Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Vengeance ❯ Betrothed ( Chapter 3 )

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

Another update! I will try to keep this going on a weekly basis in conjunction with my Yu Yu Hakusho story as I know how frustrating it is to have to wait for weeks, months, or even years for a story to be updated or completed.

Note: Do please remember that when I begin the Remembrance and Jinchuu story line that I am going to keep it in the movie universe, which means things will be different, characters are going to be more realistic with different motivations, actions, or skills. Settings and scenes will be changed though I will note them in each chapter. Some people may not like that, but I'm trying to make this story as if it would be something you could see on screen and be realistic. After all, the movies were adaptations of the manga and anime, so too, will I do the same.

Onto the story!

Chapter 3-Betrothed

“So you finally told her, eh?” Sano murmured as he came around to the front, watching as Kenshin worked on the laundry.

“Hai, I did.” The red head replied, squeezing out the water from a dark colored yukata, placing it into the basket with the other cleaned clothing.

Sano saw the happy smile on his friend's face and smirked. “And she said yes, didn't she?”

“That she did.” The red head replied, stumbling forward a bit at the sudden slap on his back by his friend.

“Good job!” Sano said with a grin. “I bet you were a nervous wreck, but you pulled it off!”

Kenshin righted himself, voice soft though a bright smile was still upon his face. “This one was, yes... but when Kaoru-dono said she loved me and wanted me to be at her side always, I felt... relieved and happy inside,” He paused, turning to face the brawler, his features full of joy as he added, “This one cannot stop smiling, that he cannot.”

“So when's the wedding?”

The rurouni tilted his head. “Well, we have not talked about such things yet, Sano. It will take time to sort out and it is up to Kaoru in what she wants to do.”

The taller man's brow furrowed, trying to comprehend what the red head had said. “You mean you might not get married?”

“If Kaoru wishes it, then we will, but I will not push her to a decision that she may not be comfortable with,” Kenshin answered, picking up the basket as he headed over to the racks to hang up the laundry. “She wants to go to the Akabeko tonight for dinner. Perhaps that is when we will talk of things.”

At the mention of the restaurant the brawler's eyes lit up. “The Akabeko? You're going there tonight?”

“Kaoru-dono wants to go there, yes.” Kenshin repeated.

“Are we all invited?”

The swordsman heard the hopeful tone in the brawler's voice, his gaze shifting over to Kaoru who was still instructing her students, though he caught her glancing at him and he smiled tenderly at her, enjoying the shy look she gave him and his thoughts shifted, revolving completely around her and their future together. Beautiful Kaoru-dono, I do love you so.

Sano saw the far off look in the rurouni's eyes, chuckling inwardly. Man, Kenshin. You've got it bad for Kaoru-san, don't you? He reached out waving his hand over the smaller man's eyes.

Kenshin blinked as a hand waved in front of his face, turning his head to the right, finding Sano standing there with a stupid grin on his face.

“Welcome back, Kenshin.” The dark haired man said teasingly as he lowered his arm back to his side. “You keep staring at Kaoru-san like that and marriage won't even be necessary.”

The red head frowned, returning to his task of hanging up clothing. “Sano... This one loves Kaoru-dono... I cannot help but look at her the way I do...” He said, his gaze once again falling on the assistant master of the Kasshin style, voice softening as he added, “And I never would do anything that she did not want me to do. ”

Sanosuke sighed, shaking his head. “I was teasing you, Kenshin... You need to lighten up a little when it comes to things like this.”

“When it comes to Kaoru-dono, this one takes things very seriously.” Kenshin replied as he reached down and grabbed the last of the clothing out of the basket.

The brawler studied his friend. Hmm... I wonder... “Well, I suppose you would be... if you'd never been with a woman before...”

“Oro?” The red head murmured in surprise, looking back at the taller man.

Sano laughed softly at his friend's response. “Well, have you?”

The swordsman, lowered his gaze. “Once... a long time ago...”

Sano heard the sadness in the smaller man's voice, his laughter dying out. “What happened?”

The memory of the lady in white struck him again, his scar burning and he subconsciously dragged his finger along the diagonal cut. “Bad things... Sano... and things I'm not ready to talk about...” He murmured, lowering his hand, pushing the memories down into the darkness where his past ruled. Kenshin lifted his head, finding Kaoru heading towards him as the students took a break from their training and the sadness fled his heart, replaced with joy as his face lit up. “Kaoru-dono...”

