This is a story I wrote over a year ago. It was done specifically with Valentine's Day in mind (although it wasn't finished until AFTER the holiday).
Kind of my take on how Kenshin and Karou first got together...and how their meddling friends influenced them.... 
Please feel free to read and leave comments. I love feedback.
And now...on with the story....
MEDDLED AFFAIRS
PART ONE - The Set-up
A Rurouni Kenshin Fanfic
"Karou-nechan, what about this color?"
Kamiya Karou looked up, surprised by the tugging on her kimono. She had been too caught up in her own thoughts to remember where she was...let alone that she was with Ayame and Suzume. She smiled down at Ayame, her eyes gazing over the deep blue material the girl was holding for her inspection. It would be the perfect color, she thought. A blue as dark as night, she thought, one hand reaching down to feel the material. Then her gaze turned back to Ayame, who smiled happily.
Ayame had grown so much in the past year. She was several inches taller, a
growth spurt that apparently struck overnight! Her once dark brown hair had
lightened and grown longer. Her schoolmates often teased her, but they too were going through the same changes. Karou blinked, smiling. It was hard to believe that little Ayame-chan would be 12 in a few months.
Her smile growing, Karou patted the young girl on the head. "It's very pretty,
Ayame-chan. And the color is perfect. Let's take it to the counter for
measuring."
"Hai!" the young girl squealed in delight. She bundled the fabric in her arms,
turned on her heel and headed towards the waiting shopkeeper.
"Careful, Ayame-chan," the shopkeeper warned with a smile.
"But I like THIS color, Karou-nechan!"
Karou turned to look at little Suzume-chan. She was standing on the opposite side of the shop, holding a small pile of cream fabric over her head. It didn't weigh much, but the young girl struggled to keep it all from falling. A good portion of it fell anyway, laying strewn about at the girl's feet. She had made a mess, as was usual these days, but Suzume didn't care. The girl smiled, attempting to wave at her "big sister".
"Bring it over, Suzume-chan. Let me look at it," Karou said, stifling a giggle.
The smaller girl did as she was asked. The fabric cradled in her arms, and
nearly obstructing her view, the girl ran over to where Karou was standing.
"Ah, Suzume-chan, don't run!" Ayame shouted.
Karou couldn't hold the laughter anymore, giggling freely as she watched Suzume. The youngest of Dr. Gensai's grandchildren was growing up as well. She was less than a head shorter than her sister, Ayame. Her hair had grown darker, a warm chestnut color that glowed gold in the right light. It was now long enough to pull back into one ponytail instead of the two she usually wore. And despite the fact that she would only be eight in a few weeks, Suzume had a rather mature personality....
"Ah! Oops! Gomen nasai!"
Even though she could still be a klutz when she was overexcited.
"There there, Suzume-chan," the shopkeeper said, helping the girl to her feet.
"Everything's fine." Once Suzume was on her feet again, the shopkeeper took the fabric from the girl and laid it on the table to measure. "Will this be all for you today, Kamiya-san?"
Karou nodded to the shopkeeper, quickly inspecting Suzume to make sure the girl was all right. "I think so, Yegashi-san."
She stood then, glancing over the table at the new fabric. It was a delightful
cream color, and one that perfectly suited the dark blue fabric Ayame had
chosen. She touched it to check the texture, then nodded again. She smiled
uncertainly at the shopkeeper.
"Make sure to give me some extra fabric, Yegashi-san. My measurements
are...umm...only estimates.
"Hai, hai," Yegashi replied, smiling knowingly. The old woman carefully tugged at the cream fabric, measuring what Karou had asked and a little more. She knew what the fabric was for, even if Karou had not told her directly.
Or rather, for WHOM.
Ayame and Suzume watched the old woman closely as she cut the fabric. Karou watched as well, wondering once again into her own thoughts. The dark blue was perfect, her mind kept telling her. It would compliment the light blue she had purchased a few weeks ago. Of course, then the fabric had been intended for a new kimono. But then she got this wonderful idea...well, she told herself, it was wonderful at the time. Now, she wasn't sure WHAT she was thinking....
