Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is the creation of Nobuhiro Watsuki, with the manga and anime rights belonging to Jump Comics and Sony Entertainment, respectively. FF is non-profit, meant for entertainment only.

Chapter Three

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

In a lightening fast movement his obstructions fell to the floor.

He cut her limp body from where it hung and eased it to the floor slowly. He held her face in his lap like she often did when she read to him.

- - - - - - - - - -

Turmoil. She felt it through out her whole being

She struggled against the hands that held her captive. She could see her rurouni a couple of feet away from her. Just looking at her. She thrashed about but she wasn’t able get away. “I’m leaving,” he said.

No, please.” She tried to make him see he couldn‘t leave her.

He turned his back to her.

“Please,” she said falling to her knees. The sorrow and fear she felt was overwhelming.

- - - - - - - - - -

Her screamed echoed through out the room. She had woken up with a start. She was breathing heavily. She looked around and raised her self from the position she was in.

Kenshin was still kneeled on the floor. She looked past him at the bodies. Then her eyes went back to him. She looked at his eyes. The color made her heart speed up.

She kneeled in front of him. “You killed them.”

He looked in to her eyes unsure how to answer. Eventually though he nodded.

She embraced him.

He was confused by the action.

She pulled away slowly. She felt drawn to his eyes. They looked so savage.

“You’re so beautiful.” She breathed.

Now he really felt crazy. She couldn’t have said what he thought she said. She hated the rurouni; therefore she must hold a certain amount of hate for him too. And if she had said it why would she choose now as the time to say it.

He opened his mouth to say something but she caught him off with a kiss.

His thoughts were running wild. He could taste the coppery flavor of her blood. But his thoughts were lost as she deepened the kiss.

When they finally broke apart from the kiss. They were both panting pretty heavily. She could see wildness in his eyes that thrilled her.

He looked into her eyes. They finally held emotion. They had darkened to the point they looked black.

Her arms went around his neck again. “I think I could fall in love with you Battoussai.” She whispered before she kissed him again.

She was rougher with him. She tugged on him and pressed herself against him.

The statement had thrown him for a loop. He wasn’t prepared for it or her actions. He responded when she tugged on him. He growled when she pressed herself closer. His body’s reaction to her was almost immediate.

He pushed her away brusquely. His control was back in place. His was breathing hard but was she. Her eyes were have lidded, a look he found very enticing.

Kaoru was feeling very tired. “I’m feeling dizzy.” She said just before she fainted.

He let out a heavy sigh and picked her up. He’d take her to the doctor in town. He left the abandoned house with his precious cargo. He’d have to let the authorities now what happened here.

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

Kaoru woke up in her bedroom, for a minute there she thought she’d woken up in the forest. But no, that was in her dream.

She yawned, and stretched out. Her face turned to the right; see could see the rays of the sun starting to come in through the glass doors of the balcony.

“How are you feeling?” The voice came from her left.

Her head turned. She covered her mouth with her right hand as she yawned again. She smiled lazily at her bodyguard. “A little tired.”

She yawned again. “Well maybe more than little. But I don’t want to sleep anymore. Will you open the window it feels hot in here.” She closed her eyes.

Kenshin did as he was told.

He’d stayed in her room last night. After he’d taken her to the doctor, he’d brought her straight back home. She had minor cuts on her wrists. They had applied some ointment on them and bandaged them up. She had two bruises on the side of her face though. Probably from where she was hit.

He went to his seat by her bedside. She’d fallen asleep again. Just as well, it was too early for anyone to be up. She was going to be fine. He closed his eyes and allowed himself a moment’s rest.

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

“I want to go outside.”

“No.”

“You do as I say. Not the other way around.”

“You’re not leaving.”

Kaoru stomped her foot on the floor to her room. “I’m going and you can’t stop me.”

She made her way to the door but Kenshin stood in her path.

A week had passed since the incident had occurred and she was feeling all better now. But the fact was that it was raining and she was NOT going to go while it rained.

He grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder. She punched and kicked but he didn’t let her go. When he was close enough to her bed he threw her down.

“Urghhh” She screamed.

The servants stopped for a minute and sighed. Some shook their heads but all of them had the same thought running through their head. “Poor Himura.” They knew how she could get when she didn’t get her own way. Over the months she’d gotten better but from time to time. She’d just lash out.

When she hit the bed, she simply rolled to the side. Now they were on opposite sides of the bed. She glared daggers at him. He just kept a cool expression. He’d become accustomed to her tantrums over time. At first he’d been afraid of manhandling her. But he’d quickly learned that sometimes that was the only way of getting through to her.

She put her hand on her hips. Then she touched her chin in a thoughtful gesture. “How about you open the windows then.”

“You’ll get sick.” His tone was neutral.

“Not if you build a fire. We can sit by it and you can read to me. I’d like to finish that book sometime before the years over. We’re barely half way.” His eyes narrowed at her. She’d tricked him before.

“All right,” he said. He grabbed her by the arm and they started for the door.

“Wait. Where are we going?” She pulled at her hand and then at his.

“We need some food.” He pulled her along till they got to the kitchen. When they got there he pushed her through the doors first and then he came in.

“Kaoru-chan.” the other woman exclaimed. She was glad to see her.

“Hi Kane.” She sounded a little disgruntle.

“What’s wrong?” She’d seen Himura come in right after her. He was usually the source of her problems.

“He won’t let me go outside.” She whined.

Kenshin found it amusing. She switched moods faster than he could draw his sakabatou.

“Honey, maybe it’s because it’s raining and he doesn’t want you to get sick.” She said patting the smaller woman.

She wrenched away from the other woman. “You’re taking his side.”

“Now Kaoru-chan.” The other woman said trying to explain.

Kenshin’s hand stopped her. “We came to get some food to take upstairs.” The woman nodded and began the preparation of there food. Kaoru was off to the side pouting. “Baka,” she said under her breath. The other two in the room heard her but neither said anything.

Kane prepared their food in record time. “Guess this mean you’re not going to come down for dinner, huh?”

Kenshin shook his head.

She handed him the food and he thanked her. He took it in one hand and grabbed Kaoru with the other.

Kane could hear Kaoru muttering the whole way. She smiled. Kaoru was getting better.

Kenshin sat her down with the basket and began to build a fire. When he was done, he proceeded to open the window. Not the whole way, just enough for the fresh air to come in.

He turned to find her taking things out of the

Basket. “Are you going open the balcony doors?” She asked without turning.

“No.” He said coming closer to take a seat.

“No.” She repeated softly.

“You’re going to get sick.” He said as he took the cup away from her hand before she decided to toss it.

They proceeded to eat slowly. Talking about the book was her favorite thing. “Well don’t you think he was stupid?” She said taking a bite of her fish.

“No,” he said.

She waited for him to continue.

“He has every right to treat her Aeka that way. She’s just a child.” He said taking a bit of her vegetables.

