The French Parasol

It was 1885 that autumn in Tokyo.
Normally Himura Kenshin avoided the Ginza for anything
but a few quaint restaurants and a few special herb stores.
But now he was wandering in the city, he was looking the
display windows of the great depaato. He had never seen
Kaoru or Megumi wear such clothing before, and he had never
considered them unfashionable, but times and fashions moved
faster than the wind. He had decided perhaps it was time
for a change. Kenshin considered the clothes carefully.
Perhaps a French lace parasol like the western ladies
carried. Entirely fashionable and nearly impractical.
Kaoru would winge. But they all were tired of her old red
one with the white peonies painted on the tip. Why should
she remain behind the times out of practicalities sake?
Wasn’t her birthday a time for a special treat for her? He
could give it to her at Miss Megumi’s special Biifu Paati.
He was looking through all the parasols at a place far more
expensive then the general store.
He found one covered in rose and white lace. Kenshin
opened the parasol and held it on his shoulder.
“Does this hold out any of the rain, madam?” He asked
“Oh that is not that kind of umbrella. It’s just a
parasol. It’s for show.” The shop girl said. “You might
want-”
“That is exactly the umbrella I want.” Kenshin snapped
the parasol closed with a chuckle. “It is appropriate for a
woman. I want her to have a parasol as beautiful as her
smile.”
“For a lady. Your gurofrendo?”
“What did you say again?” Kenshin put his hand to his
chest, what on Earth did that mean. He had certainly heard
many insults in his day.
“It means lover. It’s a foreign word, the ladies use
it.”
Kenshin tried his hardest not to blush. To ask such a
thing in public. It was very inappropriate. How could she
have found out his situation with Kaoru? He had never tried
to broadcast, paranoid thoughts raced through his mind.
“Well it doesn’t sound like it is for a wife…”
“No no.” Kenshin shook his head.
“My mother!” Kenshin blurted out thinking of no one
else that would be respectable enough to receive a gift. He
could never embarrass Kaoru thus. She would never be able
to face any shop keeper in the Ginza again. Living with an
unmarried woman. The scandal would ruin the entire dojo,
and Kaoru’s reputation.
The shop girl began sniggering at his comment.
Cheerfully the girl prepared a beautiful box to wrap up the
umbrella. The second he slunk out of the store, the shop
girls converged and chuckled and pointed at him, as he could
see through the window. He hunched over to hide his blush.
People had no manners any longer. He began walking down the
street. More than umbrellas and dresses had changed in this
world
As he was slinking off into the crowd, he bumped into
another person as he swung around the box. Their boxes
touched. Kenshin looked up to apologize. But his breath
left him.
“You.”
“Mr. Himura?”
Kenshin looked at him. The boy was just as tall as he
was. A soft voice, still barely lowered. He was in a dark
suit, his clothes now completely western style. The boy had
been shocked to see him. The boy’s face reflected that
simple emotion.
“Soujiro-san.”
Kenshin felt some odd relief come over him, watching
the look of surprise on Soujiro’s face.
His mind could not erase everything that had happened.
Kenshin felt his hairs prickle, despite the clothes, despite
even the uncharacteristic sound of slight surprise in his
voice; it was still Soujiro Seta,
“Mr. Himura.” The genuine look was supplanted by the
chilly grin, his starry dark eyes still wide, “You must not
have seen me. I saw you in that store over there. I stopped
to say hello.”
With that Soujiro had returned into his life
“We just collided.” Kenshin said breathless. “Forgive
me. Is your package alright?” Kenshin checked his box.
Soujiro was still small, Kenshin felt disappointed. He
had sometimes wondered about the boy, hoping he had grown
tall as a tree and twice as broad. Kenshin knew it was
bothersome being small and slender, he always secretly
wished he himself had grown more. Kenshin’s waist was as
small as a boy’s, and in low light people confused his age.
Soujiro changed little in body. His face soft and
hairless, his lips in a faint smile, his eyes wide and
beautiful, except there was something. Maybe his limbs
lengthened just enough to inhuman grace. He had compact
tight body, an Ageless evolution into his complete body,
with no teenage awkwardness. Nothing betraying the strength
he must have acquired. He reminded Kenshin too much of
himself.
“I try to take surprise well. But sometimes I get
scared.” Soujiro said queerly.
“It is good to hear you say so,” Kenshin nodded. “There
was a time when you would have not admitted it. /That you
would have said it was weakness, and would have sought to
loosen my head with your sword./
“I don’t get scared very often.” Soujiro said, his
smile softening into something wistful almost sad. To watch
facial expressions color Soujiro’s speech was something new.
Kenshin felt as if he was talking to a real person. Despite
his apprehension, Soujiro had changed. Perhaps all the
things Kenshin had hoped for the young man had come to pass.
“Gomen Ne. I was on my way home. Kaoru is expecting
me. I snuck away to buy her a present. It’s going to be her
birthday this week.”
“What is it?” Soujiro peered with inquisitive wrinkle
to his brow.
“Would you like to see it?” Kenshin lifted the corner
of the box.
Soujiro peeked inside. “Oh what a fancy parasol. Is
it from France?”
“I think it is,” Kenshin scratched the back of his
head. Soujiro clapped his hands.
They walked side by side, as friends would. “I’m sure
she’ll love it.”
“You are still with Miss Kaoru after all these years.”
Soujiro nodded.
Kenshin grinned, “Yes.”
“I don’t think that I’ve met her. She must be a
beautiful woman,” Soujiro said
“She’s twenty on Wednesday.” Kenshin said
“Twenty.” Soujiro marveled “A real grown up lady then.”
“She was a lady long before her age. Now she’s an old
lady.”
Soujiro politely chuckled. Why was he blathering about
Kaoru’s age and birthday presents? His mind was racing, and
his heart was in his throat, what was coming over him.
Kenshin sighed trying his hardest to think of anything to
say at all.
Soujiro crossed his arms as he walked. “You don’t want
to be around me. I know. I can tell the way you look.”
“Well.” Ken sto stopped walking.
“I am good at reading people.” Soujiro averted his
gaze. Much better than showing my own emotions.”
“I have little time to spend today. You caught me on a
busy day. There is a party…” Kenshin smiled nervously
himself. But it wo noo no avail. A mask could not work on
a person like Soujiro.
He faced Soujiro timidly, “I was not expecting this.”
“You never thought I would return from wandering. That
I would show up to bother you again. I-”
Kenshin clutched his arm, “But I am trying to be
optimistic.”
Soujiro accepted his touch, “I can’t expect anymore.”
Kenshin hadn’t seen the young man since he was a boy,
no since he was something like a boy: a monster in a boy’s
body with no humanity in his voice, no life in his body, and
no look of surprise.
Now something had changed, now they had grown and were
standing in the Ginza, speaking to each other about ordinary
things.
When I last met you, you were very confused, very lost.
You need not worry about my discomfort; I only hope you have
found answers in your wandering.”

