Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Vengeance ❯ To Love and Protect ( Chapter 18 )

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

Another update for those who read my stuff!

Chapter 18-To Love and Protect

9 Days before Jinchuu

Near the Kamiya Dojo

Sano walked down the streets of South Tokyo, eyes darting back and forth as he searched for Megumi. Her rough treatment and subsequent brush off of his concern did little to quell his desire to keep her safe. But the stupid cat and mouse game he'd played with the blond stranger had drawn him away from his original objective, causing him to lose ground on finding the lady doctor. So here he was, walking around like an idiot, looking for a woman who seemed hell bent on pushing him away. The frustration at his situation with Megumi and the events of the morning became visible, his agitated countenance growing more severe and he tossed his arms up into the air and snapped, "That's it! I've had it! I'm going home! I hope you're happy!"

The street fighter stalked off, ignoring the stares of surprise and disapproval of his outburst from the nearby populace as he made his way back to the dojo, intent on talking to Kenshin about what had happened. Sano made it to the front steps and marched up to the entrance, nearly bursting through the door as he stepped into the courtyard and shouted, "Oi, Kenshin?! You back yet?!" When no one answered him, Sano looked around, his ears picking up the sound of someone counting and he stalked over to the training hall, curious eyes watching the small form of Yahiko practicing some kind of blocking move. "Hey squirt, what are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing, dummy?" Yahiko growled as he stepped forward and lifted his arms over his head, crossing his wrists in a quick motion then stepped back and lowered his arms to his sides before repeating the move again. "I'm practicing to get stronger!"

"I can see that, kid. But what is the purpose of crossing your wrists? Looks kind of dumb to me." Sano replied in a teasing tone, his anger momentarily forgotten.

"Shut up!" Yahiko snapped, repeating the motion once more. "You're breaking my concentration!"

Sano smirked at the boy's response then turned, walking away from the training hall, his thoughts shifting to the whereabouts of his best friend. There was no sign of Kenshin or Kaoru anywhere in the compound, which meant they were still in town. And I hate waiting. His stomach growled and the street fighter sighed. Guess I'll have a couple apples to pass the time away until they return. He headed towards the kitchen, intent on grabbing a snack while he wanted for the rurouni and the kendo instructor to return.

South Tokyo- Postmaster's office

"Well that was easy enough," Kaoru commented, walking out of the postmaster's office, Kenshin close behind and the two soon fell in step as they made their way home. "When do you think the letter will arrive in Kyoto?"

"A few days at least," Kenshin answered, reaching out to gently guide her through the throng of people lining the street. "Hopefully Misao is able to recover the diary without incident but if not, we must still prepare for Enishi's plan of attacking the dojo."

Kaoru pondered their dilemma, unable to hold back from asking, "Shouldn't we tell the police about this, Kenshin? I realize it is a personal matter between you two but we really can use all the help we could get."

Kenshin guided her around the corner, the two now traveling upon the road that ran parallel to the river near their home. "Your reasoning is sound, Kaoru. But I do not want anyone else hurt over this," His features took on a determined look. "Enishi desires my death over the loss of Tomoe so I must be the one to answer his challenge and free him from the madness of revenge."

There was a sadness in his tone that drew Kaoru's attention and she turned her head to study him with worried eyes. Kenshin had suffered much throughout his life. A lost childhood, a wife killed by his own hand, years spent wandering without love and without a home, in his quest to atone for the sins of a hitokiri. Being haunted by such a past had to cause tremendous stress. Enishi was part of that past, his arrival in Tokyo and subsequent actions tearing open old wounds, forcing Kenshin to relive the past he'd tried so hard to overcome. A lesser man would have caved in to despair long ago. Yet Kenshin carried on through force of will and a desire to live and to protect those in need of protecting... to protect his country... to protect his loved ones... Just like he did when he left for Kyoto. They neared a familiar spot near the edge of the river and she stopped suddenly, drawing the rurouni's attention as he turned to face her.

"Kaoru? Are you alright?"

"This is where you held me and told me goodbye," Kaoru whispered, her expression distant as she looked down. "I thought you were gone forever.. my mind tried to accept that fact... and I tried... I tried to get over you but my heart... wouldn't let me..." She lifted her gaze to meet his, voice growing softer still. "I had to go to you... to find you... and bring you home... where you belonged..."