Kaoru seemed outraged. “She’s not a child. She’s thirteen. And I think that it’s Yosho who doesn’t understand. She loves him; she only wants him to be happy. But she can’t get him to talk to her. How is she supposed to know what’s wrong with him.”

Kenshin continued eating.

“You know what he does. He can’t just tell her. She might hate him. She’s all he has.”

“Kami-sama” she said grabbing her head. “Are all men stupid? Please, I’d really like to know.”

Kenshin didn’t answer her.

“How could she hate him? It’s been eight years since he killed Jurai. He avenged her mother’s death. He’s kept her safe and he’s provided for her. What reason could there be for her to hate him? It’s true he kills people but he needs the money. Their own money ran out years ago.” She took another mouthful of rise and chewed on it angrily.

“The fact is she wouldn’t understand.” He put his bowl down; he always finished before she did.

She picked up her bowl and started eating again. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. She loves him and if he told her why he’s out late at night then she wouldn’t think he’s out with other women. That what he’s doing, he’s doing for her. She would understand.” She put her bowl down.

Kenshin was looking into the fire. This story she read to him had too many similarities to his own, to the past and to now.

Kaoru drank her tea. She liked watching his profile. She put her tea to the side and stood to go get more cushions. She set them around them and threw one by Kenshin’s feet.

Kenshin turned to gaze at her. She had her book in her hand and was waiting for him to take his reading position.

Kenshin rested against the cushions she had thrown against his back and placed the blue cushion she’d thrown by his feet in between his legs. She handed him the book.

She rested her head on his chest and placed her arms on his legs. She turned her face to the side and watched the fire as he began to read.

Chapter 14

I hear as Yosho comes in to the house. No matter how quiet he is I always hear him, maybe it’s because I listen out for him. I keep my breathing even pretending to be asleep. I hear him changing his clothes and getting into the futon with me. I make a small gurgling noise to make it more believable and he scoops me up so I rest against him. I sigh and snuggle into his warmth. After all this years we still sleep together. Truth is I couldn’t imagine falling asleep with out him. I feel real sleep come to me. It usually does once he’s home. Once I know he’s safe and with me. I let sleep in and dream of a better life, where we’re both older and I’m just as beautiful as my mother was. In that perfect dream he loves me just as much as I love him.

Morning comes, he’s sound asleep. I like to think my company helps him sleep. I disentangle my self from him and he grasps me tighter. Hmm, Maybe he’s having a bad dream. I tough his face with my hand and he seems to calm. I try again and as I’m getting up I hear him moan. I’m confused. I draw closer to him and He’s murmuring something. I put my ear really close to his mouth and I can barely make out what he says. “Aeka.” It’s all I was able to make out. I leave the room a bit confused.

Kenshin pauses and turns the page. He sees Kaoru smiling and resumes reading.

I take my time making breakfast today breakfast. I don’t know what to think. I’ve asked him where he goes before but he’s never really answered me. The one time I pushed for an answer was about two months ago. That day we had a huge argument. It was the day I told him I loved him. He was stunned.

“You don’t know what you’re saying. You’re still a child.” He said shaking his head.

“I admit I am young but that should that have anything to do with it. I asked were you go, out of concern. You’re all I have in this world and if something happened to you I don’t know what I’d do.” I began to weep as soon as the words were out of my mouth.

He had moved towards me then but instead he retreated and left out house.

I cried myself to sleep. He didn’t come back till sometime early morning. I felt him scoop me up but I didn’t open my eyes. The tears still fell though. He smelled like alcohol and perfume. I maybe young but I can smell another woman on him. I waited till he fell asleep before I left him. I stood by the river washing our clothes. I couldn’t see them. I couldn’t see anything through the blur my tears had created. I finally slapped the Gi on to rock I had been washing it on and jumped in to the river myself.

Kenshin paused and turned the page. Out of the side of his eye, he could see Kaoru wiping her eyes.

1I didn’t step out of the river till I felt numb. I finished my wash and stepped back on the path home. When I got home I hung up the clothes and began breakfast. I should have changed clothes I realized but what was the point. Yosho woke up sometime while I was making breakfast. I heard him head leave the house. I couldn’t cry anymore. I cried all of last night and all of this morning. I just couldn’t.

I had just served his bowl when he came in. I served his drink and tried to leave the room but his hand caught me. I jerked away violently. He seemed shocked, then hurt. But I was through caring.

My chores were done for the time being. I stripped down and slipped my yukata back on. As I lay there, I felt the tears coming back. He could have just told me he had someone before this. Before I told him how I felt. I curled myself in a little ball and cried.

Sometime later I felt Yosho come in to the room. I didn’t say anything and neither did he. When he laid down I got up. He had only comforted me when I was really young. It’s how we got into the habit of sleeping together. I know it’s what he was trying to do now but I just couldn’t deal with him right now.

The day passed and then another. The days became a whole year.

Since that day I had grown distant from him. I’m not sure if noticed. We still slept together but I made sure to be asleep before he got there. I didn’t want to know what time he came home anymore. I would work myself ragged during the day so when I laid down, I would fall like a log.

I’m fourteen and a half, now. Finally, I can see the resembles between my mother and I. I’ve never cut my hair in all this years mainly because I wanted it long and second I don’t think I have a steady hand to cut it myself plus I don’t trust Yosho to do it. Maybe one day when I leave this house I’ll be able to cut it.

The sound of thunder broke Kenshin away from his reading. It looked like it was going to rain hard. Lightning could be seen in the distance. He took a drink of his tea. It was still warm. “Should I keep reading?” He asked her.

She shook her head no. “It’s a good place to stop. Will you change my bandages?”

Kenshin nodded.

She got up to retrieve a bowl of warm water, a rag, the ointment and the new bandages.

Kenshin cleaned her wounds. They were healing nicely. Put the ointment on and bandaged her up again.

She looked at her hands for a moment. The thought came to her out of the blue. “I want to go on vacation.”

“The weather isn’t right for traveling.” He said putting everything away.

“Baka, not today. Maybe once Tokuma comes back.” She said getting up. She started unfastening her obi while she talked.

Kenshin noticed and turned his back. “You want to go on vacation with him?”

“Kami-sama you are stupid.” She said.

Kenshin didn’t say anything.

“NO! I meant I could go and of course if I go you go. I was thinking of Kyoto or maybe Sapporo. I don’t know, yet.” She tied her yukata and walked around so she was in front of him.

“Isn’t there someplace you want to go?” She said as she pulled him towards the bed.

“No.” He said pulling back the covers and tucking her in.

“Will you let me outside tomorrow? She asked as she yawned.

“If it doesn’t rain and it’s dry out than yes.” He turned to take a seat in his usual spot till she fell asleep but she grabbed his hand.

“No” She said. “Here” She pulled back the covers and patted the spot next to her.

He shook his head.

“Don’t shake your head at me.” Her sleep seemed to have vanished at his refusal.

