Taming Lessons - Part II - Ch 2/4

[Silent Moon Sphinx]

Taming Lessons - Part II - Kenshin and Kaoru

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or any of its characters. This is for entertainment purposes only, meaning I am not making a profit off of this work of fiction.
Rating: G/PG
Warnings: Some more mild swearing...not too bad, tho.
Reminder: Events that have taken place in the past are contained within these <>*<>*<> kewl thingys!
AN: Love to the Beta! Dreamer's so cool...and she don't need no big hat to prove it! (Sorry...I think i need to get out more...^^;; )

Excerpt below from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Little Prince:
?I did not know how to take
pleasure in all her grace?

The fact is that I did not know
how to understand anything at all!
She cast her fragrance and her radiance over me.
I ought never to have run away from her?
I ought to have guessed all the affection that lay
behind her poor little stratagems.
Flowers are so inconsistent!
But I was too young to know how to love her?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chapter Two:
Waking Up to a Woman


This place. What is this place? Kenshin wondered to himself. It was dark?and cold. He was lying down?or maybe he was floating. He tried to move his body, but all he felt was a dull ache. He tried to open his eyes, but all he saw was red?that deep blood red. And then the events of the night before came pouring like the red blood back to him. Oh yes?he knew what this was now. He was drifting in his nightmares?and it seemed his mind could not escape the self-made torture of replaying what had gone horribly wrong.

<>*<>*<>

They had slipped past the first set of guards easily enough, both men finding the rhythm of the days of old, when they were warriors of the night, and too quick with their blades for any enemy to scream even as they came upon them.

The way the swordsmen moved gracefully further and further into the compound--still undetected--held almost a subtle beauty, like an artist at work. These were two masters of their craft, and now were completely focused on their task at hand. Guards fell silently, or were too busy daydreaming, that they didn?t even notice the stealthy invasion.

All too easily, Saitou and Kenshin found themselves inside the enormous building. And before anyone noticed a great deal of guards had gone missing, the two men were already well on their way to the underground level of the estate, where Saburo was supposedly housing his men until all of his forces were fully assembled and prepped for their assignment. Little did the hunter know, his carefully laid plans would be moved up and his prey would voluntarily walk right into his lair.

The thought had occurred to Kenshin on more than occasion why Saitou himself was stepping right into the stronghold of the man who wanted him dead, as if dangling a present just out of an eager child?s reach. But the rurouni supposed Saitou?s pride simply forbade him to hide away while a police force tried to infiltrate the estate. Besides, from what Saitou mentioned to Kenshin of the dependability and skill of the current police, it was a wonder Japan was not overrun by thieves, at least in the wolf?s lofty opinion.

Focusing his mind on battle preparations, Kenshin determined that dealing with the former Shinsengumi members would prove to be the most difficult matter?at least he hoped. Both he and Saitou were only armed with just their swords. If Saburo had anything else planned--that perhaps the Oniwaban had missed--then the situation could become very dangerous, very quickly.

Even though it was now past midnight, lamplight still poured out of the room, hidden deep within the many layers of the western style mansion. Saitou and Kenshin had just descended a final set of stairs when they came upon a large chamber of men. Some were practicing with their swords, some were laughing and gambling with dice, while still others were gathered around a table filled with papers. Yet the whole room seemed to stop and fall hushed with the appearance of the two sword-wielding men.

With all eyes focused on him, even in this now deadly situation, Saitou seemed utterly amused. Kenshin, on the other hand, stood closely behind him, his mouth in a slight frown. He was waiting patiently until Saitou made the first move, as it was really his mission, after all. Though Kenshin knew that because they had not attacked and caused confused right away, they had by now lost most of their advantage of surprise. However, Saitou seemed to be enjoying their unexpected visit a little too much.

?If anyone is here for easy money, I suggest you leave now,? the smug intruder told the group of men, staring at him in disbelief, as the wolf slowly drew his sword. ?Or you will discover working for Ishikawa Saburo was the biggest mistake of your life. And even your life I cannot guarantee, for while the Battousai has become forgiving over the years, I have not.?

A predictable scary Saitou smirk followed, and Kenshin just shook his head. Saitou was always one for trash-talk, and often a quite elaborate banter at that.

Only a few of the men began to step away from the intruders uneasily, probably the hired gang members who had heard enough stories of the Battousai to foresee their inevitable defeat.

At this point, a giant man from behind the table in the center of the room stepped forward, producing a sword of his own. He looked to the two men, stuggling to suppress his surprise. ?So it?s you?but first things first. If any man leaves, you will answer to my sword!? he roared to his group before advancing upon Saitou, followed by a large group of men whom Kenshin recognized as probably being the former Shinsengumi. ?Saitou Hajime?what a pleasant surprise. This certainly was not planned, but you?ve saved me the trouble of going out looking for you. Now, I can kill you right here.?

