Survival of the Spirit Chapter 6

You do know I don't own them right?

Megumi felt a warm body next to hers and sighed. It always amazed her when she woke up and found Sano in her bed. She knew she was not the type of woman he went for, that he had preferred them a little on the rough side, but once he'd started to talk to her she found out they had a lot of similar interests, things he never let the riff raff he hung out with know he cared about. So when they went to the movies he'd lie and say they saw some kung-fu movie when they'd gone to see an art movie or and old classic.

He stirred, mumbled something and went back to sleep so she lay in the dark, thinking about the last few days. Kaoru looked like she had been reborn and Kenshin, despite his blasé exterior, was head over heels about her. Yahiko had begun to make friends in the neighborhood too, and today he was going to his first party. It appeared that she would not have to play mother to Kaoru anymore. She doubted if the younger woman had even been aware of what she was doing…

She sat up, memory flooding back about the incident with the pills. She had to tell Kenshin so that he would know whatever forces he was fighting were going to move against Kaoru as well.

"What's wrong Megumi?" Sano asked, rubbing his eyes and running his hands through his hair as he sat up.

"I remembered something I have to tell Kenshin."

"He'll be here tonight. Tell him then."

"No, it's important that I tell him before tonight."

"This minute Megumi?I mean it's seven in the morning, it's Saturday, and I think he's got other things on his mind right now. Like I do."

She smiled as he pulled her to him, opening her mouth to his kiss. She sighed as his hands slid up her thighs and he inserted one finger inside of her, causing her to hiss.

"You love that don't you?"

"I like your other digit better," she gasped as his thumb gently massaged her, making her buck and come in his hand.

He lay her back, she was already naked, and took one nipple in his mouth, gently nibbling and sucking the hardened bud.

"Sano…"

"Let me love you woman. I've been missin' you so damn much…"

She sighed his name again, pressing her sex against him to tell him she needed it, now, and he ignored her, continuing to work her body with his tongue and teeth until she was crazed, flinging her head from side to side in her frenzy, calling his name from deep in her throat like someone possessed.

"You love me baby?"

"Sano….."

"You love your daddy?"

"I love youuuu…….Sano!!!"

He entered her in one push, their motion hard and demanding. She wanted all of him, her inner muscles holding him in a grip that threatened to pull all of his come out of his body. She bucked underneath him, flinging her arms back in surrender and he increased his movements, her cries blending with his until they came together in a flood, their sweat slicked bodies one as they rode their joint orgasm out.

When they woke up it was early afternoon, and Megumi kissed him the smell and taste of her sex still on his lips.

"Damn, you want more?"

"We're having company tonight. I want mine now."

He laughed, gasping as she returned the favor he'd done her that morning, using all his will power not to come in her mouth.

With a roar he picked her up and eased her down on his erection, causing her to cry out in not a little pain as he hit the opening to her womb. Her cry of pain didn't stop him and she didn't want him to, letting him ease her up and down until he lost control and she joined him, calling his name until she was hoarse. She collapsed on top of him, and he rolled her off, pulling her to him and kissing her.

"Kenshin we're gonna be late!!!!!!!!!"

"No we won't Yahiko. Calm down."

"You can eat breakfast and suck face with Kaoru any time. This is my life you're talking about here!!"

Both Kenshin and Kaoru laughed, and Kenshin mussed Yahiko's hair which made him go running into his room to comb again.

"I guess I'd better leave or Yahiko will be on the floor foaming at the mouth."

Kaoru kissed him lightly, and he pulled her to him.

"I need to sleep."

"So do I. You kept me up all night."

"Wasn't it the other way around?" he teased her, letting her go and getting his jacket.

"Are you taking the car?"

"Yes."

"Be careful. Please."

"I will. See you later."

"Bring yourself back to me Kenshin."

"Oh, and I suppose he can drop me off on any street corner?"

"Keep your cell on Kaoru."

"I will Kenshin."

"I'm gonna hurl chunks," Yahiko said, pulling on the Avirex jacket Kenshin had bought for him and heading outside.

Yahiko thought that by car Kaoru meant a regular every day Japanese car, so when they got to the garage and the Beemer was waiting, shining like brand new, Yahiko looked from the car to Kenshin and back to the car.

"You…that's your car?"

"Yeah.You don't like it?"

"I…"

"If you stand there like that much longer you'll grow roots. Let's go."

Kenshin opened the passenger door and Yahiko climbed in, running his hands over the leather and wood interior, and gaping at the GPS and the CD player.

"Does Kaoru know you have this car?"

"Yes she does Yahiko. She's been in it."

"What?!And you didn't take me?"

"We were on a date Yahiko. You weren't invited."

Yahiko huffed and crossed his arms, trying to glare at Kenshin while he backed the car out of the garage and headed for the outskirts of Tokyo.

"It feels like we're on a cloud."

"That's why I like this car. It rides like a dream."

Yahiko didn't know what to say, so he concentrated on watching the dashboard.

"You know what all that stuff is for?"

"Yeah, I do. Let me drive Yahiko or I'll throw you out on the side of the road."

"You wouldn't do that."

"Try me."

"What about some music?"

"You wouldn't like the music I like."

"Try me."

Kenshin turned the CD on and smiled as Yahiko made a face.

"Turn that off."

"No. I like it."

By the time they got to the party Yahiko was climbing the walls. There was security at the gate and they handed over their invitation, Kenshin watching as it was scanned, approved, and they were waved on. Later Yahiko was glad Kenshin had driven him in the Beemer. Everyone had come in some kind of expensive car and as each parent arrived they were given the once over by the other adults.

"Yahiko!Man, it's good to see you. You look sharp my man."

Nakae Masaharuwent to greet another arrival, Nobuyori, and Yahiko took a deep breath, suddenly not wanting to be far from Kenshin.

"Relax Yahiko. No one will pick up on anything if you're calm."

"I never even dreamed about places like this."

"If you stay up under me…"

"Yahiko!"

