Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ To Love Again ❯ Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Silent Tears of Agony 
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.16.2004 | Updated On: 12.17.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 675 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.16.2004 | Updated On: 12.17.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 675 | Status: Completed
Title: To Love Again; Chap: 7
you Brittanie Love for beta-reading. also have a new beta-reader. It's (drumroll please)my cousin! :)
sighed as she seasoned the soup. Both boys had been bandaged, consoled, and fed a snack. All courtesy of Megumi-san. Kaoru's lips twisted into a bitter smile. Kenji had wanted nothing to do with her after he left her in the yard. And the worst part was she didn't even know what she had done to make him so upset at her.
came up next to her and tasted the soup. Instantly her face twisted with revulsion and she ran over to the sink where she spat out the soup. After rinsing the remnants of the soup out of her mouth she turned around to face Kaoru.
Kaoru. How much salt did you put in the soup?"
blinked. "One tablespoon, just like the book called for." She scratched her head. "Or maybe it called for one teaspoon. I always have trouble telling the difference between the two t's."
sighed. "I see. I'll add some potatoes to soak up the extra salt. Perhaps it would be best if you just cut up the vegetables for the salad. You can cut vegetables, right?"
chewed on her lip. "Of course. I'm sorry if I ruined dinner."
bit her tongue. That girl was so annoying when she repeatedly apologized like that!
she was interrupted when a tall man with spiky hair and beautiful brown eyes walked in carrying a squirming bundle under each arm.
I found these two kids playing in our front yard so I figured I'd bring them in for supper. They're a little skinny, but I figure after we fatten them up they'll be tasty enough." He winked at Megumi causing her to giggle. Both boys hollered "NO!" at the top of their lungs and playfully struggled to get out of his grasp.
righted both boys and set them down on the floor. "No? Why not?" He grinned.
you're my daddy!"
looked at Kozuke with mock surprise. "I am? Wow, I sure am lucky to have a boy like you for a son."
giggled and lifted his arms up indicating he wanted to be held. Sano lifted him up into a big bear hug. "So did you miss your daddy?" Kozuke nodded his head vigorously.
want to know something? I missed you too." Kozuke grinned.
walked over to Megumi and touched her cheek. "How are you feeling today?"
little sore, other than that, I'm fine." She smiled at him.
moved his head down so that it was at eye-level with her stomach. "And how are you, huh little guy?"
patted his mother's stomach in imitation of what he often saw his father do. "The baby's coming out soon, right?" His voice was full of childish excitement.
very soon." Sano smiled and tapped Kozuke's nose. "And then you are going to have a little brother," Megumi cleared her throat, causing Sano to toss her an amused glance. "Or sister to play with and help take care of."
I get to name it?"
patted his son's head. "We'll see."
pouted. That was as good as a no.
Sano turned his head when he heard Kaoru sneeze. Kaoru looked up apologetically. "Gomen." She hadn't meant to interrupt them, but she couldn't hold her sneeze in any longer.stared at her curiously. "And who might you be?"bowed politely. "I am Kaoru Kamiya, Kenji's new babysitter." briefly registered in Sano's eyes as his thoughts went to another time. 'She's from Japan, just like her.' He blinked and his mind was back in the present. you're the new nanny Kenshin was telling me about." He looked her up and down. "Aren't you a little young for that kind of job?"clenched her hands into tight fists. 'Mou, do I really look so young?' 22." She snapped out.held a hand up defensively. "Whoa, sorry. I didn't mean any harm missy."blinked. Missy? Was that an insult or not?seems to be a sensitive subject." Megumi whispered, rather loudly, to Sano. Sano nodded his head understandingly.Do they not know I can hear them?' Kaoru frustratedly blew her bangs out of her eyes. 'People in California are so rude.'set Kozuke down and stepped forward to shake Kaoru's hand.missy. It was nice meeting you. I hope you last longer than the other ones." Kaoru held back a grimace, now there was a real confidence-builder.grabbed Megumi by the wrist. "If you'll excuse us, I'd like to go change into some more comfortable clothes." Megumi lifted an elegant eyebrow. do you need me for? I should think you can dress yourself by now." grinned wickedly. "Well fox you've been undressing me for so long, I forgot how to do it myself." blushed furiously and had the urge to cover the boys' ears.