“I can’t say that I’m sure what exactly will happen, or
how I feel. I only hope you have found your peace.” Kenshin
nodded.
“I wander no more, Mr. Himura. I live here in Tokyo.”
“You are here for good now?” Kenshin asked
“Your city is wonderful.” Soujiro laughed, much
happier than usual.
Kenshin sighed “I can’t take credit for the city.”
“It makes me very happy. The colors and the sights and
all the people. Cosmopolitan and new. Edo is so… well it’s
not Kyoto. It’s…. It’s-”
“It can be /that/ sometimes.” Kenshin laughed at his
boyish enthusiasm, “If you know the right people.”
“Well I am working with Yukio Mistumori,” Soujiro
strutted. “He’s a very powerful business man. He is a
famous silk manufacturer.” Soujiro smiled at him. “He has
more money than anyone.” Soujiro said it with a gleeful
spring in his step.
“Silk is a good business. Hard honest work.” Kenshin
said “There is lot of money to be made in the west. In
England and in France and such.”
“Yes they do all that in the factories now. No more
hand picking. He’s been everywhere. Even the west on his
father’s ships. This year he is accompanying the finance
minister to England and France.”
“I think I would like to see the west. San Francisco
and New York and England and go everywhere too. And the
North Pole and the Wild West and the Cowboys and the Blacks
of Africa and… and see all the kinds of people. The Gaijin-“
Soujiro’s thought trailed as his enthusiasm built,
probably he like Kenshin was speaking faster then he was
thinking.
“Are you as nervous as I am?” Kenshin said. “I find it
hard to speak at all.”
“I think I am. My thumb won’t stop moving, and the
words are hard to say.”
“That is what nervous should feel like.” Kenshin
nodded.
“It is hard for me to say things.” Soujiro said, “I’ve
rarely felt that too. I usually know what to say too.”
“Kenshin, how are you doing?”
“I’ve felt so much better things. You know? And you
were the one who gave me that. I used to be only amused.
Sure sometimes… sometimes I may cry. But now I can laugh as
well.” Soujiro’s face softened “I just get very very
excited, about all the wonderful things there are.”
“It was what I had always hoped for you Soujiro, to be
yourself and feel whatever life has to offer.”
They arrived at the crossroads and Kenshin lo up up
“This is my turn. Are you heading this way?”
“No I have to go another way.”
“I wish you well Soujiro.” Kenshin bowed.
“Will I see you again, Mr. Himura?” Soujiro asked
“I did not know. Now we are both in the same city, it
may happen again.” Kenshin smiled “I would like to see the
person you have become.”
“Perhaps one day we will meet again when we can talk
further. And I can meet your lovely Kaoru.”
“I only hope so. I hope next time whenever we should
meet it would not seem so awkward.” Kenshin said
“That is for sure. Goodbye.” Soujiro stepped off the
curb carrying his white box as he faded into the distance.
***