Kenshin smiled as Tsubame came over and grabbed Yahiko's hand.

"Come on. They're playing tennis. Let's try."

Yahiko looked back at Kenshin who nodded approval and ran off to see what this tennis thing was all about.

"Hi."

Kenshin turned and looked at the woman, returning her smile.

"I'm Yasuko."

"Kenshin."

"This is fabulous isn't it? I love the floral arrangements. Come, let's see…"

"Yasuko, you bad girl.Introduce me to your friend."

"I saw him first Umeka."

"I think we can share don't you?"

Kenshin was looking for a way out, but ended up in a group talking about current events, with Umeka and Yasuko glued to his side. As soon as one of them left another woman, or man, was edging into his orbit. All he wanted was to take his time and walk around the estate. Someone brought up a popular singer and Kenshin took the opportunity to slip away from the women and head for the Japanese garden he'd glimpsed on the way in.

Stepping into the garden was like stepping into another world, and he walked through it, stopping to look at the koi pond, the mini waterfall, all the things that made the garden Japanese and yet unique.

"It's beautiful isn't it?"

He heard the culture in the man's voice before he turned. He had to be the father of the boy who had invited Yahiko.

"I must say your son is proving quite the hit of the party. My Masaharu is getting a little jealous."

"Yahiko has a very strong personality. Sports is a good outlet for him. Is he playing tennis?"

"He is, with a girl, and they're doing quite well for beginners. One of my friends asked me to seek you out to see if you'd be interested in lessons for the boy. Japan could use a world class male player."

"Half those guys take it up the ass," Kenshin said calmly, sipping his water as he met the man's eyes.

"And I don't want him exposed to that lifestyle."

The man understood the double rebuff and smiled.

"I didn't catch your name sir…"

"Himura.Kenshin."

"Nice to meet you."

The man left and Kenshin shook his head before moving on. If Masaharu's father was gay what else was going on here he asked himself as he walked back towards where he could hear the tennis balls hitting the court. Several pairs of eyes turned to him as he approached and he gave them the once over before taking a seat. Umeka saw him and made a beeline for his side.

"Where did you disappear to? I was looking for you."

"I wanted to look over the estate. It's quite impressive."

"Yes, they're quite wealthy, although how she puts up with him I don't know."

They both saw the object of their conversation standing in a group of men and laughing loudly.

"People stay together for different reasons," Kenshin said, having seen this type of "marriage" many times before.

"I guess. How did your wife let you out all alone darling?" she asked, trailing her finger down his arm. Kaoru had stared but not said a word when he'd gotten dressed. He'd put on a black gabardine suit with a shirt that exactly matched his eyes. His suits were custom made and fit him like a glove, emphasizing his build.

"Why're you looking at me like that?" he'd asked her.

"You, you look nice that's all."

"If we're going to some estate Kaoru I can't show up in jeans and sneakers. I have to get dressed."

She'd looked hurt but Yahiko was bellowing about being late and he'd had to ignore her feelings at that time. He thought about her now and how much he'd like to be with her watching Yahiko play than with the leech at his side.

"My goodness you are so hard…" he heard the woman say and he turned his mind back to the situation at hand.

"So strong…"

Yahiko got a ball over the net and Kenshin stood up and cheered for him, causing Yahiko to look over and smile. Kenshin was glad he was having a good time, and that made anything else bearable.

"Why don't we go someplace quiet," Umeka said softly, slipping her hand into his crotch as he sat down. He lifted her hand and put it back in her lap.

"I'm here with my son. I'm fine right where I am."

Umeka couldn't hide her surprise as Kenshin walked away from her and towards the courts where he took a seat in the bleachers. She watched as his son came over and told him how much fun he was having. Tsubame was at his side, and announced that they were going to ride the ponies. Kenshin got up and walked away with them, happily listening to what they were talking about.

"I told you he wasn't interested Umeka," Yasuko said as she came to stand by her side.

"Let's see if she get's his attention," Umeka said bitterly. "I hate to miss play time."

Keikohad no interest in Kenshin. In fact, when she saw him she wanted to go the other way and hide. Instead she had to constantly dodge him since he seemed to be everywhere she turned. When she saw Umeka go after him she thought that was a good thing. That he rebuffed her confirmed the rumors she had heard that he was involved with someone and that it was serious. Kenshin had always been discreet in his affairs and a slut like Umeka would turn him off even if he had been interested. She had been certain that he and Shura would marry, especially after his breakdown and recovery. But she'd never been able to find out what he did to

Shura, who'd married an American and was now on her way to the States. No one had seen much of him until recently, and that was when she heard that he was seeing a civilian. If he saw her he would know that this entire set up was a sting, and that the object of it was her supposed husband. They were so close she thought to herself, and as long as Kenshin didn't see her everything would be fine. Masaharu was her son by an old enemy of Kenshin's, her husband being totally incapable of being with a woman. But he needed cover in the world he traveled in and doing as she was told she accepted the deal offered to her. Her son was living the life she had only dreamed of, and he had no knowledge of what she really was. She had encouraged him to be friendly to Yahiko having no idea that Kenshin was the boy's guardian. Her superiors would be interested to know Kenshin was back in play.

Haru finished his meal and looked up at the clock. Everyone worked on Saturday, and today of all days there'd been new students to sign up, which had taken Kaoru away from her duties at the gym. So in between classes he, Sano, and Asako took turns in the gym, which was full to capacity. It would've been good if Kenshin was around, he usually filled in when it was busy, but of course he was at some party with Yahiko. And that was the other source of tension today. Kaoru had been a bitch on wheels since Kenshin and Yahiko left, and it was not getting any better as the day went on.

"Wow, when did we get so popular?" Asako said with a grin. "We're gonna need another class."

"And another instructor.We can't do any more than we are."

"Kenshin could teach."

"I don't think he wants to," Haru said cautiously, remembering the power he'd felt the other day.

"We teach martial arts for self defense. I think his skills are in a different area all together."

