Taming Lessons - Part 2 - Ch. 4/4

[Silent Moon Sphinx]

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.

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

Taming Lessons - Part II
Kenshin x Kaoru

AN: Thank you so much for staying with me! And special thanks for my wonderful super awesome beta Waking Dreamer! Please enjoy the last chapter, everyone! I'm not really sure it's worth the wait, but at least it's finished! Wheeeee...

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It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;
What is essential is invisible to the eye.

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Chapter Four:
Worth The Wait


?Hey, Kaoru, Rooster-head!? Yahiko came speeding in the gate as Kaoru and Sano looked to be absorbed in deep conversation the very day after the dinner disaster between Sano and Megumi.

?Why, Yahiko, aren?t you supposed to be working at the Akabeko right now?? Kaoru inquired.

?Yeah, Tae wanted me to make a special delivery, her treat,? he said, presenting a wonderful tray of food. ?She says she?s thinking of you and Kenshin and hopes he gets better. This is lunch for the both of you.?

?That?s so sweet! Please say thanks to Tae for me. But, Yahiko, could you deliver that whole tray to Kenshin?s room? I would rather he tried to eat all of the meal himself to gain strength.?

?What about meeeeeeeee?? Sano whined as the two proceeded to ignore him.

Yahiko looked at Kaoru strangely. Kaoru pass up a delicious Akabeko meal? Something had to be up. Moreover, the girl looked rather distracted.

?Um?what about you, Kaoru? Aren?t you going to eat anything? Tae would probably give me more--?

?It?s okay, Yahiko.? Kaoru suddenly flashed her eyes at him before she declared purposefully, ?I?m going out.?

~*~*~

Kenshin was growing rather annoyed. Sano had suddenly started keeping such a watch over him last night after dinner and then again this morning that Kenshin couldn?t find a proper time to escape the dojo without raising suspicion.

He knew time was running out- whoever had written the death threat would not be inclined to wait very long to take action. Therefore Kenshin decided that he would have to physically remove himself from the dojo, even with Sano tailing him, and hoped the former street fighter would have no trouble defending himself if he got mixed up in a battle.

Kenshin now sat devising a plan with the food Yahiko had delivered from the Akabeko steaming in front of him, while Sano hovered around him like a vulture ready to pounce on any scraps.

?I give up, Sano. Would you like some food??

The taller man immediately starting devouring the meal as Kenshin determined he would innocently express a wish to go into town. Then, in the crowds, he could hopefully lose Sano and do some digging as to who was behind the death note.

It was no surprise to Kenshin when he requested to go out that Sano immediately offered to be a chaperone. The redhead thought it odd that Sano had so quickly brushed off his anger towards him about Kaoru, and was now acting as if they were the best buddies again. In fact, perhaps the thought that Sano really was acting unnerved Kenshin the most.

The two were making their way to leave the house when Kenshin suddenly stopped.

?Shouldn?t we let Miss Kaoru know where we are going? ? he asked.

?Uh?? Sano stuttered. ?You know, I think she?s busy with a student right now. We?re not going to be long, Kenshin. She?ll be fine.?

?Miss Megumi is here as well, right? I don?t want either of them to be here alone for too long,? Kenshin said very seriously.

?Jeez, Kenshin. Don?t worry; Fox-lady went to visit Dr. Gensai. She probably would rather be hanging onto you, but since I?m with you and she?s still angry with me, you get a break.?

Kenshin merely groaned, not knowing which stalker was worse- Megumi or Sano- as he started walking quickly towards the gate, while his watchdog ran after him.

~*~*~

?Kenshin, I really don?t think you should be going so quickly. Don?t forget you?re still recovering,? Sano pointed out as they moved through the streets of town.

As they came to a particularly crowded section, filled with vender?s booths and eager customers, Kenshin prepared to make his getaway move.

?Why don?t we stop at your friend?s booth- Tsukioka Tsunan I think is his name now?? the redhead suggested to Sano. ?I do very much enjoy his paintings.?*

?Ah! You mean ?ole Katsu? Course we can, he?s right up here somewhere!? Sano said excitedly and ushered Kenshin towards the booth.

Kenshin?s plan could not have worked more smoothly. While Sano was catching up with Katsu, the stealthy swordsman managed to slip off in the crowd. He was at a safe distance before he heard the bellowing shouts of Sano calling his name.

