|
|
 |
Heart's Ease -- Part III
Kenshin awoke as the candle sputtered, the small noise loud in the silence of the room. He opened his eyes to focus on the single flame, gauging how long he'd slept by the taper's length. Only a few hours . . . not a long time, but unexpected when sleep had been so far from him. His violet gaze was soft as it shifted to Kaoru, asleep still, her head cradled in the curve of his shoulder. Then again, the night had held many unexpected things. Affection and understanding. The feel of her close against him. Her sweetness on his tongue. Joy. Many unexpected things. His eyes crinkled with suppressed mirth as he saw that her fingers were laced through his hair, loosely clasping the ends as if to bind him to her. He had a feeling she'd wanted to tangle her hands in the long red strands for some time, although it mystified him as to why. Perhaps for the same reasons he was drawn to her eyes, wanting to see her emotions reflected within; or captivated by the sound of her voice, longing to hear her laughter; the special way she said his name. Easing her head to pillow on his wrist, he shifted to snuggle his cheek just under the curve of her breasts. Watching the flickering candle, he listened to the steady beating of her heart, the sound reassuring him that this -- that everything that had happened -- was real. True now. His satisfaction at the remembered phrase matched the contentment he'd heard in her voice. The soft words had surprised him, never suspecting that Jineh's half-mad taunt had lingered in her thoughts. I've seen you, I've seen you, Battousai! I've seen that this girl is your woman! Get angry, get angry! And he had been angry -- angry that the other had endangered her, but also that he'd dared to touch her. Something deep inside him had already claimed her as his . . . then, and earlier still, scarcely a day after they'd met. His arm tightened around her as he remembered the thrill of protective, possessive rage that had filled him when Gohei -- his hand fisted in her shirt, her feet dangling well above the floor -- had offered her to his followers. Bad enough that he should touch her, hurt her . . . but to threaten her in such a way . . . Kenshin tamped down on the anger building within him at the memory, much as he had the possessive instincts which had run rampant within him then. He'd shunted the feelings aside, telling himself that he had no right to feel possessive, that the emotions were meaningless. He closed his eyes, breathing deep of her scent, a small smile quirking his mouth. I was a fool. Persistently. The emotions weren't meaningless, weren't suppressible. Time and again he'd been shown. Gohei. Jineh. Saitoh. Shishio. Each had threatened her, stirring the protective anger, the possessive impulse that tolerated nothing which tried to harm her, either by word or by action. Not Gohei's followers, nor Jineh's shin no ippou. Not Saitoh's gatotsu, nor his mockery. Not Shishio's juppongatana. Gohei was unique only in that he sought revenge for something in her past rather than his. To the others she was a pawn, someone they could use to hurt or manipulate him. To control him. Someone they could use to hurt or manipulate him. He turned the thought over in his mind, an uneasy feeling growing in the pit of his stomach. It was the most basic of tactics: attack your opponent at his weakest point. His own vulnerability didn't concern him, had never concerned him. That Kaoru might be endangered because of him was, and would always be, unacceptable. Someone they could use to hurt or manipulate him. The worry wasn't a new one, but its impact was somehow more immediate than ever before. In seeking revenge for Tomoe's death, Enishi wanted nothing more than Kenshin's suffering, had even said as much. If he sees how important Kaoru is to me . . . he'll use her, just as the Yaminobu used Tomoe. And this time, it would break him. His embrace tightened again. Sleep partially dispelled by the silken glide of his hair between her fingers, the gentle weight of his head nestling against her chest, Kaoru drifted in the cozy state between dreams and waking until she felt his body tense first with anger, then with worry. His emotions were startlingly easy to sense; perhaps because he was no longer trying to hide them, or perhaps because of their closeness and what they'd shared. Whatever the reason, his disquiet dispelled the last of her sleep, and she opened her eyes to gaze at his bright head, resting so tenderly against her. "Kenshin . . . douka shita no?" Her voice, soft and slightly husky from sleep, stirred him from his musings. A moment later he felt her fingers stroking lightly, soothingly through his hair. "Nothing," he breathed, nuzzling his face against her stomach, separated from his touch by the warm blanket, "go back to sleep." "Chigau," she gently objected, "something is wrong. I can feel it." Kenshin shook his