That stupid book was giving her ideas. He still refused though.

“You will get in here now,” she hissed.

“Kaoru.” He began but she shook her head.

“I don’t want excuses.” She said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

She really pissed him off sometimes. He knew she was sick and it was his fault but sometimes he swore she knew what she did was wrong. He practically ripped his sakabatou from his side and threw it down on the floor. He went to the spot she’d been patting and pulled the covers over him.

All the while she watched.

She got up and blew out the candles. She noticed he’d turned on his side. So he was angry. The thought amused her. She got back into bed. “I’m in love with Kane.” She said.

Kenshin turned so quickly he actually scared her. He gave her a disbelieving look. She threw herself over him. “Just kidding,” she said. She drew the covers over them and snuggled closer to him till she was content.

She’d tricked him. She often did that. Problem was he couldn’t stay mad at her long enough to lecture her. He sighed and felt her smile. How could he not she was right on top of him.

Morning found Kaoru on her side and Kenshin spooned up right behind her with his arms around her waist. The loud roar of lightening woke Kenshin with a start. He looked around recognizing the room as Kaoru’s. He looked down to see she’d turned when he’d woken up. She felt around till she found the front of his Gi. “Too early. More sleep,” She said pulling him down again.

He tried not to smile as he set his head back on the pillow. Usually once he woke up he couldn’t fall back asleep.

He turned his head to the balcony. You could barely tell it was morning, it was so dark. He felt Kaoru throw her leg over him. He closed his eyes and drifted off again.

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

Turmoil. She felt it through out her whole being

She struggled against the hands that held her captive. She could see her rurouni a couple of feet away from her. Just looking at her. She thrashed about but she wasn’t able get away. “I’m leaving,” he said.

“No, please.” She tried to make him see he couldn‘t leave her.

He turned his back to her.

“Please,” she said falling to her knees. The sorrow and fear she felt where overwhelming.

It was always the same.

How could he leave?

Why?

Her crying echoed through out the woods. She felt a chill. She looked up. A couple of feet away she could see a man sitting on a branch looking at her. She stood on shaky legs and made her way to the figure. She looked at the face and recognized the eyes.

He jumped from the branch to land in front of her. “Am I who you seek?” His voice was rough and deadly.

Her voice was broken from all the crying. “Yes.”

“You’ve only seen glimpses of me.” He said as he circled her around.

“The man you’re staying with, it’s the rurouni pretending to be me.” He stopped in front of her.

“No.” She began shaking her head.

“He’s supposed to be dead.” She grabbed her head with her hands.

“What do I do?” She was becoming hysterical.

He grabbed her hands and pulled her into him. She looked into his amber eyes transfixed by them. “You have to make him mad.”

Her gaze told him she didn’t understand.

He came closer to her and put his arms around her waist. He let his hand travel down till they cupped her bottom and then squeezed. “I will be free once he’s mad.”

“How?”

“I think you know.” He said rubbing her back.

“What if that doesn’t work?” She asked holding on to his Gi.

“Then you can get someone to try and kill him. Try it the other way first though.” He began to pull away

“No don’t.” She said trying to grasp for him.

The smile he graced her with was a seductive one. “If you want me you’ll set me free. You know what to do.”

Kaoru’s eyes opened slowly to the pitter patter of rain.

She had always had that dream since becoming sick. But this was the first time there had been resolution. She looked around to see she was alone. She felt her blood start to boil. All this time, the man she hated most in this lifetime was pretending to be the only man she’d accept.

She looked up at the ceiling. How do you make a man with unremarkable control, mad?

She heard the door open but didn’t turn.

“I’ve brought breakfast.”

“I don’t want any.” She said.

“You need to eat.”

“I will eat when I become hungry. I don’t plan to leave this room all day so I won’t need you. You may leave.” Her voice was curt. She was angry.

Kenshin gazed down at her.

Why was she upset? Was it because he got up before her. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, leave.” She couldn’t look at him. He could control the color of his eyes. This wasn’t who she wanted.

He set the try down and sat down on the bed.

The moment she did that she rolled of the bed. She walked over to the balcony and threw open the doors. She felt the strong wind wash over her.

Kenshin was at her side in a moment. He started to close the doors.

Before he closed them both she stepped out into the balcony. The water felt heavy.

“Get back in here.” He said.

She stepped closer to the rail.

He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her.

She dug her heels in to the floor.

It was the first time she had turned to stare at him. He had a stern expression on his face. But his eyes lied.

She turned her face away not able to deal with it. She didn’t want him. She hated him. “Would you do anything for me?” She asked him.

He kept his grip on her knowing she might try something. “Yes.” He said.

“Would you leave this place if I asked you to?” Her eyes had fixated on the rail.

He thought for a moment, not sure what she meant. The statement could be taken any number of ways.

“Would you leave?” She asked again.

“Not with out you.” He said.

“Not even if I didn’t want you?” Her eyes came back to his.

He didn’t say anything, he just watched her.

“What if I told you I hate you.” Her face was serious.

“I wont leave with out you.” His tone had grown cold.

“What if you had no choice?”

“It doesn’t matter.” He said pulling her roughly.

She slipped and scrapped her knee.

He watched her. He still held her hand. He was confused by all of this. Why the questions?

She pulled her hand back and he let it go.

She stood up slowly, she took a step forward and then ran off to the side. She jumped of the balcony.

His mind didn’t seem to register.

He jumped off and landed on the floor in seconds.

He was there to catch her.

He didn’t wait for her to land in his arms. He caught her in mid air. He jumped up and they landed on the balcony, he strode inside the room quickly. He threw her on the bed and went back to close the doors.

He threw the doors closed and locked them. His jaw clenched and unclenched. He was trying to keep calm.

It was stupid of him think she’d want him after she’d told him she hated the rurouni. His heart was racing, she was sick. He had to keep telling himself that. She’s sick. She doesn’t know what she’s doing, she’s sick.

He took a deep breath, he’d barely managed to keep his cool. He remained by the balcony.

When she saw he made no move to come any closer. She walked over to her dresser. She threw her yukata off. “Bastard!” She said out loud. He had no right. She put on a clean one and went back to the bed. She sat back down on the bed but it was wet. She got up and stripped the bed off the first sheet. She felt the next one, that one was wet too. She stripped the entire bed, gathered the blankets and threw them in to the large fireplace. She watched as the flames grew large.

She was pulled back from the fireplace. She didn’t look at him.

He remained there the rest of the day. Didn’t trust her to stay alone.

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

Three weeks had passed and tension ran at an all time high.

He was in her room. He sat across from her, having tea. The only time she would look at him was to argue, other wise she refused to. He didn’t understand what had happened. They had stopped talking completely.

Despite that he couldn’t help but remember what she had said to him. “I think I could fall in love with you Battoussai.” Why had she said it when she didn’t mean it. It had given him false hope.

