Chapter Six

*************

The sword slashed up ward tearing off the limb in one clean stroke.

There was no blood though, so it wasn’t quit the same.

The battoussai continued to slice the air with lightning fast strokes.

His anger needed release.

How could they not tell him?

The battoussai finally stopped when there was nothing left to attack to destroy. He stared down at the mess he had made.

Poor tree.

He was staring at the tree when someone came up behind him.

“Hey mister can you spare some change?” A tall man with a large nose and a crooked eye spoke in a mocking tone.

The battoussai smiled but didn’t turn around, “I would suggest you leave, if you want to keep your hands.”

There was laughter, the battoussai guessed there to be about four more men. He was hardly ever wrong.

“Did you hear that Kei, he’s warning us.” A broad guy addressed the first one.

“Look, give us your money or we’re going to be forced to get rough with ya. And from your built it looks like you can’t take much.” Kei, was obviously the leader.

Not too bright.

“Come and take it.” The battoussai re-sheath his sword and waited.

“You’re funeral buddy.” Kei motioned for the others to attack.

The broad guy stood next to Kei “ How long do you think this will take?”

“What’s the hurry Satoshi, your prostitute waiting?”

There was a crunch sound that made both men turn to watch the fight. They watch in fascinated horror as the small red head, broke the nose on Toru. Then sliced open Yin’s arm straight from the shoulder down. Tomari tried to run off, but the red head was faster, he broke one leg and knocked him unconscious.

Satoshi backed away from Kei, “Who the hell is that.” He regretted saying anything because the small red head turned his attention to him.

That’s when Kei noticed the mans’ eyes. They almost seemed like liquid metal, except they were blue. Kei watched as Satoshi’s arm was broken, the red head backhanded him and Satoshi landed with a thump.

The battoussai saw the last man standing. He seemed frozen. Kenshin knocked Kei on the side of the head with his sword, leaving a big gash.

Kei felt the warm liquid ooze down the side of his face. “Who.”

He was feeling woozy. “Who are you?”

“Hitokiri battoussai” With that he broke the mans left hand right at the wrist.

The battoussai stepped back; “do you know Hiruma Gohei?” The battoussai thought it was stupid to ask this man simply because he was a thug but still you never knew.

Kei shook his head slowly, “no, but Satoshi over there does. I was at his house, about a week or so back. Hiruma came to the house to collect some money from Satoshi saying he needed to leave in a hurry.”

“Did he say where?”

“He said he needed to get away from Japan.” Kei’s eyes were getting heavy. “He said something about Hong Kong. Said, he needed to be in a large city, Easy to get lost in.” Kei fell with a thump.

The battoussai’s eyes shone and eerie amber.

He slashed the air with the katana at a side angle to get the blood off. He looked at the mess he’d made. They weren’t dead but it would take them along time to heal.

He kicked Toru, so he’d open his eyes, you can’t pass out from a broken nose.

Toru opened his eyes, “None of you saw see me here today.” Toru nodded

The battoussai saw the sun had already started to set. He needed to get home. He couldn’t miss dinner if Kaoru wanted everyone there.

*************

“Sano-san don’t drop her.” Tae said as she laid a cushion on the floor.

“Relax Tae, I won’t drop her.” Sano was easing her down on to the cushion when Kenshin walked in.

“Oomph.” Kaoru glared at Sanosuke he had been easing her down carefully and then all of a sudden he had just dropped her.

Sano scratched his head, “Sorry there Jou-chan, didn’t mean to drop you.”

She followed him with her gaze, he took his seat next to Yahiko and then that’s when she noticed the red head, Himura.

She smiled brightly at him, Okarei Nasai.”

His gaze was intense as he stared at her for a moment, “Tadaima.” He said taking his seat next to her, much closer than usual. Everyone noticed but didn’t say anything.

Kaoru blushed and cleared her throat, “What do I call you?”

She had addressed him. He could think of many things she could call him but not here, in front of so many people. “Kenshin.”

She smiled at him. “Kenshin” She savored his name in her mouth, finding she like the way it sounded she said it again. “Kenshin.”

Tae served everyone and then herself, they began eating and talking in the amiable atmosphere. Everyone but Kenshin who ate silently, watching her interact.

“I had a weird dream, while I napped today. I know it sounds odd but.” She stopped looking flustered.

Go on.” Tae encouraged her. They had finished dinner and were all now just lounging around having tea and small cakes.

“Well it was almost night and I was down by the river watching the fireflies when I felt someone approaching. It was Kenshin, I turned to greet him and he said something that I couldn’t hear. He stepped closer and I could see his mouth move but I couldn’t hear the words. Then just like that his eyes turned amber. That’s when I woke up. Isn’t that odd?”

“No.” The tone was amused. Her first dream had been about him. “Did it scare you too see my eyes change color?”