Saitou scoffed. ?As a traitor to the Shinsengumi, I should have killed you long ago. Let me remedy that now!? Saitou practically growled the last words as he lunged towards Saburo, the wolf?s speed almost catching the bigger man off-guard.

?I will honor Itou Kashitarou by ending your life. And don?t think I will stop there!? Saburo spat as he barely missed Saitou?s sword. However, the Ishikawa brother was full of a passionate energy that even a more advanced swordsman should not take lightly.

Kenshin tensed to prepare for his own upcoming fight. Everyone?s swords skills were probably a bit rusty, due to the number of years that had passed since the revolution. At least Saitou and himself were better off than the others, the rurouni reasoned, for Kenshin was certain no one in this room could compare to the skill it took to fend off Shishio. The red-head quickly judged the match up between Saitou and Saburo before diving into battle with the now charging former wolves and remaining gang member. It was a match Saitou could win--speed and skill verses muscle and malice--thus Kenshin focused his attentions on the immediate threat of twenty-something swordsmen, and sighed to himself. It was going to be a long night?

~*~*~

Saitou?s plan couldn?t have been running more smoothly. Saburo?s men were in a state of confusion. Many of the hired gang members had snuck away during the fight, although one or two haughty ones did have to be put into place by Kenshin?s reverse-blade sword. The red-head was fairing well enough with the previous Wolves of Mibu, yet their numbers proved a challenge to contended with for one man, especially as Kenshin was nowhere near Battousai mode.

As expected, Saitou?s Gatotsu had eventually managed to hit its mark and wound the less skilled Saburo. But only then had the wolf?s mission hit a snag. Seeing their leader was injured, the Shinsengumi deserters now focused their attentions to Saitou. Thus, Saburo was able to make an escape out of the room, as Saitou and Kenshin were dealing with the last of their opponents.

By this time, even though the fight was fairly quick, the noise from battling had attracted the estate guards to the area, so they needed to be dealt with before Saburo could be located.

?Where could he have gone, and in his condition?? Kenshin questioned through ragged breaths, as Saitou cursed to himself. ?You injured him pretty badly in the leg, didn?t you??

?Yes, and the arm, too,? the wolf answered angrily. ?Hopefully, he?ll just bleed to death, but I don?t think I?ll be that lucky.?

?We should really find him, that we should,? Kenshin noted, brushing Saitou?s tasteless comments aside. ?I want to be sure he does not harm your family. Now that his grand plan has failed, he will probably be desperate. Who knows what he might do.?

?Agreed,? the wolf finally conceded. ?One of these low-lives must know more about him and where he may be hiding, along with any future plans.? Saitou looked to the beaten men scattered about the floor. While both the wolf and the rurouni fended off their enemies, they amazingly managed to work together so that often Kenshin would deliver the final blow, so as to afford the least amount of casualties using his reverse-blade.

?Damn it, Himura, did you have to knock them all out cold?? Saitou questioned irritably as he lifted a man?s head by his ponytail, only to have it fall back to the floor with a loud ?thud? when he released his grip.

?Better than dead,? was all Kenshin could offer, his previously intense and narrowed eyes now having gone wide and innocent again.

?So you say,? Saitou snapped, but then paused as he looked to be mulling something over in his head. ?Didn?t there used to be thirteen of them??

He was referring to the former members of the Shinsengumi, who were easily recognizable amongst the colorful gang characters and the uniformed estate guards. Indeed, Kenshin agreed one seemed to have slipped out of the picture, probably aiding Saburo in his escape.

The youngest Ishikawa brother was most likely long gone by now, even in his wounded state, along with his henchman. Kenshin had suggested looking for Ichiro, but Saitou knew he was currently out of the country on business. All the rurouni and police chief could do at present was watch and wait.

The sun rose gently, in a wash of pinks and gold. The hues seemed so delicate, yet somehow inappropriate after the fighting that had just taken place. But the day began just as it always had, nature now oblivious to the consent battles on the earth. And just as morning came, so did the slumbering, defeated foes of Saitou and Kenshin start to wake.

~*~*~

?Are you sure it was this far away?? Kenshin questioned as he followed Saitou skeptically. It was now well into mid-morning, and they still had not located their fugitives.

?The bastard said Ishikawa had storehouses hidden all throughout the surrounding woods, didn?t he? Saburo is probably hiding in one. We could be looking for days and still never find him. Ishikawa?s amount of property is sickeningly large.? Saitou spat, his mood worsening every passing moment.

?I?m surprised no one noticed us when we camped out last night, that I am,? Kenshin noted, as he studied his surrounding intently, looking for anything suspicious.