Asako sat down, her face serious.

"I keep feeling he's hiding something, that he knows so much more than we do. I mean when he was sparring with Yahiko the other day you couldn't really tell what school he was trained in, and he was doing that because we were watching."

"I talked to my original instructor about it and he thinks Kenshin is a ninja."

"I guess that could be it," Asako agreed.

"But I think he's more than that," Haru said.

Asako finished her water.

"He's Kaoru's lover, and he can do what he wants."

"He doesn't want this place. All he seems to want is her…"

"Good afternoon. I'm looking for Kamiya Kaoru."

The chief of intelligence for the Tokyo police department walked in looking around the room.

"She's in her office…"

"Take me to her please."

"Sure," Asako said, getting up and leading the man to Kaoru's small office at the rear of the gym. He thanked her and stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

"Who the hell are you?!" Kaoru snapped, making a mental note to ream whoever had let this clown in.

He placed his card on her desk and sat down.

"I'm here about this man," he said, placing a folder in front of Kaoru. She knew what she would see and picked it up, looking at him before opening the folder.

Pictures of a different Kenshin, the expression on his face hard and unforgiving, crime scene pictures taken by hidden camera as he either killed or was leaving a location.

"Himura Kenshin. I think you know him?"

"Yes," she said, hoping her voice remained steady and didn't sound as girly as it sounded to her ears.

"I had heard you taught a non lethal form of kendo."

"Kenshin…Mr. Himura, doesn't teach here."

"I see. Just what does he do here?"

"He helps out where ever he's needed."

"He's your lover isn't he?"

He made it sound so cheap. Kaoru decided not to answer, gathering her strength to look him straight in the eye..

"I need to talk to him. Where is he?"

"He's out for the afternoon. He'll be back tonight."

"I'll come by and see him on Monday."

The man stood and looked at Kaoru.

"He's a very dangerous man Miss Kamiya. Please be careful."

Kaoru met his steely gaze with one of her own.

"I know all I need to know about Kenshin," she said coldly.

He gave her an indulgent smile and left. When he was gone Kaoru hung her head, the headache that had been threatening her all day erupting with the fury of a typhoon. Her temples pounding she put her fingers on her temples, closing her eyes and trying to use the techniques she'd learned to make the pain go away. This was the first day since they'd become lovers that she hadn't spent with him. They would have lunch together, talk about problems with the dojo or gym together, maybe work out a little during the day together, and always, always, they would find time to make love during the day. But not today. He had gone out dressed to the nines, and was probably enjoying the company of women more sophisticated than her, women who dressed better than she did, who he would be proud to take to his penthouse. Sano was probably right, he was having fun with her and when he got bored he'd go back to his other life.

She opened her eyes right onto the folder of pictures, and hands trembling, picked it up, looking at the stills. This was not the man she knew. This was the Battousai, the manslayer, his eyes amber in these pictures, the killing spirit on him. This was what he told her he never wanted to be again, the man he wanted to put out of his memory, out of his life. This man would kill her without a second thought, as he had tried to kill his previous lover. There was a knock at the door and Sano came in.

"You okay?"

"No Sano, I'm not okay."

"What're these…holy shit! This is Kenshin…"

"Yes. It's what he was."

"He really is the Battousai…." Sano said, his voice trailing off as he looked at Kaoru then back at the pictures of the man he knew as Himura Kenshin, covered in fresh blood with a dead human being at his feet. In one he was crouched over the body, looking down with a smile that could only be described as feral, the red hair macabre, the eyes amber.

"Kao he's a stone cold killer. I don't know why he's pretending to be something other than what he is…"

"He doesn't want to kill anymore Sano. He's told me about this part of his life."

Sano knew the law of the street better than Kaoru, and he knew that Kenshin would somehow have to reconcile his past with his present. If anyone ever found out who he really was neither he nor Kaoru would be safe. Every killer would want the distinction of having killed the Battousai. If you had to kill his woman to get to him, so what?

"I know you love him Kao, but please, please be careful."

"I will Sano. Thanks for understanding."

"It's not a matter of understanding Kao. Every two-bit punk will want a piece of his ass. Somehow someone will find out who he is and you won't have a moment's peace. You're upset because he's with Yahiko, but if anyone finds out…"

"Don't you think I've thought about that Sano? All I think about is what if he goes out on one of his walks and never comes back? What if someone tries to burn us out, or run us out? And then he comes home and tells me everything is going to be fine. I can't turn my feelings off Sano, and I don't want to."

"I'm not saying that you have to. I'm just saying that what I see between you two…it's gonna be hard Kao. Why couldn't you have fallen for a barber?"

They both laughed, and Kaoru gave him a hug.

"I'm so glad you're my friend Sano."

"Come to me anytime Kao, to both Megumi and I."

"Thanks Sanosuke. Thanks a lot."

The party was winding down and so was Yahiko. Kenshin was enjoying a piece of cake and listening to the parents talking about their kids when Yahiko came over and sat down next to him. Kenshin looked up and saw that several kids had made it over to their parents, among them Yahiko's little girl friend Tsubame.

Kenshin asked Yahiko if he was ready to go and he nodded yes, stifling a yawn. It had been an exciting, and very physical day for Yahiko, and Kenshin finished his cake and stood up, saying goodbye to the assembled adults.

"We're going too Mr. Himura," several of them said, and they all headed towards the gate, where gift bags awaited each child.

Kenshin took the bag from Yahiko and looked inside. What was wrong with adults he thought to himself? Several very expensive video games were in the bag the boys got and the girls got expensive DVD's of movies.

"Are you gonna call me tomorrow Yahiko?" Tsubame asked.

"Yeah, I've got your cell phone number right here," Yahiko said. Kenshin wondered how Kaoru would react to her phone bill going through the roof. Several of the boys confirmed appointments with Yahiko for baseball the following Saturday. And there were no invites for tennis.

"Did you have a good time Kenshin?" Yahiko asked as they headed back to the garage.