head, uncertain how to explain or quiet his fears, and therefore unwilling to share them. He's protecting me again. It was both sweet and annoying, touching and exasperating. After all, her thought was impish, he has to let me protect him, too. She tugged scoldingly on the soft red strands she held. "Kenshin." He sighed, knowing she was going to insist. "I was thinking about the past. And Enishi." He paused, then lifted his head to look at her as he repeated his earlier reasoning, "You attack an enemy at his weakest point, especially if you're seeking to harm rather than kill. Enishi knows this . . . and just as Jineh before him . . ." ". . . he'll try to hurt you by hurting me. Demo, Kenshin," she held the covers to her as she sat up, forcing him to lean back, resting on his elbow, "we knew that, ne? Ne?" Her dark head bent to rest against his, her hair slipping past her shoulders, cascading around them. "We knew that," she repeated, her voice a little softer, her hand stroking his hair away from his face, "but I'm not worried. I don't want to worry." "Kaoru--" "No." Her voice was firm. "What will worrying solve? It's not going to change the truth." She pulled away a little, her hand slipping to his chin to tilt his face towards her, his clouded violet eyes meeting hers. "I love you," the words were soft, accompanied by a gentle rain of kisses across his face, "and you love me," those she whispered against his lips, coaxing him to kiss her back. When next she spoke her voice was breathless, her tone teasing, "So what were you planning to do? Hide it?" Blue eyes widened in dismay as he nodded, and sudden sadness made her voice tremble, "Ho-ow?" It shouldn't be so easy, she mourned, Not to say. Not to think. Not to do. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her down next to him, cuddling her against his chest. "Kaoru . . . onegai, I need to know you're safe . . . as safe as I can manage." I couldn't bear it, if you were hurt, if I lost you like I did her. Please. "We know Enishi's been watching us -- watching us for months, planning this. I'm sure he knows you're important to me . . . but he doesn't need to know how important." His hands gathered her closer as she began to relax against him. "The more important you and the others appear to me, the more determined he'll be to harm you. I'd ask you to go with Tsubame-dono tomorrow . . ." she opened her mouth to protest, and he pressed his fingers over her lips, forestalling her, ". . . but I know you wouldn't agree. And I would only worry more, wondering if Enishi had seen you go, had sent someone after you." His fingers tangled in her hair as she turned her face into his chest, "I don't know if it'll make a difference or not, but for tomorrow, until this is finished . . ." "Kaoru-dono." Although her voice was muffled, its bitter tone was clear. Don't take it that way, don't make it something to hurt you. "Sumanu," he offered, a small balm to her emotions, "but I think it would be safest if we pretend that nothing has changed." He sought for something to cheer her, another reason to sway her, "Pretend for Sano and Yahiko's sake, if nothing else," he cajoled, "Just imagine how distracted they'll be if we tell them in the morning. They'll be too busy staring to be any use against Enishi." He shook his head sorrowfully, earning a half-hearted smile. "Koishii . . ." "Daijoubu," she interrupted him, "I understand . . . and it's all right. Only . . ." her voice trailed off hesitantly. "Only?" he gently prompted. "Not yet, ne? It doesn't have to be now . . . ne?" she asked, her voice faintly pleading, her eyes wistful as they met his. His own soft with understanding, he pressed a kiss to her brow. "Not yet, koishii, not now. In the morning, when the others awake." His mouth brushed hers sweetly, reassuringly, and he felt the last of her tension fading away with the light caress. Just until this is finished, she silently repeated, Only a day. That's not so very long. For him, to reassure him, she could pretend. For his peace of mind, she could wait. But that doesn't mean I don't want to be cuddled and consoled now. "Stay," she whispered as he drew back, wanting more of his kisses, more of the warmth of skin on skin. Her arms slipped around him to urge him closer, his weight settling carefully over her, his limbs tangling with and between hers. Still seeking more of him, she curled her leg around his hip, comforted by the feel of his body stretched along the length of hers. Cradling his head in the palm of his hand, Kenshin let his fingers drift over her collar bone, the curve of her shoulder; tracing delicate, feather-light circles on her skin. I will protect you. I will protect this. She sighed, holding him tighter, her foot sliding along his leg. Smiling, he bent his head to follow the trail of his fingers with his mouth, and felt her hands press into his back, her toes curl against his