Soujiro arrived at his apartment, a sturdy stone and
iron building with stout walls. A very Western style
building.
He hopped up the stairs on one foot whistling. He had
never at all expected to see Kenshin shopping on the Ginza.
Perhaps the next time that they met they could meet there.
He was exactly the same as he was all those years ago, same
eyes, even the same shirt. Kenshin was still wearing old
fashioned clothes. Actually Soujiro couldn’t remember a
time he was in Tokyo when he saw anybody dressed in the old
style.
Perhaps all this fine and high living had made him
sheltered. He had gotten used to the finer things in life
and forgotten the old ways.
He put the box on the bed.
A young messenger arrived and knocked on the door.
Soujiro shut the box and rushed to the door.
“A message from Mitsumori.” The young man bowed, and
handed him an envelope.
“I’ll take it in the office.” Soujiro motioned him in.
One whole room was an ce wce with western style
furniture, to keep it tidy and comfortable. A wide desk
with many papers sat on it. Most inconsequential in
Soujiro’s mind, some mail. He moved a paper weight. A very
fancy looking dagger with two sharp edges.
“Does Mr. Mitsumori need me now?” Soujiro asked
plopping in the chair.
“Later on. He has a special engagement.” The messenger
handed it to him.
“A letter.” Soujiro chuckled “Oh it must be confusing.
You didn’t read it did you?” Soujiro said playfully.
“Read it sir?”
“Oh it probably can get dull. Might be fun to peek at
letters. That’s what I would do if I were a messenger
The messenger shook his head. “No sir it’s sealed. I
don’t want to lose my job.”
Soujiro’s hand went absently for the blade on his desk.
The messenger squirmed.
“You don’t want to lose your head.” Soujiro balanced
the knife on its point on his finger. “This is very serious
business that he entrusts completely to me. He wouldn’t
trust someone else.”
The man laughed nervously. The way the sunlight
gleamed off the blade made him feel queasy. Soujiro grabbed
the knife in the air causing the man to jump.
He jumped a foot in the air. “What?”
“Oops.” Soujiro looked at him “I didn’t mean to scare
you. Why do I always do that?” Soujiro pouted. Why would
he stab a stranger for no reason? The problem with his
life. No one knew if he was serious or kidding, no one
really trusted him like Mr. Yukio could. He slit open the
envelope, making his intentions clearer.
“It’s nothing. That knife looks sharp. You shouldn’t
play with knives. What I tell my kids.”
Soujiro placed the knife down. “It would be foolish of
me to get hurt in such a fashion.”
The boy skimmed for useful information through most of
the stuff, a lot of subterfuge. Yukio was not a very direct
person, but he always got what he wanted.
“I’ll be ready when he says. Tell him to come at 6.”
“Six is early.”
“Well you don’t know Yukio or the way he acts,” Soujiro
nodded. “If I tell him six. He will be ready at seven. If
I tell him seven all of my plans will be ruined and he won’t
be here until a quart past eight. I just have to get ready.”
He tipped the messenger, who wandered off.
“I’m glad I went shopping today. This is a very lucky
day.” He said to the box as he put away all the new things
he bought away.