"Sano!" Megumi too was blushing and cast a nervous glance back at Kaoru and the boys. shouldn't say things like that in front of the children."looked back and shrugged. "I don't think they understand what that means."Megumi cast one last look at a still blushing Kaoru before following Sano to their room.Kozuke! Dinner's ready." Kaoru cocked her head as she listened for any sign of them. Weren't kids supposed to come running at the mention of food? Kaoru chewed on her lip. Maybe they had gone back inside. walked up to the door and grabbed the handle to turn it when it was jerked away, setting her off balance. She squeezed her eyes closed and threw her hands in front of her to break her fall. Kaoru cracked one eye open when, instead of falling to the ground in a graceless heap, she fell against a solid warmth. In the process of spreading her fingers to push herself back, Kaoru couldn't help but feel the muscles under her hands. Whoever it was had a very sexy chest. lifted her head up to find a pair of steely blue eyes framed by fiery red hair looking curiously back at her. She gulped. It was Himura-san. The very same man who was her boss. And here she was thinking about his chest.I, um, I was just looking for the boys. I didn't mean to fall onto you..." She trailed off when she noticed he wasn't listening to her. He was juststaring at her face. Did she have something on it? It was possible, afterall, she -had- been cooking. She lifted her hand up to wipe at her face. The movement seemed to break Kenshin out of his trance. had been so entranced looking into her eyes that he didn't realize his hands were still resting on her hips. He blushed slightly and jerked away as if he had been burned. Kaoru looked away and tried to ignore her disappointment at losing his touch. "I guess I'll go look for the boys some more." She nervously tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear and walked by him; all the while sneaking side-long glances at him. followed her with his eyes until he couldn't see he anymore. His hands still tingled from when he had touched her. He lifted his hands up to look at them. 'What's happening to me?'
'You know what.' A little voice taunted. 'You like her.' snorted. 'Impossible. I haven't even known her a week.'So what? She's very pretty. That's enough for now. Besides, you hadn't known Tomoe very long either.'
'That's different! Tomoe was special.'
'So is she. That's why your heart skips every time you see her, and why you recognized her voice after such a short time.' squeezed his eyes closed, mentally willing the other voice to go away. 'It's not true...Tomoe...I promised...'Megumi was used to her younger brother acting a little, well, oddly was a nice way of putting it. Especially since his wife died. But talking to yourself and changing your facial expressions every five seconds was worrisome behavior; even for him.looked up and smiled when he saw his sister. "Megumi, how are you today?" He kissed her on the cheek. "And how is my little niece or nephew doing, hmm?"Alot ."chuckled and tapped her stomach. "Good, you get her back for the years of torture she put your father and me through, you hear me kiddo?"I get any sympathy?"grinned. "No."Kenji ran up and clutched onto his father's leg. "Guess what? The teacher asked me to help her collect papers today and then..." Kenji continued reciting everything that happened to him that day at a mile a minute.looked on in bewilderment, trying to keep up with him. "Kenji, Kenji slow down please." Kenshin kneeled down next to him.don't we start with where you got these new wounds." He pointed at the various bandages on Kenji.bit his lip. "I was feeding Aunt Megumi's dog." Kenji flashed him a brilliant smile, hoping that would be enough to satisfy his father, yet knowing it wouldn't.raised his eyebrows, encouraging him to continue. fiddled with his fingers. "And I thought it would be fun if I tried to ride him. Kinda like a horse? Only he ran and I fell off."bit his lip, torn between annoyance and amusement. Finally amusement won out and Kenshin laughed, hugging Kenji tightly. "Oh Kenji," he pressed a kiss to Kenji's cheek, "you're going to be the death of me."clung tightly to Kenshin's neck. "I don't want you to die!"oh Kenji, that's just an expression." He rubbed Kenji's back soothingly. "I'm not going to die." leaned back to smile at Kenji. "I'd miss you too much." you are!" Both males looked up, startled at hearing Kaoru's voice so suddenly.dinner's ready. Come with me and I'll help you get washed up." Kaoru held her hand out toward Kenji.shrunk back. "I want daddy to do it."Kenji don't you like Miss Kamiya?"His voice was flat.heart pricked slightly at the hurt look on Kaoru's face. "Kenji..."held up a hand. "No, don't worry about it. You've been gone all day, I understand that Kenji wants you to help him." She turned toward Megumi. "Megumi-san, I already helped Kozuke wash up." Her eyes crinkled up as she smiled. "I even helped him set up the books in his chair to boost him up. But he isn't sitting in his chair yet." She added quickly, just in case Megumi got upset at her