Kenshin stood still as he listened, focusing on her troubled features as he slowly bridged the distance between them. "It broke my heart to leave you, Kaoru. I wanted to stay with you more than anything in this world. But I had to stop Shishio... so that I could return to you, Kaoru. So when I saw you in Kyoto, I was surprised... And frightened. I had left to keep you safe and then suddenly there you were... with danger all around you," He paused, features turning tender as he whispered. "But I was also... happy to have you close to me again. That you followed me all the way to Kyoto... spoke of your love and concern for me... a love that I carried and always will carry for you."

Kaoru blushed, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "Kenshin... I was in love with you.. I'm still in love with you... That's why I had to see you. I had to help you. Because I wanted you to live on and come home with me."

The red head reached out to take her hand. "You are my home and my heart, Kaoru. That's why I will defeat Enishi and end his Jinchuu."

The mention of Enishi brought new and troubling thoughts to her mind. What if Kenshin lost to Enishi? What if he was killed? Could she carry on from his loss? Did she have the strength of will to live after losing the one most precious to her? After all, Kenshin was strong of strength and spirit. He survived losing Tomoe... even though it wounded him greatly, he carried on. What if I can't do the same? What if... What if he dies? Pain and doubt stabbed her heart and she lowered her head to hide the worry in her expression.

But Kenshin caught her furrowed brow, her sudden silence indicating something was troubling her greatly and he asked gently, "What's wrong, koishii?"

The girl bit her lip, gaze still lowered as she answered. "I'm just... thinking about you... and how hard it must have been for you to carry through with Tomoe's wishes after losing her. To go through what you have... to have the will to continue on despite the pain you have in your heart... I confess I envy your resolve and strength sometimes..."

Kenshin tilted his head at her words and his tone remained soft as he replied, "Kaoru... I'm no one really special. I just want to keep everyone safe from harm... the same as you do."

Kaoru frowned at his answer, lifting her head to study him. "You want to keep everyone safe, that is true, but you do it out of love and concern... not out of duty. That makes you special... special to the people who love you... Never doubt that about yourself, Kenshin..." She paused, hesitant to admit to her own insecurity and apprehension. "I haven't lived through what you have, Kenshin. I don't know if I would have the strength that you do if I lost you. That's why I want to fight at your side. To keep you safe... so that we can go on in this new era... together... just like we promised each other we would."

Kenshin studied the girl with tender eyes. He understood her desire to protect him out of love and concern. It was exactly the same as his desire to keep her safe and he closed the distance between them, enveloping her into his arms as he embraced her. "Koishii... You are strong and brave. I know you will do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe from what is to come. I cannot fault you for that. I just do not want you to be harmed. I love you too much to lose you to Enishi's madness. If something... If..." His voice died out, his expression twisting into a pained look. "If something were to happen to you, Kaoru, I couldn't bear it... my world would die with you."

Kaoru heard Kenshin's voice start to break and she hurt for him. Carefully she wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his and whispered in a tender tone to ease the pain and worry her betrothed was unable to express fully. "You're afraid of losing me, Kenshin... I am afraid of losing you, too... Because I don't know what I will do if you die.. That's why I want to stay at your side... not only because I love you but because you are my friend," She pulled back to look up at him, favoring him with a soft smile. "But I can't let fear rule my mind... So I choose to believe in you, Kenshin... I want you to defeat Enishi... and live on... just as I want to help you and live on."

The samurai studied the kendo instructor with loving eyes, her words making his heart act up and he shifted and leaned forward to rest his forehead against hers. "Beautiful Kaoru... you're a wonderful woman... do you know that?"

His praise drew heat to her cheeks. "Kenshin..." She whispered shyly, finding herself leaning into him as their foreheads touched.

Kenshin found her shyness endearingly cute and felt an urge to kiss her but the sense of someone watching them stayed his intent and he reluctantly loosened his hold. "This one apologizes but we should head home now, Kaoru." He whispered, his gaze focused over the girl's shoulder.

The girl sensed his focus shifting from her, noting the tightened expression marring his handsome face. Was someone watching them right now? Playing along, Kaoru withdrew from Kenshin's arms. "Yes, I suppose you're right. I need to check on Yahiko's progress and get to work on a few chores." Reaching out, she took his hand and tugged him gently away, biting back a small laugh at the surprise that lit up the redhead's features. The pair turned left and through a corridor that led to a bridge and they crossed over, still holding hands, even as the steps to the dojo came into view.