Kaoru's heart fluttered at the radiant smile the rurouni gave her, her own features full of light as she smiled lovingly at him. “Kenshin...”

“Hey there, Kaoru-san,” Sano greeted, drawing her attention to him. “Kenshin said you and he are going to get married, is that right?”

“Sano...” Kenshin chided his friend, eyes still on Kaoru. “This one merely said that you wanted me at your side always, Kaoru-dono... and that I wanted you at mine... That is all...”

Kaoru blushed at Sano's question and Kenshin's words, looking between the brawler and the swordsman. Kenshin had asked for her to be his and to be hers in a way that was more eloquent and sincere than any direct proposal she'd ever heard before. And I love him. I want to be with him always. “Hai... I want to be with Kenshin and he wants to be with me... marriage is part of that, is it not?”

Kenshin was surprised at her response. Though the girl had said yes, they had yet to discuss the plans for their future together. That she openly admitted to wanting to marry him eased his worry. “Kaoru-dono... Is that what you truly want?”

The girl looked over at the red head, finding his surprise and his earnest look endearing, though she still felt shy under his gaze at times. “I want what you want, Kenshin.”

He smiled shyly, studying her with soft eyes. “Kaoru-dono...”

Sano quirked an eyebrow. “Man, you two are lovey-dovey already and you haven't even kissed each other yet...”

Kenshin's brow furrowed while Kaoru glared at the tall man and growled,

“Keep that up and I won't invite you to the Akabeko for dinner, Sanosuke...”

The fighter flinched, his teasing features morphing into an apologetic look. “Sorry about that Kaoru-san...”

“Hmm...” Kaoru sounded, addressing Kenshin. “Should we let him come with us, Kenshin?”

The rurouni chuckled at the serious tone in the girl's voice that belied the twinkle in her eyes and he played along, rubbing his chin. “Well... Sano is a bit of a pain sometimes...”

“Hey now...” Sano grumbled, tossing an irritated look at his best friend.

“But, this one knows Sano can't help how he is... that he cannot....” Kenshin continued, lowering his hand back to his side.

“Gee, Kenshin, thanks for the support...” Sano grumbled, blinking as Kaoru and Kenshin laughed lightly.

“Of course you can come to dinner with us, Sano,” Kaoru replied at last. “We were just teasing you...”

“Oh...” He murmured then grinned. “Guess I got a taste of my own medicine for once.”

“Speaking of medicine...” Kaoru began. “I was wondering, Sano, if you would go visit Megumi and tell her she is invited to dinner as well.”

Sano's features fell. “You want me to go talk to Megumi and invite her to dinner?”

His expression puzzled the girl and she tilted her head. “She won't bite your head off, Sanosuke. Just tell her that she is invited to dinner and I'm sure she'll send you on your way after that.”

“You don't know Megumi...” He grumbled. Besides, if I go there, she'll force me to stand still while she examines me... not that I don't like the way she looks at me. His brow furrowed. Man... did I really just think that right now?

“Are you scared of Megumi, Sanosuke?” Kaoru asked, trying hard to hide the smile that wanted to tug at her lips. Despite their very different backgrounds, she knew that the fighter liked the lady doctor and she was pretty sure that Megumi liked him. They bicker a lot but some people react to each other that way when they like each other.

Sano flinched as if he'd been slapped. “No!” He quickly denied. I can't chicken out now. Kenshin and Kaoru are counting on me to do this. The fighter straightened his back, clearing his throat. “I will... go see Megumi and tell her about dinner tonight.”

“Thank you, Sanosuke.” Kaoru replied with a slight bow of her head.

The tall man studied the girl and he quirked the corner of his lips a bit. “Yeah, no problem Kaoru-san...” He put on a game face and slapped his hands together. “Okay then! I'm off!” He shouted as he strolled down the pathway and out the door of the property, leaving the swordsman and the dojo instructor alone.

“Do you think she'll yell at him?” Kaoru asked as she watched the fighter exit the yard.

“Well... knowing how those two react to each other... most likely...” Kenshin replied, chuckling a bit.