“No, I just thought it was odd.” She didn’t really like looking at him when he sat so close. “Can they?”

“Yes.”

“Really, can you make them change anytime you want?” Her curiosity had been peaked.

“No,” he said gazing at her. “They only change when I’m angry and,” he scooted closer to her their legs now touching. He lowered his voice a bit, “when I become impassioned.”

Kaoru felt faint. She saw small flecks of amber start to appear in his eyes. She blinked, but they were still there.

He simply smiled at her.

Tae coughed. “All right Kaoru-chan lets get you to bed,” she said standing up.

Kaoru just stared at her. “But I can’t walk on my own yet.”

Kenshin bent and picked her up gently. He cradled her to his body and her hands went around his neck to keep her balance. At this proximity Kaoru could feel his body’s heat. Her ears began to burn and knew her face probably matched. Tae walked on ahead to get the futon ready.

Tae waited for Kenshin to enter Kaoru’s room before bidding them goodnight and closing the door behind her.

Kenshin bent low, lowering her body to the futon slowly. He set her down but didn’t move away. He remained over her body, just hovering.

She could hardly breath; it was intoxicating to have him this close. It made her wonder just how close they had been before her accident. Her face started to burn a deep crimson at the thought of having slept with him already.

Kenshin noted her blush, how it spread down her neck, he briefly wondered if it continued any lower.

She couldn’t deal with the look in his eyes and turned her face to the side.

Kenshin took the opportunity and nuzzled her. He raised his face again just enough so he could look at her face.

She couldn’t believe it. She knew her eyes were as big as saucers.

He grinned at her and kissed her chin. “Oyasumi, koishii.” He said getting up and moving towards the door.

Kaoru remained in the same position he left her, starring at the door. Moments passed and she still hadn’t moved. Slowly a smile crept on to her face. She may not remember him from before but she felt she didn’t have to. For her, it had been love at first sight. She knew she must have loved him before. Well he didn’t have to worry because this kaoru loved him too. Her thoughts started getting fuzzy and she realized something. “They drugged my tea.” Were her last words as she fell into a content, drug induced slumber.

Kaoru was slow in waking up. She smiled as the events of last night came back to her. Today was a new day and though she couldn’t walk yet she wanted to talk to Yahiko about his training. She had studied the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu for more than a decade, she was sure if she practiced a bit the rest was bound to come back to her. All she needed was a small reminder. She flung the covers to the side and propped herself on her elbows.

That’s when the door opened. She froze and so did Kenshin. She saw the emotions running wild in his eyes and swallowed.

Kenshin didn’t bother to hide the fact that he liked what he saw. Her legs were exposed so to mid thigh, the rest was covered by her yukata. It was disappointing but the plunging neckline made up for it. He could see the swell of her breasts and it took a lot of control on his part not to take advantage of her.

She had been too busy staring at him and had failed to notice what he was gazing at, so intently. She followed his line of sight and when she noticed what her was starring at she turned ten different shades of red. She turned her face and kept her eyes on the floor.

He came in and closed the door behind him.

Her heart began to beat faster.

Kenshin had closed the door and was making his way to her closet to get her a robe. Her looked through her clothes till he found a pretty lavender one with large butterflies. She had said it was too pretty to wear but it was a robe and she’d look great in it. So he took it and made his way to her. He knelt behind her and spoke close to her ear. “I came to get you for breakfast but you’re going to need a robe.” He helped her put her arms into the sleeves and fixed the robes’ front from behind her. Making sure she was well covered, he tied it, hugging her from behind as he did so. He nuzzled her again, inhaling her scent. He got up and helped her up. Her legs weren’t strong enough to hold her though and he knew it. He just wanted the robe to fall into place and cover her legs.

He picked her up and took her out.

When they got to the table he noticed the cushion she sat on. It was a bit far, so he kicked it closer to his place and then set her down.

She let go of his neck and smiled at everyone. “Yahiko, I was thinking about you this morning.” She was very excited. “I was thinking that when I’m better you could give me a demo of what I taught you. I think I just need a bit of practice to remind me.”

Yahiko’s face lit up, “Sure Kaoru.”

“I was thinking you could show me what you’ve learned but in the same order that I’ve taught it to you.” She said as she put beef on Kenshin’s plate.

Everyone noticed she did it but she was oblivious to it. It was something she used to do because she was the one who usually served everyone.

They finished their meal and Yahiko took the plates away.

“Are you going to practice today Yahiko?” Kaoru yelled from her place at the table.

“Yeah but not till later, sometime after lunch.” Yahiko stepped outside to do the dishes.

It was just her and Kenshin. And Kenshin hadn’t said anything. She turned and smiled at him. Her blush began creeping up on her. “Ah no, I was wondering if you could take me out to the porch. I miss the fresh air and a change of scenery would be nice.”

Kenshin looked at her; she looked so much healthier now.

“Do you want to come to Yokohama with me?”