Kenshin enjoyed the sudden boldness of his Kaoru, letting her lead him away, her taking charge triggering images of the first time they faced danger together and he smiled at the memory. His smile fell a bit at the stares of the people as they passed, finding the same disdain and disapproval in their eyes as those of the strangers that had watched them earlier. While the rurouni cared little about what others thought of him, Kenshin did not want to disparage Kaoru in anyway. Still, it felt right, holding hands like this and his smile returned when the girl looked at him, finding no shame in her deep brown pools, only love and understanding. He returned that love, favoring her with a tender glance, both smiling shyly at the other as they reached then climbed the steps to the main door. They entered the courtyard, still hand in hand, their silent flirting interrupted at the sound of Sano's boisterous voice as he called out,

"It's about time you two got back!"

Kenshin shifted his gaze away from Kaoru, watching as his friend rose up from the engawa and stalked towards them. He noted the irritation and excitement in the taller man's features and he asked in concern "What's wrong, Sano? Is Megumi-dono alright?"

The street fighter came to a stop a few feet from the couple, blinking at the question. "Yeah," He answered quickly. "At least I think she's okay."

"Gave you the slip did she, Sanosuke?" Kaoru chimed in, recalling the conversation she'd had with Kenshin about the incident in the upper room of the kitchen earlier in the day and the two had debated whether the fighter would actually follow through with his vow to stay away or go after the lady doctor.

"She didn't give me the slip," Sano retorted then frowned as he admitted, "Well... okay... so she did... but that's not what I wanted to talk about."

Kaoru tossed an "I told you" look at Kenshin who smiled and gave a slight tilt of his head in acknowledgment then focused his attention back on Sano who continued to speak.

"When I was checking out Megumi's destroyed clinic there were a bunch of police going through the rubble and that's when I saw him."

"Him?" Kenshin murmured, watching as his friend nodded, Sano's voice and expressions becoming more animated as he answered,

"Yeah. Some blond jerk was asking the police a bunch of questions. Guy looked sketchy as hell so I followed him all the way to the train station but he got away before I could talk to him. Bastard even winked and laughed at me like it was some damn game."

"So you abandoned Megumi to follow some guy who you thought looked sketchy?" Kaoru asked, staring at him in incredulity. "Why would you do that, Sanosuke?"

Sano turned his attention to the girl, frowning at her chastising. She's been hanging around fox lady too much. He grumbled inwardly as he replied, "Well, you would too if you saw him."

"How so?" Kaoru shot back, looking at the fighter expectantly.

"The guy had twin katanas strapped to his back and was dressed really weird. I mean, who wears a sleeveless overcoat?"

Kaoru and Kenshin shared a look, both of them thinking of the same person as they grew silent.

Sano noticed their glances and silence, able to reason out the implication. "You know this guy don't you?"

Kenshin nodded, a tightened expression marring his handsome features. "I fought that man in Kyoto," The redhead answered, his mind traveling back to that moment in time. "He was arrested and Saito interrogated him. We found out his name was Cho Sawagejo and he was working for Shishio. It was Cho who informed the police of the plot to burn Kyoto to the ground."

Sano listened and frowned. "Well if he was arrested, then how in the hell did he manage to get out? And why would he be working for the police if he's such a bad guy?"

Kenshin tilted his head. "It's possible he made some kind of deal contingent upon his cooperation with the police. Perhaps that's why he was able to talk to the them without having his weapons confiscated. The question is, why was he investigating Megumi-dono's clinic?" And what connection does Cho have to Enishi?

Yokohama

Cho remained well hidden as he kept vigil over the rather opulent Western Style mansion and estate on the outskirts of Yokohama. He had gained information about the one who had rented out the house, along with the main target. He also knew there were four other men working for the main target but the reasons why they had aligned with the leader were still a mystery. After all, if the police truly knew what was going on and who was involved they wouldn't have need to send me. Cho thought with a smirk. He caught movement to his right and the blond crouched down, spying what appeared to be some kind of day laborer with an overlarge barrel strapped to his back.