?I admit I had no idea Ishikawa Ichiro was storing his illegal weapons over such an extensive area. I had always been skeptical of where he hid the damn things, as the police had reason to search his house during one investigation. We took him by surprise, yet he came up clean. I guess the mansion was so huge, we assumed he would just be hiding weapons there. It?s true Ichiro may be a smart man, but he?s just not smart enough to realize that whether the weapons are in his house or in his whole damn backyard forest, it doesn?t make a difference to me. He?s still dealing illegal weapons on the black market and it?s still his property. If that is what all of these fancy suits are doing in the country, then I?m going to have to kil--? the wolf glanced at Kenshin?s frustrated look, then rolled his eyes, ?reeducate an annoying amount of people.?

Kenshin was about to congratulate Saitou on his restraint to want to kill every money-hungry businessman in the country, when he sensed a ki flare in the distance. The smaller swordsman stopped suddenly, Saitou immediately catching on to the sudden, eerie chill in the woods as they approached a particularly shaded section.

?You bastard!? was all that could be heard from the shadowed hollow of trees ahead of them. Before Saitou, who was usually more aware of such dangers, could register the owner of the voice, he heard Kenshin yell something about a gun and to look out. He then felt himself crashing to the ground after a flash of red pummeled him, while a horribly loud sound rang through the forest and streaks of silver cut through the air.

When the sound stopped not a few seconds later, a fuming Saitou immediately picked himself up and charged forward, finding himself grow terribly numb at the sight before him. A bundle of red was lying next to a now powerless gattling gun and a giggling Saburo, who was standing beside another man.

?What the HELL do you think you?re laughing at, you worthless DOG?? Saitou was raging, his hand easily finding the hilt of his sword, and he drew it out while he advanced. Saburo, on the other hand, was smartly drawing away from the scene, as a former Shinsengumi member produced his own sword to protect his companion. The Ishikawa brother was still finding something extremely humorous in the situation. In fact, he was acting downright crazy, as he continually spoke to himself rather creepily, ?Even better?even better?one out of two?one?this one.?

In all of his rage, Saitou easily struck down the swordsman blocking the way to his ultimate foe with a single, deadly Gatotsu. He was about to go after the retreating Saburo, when he heard the weak voice of Kenshin call out words of protest at his kill. Immediately the wolf froze, recognizing the seriousness of the rurouni?s condition. He paused to regard Saburo, then having made a crucial decision, he turned back to the wounded red-hed, sheathing his sword. But not before he called out to the fleeing Saburo through the darkened forest with such venom to give anyone nightmares for the rest of his life, ? You @&*#!&$ coward! Don?t for one moment think you?ve escaped! I will hunt you down. And when I find you, you?ll wish to God you were in Hell!?

Meanwhile, Kenshin was balled up on the damp forest floor, his mind trying to absorb what his lightening fast body had just done in an effort to save the unaware wolf. Sensing a killing ki and the glint of something metallic up ahead, he had tackled Saitou before running through a deadly shower of metal, attempting to avoid an endless attack of bullets with his sword. He had sliced through the gattling gun the youngest Ishikawa was operating and stopped Saburo?s revenge, but realized something was terribly wrong when he felt such a pain after he landed on the ground that he had never experienced before.

It felt like he was burning all over his body, burning so hot, in fact, that he began to feel that dangerous kind of icy heat, where the pain is too much for the mind to take. He started to slip out of consciousness, his body trying to protect itself so as not to feel the pain. He thought he saw Saitou fighting and tried to call out to him, but he suddenly felt as though he were disappearing, as all sensations in his body began to fade. The fallen warrior managed to spot the wolf coming to his aid just before he slipped into the depths of enclosing darkness.

Kenshin vaguely remembered things after that. Sometimes he would awake, and discern he was being half dragged, half carried by Saitou, but then immediately his world would turn black again?

<>*<>*<>

But right now he felt warm, like his body was pressed up to the softest heat source, and he snuggled closer to it despite himself. That was?until a thought struck him.

Dear God, I?m not cuddling with Saitou am I!?!

Kenshin abruptly woke from his dreaming state. The rurouni had never been so relieved in all of his life to find the delicate hands of a woman gripping his gi and a mass of long, dark hair flowing around him. However, the fact that a woman was lying next to him gave Kenshin yet another shock, and he attempted to sit up a bit, until a horrible pain seemed to shoot throughout his whole body.

The red-head grunted in response, and the sound coupled with his movements caused the other body to stir as well. Kenshin?s pain immediately dissipated, however, when he looked down to see the sleepy, ocean blue eyes of Kaoru innocently peering up at him.

She was cuddled as cozily as a little kitten, resting right up against his side, her head having been nuzzled against his chest. She must have reached out to him in her sleep, thus her arm rested gently atop his stomach, bunching a good deal of his gi in the grasp of her fingers.

