listening, Kenshin. So what is the problem?”

Do I tell her now? With so many people around? “Kaoru-dono... this one....” He started and stopped, brow furrowed. Why was this so difficult? He wondered, his focus shifting towards the shrine as his voice went silent.

“Yes?” Kaoru said gently, waiting patiently for him to answer. She saw his gaze shift and she followed it, finding a wedding ceremony being preformed.

“Do you... do you ever think about marriage, Kaoru-dono?” He asked suddenly, turning his gaze from the shrine over to her.

The girl was surprised at his question, feeling heat on her cheeks. Why the heck does his question make my heart.... flutter? It's not like he's asking me to marry him...“I can't say that I really have, Kenshin... I mean... I've had suitors before... but I never took their proposals seriously. I always figured they were more interested in my property than me. So I always declined.”

He listened, not surprised at the mention of other suitors and he felt an irrational stab of jealousy at the thought of other men looking at his Kaoru-dono. Stop that. He growled inwardly. She's not yours... that she isn't... though... I want her to be... Is it wrong to feel this way?

She saw his features morph from curiosity to jealousy in a matter of seconds and she blinked. Wait... what? Did I really just see Kenshin look jealous when I mentioned suitors to him? And why do I kind of like the idea of him being jealous in the first place? Because it means he likes me as more than a friend. She answered herself. Maybe... Just maybe... he feels for me the way I do about him... She thought hopefully. Or maybe I'm just seeing things. She countered, self doubt creeping into her mind. And she found herself suddenly asking, “What about you, Kenshin?” She paused, realizing her question and quickly added, “Have you ever thought about it? I'm sure you had plenty of women chasing after you before... um... coming to stay with me.”

He blinked, gathering his thoughts, her question about marriage causing a flashback he was not ready to talk about though his voice was soft as he murmured. “It is not something... this one has thought much about, either, Kaoru-dono. As to women chasing me... this one remained a wanderer for a reason,” He paused, wanting to ease any anxiety the girl might have, eyes dancing with mirth as he whispered conspiratorially. “It made me faster so the women couldn't catch me...”

Kaoru studied him for a second before giggling a bit. “Kenshin... silly...”

The rurouni beamed at her giggle, happy at the sound, relaxing around her once again. They continued on, the girl purchasing a tofu basket and they turned around making their way back home. Kenshin's back stiffened as he suddenly felt a pair of eyes on them. Though his body had been inactive for over a month, his mind and his senses were as keen as ever and he slowed, voice soft. “Kaoru-dono, what do you think of this?” He asked, pointing at some pottery on display in an attempt to distract her.

The girl turned her attention, looking at the bowls. “They are rather pretty, Kenshin, but not the kind of thing we need at the moment.”

The rurouni searched the crowd quickly, frowning at a flash of black that merged with a passing throng of revelers that closed in on their location and he cradled the basket above the left side of his obi as his right hand moved instinctively to the hilt of his sakabato. His eyes narrowed as the revelers passed and no trace of black clothing could be seen.

“Kenshin?”

The red head turned his gaze back to Kaoru, hearing the concern in her voice, finding her gaze lowered to his sakabato and he released his right hand from the hilt, shifting his arm back to the side.

She noticed his defensive posture and the hand on his hilt and frowned. He must have seen something that worried him, but what? “What is wrong, Kenshin?”

“It's... nothing, Kaoru-dono. This one thought he saw someone he recognized... but it was not that person...” He answered, favoring her with a smile. “Shall we go?”

It must be hard to relax when he's fought to stay alive for so long. She thought. Old habits die hard. But this is an era of peace and I will make sure he doesn't have to worry anymore. She vowed, nodding, not pushing the subject as she smiled. “Hai... my students will be arriving soon and it wouldn't do to be late for their training.”

They headed towards an intersection of streets, looking both ways as they began to cross, the sudden clapping of hooves making Kenshin snap his gaze to the right and his eyes widened as a carriage came barreling straight towards them, a flash of black visible under the brown hooded cape the driver wore. The swordsman reacted without thinking, dropping the basket as he wrapped an arm around the girl's waist, pulling her tight to him, whirling away, his back slamming into the nearby building as they barely managed to be trampled to death. The red head kept his hold on her as his eyes focused intently on the retreating carriage.

Kaoru was still too shocked to realize just how tightly the rurouni held her, her face in his neck before she pulled back to study his features, following his gaze. “Who was that?” She asked, a bit breathless from the sudden rush of adrenaline that spiked in her body.