The swordsman kept his gaze locked on the man, noting his stooped over gait and shuffling steps as if the burden was too heavy to bear. The man continued at the same slow pace and entered through the gate but instead of going straight to the main door, the laborer shuffled around the side and Cho lost sight of him. Dammit! Rising up, the blond moved as silently as he could, rounding to the back and through the trees that lined the back part of the estate. He dropped down as the man stopped and turned, staring straight in his direction and Cho wondered if he'd been found out. But the laborer merely turned and straightened his back, all pretense of struggle gone and the blond narrowed his eyes, recognizing him at last despite his disguise. Ah... so that's who you are. Cho studied the barrel more intently, wondering just what the contents were as he watched the man open the door and disappear inside.

Inside the Mansion

Gein walked into the main hall of the house, his features showing none of the strain that his body was currently feeling. Carrying the heavy load upon his back was rather annoying and tedious. He reached up, adjusting the straps that bit into his shoulders, inadvertently knocking off clumps of clay from the shovel and pick-axe attached perpendicular to the barrel. His cheap clothing clung to his sweat soaked skin and he tasted dirt with every breath he took. Ugh... I need a bath. The ninja sensed a sudden presence and he stopped, lifting his gaze to the right, finding Enishi staring down at him from the second floor hallway.

"Rather late in the morning for you to be returning here, Gein," Enishi greeted, studying the man with questioning eyes. "I thought you ninja types preferred to do your dirty work in the shadows."

Gein took no offense at Enishi's tone. "Normally, yes," He conceded. "But it took me longer to find the exact ingredients to begin my project. So I used this disguise to go unnoticed and get what I needed."

"Clever," Enishi replied then asked. "So you're ready to begin then?"

"Hai," The ninja said with a nod. "If I begin immediately I should have the project completed before it's time to exact Jinchuu."

A slow smile spread on Enishi's lips. "That is good news indeed. This project of yours will truly make the Battosai suffer and I'm looking so very... forward to seeing the results."

Gein shivered at the glint of malice in the bespectacled man's mad eyes, knowing the cause. You truly are obsessed with Battosai's suffering aren't you, Enishi? "I'll... just be off now..."

Enishi seemed not to hear him and the ninja began to move again, heading down the hall and towards the basement, leaving his boss alone to his thoughts.

"Soon, nee-san," The white haired man whispered to the ghost of Tomoe that lived within his fractured mind. "You'll have your revenge... justice will be handed down to your husband... and he will be unable to escape the fires of a living hell..." Enishi's features twisted, anger seizing hold of his heart as he growled. "I'm going to make you suffer, Battosai... I'm going to destroy your world... just as you destroyed mine... long ago..."

Outside the house

Cho remained hidden for several hours, watching and waiting, jotting down every detail he witnessed in his journal, including descriptions of the occupants as they came and went throughout the day, until daylight faded and night claimed the sky. Content with the information he'd gathered, the swordsman carefully crept away from the estate and headed into town for some food and lodging. He found a reasonable inn and he sat down then ordered his meal. With his surveillance assignment completed, Cho now had to return to Kyoto and report in with his boss. The blond mentally checked over the information he'd compiled while he waited for his food to arrive, surprised at what he had found out in relation to Kenshin. Man, you sure know how to pick your enemies don't you, Battosai? Cho thought with a shake of his head. His meal was delivered to the table and the swordsman ate quietly then retired to his room, in need of rest before the journey ahead.

Kamiya Dojo- Early Evening Hours

Kenshin stood in the back courtyard, sweat trickling down his face and neck as he unleashed a furry of rapid strikes in the empty air, precise and graceful in his movements as he transitioned smoothly into a new set of katas. His focus was inward, even as he continued to fight an outward battle against the invisible enemy that threatened everything that he loved. Enishi... he growled silently, still troubled by all that had happened and what was to come. The redhead put more force into each slash and parry as he danced in the shadow of violence, driven by a desire to protect and avoid the mistakes of his past. My past... He repeated in his mind, traveling back in time to his life as a hitokiri... All I've done... all I am... was forged on those cold nights... and blood soaked fields. I've tried so hard to overcome my sins... And yet, my sins have come home to roost... Now Enishi seeks to reap vengeance upon me for the death of Tomoe... By threatening those I love. Determination seized hold of him and he drew strength in his will to defeat his former brother-in-law. I must stop him... I WILL stop him!