And now, to get to the bottom of this, Kenshin thought wearily. He wandered through town, planning to stop at the police station for some tips on any criminal activity in the area when he sensed a darkness somewhere in the busy streets.

Since his reaction times were still slowed by his injuries, he could not locate the direction of the threat until only at the very last moment. Kenshin stopped short just in time and felt an arrow whir by his face and hit a wooden post of the building next to him.

No one else seemed to notice, and Kenshin quickly grabbed the arrow, on which another note was attached, as he made his way away from the crowds and towards the banks of the river, where he would be alone and waiting?

As Kenshin sat along the grass, he finally had time to read the note. Still keeping his senses alert, the swordsman looked to the paper, but then in horror found he was not the one in danger at all.

Saburo had written the note.

Saburo had Kaoru.

Kenshin burned with a fire that had not been unleashed for years. The pain of his healing wounds was a merely dull ache his mind quickly pushed away as the swordsman ran to the woods of the Ishikawa estate as the sun was setting. In an old forgotten cabin, Saburo said he would be waiting...

Snippets of the note raced through Kenshin?s mind as he made his way to the place where this all began. Given up Saitou?greater prize?Battousai the Manslayer?brother?s revenge...found something?worth greater to Battousai than his own life?

Kenshin did not know how this could have happened. Somehow, Saburo had put his revenge on Saitou on hold in order to kill Kenshin himself, or more accurately, the Battousai. Kenshin knew he had slaughtered many in the days of the revolution, now realizing Ishikawa Jiro was one of the victims of the Battousai?s sword. As Saburo said in his note, a brother?s revenge was greater than his masters, and Kenshin prepared himself for a battle that would be fought with more strength of emotion than the one between Saburo and Saitou he had witnessed before.

As the redhead approached the Ishikawa property boundary, he felt himself slipping further and further away. He imagined Kaoru, bound by Saburo, perhaps even tortured, and the heat within him rose. A fury consumed him, and a low growl in his throat warned of a ghostly presence soon to be unleashed. He did not even remember how he was able to follow the complex directions written on the note, yet in a short time, a broken down shack overrun with foliage appeared in the swordsman?s sharp view.

Two slices, too quick to be seen, brought the door to the rotting cabin down in an instant.

Saburo sat with his back to the door, surrounded by candles which did nothing to provide warmth in the dank space, yet did offer an eerie glow illuminating the surroundings.

The rescuer could see Kaoru, bound and gagged in shackles to the wall across from him. She looked up at the presence of the shadowed figure in the doorway, and her movements relieved the person that stood there. She was still alive and that meant there was still hope. He simply had to defeat Saburo and this would all be over.

Kaoru?s now frantic movements and noises through her gag alerted Saburo of his visitor. He stood slowly, unafraid, and simply said, ?I?ve been expecting you, Battousai.?

Instead of turning towards the doorway, Saburo walked towards Kaoru and lifted up her chin, taunting his enemy. ?Such a pretty little thing, and feisty too. The taste of Battousai does not surprise me.?

?Touch her one more time and I will cut out your tongue so you will never have to ponder taste again.? The voice was cold and gruff.

The flash of glowing golden eyes warned Kaoru of what she had already feared. Kenshin had not come to her rescue. Battousai was here now. And in her condition, she could do nothing to call out to him and prevent the loss of life.

But Saburo didn?t quite know what he was dealing with, and in a final taunt, he leaned in and licked the delicate flesh of Kaoru?s neck.

Battousai charged at Saburo not a moment after, and the two began a grueling duel. Even though Kenshin was in Battousai mode, his injuries were still hindering his swordplay, and Saburo was a formidable enemy.

Not only did the burly opponent enjoy swordfights, he liked to throw in punches and kicks, and other tricks as well. After the Battousai was quick to dodge a chair flying towards him, Saburo hit him with a kick in his wounded side, and the redhead stumbled back against the wall. Placing his hand against the injury, his eyes burned at the snarling Saburo, who smiled wickedly when the Battousai noticed the blood on his hand that held the wound. It was no matter, though. The Battousai was noticeably the more skilled swordfighter and soon would overtake his enemy, as after every blow, the injured assassin only seemed to get stronger.