“Nani?” She was puzzled as to where this was going.

“I have a job there in two weeks. The job will take me a couple of days to complete. Do you want to come?” His eyes were calm.

How do you answer that she thought?

With a yes her mind supplied.

“I don’t know, can I think about it?”

He stood up and nodded. Bent down and picked her and her cushion up.

He set her down and was taking a seat next to her when Megumi walked in.

“Ohayo, Ken-san.”

“Kaoru-chan, I heard you were doing much better. I’m sorry I didn’t come to dinner yesterday but five men walked into the clinic yesterday just as I was leaving. They were seriously injured so I had to tend to them. By the time I was finished it was already too late.” Megumi had been eyeing Kenshin even while she talked to her.

Kaoru picked up on in and didn’t seem to like it one bit.

“You will forgive me but I don’t know who you are?”

Megumi’s face fell a bit.

Her name is Takani Megumi. She’s a doctor. She works with doctor Genzai.” Kaoru looked at Kenshin trying to read something in his eyes.

“Well Takani-san. I’m sorry you couldn’t make it. Perhaps you’ll join us another time. Please excuse me but I’m feeling tired.”

“Kenshin please take me inside.”

Kenshin picked her up and took her inside. Once inside her room she disengaged herself from him. She covered herself with her blankets and turned her back to him.

Kenshin stared at her. It was odd for her to display this kind of behavior.

He had felt her Ki go up when Megumi had spoken to her but that’s usually how it went.

The doctor had a knack for getting on Kaoru’s nerves.

Kenshin lifted the covers and got into the futon with her.

She was outraged. What ever they had been he just couldn’t take liberties with her.

“Kenshin no baka, what do you think you’re.............her words trailed off.

Kenshin grabbed her from the waist and pulled her to him. “What’s got you so upset koishii?”

She felt his left hand over her tummy while the other one caressed her side.

He moved her hair to the side and kissed her neck.

“I don’t like that Megumi woman.”

“Mhmmm,” He said as he brought her closer to him

“No. You know what’s really bothering me. When we’re alone you look at me differently than when we’re with other people. Outside.

Outside your eyes were guarded, cold even. It scares me when your eyes look like that. I just don’t know how to react to that. You know me, but I don’t know you. Despite that I get these feelings when I’m near you. Does it make sense to you?”

“You were jealous koishii.”

“I was not”

“You were, just like you always are. But there is no reason to be. Since I met you there has been no one else and you are all there will be till the day I draw my last breath.” Kenshin turned her around so she could face him.

Her eyes were glistening.

“So will you come to Yokohama with me?”

She nodded and hid her face in the crook of his neck.

He rubbed her back trying to ease her tension away; they stayed that way till she fell asleep. After awhile longer he finally disentangled himself and left her room. There were things he needed to take care off.

*************

Two weeks later Kaoru was back on her feet. They were out side practicing near the river.

“Yahiko you don’t need to grip your shinai so hard. Look at me when I swing.”

Yahiko swung and felt the difference this time.

Kaoru smiled. “Ok, now I want you to attack me. I’m going to defend myself using only the skills I’ve taught you so far. Agreed.”

“Agreed.” Yahiko got into position.

Yahiko launched himself at her and swung his shinai, aiming for her right side. Kaoru moved further to her left and hit him in the back of the knees. They both drew apart and this time when Yahiko launched himself at her, he faked to the left before aiming for her right side again. He almost had her but then she hit him in the hands causing him to drop his shinai. She didn‘t stop there though. She hit him in the shins and then swung for his temple stopping an inch right before he hit her.

The kids that had been watching them from the road clapped at her victory. Though the other two were to far to hear it.

“Good Job Yahiko. You almost had me there. But I saw your intentions at the very last minute. I think we need a bit more one on one training aside from the things I normally teach you. While I’m gone I want you to practice. When I come back I’ll teach you something new and then will spar, ok.” They had been making their way from the river to the dojo while she talked.

“Sounds good to me. How long are you guys gonna be gone?”

“We should be back in a week. Did you want me to bring you something back?”

“You don’t have to”

“Come on, Yahiko. There’s got to be something?”

Yahiko shook his head no.

“Ok, it’ll be a surprise then.” She ruffled his hair as they made their way into the dojo.

“Will you do me a favor and get my bath ready. We’re supposed to leave in an hour and I have to get ready.”

“Sure Kaoru.” Yahiko ran off to get her bath ready.

She watched her student run off and do as he was told. He was a good kid she thought making her way to her room. She had remembered her budo but that was about it. Two weeks had gone by and she couldn’t remember anything else other than small details about herself. She liked her hair up in a simple ponytail rather than in an elaborate hairstyle. Loved the color blue. Found out Alcohol was not her friend and learnt she still threw tantrums when she didn’t get things her way. Small, stupid things.

“What are you smiling at koishii?”