Kenshin leaped up into the air, sakabato stretched above his head and he slashed downward as he landed, completing the Ryutsuisen. He heard footsteps behind him and the rurouni straightened his frame and turned around, finding Kaoru approaching him. Images of Enishi were vaporized , the rush of adrenaline fading and the shadows of fear in his heart fleeing in the presence of his beloved Kaoru. "Hello, koishii..." He whispered in greeting as the girl came to a stop before him. "Have you finished with Yahiko's training for the evening?"

"Hello, Kenshin," Kaoru returned in greeting, nodding at his question. "Hai. I sent him off to clean up before we start dinner." She studied her betrothed with concerned eyes. Ever since their conversation with Sano, the rurouni had been quiet, excusing himself to complete chores and Kaoru gave him space, watching off and on between Yahiko and the samurai as the pair trained. She saw the anger and fear and felt his strength and power with each strike of the air. He truly was the most gifted swordsman she'd ever witnessed. But he was still a man and susceptible to being hurt and killed. That he pushed past all the pain and struggle to move forward drove Kaoru to do the same. But she hesitated to ask him for help.

Kenshin sheathed his weapon and moved closer to her, hearing a hesitation in her voice and he asked, "Is something wrong, Kaoru?"

"No," She denied as she lowered her gaze. "I was just..." She started then stopped, frowning at her inability to voice such a simple request. Come on, Kaoru, don't be shy! This is Kenshin... your future husband! If he can't help you, no one can. "I was wondering if you would be my... sparring partner for a bit of time tonight."

Kenshin tilted his head. Was she asking what he thought she was? "Are you sure you're up for that, Kaoru? I don't want to push you too hard."

Kaoru knew he was only being his usually overprotective self but her pride kicked in and she countered defensively, "Is it because I'm a woman that you don't think I can handle it?"

The rurouni blinked at the terseness in her voice and replied in the same soft tone as before, "No, koi. I just don't want to hurt you, that's all."

"Well, if it hurts too much I'll just tell you to stop, okay?"

He was hesitant to comply with her request but understood her reasoning. She's no different than me in that regard. "Very well, but if things get too rough, then we will have to quit, alright?"

Kaoru nodded, relieved that he was willing to try this with her. "Absolutely." She turned, the rurouni following as they made their way to the training hall, sliding off their zori and bowing before they entered. The pair walked over to the rack on the wall, reaching out to take a bokken before returning to the center of the hall. Kaoru lifted her bokken waist high, taking the chuden no kamae position while Kenshin lowered his wooden sword downward, choosing the genden no kamae position.

A sudden tenseness filled the air and the silence was broken by Kaoru as she shouted, "Begin!" and lunged forward with a quick tsuki aimed at the rurouni's chest.

Kenshin flicked his wrist, the momentum driving his bokken upward, blocking the attack and he retreated, maintaining a defensive position as the girl tried to engage him to attack.

Kaoru, for her part, slashed in precise movements, her footwork and attacks in perfect harmony, though she was unable to land a single hit on the samurai. Damn rurouni! She grumbled silently, irritation growing at his unwillingness to strike back. "Come on, Kenshin. You can't keep holding back. You think Enishi and his men will go easy on me? Fight back!" She challenged, lifting her bokken to the side as she twirled around and aimed for his head with a side slash.

Kenshin blinked at the aggressiveness of the attack and lifted his sword diagonally, using his left hand as a brace to stop the opposing bokken before pushed off and countering for the first time with a tsuki that was parried with surprising speed by Kaoru and his admiration for the girl grew even more fierce. A different kind of tension now filled the air, the game of sparring becoming more... intimate and personal and he knew Kaoru felt it as well. "You're rather good at this, koishii..." He admitted as the two circled each other.

"Thank you..." Kaoru returned, panting a bit as she tried to figure out what the rurouni would do next. There was something different about Kenshin now that was making her heart race and her body tremble... she liked but feared the way she was reacting to him, wondering if it was normal to feel... excited about a simple sparring match. But I'll be damned if I'll let him outdo me. If he can keep calm about it, so can I! "But I'm not finished yet!" She lunged at him, knowing he was serious enough to put more effort in attacking and their swords met in mid air.

Kenshin gently pushed her back, attacking at half speed now, but Kaoru kept up with him, though she was on the defensive and she clenched her teeth, trying to ignore the throbbing pain in her shoulder from each strike that was blocked and parried. If this keeps up, he'll wear me down and win. I have to do something different... something he won't expect...