But before the Battousai could make another move, Saburo had taken the opportunity to reveal a hidden gun that had been tucked in his gi.

?Although playing with swords has been fun, I was never prepared to let you get the upper hand in our little duel. I already saw how the once invincible Battousai was no match for the power behind a tiny bullet, and so this time, I promise you, I will not fail to miss my target,? Saburo warned.

The Battousai fingered his sword, preparing to dodge a bullet, when Saburo pointed his weapon at Kaoru.

?You didn?t think I would let you die that easily, did you?? the madman roared. ?You must suffer the death of one you hold dear. You murdered him! You killed Jiro without a second thought, no sign of remorse! I was there! I saw him slaughtered and could do nothing. Nothing! And now you will feel the same.?

It was too late. Even with his Godlike speed, the Battousai was injured and could do nothing to stop Saburo from pulling the trigger. The fallen warrior?s body was burning in agony and he let out a chilling cry of anguish, as he was about to lunge at Saburo anyway, knowing the futility of his situation.

And never noticed a shadow loomed behind them.

**THUD**

Saburo?s body slumped mid-aim, and from the shadows before he was about to pounce, the Battousai sensed a familiar ki, one which he most certainly would have recognized sooner if not for his current condition.

?What in the hell do you think you?re doing, you injured idiot?? Saitou barked as he looked crossly at the red-haired man while stepping out from behind the unconscious body of Saburo.

?Aw, honey, you didn?t kill him!? another familiar voice jested as Sano entered the scene, batting his eyes at Saitou and admiring his handiwork.

?Not when I need him for questioning. That was the point. Otherwise, I?d have left the Battousai alone.?

Saitou popping up here and there on occasion failed to surprise the violet-eyed swordsman any longer, yet Sano being there left him baffled. And now in his blurry vision, he almost thought he saw police officers looking after the now-freed Kaoru. Just what was going on?

?Um?my pardons?may I ask--? Kenshin began slowly, back to his usual self, still trying to take in the recent events, when he was overcome with a giant hug from Kaoru.

?Oh, Kenshin,? she breathed into his gi, as she held him tight. ?You were never supposed to be here. I mean?just look at your injuries, you poor thing!?

Now Kaoru did not exactly look like her usual, sparkling self either, but Kenshin chose to smartly keep that observation to himself. Her kimono top was torn and the bottom was caked in dirt. He looked to her, concern filling his eyes, as he reached out his hand to inspect a cut on her cheek. But, the tender gesture was lost amidst the growing voices of their other two companions. Well, really just Sano, but Kenshin reluctantly turned his attentions to the argument nonetheless.

?How is this all MY fault?? the younger man shouted, dramatically flailing his arms up and down.

?You were the one who was supposed to intercept the kidnapping note, Rooster-head. The Battousai would never have known about our little operation if it weren?t for you,? Saitou calmly explained as he fumbled in his jacket pocket for a much-needed cigarette.

?But he?s got Godlike speed! How the heck am I supposed to keep up with him?? Sano protested, only to have Saitou shoot him a less-than-pleased look.

?Man?why did you guys get to have all the fun anyway?? the spiky-haired boy sputtered again, though this time, if one listened closely, there was a mischievous tone in his voice and a suspicious glow in his eye.

?You would have never even been a part of this except for Raccoon-girl over here,? Saitou pointed out.

?Wait just a minute, please,? Kenshin entered into the conversation. ?What is this operation you speak of? I think I?ve got all of the pieces put together, but I hope it is not what I think it is.? And with that, Kenshin strained to push himself up to a standing position without help from the wall, using his sword as support.

Saitou studied the redhead carefully through his cloud of exhaled smoke, noting how quickly the Battousai seemed to be regaining his strength. At least that Kamiya girl could keep him under control. And only with her safely by Kenshin?s side did the police officer begin to explain:

?I had suspected Saburo wasn?t finished his plans of revenge after the incident at the Ishikawa estate, yet I was inclined to think he had actually changed his target, after hearing some of the idiot?s babble after he had injured you.?

?So it would seem,? was Kenshin?s only reply, and his voice was a touch more lower than usual.