thigh. "Kaoru?" "Mmmm. Nani?" She stretched beneath him, resettling herself even closer, her equilibrium returning under his compelling touch. His index finger stroked back and forth along her bottom lip. "Are you sleepy?" "Not really," her voice was relaxed, containing just a hint of amusement as she watched him through her lashes, "Naze?" "I was just thinking," he nuzzled the hollow of her throat, "that a hot bath might be nice." The suggestion was unexpected but not unwelcome, prompting a delighted laugh . "Will you wash my back?" she asked; the question coy, facetious, accompanied by a persuasive brush of her mouth along his shoulder. "Aa," his teeth grazed the sensitive skin behind her ear, "and anywhere else you'd like." She blushed, shivering in reaction to both his low promise and the sensual scrape of his teeth. "Demo . . . Megumi-san will be upset if you get your bandage wet," she cautioned, her fingers slipping down his back to run along the edge of the wrappings. He pressed a kiss to her nose. "Probably. Shikashi . . . I wasn't planning to tell her, so how will she know?" Kaoru giggled, earning an answering grin as he lifted his head. "You'll help me change it afterwards, won't you?" "Hmmmm . . ." she eyed him consideringly, feigning uncertainty, "I suppose I'll have to, ne?" One eyebrow rose questioningly. "Is that a yes?" Her eyes twinkled back. "Hai, it's a yes. To both questions: a bath would be lovely, and," she emphasized, as if it were a major concession, "I'll help you change the bandage afterwards." Her words were accompanied by a brief, affectionate squeeze, "I'd hate for you to get in trouble with Megumi-san." Megumi-dono is more likely to be in trouble with me, Kenshin silently replied, still somewhat annoyed at the doctor's earlier interference. He kept the thought unvoiced, instead offering to prepare the bath in return for her willingness to keep him out of harm's way. "Iie," she protested, sitting up as he rolled to his feet, "I'll help. It won't take long, soshite . . ." soshite, I don't want to be alone, I don't want to miss being with you. "Wakatta," he answered, watching her over his shoulder, his hakama in his hand. Her unspoken reluctance was an echo of his own, set aside out of consideration for her. But if she would rather be with him . . . who was he to argue? "You can tell me when the water's ready," he suggested, turning his head just in time to avoid her well-flung pillow, chuckling as she stuck her tongue out at him. Dressing swiftly, he tied the sash of his hakama and then knelt to retrieve her gi. He half-turned to offer it to her, only to find she was already wearing the deep blue one he'd removed before. Clinging lovingly to one slim shoulder, the oversized garment slipped halfway down the other, revealing the rising curves of her breasts. The long sleeves fell well past her fingertips, flopping freely and somehow endearingly over her hands. One arm was wrapped around her waist in an attempt to keep the loose folds closed, while the other was raised to her face in order to catch the faint scent lingering in the fabric. She opened her eyes, a small smile curving her lips, and flushed ever-so-slightly pink to find him watching her. "I want this one," she explained shyly, "it smells like you." She flushed a little more, closing her eyes again and wrapping her free arm atop the first, hugging herself. "Wearing it feels a little like you're holding me." And a moment later, he was. "It isn't fair," he whispered, folding her startled frame close, "it isn't fair, how you can make me melt with nothing more than a smile. How you can look at me . . . It isn't fair." For an instant his embrace was so strong she could scarcely breathe, before relaxing again just as quickly, his voice suddenly lighter. "Keep the gi, koishii . . . but I won't be responsible for what happens if you do." Kaoru blinked in surprise, her whole face lighting with pleasure as he released her. She followed him to the door, slipping her hand in his as he opened it. As one they peered left, then right, then at each other. "I never expected to be sneaking around my own house," she murmured, wrinkling her nose at him impishly. He smiled back, his fingers twining through hers as he stepped out of the room, drawing her with him. "Kaoru? How's the water?" Kenshin called, eyeing the fire, trying to judge how much longer it would burn. Inside, Kaoru gingerly dipped her toes into the waiting tub, and sighed at the welcome warmth. "It's perfect. Mou . . . I can't believe all I've done is tell you when it was ready!" He laughed, tossing a few more logs into the small furnace, just to be sure. "I'll be there in a minute." "Mmm. Don't take too long . . . it feels lovely." She stirred the water with her foot, then drew back to finish wrapping a towel around her hair. His faint assent filtered through the wall. Their earlier banter aside, he'd seemed to realize - even before