Part One: Biifu Paati

Kaoru looked angry as Kenshin wandered in with his
package. He should have come earlier, since the party was
going to be held at the dojo. Even though Megumi insisted
she could handle this party herself. But Kaoru couldn’t
help but interfering. So she was the only one to help.
Kenshin really should have come earlier noting the heavy
garlic and cinder smell coming from the kitchen.
“Why are you so late? Honestly what have you been
doing this afternoon?”
“Oro.”
“Everything is complete madness Kenshin and you weren’t
even here to see any of it.” Kaoru grabbed his hand and drug
him into the building.
“Dr. Megumi has been busy working on her Beef Party.”
“Oh I had to help her,” Kaoru said. “Poor thing isn’t a
domestic person like me.”
“Well I’m sure that food isn’t the most important part
of a party anyway.” Kenshin said softly. “What is most
important is the togetherness-“
“Well that’s not it.-“
“Now Kaoru, I’m sure Megumi’s party will go alright.
You’ve worked very hard on it and Yahiko promised he would
behave like a human being for once.”
“But that’s not…” Kaoru shook her head “Are you even
listening to me?”
Kenshin walked into the house.

“Beef provides vigorous health and nutrition. To make
you big and strong.” Dr. Megumi said clearly, or rather
recited.
Aoshi Shinomori sat in the room holding beef on a tooth
pick, staring intently. “I am big and strong.” The tall
grave man put down his food “I don’t think I’m hungry.”
“Mr. Aoshi,”
“Don’t be antisocial.” Misao said chewing on her beef,
“This is a beef party.”
“I’m not hungry and if I was I would feel uncomfortable
eating this. I often abjure meats. They play havoc on my
digestion.”
“A little beef won’t hurt you Aoshi-sama,” Misao said.
“Perhaps I could go make Aoshi some soup, instead.”
“Beef is the key to a healthy diet, as well as milk
bread and butter, hearty and nutritious foods full of
protein and vitamins.” Dr. Megumi said “If you incorporated
red meat into your diet, your skin and hair will be
healthier…”
Aoshi nibbled the beef. He had certainly not grown to
his height because of beef and milk. It was just nature to
be tall. But if Kenshin almost wished it was true. He
wouldn’t mind being as tall and stately as Aoshi. Even if
he did have to eat beef all the time.
“Careful not too much Aoshi-san. You won’t fit in the
house if you grow any taller.” Sanosuke ribbed him.
The crowd at the party was quite diverse. Sano
couldn’t resist a free meal or a good chance to confront Dr.
Megumi. And Dr. Genzai and his two grand daughters had come
as well, as well as Tsubame’s sisters from the Akaebano.
“Kenshin.” Aoshi dropped his beef on the floor.
“Megumi was teaching us about the virtues of vitamins
and minerals in Beef.” Misao chirped.
“Beef is a secret of the west. Also milk, cheese and
butter, which are consumed in great quantities in the west…”
Megumi continued reciting.
“She’s been going like that for a long time.” Sano
said. “Can’t enjoy any of it.”
“No one believes me. I think that diet maybe an
important factor in health and well being.”
“Yes and probably everyone else does too by now.”
Kenshin nodded.
Megumi ed “ed “Ken-san, you are impossible sometimes.
I can handle the direct insults, but you. Why don’t you at
least try some?”
“You know some rice wood go great with this. If I can
stomach all the lecturing.” Sano put more food in his mouth.
“Well at least it’s not Yahiko ruining this party. I
thought clearly he would make another scene.” Kaoru
whispered to Kenshin.
“The night is still young.” Kenshin muttered.
“Do you always have to mutter under your breath when
you talk about me?” Yahiko piled an impressive amount of
beef on his small bowl and drank three cups of milk. But
said little.
Aoshi, who now had a clear mouth was debating with
Megumi, “For years our ancestors have eaten little meat and
survived vigorously.”
“That was before doctors had the knowledge of nutrition
they do now,” Megumi said. “And now it is easier than ever
to acquire healthy food.
“I never liked Western food. It is too rich. It gives
one indigestion, gout, no doubt it hardens the blood.*” Then
Aoshi wiped off his hands.
“You are living in the past,” Dr. Megumi said.
“I like what I like. Whether it is from the past or
future.”
“I think I will make Lord Aoshi some rice.”
“Sit down Misao. I will drink some tea. It will
suffice.”
“He is so determined not to try western food that he
looks peaked just looking at it.” Megumi muttered “You’d
think it would make him sick.”
“Shh.” Kenshin shushed her.
Aoshi took a glass of tea with his meal and drunk some
down to wash the greasy taste off his tongue.
Aoshi spit out the milk, “Ulk it’s awful… like fire.”
“Milk is good for you. It is the healthiest and most
perfect food in the world,” Megumi said.
“Good for cats perhaps.” Aoshi pushed his milk aside.
“It tastes bad.”
Megumi tsked, “You had milk when you were a baby.”
You could actually hear his stomach rumble after he
drank the milk. Perhaps Megumi shouldn’t try to compete
against Aoshi’s bad indigestion, for clearly he was making
an effort to be sociable. Some forces could not be tamed.