"It was nice. I enjoyed watching you have fun."

"Who was that lady hanging all over you?"

"No one important."

"Did you miss Kaoru?"

Kenshin smiled over at him.

"All day.She would've had a nice time with so much to see."

"What did you think of the martial arts demonstration?"

"They were very good," Kenshin said cautiously.

"One of the guys said they're ninja's, hired by Masaharu's father. They were scary."

Kenshin knew exactly what they were and wondered why Masaharu's father felt he needed such men around him.

"How well do you know this kid Masaharu?"

"He's all right. It's not like he's a good friend like Akinari and Sessue."

"They weren't invited?"

"They have baseball practice. They're both very good."

"Do you like playing baseball?"

Yahiko shrugged, looking at his gifts.

"Looks like you have to buy me Playstation 2 after all," Yahiko said with a smirk.

"Because they gave you gifts?I still say you have to earn it."

"You've got the money so what's the big deal?"

"The big deal is I'm not getting it for you now. You're just getting your grades out of the toilet. Let's see what you do by the end of the year."

"You're so mean to me."

"Then I'm doing my job."

"You sound like a father."

Kenshin fell silent, the only sound in the car the Coltrane he was listening to. When he looked at Yahiko again the boy was staring out of the window.

"My mother came to school yesterday."

It took Kenshin a few minutes to respond.

"Why didn't you tell us last night?" Kenshin asked.

Yahiko shrugged and Kenshin popped him on the head.

"Stop that. Tell me why you didn't tell us."

"She said you kidnapped me and that I should come home. I told her I want to stay with you and Kaoru. She said she was going to go to court."

"I'm surprised she took so long to do that."

"I don't want to go back there Kenshin. Please don't let them take me!!!"

"They won't."

Yahiko hadn't slept all night worrying that his mother was going to come and take him back, and he yawned.

"You were up all night weren't you?"

"Yes."

"Kaoru and I are going out tonight."
"I know. I can stay home…"

"You'll come with us and sleep in the bedroom. If you're tired you can't learn."

By the time they got to the garage Yahiko was asleep. Kenshin hoisted him on his shoulder and flagged a cab to go back to the dojo.

The noise level was high enough to be heard as he came in the back, and he headed right to Yahiko's room, laying him down, taking off his shoes and covering him. Yahiko didn't even wake up. Closing the door he went looking for Kaoru. When he walked into her office he knew right away something was wrong. She and Sano were both flushed and Sano was holding some picture which he tried to hide the minute Kenshin walked in.
"Kenshin," Kaoru said, getting up and going to him. He touched her face, looking into her eyes.

"What's wrong Kaoru?"

She couldn't lie to him and she looked back at Sano, who handed the pictures to Kenshin. His eyes widened and he looked at Kaoru.

"Where did you get these?"

"A Mr. Shimazakibrought them."

"Shimazaki Niou? The head of Intelligence for the police?"

'Yes. He wants to talk to you."

"Why are you pretending to be something you're not Kenshin?" Sano said harshly, glaring at him.

He looked over Kaoru's head to where Sano sat.

"I'm not pretending anything Sano. I'm trying to be me, nothing more."

"Kaoru could be killed."

"I know."

"You know? And you don't care."

"I care more than you ever know. If her life is put in danger I'll leave. I don't want anything to happen to her, or all she's worked for."

"No Kenshin."

He looked away from Sano and into Kaoru's eyes.

"You're not getting away from me that easily Kenshin."

"Sano is right Kaoru. If anyone ever finds out who I really am, you and all you've worked for is in danger. I don't want that. It's why…" he looked over at Sano before continuing.

"It's why I waited so long to approach you."

Sano put the empty envelope down and headed for the door, knowing this was a conversation he wasn't supposed to hear.

"See you two later," he said, closing the door softly behind him and getting a glimpse of Kenshin walking over to Kaoru and cupping face in his hands.

With Sano gone Kenshin leaned over and kissed her, leaving her trembling with emotion and desire.

"I missed you so much today Kaoru, and I don't know how I'll survive if I ever have to leave you."

"I'll come with you. We can find somewhere to hide, somewhere to be alone…"

"And you'd come to hate me for taking you away from everything you worked so hard to keep and create. I couldn't stand your hate Kaoru."

"What about Yahiko?" she stammered, grabbing at anything to make him understand that she would die if he left.

Kaoru saw that the subject pained him and she sighed as he dropped his hands and looked away from her eyes.

"You don't feel well," he said softly.
"No. I have a headache."

"What do you need done around here?"

"Nothing now."

"I'll close up. Go upstairs and get some rest."

"Kenshin…"

"Go. I'll be fine."

She closed the door softly behind her and he stood looking at it for it seemed forever before turning and picking up the pictures from her desk. Shimazaki had done this, made her see what he had been, what he kept bottled up inside of him. He never wanted to her to see him like this, the thrill of the kill on him, his eyes feral and yellow like those of a wolf. When he'd been gone awhile she would understand that an animal like him didn't deserve her love, that Shinta had long ago let himself be seduced by Battousai, and that all of Shinta's attempts to break free resulted in victory for Battousai.

And yet he couldn't bring himself to move, to get up and walk out of her life. Umeka had been beautiful, her skin soft and pale, her expensive perfume intoxicating, and he could easily have slipped away for a few minutes and taken his pleasure with her.

Kaoru's hands were callused, her mouth foul, and gods knew she couldn't cook a lick. But he had wanted her there with him today, wanted her at his side because like him, under that hard exterior was a woman, a caring, beautiful, lonely and emotional woman who had given him all she had because she saw past Battousai to Shinta.

Asako poked her head in the door and forced a smile.

"Where's Kaoru?"
"She wasn't feeling well. What is it?"

"One of the machines in the gym isn't working."

Still dressed in his custom made suit he got up and followed her into the gym.

"Are you sure Keiko?"

"I know the man when I see him sir. It was Himura."

"Did he see you?"