"Will this be enough, Kamiya-san?"
There was a special day approaching...the anniversary of the day Kenshin came to stay at the Kamiya Dojo. While the rurouni didn't like to fuss, it had become like a holiday at the dojo. One everyone in their "family" celebrated with great joy. For if Kenshin had not come into their lives, there would be no family at all. For the past two years they had celebrated and partied well into dawn.
But this year, Karou wanted it to be a little different. Kenshin had been with
them for almost four years now. With HER for almost four years. It was time he knew she loved him.
'As if he couldn't have known already!' her mind scolded.
"Kamiya-san?"
"Oh!" Karou started, her thoughts interrupted once again. She smiled
apologetically at the shopkeeper, bowing. "Gomen nasai, Yegashi-san. That will be all, yes."
Yegashi smiled, bowing in return. "I will wrap these for you then."
"Arigato," Karou said with a nod.
"Karou-nechan, daijoubu?" Ayame asked.
"Genki desu," Karou replied, smiling. "Let's go pick up our material, ne?"
"Hooray!" Suzume called, jumping up and down happily as Yegashi extended the package of material to the young girl.
"Now mind the package, Suzume-chan," Yegashi told her.
Karou searched her purse for the correct amount of money. She had been certain to bring enough, but after lunch at the Akebeko at a stop at the ribbon store, she wasn't sure what was left. Fishing the last coin from the bottom of her purse, she handed the money to the shopkeeper.
"Arigato, Kamiya-san," Yegashi replied, bowing from behind the counter.
"Onegai! You must show me the finished product when it is completed."
"H-hai," Karou replied with a nod. Then she ushered Ayame and Suzume from the store, the smaller girl clutching the neatly wrapped material close to her chest.
'I've got less than a week to work on his gift. Oh, Karou, I hope you know what you've gotten yourself into.'
**R**K** **R**K** **R**K**
The sun was just past the early noon mark in the sky. Kenshin had been working since breakfast. Well before that actually, considering he had to MAKE breakfast. And hang the laundry out to dry. And sweep the front walkway. The list of chores today seemed to be endless. But Kenshin didn't care. Even after four years at the Kamiya family dojo, the chores didn't bother him. Thirteen years ago he never would've seen himself preparing meals and doing laundry. No, he was too busy fighting a war. Killing many innocent people. Even after he left the war behind, becoming a wanderer, household chores were not an issue. His life was not even an issue. He was ready to die.
Or so he thought.
Then he found Kamiya Karou. Or rather, she found him. What a strange twist of fate that had been, his mind told him. She faced him forthright with a wooden sword. Certainly no match for even his reversed-blade sword. But that didn't matter to Karou. She managed to clobber him, forcing him onto the ground in a back alley.
The memory brought a smile to Kenshin's face as he hung the last sheet on the drying line. But the smile faded as another realization came to him. Four years. Had it really been that long? He still remembered meeting Karou like it was only yesterday.
Funny how time passes you by, Kenshin told himself. Oh, but what a time it's been!
He picked up the empty laundry basket and carried it back inside the house.
Once the basket was put away, he walked slowly down the hallway to his room. There was still one more thing he needed to do today. He needed to pick up something in town. Something special.
And with any luck, he would be able to avoid Karou while she was still at the
market.
Grabbing a small pouch of coins from under his tatami mattress, Kenshin walked back out into the courtyard. He tucked the pouch neatly inside the sleeve of his gi. As he made his way to the front door of the dojo, he could hear Yahiko practicing in the dojo. The boy was extremely loud today, practicing a new technique Karou had shown him.