“Aa, Kenshin. I came to get something to wear before I went to the bathhouse.” She had become used to the endearment awfully quickly.

“I see.” He handed her a package, “will you wear this.”

Her smile grew bigger as she opened the package to reveal a beautiful blue kimono with lavender/pink flowers. They were Sakuras. “It’s beautiful;” She breathed before she threw herself at him. “Arigato Kenshin,” She said as she pecked him and ran away to the bathhouse, dress in hand.

*************

The train ride had been uneventful. She had spent all her time looking out the window enjoying the scenery. She didn’t remember coming here before. But Yahiko had told her they had. He’d told her the story and she knew what had happened. She didn’t know how to feel about the events that had occurred here. But she had decided that what ever had happened was in the past. She was going to make new memories and get to know people all over again.

“Do you like the room?” Kenshin had been quite the whole trip giving her time to get a feeling for the place. She didn’t seem to remember Yokohama.

“I do Kenshin it’s beautiful.” She smiled at him

“Ok koishii, I have to go get my assignment. I’ll be gone for about an hour. Will you stay here for me?”

“Hai Kenshin, I’ll take a nap while you’re gone.”

“Good we’ll go have dinner when I come back.” He brushed her lips in a gently kiss before leaving.

*************

“Yamagata-san.”

“Aah Himura just on time. This assignment is easy. A Chinese man named Lo Fei is wanted for certain indiscretions. He has a very large bounty. They pay extra if you bring him in alive but it’s up to you.” Yamagata handed Himura a piece of paper with an address, time and date.

“He’s suppose to show there for a meeting. You know where to take him right?”

Kenshin nodded.

“Good. I’ve scheduled you something for the week after. It’s just a body guard thing but it pays well.”

“How’s your lady friend. Is she still ill?” It was the first thing he’d wanted to ask since Himura came in here. But he found the best way to talk to him was by not confronting him directly with questions, at least not right away.

“Better.”

“I need a favor”

Yamagata nodded.

“I need to go to Hong Kong; I’m looking for some one. I would like to go either the same day or the day after my assignment is done. Can you arrange transportation?” Himura’s face was a mask.

Yamagata agreed, “If you gave me name I could have someone find an address on him.”

“Hiruma Gohei.”

Chapter Seven

*************

“Don’t worry Himura the information will be available to you when we meet next.” That’s what Yamagata had said.

That had been about half an hour ago. He was now on his way back to the hotel. But first he needed to make a quick purchase.

Kenshin walked in to find her brushing her hair. He hadn’t let her pack very much telling her he’d buy her things when they got here.

“You’re back.” She said giving him a dazzling smile.

He nodded; “I wanted you to buy some things before dinner.”

“All right well I’m ready.” She said putting her hair back up.

They left the inn, her talking all the way. Kenshin just content with her company.

“So exactly what are we going to buy?” She asked him as they continued to walk.

“I want you to buy some things for tonight. We’re going to be here several days. We can do the rest of your shopping tomorrow.” He guided her to a store were she could buy them what they needed.

“Kenshin how much do you want to spend?” She asked eyeing a very pretty yukata for her turned slightly and saw the matching one for him.

“Spend what you want, on what you think we need.” He eyed the outside though the large glass window of the store. He’d been here already and word was bound to be out that the Hitokiri Battoussai was back. Certain people were going to start sniffing around soon.

“Do you think I need a new hair brush set?”

He turned his attention to her; he gave her a coy smile. “Koishii,” He drawled. “You can buy what ever you like.”

She turned beat red; some women had turned to stare at them. She grabbed a couple of more items and took them to the counter. The girl at the counter wrapped them up in brown paper and handed them to Kenshin who paid her for them.

They walked slowly towards the restaurant, stopping briefly to buy her a book.

They got to the restaurant and Kenshin ordered for them. Kaoru seemed a little nervous.

“Kenshin, I’ve wanted to ask you this since the first day you slept with me?” She turned beat red. “Not sleep with me, you know sleep. You know what I mean.” She turned even redder.

“What’s your question koishii?”

“Am I different than your Kaoru?”

“Koishii?”

She grabbed his hand so she could continue.

“I know how you treat me and I feel like I don’t do enough to show you how I feel. So, I just wanted to tell you that even though I don’t remember you and might never remember how I was. I love you.” She felt so stupid; she couldn’t look at him. She was so nervous she had just started to ramble.

He smiled at her and brought something out of his Gi. “Koishii do you know what this is?” He showed her the small object in his hand.

She gasped, “does this mean what I think it means.”

“Aa, so you do remember it means meaning.”

“Yes, Tae told me about this western tradition, I can’t remember when exactly but I do.”

He slipped the small ring on to her finger on her left hand.

She admired it for a moment before tackling him to the floor.

He should have expected that. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes,” she breathed.

“Koishii, I don’t mind you laying on me but this is not the place.” He was grinning.