“Someone in a hurry.” He murmured, a lower timbre to his voice as he kept his gaze locked on the escaping carriage. Under normal circumstances he would give chase. But I cannot abandon Kaoru-dono. For all I know, it was a diversion to draw me away so they could hurt her or take her away from me.

Kaoru shivered at the lower tone of his voice, affected more than she cared to admit as she replied, “Well, they should really look where they are going. Someone could get hurt or killed by their carelessness.”

The rurouni blinked, clearing his darker thoughts as he returned his attention to her. “Hai, I agree, Kaoru-dono.” He focused his attention back to her and found himself suddenly lost in her eyes, feeling the warmth of her body as it rested against his, noticing that her form was feminine but toned, no doubt garnered from years training in kenjustu. Beautiful Kaoru-dono, do you have any idea what you do to me? He thought, unable to look away from the loveliness of her face and the strength in her eyes.

Kaoru for her part felt the intensity of his stare and was not... upset by it... Her own eyes taking in the sight of his handsome features, her gaze shifting to his lips and she wondered what it would be like to kiss him. I shouldn't be thinking that! It's inappropriate! The girl chided herself. Still, she could feel the strength of his lean but solid form, feel the tenseness of his muscles and found she rather liked being held by him. Even if it was a fleeting sensation.

“Shameless!” An old woman's voice hissed at the pair and they blinked, the spell broken as they separated. “Such touching! In public no less! You shame your families with your behavior!”

We weren't doing anything! Kaoru's mind countered vehemently, keeping her gaze focused on Kenshin as he walked back into the street, following to help him salvage the vegetables and the basket though the rice had scattered everywhere.

“We should go, Kaoru-dono.” The rurouni murmured, tossing a look at the old woman before taking the girl's hand in his, ignoring the crone's protests of their disgraceful behavior as they walked at a brisk pace towards the dojo.

Kaoru blushed when the red head took her hand but complied, wanting to get as far away from the woman as she possibly could. Hateful old hag. She growled silently. It's not like we were kissing each other in public... or anywhere for that matter.... Kenshin wouldn't do that with me... Not even if I wanted him to. She thought, features tinged with sadness but she quickly shook it off. Listen to me. Pining away like a love struck puppy. What is wrong with me today?

Kenshin continued to hold Kaoru's hand as they weaved through the crowd together, happy that she did not pull away from him. I know she is independent and I would never even try to crush her spirit which I love so dearly but I do like... holding her hand like this... yes I do. He thought with a smile. When they were far enough away he reluctantly let go of her hand, voice soft as he walked beside her, carrying the basket. “This one is sorry to have embarrassed you, Kaoru-dono.”

Kaoru blinked at his apology. “You didn't embarrass me, Kenshin. You reacted to save us from being trampled to death. There was nothing to be ashamed of in your actions at all.”

“Still... this one did not intend for you to be chastised in public.”

The brown haired female's brow furrowed at the worried look on his face, walking with him up the steps of the dojo, wanting to ease his concern. “Kenshin... I'm used to hearing bad things from people in this city,” She began, stopping before the door that led into the small yard of her property. “First it was because my father left the dojo to me, then it was because I would not marry any of the suitors that sought my hand, then my family's name was nearly destroyed. Now I teach men how to fight and there are those who think it wrong for me to do that. There are also those who think it scandalous for a single woman to have two adult male boarders but I don't care what those people say,” She paused, looking over at him as he stood to her right, features softening as she continued. “I care about Yahiko and my students... I care about Sano and Megumi.... and I care about you, Kenshin. You are all my family. The family that I love.”

Kenshin listened in awe of her words, his respect for the girl growing even deeper than before. “Family... that you love?” He repeated, feeling his heart reacting to her comments.

Kaoru smiled, features warm as she nodded. “Hai, Kenshin. You are my family. So long as I have you at my side, I know I am loved and cared for.”

He studied the girl with open fondness, feeling it was the right time to confess the truth of his love for her. Tell her now, baka, while you have the chance! His heart screamed. “Kaoru-dono... this one...” He started then stopped, features turning a bit soft and shy. “This one l....”

“Good morning, sensei!” A group of 10 men called out, climbing up the steps towards the pair and the rurouni sighed inwardly, putting on his polite mask as he watched the girl return the greeting to her students, opening the door for her, entering behind her, leaving it open for the students to enter as well.