leaving Kozuke unattended. Kaoru then turned to Sano. "It was very nice meeting you Sagara-san. I look forward to seeing you again." looked at her. "Were you planning on going somewhere?"blinked at him uncertainly. "Umm. Yes?"spoke up. "We thought you might like to eat with us."if you wouldn't mind?" It wasn't like it would put a kink in her dining plans. All she had waiting for her was a cup of instant Ramen and some tea. And it would be a miracle if the Ramen looked anything like noodles by the time she was through with them. shrugged. "It's only fair considering you helped make it."smiled. "Arigato."led her into the kitchen. "Kozuke and Kenji always like to sit together. So we'll set up another chair next to Kozuke's. Both of them can eat on their own, but they're still rather messy. So Kenshin and Sano will sit on either side of them. Kaoru why don't you sit next to Kenshin and I'll sit across from you, okay?" Kaoru nodded her head.was slightly bewildered at how animated everyone became once they all sat down to eat. While growing up, she had only ever experienced quite meals, or angry ones. Eating with these people made her miss Misao and Aoshi. She was very glad they would be moving over soon. wrong with the food missy?" looked up to notice everyone staring at her. Right, she wasn't eating anything.it's fine." She awkwardly held the spoon and lifted some soup up to her mouth. However, because of the odd angle, the food never reached it's destination and instead spilled in her lap. Kenji and Kozuke started laughing right away. Kenshin's and Megumi's lips were quivering with the effort not to laugh. A small snicker escaped from Sano. Kaoru wondered if he would still be laughing if she gave in to her urge to jab him with her fork. are all alike, such jerks.'I'm not used to such eating utensils." washed the last dish and set it in the drainer. Things had settled down considerably after Kaoru gave everyone the death glare. Getting through the rest of dinner had been a struggle but she did manage it. Especially after Megumi had offered Kenshin's services in instructing Kaoru how to hold the silverware. Kaoru blushed at the memory. His hands had felt so warm and strong over hers.good night everyone. Thank you for dinner."smiled. "Thank you for all your help. And your company."it was real nice meeting you missy." Kaoru gave a frustrated sigh.missy, missy. All night he's been calling me that. I have a name, why doesn't he use it!'Kamiya if you'll wait a minute I'll drive you over to my house."don't worry about it." Kenshin shook his head.is dangerous for a lady to walk alone at night. Even in this neighborhood. Besides its getting close to Kenji's bedtime."you." Kenshin shrugged.no problem, we're both going the same way."watched with a fond smile as Kenshin helped Kenji get ready to go outside. Kenshin then held the door open for the both of them. Kenshin stopped Kaoru as she walked by. want to thank you for respecting my wishes and not taking Kenji on your motorcycle." He didn't smile, but his eyes were kind. Kaoru smiled and nodded her head in acceptance.they left, Megumi turned toward her husband. "Sano, did you see the way they kept looking at each other?" Sano groaned inwardly. we've been over this before. He doesn't want us meddling in that part of his life."its been close to three years now. I'm worried about him. All he does is work and take care of Kenji."hugged Megumi to him, rubbing one of her arms. "I worry about him too Meg. But you know Kenshin, if we try to set him up, he'll just oppose us. We should just let things play themselves out. For now at least." He pressed a kiss to her temple. don't you draw a bath while I help Kozuke get ready for bed. When I'm finished, I'll join you and then we can relax together. How does that sound?"think," she smiled up at him, "that's the best idea you've had all day."pulled her keys out of her pocket, preparing to do battle with a very hungry and teed off cat. She started to put the key in the door when she noticed light was coming out from under the door. She hadn't left the light on. Pressing her ear to the door, she thought she heard movement. Or was that her own heartbeat?Kaoru ran to find something, anything, she could use in place of a bokken. A few minutes later, Kaoru returned with a broken broom the maintenance man had been about to throw out. The light was off now, instead the door was slightly ajar. Standing to the side of the door, Kaoru took a deep breath then kicked the door in with a loud yell. yourself!" Gripping the broom tightly, Kaoru listened for a few seconds. When she didn't hear anybody, she ran over to the wall and flipped the light. She whirled around, expecting someone to jump out at her and was faced with...Misty. The cat had paused while grooming its paw and was now looking at Kaoru as if she had lost her last marble. Kaoru's shoulders slumped in relief. Whoever had been there, was gone.picked Misty and held her close. "I'm sorry for scaring you sweetie." She pressed her face into the cats fur. "But if you had been through what I have, you would have reacted the same way."