she did - that she would want some time alone. Time to discover what changes the night had wrought, and to erase the lingering traces without embarrassment. Waiting for the water to heat had provided her a convenient excuse, allowing her the time she needed. Washing slowly, she'd reacquainted herself with her body, reluctantly removing his scent from her hair and skin. Tucking the last corner of the towel into place, she stepped into the tub, smiling as she remembered the tiny bite mark she'd found on her shoulder, and its twin low on her belly. He does seem to like using his teeth . . . not that I'm complaining. She'd liked everything he'd done to her, perhaps a little too much; and part of her waited breathlessly for what else he might do, knowing the answer was anything he wants. She flushed as she lowered herself into the liquid warmth, images from before replaying in her mind. Anything he wants. The door slid open just as she was about to call him, wondering what was taking so long. He'd left his hakama in the outer room with her gi, and she wondered inanely if it was polite to stare. That thought was followed immediately by the memory of Misao's reaction to Kamatari, prompting a giggle. "Nani?" he asked, already soaping his chest. She shook her head, "Nothing. I was just remembering something Misao-chan said." She shifted to lean against the side of the tub, resting her chin on her folded arms, watching him through her lashes. He's beautiful. Everything about him is beautiful. Though seemingly unconcerned by her observation, he was quick to finish, his hair and body still dripping with rinse water when he joined her. He settled his shoulders comfortably against the back of the tub, then drew her into his arms, cradling her body with his as they partially reclined in the warm water. Relaxing into his embrace, Kaoru wiggled her toes contentedly, laughing as he wiggled his in response. "Comfortable?" The question was a faint vibration under her shoulder, a teasing breath by her ear. Rather than answer, she threaded her fingers through his, tightening her grasp in an indirect hug, slender binding strong. She liked his strength, the careful way he contained it; aware he was held because he wanted to be held, that his touch was gentle because he willed it so. The knowledge was somehow heady, somehow exciting. Watching the easy way he handled the sakaba -- familiar with its weight, its balance, its extension -- she had sometimes wondered how his hands would feel on her skin, touching her with the same deftness and sensitivity. "What are you thinking?" His voice was mildly curious, the curiosity giving way to fond amusement as she shook her head, cheeks pink. "What," he coaxed, letting his lips skim her shoulder, "are you thinking?" "Nan-" her breath caught as his tongue flickered briefly against her ear, "Nan demo nai." "Sou de gozaru ka?" She tilted her head to find him regarding her patiently, his mouth curved in a cajoling smile. "Well," she began shyly, dropping her gaze to their twined fingers, "I was just thinking that . . . that I like your hands," her voice fell until it was scarcely audible, "the way you touch me." Glancing uncertainly up at him, she caught the surprised widening of his eyes, the pleasure growing in their violet depths. "Sou de gozaru ka?" he repeated, resting his cheek against the top of her head, his voice soft, a little bemused. Nodding, reassured by his response, she slipped her fingers from his to turn his hand up, palm open. "Strong, but gentle," she whispered, tracing the lines on his palm with one slim finger, "firm, but careful." Closing her eyes, she let his hand slip from hers; her head nestling in the hollow of his shoulder as she leaned back against him. "As if I'm something precious, but not overly fragile; as if you can sense where I want you to--" she broke off, the blush returning. "I like the way you touch me." Kenshin smiled tenderly, captivated by her honesty . . . and tempted by her implied invitation. "Sou de gozaru ka?" he asked a third time, drawing his fingers slowly up her arms, leaving warm, wet trails on her skin. An indrawn breath, an answering smile, a slight shifting of her body all offered encouragement. "Hai." His hands slid back down her arms to close around her hips, his fingers spread over the soft flesh of her belly. "Here?" "Mm." Everywhere. Nuzzling her throat, he let his hands drift upwards to cup her breasts, warm against her skin even under the warmth of the water. "Here?" Ohhhh. "Ye-yes," her voice trembled as his thumbs stroked carefully over the tips, sending a jolt of sensation through her. He repeated the caress, deliberately circling each rosy crest until her sensitive flesh responded, rising into taut points. Uttering a low sound of satisfaction, he caught each between two fingers, tugging briefly; and was rewarded by the way she gasped his name, one hand closing around his