"I don't think so."

"Damn. If they're onto our target…"

"I don't know. He was with a kid."

"A kid?Himura doesn't have any kids."

"He wasn't there on his own. He brought a kid."

"I see. Do you know where he's staying?"

"My son likes the boy Himura was with a lot. I can find out where he lives."

"Good. Then we can make a move. I need to know what those bastards are doing horning in on our turf."

"Yes sir."

After dinner Kaoru, Yahiko and Kenshin left for Sano and Megumi's apartment. Yahiko told Kaoru every thing about the party and all the fun he'd had and Kenshin listened to their conversation quietly. Kaoru had looked at him funny when she got up, and he wondered to himself what he had done to piss her off.

"Kenshin, you haven't said much about the party," she said meeting his eyes over Yahiko's head.

"I hear you had a great time."

"I did. The grounds were fabulous. There was this garden with a koi pond…"

"Boy, you had time to do a lot didn't you?"

"Huh?"

"I mean all the beauties fighting over you…"

Yahiko stared straight ahead hoping that an attack by some crazed ninja would distract Kenshin and keep him from bashing his head in.

"There were no fights Kaoru. There are certain types of women who when they see a man with or without his wife they jump. Nothing happened that you need to worry about."

"Nothing happened that I need to worry about??!! What does that mean? You were in some garden swapping spit with some bitch??!! I spent a lonely afternoon Kenshin," she said icily. But I feel sooo much better that I don't have to worry about what happened at the party."

"You were sick Kaoru!!"

"I wasn't that sick that you had to leave me all alone all afternoon!!!"

Yahiko knew they were not fighting about her being sick. He knew that on Saturday's Kenshin and Kaoru usually got a couple of hours to themselves just to be alone and talk. Taking him to the party had disrupted that routine, and when he'd innocently answered her question about what Kenshin had been doing while he was riding, playing tennis, swimming and participating in other mayhem by saying 'fighting off the babes', he'd unknowingly set her off. When he thought about it as Kaoru and Kenshin continued their argument his being there probably disrupted their lives completely. It would be easier on both of them if he wasn't there. They could put him in a home or something. What difference did it make? He just didn't want them to be unhappy and argue about lack of time spent alone. He was so deep in thought that he hadn't realized they weren't speaking now, and that they were walking in strained silence.

"I changed my mind Kenshin. I'll go back to my mother's house."

"What???!!!!"

Two pairs of eyes, one blue, one purple, stared at him in disbelief.

"What the hell are you talking about??" Kenshin said, grabbing him by the collar.

"Look, I'm in the way…"

"You are not in the way!!" Kaoru said as she also grabbed him.

"Where did you get that idea?"

"I am in the way. I'm not your kid, not really, and if I go away it'll be better for both of you. You will have your time with Kenshin and you won't have to worry about what he's doing if he's taking me somewhere. And you won't fight."

Both adults stood staring at him in disbelief, Kenshin letting go of him and stepping back, shooting an evil stare at Kaoru.

"I'm sorry Yahiko. We're not arguing, and it has nothing to do with you."

"It sounded like an argument to me," he said, looking away from them.

"Kenshin?"Kaoru turned to him, her eyes pleading with him to make this right.

"You're not going anywhere Yahiko. Now stop whining and let's get to Sano's before the game is over."

Kaoru bit back a comment about his tact and diplomacy but his words seemed to calm Yahiko down as the boy slipped his hand into hers and they continued walking. Yahiko had never held his birth mother's hand. She felt as long as he had food and a roof over his head she was doing her job. Kenshin and Kaoru seemed to really care about his well being on all fronts, and he knew that Kenshin's short comment about what he'd be doing was all the man would say on the subject. He didn't need to say anymore either.

Michikogreeted them at the door with a smile and Kaoru gave her a hug as they entered.

"Hey Kaoru.And you must be Kenshin. I'm Michiko."

"Hey. Nice to meet you."

"Yahiko?"

"Yes ma'am," Yahiko said bowing in greeting.

"'bout damn time," Sano said, walking up to Kenshin and handing him a beer watching as Kenshin took a long swallow.

"Game start yet?"

"Just about.Come on."

A pretty woman handing Yahiko a soda and everyone ended up in front of the big screen television. Kaoru went to sit on the sofa and Kenshin took her hand, pulling her down to sit between his legs. She pulled back slightly but sat, nestling against his chest while the other couples paired off, Michikoand Asako side by side on the futon, Haru and Meiko on the floor next to Sano and Megumi. Yahiko sat next to Kenshin, looking up at the red haired man as he drank his soda. Kenshin felt the boys eyes on him and looked down, mussing his hair.

"You okay?"

"Yeah Kenshin, I'm fine."

For the second time in one day Kenshin was carrying Yahiko.

"He's heavy Kenshin," Kaoru fussed.

"Not that far Kao. Just don't make me talk."

She fell silent, looking over at him from time to time as they walked. Back at the dojo he put Yahiko to bed while she went upstairs, letting her hair down and thinking about the last twenty four hours. She knew that it would always be a war in her about how to deal with Kenshin. She had no trouble with Sano or Haru, but she didn't love them. The mere thought of a woman laying her hands on him, of him kissing someone else the way he kissed her…She turned as he came in the door, dropping the mask he wore during the day and letting the exhaustion show.

"Kenshin…"

"I just need a shower and to get in bed Kaoru. If you want to fight we'll fight in the morning, but not now."

With that he stripped and left. She heard the water and then he was back, a towel around his waist. He pulled on a pair of sweats and fell onto the bed, his hair a red cloud covering the pillow. True to his word, he was already asleep. Kaoru had bathed before going out and she simply washed up, pulling on a tank and panties before taking her place next to him. He turned and called her name in his sleep, and she felt the hard knot that had been in her stomach all afternoon and evening vanish. Sometimes he would fight in his sleep but tonight he was exhausted and simply pulled her to him, his mouth on her ear.

