Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Where Do We Go From Here ❯ Chapter Four ( Chapter 4 )

Rurouni Kenshin

Where Do We Go From Here

Chapter Four

It was nearly sundown and Kenshin had just finished cleaning up after dinner. It was time to talk to Kaoru, but he was uncertain. He didn't know how she would react. Would she be happy that he got the job? Would she be upset that he would be working for the government? He didn't know but he was about to find out.

Kaoru was sitting on the front porch watching the sunset. It was amazing. She wished Kenshin were there to watch it with her. He would enjoy it, seeing as he so loved the wonders of nature. And as if he had read her mind he appeared standing right beside her.

"Good evening Miss Kaoru." He greeted her quietly.

"Good evening Kenshin." She replied smiling.

"May I please join you Miss Kaoru?" He asked timidly.

"Of course you may Kenshin. You know you do not have to ask such questions. I'm always willing and happy to be in your company." Kaoru and Kenshin both blushed at this statement, it seemed to have more intimate implications than it should have.

"Thank you Miss Kaoru. That is very kind of you to say to this unworthy one-- that it is." Kenshin murmurs to her meekly.

"Oh, for gods sakes Kenshin! You are more than worthy to share in my company, will you please stop saying things like that. It's really starting to get on my nerves." Kaoru declares in exasperation. Kenshin bows his head in shame.

"I am sorry for upsetting you Miss Kaoru, please forgive me." He utters in humiliation. Kaoru just sighs in response and goes back to watching the sunset. A serene expression takes over her features as she starts to reminisce about all the wonderful things that have happened in her life over the past year.

Having Kenshin and Yahiko suddenly appear out of no were and becoming two very important people in her life was one of the best things to ever happen to her, not that she would ever tell Yahiko that. Then when she became friends with Misao and the other Oniwaban members during the Shishio crisis, what an interesting experience that turned out to be. Having all her students come back, that was overwhelmingly great. The day she adopted Yahiko into her family as her brother so that he'd always know he would have a place to call home no matter what. That was only a month ago. Then becoming friends with Kenshin's former sword-master, or, well, as close to friends as you can get to someone as egotistical as Seijiro Hiko. He really wasn't that bad of a guy once you got to know him and got use to his arrogant personality.

Kenshin looked over at Kaoru; he could tell she was thinking of something pleasant by the look on her face. Her eyes were shining and alight with serenity. Her face was relaxed and calm as was her posture. It always amazed him how such a natural phenomenon as a sunset could cause Kaoru to become so tranquil. 'I wonder what it is she's thinking about that makes her so content.' He thought. Just looking at Kaoru's calm and beautiful features made Kenshin's face brake out into a smile and his heart rate speed up with pleasure at seeing such a thing. 'She is so young yet so mature; so innocent and pure, yet so strong willed and intelligent. I am so unworthy of her. How could one such as her love one such as me? I do not believe I shall ever know the answer to that question.'

"Kenshin." Kaoru murmurs braking into his thoughts.

"Yes Miss Kaoru?"

"Look at that, it's so beautiful." Kaoru says completely mystified, the sun was almost gone and the sky was ablaze with bright pinks, purples and dark blues. Kenshin smiles even wider continuing to gaze at her.

"Yes you are." Kenshin whispers. Kaoru snaps out of her daze at this and looks over at Kenshin who has an admiring look on his face. Noticing the intensity of Kenshin's stare, Kaoru blushes like a young girl. Finally emerging from his bemusement Kenshin realizes he spoke his thoughts out loud and blushes as well. Silence reigns for a few moments before Kaoru overcomes her shyness and asks the question that has been plaguing her mind all day.

"Kenshin?" she asks making sure she has his attention.

"Yes Miss Kaoru?" Kenshin replies beating down his embarrassment.

"Where did you go today?"

"I already told you Miss Kaoru, I went to find a job." Kenshin says in confusion.

"Yes I know Kenshin, but where did you go to find it." She states in minor frustration.

"Oh, right, well. Miss Kaoru, please do not get upset about this. It was really the only place I could think of that would hire me for certain-- that it was."