She put her tea cup down and gazed at the reflection. Yellow eyes looked back her. She smiled at the reflection. ‘I’m trying’ she thought. Maybe she should try a different tactic. They hadn’t left the house since she’d had her dream.

“I want to go to town today.”

He didn’t bother to nod because she wouldn’t look at him.

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

They walked down the street. She wasn’t sure what kind of shop to go into. She stopped at a medicine shop, he waited outside.

“Good afternoon.” She said to the older man.

“Afternoon miss. What can I do for you?” He asked coming closer to her.

“Do you have anything to induce sleep.” She said. She wanted to sleep more since it was the only place she could see her battoussai and it was the only way to get away from this fraud. Her eyes narrowed as she spotted the patch of red hair outside..

The old man handed her something. Do you have anything to make one loose their inhibitions? You know to make you’re real personality come out.” Her gaze was intent.

The older man looked at her carefully. “Is it for you?”

“No, but I‘m willing to pay your price. Whatever it maybe.” She didn’t break eye contact with the man.

“Let me see.” He said disappearing off to the back.

He handed her a forest green bag.

“Is this strong? The man I know is able to control his emotions to the point he can’t feel pain. His will is very strong.” She took a quick look outside to make sure he wasn’t listening.

The old man nodded. “This is really strong. It will do all you ask.”

Kaoru felt her mood brighten. She gave the old man a large smile. “Will this be enough?” She asked laying down a large amount of money.

The old mans eyes lit up. He only nodded.

“Will it taste odd?” She said hiding the pouch in her obi.

“No, drink it like regular tea.” He said gathering up the money.

She thanked the man and stepped out of the shop.

She made her way to the restaurant where she’d gotten kidnapped from and took a seat. Kenshin sat right across from her. She met his stare dead on. Soon she thought, soon I will have him. She smiled at her companion. They ordered a small snack and left as soon as they were done. She got what she came for.

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

“I’ve missed you.” She said snuggling next to him.

He held her tightly. He nibbled on her ear. “I want you.” His voice was rough, it send shivers down her spine.

“Soon.” She said.

He pulled back a little, by doing so she could see into his amber eyes.

He gave her a lazy smile.

Kaoru woke up. Today was the day. She looked at the ceiling and smiled.

She flung the covers back and left her room. She took a different route to the kitchen, she avoided going in front of Kenshin’s room he would hear her if she was anywhere near.

She peaked into the kitchen. “Kane-chan” She said from around the corner.

“Kaoru-chan, I‘m so glad to see you. Haven‘t seen you in a while.” She said coming to a stop.

“Yes, I haven’t felt like coming out much.” Kaoru gave the other women a big smile.

“It’s awfully early for you to be up.”

“Yes well, I didn’t have dinner last night. I just came home and fell asleep.” She said picking up a baby carrot. and tossing it in her mouth.

“So you must be starving.” Kane finished Kaoru’s statement.

Kaoru nodded. “Yeah, please do me a favor and send it up. I need a bath. Oh and instead of making the tea only send the hot water, kay.” She hugged her friend and left.

Kaoru hummed as she took her bath. She scrubbed herself and washed her hair. She made sure she was nice and clean. Ready for the day ahead.

She dressed in a simple teal colored kimono. There were small white flowers at the bottom of the kimono and towards the end of the sleeves. She added some balm to make her lips soft and fixed her hair in a large loose bun. She held it in place with a dragonfly hair clip made out of silver with emeralds embedded in it.

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

She sat on cushion in front of the balcony, staring out into the endless blue sea, they called a sky. That’s how Kenshin found her.

She turned to him and smirked.

He took his seat at the table and they began to eat.

“I thought we could go back to town and buy some things. Kane’s son is turning eight next Monday, so I’d like to get him a present today.” She said as she served him his tea.

Kenshin nodded.

“I’m not exactly sure what to get a boy his age. Are you?” She saw Kenshin shake his head no.

She talked through out the whole meal. She ate about half her meal and had less than a cup of tea which didn‘t matter, her tea was different. Kenshin finished his meal and had four cups of tea.

They were walking down the street looking for anything an eight year old might find interesting.

Kenshin felt odd. His mood had changed drastically and his senses were razor sharp.

Kaoru was walking ahead of him. She passed by a couple of men who stared at her for to long. Kaoru kept her line of vision straight ahead. She wanted to try him out when they got back. Not out here in public. She sped up her pace.

Kenshin eyes narrowed when he saw the men ahead. He could almost sense there thoughts. He saw Kaoru speed up her pace. He fell into place beside her with his next step. His arm went around her, he guided her across the street. Kaoru didn’t say anything.

The men saw his actions and smiled at each other. Very protective for a guy his size. They’d seen her hair clip though. That little thing could buy them sake and women for at least two months. The men looked around before following the couple.

Kenshin rounded a deserted street and slid into an alley. He picked Kaoru up without any notice and leapt up to a roof top. He jumped twice more before coming down a different alley.

“Finish your shopping quickly,” His tone was curt.

She grabbed his hand and smiled.

He missed the gesture, he was busy looking around. His mind told him to go back and confront the men. Stop it here, otherwise they might follow them home.

Kaoru finally found what she was looking for, a puzzle box. The man who sold it to them had showed them how it worked. It would take a long time to figure out. He would have fun with it.

She looked up to see her bodyguard scanning the area. She saw his eyes narrow. She followed his line of sight and was able to get a glimpse of one of the men before he pulled her forward.

They’d been out to long, he thought. They weaved through the crowd. until they blended in. He pushed her into a flower shop and continued alone into an alley.

Kaoru almost knocked a table over. She saw one of the men from before pass by her. She let a couple of seconds go by before she followed him. After all the work she put in she didn’t want him to get hurt. All though that as supposed to be option number two. Kaoru followed the man into the alley. She was able to hide from view. There were three men in the alley. ‘Hmm’ weren’t there supposed to be four.

She felt a hand clamp over her mouth and grab her by the waist. Damn it, she thought. She had wanted to see the fight.

There was a sound of clashing metal. It made her attacker tense. She wanted to see. The man moved them both to take a peak.

There were three men on the floor and the red head was looking down.

She missed it. Tears welled up on her eyes. She lost the chance to see those eyes. The ones she had constant dreams about. She made a whimpering sound and the man held her closer.

“Shhh.” He said close to her ear.

Kaoru bit his hand and he cried out.

She stood away from him on shaky legs. Her tears started falling. All she wanted was to have her battoussai that wasn’t too much to ask for.

Kenshin’s head shot up when he heard a noise up ahead. He ran to see one of the men who’d been following them. His eyes narrowed. He’d left her at the flower shop. She was shaking and she was crying. His eyes turned to the man while his hand extended to Kaoru. She took it and was pulled towards him. Kenshin held her face to his chest.