"Sleep my darling," she said softly, closing her eyes and joining him.

The sound of rain.The sound of death. Kenshin stood in the shadows watching as his target approached. The man had no idea he was going to die today, and that thought sent a thrill through Kenshin's body. When it was all said and done the idea of having such power over a person, that you were the instrument of fate in a persons life was thrilling, and had been the hook that had brought him into this shadow life. The man approached his death and Kenshin noted he was humming to himself. The first blow cut the man's song off mid note, the look of surprise turning to a blank stare as the second blow severed his spine. The eyes were glazed in death as he hit the ground. Kenshin stood silently for a few seconds, the yellow of his eyes like those of a wild beast in the gray mist of early evening. With a slight smile he stepped back into the foliage, finished hunting for the night.

Kenshin opened his eyes, the early spring rain sluicing down the window panes. He sighed, feeling Kaoru's warmth against him, his hands already wanting to feel her softness, his mouth to taste her sweetness. He wasn't going to leave her. He let the thought roll around his consciousness trying to see if his brain would come up with a reason to deny this fact. When none was forthcoming he closed his eyes, remembering the dream and wondering if they had pictures of all his kills in some archive somewhere. Probably did he thought to himself. The one's they'd shown Kaoru were not like all of them, most of them were like the one the rain had brought back to mind.

Last night had been wonderful for him. He'd forgotten how much fun it was to sit, drink beer and watch baseball with friends. And there had been no darkness. He smiled, and lifted Kaoru's hair, kissing her neck tenderly, his hands cupping her full firm breasts. She sighed his name and moved against him, her hips seeking his erection. Finding it, she turned to face him, her eyes soft in the gray light. She'd thought that she had to say something about her behavior last night but looking into his eyes she saw that she didn't, that he had understood.

"Still have a headache?" he asked softly, his voice blending in with the sound of the rain.

"No," she said with a smile, kissing him, sighing as his tongue embraced hers while they hungrily, but slowly drank from each other. She broke their embrace to touch his face, smoothing the red hair out of his face.

"I'm okay now. Kinda okay."

"Kinda?'
"Uh huh. You haven't made love to me yet."

He laughed, pulling her to him, his lips trailing kisses down her neck and to her breasts. He took the right one into his mouth, alternately sucking and nibbling the hard bud. When he bit her she moaned in pleasure, and he knew she was ready for more advanced sexual techniques, the wetness of her moist on his leg. Taking her reactions as his lead he moved to the other breast where he began by biting, making her buck under him and call his name. He sought her mouth again, giving her time to miss his mouth on her body before he began again, this time rougher than before.

"Kenshin….please…"

He began to move down her torso, lingering at her navel and going back to her breasts, this time tenderly, before he retraced his movement, this time going to where her come had flowed out of her body. God, she was sweet he thought to himself as he licked all around her labia before kneeling and gently parting them to expose her clitoris to his greedy eyes. She was almost wild now, and he again covered her mouth with his, keeping her moans lower before he bent and licked her, his tongue lingering on her clitoris. She came in a rush, her hands holding his head there to make sure he continued his ministrations. When his tongue darted into her she let out a sound somewhere between pleasure and insanity, coming again in a flood.

He moved away from there and found her mouth, letting her greedily taste herself as he once again plundered her mouth.

"Kenshin…"

"What do you want me to do Kaoru?"

His voice was harsh with the strain of not plunging into her body, and she opened lust glazed eyes to look at him.
"Tell me Kaoru," he said the pressure in his groin building by the second. If she didn't say it soon…

"F, fuck me."

He couldn't wait any more and rammed into her, burying himself to the hilt inside her tight vagina, her muscles holding him in a vise like grip and causing him to cry out in pleasure as he rammed in and out of her, her hands around his waist and her legs gapped open as wide as they would go allowing him to go as deep as he could, his penis repeatedly ramming her womb.

"Yesssssss…..oh Kenshin…..Kenshin………ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…̷ 0;……"

He felt the orgasm shake her body, the trembling moving through her and shaking her.

"Kao!!!" he cried out, no longer able to control himself, his motion speeding up as the felt the damn break and his come explode into her like lava, filling her, mixing with her, and pouring out of her vagina and onto the sheets. She collapsed under him, her eyes rolled up in her head, her arms limp at her side. Before he rolled off of her he took a minute to look at her sweat slick body, her firm breasts, the nipples still hard, her skin flushed. Gods she was beautiful he thought to himself, closing his eyes and pulling her to him, their legs wrapping around each other before falling asleep to the lullaby of the rain.

Yahiko had gotten up to go to the bathroom and was on the way out when he heard Kaoru cry out. He stopped and heard her cry out again, then he heard Kenshin's voice very low, then he too cried out. He smiled to himself, glad they were no longer angry with each other. He also knew that he'd be on his own until late in the morning, so he got out some American cereal and milk, sitting down at the table. Yesterday had been a day that opened his eyes to a way of living he'd not known possible. Sure, he saw things in magazines from time to time but Masaharu was rich, and it seemed a lot of his classmates were too. Then there had been Kenshin's car. Forget the party, riding in the car had been the highlight of his day. He looked upstairs to where Kenshin and Kaoru were making love, and he smiled remembering how Kenshin had cut the drama off last night. He had a home. He had parents now. Maybe when he was older he could visit his mother but not now. Diving into the corn flakes he began to eat. Maybe Akinari and Sessue were up and they could get a game of football going. As if on cue there was a knock on the door and two heads popped in.

"Hey Yahiko!!Wanna play?" Sessue asked, stepping into the dojo.

"Sure. Let me get dressed."

Abandoning his cereal he ran into his room where he dressed and ran back outside to his friends, fastening his jeans as he went. They were old, and he was surprised that they barely fit now. He'd have to get Kenshin to take him shopping again.

The three friends walked to the park across the street and joined a gang of other boys in the neighborhood in a raucous game, they laughter and shouts echoing in the quiet streets. There were Christian families in the neighborhood and the boys in those families watched the players with envy as the walked by in suits and ties to go to services.