The girl turned her head over to the red head, quirking an eyebrow. “What's so funny?” She asked.

“Oh, just that Sano won't get to escape Megumi-dono's clinic so easily.. that he won't,” He answered, looking over to the girl as he explained. “She wanted him to see her for a physical... and you've forced his hand to make him go... though for an entirely different reason.”

Understanding lit up Kaoru's features. “Ohh... no wonder he was nervous...” She looked back at her students as they began to talk in excited tones, knowing the break was over. “Well, back to work...” She murmured.

“Hai, Kaoru-dono... I have my own work to attend to as well...” Kenshin replied, reaching down to pick up the now empty basket.

Kaoru shifted her focus back to the red head, features soft and concerned. “Don't push yourself too hard, okay, Kenshin. I know you feel well enough but I still worry.”

He sensed her concern, giving her a gentle smile. “This one will take it easy so that you do not have to worry, Kaoru-dono.”

Kaoru returned his smile. “Thank you, Kenshin...” For everything. She added silently as she turned and headed back into the dojo.

Her simple thanks affected him greatly. Thank you wasn't something the rurouni heard often. Especially over his own physical well being. But she loves me. That is why she cares so deeply. “You're welcome, Kaoru-dono...” He whispered, watching her go with tender eyes, remaining still for several seconds before the red head crouched down, picking up his empty basket and headed inside.

Sano meanwhile made his way to Megumi's clinic, opening the front door as he shouted out, “Hey, Megumi, you here?! I need to talk to you about something!”

The lady doctor snapped her gaze away from her patient. What is that idiot yelling about now? “Excuse me Mrs. Iwamoto, I'll be right back.” She apologized, rising from her chair, sliding around the curtain as she marched over towards the fighter.

Sano turned, his gaze falling on the fast approaching form of the doctor and he grinned. “Ah, there you are!”

Megumi glared at the man as she stopped in front of him. “Keep your voice down!” She hissed, looking over at the curtain where her patient sat as she whispered sharply. “What the hell is so pressing that you have to burst into my clinic raving like a lunatic?”

He brushed off her sharp tone as he answered quickly. “It's about Kenshin and Kaoru-san.”

Anger morphed into concern across Megumi's face. “Has something happened to them?”

“No, but Kaoru-san wanted me to invite you to the Akabeko for dinner, but that's not all,” He paused before adding excitedly, “Kenshin asked for Kaoru-san to marry him and she accepted!”

The lady doctor's eyebrows shot up. “And you know this how?”

“Because they confessed their feelings for each other!” Sanosuke replied.

“You gossip like an old woman.” Megumi said with a straight face though inside she was amused at his reaction as he protested like a child.

“But it's true!”

“Well, then, it's about time they admitted to it,” She replied with a smile. “You can tell Kaoru that I accept her invite.”

“Great!” Sano exclaimed as he made for the door. “I'll tell her right now!”

Megumi moved with a quickness that was surprising as she darted past him, blocking the door. “Not so fast, buster.”

“Eh?” Sano murmured, backing up as the doctor narrowed her eyes and advanced on him.

“There still is the matter of your physical.” She said in a tone that brook no argument.

He waved a hand in a dismissive gesture. “I'm fine... Everything is in working order, so you don't have to worry about me.” Sano tried to go around her only to flinch as she poked his shoulder hard with her index finger.

“Back...” Megumi growled, forcing the fighter to retreat and he stumbled, dropping into the nearby chair. “Stay...” She commanded, glaring at him as she turned to walk back to her patient, whirling back around when he started to rise. “I mean it... don't move...”

Sano scowled and crossed his arms, glowering at the doctor as she headed back to her other patient, grumbling under his breath. “Women...” Despite how pissed off he was, the fighter remained seated. Man, Kenshin and Kaoru owe me big time for this. He smirked as he thought of a way to get back at them. Oh hoh... tonight will be fun... yes it will...

Evening came and Kaoru, Kenshin, Sano, Megumi, and Yahiko weaved through the active street, making their way to the Akabeko. The sukiyaki restaurant was crowded as usual and the five of them entered, Kaoru turning at the familiar sound of a young woman's voice, recognizing it as Tae Sekihara, the proprietor of the Akabeko.