want to give a heartfelt thank you to my cousin. :) She put up with me when I was being such a bear about this chapter. 2003 RKRC Awards are here! (You can find the link on my bio page.) And if you can figure out how to register, could you please let me know? Whenever I try, the page comes back saying it was a failed login attempt. I've e-mailed the host, but they haven't gotten back to me. (I'm very technologically handicapped. -.-) And to think I'm going to be taking a networking class. (Somewhere, somebody is laughing at me. I just know it.)good thing has happened to me. The doctors found out (partly) what's wrong with me. I have Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. I'm on medication now, and it seems to be helping. :)FANFIC: "As I Bloom" by windsoffortune. It's not romantic in the sense you often think of, but its very sweet and has this sort of surreal feel to it. I always like things with a sort of surreal feel to them. :)
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<MY REVIEWERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>&g t;>>>>>>>>>>>>Wulf -- I'll admit it, it hurt when I saw the ratings you gave my story. (To the point where I wasn't going to read your review.) But then I realized that wasn't fair and I had to take the bad with the good. And I'm glad I did! It must have taken alot of time to leave such a constructive review and I appreciate it. :) I don't know why I thought inserted a/ns where fun on the first chapter, I just did. Now the only reason I put them in is because a reviewer liked them, so I said I would put a few in for her. But I swear I'm never putting them in another story! (They're too much of a pain.) I never thought of having more than one beta. I think I know a few people who might help me if I ask nicely enough. Thank you for the suggestion. There is one point, however, where I feel I must explain myself. Kaoru hasn't been in a mature relationship so much as she has been in an abusive one. I know this leaves some people jaded. However other people, such as Kaoru, become more shy and easily rattled around the opposite sex. Kenshin is a little more easily flustered than I would have liked him to be, but Kenshin has only ever been in a relationship with one other woman before, that woman being Tomoe. So I think the reason he is easily flustered is because he is a little confused that he could love someone other than her and he also feels that he is cheating on her, because he still loves her. (There'll be more on that later in the story.) He also has guilt over her death. (Again, more on that later.) Besides, in the anime Kenshin was just as easily flustered. (For goodness sake, the man blushed every time he touched her hand. ) So I'm sticking to my guns on that matter. ^_^ I still appreciate the time you took to read and review my story. And the encouragement you gave me. I love your story "In These Final Hours", so when I saw it was you who was reviewing my story, I was so happy I wanted to scream. (If my cousin was here, I would have. As it was, my brother was standing next to me, and he wouldn't have understood, so I screamed on the inside. ^_^)ang -- You have such a pretty name! :) Well, yes I did spend alot of time developing their character, unfortunately, they were grossly OOC. Now I'm trying to balance them so that they have their original character and mine for the story. It's very hard and I'm not sure I'm doing a good job with it. So, I'm glad you do. ^_^ I haven't read any other babysitter stories. I'd really like to, but maybe I should wait so they don't influence my story. ^_^ Thank you for the review. It's good to know I have potential. :)-- Thanks. :) Well, its not soon, but it is an update. :)-- Did you recommend this to some of your friends? Because I was going to tell you how I've gotten used to getting one review per update, when suddenly I have four! lol. Not that I'm complaining. I'm just going to be spoiled now. :) Thanks for wishing me well and leaving such a nice review. -- Okay! Okay! Here's an update. lol. thank you for the review. :)
I would like to give a big thank you to the following people:Reignashii, K1dgey, Tanukigirl22, CEEGEE, gaby (hyat, Selena Maxwell, koorime-princess12, sataness-ov-desire, Story Weaver1, Zerianyu, glasclach, sabella/pan, The Monster in your Dreams, Angel of the Deceased, are-en1, Koneko Maiden, th-dd-dmd-mnky, chmsweety, XxSilentxDreamerxX, Kitsune-Tenshi-16, Dark Thorn White Rose, jmj102, Box Turtle, Midnight Unicorn, reBeCCa a.k.a. dacrayZblaze1, roxygrlygoddess, horse-crazy-gurl, Hanyou Queen, Lady Katherine2, Shade16, and Bushido2
float my boat. ;)
you Brittanie Love for beta-reading. also have a new beta-reader. It's (drumroll please)my cousin! :)
sighed as she seasoned the soup. Both boys had been bandaged, consoled, and fed a snack. All courtesy of Megumi-san. Kaoru's lips twisted into a bitter smile. Kenji had wanted nothing to do with her after he left her in the yard. And the worst part was she didn't even know what she had done to make him so upset at her.