Akinari's mother came out with fried fish for the boys and they all dove in, shouting thanks to her. Another mother brought a gallon water bottle and they took turns getting the ice cold liquid from the spout on the bottle. By eleven the older boys began to show up and the younger boys like Yahiko and his friends were called home. Sessue's father had come out to watch the boys play and he walked with them back to the alley.

"Yahiko, would you like to go to a baseball game next week? My job is giving out tickets. They won't be the best seats but we'll be able to see."

"I'd love to," Yahiko said, excited.

"Check with Kaoru and let me know," he smiled, going into his house.

Yahiko found Kaoru in the kitchen making tea for them. She was wearing shorts and a loose fitting tee, her hair piled up on her head.

"Morning Yahiko," she yawned. "How was the game this morning?"

"Great. Everybody showed up. Even fat Bunjiro came out to play."

"That's not very nice Yahiko. Hungry?"

"No. Akinari's mom fried some fish for us."

"Okay if we eat late?"

"Why don't we go out today?"

"Because I want to cook," Kaoru said, narrowing her eyes as she looked at Yahiko. Knowing he'd caused enough problems he shrugged and made another bowl of cornflakes.

"Get your butt upstairs and take a bath before you eat!!!" Kaoru said to him, and he dragged himself to the bathroom w here he found Kenshin coming out of the shower.

"Hey. How was it this morning?"

"Really good Kenshin.Everybody was there."

"I'll meet you downstairs. What's for breakfast?"

"I'm eating corn flakes."

Kenshin laughed and went into his room while Yahiko continued on into the bathroom.

Later over breakfast Kenshin said calmly that he needed to go to the penthouse today.

"Penthouse?"Yahiko stammered, staring at Kenshin in disbelief. How many more surprises were in store?

"Yes. I have some things I need to get."

"I thought you got everything…"

"There are some things I hoped I wouldn't need but I may, so I'm going to get them. Yahiko and I…"

"I'm going Kenshin."

Their eyes met and Yahiko braced for another argument but Kenshin shrugged.

"Suit yourself."

"I'd love to go back to Yokohama," Kaoru said, her eyes still glued to Kenshin's. Yahiko wondered how they could make love and then have an argument.

"No, we're not going back there. But there is a place we can go after I get what I need. No fancy dress required, and the food is excellent."

Something had changed last night, Yahiko could feel it. Kaoru was being strangely subdued, and the looks she as giving Kenshin were so hot they made Yahiko uncomfortable with their implication. What had he done to her last night Yahiko wondered as he and Kenshin strolled back to the park to watch the older boys and men play. They greeted the people who were now part of his world as space was made for them on the grass. Kenshin listened to the talk around him, talk of politics and government policy and thought about his life in government service. All of the people he'd killed he'd killed for the government and the Emperor, he had not been a mercenary. Ayame had asked him once if he still believed in the greater good, and he hadn't been able to answer her. Most of the people in the neighborhood were what would be considered middle class, they went to work everyday, sent their kids to school and paid their taxes. But he knew their voices were rarely heard or considered when policy was made, only coming into play if a policy was deemed so onerous that it would cause problems for the ruling elite.

"You never say anything Himura. What do you think of these things?"

He met the man's gaze, one of his new friends actually, and shrugged.

"I struggle to live every day. Those people are going to do what they want no matter what I think."

"I think we need to regain our pride. Look at Korea. What if they attack us? We're like a woman caught with her drawers down."

"We let the gaijin tell us what to do another man said," and Kenshin turned to look at him. His was a new face, one he'd never seen at this Sunday ritual before.

"We can make our own bomb and make sure that if they attack us, we'll see to it they're blasted into oblivion."

There was some agreement with his view and Kenshin turned his eyes back to the game. Politics gave him a headache.

Kaoru could barely contain herself. The words of the woman in the restaurant had come flooding back to her mind this morning when she woke up.

"A little young for your tastes," she'd said, a strange smile on her face. Kaoru had no idea she was blushing so hard and would've been surprised if she'd seen herself in the mirror. Gods, she wanted him. Not that she hadn't before but now…

"Hey Kaoru!Whoa, you must be thinking about that red head. Get some ice water and calm down!"

"Oh shit!. Am I blushing??"

"Probably creaming too."

"Ami!!!!"

Ami had been her friend since they were barely able to walk. Ami was in college and was on her way to a fancy job when she finished. She also looked after the gym on Sundays to earn a little money for herself. Her boyfriend Ichiro was away this weekend.

"Kaoru, for someone who has always been a big tease it's funny to see you jonesing over someone. Shit, I'd have a jones for him too."

"Ami…"

"What did he do?"

"I…I don't want to discuss it."

"Be like that. Just be aware that if you ever blow this one the line is forming at the right."

Ami took the keys and disappeared down the alley leaving Kaoru to deal with her hormones alone. Kenshin was a man, not a boy she thought to herself, and he probably knew a thousand ways to give a woman pleasure. Her body felt so heavy today all she wanted to do was go back to bed and sleep. Shit, she had to change the sheets. There was no way they could use them again. Oral sex worked both ways she thought to herself, wondering if he'd been disappointed that she hadn't returned the favor. Just thinking about his lips on her clitoris caused hot liquid to jet from inside of her, thoroughly wetting her panties.

She touched herself, wanting him then and now, but that couldn't be, not today. She pushed the thoughts of last night out of her mind and stacked the bed up in the corner. He left his tatami mats down most of the day.

"Kaoru?You dressed? Let's go to the penthouse now!"

The sound of his voice sent waves of pleasure through her.

"Coming," she said, laughing at her own joke.