?I proceeded to make inquires to my informants over the next few days, who confirmed my suspicions. During that time, I was also visited by Raccoon-girl, whom I thought should be briefed on the situation in order to understand the danger we would soon be facing,? Saitou eyed Kenshin. ?You were in no condition to be dragged into this with your injuries, and you did not appear to be in any immediate danger, although I was still determining whether Saburo was spineless enough to attack while you were unable to fight back. Soon, however, it became apparent Saburo was very capable of playing dirty in another way. He had caught wind of your affection for Kamiya, and planed to kidnap her to get to you.?

?Keep talking, Saitou,? the harsh voice instructed, as purple eyes began to swirl with glints of gold.

Saitou merely rolled his eyes. ?We didn?t know what you would do if you heard of the kidnap attempt in your injured condition. In any case, probably more harm than good. Thus Raccoon-girl here agreed to cooperate with the police in an attempt to find Saburo?s hiding place, at the same time gathering intelligence about the Ishikawa family?s illegal stow of weapons.?

?A person will tell you a lot if he thinks you?re going to be dead soon,? Kaoru piped up with a shrug. For a brave woman such as she, the whole ordeal hadn?t seemed that bad because everything had been going as planned?until Kenshin?s surprise appearance at the last minute.

?How dare you put her in such danger,? Kenshin, who had pretty much become Battousai again, lunged at Saitou.

?Kenshin, please, I suggested it,? Kaoru tried to calm the fiery redhead as she attempted to get between the two men. ?Believe me, I was being monitored constantly. Saitou and his men were just about to break in and save me before you got here.?

The Battousai was snarling over Kaoru?s shoulder at Saitou, who gave him an equally cold glare back.

The raven haired girl was standing helplessly between the two old enemies, with one hand pressed against the Battousai?s chest and another trying to keep Saitou back.

?Please, Kenshin, I know you?re in there. You have to understand. I couldn?t bear to see you in any more pain. Not only from your injuries?I found Saburo?s first death threat, too. I didn?t want you to feel like you were somehow a burden to us. I just wanted to end the threats so you could stay at the dojo in peace.?

The Battousai grabbed Kaoru by the waist and effortlessly lifted her to rest against his hip, surprising not only the girl, but the entire room. Having removed her from the path of an attack, he held Kaoru at his side wordlessly as he still was breathing heavily and staring down the wolf. Kaoru sensed that she had somehow touched deep within the man she knew so well, because while the Battousai pressed her to him tightly, it was as if he was battling to let himself go?

?You are the Battousai?s woman,? Saitou now spoke to Kaoru, still keeping a watchful eye on the man across from him who had been fingering his sword throughout the entirety of their staring match. ?I would have expected you could do better to calm him.?

?Grrr?.I am NOT the Battousai?s woman,? Kaoru shouted suddenly, before finally managing to unlatch herself from his side, as even the legendary assassin let his grip loosen in disbelief.

?I don?t want to be the Battousai?s woman,? the girl continued angrily. ?I want to be Kenshin?s! You know, the gentle one, the goofy one, the one with kind eyes, who has always comforted me, the one I have come to love. That one. I want to be Kenshin?s?the Himura Kenshin we all know.?

Her voice had started to trail off in the middle of the passionate speech and died down to only a whisper. Just as all eyes were on her?Saitou, Sano, and about ten policemen?they all soon turned to the Battousai, or rather now, Kenshin.

The swordsman?s head had been lowered, so that his wild hair hid his expression, but when he finally lifted up his face to the woman who spoke those waking words, the fierce liquid amber eyes had turned to the shade of sky just before night.

It was a great debate then and would forever be after whether at that moment the Battousai had indeed returned to deep within the man. Everyone in the cabin watched in silence as the normally mild-mannered rurouni stepped up to Kaoru and, in one smooth motion, held her face in his hands while he pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that swept all breath away.


~*~*~

The walk out of the Ishikawa woods was one of the most romantic Kenshin and Kaoru had ever been on, despite the previous dangerous circumstances of the situation and the accompaniment of guards leading them from the forest. Little did the couple know, they had one unlikely person to thank for that?

?Hey, Scary (that was Sano?s new name for Saitou in an attempt to counter Rooster-head)! It seems like you guys are doing swell here finishing things up **overly dramatic yawn** I?m just gonna go back with ?ole K and K now,? Sano said as he saw his friends were just about to leave.

?You will do no such thing.? The response surprised Sano into a halt?or perhaps that was Saitou?s grasp of his shirt collar.

