Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Sheer Bliss ❯ Sunset of Mended Hearts ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter 2 Sunset of Mended Hearts

Hey RK fans here comes chapter 2 and thanks to everyone who reviewed. Yes there will be a lemon but not yet. Sorry to disappoint but I don't want to rush thing too much. After all what's a good lemon without some foreplay. I'm so evil sometimes!!!

Disclaimer: I still don't own Rurouni Kenshin though I really would love to!!!

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Once I had finished washing the towels and hanging them up to dry I headed into the kitchen. What met me there made all my air leave my lungs very suddenly. As Yahiko ran straight into me and knocked me on the floor, dazing me for a few moments before my vision became focused again. Yahiko shook his head to clear his head as he uttered his apology to me.

"I'm so sorry for bumping into you like that. But Sanosuke told me we're going on a fishing trip for a few days! Isn't that great!!!" Yahiko grinned from ear to ear waiting for me to acknowledge him. I slowly got back to my feet and smiled down at him.

"Yes that is wonderful Yahiko, that it is. Are you going to get ready?" I asked gently already knowing the answer.

"Yeah Kenshin that's what I was doing before I ran into you. Sorry for that." He apologized again.

"It's alright, that it is. I knew you were excited. Did you wash the rice like I asked you to?" I hoped he did otherwise preparing lunch would take longer.

"Yes I did Kenshin. I left it on the counter. It's all washed and ready for whatever you're going to make. I have to go tell Kaoru I'll be going on a trip with Sanosuke. I hope she lets me go." He ran off towards the dojo where Miss Kaoru would most likely be. Kaoru was usually in the dojo practicing either by herself or with Yahiko. I hoped that she let Yahiko go with Sano otherwise the plan would by ruined!

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I started making the rice balls as Yahiko ran back into the kitchen with Miss Kaoru on his heels waving her bokken dangerously at him.

"LITTLE YAHIKO!!! HOW DARE YOU CALL ME UGLY!!! I'LL KNOCK YOU INTO NEXT WEEK!!!" Kaoru screamed at him as he came in front of me and stuck his tongue out at her. The bokken went flying and Yahiko ducked out of the way just as I turned around to face both of them. It hit me square in the forehead and I was stunned once more for the third time that day. A second time by Miss Kaoru throwing something at me, only this time it was her bokken instead of a bar of soap.

"Hey look what you did to Kenshin, you ugly hag!!!" Yahiko teased.

"SHUT UP LITTLE YAHIKO!!! GO DO 500-STROKES IN THE DOJO NOW!!!!!" Yahiko left grumbling as Miss Kaoru rushed over to me and propped me into a sitting position against her chest. "Oh! I'm so sorry Kenshin. I really am. I meant to hit Yahiko with the bokken not you." She softly said to me. This close to her I could smell her jasmine scent, it intoxicated me for a moment then my head cleared rather suddenly. She was showing concern for me yet again. I couldn't help but wish to return the embrace she had encircled around me. HIMURA SHE ISN'T HUGGING YOU!!! SHE TRYING TO HELP YOU UP, STOP THINKING LIKE THAT!!!!!

Slowly I got up off the floor away from Miss Kaoru. I didn't really want to but I had to get back to preparing lunch. That and I was afraid, if I'd stay that close to her for much longer I would lose all my rational thoughts. Which probably result with me getting beaten up be Miss Kaoru than being comforted by her. I couldn't rush things with her. I wanted to make sure she felt something towards me, but if not then I would only succeed to push her away. Which by all accounts I didn't want to happen by any means.

"I'm alright Miss Kaoru, that I am. I was just dazed is all. So what happened that Yahiko came running in?"

"Oh he said `Sanosuke and I are going to go on a fishing trip for awhile' and when I asked him about practicing his swordsmanship he said `I'll do it while I'm on the trip you ugly hag' so I chased him with my bokken until I hit you. Sorry."