They found themselves talking about the news in the
Mainichi. About the finance ministers trip to England in
the upcoming months.
“Oh the English love our raw silk. Something has to
cloth all those beautiful western ladies, and you know how
complicated their dresses are.”
The girls nodded.
“Yosh.” Sano nodded along with them.
Kenshin gave him an odd look.
Sano continued “All those corsets and those crinoline
and petticoats. It’s like they are trying to build a house
under their shirts, complete with frames.”
“Sanosuke.” Kaoru rolled her eyes, using his full name
“How would you know about that? We are in mixed company.”
Kaoru motioned to the little Genzai sisters.
“Yeah I knew this very interesting young English girl
and she… well let’s just say…”
Kenshin frowned. Yahiko had woken from his coma, and
Misao was chuckling. The buffoon was talking about his
experiences with ladies underwear and his experience with
ladies. Ayame and Suzume were rapt. Kaoru’s expression
went from enraged to horrified. Only Megumi ignored him
“But I’m sure they want to know all about your exploits.”
Megumi leveled him with a quick jab “Don’t you Ayame?”
Even Sano had a sense of modesty, and as all eyes were
gaping at him and his baudy conversation, he started
clamming up and looking at his feet.
“Oh… and we played bridge, and it rained and ur… yeah.”
“Did you write her letters?”
“How did you see her underclothes then?”
“Never mind then Suzume. You just well…” Sano said.
“Is it true that they wear like wooden frames under
their skirts to make their butts look big?” Ayame asked
Sano was glad to change the subject thatthat’s to make
their stomachs look tiny. Maybe if they didn’t eat pig meat
and cream they wouldn’t need it.”
As soon as the girls left Sano’s side
“Sanosuke. Oro, you should not talk about the business
of what is under a lady\'s skirt. I think it is inappropriate
conversation. Especially in front of Yahiko and the girls.
There was a time when no one would mention such things.”
Kenshin folded his hands.
“Well you know the way these new fangled western
clothes are catching on in Tokyo, perhaps one day Yahiko
will need to learn how to open up all those complicated
stays and hooks and buttons-“
Kenshin was turning redder every second.
“It is just undergarments. They sell them in the
store.” Yahiko said. “There is nothing to be embarrassed
about.”
“It’s unmentionable.” Kenshin said. “Yahiko you are far
too impressionable to hear about such things.”
“Why?” Yahiko whined
“Because you have an interest in them.” Kenshin said
“If you mature enough to talk about such things you would
not possess such an avid fascination.”
“I dunno Kenshin… I’m far older that Yahiko here and it
still seems like a good conversation to me.” Sano said.
Kenshin smiled, “Oh well age does not indicate degree
of impressionability.”
“Hey, you saying I’m childish.” Sano said.
“It is one of things I admire about you Sano-kun.”
Kenshin nodded.
“Peh.” Sano snorted “Always with those back handed
compliments. I’m with Megumi on this one.”
Dr Genzai chuckled hopefully changing the subject to
something more educational then the nutritional value of
Beef or ladies under garments. “It reminds me of that old
story.”
“Not that one.” Yahiko said.
Dr. Genzai tapped his cane. “It’s a good story.”
“I want to hear the story.” Misao said.
“Oh no, it’s untoward. Lady Misao.”