Kenshin was a deceptively fast walker, meaning that he appeared not to be moving fast at all until you tried to walk with him. Yahiko knew that from his walking him to school, but Kaoru seemed to be lagging. He was still surprised at the way Kaoru was acting, but he didn't dwell on it for long because they were now turning into a fashionable street, tree lined with pretty shops all along the way. Kenshin ducked into an alley and they followed, Kenshin looking at Yahiko to make sure he was paying attention. Kenshin had told him in passing that anytime you went someplace new to memorize the route using landmarks like stores, bus stops, distinctive buildings.

They entered through the basement and got off at the top floor. When Kenshin opened the door and they walked inside Yahiko's mouth fell wide open.

"Holy Shit!!Kenshin, this is yours?"
"It's the governments actually," he said, disappearing through a door which he closed behind him. Yahiko wandered from room to room, staring at the furniture, the view, everything. He found Kaoru in the bedroom sitting on the edge of the bed, her face pensive. Yahiko decided not to disturb her and made his way to the window, looking out over Tokyo.

"Wow. This is beautiful," Yahiko said, his hands pressed against the floor to ceiling glass windows."

"Be careful about the terrace," Kenshin said, coming back in the room with a duffle bag.

"What?"

He put the bag down and opened until then unseen doors for Yahiko to go through. He looked back at Kaoru, who met his eyes, holding his gaze for a few seconds before getting up and joining them.

"Why did you leave this place Kenshin?" Yahiko asked. "And why do you still have the key?"

"It's a long story Yahiko. Let's just say the government and I have a disagreement."

"So when you listen to those guys in the morning talking politics you can't say anything."

"Right."

Yahiko nodded, adding another piece to the jig saw puzzle that was Kenshin.

"We'd better go or we won't get a seat at the restaurant."

Yahiko noticed that while she walked next to Kenshin Kaoru didn't touch him. That in itself was unusual.

They turned into a quiet side street and walked into a restaurant that had no sign out front. The noise inside was enough to bowl you over though, and the hostess came up with a big smile.

"Himura.Long time. Come on. I've got a good spot for you and your friends."

"Friends?"Kaoru said, seeming to wake up from whatever stupor she was in.

Kenshin shot Kaoru a look but Yahiko was glad she'd rejoined the living from whatever zombie world she was in.

The hostess gave them menus, Kaoru noticed that there were prices on this one, and leaned over, resting her arms on the table so that her breasts were in Kenshin's face.

"Drink?"

"Soda will be fine. Thanks."

"And you miss?" the hostess asked, assuming a more decent pose and ignoring the fact that Kaoru was two seconds off her ass.

"We'll have soda also," Kaoru snapped, her rage barely contained. If Kenshin noticed he didn't react.

"What would you like Kaoru?" he asked calmly, and Kaoru put the menu down.

"What's tasty besides the waitress?" she asked, her eyes blazing.

"I'd like some tempura," Yahiko said, and Kenshin decided on a hot pot. Kaoru was still fuming and when the waiter returned with their sodas had still not even looked at the menu.

"Make mine to serve two," Kenshin said with a smile, and the waiter disappeared.

"Did you enjoy yourself last night Yahiko?" Kenshin asked, sipping at the coke.

"Yes. It was fun, real fun. And Matsui Hideki is really good."

"I know. Did you see how he got that ball over the infield?"

Kaoru gradually calmed down, realizing that she was being a downer today. It was just that something Yahiko had said last night was true, that she felt time that could be going to her was going to Yahiko. Kenshin didn't seem to think that but she did, especially now when this could've been a nice romantic dinner if the boy wasn't around. She tuned into their conversation and was surprised that they were now talking about Yahiko's mother.

"We're going to have to do something or the courts will take you away from us," Kenshin was saying. "Maybe we should have her visit us, with a social worker, and see that we're not monsters, that we're a family and that you're being taken care of."

"I don't want to see her."

"Yahiko, I know you're angry with her but look at it this way. Somehow she messed up and got pregnant. Instead of flushing you down the toilet she had you. It's not her fault that she has no idea how to raise you or care for you. She gave you the love she was capable of. With Kaoru and me you get something different, something more stable. We won't be leaving you alone at all hours and have shady characters in and out all the time."

Yahiko looked down.

"I guess so."

"We'll call those people who came before and set something up. It may not be easy, and she may cancel a lot before she comes. Just be ready for that okay?"

"Yes Kenshin."

The walk back home was at a more leisurely pace, Yahiko walking ahead of Kenshin and Kaoru to give them some privacy.

"So, did you like the food?" Kenshin asked, taking Kaoru's hand and lacing his fingers with hers.

"It was very good. I hate to say it but Tae's food is second to theirs."

"Tae's cooking is very good, that it is, but the cooking here is extraordinary."

"Yes."

"You've been very quiet today."

"I was a little tired but I'm all right now."

"You think Ami could work Saturday afternoons? It would give you time off."

Kaoru looked at him, surprised at what his words implied.

"I could ask her. It would cut into our operating costs but I think she would."

"I think that would be good."

He didn't say anything else and the walked in silence for awhile.

"You're worried about Yahiko."

"Yes, but I think that will work out. I like the idea that he have some kind of relationship with his mother. How come your family never visits you?" he asked, looking at Kaoru.

"They think it's a scandal that I haven't moved back home and married some geezer."

"But this is your father and mother's place. I don't understand…"

"My father's family is pretty progressive. My mother's family is very traditional."

Kenshin filed the information away.

"Shimazaki should be coming tomorrow. If I know him he'll come early. If I'm not back yet tell him to wait."

"Of course."

Kenshin put the bag in the closet in their room closing the door softly. If he hid it Kaoru would go right for it. This way she'd see it and think it was nothing important. He hoped. He didn't like bringing weapons into her house but he had no choice. Shimazaki's appearance could only mean one thing, that they wanted him to do something. The conversation this morning came back to his mind, and he knew that those who wanted a return to Imperial Japan were now in position to make headway. They'd stopped them once before, at the loss of considerable life. He wanted no part of it, and yet he knew he would have to find some way to do what he had to do and keep his vow of not killing again. They had Shishio. Let him do their dirty work. All he wanted was to be left alone.