Kenshin watched Kaoru carefully, making sure to not go too hard on her only to blink when the girl crouched downward and lunged up in an unorthodox move, the tip of the bokken shooting straight for the bottom of his chin and the redhead snapped his head back, unable to counter without hurting her or himself. The girl was suddenly in his space and he felt her hand snake out and grab his kimono, pulling him to her, the side of her foot slamming into his and he fell back, his feet swept out from under him. Kenshin acted instinctively, dropping his sword to wrap his arms around her as they tumbled to the ground. He landed on his back, Kaoru on top of him and they lay there quietly for a solid minute, both too shocked to speak.

Kaoru couldn't believe her gambit had paid off, allowing her to take him down with a physical maneuver. But she hadn't intended to be taken down with him. His body was very solid against her softer one and she felt heat bloom across her face at the intimate way they were entwined. She knew she should move off of him but when she lifted her head to look down at him she was drawn to the depth of emotions swirling within his gaze and she found herself drowning in those beautiful brown pools.

Kenshin felt the girl shift and he tried to ignore the way her body was making his own feel. Her silence worried him and he was about to ask if she was alright only for his throat to go dry when he met her gaze, memorized by the light and strength he could see reflected in her oh so lovely eyes. She was his weakness... and his world... did she truly know how beautiful she was to him? How much he loved her with all his heart? How badly he wanted to always keep her safe? His emotions got the better of him and he reached up to caress her heated cheek. "Kaoru..."

The kendo instructor reacted to his touch, the reverence held in his voice as he whispered her name making her blush even darker. "Kenshin..."

The samurai lifted his head as the girl lowered hers, their lips within a hair's breadth of kissing each other only to freeze as a familiar voice called out,

"Shouldn't you two be doing that somewhere else?"

The two snapped their heads to the side, finding the smirking form of Sano staring at them from the open entryway and Kaoru pushed off the rurouni and scrambled back allowing Kenshin to rise. The rurouni straightened his kimono and hakama pants, frowning at the taller man though he stifled his anger, feeling bad for having Kaoru caught in a compromising position with him, even if nothing really happened.

"Not that it's any of your business but we were just practicing some sparring techniques." Kaoru managed to say, tone and posture defensive as she glared at the brawler.

"Is that what they're calling it now?" Sano retorted, still smirking at the agitated features of the kendo instructor as he chucked his thumb over his shoulder. "Sorry to bother you during your... training session but you have a couple of guests that wish to speak to you."

Kenshin and Kaoru looked at each other, wondering who it could be and the pair headed out of the dojo, slipping their zori back on as they entered the courtyard. "Tae-san? Tsubame-chan?" Kaoru murmured as she stopped before the proprietor of the Akabeko and the servant girl that worked for her. "How are you this evening?"

The two females gave a slight bow and Tae spoke. "Good evening, Kaoru-san. We're sorry if we disturbed you but after hearing all that's happened, I wanted to invite you to dinner tonight... on the house... Unless of course you have already eaten... in which case you would be welcomed to come tomorrow."

"So it's a free dinner then?" Sano replied excitedly as he came to stand to Kenshin's left.

"Do you ever think about anything besides your stomach?" Megumi chided as she came to stand to Kaoru's right, glaring over at the street fighter when he answered,

"Yeah... fighting..."

Kaoru sighed inwardly at the hostile flirting between the lady doctor and the brawler, focusing her attention on her friend as she answered. "We have not had dinner yet so of course we will accept your gracious offer. Thank you very much."

Just then, Yahiko stepped out of the bathhouse, freshly cleaned and dressed and his gaze fell directly on the young girl standing by Tae. "Tsubame-chan?" He murmured in surprise as he walked towards her.

The girl blushed at Yahiko's approach, her own voice quiet and shy. "Hello, Yahiko-kun. It's nice to see you again."

"It's nice to see you too," The boy returned, smiling though his features were puzzled. "But why are you guys here? Has something happened to the Akabeko, too?"

"Tae-san has invited us to dinner at the Akabeko tonight," Kaoru answered. "And we've accepted."

"Really?" Yahiko replied, grinning. "That's great!" He exclaimed, his features turning thoughtful as he added, "We should walk back with them... just in case..."

"Hai, that we should," Kenshin agreed. Even though the Meiji era was more peaceful, there were still those that stalked the streets at night, looking for an easy mark to rob... or worse.