“This one will take the vegetables inside and store them for you, Kaoru-dono.” Kenshin excused himself, removing his zori as he stepped up and walked down the porch, turning to head into the kitchen, missing the perplexed expression on the dojo instructor's face.

“Kenshin?” She murmured, sensing a bit of hurt coming from the rurouni. Or was it frustration? It was obvious that the red head had something he wanted to tell her. But what is it he wants to say that makes him shy away when others are nearby?She wondered then sighed. I'll have to ask him about it later. Turning, the assistant master to the Kasshin style removed her shoes and bowed before entering the dojo, watching as her students grabbed their bokkens and began the warm ups before she instructed them on the day's exercises.

Kenshin entered the kitchen, putting away the produce, feeling frustrated at the inability to tell the girl how he felt. I want to tell her, I truly do, but every time I try, I get interrupted or something happens. His brow furrowed as he straightened his frame. Perhaps today wasn't a good day to tell her after all.

“Oi, Kenshin!” Sano's voice called out and the red head turned, calling out in return, though his voice was softer than the brawler's,

“In here, Sano!”

The dark haired man rounded the corner grinning as he stepped down into the kitchen, eyes bright. “Are you cooking lunch today?” He asked.

“I have some onigiri that I made this morning if you're hungry.” Kenshin offered.

The taller man's features shifted into disappointment. “I was hoping for something more along the lines of a fish or two.”

“Well...” Kenshin began, pointing over to the juubako. “I put a fish in the bottom tier yesterday so you're welcome to take it and cook it on the shichirin.”

“Yoshi! Thanks a lot, Kenshin!” The brawler said with a grin, stopping in front of the storage box as the red head spoke,

“Megumi-dono asked me to remind you to visit her for your exam, Sano.”

The fighter waved his hand as he opened the storage container, pulling out a gray scaled fish. “I told her I was fine, why does she keep insisting on checking up on me?”

“She's your friend, Sano,” Kenshin countered, repeating the earlier words of the lady doctor. “Megumi-dono is worried about you.”

“You know what I think?” Sano said with a smirk. “I think she just likes seeing me half dressed...”

Kenshin quirked an eyebrow. “She's a doctor, Sano, not a sorcerer. She can't see through your clothes to assess your injuries.”

Sano laughed. “You don't know much about women do you, Kenshin?” He winked then nudged the smaller man, asking. “Instead of worrying about how I deal with Megumi, why don't you work on how you're going to talk to Kaoru-san about your feelings.”

“Shh... not so loud, Sano...” Kenshin pleaded, looking around to make sure Kaoru wasn't nearby.

Sano blinked, smirking at the smaller man's nervousness. “What's the big deal, Kenshin? You're a man, she's a woman. You love her, she loves you... it's only natural... so just tell her already. Get married and have a bunch of babies.”

The red head felt a bit of heat bloom on his cheeks at the idea of having children with Kaoru, frowning as Sanosuke laughed.

“You should see the expression on your face, Kenshin... you're imagining it, aren't you?” The taller man teased. “Having a family with Kaoru-san. Why does the thought embarrass you?”

“I'm not embarrassed about it,” Kenshin quickly denied. “It's just... this one... never thought he would... have someone to love... someone who may want children with him... this one... didn't feel worthy enough to be loved... until I met Kaoru-dono.” He dropped his shoulders, shaking his head. “But it is proving difficult to talk to her about it. Every time I try, something happens and I lose my nerve.”

Sano's features relaxed, voice turning softer. “Kenshin... it doesn't have to be perfectly planned out you know. Just go up and tell her you love her and that you want to marry her. Simple as that.”

Kenshin frowned, sighing as he rephrased the taller man's words from earlier. “You don't know much about wooing women do you, Sano? Kaoru-dono is special to me. Her heart is precious and I won't cheapen the love I have for her by simply walking up and saying, 'I love you, let's get married!' I want it to be perfect. I want to make her understand that I want to always stay with her and that I will never abandon her.”

“Man, Kenshin. You really are serious about this, aren't you?” Sano replied, studying his friend in surprise. “Most guys don't even think about how the woman they chose to marry feels about things... You're kind of an odd duck... but that's one of the things I like about you.”

Kenshin smiled. “Well... this one never claimed to be normal...” He replied, features turning serious as he added, “And I don't care what other men do... this one loves Kaoru-dono and wants to live beside her... not lord over her or tell her what to do. Even if we originated from different classes, in our hearts, we are equals and that is all that matters to me.”

Sano shook his head. “I don't understand you sometimes, but good luck on that, Kenshin.” He held up the fish, grinning. “I'm off to make lunch!”