Yahiko had matured a lot since Kenshin first met him. The young boy who wanted to be a warrior was now becoming a man. He'd grown a good foot just in the past year. He was already taller than Kenshin. But he was still shorter than Sano, and the street fighter never ceased to remind the young man of the fact. His sixteenth birthday had passed only two months ago. Karou had wanted to throw him a big party, but Yahiko didn't want a party. Well, he got a small one anyway...just Kenshin, Karou, Megumi, Sanosuke, Dr. Genzai, Ayame and Suzume, and Tsubume-chan. The festivities only lasted about an hour, maybe two. He spent the rest of night training knowing that, soon, Kenshin would start teaching him some of the basic Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu techniques.
Not that Kenshin needed to teach him, really. Yahiko had seen Kenshin fight so many times that the young man had picked up most of the basics. All that was really left was practice and perfection...something Kenshin himself needed a little of from time to time. But a promise was a promise, Kenshin reminded himself. And he wasn't going to break his promise.
Smiling, Kenshin walked through the front door of the dojo. He looked first
left, then right. An old woman was walking up the street on her way into town, but there was no sign of Karou.
'Good,' he thought with a smile. 'I may be able to do this without any
trouble.'
The market was busy as Kenshin walked through town. And as he hoped, there was no sign of Karou. His nerves more at ease, he made several stops along the way. Hapensai-san had his usual vegetable cart set up between two larger stands. Kenshin stopped long enough to pick up some fresh vegetables and to hear about Hapensai's new grandson. Kenshin thanked the man many times before he was finally able to get away.
Tae was shaking out the rugs from the Akabeko as Kenshin walked by. She smiled happily and said good morning. The rurouni returned her greeting and briefly stopped to chat. His nerves began jumping again, wondering if Karou would catch him away from the dojo. But then Tae excused herself to return to work. Kenshin sighed with relief and moved on to the next stop.
The blacksmith was happy to see Kenshin. He immediately showed Kenshin several of his latest forges, including a new reversed-blade. Kenshin looked them over carefully, giving his approval to each one.
Finally Kenshin made it Kirin-san's jewelry shop. It was a small shop, tucked
away neatly in the corner of one of the older city buildings. Kirin normally
had a stand in the market, but decided to move into a shop. Kirin was getting on in age, and he always thought it was safer inside.
"Ken-san, I was afraid you'd forget about your package."
Kenshin smiled as he entered the shop. Kirin's daughter, Lerna, was standing behind the counter, straightening some displays. She was dressed as any woman of sixteen would, her hair neatly tied back with a large green ribbon. She smiled in return, reaching under the counter for a small package.
"Is your father ill?" Kenshin asked, approaching the counter.
"Iie," Lerna replied. She stood up straight, holding out a small wrapped
package to Kenshin. "He's only napping. I can wake him up if you wish to speak to him."
"Please don't," Kenshin replied waving a hand. "I'm sure everything's in
order."
"Father checked the package when it came in," Lerna replied. She leaned forward against the counter, nodding to the package now in Kenshin's hand. "You can open it and check it yourself if you wish."
"Arigato," he said, setting the package on the table. He pulled the string
holding the parchment around the box. As soon as the string was loosened the parchment opened and fell, revealing a small blue box. It was no bigger than Kenshin's palm and it was made from a strange material. Kirin had called it velvet.
Taking a deep breath, Kenshin opened the box.
"Kawaii," Lerna muttered, leaning more to get a better look.
"It looks to be all right," Kenshin said, examining the inside of the box.
With a finger he touched the contents of the box. It was a golden ring with a
white stone in the center. The stone was small, but the clarity was brilliant.
It glittered in the light of the shop.
"Thank your father for me," Kenshin told Lerna, closing the box. He re-wrapped it quickly, then placed the pouch of coins on the counter. "I must return home now."
"I will," the young girl said, waving as he left the shop. "Come back soon!"
Kenshin sighed as he stepped back out onto the street. He stared at the package in his hand. He'd looked at the little ring day after day when Karou would send him to the market. Kirin-san was kind enough to show it to him every day for the past three months.
The idea of buying it as a gift struck him about a month ago. He wasn't quite sure why. The last time he had given a ring to Karou there had been nothing but trouble. Karou's feelings had been hurt and there had been a misunderstanding. He didn't want that this time.