Kaoru felt the movement of his arm and a cracking sound but didn’t get to see what it was. They started to move forward in that position. He let her go once they were some distance from the alley. She sniffled.

He didn’t turn.

“Where’s the puzzle box?” She said wiping the tears from her eyes.

He stopped his eyes were a glinting blue with small flecks of gold, though the gold was barely visible. She smiled, it wasn’t quite what she’d hoped for but she was getting there. “Did you leave it in the alley?”

“Stay.” He told her before he headed back.

Kaoru stayed in her spot. She looked around and saw a purse on display. It was the same shade of pink as her favorite kimono. She crossed the street to go buy it.

She looked at her ‘new’ purse, it was so cute. She turned to go back across the street when she bumped into someone. She looked up into those glinting eyes. She smiled at him. He turned on his heel and started to walk away.

“Where are you going?” She asked catching up to him. He didn’t say anything he just kept walking. “Are you mad at me?” She ran a little faster. “Hey” She said grabbing on to his arm. He jerked his arm away.

She stopped walking. No matter who he was, when he did that it hurt her feelings. She started running the other way.

Kenshin heard her run off. He stopped, his shoulders slumped. No matter how angry he was he couldn’t just let her wonder around town on her own.

Kaoru ran in to the first store she came across. She hadn’t been to this one before. She looked at the odd garments.

“Can I help you.” She turned to an older women. A lot of make up and a heaving bosom.

“What are these?” She asked coming closer a blue garment.

“These are nightgowns. Like your yukata.” She said taking a white one and bringing it close to Kaoru.

Kaoru ran her fingers through it. It was so silky. Her hand went behind it. It was so see through.. She looked at the woman. The women could almost read her mind. “These.” she said pointing to slightly thicker ones. “Are for everyday wear.”

“And these” She said pointing to the blue one Kaoru held “are for special occasions, you know like your wedding night or your anniversary.” Kaoru’s eyes widened.

The women smiled. “Why don’t you try those two on.” She pushed Kaoru to the back of the shop with the blue and white night gowns.

Kaoru stood in front of a mirror looking at her reflection. She smiled, it was see through indeed. She spent the next two hours there trying things one.

She spent almost everything she had. She only kept enough money to pay for a carriage to take her home. The boxes were loaded on. She waived at the women. “Good bye Nago-chan. Thank you for everything.”

“Good Luck.” The elder women waived at Kaoru.

Kaoru sat back and enjoyed the ride back. Nago was a women of the world. She gave a lot of pointers on how she should deal with her husband. (True, the battoussai wasn’t her husband yet, but one day he would be.) Kaoru blushed scarlet all the way to her roots. She was so open about her life. She admired Nago, a special women in her own way.

She made it back to the house in record time. She paid the man and the servants brought the boxes to her room. Kaoru unpacked everything and set one of the night gowns to use for tonight. She smiled. They even had cute robes to go with them.

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

A glint of amber could be seen approaching the Yasuyoshi home.

Kenshin was very angry. He had searched the entire town for her. He was going to check here before he went back out. If she was here, was she going to get an ear full. And if she wasn’t then she was really going to get it. He looked up to her side of the house. His eyes narrowed. The lights were still on.

Kenshin snuck into the house. Jumped on to her rail and walked in through the balcony. He spotted her by the table having tea. He felt the hairs on his neck stand on end. He needed to control his anger.

“This is where you were.” His voice startled her.

She turns her head to him. “Hi, I’ve got dinner set out for you.”

He came closer to her. “I’ve spent the last Five hours looking for you, where were you?”

“I ran into a store, I was there a couple of hours and then I came home.” She said as she poured him some sake.

He looked down at her and the food. He tried to shake off the anger but it didn’t work. She got up and handed him the sake.

He’d deal with her tomorrow. When he’d had time to calm down. Right now his nerves were too on edge. He turned to leave but she grabbed him by the arm. He jerked away from her.

In return she threw the sake into his face.

He felt a searing sensation start from the bottom of his toes to the ends of his hair. She really liked to piss him off. His jaw clenched. He fisted his hands. His eyes burned but he opened them anyways to look at her.

She sat back down. “Wash up and come to dinner. I’d like to eat dinner sometime before midnight.” She crossed her hands on the table and waited.

His foot kicked the table over.

She was stunned but only for a moment.

Her body shook with repressed anger. She hadn’t eaten yet. She’d waited for him.

He actually smiled. She pulled the hair pin (a long silver chopstick) holding her bun in place and threw it at his face.

He dodged it easily.

Just like she knew he would. The pin was merely a distraction. The moment he started to move she rushed forward. She used the palm of her hand and struck upwards. She heard the crunching sound. He thought she was too weak to strike at him with any real force so he often left himself open. She jumped back. She saw the small trickle of blood coming down his nose.

This time she smiled.

She saw the amber overcome the blue completely.

At last.

Small Note:

The kidnapping is something that has affected her deeply. Not because of what they did but the clothe Hayao kept his blade in was the same shade as the eyes of her hated rurouni. I know she acts out of character but she’s not quite sane. Despite that she’s come to notice that he was not the battoussai at least not fully. Whenever he starts a fight with someone his eyes always turn a eerie blue. Only certain people bring out his murderous side that side brings amber eyes. A side she’s now determined to bring forth.

Chapter Four

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

He stood for a moment just gazing at her. A wave of anger swept through him. He took a moment. He just needed to breathe. He wouldn’t let anger rule him.

When his eyes opened next, they were an icy blue.

She watched in horror as the color of his eyes changed back. She stepped back.

He watched her retreat.

She started shaking her head to the side. “No.” She said as her lip began to quiver. She collapsed near her bed. Too weak to go any further.

Kenshin was too confused. He didn’t understand what it was all about if she would only talk to him he might be able to do something. He bent down and picked her up. He laid her on the bed. He waked over to the balcony doors and closed them. He sighed; he’d get someone to clean up this mess before she woke up.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Turmoil. She felt it through out her whole being

She struggled against the hands that held her captive. She could see her rurouni a couple of feet away from her. Just looking at her. She thrashed about but she wasn’t able get away. “I’m leaving,” he said.

“No, please.” She tried to make him see he couldn‘t leave her.

He turned his back to her.

“Please,” she said falling to her knees. The sorrow and fear she felt was overwhelming.

Kaoru was bent over crying.

It was always the same.

How could he leave?

Why?

Her crying echoed through out the woods. She felt a chill. She looked up. A couple of feet away she could see a man sitting on a branch looking at her. She stood on shaky legs and made her way to the figure. She looked at the face and recognized the eyes. She stood up and ran to him.

His arms were open. She cried into his chest. He held her tight.

“Shh, it’s all right.” He said as he stroked her back.

“I’m sorry,” she sobbed.

He pulled back a little but her grip around him increased. “I’m not the rurouni. I won’t abandon you.” He said looking into her eyes.

She smiled at the amber eyes she’d come to care for. She felt his hands wipe the tears off her face. He stroked her cheek.