“Kaoru-san, it's good to see you again, welcome!” Tae greeted, a happy smile on her lips as she bowed her head.

The assistant master of the Kasshin Ryu smiled at her friend, returning the bow. “Tae-san, it is nice to see you again as well.”

Tae looked at the rest of the party. “I see you brought everyone. Do you wish for the usual spot, Kaoru-san?”

“The usual spot is fine, Tae-san.” Kaoru confirmed, following the girl as she led them over to one of the matted areas and they sat down, Kenshin sitting to Kaoru's right while Yahiko sat to her left. Sano and Megumi looked at each other before the brawler reluctantly sat down, the doctor to his left.

“Would you like the usual dinner, Kaoru-san?”

The swordswoman looked at her companions, her eyes asking if there was anything they wished to order before she turned her attention back to the dark haired girl. “That sounds good, thank you Tae-san.”

Tae nodded then headed off to the kitchen to prepare their food.

“This is a nice treat,” Megumi began, breaking the silence as she looked over at Kaoru. “Thank you for inviting me.” She paused, throwing a sly look over at Sano. “I suppose this is a special occasion then?”

Kaoru felt a bit of heat on her cheeks, her gaze shifting over to Kenshin who blushed as brightly as she did.

“It is a special occasion,” Kaoru answered in a soft voice, feeling a bit self conscious. “The truth is that Kenshin asked to always stay at my side. And I agreed and said I wanted to be at his side always as well....”

Megumi looked between the two. “And that's it?” She asked, perplexed. “Because Sanosuke told me that you two were getting...”

“Married!” Sano interjected in a loud voice, choosing his moment of revenge to draw attention to the pair. “That's right... Kenshin asked for Kaoru's hand and she accepted!”

The entire restaurant grew quiet, all eyes on the rurouni and the dojo instructor.

Kenshin looked at his friend in surprise, brow furrowed as he chided, “Sano... We haven't really talked about marriage yet...that we haven't...” But his voice was drowned out by the sudden cheers and congratulations. He looked over at Kaoru, seeing her flushed features and felt her embarrassment and he reached out, resting his hand over hers. “Kaoru-dono... it's alright... There is no shame in this... We love each other, that we do. To be together is only natural. So it is right to celebrate... that it is..”

She felt the warmth of his hand on hers and she looked down, features relaxing as she whispered, “You're right, Kenshin... I'm just... new to all this... and it's a bit overwhelming.”

He understood her feelings and nervousness. After all, I know the anxiety of what is to come... though... that was... under different circumstances than this... This love is different... This love I have for Kaoru-dono is strong... and without lies and deceit... There is no betrayal here... only love, forgiveness, and understanding. That is why I love you so, Kaoru... It was the first time, even in his mind, that he dropped the honorific and he surprised himself, lost in the realization of the monumental shift in his address towards her, blinking as he felt the girl's gaze on him.

“Kenshin?” Kaoru murmured in concern, noting the far off look in his eyes. I know he was lost in thought over something. I hope he isn't worrying too much about everything again. “Are you alright?”

“Hai.. this one is fine.” He answered softly, his eyes focused back on her. “And it is overwhelming... but we will get through it together, Kaoru-dono.”

Together. She thought with a happy smile, her embarrassment fading, though she glared at Sanosuke, feeling a small bit of satisfaction as Megumi reached out and swatted his shoulder hard enough to make the fighter wince.

“Oww!... what the hell, Megumi?!.” Sano growled, snapping his head over to the doctor.

“Serves you right for being a baka tonight,” She growled back, shooting daggers at him. “You don't go just announcing stuff like that! It's personal!”

“What's so bad about everyone knowing how they feel about each other?” Sano asked, features twisted into a look of confusion.

“Are you seriously that stupid or are you just playing dumb?” Megumi asked, cutting him off with an angry wave of her hand. “Never mind, I already know the answer to that. Customs and decorum are lost on a bonehead like you.”

“What did you call me?” Sano growled, the vein in his forehead now visible, taking offense to the insult.

Kenshin sensed a full scale shouting match between the fiery doctor and the energetic brawler and he tried to ease the situation. “Megumi-san, Sano... it's alright... That others know how we feel is fine... it was just... unexpected to announce it in front of everyone tonight. But let them think as they wish. This one and Kaoru-dono love each other and that is all that matters. Marriage will come when it comes... that it will...”