wrist, the other finding the smooth muscle of his thigh. Smiling against her shoulder, he tugged again, his tongue flickering over her skin. Kaoru moaned, reminded of the way his mouth had felt against her, suckling gently. She shivered, twisting restlessly, arching up into his hands, suddenly wanting -- needing -- him there again. Laving her with his tongue, grazing her with his teeth. "Shhh . . . I will, koishii, I will," he murmured, the words both comfort and promise. Whatever you want, whatever you need, his own ardor born of her response, the wonder of her in his arms. Through a daze, she felt his foot nudge hers apart, patiently opening her to his touch. Her knees drew up reflexively as his hands left her breasts, her eyes closing in instinctive, aching anticipation; the longing sweeping through her already familiar, impressed upon her twice before by his reverent lips and loving hands. One muscular arm curling around her waist to hold her to him, the other slipped lower, his nimble fingers finding and teasing the tangle of nerves hidden between her thighs. "Here?" His low question was rendered inaudible by her whimpering cry; her answer in the motion of her hips, the spasmodic clenching of her hand. Rising onto her heels, her head pressing into his shoulder, she sought firmer, deeper contact; her hand leaving his thigh to tighten imploringly over his. Strong fingers splayed to catch hers between them, his arm lightly restraining her movement as his free hand explored further, gliding carefully inside. "Kenshin." Buoyant in the water, her body rocked in response to the motion of his hand, following the lazy rhythm he set, the ache blossoming slowly. Her fingers crept from his wrist to his elbow, clinging there as if to steady herself, her nails biting into his skin as he grazed her pulse-point, then left her bereft; giving only fleeting contact where she wanted constant attention. "Touch me . . . touch me," she whispered, only dimly aware that she'd said the words aloud. He shuddered, her soft plea unbearably sweet, intoxicatingly trusting. "Here?" he rotated his thumb firmly against her, his fingers thrusting deep, his hardness throbbing in answer as she cried out. O . . . ne . . . gai . . . Kenshin, onegai . . . Kaoru bit her lip to keep the words from escaping, her head thrashing back and forth in delirium. A moment later his fingers withdrew, and her eyes flew open in confusion, her voice a hungry wail protesting their absence. "Trust me, koishii," he murmured soothingly, wanting to be inside her, needing to feel her around him, "trust me." His fingers released hers as his hands slipped to her waist, lifting her, urging her to turn around. Blue eyes widened as he settled her carefully astride his hips, easing her down, giving her his length slowly. "Ohhh," she gasped, her hands clutching desperately at his shoulders, her body clenching around him, welcoming her other half, "Ohhhhh!" Closing his eyes as her warmth surrounded him, Kenshin arched reflexively, seating himself fully inside her. She trembled against him, her moan mingling with his, and fearing he'd hurt her he instantly began to withdraw. "Dame!" she whimpered, twining her arms around his neck, her thighs clasping his hips, her knees tight against the linen around his waist, "don't go, don't." She shuddered again, overwhelmed by the incredible sensation of fullness, of possession. "Kaoru?" his arms were gentle around her, his voice worried; growing more so as he felt her tears on his shoulder. "Kaoru? What's wrong? Am I hurting you?" "No," she shook her head against him, "No." Sensing his confusion and continued concern, she sought to explain, "It feels . . . like you're a part of me," she leaned back slightly, one slender hand slipping from his shoulder to rest lightly against her belly, ". . . so deep inside . . . and I don't want you to leave, to ever be empty again . . ." His hand came to cover hers, pressing firmly, and she cried out, seeming to feel him deeper still. "I . . . I can't . . ." Her hips twisted, wanting to move in answer to his fullness, yet held in check by her desire to keep him within, to not lose this feeling of completion. "Shhhh," his lips brushed her temple, his hands stroked soothingly over her back, "It's all right. Let go, koishii," His voice was understanding, containing both aching denial and ardent promise. "I'll be here." She shivered again, turning her face into his shoulder, her hands tangling in his hair. "Kenshin . . . tasukete . . ." "Let go," he repeated, his hands shifting to her hips, carefully guiding her, teaching her the motion that would take them both over the edge, "I'll be here to catch you . . . I'll hold you safe. Come with me." Kenshin . . . somehow she knew he spoke of more than the present, his simple words chosen to comfort latent fears as well as conflicting impulses. He was hers, then and always, no longer rurouni. She sighed, giving