"Why would I get upset?" Kaoru inquire in suspicion. "It's not like you went to look for a job with the government." Kaoru says lightheartedly. Kenshin just looks down at his hands, which are resting on his thighs. Kaoru notices his downcast look and takes a deep breath. 'I will not get upset about this; it is Kenshin's choice were he chooses to work. It is none of my business. He is not my suitor, intended or husband; I have no real say in this matter. He is only my border, were he chooses to work is none of my concern.yeah right! Okay, I can handle this. I will cope with this.' Kaoru takes a moment to steel herself. "Okay Kenshin, I promise I won't get upset with you. Now were did you go today?" Kaoru says seriously.

Kenshin looks up at her and gives her a cautious smile. "I went to the police station Miss Kaoru." Kenshin pauses a moment to give Kaoru time to respond. When she did not he continued, "I spoke with Chief Ichimori and he has given me a job. I am to receive the rank of Lieutenant and I shall be the commander of a patrolling swordsman platoon-- that I shall. I am to go to the station tomorrow morning at six o'clock to fill out all of the registration paper work. After than I shall meet with all the officers I shall be working with. On Thursday I take command of the platoon and begin my service as a police officer. On Friday another lieutenant shall arrive to train me in the ways of platoon command." Kenshin again pauses to give Kaoru a chance to respond. He silently preys she doesn't ask him who the other lieutenant will be.

"Well, if you sure about this Kenshin then I support your decision. Gods know I could use the help." She smiles at him reassuringly. Kenshin smiles back, releasing a breath he didn't know he had been holding and continues.

"The most important thing though, Miss Kaoru, is the income I shall bring in for you." He tells her. Kaoru raises her eyebrows at him.

"For me? Kenshin whatever money you earn is yours not mine. You do with your money whatever you want." She tells him sternly. Kenshin smiles at her in appreciation.

"Then I choose to give you at least half of my paycheck Miss Kaoru. It's really too much money for one such as me anyway. You have more use for it than I do and besides that, I really want to be of more use to you than just someone who does housework for you. It's been bothering me for the longest time that Sano and I have been taking advantage of you so much." Kenshin tells her seriously. Kaoru just looks at him intently, deep in thought. After a moment of complete silence Kaoru speaks up.

"I have know idea what to say to that Kenshin. It's so sweet that you want to help me, but I want you to know that in no way do I think that you have been taking advantage of me. You have been though so much. I just want you to be happy here.and.with me." Kaoru explains with tears in her eyes.

"Miss Kaoru please don't cry; it does not suit you-- that it does not. I am very happy here and I do not plan on leaving you. That is one of the reasons I chose to get a job here. So that you may know that this, here with you, is where I plan to stay." Tears begin to flow more freely down Kaoru's cheeks at this last statement. Kenshin's eyes soften seeing this. He reaches over to hold either side of Kaoru's face, wiping her tears away with his thumbs.

Kaoru looked up into his eyes and gasped silently. She couldn't believe the emotions that she was seeing in Kenshin's eyes. It made her cheeks heat up, heart race and her breathing quicken and falter. Kenshin's eyes were full of compassion, admiration and.love.for her. She was elated. "Thank you Kenshin. You have no idea how happy it makes me feel to hear you say that." She whispered. Kenshin drop his hands from her cheeks onto her shoulders and pulled her closer him. She rests her head on his chest as he wrapps his arms around her back.

"Do not worry Miss Kaoru. I intend to stay with you for as long as I am welcome." Kenshin murmurs in her ear. Kenshin takes a deep breath, smelling the delightful sent of jasmine in Kaoru's hair. He closes his eyes to saver the feeling of her in his arms before pushing her back at arms length. "It is very late now Miss Kaoru, perhaps we should retire for the night." Kaoru nods her head and rises to her feet. Kenshin fallows suit and walks to the door and opens it for her. Kaoru smiles sleepily at him and walks towards the door; she pauses inside the doorframe, turn towards Kenshin, reaches her hands out and places them on his shoulders, then she stands on her toes and leans forwards so that their noses are centimeters apart. "Miss Kaoru, what." He trails off mystified. Kaoru just grins.

"Goodnight Kenshin, sleep well." With that she leans further forward and lightly kisses him on the cheek. Kaoru then pulls away form him and heads to her room. Kenshin continues to stand at the door wide eyed. He couldn't believe his good fortune. Smirking cockily to himself he walks through the door and heads off to bed as well.