“You're too soft, Ken-san...” Megumi commented, tossing one last look at the fighter before sighing and returning her attention to Kaoru. “Now that this information is out in the open, what do you two plan to do?”

What do we plan to do? Kaoru wondered, looking over at Kenshin.

The rurouni knew and understood the girl's uncertainty of protocol, despite her samurai heritage. And my people were farmers. We did not have extravagant or prolonged engagements. Plus, Kaoru-dono's and my family circumstances are unique... that they are... “Since we have no living parents or relatives and my shishou is far away, the usual courting process will not work,” He paused, giving a happy smile. “But since you are all part of our family, I suppose this counts as our way of declaring our affection and intention of being betrothed.”

Megumi studied the red head in surprise then smiled. You're quite smart, Kenshin. This would count, even if it is rather unorthodox. “Ah... so you will be betrothed then... how long will the engagement be?”

“Until such time as Kaoru-dono wishes to marry,” Kenshin replied in a soft tone, his hand still resting over the girl's until Tae presented them with a steaming pot of sukiyaki and they dug in, too absorbed in enjoying each other's company to notice the sideways glance of the man in the back corner.

Dark eyes watched the group, wearing an unassuming dark blue kimono with matching hakama pants wrapped around his lean frame, allowing him to fit in with the mostly working class clientele. His normally blond hair was dyed black and combed forward in his usual style, the scar from chemical burns on his left cheek was hidden by one of his more creative uses of human flesh though it irritated the living skin underneath. The things I go through for this damn plan of his. He grumbled inwardly, slyly studying the rurouni and the girl.

Today's adventure had been quite entertaining to say the least. It had been the first time in two months that the rurouni had ventured outside the dojo and with the girl in tow, so the man had sought to test Battosai's awareness of his surroundings along with how strong and deep his affection ran for the one called Kaoru Kamiya. And tonight, hearing the declaration of marriage between the two, only cemented the suspicion that the brown haired girl was the one most precious to the former hitokiri. So you love this woman, Battosai? You love her so much you're willing to marry her. But does she know of your past sins? Does she know whose blood it is that stains those hands of yours... whose hands were the ones to carve out that scar upon your cheek?

His features twisted as his mind recalled the injustice the rurouni had also inflicted on him, the pain from his fractured ribs still burned now as they had the first time the sakabato smashed into his torso. His hands curled into fists at the sense of humiliation at being denied a proper battle. You walked away... you thought it enough to defeat me without killing me, dishonoring my pride as a warrior. I should kill you for that alone.

He sensed the rurouni looking in his general direction and he quickly diverted his gaze back down to his tea, pretending to be engrossed in the newspaper leaflet in his hand. It took a few moments to calm the anger festering inside before he finally relaxed his fists and body, reminding himself of his mission. I am to observe and report Battosai's movements, speed, behavior and whereabouts, not to engage him directly in a fight. Besides... If I kill you, Battosai, the man I work for would kill me in return for denying him the privilege of torturing you.

His head remained bowed, a smirk now on his lips. And with this new information, your punishment will become even more hellish. Soon, Kenshin Himura, you will reap what you sow and you'll have no one to blame for what happens but yourself.

The Kenshin-gumi ate their fill, leaving the restaurant in high spirits despite Sano's outburst. The brawler and the lady doctor led the way, Yahiko, Kenshin, and Kaoru trailing behind. Megumi cast a look over her shoulder at the rurouni and the dojo instructor, nudging Sano with her elbow to draw his attention.

“What was that for?” He growled. “I've behaved for the most part tonight, haven't I?” He blinked at the strange look Megumi gave him and he followed the motion of her head as she gestured to her left. Sano saw how close Kenshin and Kaoru walked side by side, shoulders almost touching as they gave each other shy looks and talked in very soft tones. Any closer and they'd be holding hands. An idea came to him then and he smiled. I should make up for my slip up in the Akabeko. His gaze shifted to Yahiko. “Hey kid, come over here and help me escort Megumi back to her place will ya?”