in, relaxing willingly into the pace he set, the water lapping between and against them as she moved. Beautiful, Kenshin thought, watching her face, she's beautiful. Her eyes were closed in concentration, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. Reaching out, he deftly tugged the thin towel from her hair, spilling the soft, damp silk around her face and shoulders. Dark strands clung to her cheeks, the slopes of her breasts, seeming to beckon him closer; bidding him kiss me, love me. With a smothered groan he obeyed, taking her mouth as sweetly as she took him. Kaoru opened her eyes as his lips slid down her neck to the space between her breasts. She stilled as he raised his head, his violet gaze meeting her own, each of them remembering an earlier promise. "I will," he whispered again, his hands tightening on her shoulder blades to pull her closer. Her hands slid through his hair, holding him to her as his tongue swirled briefly around one aching peak, wanting more than that rough-satin caress. His teeth scraped carefully against her as he took her into his mouth; suckling lovingly, hungrily, before treating the other to the same lavish attention. Nibbling along her collar bone, he rocked his hips against her, coaxing hers to follow. "Slowly," he crooned, his hands controlling the motion, guiding her as she sought to increase the rhythm, "slowly." Mewling pleadingly in response, her inflamed senses insisting they go faster, she sprinkled kisses across his chest in an effort to persuade him, biting his shoulder in heated frustration. At that he laughed, the sound low and husky with desire, tinged with a need that seemed maddeningly calm in comparison to her own. Yet his eyes burned with it, telling her he wanted her; his body trembled with all he held back, quietly insisting that she was more important. One hand slipped between them to play gently against her core, and she sobbed his name; the pace he'd set too slow, his touch too brief, her body yearning for the release he'd shown her before. "Almost there, koishii, almost . . ." he breathed in her ear, nipping delicately at her throat, "there." And her world shattered, pleasure shimmering slowly through her, only his touch remaining. Just before darkness claimed her she heard him call her name, his voice choked, and knew he was with her, joining her over the edge. She returned to herself long moments later, the water still rippling gently around them, his voice murmuring to her wordlessly, soothingly. She sighed, her body languorous, her limbs heavy, floating in the afterglow. The gentle murmuring stopped as he felt her soft exhalation against his shoulder. "Kaoru . . . koishii . . . daijoubu de gozaru ka?" he whispered, the question faintly anxious, ever-so-slightly apologetic. Kaoru smiled lazily. My rurouni is back. She wondered if he realized: how his speech patterns changed, how his manner became less unassuming as his imposed restraint fell away. Kenshin followed his impulses, loving her with heart and mind and instinct. Only the rurouni would think to apologize for it afterwards. I shouldn't have made her wait, Kenshin berated himself when she didn't answer, it's too soon to play. She wasn't ready . . . I wasn't ready. He'd been completely unprepared for the way her surrender had affected him; possessiveness and pure masculine pride filling him, urging him to flood her senses, heighten the experience, heady with the realization that he could. During his time with the Ishinshishi he'd seen and heard much, visiting the pleasure quarters as both hitokiri and bodyguard. Although he chose not to partake, the younger Ishin had gone out of their way to regale him with stories of their escapades, his apparent disinterest a source of frequent amusement. As a result of their . . . education . . . he was acquainted with the intimate details of things he'd never done, had never wanted to do. Until now. Loving with Tomoe had been gentle and considerate. He'd never felt compelled to play or to linger overlong, nor had she seemed to want or expect it. With Kaoru it was different. She responded to his slightest touch -- wanting him, needing him - and he wanted to give to her until she couldn't take anymore. But he'd never meant to go too fast, never intended to frighten her, to shock her. "Kaoru?" She frowned at the growing concern in that tender voice, her dazed faculties responding sluggishly, realizing that he'd taken her lack of answer amiss. "Kenshin . . . anata . . . daijoubu, daijoubu." She snuggled closer, slipping her arms around his chest, hugging herself to him. "I just . . . don't . . . want . . . to move." She punctuated her words with kisses nuzzled into his throat, coaxing the anxious tension from him. Kenshin relaxed, reassured by her contented tone of voice, her willingness to remain cuddled against him. Kenshin-anata. "Aa," he agreed, shifting lower in the water's