"Then it's settled!" Tae said with a smile and the group exited the dojo, walking down the steps and out onto the street.

"The stars are rather beautiful tonight, don't you think, Yahiko-kun?" Tsubame asked in a soft tone and the boy nodded, following her gaze.

"They are... hey look at that!" He cried, pointing upward as streaks of white light shot across the sky. The girls in the group let out oohs and awws as the celestial shower sparked for several moments.

Kenshin watched with a soft smile at their enthusiasm, his smile falling as images of his past came back to him. The stars were always a constant in his life, the only constant thing... but the memories were bittersweet and he lowered his gaze, reaching up to touch his scar.

"Hey, Kenshin what's with the gloomy face?" Sano asked as he looked over at his friend.

"It's..." He started then stopped, not wanting to cause any upset. "It's nothing, Sano."

But the fighter wasn't fooled. "You may be able to get past Jo-chan and the brat with that lie but I know something's bothering you. So what is it?"

Kenshin sighed and lowered his head, voice soft and distant. "Just bad memories... of my past..."

"During the war you mean?" Sano murmured. "Look, Kenshin... I know you went through a bad patch back then... but you can't let the past keep weighing you down."

"The war never really leaves you, Sano..." Kenshin countered in a soft tone. "It's always there... in the back of my mind... everything that's happened... everything that is to come... I carry scars no one can see... but they're just as real and painful as this one," He added, lifting his hand to touch the cross shaped scar on his cheek. "They are reminders of the wrongs I committed as a hitokiri," He lowered his hand, brow furrowing. "I'm still atoning for them... when Enishi comes... I must atone for the loss of Tomoe..."

"I can't say I understand what you went though, Kenshin. But you can't mope around, living in the past... fighting those losing battles in your head. You've got a future to think about... a future with Kaoru... you need to get used to living a peaceful life..."

Kenshin smiled. A peaceful life. He wanted that more than anything in the world. A life with Kaoru... A life free of the pain that haunted him. The rurouni lifted his gaze, studying his koishii and the others before him, finding joy in their innocence and happy laughter and he made a motion with his head. "You see any war in that, Sano?"

Just then Kaoru turned and looked over her shoulder, finding Kenshin studying her with tender eyes and she smiled and waved for them to join them.

Kenshin nodded at her gesture, still smiling as he stepped forward, Sano following suit as they rejoined their friends and made their way to the restaurant.

Kamiya Dojo- Late Evening-Kenshin's room

"It was nice of Tae-san to offer dinner tonight," Kaoru said softly as she unfurled her futon. "She really didn't have to do that."

Kenshin stood to his beloved's right, unfurling his own futon as he lay it down beside the girl's. "Hai, but Tae-san is your friend and friends are supposed to look out for each other in times of need. I'm sure if the situation was reversed you would do the same for her."

"True," Kaoru replied, as she placed her pillow at the head of her futon then unfolded her blanket. "She really is a good friend."

"That she is." Kenshin agreed as he crawled under his blanket and settled in, feeling a bit warm still from the long soak in the bath after their return home from dinner. It had eased the tension in his muscles from all the training and his subsequent... bout... with Kaoru. He had spoken nothing of that event in the dojo with his betrothed, knowing it would only embarrass her with so many ears listening in on their conversation. But now that they were alone, Kenshin felt a desire to explain himself in the lingering silence that grew between them.

Kaoru, likewise, had settled down on her futon, her mind spinning with thoughts from earlier in the day. So many things had happened... so much uncertainty of what was to come... and the training... she felt nervous talking about the end result. But I want him to know I don't blame him for anything.

"Ken..."

"Kao..."

The started at the same time, both smiling softly and the rurouni deferred to the girl. "Please go ahead, Kaoru..."

Here goes nothing. She thought as she cleared her throat and spoke. "I... I wanted to say that I'm... sorry if I caused you any discomfort during our training today... It wasn't my intention to take things that far.. I just got caught up in the moment... and I..." She paused, recalling how being so very close to Kenshin physically had made her feel in that moment.

The samurai waited patiently as the girl's voice died out, turning his head to study her when she seemed unable to continue. She's probably embarrassed. He suspected and the rurouni sought to ease what he thought was her trepidation of the subject matter. "It's alright, Kaoru... there is no need to apologize... If anything, I should be apologizing to you for my behavior," His brow furrowed as he whispered almost more to himself than to her. "I took things too far with you... I did not mean to make you feel... uncomfortable."