came up next to her and tasted the soup. Instantly her face twisted with revulsion and she ran over to the sink where she spat out the soup. After rinsing the remnants of the soup out of her mouth she turned around to face Kaoru.
Kaoru. How much salt did you put in the soup?"
blinked. "One tablespoon, just like the book called for." She scratched her head. "Or maybe it called for one teaspoon. I always have trouble telling the difference between the two t's."
sighed. "I see. I'll add some potatoes to soak up the extra salt. Perhaps it would be best if you just cut up the vegetables for the salad. You can cut vegetables, right?"
chewed on her lip. "Of course. I'm sorry if I ruined dinner."
bit her tongue. That girl was so annoying when she repeatedly apologized like that!
she was interrupted when a tall man with spiky hair and beautiful brown eyes walked in carrying a squirming bundle under each arm.
I found these two kids playing in our front yard so I figured I'd bring them in for supper. They're a little skinny, but I figure after we fatten them up they'll be tasty enough." He winked at Megumi causing her to giggle. Both boys hollered "NO!" at the top of their lungs and playfully struggled to get out of his grasp.
righted both boys and set them down on the floor. "No? Why not?" He grinned.
you're my daddy!"
looked at Kozuke with mock surprise. "I am? Wow, I sure am lucky to have a boy like you for a son."
giggled and lifted his arms up indicating he wanted to be held. Sano lifted him up into a big bear hug. "So did you miss your daddy?" Kozuke nodded his head vigorously.
want to know something? I missed you too." Kozuke grinned.
walked over to Megumi and touched her cheek. "How are you feeling today?"
little sore, other than that, I'm fine." She smiled at him.
moved his head down so that it was at eye-level with her stomach. "And how are you, huh little guy?"
patted his mother's stomach in imitation of what he often saw his father do. "The baby's coming out soon, right?" His voice was full of childish excitement.
very soon." Sano smiled and tapped Kozuke's nose. "And then you are going to have a little brother," Megumi cleared her throat, causing Sano to toss her an amused glance. "Or sister to play with and help take care of."
I get to name it?"
patted his son's head. "We'll see."
pouted. That was as good as a no.
Sano turned his head when he heard Kaoru sneeze. Kaoru looked up apologetically. "Gomen." She hadn't meant to interrupt them, but she couldn't hold her sneeze in any longer.stared at her curiously. "And who might you be?"bowed politely. "I am Kaoru Kamiya, Kenji's new babysitter." briefly registered in Sano's eyes as his thoughts went to another time. 'She's from Japan, just like her.' He blinked and his mind was back in the present. you're the new nanny Kenshin was telling me about." He looked her up and down. "Aren't you a little young for that kind of job?"clenched her hands into tight fists. 'Mou, do I really look so young?' 22." She snapped out.held a hand up defensively. "Whoa, sorry. I didn't mean any harm missy."blinked. Missy? Was that an insult or not?seems to be a sensitive subject." Megumi whispered, rather loudly, to Sano. Sano nodded his head understandingly.Do they not know I can hear them?' Kaoru frustratedly blew her bangs out of her eyes. 'People in California are so rude.'set Kozuke down and stepped forward to shake Kaoru's hand.missy. It was nice meeting you. I hope you last longer than the other ones." Kaoru held back a grimace, now there was a real confidence-builder.grabbed Megumi by the wrist. "If you'll excuse us, I'd like to go change into some more comfortable clothes." Megumi lifted an elegant eyebrow. do you need me for? I should think you can dress yourself by now." grinned wickedly. "Well fox you've been undressing me for so long, I forgot how to do it myself." blushed furiously and had the urge to cover the boys' ears.