Kaoru felt herself flush all the way to the roots of her hair. “Hentai.”

“You like to provoke me.”

She had moved away from him but not too far.

“I do not.” Kaoru had decided she was going to remain this color the rest of her life.

“When do you want to get married?” He asked her, starting to eat his meal.

Kaoru for her part was still beat red. “Umm, any time is fine I guess as long as we have a small reception back at the dojo.”

His smiled turned cunning. It was an answer he had only hoped for. “Are you willing to do it tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?” That meant that afterwards they have to............

The flush came back worse than ever.

“I thought we were going to go shopping tomorrow?”

She was deflecting the question, he noticed.

“I have something to do tomorrow night anyways but I’ll be all yours after that. How about we do it the day after then?”

Kaoru didn’t look up. It was going to happen anyways right. She was going to marry him no matter what; it would eventually happen so why avoid it. “The day after is fine. It’ll give me time to find a nice kimono.” She smiled brightly; she was happy and would do whatever it took to make Kenshin happy too.

They continued to eat the rest of the meal in silence. He openly gazed at his blushing bride to be through the rest of the meal. While she avoided all eye contact.

The walk to the inn was odd.

Kenshin walked in silence, looking around almost like he expected something. Kaoru walked in silence enjoying the cool air, stealing glances at her fiance. He stirred something in her she just didn’t quite understand.

They got to their room and Kenshin set the packages down. She took something out of her bag and went to change behind a small screen.

The bit of light in the room shed a shadow. He could see the shadow of her body through the screen. Just the sight of her shadow made his blood burn. The love he held for her was intense. Sometimes it was hard to control himself around her. Her actions were innocent; not meant to cause the reaction they stirred in him. He knew that he’d scare her if he didn’t keep a clamp on his animalistic nature. The nature the hitokiri used to find his prey in the old days.

She came from behind the screen and took a seat on the futon. She started brushing her hair again. She noticed he was still by the door. “Kenshin aren’t you going to change.”

He nodded and changed into something similar to what he usually wore. She had thought it was strange that he never changed in to a yukata himself when going to bed. She had asked him why last week and he had said, “I need to be ready.” But didn’t elaborate for what. She put her hair in a loose braid and got under the covers. Closed her eyes and waited for Kenshin to come to bed. Ever since the Megumi thing he had started sleeping with her. At first she had tried to protest but there wasn’t much she could say to deter him. Besides she like it, though she wouldn’t admit it out loud, he was very smug when it came to her. She was very sleepy was just barely aware of Kenshin when he got in.

He moved her hair to the side and kissed her neck.

“Mmmm, Kenshin.” She murmured. She was falling asleep. He kissed her again and held her close to him. It was something he had started doing when he started sleeping with her.

After the scare he had, he felt he had needed to stay close to her. Being by her bedside as she had slept, the watching. It hadn‘t been enough. He needed to feel her. Now it felt like that wasn’t enough either, he felt he needed to touch her, to taste her. Maybe then he’d be satisfied.

He let go of her for a second, assuring himself of the whereabouts of his katana. He smelled her one last time before spooning himself against her and falling asleep.

*************

“Kenshin you are not coming in with me.” Kaoru had her hands on her hips. She was pissed.

“Then you will not bathe.” Kenshin had his arms crossed over his chest.

“What. Just who the hell do you think you are? You can’t dictate whether I can or cannot bathe, DAMN IT.” She started to seem more like the old Kaoru this way.

“I will not let someone walk in on you while you bathe. They might see you and then I will be forced to cut their eyes out.” His eyes took a gleam but she didn’t care. They weren’t married yet and there was no way she was going to let him see her naked yet.

“No.”

“Then you will not go.” He was not about to let her go alone.

“Look can’t we compromise. You’ll stand outside while I bathe.” She made her eyes pleading hoping he’d take the bait.

Kenshin was very reluctant, but finally agreed. “Let it be noted that I do not approve but will nevertheless do as you ask.”

She hugged him before grabbing her things and making her way to the bathhouse. This would teach her not to wake up before him. He of course was already for the day ahead.

*************

They had finally made it out of the inn without further incidents. They were going to have breakfast at some little place Kenshin said he remembered from their last visit.

Breakfast was quiet. She was busy with her inner thought and Kenshin well he was always quite during meals. She had noticed he was protective of her and wondered if he was the jealous type. He seemed to have a temper so that probably wouldn’t be good thing. I mean he still carried swords and she’d been told how great a fighter he was.

“Koishii are you ready?”

“Hmm.” She hadn’t noticed they were done eating.

“Were do you want to start?” He asked once they were already outside.

“I’ve never been here before, so I don’t know.” She said turning to him.

“Koishii, I want you to get new clothes and whatever else you’d like. It’s one of the reasons I wanted you to come.” He gave her a lope sided grin.