His feelings for Karou were now becoming apparent to him. Actually they had
been apparent for the past few months. Or rather, for the past year. He'd
tried to ignore it, but he wouldn't any longer. After all the worry, all the
trouble, all the danger, he was finally ready.
And the anniversary of his first night at the Kamiya family dojo was the perfect day to celebrate.
Glad he'd managed to accomplish this one last task without any trouble, Kenshin started home, holding the package securely in front of him. He kept a watch for Karou, or Suzume or Ayame who were supposed to be with her. Even if Karou wouldn't spot him, the girls were quite good and spotting him in a crowd.
"Oy! Kenshin!"
"Sano!"
Kenshin was surprised to find Sanosuke walking through town at such an early hour. Well, it was the just after noon, but it was early for Sanosuke. The young man had probably been out gambling all night again. It was one of Sano's favorite past times. And even more so since his luck had been good.
The young street fighter made his way across the street. He had seen Kenshin walk into the jewelry shop. But he didn't believe his eyes. He smiled as he crossed the street, waving to his friend.
"Kenshin, what are you doing in town? Wanna stop by the Akabeko for a drink?"
"I had to pick up a few things," Kenshin replied, smiling politely. He held up
the bag of vegetables for Sano, conveniently covering the package in his other hand. "For dinner tonight. And I'm afraid I can't stop now. I need to get back and wash the vegetables."
"Aw, well," Sano said with a friendly smile. "Dinner sounds delicious. "Think Jo-chan would complain if I stopped by?"
"I always make enough," Kenshin replied with a light laugh. "Stop on by."
"Yosha," Sano said, punching on hand into the other. "I'll see you then."
"See you then."
Sanosuke watched as Kenshin walked away. Something was definitely up. The rurouni seemed a bit on edge. And what was he doing in town today? It was unlike Kenshin to buy something in town unless Karou had asked him to. And it was unlikely that whatever he bought was for himself. Kenshin didn't do that either.
So then, what did he buy?
And who was it for?
A smile passed Sano's lips. He was up for a good challenge. And he was pretty sure he could guess who the gift was for, if not what it was. What else did one buy in a jewelry store if not a token of affection?
'He'll take FOREVER to give it to Jo-chan, I bet,' he thought as he continued
his trek down the street towards the Akabeko restaurant. He paused mid-stride for a moment; a scheming smile appeared on his face. Then he continued on without missing a step.
'But I can change that.'
**R**K** **R**K** **R**K**
"Ojichan!"
"Ah, Suzume-chan, Ayame-chan!"
Both girls raced inside the medical clinic, hugging their grandfather and nearly toppling themselves to the floor. Dr. Genzai was in the front room, welcoming the girls with open arms. He smiled happily, hugging them tightly.
"Did you have fun at market today?" he asked the girls.
"Hai!" they both replied enthusiastically, nodding their heads.
"Konnichiwa, Genzai-sensei," Karou greeted with a smile.
"Karou-san! Konnichiwa!" he said, releasing the girls from a bear hug. "Did
you find what you were looking for?"
"Hai," Karou answered with a nod. "The girls were a great help."
Suzume tilted her head to one side, a hopeful look in her eyes. "Will you make me a new kimono too, Karou-neechan?"
Ayame looked at her sister disapprovingly. "Suzume, don't be rude...."
"It's all right, Ayame-chan," Karou replied with a smile. "I would be happy to
make you one, Suzume-chan."
The little girl beamed happily.
"Is Megumi-san busy? There was something I wished to borrow from her."
"Ah, I think she's in the back with a patient," Dr. Genzai replied. "Why don't
you go on back, Karou-san."
"Arigato."
Karou walked back to the end of the hall. There was a curtain on her right,
light pouring through the opening. She carefully slid part of the curtain back.
She could see Megumi's raven hair, tied back in a ponytail. The older woman was dressed in her usual garb for the clinic. She was just finishing up with a patient, explaining a few things to him.