?Jeez?I knew you were gonna yell at me more about not intercepting that note. But see?Kenshin?s a slippery little fella and I was just talking for one second and my buddy Katsu was showing me this real nice rendering of a geisha **wink wink** and--?

?Stop?talking,? Saitou seemed at his last straw. ?This is why I can?t let an idiot like you near those two when they are ever so conveniently alone on an evening stroll.?

?Do my ears deceive me? Are you saying what I think you?re saying, Scary!?? Sano was in awe. ?You know, there may be a little bit of a romantic somewhere in there after all,? he continued with a friendly punch to Saitou?s chest.

The police officer looked less than amused as he stared at Sano, glanced down at where the fighter had punched him, and then proceeded to brush off the front of his uniform, shove Sano out of his way as he moved to the cabin door, and motion to his troops--dragging Saburo with them--to follow, mumbling his favorite insults all the while.

Alone in the cabin, Sano stood rather smugly. ?Being an idiot certainly has its advantages. No one would ever suspect I lost Kenshin on purpose. I knew seeing Kaoru like that would set his priorities straight.? With that he blew out the candles that illuminated the rundown shack.

?This is more than a little creepy,? Sano stated to no one in particular?until he heard a **creek**!

?Uhhh... Hey?police guys?wait up!!?


~*~*~

Kenshin and Kaoru walked silently at first through the forest on the moon filled night. Kaoru was glad the dark could hide the blush that never left her after the mind-blowing kiss Kenshin had surprised her with. Kenshin was glad the dark hid the smile that kept tugging on his lips after the event.

Still feeling bold, the swordsman reached out his hand to find Kaoru?s, and heard her make a little gasp before giving his hand a soft squeeze.

The moon was rising steadily, and a dusting of cloud cover illuminated the silver light to brighten the whole sky.

?Kenshin?? Kaoru finally broke the silence.

?Hm??

?Did I ever tell you I love you??

He made a little sound. ?Not before tonight, no. Though I had heard it before from others quite a lot of times. Something about your voice saying it??

That was all he said. Kaoru didn?t need him to explain further. She merely leaned into him and brushed her cheek against his shoulder in affection.

?Kenshin?? Kaoru asked again softly, and was answered in the same way as before.

?Did your kiss mean ?I love you too???

Kenshin smiled into the dark.

When he stopped suddenly, Kaoru?s heart seemed to drop. ?Are you alri--?

And before she could finish, he had kissed her again.

The woods cleared soon after and before any more words could be spoken, or kisses stolen, Kenshin and Kaoru saw a police carriage was awaiting them to deliver them safely home.

Back at the dojo, they were greeted by a worried group of Megumi, Yahiko and Dr. Gensai, who immediately took to tending Kenshin?s wounds.

?Sano?where is he? Please tell me the big goon is alright,? Megumi had latched on to Kaoru?s tattered kimono sleeves.

Even after Kaoru assured the anxious woman of Sano?s safety, she would not stop pacing until another police carriage arrived soon after and Sano emerged without a scratch. There was another person in the carriage, too, who merely gave a nod to the group before departing. Kenshin and Kaoru then looked at each other, knowing that through some strange events, they had truly gained a friend--a scary, bad tempered, verbally abusive friend who, without those endearing qualities, just wouldn?t be the same Saitou Hajime.

After a final fresh bandage to the wound on his side, Dr. Gensai was proud to announce, ?All done there, Kenshin. Please don?t go off being a hero for at least the next couple of days, will you. My poor old heart can?t take much more of this excitement.?

?No problem, Dr. Gensai,? Kaoru called to the kind doctor as he departed with a wave. ?I?m going to keep a really close eye on him!?

?Um, my pardons, but did I miss something?? Kenshin asked when he noticed Sano and Megumi were involved in a seriously intense make-out session by the gate. ?Wasn?t Miss Megumi angry at Sano??

Kaoru laughed and shook her head. ?You missed out on a lot lately, didn?t you? If you?re not too tired, why don?t I catch you up to speed??

?A-hem,? Yahiko startled the two from behind. ?Your table is waiting. If you?ll follow me, please.?