"I wasn't uncomfortable, Kenshin," Kaoru replied, gaining her voice again. "I was just surprised that my attack worked... and when we... when we fell down together... I rather... liked it..."

Kenshin's eyebrows shot up though his voice was remained soft. "You... liked it?"

Kaoru blushed but nodded. "I did..." She replied, her voice so soft, Kenshin had to strain to her her. "When I... When I looked at you... your eyes... I wanted..." She paused, looking away from him in embarrassment.

The rurouni frowned at her silence and he reached out gently to touch her hand, drawing her attention back to him. "You wanted... what, koishii? You can tell me. I promise I won't laugh."

She felt his touch and turned her gaze back to him, biting her lip as she whispered. "I wanted... to kiss you..." She answered, her words coming out faster now as nervousness took hold and she began to ramble. "I know it wasn't right... or appropriate... to even attempt to do that in public... we were simply sparring and why would sparring make me want to kiss you... but being close to you like that... it made me want to kiss you just the same."

Kenshin listened patiently, shifting sideways to face her as he spoke in a tender tone. "Koishii... there is nothing wrong with wanting to kiss me... I wanted to kiss you then, too..."

The girl gave him a shy look. "You did?"

He held back a chuckle at her reaction and nodded. "Why so surprised, Kaoru? I love you and I want to be with you. You are my strength... and my weakness... I can deny you nothing... and I offer everything I am..." He lifted his hand from hers to cup her chin, gently caressing her lips with his thumb. "You are my world... and my heart... How could I not want to kiss you?"

His words and devotion made her stomach flutter, his candid gaze setting her heart racing and she didn't fight the impulse this time, shifting onto her side to mirror him and whispered reverently, "You're beautiful, Kenshin, do you know that?"

The redhead's eyes widened at her words, his heart flip-flopping at the look of love in his beloved's eyes and he flashed her a self effacing smile at her praise. "No, Kaoru... you are the beautiful one... Beautiful to me... and wonderful..." The rurouni lowered his gaze, a pained look crossing his features as he whispered. "Sometimes I feel I don't... deserve your love, koishii... but I love you just the same... and never want to part from you..."

Kaoru frowned when he lowered his head and reached out to cup his face, gently urging him to lift his gaze, a strength in her voice that drew Kenshin's attention. "I don't want to hear anymore about you being undeserving, Kenshin. You deserve to be loved, just like everyone else. I love you and I want you in my life... that's why we agreed to be betrothed... because we love and care about each other, right? So no more moping, Kenshin... You're going to be loved whether you want to be or not."

The samurai couldn't help but smile at Kaoru's conviction and belief in him and their love for one another. "Hai, koishii... this one will not mope any more..."

Kaoru nodded, though a small smile formed as she replied, "Good... now... about that kiss..."

"Oro?" He sounded out, surprised when the girl leaned in to kiss him. Her lips were soft against his own, the kiss tender in pressure but he returned it, their noses gently bumping against each other and he caught the faint scent of jasmine that was Kaoru's alone. He held back a groan, not wanting to frighten her with his desire for more. He was mindful they were not yet married so he basked in contentment of the simple display of affection, nuzzling his nose against hers when Kaoru pulled back slightly. "Koishii..."

Kaoru enjoyed his surprise and the feel of his lips against her own. Her body wished for more but her mind knew she was not ready for that yet. Still, I want to be close to him... I want to hold him and show him how much I care about him. The nuzzle warmed her heart and she was grateful for his patience and return of affection and she shifted, shyly scooted closer to him, resting her head near his, voice soft and unsure as she asked, "Is this... okay?"

The redhead nodded, slowly draping an arm over her side. "Hai, Kaoru... so long as it's okay with you... we can rest just like this."

"Rest sounds good... I feel rather... tired from today..."

Kenshin kissed her crown and whispered soothingly. "Then rest with me, koi."

Kaoru closed her eyes, inhaling his scent, finding comfort and safety in the closeness of his body. "Goodnight, Kenshin..." She mumbled.

Kenshin felt her start to slack against him, smiling at her mumbling as he rested his head against hers. "Goodnight, Kaoru." He murmured as he closed his eyes, relaxing as he held her, falling into the arms of sleep where nightmares could not reach.