"I said I'm alright Miss Kaoru that I am, but are you going to let Yahiko go on the trip? I think you should. Maybe going on this trip is what he needs. Plus it will give you some time to relax, that it will." I carefully worded my sentences to her. I didn't want her to think we had planned on this. I hoped she would go for it and agree with me.

"Well… that's true. I guess it would be okay after all he's with Sano so it's not like he's going off by himself. And it would be nice not to have someone call me `ugly' or `hag' every few moments. I guess he can go." She bought it.

Inside I was screaming for joy to all of Japan but outside I just smiled. "Yahiko said that they're leaving after lunch and I still must finish making it." I told her turning back to the rice balls I had been making.

"Alright Kenshin, I'll be in the dojo if you need me." She turned away and left me to my task.

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I finally finished making lunch; we had rice balls, smoked fish that I had bought at the market earlier that day, cooked vegetables, and green tea. I didn't have to wait long for the others since the smell alone was an invitation itself. Yahiko and Sano bolted in and quickly sat down in their usual seats. Kaoru came in not far behind them and sat on my left right next to me. She gave me a gentle smile and proceeded to look at what I prepared.

" It all looks delicious Kenshin." She complimented.

" Yeah and tastes better than yours Kaoru." Yahiko teased her while stuffing a rice ball in his mouth.

"What was that Little Yahiko? You don't want to go on that fishing trip with Sano after all? Well that's fine by me. You can take the extra time to practice with your swordsmanship." She replied calmly. While Yahiko finished the rice ball and stated to apologize.

"No Kaoru! I wanna go. Please let me go on the trip. I'm sorry I said that. Please forgive me and let me go!" Yahiko whined to her. Slowly a smirk was plastered on her face.

"Fine you can go if you don't make anymore smart-mouthed comments until you leave." She replied strictly.

"Deal." He said and began devouring the rest of his food. Sano just grinned wryly at me. I knew what he was thinking. I hid a smile; I wouldn't have those around for the next four days. On the bright side though I would be alone with Miss Kaoru. I finished eating and got up to start clearing the table and cleaning the dishes.

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I had just finished putting all the dishes away when I heard Sano yell. "Hey, we're gonna leave pretty soon guys. How about you see us off?"

I came out and saw Yahiko standing there with a satchel with some clothes inside and some wrapped up rice balls still left over from lunch. I had thought they would need something to eat on their trip so I was sure to make enough for them to take as well. Although those to were bottomless pits, whenever they ate it could never fill them up completely. Also Yahiko to his bokken strapped in a holder across his back. He had somehow managed not to make another single comment against Miss Kaoru for the rest of the time that they were still here. Which was the only way to ensure that he would be leaving with Sano.

Sano however didn't have anything with him except the fish bone that was in his mouth.

"Sano how are you going to fish if you aren't taking anything?" I asked wondering how he had planned this whole situation and yet wasn't prepared himself.

"Don't worry Kenshin. The kid and me are stopping by to see the fox before we leave and then going to my place to pick up what we need. We'll be fine, Kenshin." He grinned at me and winked as Miss Kaoru decided to join us at that moment.

"I hope you two have fun camping and catch some fish." She smiled and gave both Sano and Yahiko a hug each.

"Oh don't worry about us Missy we'll be fine." Sano said as he returned her hug. I part of me was jealous that he could hug Miss Kaoru and I couldn't. But then again they were like brother and sister, and Sano cared about her like a sister. So I didn't have to worry about him trying to take Kaoru away from me. After all he planned this whole thing so we could be together alone.

We walked them to the gate as they set off and watched as they disappeared down the road.

Suddenly Miss Kaoru turned to me and hugged me close and started to cry. I was shocked by what she did. I never expected her to do this. I heard as the sobs wracked her body and felt her grip tighten around my waist. Hesitantly I wrapped my arms delicately around her and placed my cheek on top of her head.