Puzzled, Kenshin and Kaoru were led to the cherry blossom tree, where Yahiko had set up a midnight picnic. The two snuggled down on a spread of blankets while the trained Akabeko waiter brought them warm plates of food and tea.

?Did you do all of this, Yahiko?? Kaoru said, finally finding her voice.

?I?m very impressed,? Kenshin added.

?Well, I guess I can?t take all the credit. Fox-lady helped, but there was some other chick that came by here who really thought of the whole thing. I forget her name, but I could have sworn she had some weird fascination with Saitou. She seemed really sure that you two would come back tonight all lovey-dovey and I have no idea what is going on because no one ever tells me anything, but you guys better not let this go to waste, got it? I did my job, now I wash my hands of you!? Yahiko huffed with arms flailing, ever the dramatic teenager as he stomped off mumbling, ?Now I can finally go to bed!?

?The Fujita?s strike again,? Kaoru said with a smile as she sipped a cup of steaming tea, the perfect way to relax after such an action-packed night. ?You know Kenshin, I?m beginning to think both Tokio and Saitou want us to get together. Can you imagine that??

Kenshin thought back to Saitou?s many threats about physically dragging him to marry Kaoru and got all swirly-eyed just at the memory.

?Kenshin,? Kaoru?s voice was serious now as she looked deeply at him. ?I feel I owe you an explanation. We kept you in the dark around here about the plans to catch Saburo because we didn?t want you to get hurt. I see now that it probably wasn?t the best idea. But if you just listen, perhaps you will understand?

?I visited Saitou soon after you first came back from the Ishikawa estate injured. He explained the situation, and I often snuck back for updates when he discovered Saburo might be after you. I just knew you would try to find him and leave the dojo in an effort to protect the rest of us, even in your injured conditioned. And I was right, wasn?t I??

Kaoru eyed Kenshin, and he looked at her sheepishly. It was true. The moment he received Saburo?s death threat, the first thing he thought about was leaving the dojo.

?Our first kiss?? Kaoru continued, ?made things?interesting. I-I was too embarrassed, I couldn?t face you. I began to doubt myself, but Sano helped me through. And it was true, I had kissed him in thanks ?not on the lips, mind you?when Megumi first walked in that day to see you. That was also the day I found Saburo?s threat crumpled under this very tree.?

Kenshin?s eyes went wide. ?I had forgotten.?

?The note?it actually gave me hope,? Kaoru said to Kenshin. ?You were acting strangely that day, as if you were about to say goodbye. When I found the note, I understood why. I don?t know how Saburo managed to slip through the hidden guards stationed around the property, but he did. I was just thankful I had found the note, because I knew you would be planning to leave, and with your injuries, we couldn?t let you. Sano and Megumi were then let in on the plan. I had realized that there was something going on between them. In fact, Sano and Megumi had secretly starting dating not too long ago.?

?Really?? Kenshin exclaimed, but then thought for a moment, ?Ah, but I suppose everyone saw that coming.?

Kaoru nodded and continued, ?Megumi had honestly thought Sano and I were together because of our friendly kiss and thus tried to get back at him by flirting with you. However, once I assured her I was in love with only you, she agreed to help. Megumi and Sano pretended to be angry with one another so that you wouldn?t be suspicious of Megumi?s sudden lack of attentions when Sano began to hang around with you. We needed him to watch over you in case you tried to find Saburo on your own and we certainly didn?t want Megumi mixed up in the matter.

?It was then an interesting turn of events happened. Saburo discovered the best way to you was through me- perhaps one of his spies saw us under the cherry blossom tree. Saitou got a message to me that very evening of a planned kidnapping. We didn?t want to worry you or unleash the Battousai, so the next morning I went to the police station. No one knew where Saburo was hiding. The last of his followers were still doing all of his dirty work. I was so worried about you, Kenshin,? Kaoru put her hand tenderly on his arm. ?I wanted an end to the fear, so I decided to use myself as bate. Saitou tried to talk me out of it, of course, but I insisted. I walked seemingly alone on the outskirts of town as the perfect prey to kidnap. Little did Saburo know I had some very stealthy Oniwaban spies looking out for me. After his men captured me, I was brought straight to Saburo?s hideout, deep in the woods of the Ishikawa estate.?

?The Oniwaban? How did Saitou manage that?? Kenshin asked. At least he felt a little more relieved knowing the Oniwaban had been protecting Kaoru from the shadows.