?Good morning, Miss Kaoru,? Kenshin said in his usual cheery voice, his pain numbed by one of his greatest fantasies having come true, as Kaoru had been sleeping next to him when he woke up.

The girl immediately flushed with embarrassment, realizing her compromising position, yet was more taken with relief and joy now that Kenshin had regained consciousness. Dr. Gensai had mentioned to her that making it through last night would be the hardest part of the swordsman?s recovery. Now that Kenshin was smiling at her again, Kaoru couldn?t have cared in the least that she had accidentally fallen asleep next to the rurouni when she had been looking after him.

Kenshin watched with amusement in his eyes as the girl became aware of her surroundings. She looked beautiful in the morning, more so than he ever could have imagined. The morning light cast a glow on the room through the papered walls, causing her eyes to shine, while her face appeared surrounded with a halo of light.

Suddenly, the angel sprang to life, and wrapped the surprised swordsman in a hug that caused him to fall flat back onto his beddings. He cringed at the short burst of pain as he landed, but was rewarded with the heavenly, sweet scent of Kaoru holding him closely, as she whispered a relieved, ?Oh, Kenshin?in his ear. She was so light and soft, that even when pressed against him and his injured body, Kenshin felt nothing but sheer comfort at her touch.

The hug lasted longer than usual, but still felt far shorter than Kenshin would have wished it, and he hid his disappointment quickly, when Kaoru broke away to gaze down upon him.

?Kenshin?? she breathed softly, ?I can?t believe you!!!?

Her last comment was practically shouted, catching the rurouni off guard for the third time this morning, and he looked at the exasperated girl in confusion. Even in all the years of living with her, Kenshin could never quite seem to understand the girl.

?How could you have let this happen to yourself? Just look at you!? she cried, pointing out five various bandaged areas, three on his arms, one on his leg and the other on his side.

?You?ve made me sick with worry! How could you do that, Kenshin?? Kaoru exclaimed almost angrily, yet her shouts turned to tears as she could no longer control her emotion. At this point, Kenshin managed to sit back up and uneasily bring his arms around her. Kaoru quietly sobbed against his chest, cursing him and thanking him at the same time. All the while, Kenshin just rubbed her back quietly, knowing Kaoru was the dearest of creatures, and this was simply her way of expressing her concern. Perhaps he did understand her a little better than he thought?

After Kaoru?s tears had been wiped away, the girl now sat quietly, incredibly embarrassed at her outburst. She was still very close to Kenshin, but kept her gaze fixed firmly towards the floor when, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed him studying her.

Kenshin could see the weariness in her eyes, and her face seemed paler than normal. ?Miss Kaoru,? he said quietly, timidly tucking a hand under her chin to gently bring her face to look up at him. ?Did you stay awake watching over me??

She couldn?t look away sheepishly, with his warm hand fixing her attentions on him. Slowly, she nodded in response. But as she was looking at him, her eyes began to water yet again.

?Why?why are you crying, Miss Kaoru?? Kenshin asked in concern.

?You just?I?m just so happy you?re back, Kenshin. That you?re alive. I was so afraid. But now, I can?t help but cry, I?m so happy.? She took his outstretched hand, and squeezed it with her own.

?Oh, my! What am I thinking!?? Kaoru said suddenly, making to get up. ?How do you feel? I?ll go bring you some tea! And then I need to tell Dr. Gensai you?re awake, and then I must prepare--?

The rising girl was stopped suddenly, as Kenshin?s grip on her hand did not let her go.

?Please, Miss Kaoru?? the swordsman interrupted the frazzled girl. His head was bowed low, so that his hair hid his face, and after taking a moment, he continued on with his soft request, ?Please, will you just stay here a moment and sit with me??

?I?of course, Kenshin.? Kaoru sat back down, and waited to assist the wounded warrior in any way she could. But soon it became apparent that Kenshin?s plea for her to sit was just exactly that. He continued to hold her hand, the two of them sitting in silence, and Kaoru thought it best not to disturb him. Perhaps, in his own quiet way, Kenshin was telling Kaoru that he was just as afraid as she had been, and just as happy that he was back with her again.

~*~*~

It was almost evening when Dr. Gensai had finished assessing Kenshin?s injuries. The swordsman was making a miraculous recovery, but he still was instructed to stay in bed until the doctor was satisfied his wounds were well healed.

Kaoru continued to faithfully attend Kenshin, despite his protests that she still had a dojo to run and could not be looking after him. Kaoru promptly dismissed Kenshin?s concerns, assuring him that she already had everything taken care of.

?You never think of yourself, do you, Kenshin?? Kaoru asked him lightly, as she sat down next to him with a tray of tea.