“Oh tell the story for me, Dr. ai.”ai.” Dr. Megumi
touched his arm. “My party is getting dull.”
“Well I can’t resist two pretty ladies.” Dr. Genzai
began telling his old joke. “Well two monks were on the
road. And they see this lovely woman. Even more lovely
than our Miss Megumi, waiting at the river looking worried
and dismayed”

Sano grumbled. Old flattering cuss.

“Oh now Miss Megumi knows I only have the utmost respect for
her intelligence and beauty and skill.”
“He’s worse then I am,” Sanosuke said, “Going after a
young woman not even a quarter his age.
“I’ve been around a whole lot longer then you.” Dr.
Genzai chattered, “I’ve had time to practice.
Yahiko stood up
“It is disrespectful to wander off when an old man is
talking.” Kenshin said
“I heard that stupid story like twenty times.” Yahiko
said.

Kaoru glared at him “Yahiko. Don’t disrespect your
elders. Dr. Genzai was in the middle of his story.” Kaoru
scolded him. “Sit down before he notices.”
Yahiko crashed back down in his seat and glared at
everyone.
“It is disrespectful to the elderly.”
Kenshin could tell when Yahiko zoned out. He had heard
this old story many times as well.
Yahiko had changed. The boy had been like a great oni
living on his own deprived from human company. At first he
thought it was because Tsubame had left her home to go work
in a Ladies factory far away. He thought that he was merely
pining the loss of his sweet heart. The boy was very moody
lately.
For example, He would shovel huge amounts of food into
his mouth vanish for hours and practice by himself. He
morosely lead his few classes, glumly spent his time reading
with his spectacles over his nose. They gave him a much
more serious look, that of a brooding intellectual. Kenshin
wondered if he kept them on to make himself look more
impressive. He was the only one of his friends with a pair
of spectacles. Yahiko was at an age where a family could
become oppressive. But it was this time he was most likely
to get in trouble. It would be a tough year.
The joke was winding down, and the group of them was
becoming comfortable, they found Aoshi some tea, and they
began relaxing.

“And the young says to the older.
‘Sensei, I can’t handle it any longer. I must know.
I’ve waited three years to ask you why you touched that
girl. It’s driving me crazy.”
‘You’re telling me I carried that pretty girl over the
river and this upset you, ‘
‘Yes. And it was wrong.’
‘But you carried her over the river through the woods
and into the village and into the temple and for all these
months.”

They began to laugh.
Megumi laughed “Well told.”
“I don’t remember when I’ve heard that old story told
so well.” Aoshi said studiously. Not revealing any sort of
reaction.
“I don’t get it. What’s funny?” Misao asked.