***

The next morning Kenshin arose earlier than normal at four-thirty. He wanted to be awake and ready to meet the Chief on time at six o'clock. So he used the extra half hour to wash and dress in clean cloths. By five he was ready and began to make breakfast for Kaoru and Yahiko. He was finished with that by five-thirty when Kaoru entered the kitchen. "Good morning Miss Kaoru." Kenshin says happily.

"Good morning Kenshin." Kaoru replies yawning. "What have you made for breakfast?"

"Rice with milk, seasoned with sugar and cinnamon. Also some fried ham."

"Mmm, that sounds delicious Kenshin, Thank you."

"You are very welcome Miss Kaoru, enjoy."

>>A/N: I have no idea what kind of food they have for meals in Japan. I know in the anime Kenshin's always going to the market to get tofu but I didn't think that they would eat that for breakfast. Right? I'm just making this stuff up. If anyone knows for sure what they eat and when they eat it, PLEASE let me know. Thank you.<<

After they had finished eating twenty minutes later it was time for Kenshin to leave for the Police Station. "I must go now Miss Kaoru. I have covered up Yahiko's breakfast so that it will stay warm and set it on the counter. Also I should be gone all morning and I do not know if I shall be home in time for lunch. Perhaps you could send word to Miss Tae or Miss Megumi asking one of them if they would have time to prepare lunch for you and Yahiko today?"

"Yes perhaps I could do that Kenshin." Kaoru smiles nodding. Kenshin smiles back and nods in return.

"Very well Miss Kaoru, then I shall see you as soon as I get home. Goodbye, have a good day."

"I will and you try to have a good day as well Kenshin."

"Thank you Miss Kaoru, I shall try." With that Kenshin was out the door thought the gate and down the road heading towards the Police Station.

***

When Kenshin arrived at the Police Station he didn't even have to say anything, the Corporal from yesterday was ready and waiting for him and accompanied him to the Chief's office. After announcing him the Corporal left.

"Well, hello again Himura."

"Hello Chief. How are you this morning."

"I'm as well as can be expected this early in the morning." Kenshin grins slightly at this and bows greeting to the Chief. The Chief rises to his feet to return the bow then immediately sits back down. "Forgive my rudeness this morning Himura, my old knee injury is acting up on me." The Chief explains.

"That is quit alright Chief, I understand."

"Good, now, please have a seat and we'll get started." Kenshin sits and waits for the Chief to continue. "Now, first things first." The Chief pulls a bunch of papers out of a desk drawer. "This first form is pretty standard. It's a simple registration form. All you have to do is fill in your full name, birth date, city of birth, current address of residence, today's date, and a brief history of prier government service, if any. Don't worry about the rest of the page that's for me to fill out." The Chief explains handing Kenshin the form.

"What is on the rest of the page?" Kenshin asks curiously.

"It's your officer information. Such as your rank, identification number, your platoon number, you company number, your superior officers' names, the district number and station number." The Chief explains again.

"Ah, I see. Very well." Kenshin says and begins to fill out the first form. Upon finishing that the Chief hands him another form.

"This is a Medical Information Form. You need to briefly state any existing or reoccurring injuries you may have and also any other physical health problems you may have." Kenshin nods again and fills out that form. About ten minutes later, after Kenshin had finished with the medical form the Chief hands him another form.

"This form is for Weapons Registration. Which includes you sword. You will also be issued a standard police pistol. If you don't already know how to use one then that should be stated in this form and you will be trained to use one. You need to state what type of sword you have, who made it and if anything happens to it, who could fix it or make another one. Understand?" Kenshin simply nods affirmative again. "Good, then, fill out what you can and give it back to me." Kenshin does so and after another 15 minutes hands the sheet back to the Chief.

"This is the last form for now Himura. It is a document for the supply officer. This you will have to take with you when you go to the supply building for you uniform and pistol. When you finish with that return here to my office and I will give you your rank insignia." The Chief states matter-of-factly.

"Thank you Chief, I shall be back shortly." Kenshin replies standing up. He bows to the Chief, turns around and walks out the door, Supply Document in hand. As he opens the door Kenshin notices the Corporal who lead him here standing beside the door at parade rest.