"Sano!" Megumi too was blushing and cast a nervous glance back at Kaoru and the boys. shouldn't say things like that in front of the children."looked back and shrugged. "I don't think they understand what that means."Megumi cast one last look at a still blushing Kaoru before following Sano to their room.Kozuke! Dinner's ready." Kaoru cocked her head as she listened for any sign of them. Weren't kids supposed to come running at the mention of food? Kaoru chewed on her lip. Maybe they had gone back inside. walked up to the door and grabbed the handle to turn it when it was jerked away, setting her off balance. She squeezed her eyes closed and threw her hands in front of her to break her fall. Kaoru cracked one eye open when, instead of falling to the ground in a graceless heap, she fell against a solid warmth. In the process of spreading her fingers to push herself back, Kaoru couldn't help but feel the muscles under her hands. Whoever it was had a very sexy chest. lifted her head up to find a pair of steely blue eyes framed by fiery red hair looking curiously back at her. She gulped. It was Himura-san. The very same man who was her boss. And here she was thinking about his chest.I, um, I was just looking for the boys. I didn't mean to fall onto you..." She trailed off when she noticed he wasn't listening to her. He was juststaring at her face. Did she have something on it? It was possible, afterall, she -had- been cooking. She lifted her hand up to wipe at her face. The movement seemed to break Kenshin out of his trance. had been so entranced looking into her eyes that he didn't realize his hands were still resting on her hips. He blushed slightly and jerked away as if he had been burned. Kaoru looked away and tried to ignore her disappointment at losing his touch. "I guess I'll go look for the boys some more." She nervously tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear and walked by him; all the while sneaking side-long glances at him. followed her with his eyes until he couldn't see he anymore. His hands still tingled from when he had touched her. He lifted his hands up to look at them. 'What's happening to me?'
'You know what.' A little voice taunted. 'You like her.' snorted. 'Impossible. I haven't even known her a week.'So what? She's very pretty. That's enough for now. Besides, you hadn't known Tomoe very long either.'
'That's different! Tomoe was special.'
'So is she. That's why your heart skips every time you see her, and why you recognized her voice after such a short time.' squeezed his eyes closed, mentally willing the other voice to go away. 'It's not true...Tomoe...I promised...'Megumi was used to her younger brother acting a little, well, oddly was a nice way of putting it. Especially since his wife died. But talking to yourself and changing your facial expressions every five seconds was worrisome behavior; even for him.looked up and smiled when he saw his sister. "Megumi, how are you today?" He kissed her on the cheek. "And how is my little niece or nephew doing, hmm?"Alot ."chuckled and tapped her stomach. "Good, you get her back for the years of torture she put your father and me through, you hear me kiddo?"I get any sympathy?"grinned. "No."Kenji ran up and clutched onto his father's leg. "Guess what? The teacher asked me to help her collect papers today and then..." Kenji continued reciting everything that happened to him that day at a mile a minute.looked on in bewilderment, trying to keep up with him. "Kenji, Kenji slow down please." Kenshin kneeled down next to him.don't we start with where you got these new wounds." He pointed at the various bandages on Kenji.bit his lip. "I was feeding Aunt Megumi's dog." Kenji flashed him a brilliant smile, hoping that would be enough to satisfy his father, yet knowing it wouldn't.raised his eyebrows, encouraging him to continue. fiddled with his fingers. "And I thought it would be fun if I tried to ride him. Kinda like a horse? Only he ran and I fell off."bit his lip, torn between annoyance and amusement. Finally amusement won out and Kenshin laughed, hugging Kenji tightly. "Oh Kenji," he pressed a kiss to Kenji's cheek, "you're going to be the death of me."clung tightly to Kenshin's neck. "I don't want you to die!"oh Kenji, that's just an expression." He rubbed Kenji's back soothingly. "I'm not going to die." leaned back to smile at Kenji. "I'd miss you too much." you are!" Both males looked up, startled at hearing Kaoru's voice so suddenly.dinner's ready. Come with me and I'll help you get washed up." Kaoru held her hand out toward Kenji.shrunk back. "I want daddy to do it."Kenji don't you like Miss Kamiya?"His voice was flat.heart pricked slightly at the hurt look on Kaoru's face. "Kenji..."held up a hand. "No, don't worry about it. You've been gone all day, I understand that Kenji wants you to help him." She turned toward Megumi. "Megumi-san, I already helped Kozuke wash up." Her eyes crinkled up as she smiled. "I even helped him set up the books in his chair to boost him up. But he isn't sitting in his chair yet." She added quickly, just in case Megumi got upset at her