“Do I want to know what the other reasons were?” She was sorry she said it the moment the words came out of her mouth.

Kenshin straighten his posture and his gaze became heated. “ Koishii, I’ll be showing you the rest of my reasons tomorrow.”

She blushed a deep scarlet red.

“Unless you want a preview today, we can do your shopping at a later time.” His grin had turned seductive and it was too much to handle.

So Kaoru turned around and started walking off in a huff, “Hentai”

She could hear Kenshin laughing behind her. She wanted to turn around and knock him into next month. “Off all the arrogant, no good for nothing.” Her words stopped abruptly she had bumped into someone. “Sumimasen” She said as she bowed.

A deep masculine voice answered her. “It’s all right.”

She looked up to see an older man, even at his age Kaoru could make out he once had been very good looking.

Kaoru was taken out of the older mans grasp bit forcefully. She was confused but then she saw Kenshin had caught up and his arm was around her waist.

“Is everything all right?” His voice had taken on a deeper quality, dangerous almost.

It made both the older man and Kaoru shiver but both for totally different reasons.

The older man stepped back; apologizing for not watching were he was going. Then continued on his way.

Kenshin watched him until he disappeared in the sea of people now filing the streets of the market place.

Kaoru was drawn to him like a moth to aflame. Unable to control her actions she pressed herself against him and hid her face in the crook of his neck. She nuzzled him and that’s when he broke eye contact with the mans’ back. Her mouth had touched his neck in a gentle kiss but he wasn’t sure if she’d done it on purpose. Or if it had just happened as she nuzzled him.

“Kaoru,” he spoke but his tone was a bit lighter. Not so deep.

That seemed to break her out of the spell she’d fallen victim to.

She stepped back without making eye contact and cleared her throat.

“Yes well, we better hurry, you have to work tonight and I have things to buy.”

She turned and started to walk away but he grabbed her by the hand.

She still didn’t turn though, so he walked around so he could look at her face. Her e face was flushed and she avoided eye contact. Why was she embarrassed?

Kaoru on the other hand was humiliated. She’d been so forward, unable to help herself. In the middle off the street. A busy street. Fine time for her attraction to take over. Just peachy.

He let her go choosing to drop the incident, for the moment.

They continued walking down the market place till she found a nice little shop to step into. The rest of the day continued on as if nothing had happened. The only thing noticeable was Kenshin walking a bit closer than needed but neither said anything about it.

Kenshin put all the packages down in their room.

“How long are you going to be gone?” She said closing the door to their room.

“A few hours, I’ve asked that they bring you dinner here. I don’t want you to step outside while I’m gone.” He turned to look at her.

Kaorus'’ sight was on the floor, she didn’t want to cry in front of him. I mean he was only going to be gone a couple of hours. “We’re not having dinner together?”

“No koishii,” Kenshin said coming closer to her and grabbing hold of her hands. Her hands were cold.

“Promise me you won’t leave the room.” His voice was pleading so she looked into his eyes. She conceded and he wiped the tears that had formed at the corner of her eyes. “Don’t wait up for me. I don’t know when I’ll be done. I have to go koishii.”

She was afraid to let go, what if he didn’t come back, “Kiss me before you go.”

And he tired to make it chaste, but she wanted more. She pressed herself closer to him and opened her mouth. She licked his lip and Kenshin had no choice but to really kiss her. He had wanted to avoid doing this until later. He already had enough trouble controlling himself as it was. But she learned quickly and she kissed him with such fervor he was forced to push her back. They were both panting. His eyes showed his hunger and Kaoru could see the flecks of amber in his eyes.

“Koishii,” His voice had become deep again and she felt the goose bumps it created.

Kenshin noted the reaction his voice had on her and decided it was best not to stare at her when making his exit. “Later koishii, I promise you.”

He left making his way out of the inn quickly. He wanted to get this over with so that he could come back before she fell asleep.

*************

Small Note: This chapter is Pg-13 bordering on NC-17.

Chapter Eight

*************

Kaoru was shaking, she had this unshakeable fear of him leaving and not coming back. Since she had woken up from her accident several weeks’ back he hadn’t left her side so now that he was leaving her alone she was frightened. Kaoru changed in to her Yukata and sat on the futon, tears started coming down her face as she stared off into space.

Eventually someone came to the door with her food. She wasn’t aware of how much time had passed. She took the tray and moved it to the side. She tried eating but couldn’t choke back more than three mouthfuls of rice. It was stupid of her to react like this she knew but telling herself that didn’t make her feel any better. In the end she fell asleep.