“So how long will you be staying with us?” Kaoru asked.
“We are here for a short trip actually.”
“You can’t mean that. You must stay at least for the
month.”
“There are several things to do in Tokyo in a short
time. To see the Opera perhaps. Or go shopping in the
Ginza or to see the great Palace.”
“If you so rarely find yourself in Kyoto how else can
we see our dear friends?” Misao smiled as she clutched
Kaoru’s hands. Kaoru grinned.
“Well you are staying in the main rooms… Kenshin will
be sleeping in the guest house. It’s get too cold out
there.”
“We couldn’t put you out.” Lord Aoshi said. “We would
not mind sharing the guest house. We are the guests.”
“Oh it is perfectly fine with a brazier. It is often
quieter at night anyway.” Kenshin said. “You should get the
decent rooms.”
“The walls are thin inside the house. And truthfully
many are not accustomed to sleeping in a busy house.” Aoshi
said “Our home in Kyoto is quite expansive and empty, Misao
and myself…”
“Of course Grandfather.” Misao butted in.
“Hn. We have few servants you see,” Aoshi said. “Misao
is a fine homemaker. We keep to ourselves during the day.”
“I don’t want to hear old Yahiko snoring.” Misao
snorted, patting her arm around him. The whole party
chuckled. Misao laughed.
Yahiko grumbled “I don’t snore.”
“I’m just kidding, you.” Misao leaned on her elbow.
“You’ve certainly haven’t improved your attitude in these
years. I remember when you could take a joke.”
“I also remember when you would rough me up because I
was smaller then you.” Yahiko glared at her. “You deserve a
hair mussing,” He pointed his finger.
“You are still a pain.” Misao said “No matter how big
you get.”
“Why do you even bother talking about it, Kenshin?
You’re probably end up sleeping in Kaoru’s room anyway. You
always do. I’ll sleep outside.”
Kenshin dropped his piece of beef. The cat snatched it
up.
“Yahiko.” Kaoru turned bright red. “You shouldn’t say
such things.”
“I’m not a baby. I know what you are, Kaoru. Who
cares? Nobody in this house cares. Nobody in the entire
world cares what you’re doing in private. So what Sano’s
babbling about underwear? He’s an idiot. You and Kenshin
sleep-”
“Yahiko.”
“I didn’t see I needed your permission to do anything.
This is my house.” Kaoru said. “I let you live here. It’s
not the other way around.”
“You sure like saying that, don’t you?” Yahiko slid his
glasses down.
Kenshin stood up with a hurt look on his face.
“Kaoru.”
Yahiko stood up and shouted “And /I’m/ going to sleep
in the guest house. I don’t feel like staying here anyway.”
Yahiko said “It’s too crowded. And Kaoru would probably
just run out in the middle oe nie night to be with-”
“Yahiko. Please not with the company.” Kenshin hushed
him. “Kaoru
“Hush yourself, Kenshin.”
“I’m sick of pretending like it’s not happening.”
Yahiko shouted. “No one cares. This isn’t the old days.
Times are changing.”
The whole crowd of them stared at the impudent boy, and
Kenshin and Kaoru conspicuously not staring at anyone.
“You know what. Forget all of this. I’m leaving then.
If you can’t see what’s going on you are blind, you can’t
hide from the whole world.” Yahiko said “I’m leaving.”
“You may not.”
”I promised my friends I’d meet them,” Yahiko said.
“But the party…” Kaoru said, this time sounding hurt.
“Some party.” Yahiko snarled. He slumped over, “Food
nobody wants to eat, and /wonderful/ company.”
Dr. Megumi frowned.
Kenshin held his arm “We don’t want you out, running
around causing trouble this late at night.”
Yahiko shook him off. “Yeah God forbid I stay here
where everybody sneaks around after dark, sleeping with each
other. I might get a bad influence.”
“Well then go. I don’t see why I bother. I’m not your
mother. I’m not your sister. I’m nothing to you then. I
mean so little to you, you can shame me like this. And
Kenshin.”
“You have to face facts.” Yahiko shouted.
Kenshin stood up
“This is shameful,” Kenshin said. “You two are such
stubborn oxen,” Kenshin said. “If you will not apologize
then I am leaving.”

Kenshin was always the first one to leave when things
got hot.
****
The whole room was silent, even the mutters had
stopped. Dr. Genzai was having an apoplectic fit keeping
quiet. Misao had stopped moving. Megumi’s party was
completely ruined, and Yahiko and Kaoru were sharing such
cruel words that even Kenshin’s skillful diplomacy was
breaking down. Now all three of them had left the place.
Aoshi looked about and grabbed a glass of milk
“So Milk is more nutritious then tea is it not?”
“Oh yes… Yes filled with minerals.”
Aoshi winced, “I don’t believe I’ve had a glass since I
was a small child.”