leaving Kozuke unattended. Kaoru then turned to Sano. "It was very nice meeting you Sagara-san. I look forward to seeing you again." looked at her. "Were you planning on going somewhere?"blinked at him uncertainly. "Umm. Yes?"spoke up. "We thought you might like to eat with us."if you wouldn't mind?" It wasn't like it would put a kink in her dining plans. All she had waiting for her was a cup of instant Ramen and some tea. And it would be a miracle if the Ramen looked anything like noodles by the time she was through with them. shrugged. "It's only fair considering you helped make it."smiled. "Arigato."led her into the kitchen. "Kozuke and Kenji always like to sit together. So we'll set up another chair next to Kozuke's. Both of them can eat on their own, but they're still rather messy. So Kenshin and Sano will sit on either side of them. Kaoru why don't you sit next to Kenshin and I'll sit across from you, okay?" Kaoru nodded her head.was slightly bewildered at how animated everyone became once they all sat down to eat. While growing up, she had only ever experienced quite meals, or angry ones. Eating with these people made her miss Misao and Aoshi. She was very glad they would be moving over soon. wrong with the food missy?" looked up to notice everyone staring at her. Right, she wasn't eating anything.it's fine." She awkwardly held the spoon and lifted some soup up to her mouth. However, because of the odd angle, the food never reached it's destination and instead spilled in her lap. Kenji and Kozuke started laughing right away. Kenshin's and Megumi's lips were quivering with the effort not to laugh. A small snicker escaped from Sano. Kaoru wondered if he would still be laughing if she gave in to her urge to jab him with her fork. are all alike, such jerks.'I'm not used to such eating utensils." washed the last dish and set it in the drainer. Things had settled down considerably after Kaoru gave everyone the death glare. Getting through the rest of dinner had been a struggle but she did manage it. Especially after Megumi had offered Kenshin's services in instructing Kaoru how to hold the silverware. Kaoru blushed at the memory. His hands had felt so warm and strong over hers.good night everyone. Thank you for dinner."smiled. "Thank you for all your help. And your company."it was real nice meeting you missy." Kaoru gave a frustrated sigh.missy, missy. All night he's been calling me that. I have a name, why doesn't he use it!'Kamiya if you'll wait a minute I'll drive you over to my house."don't worry about it." Kenshin shook his head.is dangerous for a lady to walk alone at night. Even in this neighborhood. Besides its getting close to Kenji's bedtime."you." Kenshin shrugged.no problem, we're both going the same way."watched with a fond smile as Kenshin helped Kenji get ready to go outside. Kenshin then held the door open for the both of them. Kenshin stopped Kaoru as she walked by. want to thank you for respecting my wishes and not taking Kenji on your motorcycle." He didn't smile, but his eyes were kind. Kaoru smiled and nodded her head in acceptance.they left, Megumi turned toward her husband. "Sano, did you see the way they kept looking at each other?" Sano groaned inwardly. we've been over this before. He doesn't want us meddling in that part of his life."its been close to three years now. I'm worried about him. All he does is work and take care of Kenji."hugged Megumi to him, rubbing one of her arms. "I worry about him too Meg. But you know Kenshin, if we try to set him up, he'll just oppose us. We should just let things play themselves out. For now at least." He pressed a kiss to her temple. don't you draw a bath while I help Kozuke get ready for bed. When I'm finished, I'll join you and then we can relax together. How does that sound?"think," she smiled up at him, "that's the best idea you've had all day."pulled her keys out of her pocket, preparing to do battle with a very hungry and teed off cat. She started to put the key in the door when she noticed light was coming out from under the door. She hadn't left the light on. Pressing her ear to the door, she thought she heard movement. Or was that her own heartbeat?Kaoru ran to find something, anything, she could use in place of a bokken. A few minutes later, Kaoru returned with a broken broom the maintenance man had been about to throw out. The light was off now, instead the door was slightly ajar. Standing to the side of the door, Kaoru took a deep breath then kicked the door in with a loud yell. yourself!" Gripping the broom tightly, Kaoru listened for a few seconds. When she didn't hear anybody, she ran over to the wall and flipped the light. She whirled around, expecting someone to jump out at her and was faced with...Misty. The cat had paused while grooming its paw and was now looking at Kaoru as if she had lost her last marble. Kaoru's shoulders slumped in relief. Whoever had been there, was gone.picked Misty and held her close. "I'm sorry for scaring you sweetie." She pressed her face into the cats fur. "But if you had been through what I have, you would have reacted the same way."