"It's alright Miss Kaoru. They'll be back in a few days that they will. They aren't leaving us." I spoke softly into her hair trying to comfort her. She slightly pulled away to look up at me. Tears still welling up in her eyes.

"You aren't going to leave me to, are you?" She spoke brokenly to me. Her eyes registered fear that I might leave her again. I smiled gently down at her a shook my head.

"No Miss Kaoru, I will never leave you alone again. I promise you I won't." I whispered in her ear. I smile registered on her face for a moment before she began to cry again. I tightened my hold around her until she was done crying and only small sniffles remained.

"Come on Miss Kaoru, why don't we go sit on the porch?" Slowly I turned with her still latched onto me, and started to make my way back to the dojo. She responded to me as if in a trance. Once we were on the porch a gently persuaded her to sit down with me. We sat there for a few moments until she moved over and leaned her head against my chest. I tenderly moved her over even more and placed her in my lap. She sighed and I felt her warm breath on my chest. Unconsciously I began to rub her back trying to sooth her.

"Thank you Kenshin." She whispered. I felt her slump a little and realized she might have gone to sleep. I just sat with this beautiful young woman that stole my heart, in my embrace and let her sleep. I began rocking a little lulling her into a deeper sleep. It felt so nice to have her here with me. I wished it to never end, even though I knew it would.

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A few hours passed and gradually Kaoru began to wake up. I was stiff from sitting but it didn't matter. I had my Kaoru sleeping against me and that was all that mattered. Slowly her eyes fluttered open, and then grew wide as she realized where she was. Her look was just too amusing, her mouth moved but nothing came out and the startled look on her face reminded me of Suzume. It was just so cute. Quickly she jumped out of my lap and stood but instantly fell onto the ground as her legs decided they weren't awake yet. She sat there for a moment before I got to my feet and gently picked her up. I surprised her that was for sure, but I wouldn't let her protest as I carried her into her room.

"Kenshin what do you think your doing?" Her voice sounded soft and uncertain. I gently placed her on the futon, walked to the door and turned to face her.

"Let the rest of your body wake up before you start to get up Miss Kaoru. I will be in the kitchen making dinner if you need me." With that I left her alone in the room. As tempting as it was to tell her how I felt at that moment, something told me it wasn't the right time. Maybe I should tell her later when she wakes up completely. That would be much better.

I entered the kitchen set on making some miso soup. I was done preparing it in no time, and then I start to make some rice to go with it. Kaoru still hadn't emerged for her room. Did I frighten her by what I did? I hoped to I didn't. I was merely trying to help her. I shook my head and turned back to cooking the rice. This was going to interesting with just the two of us. Suddenly I heard light footsteps come in. I knew they belonged to Kaoru. I had long since memorized how she walked. Whenever she walked through the house her footsteps were light. That is when she wasn't trying to beat Yahiko's head in with her bokken.

"I'll get the dishes Kenshin." She stated softly and went to get them. She returned and set the table. Placing the dishes where we both usually sat. Well, if she still wanted to sit next to me then she must not be mad. I dished out the soup, first to Miss Kaoru then to myself. As I was about to serve the rice I noticed she had changed into a kimono I hadn't seen before. The neckline was little lower than usual, which surprised me so much that instead of put the rice in her bowl I missed and poured some in her lap.

"AAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!" I was snapped out of my traced and looked what I had done. Nice job Mr. Idiot Wanderer, if you cared about the woman so much then why did you go and throw rice on her?

Quickly I grabbed a cloth and removed some of the rice from her lap before a hand grabbed mine and took the cloth away.

"Kenshin it's alright. I can clean myself off." She stated in irritation and amusement. I let her take the cloth from me and uttered out my apology.

"I'm so sorry Miss Kaoru I didn't realize what I was doing, that I did not." She cleaned the rest of the rice away and smiled at me.