"Now, you must remember to stay out of trouble. Or the next time it will be
more than just a fractured rib. Understand Jin-kun?"
"Hai," quibbled the voice of a young boy. Megumi stood and a young boy of
thirteen slid from the examination table. He was frowning as he left, but it
was apparent he had been crying earlier, his eyes still bloodshot and red.
Karou felt her heart go out to him. It was no fun cracking ribs, even in fun.
"Ah, Karou-san," Megumi said upon noticing her. "Konnichiwa. What brings you to the clinic?" She examined the younger girl closely. "You didn't burn
yourself trying to cook again, did you?"
Karou's smile waned. She hated to be reminded that she couldn't cook. "Iie. I was hoping you had found the dark thread I asked you about."
"Oh yes," Megumi replied with a nod. "I was able to pick some up on my way through town yesterday. It's a very odd color to find. Even the vendor said so." Megumi grabbed a towel from the table and wiped her hands. "Let me wash up and I'll get it for you."
"Hai. Arigato."
Megumi left the room momentarily. When she returned, she was carrying two small spools of thread. That's when she noticed the small package Karou was carrying.
"I thought you bought all the material you needed."
"Oh this?" Karou said indicating her package. She averted her eyes, trying to
think of a quick lie. "I thought I should buy extra. Just in case."
"Ah," Megumi replied, not totally convinced. She smiled, handing her the
thread. "Here you go. And don't worry about paying me back. Just let me see the kimono when it's finished."
Karou blinked in surprise. "Sure, Megumi-san. Arigato."
Megumi watched Karou leave with one eyebrow raised. Was it her imagination, or was the little girl finally going to make her move on Ken-san? She SAID she bought the material for a new kimono. But, if Karou had really wanted THAT she would've made it already. Megumi couldn't dispute Karou's sewing skills. Unlike her cooking skills, her sewing was quite good.
The older woman couldn't admit her jealousy either. She was happy for Karou, that she was. But she also couldn't help but feel a little sad. For all the attention she'd given to Kenshin in the past three years, it was apparent who he wanted to be with. Even if he didn't know it himself yet!
'Well, I'll change that,' she thought with a wicked smile. But the smile
changed quickly to one of politeness as the next patient came through the door. She'd have to wait until her shift at the clinic was finished. THEN she could make her plans for Karou and Kenshin.
"Oy, Fox! You in there?"
Megumi sighed, frowning. What could HE possibly want? She apologized to the patient before answering.
"I'm busy, rooster-head. Come back later."
"But this is important," Sano replied.
Megumi sighed again, shaking her head. "I'll be out when I'm finished."
The patient thanked Megumi as she left, her right hand totally bandaged.
Sanosuke watched through uninterested eyes as the middle-aged woman left the clinic, stopping one last time to bow in the doorway before departing. When the door was finally closed, Megumi motioned for Sanosuke to follow her into the back room.
"So what is so important?" Megumi asked.
"I...." Sanosuke frowned. The idea had sounded good about three minutes ago. So why couldn't he just come out and say it now? "I...need...your help...with something." He sighed. "There I said it."
Megumi was startled. Sanosuke was asking for help. This was definitely a
surprise. She walked from the doorway to a nearby bench. Seating herself she looked at Sanosuke with interest.
"And what, pray tell, do you need help with?"
"Not, what. Who."
Realization began to dawn on the woman. "Kenshin and Karou." It was a
statement, not a question.
Sano nodded. "I'm certain I saw Kenshin in the jewelry store earlier today.
Something's up. But I know Kenshin. He'll take forever...."
"And so will Karou-san," Megumi added. "She's up to something too."
"So how do we get the two of them together?" Sano asked. "They'll tip-toe
around each other until next summer!"
Megumi smiled, a plan forming. She leaned over, lowering her voice so that only Sanosuke could hear her. Her eyes twinkled mischievously.
"Here's what we'll do...."
~~TO BE CONTINUED~~
Disclaimer: I don't own Kenshin...these characters are used without permission...no need to sue 'cause I'm not making any money from them....