?It?s just?I don?t want to be a burden, that?s all,? the swordsman replied with a lopsided smile. ?I?m really feeling much better, even Dr. Gensai was surprised at how well I was doing. You?ve helped so much already.? Kenshin didn?t want to mention the fact that Kaoru had already almost burned down the house trying to make a special soup for him, not to mention that she had sewn one of his sleeves together when she was trying to mend his bullet-hole filled gi.

Kenshin couldn?t believe the rising flush in his cheeks when he noticed the girl was now studying him. As much as Kaoru had been running around all day tending to things, she was still spending a considerable amount of time just keeping him company. The rurouni didn?t know if this was an altogether good thing, either. As much as he savored the precious moments alone with Kaoru, he was also feeling extremely uncomfortable trying to keep his cool exterior from showing any of the feelings the woman had awakened.

?Kenshin?? Kaoru?s voice broke through his ponderings. ?You?re always looking out for the rest of us,? she said quietly, settling down next to the red-head with a cup of tea in hand. ?Even Saitou.?

She looked up to him then, her eyes searching his, yet he trained his face to keep the small smile and distant expression he always wore to guard him.

?I was wondering?why did you agree to help him?? Kaoru asked.

Kenshin sighed, lifting his own cup of tea off the platter slowly. ?Saitou has many enemies, that he does?more so than perhaps even me.?

The injured swordsman brought the teacup to his lips and took a sip of the soothing liquid before continuing. It would take a bit of explaining to answer Kaoru?s question, as the girl knew he and the wolf were certainly not always on the best of terms.

?Well you see, Miss Kaoru, Saitou was on the wrong side at the end of the revolution, and wasn?t exactly a favorite with the Shinsengumi either?well, the corrupt ones at least. I don?t know if you were aware, but it was Saitou?s job to eliminate any Shinsengumi member who broke the code of the Wolves. He executed those who had lost their honor, no matter their station. I had known there were often threats on his life during the years after the revolution, but it wasn?t anything Saitou couldn?t handle. This time, though?? Kenshin paused, shaking his head. ?I?m glad he asked for help, that I am.?

Kaoru nodded, and continued to listen intently.

?Saitou can be a very stubborn and haughty man, that he most definitely can,? Kenshin laughed a bit, though wincing as he did so. ?But he is also very smart. With a third son born not too long ago, I know he did not want to take any chances. It was not often threats were extended to his family. Someone wanted to tear his world apart.?

Kenshin stopped to place a hand on Kaoru?s, as she had been starting at her tea while listening to his heartfelt words. The girl looked up and was met with glowing violet eyes.

?I could not let that happen,? Kenshin said softly, though his tone was firm, ?not to Saitou, not to Miss Tokio, not to their children. A child of the Meiji should not grow up in fear of past demons. If I ever had a child, I should not want him branded as a target just to break me--?

The man was forlorn, yet Kaoru shook her while placing her other hand over his own. ?Hush now,? she said. ?That will never happen,? she said softly to reassure and calm him. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around him.

They had not touched like this often, yet in less than a day, the swordsman had felt closer to Kaoru than ever before?and such contact made Kenshin more aware of a great many things. His heart sped at the touch of the girl who was embracing him. He noticed Kaoru, who could be so rough and tough, was now like the warmest, gentlest caress as she melted next to time, now resting her head lightly on his shoulder.

The rurouni was stilled, not quite sure of what to do, wondering if this was at all proper, until a quiet voice drifted up to him again.

?Rest, Kenshin.? Kaoru?s words seemed to wash away all doubt. Her wildflower scent overtook him, and he pleasantly drifted into a peaceful state with the girl at his side. Perhaps another time, their hesitant hearts would have made this awkward, but the rurouni was amazed to find that Kaoru was never more calm or confident than when she was taking care of him. Had he never realized that this was whom she really was all along, hiding behind the fa?ade of a hot-tempered child? Or was it that even though he adored his child-like, cheerful, lively Kaoru so much, before his very eyes, she had now turned into a woman who had the undeniable power to make him fall dangerously and deeply in love?

He could hear her breathing softly now, with steady, even breaths?an alluring rhythm that calmed him as no other could. And feeling rather sleepy himself, or delirious with a completely different emotion he had yet to address, Kenshin softly hugged Kaoru tighter to him and laid both of them back gently to the futon. Her silky hair splayed again him, and he nuzzled her into the crook of one of his arms, perfectly content to stay in this position the rest of his life if it were possible. Tossing all of his usual propriety aside, Kenshin finally closed his eyes and turned to breath in the scent of the slumbering woman snuggling next to him before he himself drifted off to sleep. He would deal with his conscious on this matter later, for what could be the harm in taking a little nap?

~*~*~

?Oh my God, mark this day in history, ?cause the world?s gonna end!?

Kenshin was startled out of his sleep by a loud?yet familiar voice?which continued its teasing as he tried to gain his bearings.

?Kenshin and Kaoru have finally got it onnnnnn! I repeat, the apocalypse is now!?