embrace, "shikashi, the water is starting to get cold." He watched her wrinkle her nose in distaste. "Maybe we should've filled it up further." He laughed, reluctantly shifting her off of him so he could rise to his feet. "Kaoru, if we'd filled it any further, one of us would've drowned." His voice faded as he moved away, returning shortly with a towel wrapped around his hips, another in his hands. She pouted up at him, raising her arms like a child wanting a hug, "It's not the same without you." "Sumanu," his eyes alight with amusement, he bent and lifted her from the water, "I went to get you a towel." Setting her on her feet, he enfolded her in the soft material, rubbing gently between her shoulders. "Arigatou," she arched into his light massage, the word more than half purr. "Don't do that," he entreated, his hand falling away from her back to keep from venturing further. Her lips curved in a small smile and he shook his head, "Time to get dressed, koishii," one fingertip came to rest lightly on her nose, wiggling it teasingly, "and someone promised to help me change this bandage." She found, then, that a visit to the laundry had been the reason behind his delay in joining her. He'd brought her a clean yukata, as well as her practice clothes and several strips of the soft linen she used to bind her breasts. Exchanging her towel for the yukata, she motioned him to one of the bathing stools, kneeling beside him to ease the soaked fabric from around his waist. "Oh, Kenshin . . ." the cut in his side still seemed angry and raw, ready to tear open again if the stitches were stressed. She traced the mark with delicate fingers, "We shouldn't have . . . you might have . . ." "We should have, and I didn't," his fingers closed around hers, bringing them to his mouth so he could press a kiss to her palm. "Don't worry. Remember," he cajoled, tilting her chin up to meet his eyes, "you weren't going to worry. I don't want you to worry." Her lip trembled slightly, but she nodded, her chin slipping from his hold as she bent to her task. "Hai." He felt her press a kiss to the angry welt, then smooth the clean bandage carefully over the same place. She repeated the motion several times, embracing him briefly as she passed the material from one hand to the other, pulling it as tight as she dared. "There," she leaned back on her heels to examine her handiwork, "Megumi-san will never know the difference." "I know the difference," he ran his fingers over the hidden cut, the kiss placed protectively against his skin, "arigatou." She lowered her eyes shyly, acknowledging his thanks as she rose to her feet. Kenshin donned the rest of his clothing in silence, watching as she brushed her hair, securing the dark strands in a high ponytail, her movements graceful and deliberate. Her back to him, she then untied her yukata, letting it slip from her shoulders as she prepared to dress. Without thought he moved to help her, her arm twisting at an awkward angle as she reached to wind the binding material around her chest. "May I?" he asked, taking the strip from her surprised fingers and gently turning her to face him. "Kenshin-" her protest dwindled and died as he pressed a kiss to the center of each soft peak, her breath catching at the tender, undemanding caress. Drawing back, he smoothed the well-worn fabric carefully over the skin his lips had touched. The simple actions were somehow eloquent, making her feel cherished; cared for. "Is this too tight?" Pausing, he waited for her answer, continuing only after she silently shook her head. She wrapped her arms around his neck when he finished, burying her face in the bright fall of his hair, thanking him without words for being him, and for loving her. The sun had already risen when finally they emerged from the bathhouse. Kaoru could hear Yahiko's voice echoing from the kitchen, demanding his breakfast as if this were any ordinary day. It's not . . . it's not . . . today is the beginning, the ending of Yukishiro-san's jinchuu. Please, Kami-sama, don't let it be the end of anything else. "Wait," she whispered, catching Kenshin's hand between hers, "wait. Kenshin, onegai . . . say my name. Just once more, before we join the others . . ." his fingers stopped her words. "Kaoru." No honorifics, no distance, just her name. "And the other . . . your other name for me." The one he whispered when he held her close, the one he murmured heatedly as his body moved against hers. He smiled, brushing her hair back from her forehead to place a kiss there. "Koishii. Kaoru-koishii." "And promise me . . . promise me you'll say them again, when this is over." Her blue eyes were earnest, seeking and finding understanding in the deep violet of his. "I promise. When this is over, when Enishi's jinchuu has been answered." She sighed, nodding once. "When this is over." Everything will begin. There was no need to worry. Index of Japanese terms:
Author's Notes:
|