?I managed to contact Misao who has Aoshi wrapped around her little finger,? Kaoru said proudly. ?Aren?t you glad to have such strong women protecting you??

?Couldn?t be happier,? Kenshin grinned. ?And all of the pieces are coming together. I suppose after you had been kidnapped, the Oniwaban would inform Saitou of Saburo?s whereabouts and then he and his men would come save you. I would have never even known about it until everything was over. That at least would have been the plan if Sano had intercepted Saburo?s note to me about the kidnapping like he was supposed to.?

?Exactly,? Kaoru said. ?So much for trying to keep you safe. I can?t tell you how scared I was back in Saburo?s cabin, Kenshin. At first I thought you were at a disadvantage with your injuries, but soon I grew worried that the Battousai might kill Saburo before Saitou and his men could get there in time.?

?Somehow, you can tame the Battousai, Miss Kaoru,? Kenshin said softly, as he gently plucked a cherry blossom that had fallen on the girl's shoulder.

Yet as he gazed at the blossom in his hand, his face soon grew serious and his brow furrowed in concentration. ?I always thought my past would forever haunt me. I destroyed so many during the revolution and constantly live in fear that the vengeance of my victims will forever taint the life I live now. Just as the Black Hat once kidnapped you, just as Saburo kidnapped you today, the people I care for will always be in danger because of what I once was. I didn?t want to put you in danger, Miss Kaoru. So many times, I thought of leaving this place. I told myself it would be better for you, it would free you from the ghosts I carry with me. But?in the end, I couldn?t.?

His grip tightened on the cherry blossom, but then relaxed as Kaoru laid her hand gently over his.

?Oh, Kenshin, you act as though your love would be a burden. Listen to me now as I say it is not. I know you are only trying to protect me, but I don?t think you realize that no matter how hard you may try, you can?t keep me from loving you. Even if you leave, I will always love you. For I have chosen you, all of you,? she said, now gently fingering the cross shaped scar he was forced to bear, ?your past, your ghosts, your enemies.? Kaoru spoke with such fever as she kneeled before him that Kenshin could not do anything to stare into her shining blue eyes.

?Tonight, I thought you were gone, Miss Kaoru,? the swordsman finally found his voice. ?I had never felt such fear. And then I realized? I cannot bear the thought of leaving you no more than I can bear the thought of losing you. As long as you?ll have me, I will be at your side.?

Kaoru hugged him tight for a very long time, knowing then that Kenshin was a wanderer no more.

?Frankly,? the girl finally spoke up with a gleam in her eye, ?I would feel much better if you stayed here and protected me from all of those psychos who know you love me, instead of trying to run off somewhere else.?

?Would you now?? Kenshin tried to contain a smile. ?If the psychos know, I suppose everyone knows I love you?but have I ever told you??

?Ken--? she started uncertainly, but was brought to silence as he placed two fingers gently on her face, stroking down her cheek with the back of his fingertips so as not to tarnish her silky skin with his calloused hands.

Gently, one arm snaked around the girl and he gently guided her down to rest in the soft blankets under them.

Kenshin was looking down at her now, as he crouched above her body, nestled in blankets. Kaoru lifted her face to him, her dark lashes sweeping upward as her beautiful blue eyes slowly settled upon his. The lanterns flickered from a light wind as their light danced across the two bodies.

?Kaoru, I love you. I?m sorry I couldn?t say it sooner,? he said before teasing, ?and I would feel much better if I stayed here so you could protect me from myself. The Battousai only listens to you, you know.?

?Hmmm?so do you think I could get him to tell you to stop talking and kiss me now??

Kenshin just nodded before claiming the lips of the woman he loved. Somehow, still lip locked, he covered a blanket over them, as the breeze was beginning to pick up. A few cherry blossoms fell on the couple, deep in an embrace. As Kenshin kissed Kaoru?s face, her hair, her neck, her shoulders, he couldn?t believe he hadn?t let his heart led him into his beloved?s arms sooner.

?Kaoru,? he breathed throatily as he kissed the sensitive spot just under where the neck meets the jaw.

?I love it when you say that,? she murmured.

?I made you wait?for so long. Too long.?