The Battoussai lurked in the shadows, behind a bar. He was in the bad part of town waiting for Lo Fei to come by. Lo was late and he was feeling very impatient. His need to get back to Kaoru was driving him mad. The battoussai heard a noise. His acute hearing heard the voices of several men. They were speaking Chinese. He took a look around the corner and his suspicions were confirmed. There were three others with Lo; they walked protectively around Lo. Bodyguards. He waited till they walked closer to the shadows that concealed him and the struck out with his Katana. The first two fell with a thump. Lo and his third bodyguard were knocked out from behind. The battoussai looked at the men lying before him and briefly wondered if he should kill them. He remembered he didn’t like to leave witnesses but they hadn’t seen him at all.

Deciding they didn’t really need to die he went to Lo and picked up his body. He was heavier than he looked. It was a good thing he had in mind to bring that merchants cart with him. He laid Lo’s body on the cart and covered it with the brown blanket. He placed the merchants’ hat on and made his way to the safe house.

These kinds of jobs were easy; he wouldn’t even bother with them except he needed the money for Kaoru. He now had enough money to pay the taxes on the dojo for the next two-year and still have enough left over. He was headed back to the inn now, taking a different route home than the one he had taken earlier as a precaution.

He finally made it back but now it was sometime after midnight. It’d be too much to hope that she’d still be awake.

He came into their room quietly. She had fallen asleep. She had fallen asleep on her right side instead of the left. Her hand lay over the spot he was supposed to occupy. He quickly changed into his sleeping attire and got into bed with her. He brought her closer to him and she curved herself around him seeking his warmth. She sighed in her sleep and he kissed her forehead before falling asleep himself.

Morning finally came and Kaoru found herself alone in bed. She felt around for any clues that he might have been there but she didn’t find any. Her lip began to quiver and her eyes began to gather moisture. The door opened then to reveal Kenshin who took one look at her face and flew to her side. “Koishii,” He said hugging her close. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she muttered again his chest. “I just,” her voice sounded broken. “I just didn’t know where you where and it made me worry.”

He patted her back. “Koishii I came late last night. You were already asleep and I didn’t want to wake you.”

She gave him a watery smile. “Where did you go this morning?”

He let her go and stood up so he could look down at her form. “I went to get us a carriage. You didn’t think I would let you walk all the way to the shrine in your wedding dress. Did you?”

“Well, then I better start getting ready.” She smiled at him and gathered her things. “I’m going to go take a bath.” She saw him opening his mouth, so she cut him off. “No you’re not coming in with me. You can wait outside and that’s if you want to come.” She grabbed her stuff and stormed out.

Kenshin didn’t mean to upset her but she looked so cute when she was angry. “Enjoy your bath koishii cause it’s the last one you’re taking alone.” His eyes gleamed, seeing her turn beat red.

“Kenshin Hentai. Don’t you for a minute think that once we’re married I’m going to let you do what ever you want! You hear me.” She spoke sternly. She had stopped walking and they were right outside the bathhouse.

“Whatever you say koishii.” He got the door slammed in his face.

“Hentai!” She bellowed from inside the bathhouse. He only laughed.

Sometimes she had the urge to just knock him out good. “Baka!”

They were finally on their way to the shrine, and Kaoru was very nervous. Kenshin had decided to ride out with the coachman so she was left all alone in the carriage. The kimono she wore was not traditional. It was something she had seen and just had to buy. She had bought so many things on that day she’d doubt he’d noticed. It was a fitted light pink silk dress. Sleeveless with high cuts on the sides that revealed her legs but covered her torso completely. It even had a small collar but all of that was covered up by another larger robe. More traditional with long flowing sleeves. Her feet barely showed through. The color of this robe was made of a darker lavender, the silk just as soft as the first garment. Kenshin wore his usual colors a dark blue Gi and white hakama. The only difference was that this Gi was made of silk. He hadn’t wanted to change but she made him. She smiled to herself. Soon she would be married. Himura Kaoru she liked the sound of that.

*************

“Yamagata-san.” The chief of Police for Yokohama came in to the room.

“What is it Kagato?” Yamagata put his report down so he could look at the chief.

“There was a break out at the jailhouse today some time at sun up sir. Several men escaped, two officers died in the break out.” He became uneasy.

“Is there some one in particular that we should worry about?” Yamagata asked concerned.

“Witnesses saw some men grab Tamono and carry him off. We believe the jailbreak was orchestrated to get him out specifically.” The chief knew of the incident that had occurred sometime back. The reason Tamono had been stripped of his title as commander and thrown out of the army.

“Are we talking about the same Tamono?” Kagato nodded.

This was bad, some one knew of Tamonos’ resentment towards the Ishin shishi officials. That wasn’t what worried him so much the though. Tamono hated Himura. It was too much of a coincidence that Tamono would be broken out of jail at the same time Himura was in town.

He needed to get word to him.

*************

“Kenshin?” She stuck her face out of the carriage. Why were they stopping?

Kenshin opened the door.

“Why are we stopping here Kenshin?” She thought they were going back to the Inn.

“We’re staying here for the next two days.” He extended his hand to help her out.

She still didn’t understand but she complied.