Her sobs had subsided. “Can I stay here?” She said leaning into the caress.

“You can stay for a while.” He said as he leaned into hug her. Trying to give her comfort. She sighed into his neck enjoying the feeling.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kenshin sat by her side. She’d been in some discomfort; she must be having a bad dream. He wiped the tears that escaped the corners of her eyes. He caressed her cheek, she seemed to lean into it. He kept his hand on her cheek for a moment, touching the smoothness of her face. A smile appeared on her face. She seemed happy.

Kenshin stood up and stretched. He’d been sitting there all night. He walked over to the balcony watching the sun as it rose. He would’ve called a doctor but what good would that have done. Her illness wasn’t physical. He turned to look at her; she’d turned on her side. She looked so peaceful when she slept, you wouldn’t think someone like her could be such a little demon. She was a handful.

He kept his eyes focused on the horizon, not really seeing what was out there. She’d been fine till she got kidnapped. He’d had the doctor check her thoroughly and there was nothing wrong. He’d try asking her once. She had laughed. They hadn’t harmed her, except for the one man slapping her, they hadn’t done anything. So the damage was emotional. His thoughts turned over the problem.

Kaoru stirred around lunchtime. Her eyes opened. Where was she? She looked around for her companion. She spotted him by the balcony doors. He turned, he wasn’t the same. She turned her head away.

He walked over to the bed and helped her sit up. She kept her head turned and he didn’t say anything. He sat a tray down on her lap and left the room. He called a woman in. She watched them interact for a second before she came in and he left. Kaoru looked down at her food and proceeded to eat.

“Her morning has been uneventful; she just sat there in front of the balcony doors letting the sun wash over her face. She just stared out with a happy smile on her face. Other than that there is nothing else to report.” Yukako a girl a couple of years older than Kaoru finished giving Kenshin the report. She stood in front of the door blocking Kenshin from getting in.

He looked over her head; Kaoru was still sitting in her spot. He thanked her without looking at her again and stepped in.

He stepped closer to Kaoru she had a serene look on her face. His eyes took in the way she looked today, very beautiful. He was about to call her name but something told him it would be useless. He picked her up and sat her in front of the fireplace. He started the fire and watched as her eyes refocused on the fire for a second.

There was a nock on the door. Kenshin stepped away to open the door. He opened it to see Yukako holding the tray with dinner. He took it from her and nodded his thanks, closing the door after him.

The girl stood on the other side for a moment. Hadn’t he noticed she was pretty at all? She turned around and stomped all the way to the kitchen.

Kenshin set the tray down in front of Kaoru. She didn’t seem to see it. He looked at her closely. Nothing. He took her hands in his and her gaze fell to their hands. She looked at them for a moment before she seemed to understand where she was. She let go of his hand and began to serve him and then herself. They ate slowly. Kenshin was hoping she’d start talking again, if nothing else at least about her book. She started to doze off before she even finished eating.

The next three days were just a bit of the same. Today there had been a small break in the rainy weather. It was cold but no rain. He opened the balcony doors wide and allowed her to sit in her usual spot as long as she kept on the thick blanket he’d given her. He brushed her bangs back and caressed her face with the same movements. Her eyes seemed to flicker back to life. He let her go and stood back. Her eyes lingered on him for a moment before they went back to the sky. That was very interesting, he thought. Over the last couple of days he’d noticed that a small flicker of emotion would appear if he held her long enough. The touch however needed to be intimate in nature. Otherwise she’d ignore it. When he carried her from spot to spot she didn’t notice but when his touch was ‘different’. She seemed to notice. Yesterday she’d had a little rice stuck to her lip. He had moved it but not before brushing his thumb over her lips. It had been a while since she’d kissed him. The first time she did it he’d been surprised by it but enjoyed it nonetheless. It had been two months after that before she kissed him again.

He stared at her with and unreadable expression. He heard a crackling sound. Thunder he thought. He saw her eyes registered the flash of lightning. And then all of a sudden everything made sense. The way she acted, her reference to the Battoussai. The color of his eyes. The comment about him appearing beautiful to her. And the reason she responded to his touch. He allowed a small smile to grace his lips but it went away just as fast as it had come. Then why was she acting like this now? His eyebrows furrowed in thought, giving him the appearance of being angry.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Come inside.” She called from the doorway.

A man stood outside the small house looking out into the dark blanket of night. He could almost blend into the shadows. The only thing visible was his animal like eyes, in the dimness of night. His head turned when she called to him.

He turned his back to the outside and came inside to the comfort of his home.

She served him dinner and they ate silently. She loved gazing at him. He was so beautiful. His head came up and he smirked at her. She felt her face grow hot.

She cleared the plates and put them into the basin. She’d wash them tomorrow. When she came back she noticed he was gone. She went to the front of the house and noticed he’d built a fire outside. The flames were large. He beckoned her to him. She walked over and took his hand. He’d set a large blanket out for them. They sat down and he held her as they stared out into the fire.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kenshin sat her in front of the fire. He didn’t want her to get sick. She seemed happy watching the flames. He stepped back to add more wood to the fire. He understood what she wanted. It had taken him long enough to figure out. He just wasn’t sure if he was strong enough to break away from what he knew to resort to the madness of the hitokiri and still remain sane.

He didn’t turn when the door opened. He knew who it was.

“Kaoru-chan?”

Kenshin grounded his teeth but didn‘t turn.

“Himura-san?”

Kenshin turned to Yasuyoshi. He was kneeling by Kaoru. Turning her face to his so he could look into her eyes. Her face turned but her eyes didn’t see him.

He let go of her face and she went back to staring at the fire. He stepped away and Kenshin followed him. They walked over to the door and Kenshin explained the situation in a couple of words.

“I see.” Yasuyoshi said looking over to Kaoru. He stepped back over to Kaoru and knelt down in front of her.

Kenshin watched the scene unfold in front of him. He couldn’t make himself leave and was unable to turn away.

“Kaoru-chan, it’s Tokuma. Do you remember me?” He said holding her hands. She didn’t respond.

“I’ve come home. I missed you a lot.” He said smiling at her.

No respond.

“I’m going to spend more time with you. Would you like that? Why don’t we go out to dinner? What do you say?” He said brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

He rose up and headed for the door. “I’ll have the girls come and fix her up. I’m going to take her to dinner. You’ve been a great help. You can take the night off, I’m sure you need sometime away from the house, so go ahead and enjoy yourself.” Yasuyoshi ended his speech. Opening the door for Kenshin to leave.

Kenshin didn’t say anything he just stepped out.

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

They were sitting in the restaurant. “Hitomi’s is the best restaurant in Aomori.” Tokuma said looking at his beautiful companion. He smiled at her. He could talk enough for the both of them. They spent dinner in the warm atmosphere of the restaurant. He told her all about his trip as she sat next to him. Their desert came and he watched her stare down at it.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

The battoussai held her close to his chest as she cried. “I don’t understand why I have to leave? Don’t you want me here?”