Kenshin was quickly growing annoyed at the announcer, yet looked over to verify that again he was lying next to Kaoru, who was also now waking. The swordsman couldn?t help but let a smile escape him. Even with all the racket, there was just something about waking up next to a woman that made Kenshin feel complete. He could definitely get used to this, minus the oh-so-hysterical commentary.

?Yahiko?? Kenshin?s voice held a tone of warning as addressed the young fighter standing in the doorway.

?Jeez, it?s nice to see you too,? the boy quipped. He knew not to push his luck joking with Kenshin, but when Kaoru finally sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, the youth could not contain himself.

?Hey, Ugly, it?s nice to see you finally got some action. I had really given up on ya, there.?

?Yahiko!? the drowsy Kaoru exclaimed, before realization set in. ?WHO ARE YOU CALLING UGLY, YOU BRAT!?? the now wide awake and fuming girl shouted, promptly jumping up from the futon and chasing the new arrival around the dojo.

How easily they fall back into the ways of the past, Kenshin mused to himself as he listened to the sounds of ruthless banter filling the house. He then smiled knowingly. Yes, they must have missed each other more than they thought.

~*~*~

?Well, this is nice, isn?t it? We haven?t all had dinner together in a while,? Kaoru commented merrily as she, Yahiko and Kenshin were all gathered in the swordsman?s room on the floor. Because Kenshin was still too weak to get up, Kaoru had brought the dinner to him so that they could all enjoy the meal at the same time.

?Yes. I?m surprised to see you back so soon from your travels, Yahiko,? said Kenshin, as he examined the trays of food Kaoru had prepared. He was trying not to gaze too skeptically, but they all looked amazingly?good for a change!

?Well, I think I?ve finally figured out what I wanna do with my life,? the boy said as he greedily filled his bowl with rice. ?Plus, I came as soon as I heard what happened. I couldn?t believe you had been injured, Kenshin, I had to see it for myself!?

?Thanks for the concern,? the rurouni muttered, as he hesitantly tasted a piece of fish.

?And what is it, exactly, that you want to do?? Kaoru asked him, in the tone of an overly protective parent.

?Well, you know how Tae had offered me a promotion at the Akebeko?? Yakio said while shoveling food into the cavern of his ever-hungry mouth. ?I think I?m gonna do it, ?cause then when I?ve saved up enough money, I can come back and help ya clean up this run-down dojo and even try to expand some more.?

?This dojo is not run down,? Kaoru defended her home with pride. ?It just may need?a few repairs, that?s all. More students have been coming to train, after all.?

?Yes, exactly,? said Yahiko. His voice was growing louder, which meant he was getting excited. ?Soon I?ll almost be done my training. I remember you said so yourself not too long ago. I can be an adjutant master myself?maybe one day even start my own dojo!?

?Now, now?don?t you think you?re getting a little ahead of yourself?? Kaoru chuckled, and took on her ever-knowing Kamiya-kasshin adjutant master attitude. ?The Kamiya-kasshin style is not something to be taken lightly. It takes years of training. Besides?what more does Tae think you can do at the Akabeko? You?re already a server and delivery boy.?

Yahiko smiled. ?I?m gonna learn how to cook. I figured it would be a useful skill?especially if I was gonna be coming back to help you for awhile. You know, I might actually be able to whip up something edible once and awhile.?

Kaoru huffed. ?Well, I don?t see why you?re complaining. You seem to be inhaling the food I?ve prepared for you!?

?I--? Yahiko was immediately silenced, but only for a moment, as he ended up simultaneously choking on his food due to shock. He had been so excited about his future plans, he hadn?t even noticed he had indeed been devouring Kaoru?s food.

At this time, Kenshin entered the conversation, while Kaoru was patting Yahiko?s back in an attempt to relieve his coughing fit. ?Miss Kaoru, I must say this is very delicious.? He had been pleasantly munching on his meal the whole time, wondering how in the world Kaoru had managed to cook such a scrumptious dish on her own.

?Ugly probably just got lucky,? Yahiko quipped as the last of his coughing subsided, trying to get a rise out of the girl. Kaoru answered his comment with a rather hard whack in the back.

?HEY! I?m alright, already!? Yahiko began to yell. Not wanting a headache this early on in the night, Kenshin quickly spoke again to avoid the shouting spree that was almost certain to follow.

?My pardons, did you try a new recipe, Miss Kaoru??

Kaoru?s murderous stare at Yahiko was thankfully interrupted with Kenshin?s words. ?Oh, well, Kenshin, let me see. Miss Tokio did actually give me some great cooking tips, so I really tried hard to follow her advice. You should have tasted the wonderful meal she made for me!?

?Some of her talent must have rubbed off on you, thank God,? Yahiko responded in a not so quiet whisper.