"Why don't we just eat, okay Kenshin? It looks very good." She picked up her chopsticks and began to eat her rice. I began to eat as well and both sat there in silence. Although the both of us kept glancing at one another from time to time, I still couldn't believe that I could see some of her cleavage and that she would reveal it.

As dinner ended Kaoru gathered up all the dishes and bowls and started to wash them.

"Miss Kaoru I'll do that. You don't have to." I stated trying to make up for dumping rice in her lap.

"Kenshin I'll do this. Can you prepare my bath for me? I would like the take a bath after I finish washing the dishes.

"Certainly Miss Kaoru I go warm the bath water right now." I left allowing her to finish. This time I would know she was in the bathhouse and I wouldn't walk in on her.

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The water was mildly warm since the fire wasn't that hot yet. I saw Miss Kaoru coming towards me and had to tell her about the water not being that hot.

"Thank you Kenshin." She smiled at me. "Do I have to barricade the door this time?" She teased.

"Uh …um, no Miss Kaoru I promise not to walk in on you again that I do. But I have to tell you the water isn't very hot, that it isn't." I told her, while blushing at the comment she had said.

"That's alright Kenshin. It'll be fine." She smiled at me then entered.

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About a half an hour went by and she emerged from the bathhouse with a yukata on. I was sitting on the porch waiting for her. She came over to me and then spoke.

"Kenshin. Why don't you take a bath now? The water just right." She grinned at me.

"I think that I will Miss Kaoru." I went inside and got my bath things and a yukata to change into and headed off to take a bath.

The bathhouse was nice and steamy and the heat felt sublime against my skin. As I entered the water, I noted Miss Kaoru was right. The water was a perfect temperature. I sat their for a while letting the water cascade down on my skin as a washed it over me. Thinking about how lovely Miss Kaoru looked. She was perfect to me. Her soft alabaster skin, silky smooth flowing black hair, and full pouty lips that always smiled sweetly when she was happy. Her eyes were like sapphires, with a light to them that showed liveliness and every range of emotions that could pass through them.

I was caught in my thought until I realized that I had been in the water long enough. I got out and dried off. Upon leaving the bathhouse I realized Kaoru was now in the same spot I was, waiting for me this time. I crossed the yard over to her. She followed me with her eyes.

"Kenshin will you sit by me and watch the sunset after you put your things back in your room?" She spoke softly to me waiting for my response.

"Of course Miss Kaoru." I quickly went I stashed my bath supplies in my room and returned to her. Slowly lowering myself to the floor as I gazed at Kaoru, who was looking to the setting sun with this dreamy look on her face. I turned my attention to the sky and took in all the colors that danced with the dimming light. Bright orange rays distorting to pink then melting into a light shade of violet that was the color of my eyes, to finally a deep blue that looked like Kaoru's eyes. I looked back to her as she whispered.

"The sky looks lovely tonight doesn't I Kenshin?"

"Yes it does Miss Kaoru, almost as lovely as you." I spoke without realizing I had said it. She turned to face me. I shocked look on her face at first then it softened to a smile. She lowered her eyes and whispered.

"Thank you Kenshin, for saying that and for staying." She rested her head on my shoulder as I wrapped my arm around her.

"I will always stay with you as long as you want me to." I whispered to her reassuring her I wasn't going to go anywhere unless she wanted me to leave.

"I always want you to stay with me, I love you too much to let you go." She had said it. Now I knew she cared. In my mind I did a little dance of joy. She really did love me, and had said it right to my face. Well to my shoulder but I had still heard it.

"I love you to Kaoru, with all my heart." I whispered to the top of her head. She wrapped her arms around me tighter.

"So do I, Kenshin." She breathed out and closed her eyes in contentment.

As we sat there watching the last bits of sunlight disappear I thought, tomorrow is another day and I'll have to show her how much I love her when the time comes.

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Good? Bad? I'm working on the next chapter, so it'll be up soon. Please review!!! The more reviews I get the more I know you like it and the faster the next chapters will be up. *~Hells-Angel~*