He rubbed her back. “That’s not what I said. Your stay here was temporary. We have a deal remember?” He said turning her face upward so he could give her a kiss.

“But I want to stay here with you.” She said sniffling, scrutinizing the look in the amber eyes.

“You promised to set me free.” Was the rough reply before he deepened the kiss.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tokuma was gazing at her when he heard some shouts a couple of tables ahead. His eyes widened.

This....

How....

And on the night he left him free...................

“Come on honey take it off.”

Six men were robbing the restaurant

The woman took her bracelet off with shaky hands.

“The earrings too.” The man was a tall husky fellow. He looked the part of a villain with his face covered so that only his eyes showed through.

Tokuma saw the men making their way to the back of the restaurant. He swallowed hard. He should have let Himura come.

“Hey there cutie.” The man addressed Kaoru. Kaoru didn’t respond but she did look up at him.

“I’ll be taking that broach and hairpin.” He said to her. “You‘re money too buddy.” When he spoke to Tokuma his voice has harsher than when he’d spoken to Kaoru. Tokuma gave up his money and reached over to Kaoru.

The man hit Tokuma’s hand with the flat of the sword.

“She can’t do it herself she’s sick.” Tokuma said rubbing his hand.

“Is that right.” He said turning to look at Kaoru. She was awfully beautiful. This man’s prize wife. He reached over to take the broach off her kimono but her hands stopped him. “Why don’t you be a good little wife and take them off.” He said putting the sword back in its sheath.

“I’m not his wife.” She said as she stood.

The man smiled underneath the cloth that covered half his face. “His woman then.”

She snorted then. Her hands took the sword, sheath and all right out of his daisho. Her movements were fast.

The man gave her an appreciative glance. “Very daring. I think too much woman for him.” The man said nodding towards Tokuma.

“I’m not his woman.” She said as she charged him. She held the sword like she would a shinai. The movements came to her without thought. She hit him in the stomach hard. He fell to the ground and she hit again on the side of the face. The other two men closest to them charged at Kaoru and she easily dropped them down.

“Boss.” One of the men yelled from near the entrance. The first man got up shaking his head. His ear rang. He pulled a gun out of his Gi and pointed it at Tokumas’ head.

“Feisty.” Was all he said.

Kaoru didn’t lower the sword and Tokuma swallowed hard. She looked so fragile she didn’t look like she could fight. He’d forgotten she was an instructor at her dojo.

The man loaded the weapon but she didn’t blink.

“Boss.” Came the voice again from near the entrance.

The man lowered his gun and nodded at someone behind her. “Maybe you’ll put it away for him,” he said.

Kaoru looked behind her to see they were holding a gun at a little boy no more then six. Kaoru’s hand released the sword she held. It dropped to the floor with a loud clank.

The man came closer to her and removed the hairpin. When his hand reached for her chest though she grabbed his arm with one hand and used her other hand to hit his nose with the same upward move she’d used on her bodyguard. The man hit Kaoru hard with the back of his hand. He felt blood drip onto his Gi.

Kaoru flew back to the floor. Tokuma helped her up; she spat to the side trying to remove the blood from the mouth. She licked the side of her lip. She was right, he got her on the side. She removed the broach and threw it a bit past his feet. “Fetch,” She said.

One of the other men behind him picked up the broach. “We should leave boss.”

“Right,” he said not giving his back to this woman. “Very feisty.” He said to her as he left.

Kaoru saw the men leave and with them she felt her adrenaline disappear. She slumped into Tokuma’s arms. He set her down easily. Everyone’s head turned when they heard gunshots outside.

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

Tokuma was about to lay the covers over Kaoru when she woke up. She sat up and looked around.

“We just got home, Kaoru. Lay back.” He said pushing her back down.

“Where’s the battoussai?” She said pushing his hand away.

“He’s not here.” He said giving up and taking a seat on the bed.

“Not here.” She repeated in quiet voice. She felt her hands start to shake. And the tears began to stream down her face.

“Kaoru-chan?” Tokuma said trying to calm her. “You’re in shock.” He said rubbing her arms.

The doors were thrown open just then. Scaring both people inside half to death.

Kaoru blinked the tears back trying to confirm what her heart seemed to sense.

“What happened?” The tone sent a chill down his spine. Tokuma turned his head to look at the battoussai. He looked really angry.

“We were robbed.” He said getting of the bed. Somehow it didn’t seem right to do it in front of the battoussai.

Kaoru tried to get up but the sheets were tangled around her legs.

The battoussai took one look at the side of her face and felt his anger rise. “What did they look like?”

“I don’t want you to go after them.” She said finally rising from the bed. At the moment though he could care less what she wanted. Nobody did this to her and got away.

“They had their faces hidden so we didn’t get a look at the men. Their boss has a broken nose though. Kaoru-chan broke it. Sometimes I forget she knows how to fight. But it happened at Hitomi’s I’m sure you can get more info.....”

“That’s enough Tokuma.” She said cutting him off.

He had enough of a lead to go on. So he just left.

“No,” she said.

“No! Hey come back! Get back here!!” She said running towards the door.

Tokuma held her back. “Kaoru-chan I think it’s best to let him go.”

“No.” She said as she struggled. “You don’t know him.”

“You don’t know what he’s capable of.” She said.

She grabbed his arm and threw him over her shoulder and ran out of the room.

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

Morning found Kaoru walking down the road. She was so tired of walking around. She’d spent all night looking for him. She yawned. She took a moment to rub her eyes. She needed to get some sleep.

The battoussai walked down the road on his way home. He saw Kaoru on the road just standing there. He sighed. She could be just impossible sometimes. He approached her, silently.

“Oi.” He said right near her ear. He watched her jumped five feet back. He smiled. He’d startled her.

Kaoru turned around ready to give a good beating to whom ever had scared her. But to her surprise it was him. She jumped to him and embraced him for a good while. She just held him. Happy she’d found him. She pulled back a little and noticed there were flecks of gold in his eyes.

He picked her up and carried her home. He didn’t say anything and she was just happy he was there.

He jumped the gate and then the fountain to her balcony. He set her on the bed. And walked a bit to her dresser where he set down her broach and hairpin.

He turned to her. “Take a nap. I’ll be by later.” It was all he said before he left.

Kaoru gave a sleepy smile. She took her obi off and went to sleep in her kimono. Her first rest without dreams. No battoussai to remind her of her promise.

Kaoru opened her eyes to the smell of food. She smiled wide. She rose up and noticed Tokuma. Her smile almost faltered. She expected to see battoussai not him.

“How are you Kaoru-chan?” He said taking a seat near her bed.

“I’m fine thank you.” She said.

“I was worried about you. Himura found the men. He brought back my money.” He said.

Kaoru eyed the food. “Do you mind if I eat?”