want to give a heartfelt thank you to my cousin. :) She put up with me when I was being such a bear about this chapter. 2003 RKRC Awards are here! (You can find the link on my bio page.) And if you can figure out how to register, could you please let me know? Whenever I try, the page comes back saying it was a failed login attempt. I've e-mailed the host, but they haven't gotten back to me. (I'm very technologically handicapped. -.-) And to think I'm going to be taking a networking class. (Somewhere, somebody is laughing at me. I just know it.)good thing has happened to me. The doctors found out (partly) what's wrong with me. I have Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. I'm on medication now, and it seems to be helping. :)FANFIC: "As I Bloom" by windsoffortune. It's not romantic in the sense you often think of, but its very sweet and has this sort of surreal feel to it. I always like things with a sort of surreal feel to them. :)
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<MY REVIEWERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>&g t;>>>>>>>>>>>>Wulf -- I'll admit it, it hurt when I saw the ratings you gave my story. (To the point where I wasn't going to read your review.) But then I realized that wasn't fair and I had to take the bad with the good. And I'm glad I did! It must have taken alot of time to leave such a constructive review and I appreciate it. :) I don't know why I thought inserted a/ns where fun on the first chapter, I just did. Now the only reason I put them in is because a reviewer liked them, so I said I would put a few in for her. But I swear I'm never putting them in another story! (They're too much of a pain.) I never thought of having more than one beta. I think I know a few people who might help me if I ask nicely enough. Thank you for the suggestion. There is one point, however, where I feel I must explain myself. Kaoru hasn't been in a mature relationship so much as she has been in an abusive one. I know this leaves some people jaded. However other people, such as Kaoru, become more shy and easily rattled around the opposite sex. Kenshin is a little more easily flustered than I would have liked him to be, but Kenshin has only ever been in a relationship with one other woman before, that woman being Tomoe. So I think the reason he is easily flustered is because he is a little confused that he could love someone other than her and he also feels that he is cheating on her, because he still loves her. (There'll be more on that later in the story.) He also has guilt over her death. (Again, more on that later.) Besides, in the anime Kenshin was just as easily flustered. (For goodness sake, the man blushed every time he touched her hand. ) So I'm sticking to my guns on that matter. ^_^ I still appreciate the time you took to read and review my story. And the encouragement you gave me. I love your story "In These Final Hours", so when I saw it was you who was reviewing my story, I was so happy I wanted to scream. (If my cousin was here, I would have. As it was, my brother was standing next to me, and he wouldn't have understood, so I screamed on the inside. ^_^)ang -- You have such a pretty name! :) Well, yes I did spend alot of time developing their character, unfortunately, they were grossly OOC. Now I'm trying to balance them so that they have their original character and mine for the story. It's very hard and I'm not sure I'm doing a good job with it. So, I'm glad you do. ^_^ I haven't read any other babysitter stories. I'd really like to, but maybe I should wait so they don't influence my story. ^_^ Thank you for the review. It's good to know I have potential. :)-- Thanks. :) Well, its not soon, but it is an update. :)-- Did you recommend this to some of your friends? Because I was going to tell you how I've gotten used to getting one review per update, when suddenly I have four! lol. Not that I'm complaining. I'm just going to be spoiled now. :) Thanks for wishing me well and leaving such a nice review. -- Okay! Okay! Here's an update. lol. thank you for the review. :)
I would like to give a big thank you to the following people:Reignashii, K1dgey, Tanukigirl22, CEEGEE, gaby (hyat, Selena Maxwell, koorime-princess12, sataness-ov-desire, Story Weaver1, Zerianyu, glasclach, sabella/pan, The Monster in your Dreams, Angel of the Deceased, are-en1, Koneko Maiden, th-dd-dmd-mnky, chmsweety, XxSilentxDreamerxX, Kitsune-Tenshi-16, Dark Thorn White Rose, jmj102, Box Turtle, Midnight Unicorn, reBeCCa a.k.a. dacrayZblaze1, roxygrlygoddess, horse-crazy-gurl, Hanyou Queen, Lady Katherine2, Shade16, and Bushido2
float my boat. ;)