The forest surrounded them but within all of that there lay a small house. It looked very homey. Kenshin and the coachman had taken some sort of trunk into the house. Supplies I guess, she thought.

“Come koishii.” He led her into the house so she could look around while he gave the coachman some instructions.

Kenshin came back with a small basket. “Let’s eat.”

They were silent through lunch and even through tea.

Kaoru was nervous. And Kenshin even as the battoussai was hesitant.

She had been his woman for along time. He’d made it official by marrying her today. Now, he just needed to do this. Wanted very badly to do his but didn’t quite know how to initiate it with out scarring her

“I think maybe I should change. I’m wearing silk and I don’t want it to get wrinkled.” She got up and made her way to their room. Kenshin watched her walk away.

Kaoru took her robe off and folded it neatly into the special box she had bought it. She started to undo the buttons of her pink silk dress when she felt a shiver.

She turned around to find Kenshin gazing at her heatedly. She stared at him and he walked further in to the room. “Do you know why I wanted to stay here?” He said as he wrapped his arms around her waist pressing her to him.

She shook her head.

He smiled coyly at her. “I wanted us to have some privacy.”

She was confused partly by the sentence partly by the movement of his hand on her back.

“We had privacy.” She said putting her arms around his neck.

“Not enough for what I want to do” He said right before he kissed her.

*************

The men had just made it to the house. They’d been sure to follow the carriage from a long distance so the battoussai wouldn’t sense them.

Tamono had spent the last two years in prison thinking of the day he’d make the battoussai pay. If he hadn’t interfered with his plans everything would have worked out just fine. He had killed Shigure but had failed to kill the battoussai.

If it wasn’t for his cousin he’d still be there rotting away.

But things were going to be much different this time. His cousin had spent the last two years gathering them a gang. This time he had some hitokiris of his own. “We’ll see how things turn out.” After all why be afraid of a man that didn’t kill.

He signaled to his cousin.

Mazakei saw the signal and moved on with his men. Slow to creep on to the grounds of the house.

*************

Kaoru was feeling delirious. She lay on the futon with nothing on; he’d stripped her of her under dress. He hovered over her for a moment before claiming her mouth in a searing kiss. He cupped one of her breasts and squeezed it.

Kaoru moaned in to the kiss.

He felt her body with his hands without breaking contact with her mouth. But she needed air and so he let her mouth go.

The little noises she made set his blood on fire. But she was precious to him and would take his time. Drawing this out for her benefit. Kenshin lowered his face to her chest and smelled in between her breasts. He licked around her left nipple before he covered it with his mouth. He swirled his tongue around her flesh before he sucked on it.

Kaoru’s head fell to the side, she was panting. She felt herself getting warmer; her body had tightened in anticipation while the throbbing between her legs increased at his administrations.

He sucked on her harder and her hands clenched his hair tighter.

He let go of her left breast and raised his head. She looked appetizing.

He kneaded her right nipple making the small flesh turn rock hard in his hand.

He lowered himself over her again and licked her neck all the way down to her left shoulder. He kissed her shoulder before he bit her. She mewled and then he sucked on the offended flesh.

She was panting, “Ken-shin.”

He could smell her arousal and it was heady. His eyes were amber, he felt omnipotent.

She pulled on his hair hard this time. Bringing him closer to her mouth so she could kiss him. Her kiss was hot and needy. Trying to articulate what she needed from him without words. She felt her being calling to him, needing completion.

He stiffened over her. He broke the kiss and moved himself off her completely.

“Fuck!” He growled. He picked up his daisho and put it on.

“Koishii, you need to stay here. Do you understand? There are bad men in the house. You need to stay.” He looked at her regretfully one last time before running out. Always soundlessly like a shadow.

*************

The men were creeping closer to the house when the door flew open.

When the battoussai came out the men charged. Tamono, who had stayed behind to watch the fight, concealed behind some trees noted nothing different about the man he hated. Except for his clothes, he was dressed differently and his hair was down but other than that, nothing

His eyes opened wide when he saw the battoussai slash open the first three men closest to him. “He’s not supposed to kill.” He said. Tamono turned a ghostly shade of white. The battoussai had killed everyone but his cousin. “Gomen Nasai, Mazakei.” Tamono ran off through the woods hopping the battoussai hadn’t followed him. He would most likely question his cousin. And anyone no matter what they said, when confronted with the battoussai would spill their guts in hopes he’d let them live. That’s how they’d spoken about him in prison. But he hadn’t believed them. After all the man he had met two years ago was all about peace. Something must have happened to make him turn like this.

Small notes, does everyone remember commander Tamono from the movie? He was the guy that had Shigure killed. He tried to kill Kenshin too, but his action brought out the battoussai instead. Well, he was locked up after that and here he escaped, only to try to kill Kenshin again. He came at a bad time though, don’t you think. *_-