“Forgive me, where are my manners.” He said giving her the tray that held lunch.

Kaoru ate her food happily. When she was done she looked at Tokuma who had a thoughtful look on his face. “Tokuma,” she said.

His attention came to her. “What is it Kaoru?”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you this, but I guess I just haven’t had the chance.” She said stirring her tea.

“Whatever it is, you know you can ask me.” He smiled at her.

For the first time since she’d gotten here, she noticed just how nice he was. She smiled at him. “I wish to go on vacation.”

“Kaoru-chan I just got back.” He said to her as he watched her face drop.

“Why do you wish to go now?” He said.

Kaoru turned her face away from him. Being locked up in this house is making me sick, she thought. “Being here makes me...” She didn’t know what word to use.

“I feel imprisoned. Maybe that’s the wrong word. I don’t feel free. I need...” She wasn’t able to elaborate what she wanted. “Never mind.” She said giving him a small smile.

He let the subject drop. He stayed with her for a while longer till he saw her getting sleepy again. She was almost asleep when he left.

Kenshin watched the man go. When the door was finally closed he came into the room through the balcony. He sat on the bed and touched her face. She seemed to stir. She opened her sleepy eyes at him. “Hi” she said putting her hand over his.

He didn’t say anything simply looked at her. She felt sleep escaping her. And her eyes focused clearly on him. Her hand left his to touch his face. He didn’t move as she caressed the contours of his face.

‘He’s cold,’ she thought as she touched him. She was warm, so maybe he had just come in from outside. She felt her heart start to beat faster. He rose from the bed and she threw the covers to the side. He went to the fireplace and started a fire. “I’ll be back when you’ve had your bath.” He didn’t even turn as he said. He just left.

She was a bit confused but did as she was told.

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

Kaoru had refused to come down and have dinner downstairs. Tokuma sat at his table alone with his thought. His head turned as he heard the pitter patter of rain coming down. They were having odd weather this year he thought.

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

They sat near the fireplace eating their dinner in silence. Afterwards they just sat there staring at the flames. There was something about them she couldn’t remember right now. There was something she was supposed to do. Her head tilted to the side, a habit of hers when she became deep in thought or confused. Kenshin watched her out of the corner of his eye.

Spring would be here soon. The days were becoming dry enough to have outings. As the days passed she became withdrawn again. Something both Kenshin and Tokuma noticed.

“Himura I think you know why I’ve called you?” He said from behind his desk.

Himura didn’t say anything.

“I will allow Kaoru-chan to go on her vacation. I plan to tell her after I‘m down here with you. You can go and make sure things are ready.” Tokuma said as he wrote something down. “Do you know where it is she wants to go?” He said looking up.

Kenshin shook his head.

“All right then it is all.” He said closing his books and getting ready to leave.

Kenshin left before Tokuma even finished putting on his coat. When he looked up, Himura Battoussai was gone.

Tokuma made his way to Kaoru’s room slowly. He knocked and opened the door. She was sitting in front of the balcony watching the birds fly around.

“Kaoru-chan” he said coming close to where she sat. She was pale he noted. “I’ve got good news,” he said as he sat down next to her. She looked at him expectantly and so he continued. “I’ll allow you to go on vacation.” He said giving her a great smile.

‘Allow,’ she thought. No matter how nice Tokuma was he wanted to control her actions. Control her.

“Kaoru-chan.” he said breaking into her thoughts.

“What did you say?” She asked confused for a moment. It happened to her often. She forgot her train of thought and no matter how much she tried to remember she just couldn’t.

He smiled at her. “I said you could go on your vacation.”

“Vacation.” She repeated. “Oh yes, I wanted to go on vacation,” she said. Her eyes shown brightly. “I wanted to go to Nagasaki.”

His eyes showed disappointment. That was so far. “How long did you plan to stay?

“A month.” She said responding quickly. To finally be able to leave this house. She’d be free.

“All right well I’ll arrange things for you. When do you wish to leave by?”

“As soon as possible but can I go by boat.” She said.

He nodded. “Of course.”

He caressed her face and stood to leave. She turned her head back to the outside. She smiled. She wondered what the mountains were like this time of year.

He looked at her one last time and closed the door. He didn’t want her to leave. If she got all better she might not want to come back. It was selfish but as long as she was sick, she’d be here. She’d already been here for a year. She only had two more to go and then she’d decide. She’d stay here. Her rurouni was dead so there was nothing for her out there. It was the only thing that made him feel better. She would reject the world outside simply because it had taken her rurouni away. He smiled feeling a bit better.

Kenshin came into her room sometime after dinner. She was brushing her hair when she spotted him. She was surprised to see him. He knelt down by her side and she turned her attention to him. She brushed his bangs a little and smiled down at him.

He didn’t smile. “Are you sure you want to go on this vacation?” He asked.

She nodded. “Of course.”

“Why do you want to go?” His expression didn’t change.

Why was he asking so many questions? Couldn’t he just come along quietly? “I need to leave this place. I feel like a prisoner the way you and Tokuma watch over me.”

“Then you don’t wish me to come.” He said rising to his feet.

“Wait a minute, just wait.” She said grabbing him by the arm. They had stopped in front of her bed. “It’s not what I said. I want you to come with me.”

He turned around and her hand dropped. “Is it?” His voice was so deep. It stirred something, a memory. “You’re so beautiful” she said. “I think I could fall in love with you battoussai.” She remembered saying that.

“Could you?” He said as he stepped closer to her.

Surprised registered, had she just said that out loud. Her eyes turned to his. She felt strange looking into his eyes. Like she was being hypnotized.

He grabbed her by the arms and pulled her closer to him. She swallowed hard. She felt nervous and excited. He brought her closer till he was just an inch away from her face.

“Could you?” He whispered before his mouth descended on hers. He kissed her hard.

Oh, how she enjoyed it. She threw her arms around him and fell into the moment. She felt her feelings swirl around in her head making her dizzy. His arms tightened around her waist and she whimpered at the intimate contact.

He broke the kiss when he felt she needed air. She was panting hard, trying to get air into her lungs. She looked at him with hungry eyes. A look he’d never seen on her but one he liked. He allowed a small smile to appear on his face. He let his hand caress her cheek. “When you pack, I want you to take ONLY your favorite things. Do you understand?”

She nodded putting her hands on his hips and trying to bring him closer.

“Greedy, are you?” He said letting her pull him closer.

Small Notes: Ok, well I hate to repeat myself but we all now she’s out of touch with the world right. Yes? Good. Now Kenshin has finally come understand her irrational behavior. He knows what she wants from him but is still a bit unsure if he should give into her.

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When you see these dash things over dialogue it means she’s retreated to the world in her mind. She began by having this happen only in her dreams. But as she got worse she began to do it while she’s awake. It’s why she often stares off into space. Things are happening while she’s being comforted by the battoussai her mind has created.

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