?Why? Why such harsh words after this meal I have so lovingly prepared for you?? Kaoru?s voice grew strained at her last words, and she quickly lunged at the younger boy, catching him off guard.

The meal continued in a similar fashion, and soon Kenshin had to give up on his peace-making attempts. He simply enjoyed the rest of his meal while the two roughhoused on the floor, only once asking tiredly above their shouts, ?How long is Yahiko staying, again??

~*~*~

Two days had passed since Yahiko had arrived back at the house. Despite his earlier trouble-making, the boy was actually surprisingly helpful. He had offered to train Kaoru?s students and help with chores so that she could take care of Kenshin.

Therefore, the excitement of the past few days had quickly died down and things looked to be returning to normal. Almost.

Kenshin was glad everything at the dojo appeared to be running smoothly without him, thanks to a lot of help from Yahiko, but something still seemed amiss. Kenshin couldn?t quite put his finger on it, but he noticed Kaoru had begun acting rather strangely around him. In fact, he first observed her unusual behavior the other night when she had to help clean his wounds.

It didn?t seem like any big deal to the swordsman. Dr. Gensai had explained to the girl how to properly care for the wounds when he was not around to assist his patient himself. Besides, Kenshin definitely preferred Kaoru?s delicate hands taking care of him than, say, Yahiko's.

The rurouni thought back to yesterday night, when he had sat quietly while Kaoru kneeled closely next to him, preparing to re-dress his wounds. She had reached out her hand, but quickly drew it back, not knowing quite how to start. Kenshin had to suppress the chuckle at her timidity and instead told her he would help. Slowly maneuvering out of his gi, he had given her a reassuring smile. Kaoru?s face looked extremely distracted as she was changing the bandages of his wounds. He thought it odd that she refused to look him in the eye the entire time, and found himself even growing somewhat disappointed that her fingers never lingered on his body for too long. At one point, when her touch did graze one of his muscled arms, her hand felt so hot that Kenshin had asked Kaoru if she felt all right. Needless to say, she finished her bandaging not too long after that and practically ran out of the room.

Kenshin sat pondering Kaoru?s mysterious actions when the girl herself cautiously poked her head into his room. He wondered how she would react tonight, now that it was time for her to again tend to his wounds.

?Miss Kaoru, please come in,? Kenshin said gently. He had already shed his gi in preparation and his face was again smiling up at her lightly, but she still wouldn?t look directly at him.

Kaoru stepped in and sat next to the very shirtless man. They sat in silence for a while as Kaoru went to work undoing the bindings of Kenshin?s wounds.

?My pardons, Miss Kaoru,? Kenshin finally broke the silence, and also seemed to startle the poor girl half to death, as she let out a small yelp. She must have something very heavy weighing down on her mind, the swordsman concluded, as his usually vibrant housemate now seemed so distant and dazed. ?Are you alrig--? Kenshin began, when the girl started talking as well.

?Oh, Kenshin, I meant to tell you, I received a letter from Megumi today. She says she wants to visit to check up on you,? Kaoru let the string of words escape from her lips as if she was trying to avoid something. ?And she mentioned Sano, too, was probably going to show up here at some point. He?s heard about your injuries. Luckily Megumi gave me some warning, so his visit won?t be a complete surprise.?

She finished up tending to one arm and scooted around to work on Kenshin?s other one. ?Isn?t that nice? It will be like a big reunion again??

Kaoru was babbling now, which confused Kenshin even more. She sounded?almost nervous. But the rather dense rurouni couldn?t understand why. She hadn?t been like this the first day after he woke up from being injured. What was different now, he absently wondered, as he watched Kaoru kneel next to his wounded side.

It was the last area that needed cleaning, and by this time, Kaoru had gone completely quiet. Having taken the bandage off of the wound, the girl was now patting it with a warm, damp cloth. Afterwards, she would apply a medicinal ointment to prevent infection.

Kenshin was now beyond perplexed at Kaoru?s actions towards him and finally spoke up. ?Does something offend you, Miss Kaoru??

?What!? No! I mean--noooo?it?s just?that?s just it,? she stammered, and was so frazzled, she dropped the small jar of medicine she had been about to open a moment before.

They both reached down to pick it up, and their hands touched accidentally. Instead of pulling away, Kenshin looked towards Kaoru to see her staring at him intently. She felt it, too, was all his mind seemed to say as both Kenshin and Kaoru sat frozen in each other?s gaze. The air seemed to crackle around them, and finally Kenshin understood what had been bothering Kaoru, or rather, affecting the poor girl. The jolt he got when he touched her heated hand only added to the look in her eyes that spoke nothing but desire.