The rurouni watched his friend leave out the side entrance, brow furrowed. I need all the luck I can get to do this right, that I do. He paced a bit in the kitchen, murmuring to himself. “This one needs to tell Kaoru-dono the truth of my heart, that he does... but from what she told me about marriage, she didn't seem very interested in the prospect.” And if I chose the wrong thing to say, she may become upset with me for even suggesting such a thing in the first place. He felt a headache coming on and Kenshin reached up, rubbing his forehead. Maybe Sano's right. Maybe I'm over thinking things. I should just tell her and worry about the possibility of being shot down later. His gaze shifted to the tea pot and he stopped, his lips turned into a soft smile. Drinking tea always relaxed the red head's mind and body, helping him to think more clearly. Besides, a bit of tea does sound good about now.

The rurouni went over, happy to find the tea was still hot and he drew out a white tea cup, pouring the tea near to the brim, moving to place the cup on a small circular wooden tray. His hand snatched a small folded blue towel off near the storage container and lay it on the tray. The red head moved to stand on the stone step, sliding on his zori before he sat down on the shikidai, placing the tray to his right. Kenshin took a few seconds to get comfortable before reaching out, his hand wrapping around the cup. He held it with both hands, lifting the cup to his lips, taking a sip as his ears picked up the various sounds of life around him.

There were the baby chicks chirping as they walked around in the yard, scouring the ground for food while the controlled shouts of the students continued unabated as they practiced, the rhythmic clashing of their bokken ringing from the dojo to his right and he smiled, finding the noise comforting. His gaze lingered on the maple tree on the opposite side of the yard, watching as a gentle breeze swirled around, tugging at the brilliant red leaves upon the branches, a few of them twirling into the air, floating slowly downward before coming to rest on the ground below. Kenshin found tranquil contentment in this moment. This is how peace should be. This is the life I wish to have with Kaoru-dono most of all.

A bell could be heard ringing and he rose, tilted his head back, his thoughts turning darker as worry began to fill him. Peace... I want peace... I want to live like this... but is it possible? His mind recalled the earlier events of the day. Who was the one who had followed them during their trip to the market? Was he the same one who nearly tried to run them down in the street? Or was it merely a coincidence?

This one does not believe in coincidences. He commented silently. But Kaoru-dono never hurt anyone, so there would be no reason to follow her unless it was somehow connected to me. His features fell and he lowered his gaze. I've tried so hard to escape and overcome my past. I've tried to atone for the wrongs I've done but what if it's not enough? A determined look bloomed across his handsome face and he lifted his head again. Even if someone comes for me, I will fight them and I will keep Kaoru-dono safe, that I will.

Kaoru kept an eye on her students, making sure they were making the correct strikes and she passed by the open doors of the dojo, her gaze falling on the standing form of Kenshin and she saw his troubled then determined look. Ever since this morning, the rurouni seem preoccupied but unable to talk to her about it. Maybe now would be a good time to ask him what has been bothering him. She turned and bowed, exiting the dojo, stepping down to slide on her zori and headed over to him.

Kenshin saw movement out of the corner of his eyes, watching as Kaoru approached, enjoying her smile as the girl spoke,

“I always enjoy the change in season,” Kaoru began, wanting to put him at ease as she studied the maple tree for a few seconds, moving past him to sit down on the shikidai. “And it seems that your days as the Battosai are getting further and further away.”

My days as Battosai... my past... Kenshin murmured silently... I want my past to remain in the past... I want a future with you Kaoru-dono. His gaze lowered, studying the fallen maple leaves, drawn to their vibrant red color and realization struck him then. I know... I know now how to tell her! Why didn't I think of this before?! His mind cried and he stepped forward, crouching down to carefully scoop up the brightest leaf he could find. The swordsman rose, holding the leaf in his right hand as he studied it. This is it... This is the one for Kaoru-dono. The rurouni did his best to contain the excitement building in his heart along with a nervousness that made him hesitate but at last he turned, walking over to her, holding the leaf out for her to take.

Kaoru watched as Kenshin came back to her, a leaf in his hand and she opened her own hand, lowering her gaze as the rurouni gently lay the red foliage in her palm and her heart fluttered. A red maple leaf... a symbol of love... but... he doesn't mean it like that, does he? She wondered, lifting her gaze to the wanderer as he pivoted then spoke,

“That leaf is the most beautiful of all I've seen...” Kenshin murmured, hoping she would understand his meaning as he walked back into the yard. He lowered his gaze, delving deep to find the strength to calm his nerves. I am ready now. I am ready to tell her the truth of my heart. “From now on I will live in peace like this.”