"Hello Corporal." Kenshin says pleasantly. The Corporal stiffens to attention posture.

"Mister Himura, sir, I am to escort you to the supply building at your readiness." The Corporal states rigidly.

"Ah, thank you Corporal. Lead on please."

"Yes sir."

***

The Corporal quickly lead Kenshin to the supply building. Immediately upon entering the supply offer staches the Supply Document for his hand and assistants start swarming around him taking measurements and calling them out to other assistants. Before he even had a chance to blink, several changes of uniforms were shoved into his arms.

"Go to the back of the building into the changing room and try these on for size." The supply officer instructs. Kenshin nods and does as he's told.

In the changing room Kenshin quickly tries on the first uniform. The shirt and pants fit well enough but the overcoat and boots were a little to loose for his liking. He would have to ask the supply officer if he could have the coat altered and see if he had a smaller sized pair of boots. His second pair of boots fit fine. With the second uniform the only thing that was wrong were the pants, they were to long. They would have to be altered as well. The third and final uniform he tried on fit well enough that nothing needed to be altered. With that finished Kenshin left the changing room and returned to the supply offer.

"Sergeant this overcoat, these boots and these pants are a little to large for me." Kenshin explains holding out each item as he says there name. "Can you have the overcoat and pants altered and find a pair of boots the same size as these?" Kenshin asks holding both pairs of boots out.

"That is not a problem, it well be done and finished by this afternoon. I just need you to put the overcoat and pants back on so I can mark were the alterations should be; and as for the boots," The supply officer walks up to a large shelf of boots, looks around for a moment, choose a pair and brings them back to Kenshin, "These should do you just fine. Go put these and the other two things back on then come back out to see me when you're finished."

"Thank you, I'll be right back." Kenshin says and goes back into the changing room. He takes off his gi-shirt and pants, puts the uniform shirt, pants and overcoat back on then tries on the other pair of boots. He discovers that the new boots fit perfectly and walks back out to the supply officer carrying his gi.

When Kenshin returns to the supply officer his is again immediately bombarded by the supply officer and his assistants taking measurements and stick him with pins. As soon as that's finished the supply officer asks him to go back to the changing room, take off the overcoat and pants and put the on the other uniform that fits.

Kenshin does so and on his way back he passes a mirror and notice that his officer's patch of a pale blue rectangle with a solid dark blue strip running across horizontally, was already sown onto the collar of his overcoat. 'So all the Chief needs to do is give me my stars.' He thinks to himself. The supply officer tells him that he is free to go for the morning and to return this afternoon to pick up his altered uniform.

The Corporal leads Kenshin back to the Chief's office and then leaves to perform other duties.

"I'm back Chief." Kenshin announces upon entering.

"Yes, I can see that Himura." The Chief replies. "Hm, how strange."

"What's strange Chief?" Kenshin asks.

"You." The Chief plainly states.

"Me? Why am I strange?"

"It's not you some much as how you look in that uniform. It's so.different, that's all." The Chief explains shruggin. Kenshin looks at him puzzled for a moment the shrugs as well and steps further into the office. "No matter Himura, come here so I can pin your rank insignia onto your collar."

"Yes sir." Kenshin replies and walks upto the Chief were he's standing by the window, which looks out onto the training area of the station. Kenshin stands as still as his can while the Chief pins two, small, black enamel stars onto his officer's patch.

"Alright Himura, your done for this morning why don't you head home for now, it's nearly time for lunch. I want you to return here by three o'clock so you can meet your Captain, fellow Lieutenants, Sergeant's and the rest of your platoon." The Chief states.

"Yes sir, Chief. I shall see you this afternoon." Kenshin says, then bows and walks out the door. He leaves the police station and heads for home. On his way home Kenshin wonders how Miss Kaoru will react to seeing him in his uniform.

***

Okay, well that's chapter four, hope you enjoyed it. Sorry it took so long. Thanks for reading, please review.

Note: In chapter five Kenshin meets his Captain, fellow Lieutenants and platoon sergeants, as well as the rest of his platoon. Kenshin and Kaoru break will the news of Kenshin's new job to Sano, Yahiko and Megumi at dinner or something like that. Also they all discuss Sano and Yahiko helping out with money somehow.