He trembled at how forgiving her smile was when she looked up at him then, how gentle her gaze, how warm her hand was as it cupped his face and gently brought his head down to rest upon her shoulder.

?You?re worth the wait,? she whispered gently, and she fell asleep with him in her arms.

Kenshin stayed awake in her comforting hold long after he recognized her even breaths of sleep. He had almost forgotten the feeling of such happiness, and such pride. Kaoru let herself be kidnapped to protect him. Her brave act touched the heart of Kenshin and the wild assasin deep within.

But it was so much more than that, the swordman sighed as he rested in her arms. The wild girl he met those years ago, whom he realized now he had loved even then, had matured into the caring and courageous woman who was able to tame his wandering spirit. She was so much like the cherry blossoms, Kenshin realized, as he felt them gently landing on his back. The perfumed flowers were so delicate, yet could survive the unexpected chills of spring. And, like Kaoru, they were not afraid of falling. Kenshin knew that even he hestitated to fall in love.

Still blissfully asleep, Kaoru stirred slightly. From someplace in her dreams, the wise words of a friend echoed softly, "To tame a wild wolf, you need only a single, wild rose. Remember this well, Kaoru, for it is the greatest taming lesson." Though perhaps, in this case, a different flower seemed more appropriate, as she heard a voice from far away whisper "...my cherry blossom."

~*~*~

Sunlight crept into the room at a lazy pace. Kaoru peeked an eye open, trying to take in her surroundings. Instead of the blankets she had been cuddled in outside, she was now equally cozy on a futon inside. Instead of having Kenshin lying in her arms, Kaoru noticed she was being held quite tightly by the toned arms of Kenshin. This too, was just as good?possibly better--than before.

Kaoru curled around to get a good look at the man she loved. His red hair was unbound and splayed around him, his gi was falling off, and his face was so peaceful in sleep, which is why Kaoru was so startled when he spoke.

?You?re staring at me, aren?t you??**

Slowly one violet eye opened, then two, and Kenshin, now very much awake, was looking right back at Kaoru.

?Good morning.?

?I can?t believe this is happening,? was all Kaoru could whisper, before Kenshin went in for a kiss.

?I CAN?T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING!!!? Yahiko shouted after slamming the door to Kenshin?s room wide open to announce that breakfast was ready, causing the startled pair in bed to break apart.

After the boy?s initial surprise, he suddenly looked skeptical and crossed his arms. ?Now, it seems I?ve walked in on you two before. Lemme guess, you?re going to say ?this isn?t what it looks like? or some other lame excuse.?

?Yahiko, this is exactly what it looks like,? Kenshin stated plainly. ?So if you?d kindly save some breakfast for us, we?re going to be a bit late.?

?O? Yahiko mouthed silently before slowly backing away and shutting the door.

?Why are we going to be late, Kenshin?? Kaoru asked innocently.

Before she saw anything coming, Kenshin had pounced. Hungry kisses consumed her, hands caressed, and she could do nothing but hold on to the strong body that captured her, as the words lingered in her ear?

?Believe me, it will be worth the wait.?

~*~*~

THE END

*Tsukioka Tsunan, known to Sano as Tsukioka Katsuhiro or ?Katsu?, appears in Volume 6 of the manga (I forget which anime episode) as an artist. In case you?ve forgotten, he was Sano?s friend way back from his days in the Seikho Army and was kinda getting carried away making bombs to try to overthrow the government ^_^;;;

**gotta give tribute to the movie Bridget Jones?s Diary 2 that inspired this little exchange ~ahhh Colin Firth (swoons)

AN: Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who posted comments for this entire work. I could not have kept going without you. Sorry it got a little sappy towards the end, but I just wanted those two crazy kids to get together (and get some action)! And as always, thanks again to my beta Dreamer.

[Waking Dreamer]

And it's completed! One more fantastic fic to add to your collection! Doesn't it feel good to have this done? =) And you've done a marvelous job, as always! Pat yourself on the back! It was a well worth wait! =)

[kyoki]

Awwww...That was amazingly amazing, and uber kawaii to the max

[Elyn Yuy]

What? No Part 3? *pouts* Oh, well. The story was finished before hand anyway. Gotta leave room for the actual anime, ne?

Great!!! Loved it!

Gonna write more like it? :x *threatenly weilds her broken boken*

Kisses and huggles! Skip the kisses