Although Kenshin had always been able to mask his emotions fairly well, everything Kaoru was feeling lay open and exposed in the depths of her eyes. He could see so clearly right now how she wanted him, it was no wonder she had tried to avert her gaze. Kenshin vaguely wondered why on earth he had not gone sans shirt before, having now seen its surprising effects, but then all thought disappeared as everything started to happen so fast?

The swordsman, having been shocked to notice Kaoru?s eyes raking over his muscular torso and shoulders, was already so bewildered by the situation, that he never even had time to imagine what was going to happen next.

Kaoru leaned in suddenly, catching his lips in surprise. It was a clumsy kiss at first, and the logical part of Kenshin?s mind seemed to shout at him to pull away, but apparently his mouth had other plans.

The more experienced swordsman gently took control of the situation, and soon his lips found the perfect place to melt against Kaoru?s soft mouth. The girl willingly succumbed to the lengthy kiss, finding she enjoyed the sensations much more when she let her instinct take over to follow Kenshin?s lead, and then found herself growing more bold to match his demands.

Before Kenshin knew it, his fingers were entwined in her hair and she had reached out to caress a toned shoulder that had escaped any injury. The sheer bliss he experienced at her touch caused the rurouni to grow more aware of his sensations, of what was happening?and going to happen if neither one of them stopped. Unfortunately, the swordsman knew that something had to be done.

Reluctantly, Kenshin forced himself to release Kaoru?s lips. As much as he hated himself for breaking away from her then, the swordsman felt he had no other option?as another part of his subconscious was starting to surface, one that he didn?t know if he could control.

Kenshin bowed his head so as to not reveal the serious heat on his cheeks as he attempted to figure out what in the hell had just happened.

Out of the corner of his eye he could see her there; she remained startled, her eyes wide, and mouth opened ever so slightly, an inviting fact, which caused Kenshin to have to turn his head away even further from her.

She had kissed him! And he kissed back! The rurouni had quickly overcome his initial shock, but was now currently fighting his more?passionate side from taking over. Oh yes, little did everyone know his Battousai was more than ready to make an appearance for more than just swordfights. Kenshin?s other half had grown quite protective of the Kamiya-kasshin instructor, and was surprisingly the one pushing Kenshin the most out of everyone to give into his desires to claim her.

?Kaoru?? the Battousai breathed in his husky voice ever so painfully slowly. Kenshin couldn?t believe he had just uttered her name?for the first time without honorifics--in such a guttural tone sounding almost erotic that he had to bite his lip to force his more aggressive side to stop.

His words, puncturing the shocked silence, caused the girl to snap out of her frozen state, and she immediately bowed dramatically low. ?I-I-just don?t know what came over me. I?m so sorry,? the words spilled out suddenly. With that, Kaoru dashed away like a startled doe, but Kenshin was positive she was mumbling ?stupid?stupid?stupid? as she made her getaway.

He finally looked up then and watched her disappear. He was the stupid one, he thought as he shook his head. Kaoru had more guts than he did to finally make a move, and all he could do was stumble on words, and then probably scare the poor girl with Battousai?s practically primal growl of her first name. Yes, Kenshin had to finally admit Saitou was right. He really was an idiot.

Kenshin frowned. At least he had somewhat contained himself. The battle with his feelings for Kaoru had been the only fight the infamous swordsman had ever run away from. Somehow, even still, the smell of his bloodied past often drowned out Kaoru?s delicate wildflower scent, along with any hopes that Kenshin could one day be happy with her.

The rurouni was fully prepared to dismiss his certain urgings around Kaoru so that she could one day have a better future than the one he, a former assassin, could offer her.

Kaoru was just confused?yes that was it, Kenshin tried to reassure himself. She?s still young and her emotions get swayed easily. It?s certain this was just a mistake. But his mind, or was it Battousai, could not help but whisper: Then why did it feel so right?

~*~*~

AN: Wheeee! Another chapter done! Thank you so much for reading. I really apologize for not having this thing done in a timely manner. But seriously...March...it's all about March. Hopefully I can get chapter 3 done before then, cause I really hate leaving people hanging. Gomen, gomen. I will really try to keep working, but this semester's going to be rough. Everyone's comments so far mean so much to me. Thank you!

~Sphinx[/i]

[Waking Dreamer]

Yayness! Cute cute! About time Kenshin and Kaoru get their groove on. ;D Now of course, you left us hanging. <pout> I never do such a thing.. ;D ha ha ha Wonderful chapter as always! I'm awaiting the next chapter with excitement! (P.S. Why get out when you have a hott vampire on your computer screen? ;D)

[Elyn Yuy]

Ooohhhh!!!!!! Let them be caught in action!!!!

If Sano found out he'd have a heart attack!

Keep it up!!!



Elyn Yuy

[Elyn Yuy]

(pouting)

Where's the rest? :-?

I wanna see s'more!

erm...read...you know what I mean...

Elyn Yuy