Yahiko looked up at the fighter then over to Kenshin and Kaoru. Unlike Sano, the dark haired boy quickly caught on and nodded. “Ohh... okay...” The boy moved up to walk beside the tall man and the doctor, leaving Kenshin and Kaoru alone.

The pair smiled softly at one another, content in the moment to simply be in each other's presence. The night air was mild and the moon was bright, a slight warm breeze tugged at Kaoru's bangs and she stopped for a moment, eyes closed as she enjoyed the sensation, finding comfort in the wind's touch.

Kenshin stopped beside her, studying her reaction to the wind, admiring the beauty and grace in the simple reaction and it brought back the memory of the first time he stepped out of the dojo in the red kimono she had given him. The wind had been warm and welcoming as if to tell him he was home. Much as the wind tonight. The red head thought, features full of adoration as he gazed upon the girl he loved. Kaoru is my home... this is my home... I will never leave her side... that I won't.

Kaoru opened her eyes, finding the rurouni staring at her with open fondness and she blushed, enjoying the attention. “When you look at me like that, Kenshin, you make my heart flutter.”

He gave her a warm smile, eyes bright. “This one cannot help but look at you, Kaoru-dono. You are beautiful and strong... and wonderful... You are my heart... and my home... This one loves you... that he does...”

“Kenshin...” Kaoru murmured, feeling self conscious again and her brow furrowed. Why do his words reduce me to little more than saying his name? She wondered.

His features fell a bit at her reaction and he spoke in a concerned tone. “Do you not wish me to tell you such things, Kaoru-dono? I do not want to embarrass you, that I don't.”

She blinked at his words, brow still furrowed. “What? No... I enjoy the way you look at me... and the way you talk to me... I just... I'm new to these feelings... and I feel... shy... I can't help it.”

“There is nothing wrong in how you feel, Kaoru-dono,” Kenshin replied. “But if this one makes you uncomfortable in any way, you must tell me. I do not want to upset or hurt you, that I don't.”

He was so understanding and beautiful. Do you even know how adorable and wonderful you are, Kenshin? She wanted to voice but did not. Instead she replied, “I will tell you, Kenshin. But you've done nothing to make me uncomfortable, so do not worry so much, okay?”

He nodded, still smiling at her. “Hai, I will not worry so much, Kaoru-dono.”

“Good... well then...” She began, walking forward once more as she changed subjects. “It was nice to have everyone together tonight,” She paused, grumbling out, “Though I could have done without Sanosuke's outburst. I'm sure he did that to get back at me for sending him to Megumi.”

Kenshin let out a soft chuckle. “Hai. Sano is like a big kid sometimes, full of energy and prone to be loud and obnoxious and I admit his behavior was a bit out of line tonight.”

“A bit?” Kaoru murmured. “He told everyone we were getting married!”

He blinked at her angry tone, his own placating. “True... Any announcement should have been made in a more subtle and subdued manner. But is the idea of marriage really so embarrassing Kaoru-dono?”

Kaoru's tone softened. “No...” She admitted. “I just want to do this the right way. I mean, I don't really care what everyone thinks of me, but I should at the very least honor my father's memory and go through this engagement in the proper way.”

The proper way. Kenshin thought, smiling lovingly as he reached out to take her hand in his. “This one will never dishonor you, Kaoru-dono, so we will do this the proper way,” He replied. “We are betrothed and will remain so until you wish to register for marriage.”

She felt heat on her cheeks from the simple contact of his hand holding hers. “You're not upset with me for wanting to take our time?” Kaoru whispered.

“This one belongs to you, Kaoru-dono,” Kenshin answered in a low but gentle tone. “This one is happy to do this slowly and in the proper way. Whatever you wish of me to do, I will do, Kaoru-dono. The choices are yours to make.”

Kenshin. You're unlike any man I've ever met. Loving, gentle, patient, and understanding. It's why I love you like I do. She thought, her heart full of love for the red head and she shifted her hand to twine her fingers with his. “I love you, Kenshin, that I do.” She nearly sang, beaming at him, eyes bright with tender emotion.

The rurouni felt heat on his cheeks at the feel of the girl's fingers twining with his own and he matched her smile and look, letting out a soft laugh at the use of his manner of speaking, the girl laughing lightly as well as they continued on their way to the dojo, unaware of the darkness that was about to descend on them.