Kaoru could not help but react to his words. I know he wants peace more than anything in this world. And I want him to have peace and to know that I care about him. She rose, moving closer to him, a tender smile on her lips. “Live on, Kenshin. Live on to witness the peace of this era. That is the wish I have for you.”

A shy but happy smile tugged at the rurouni's lips as he listened, his mind and heart as one as he turned to face her, a tenderness in his eyes and voice, trying to temper his hope as he gazed at her in open fondness, lowering his defenses, allowing her to see at last the depth of his feelings for her. “Kaoru-dono.... Will you witness it with me?”

She saw the expression of love in his features, the shy but hopeful tone in his voice and her eyes widened at his question. “Eh?” She replied, too stunned to respond at first. Is he... Is he really asking me what I think he is? Her heart began to race as she watched him move closer to her.

He found her stunned expression cute,despite his worry that she would reject his proposal and he smiled tenderly,walking up to her, wanting to make her understand his love for her. “This one wants to stay here always... with you... Kaoru-dono...” His voice became softer still, letting his emotions go as he whispered. “I love you, Kaoru-dono... I love your smile... I love your kindness... I love your strength... I love your acceptance of me... I love the way you laugh... I love the way you look at me... I love the way you make me feel...” He paused, reaching out to gently take her hands in his, joy filling him when she did not pull away but instead leaned closer to him, as if she hung on his every word. “You make this one so very happy... I do not want to part from you...” His brow furrowed, a tinge of sadness and worry in his voice and features. “I know I'm not.. wealthy... or of high standing... all I have to offer is a heart that loves you and a will to do whatever you wish of me to do... So... will you... will you witness this new era with me?”

Kaoru listened to his confession, the puzzle of his odd behavior starting to come together. His smile... his soft looks... his asking of marriage... and of suitors... His hesitancy to talk to her about what was troubling him. It all made sense now. She blushed at at the way he held her hands, unable to stop from leaning closer to him. The look of worry and love in his eyes mad her heart hurt. He's so scared that I won't return his feelings... But Kenshin... I love you too... you must know that... “Yes...” She whispered in answer, her own heart now visible in her eyes as she met his gaze.

He saw the love in her dark brown orbs, heart leaping in his chest as he repeated in a hopeful tone, “Yes?”

Kaoru nodded, a beautiful smile on her lips as she beamed at him. “Yes, Kenshin. I love you too and I want you to be at my side... always..”

The last remnants of fear and worry fled his heart, replaced with such joy that he matched her smile. “Kaoru-dono... you make this one so happy... that you do...” He paused, adding with a fierce devotion that made the girl's knees go weak. “I will never leave your side... that I won't...”

“Why don't you two just kiss each other and get it over with!”

Kaoru blinked at the sound of Yahiko's voice and she turned her head, blushing as she found the boy and all of her students grinning at the pair.

Kenshin sensed the girl's nervousness and irritation and he slowly let go of her hands, chuckling inwardly as the dojo instructor growled,

“Just for that you're doing extra katas, Yahiko!”

The dark haired boy groaned. “Come on, Kaoru... I was just teasing you...”

“That's sensei to you, Yahiko!” She corrected her youngest student in an irritated tone.

“This one should let you get back to practice...” Kenshin spoke softly, drawing the girl's attention back to him.

“Kenshin...” She murmured, studying the red head in concern, her voice laced with worry as she asked, “We will talk about this later, though, right?”

He gave her a warm smile wanting to ease her concern. “Hai, that we will, Kaoru-dono... we have much to talk about... and plans to make... so do not worry... this one will wait for you... forever if he has to.”

Something about the way he spoke to her made her heart melt and her cheeks flush but she smiled, heart giddy with joy and her spirit soaring with happiness. Kenshin loves me! She started towards the dojo before whirling around, eyes glowing as her voice called out, “Let's go to the Akabeko tonight for dinner, okay? My treat!”

Kenshin smiled and nodded. “As you wish, Kaoru-dono.” He replied, watching her return to her students, letting out a sigh of relief. She loves me, that she does. He thought with pride and amazement and he turned, stepping onto the stone slab, removing his zori, reaching down to grab the tray and his cup, humming to himself as he headed into the kitchen, excited and nervous at what the future would bring. But so long as Kaoru-dono is at my side, there is nothing for me to fear.