****
Sano shook his head and muttered to Misao, “I can’t
believe the little twerp said that. Did he call Missy
a…well-“
“Sanosuke. Don’t make it worse.”
“But he did call Kenshin a… well-“
“I think it is time to leave.” Dr. Genzai chuckled so
forcefully that he sounded mad.
“But it’s early,” Ayame whined.
“Why are Yahiko and Kaoru so mad? I share a room with
my sister…”

“TIME TO GO!” Dr. Genzai grabbed onto there hands
“Maybe they need more rooms in the house.” Ayame
shrugged.
“Exactly, clever girls.” Dr. Genzai patted Ayame
“Overcrowding has lead to bad tempers. We’ll not talk about
it again.”

The Doctor quickly headed toward the door.
“We’ll be back tomorrow. You can say Good Bye then.”
He bowed and dragged the girls behind him without even
giving them a chance to say a decent goodbye.

Sano had found his way to more beef. “I mean he just
said it. I’ve not even stupid enough to just blurt it out.
I can’t believe it was him.”
“Sano shut up.”

“He’s a young man. He’s not a child any longer.”

“I can’t believe that brat.” Misao said “He should have some
respect. I mean everyone knows what’s going on between
Kenshin and Kaoru; you aren’t supposed to say anything, no
matter how wrong we think it is.”

“Misao please just drink some milk.”
“Is my beef so horrible?”

“No. No no.” Everybody shook their heads.
***

Kenshin waited outside in the garden area. The night was
cooler than he was, and blew a soft wind over the world.
Yahiko was gone from the party.

“It is a shameful thing for a man and woman to live together
who are not married.”

Yahiko has born that shame as well without his choice. Out
of nothing but love for us both. He saw our pain. But he
does not see our decision.

Marriage never crossed their minds, because it was not
natural thing for them. Kaoru was bold and free and
independent. For her to be married would change her.

And Kenshin, he closed that door long ago. He had his wife
and the pain of that union. Now he sought something
superior, something he and she could live with.

She could not live that way. It was not for her. To take a
custom, for something that was written in destiny.

Kenshin heard a rustling from the buildings.
Aoshi was waiting outside wandering. He looked up at
Kenshin.
“Marry her.”
Kenshin felt incredibly annoyed that Aoshi would say
that. “What are you doing up?”
He placed his hand on his stomach, “I was keeping Misao
awake with my shifting. And then she wanted to talk about
her feelings. I find she she’ll stop when I wander away.
She is troubled. She’ll be troubled in the morning.”
“I hope she finds peace. It can be very horrible not
to sleep. It will make you sick”
Aoshi stretched “And don’t you change the subject. Why
don’t you marry Kaoru?”
“Oh.” Kenshin first sounded. The red headed swordsmen
shook his head “I don’t have to talk about this.”
“You know it is for Misao I’m telling you this.” Aoshi
walked toward him. “Misao is your dear friend and she pains
to see you unhappy and living you like this.”
“Well, then.” Kenshin closed his mouth. Aoshi cleared
his throat. Kenshin was talkative and energetic, but he
could donate that energy to hiding himself behind a smile.
And closing up the ears in his head.
“Yes ow iow it is not her business,” Aoshi said. “Or
my business. But someone has to tell you what is right.
And Yahiko is too young to know any better. He is a child.”
“You are a man?” Kenshin asked playfully. Too playful
for the context. “You understand what it is to be married.
You have to leave your wife in the middle of the night so
she will ‘stop her talking.’” Kenshin’s tone became almost
mocking. Perhaps his sleeplessness was making him cranky.
“
Kenshin huddled his legs to he chest. “I think that
Yahiko may be onto something. That I should not care what
others think.”
Aoshi moved towards him “You do.”
Kenshin frowned, “But I have the-“
“You do.” Aoshi cut in tersely. He had no grace of
words.
Kenshin crossed his arms and turned around. The tall
Okashira sat down beside him. Aoshi continued in his
colorless, phlegmatic way, crossing his arms “It is not fit
Kenshin. A man and a woman sharing a house when they are
not married.”
Kenshin said “I do care what others say. It is a
burden… Kaoru may not go to the nearby market to by tofu,
because they will talk about her. And always the dojo, I am
afraid I will shatter her life again.”
“Then marry her. Make her an honest woman.
“Because that would change her life too. To be a man’s
wife. A man like me. Not even the first in my heart. I
will not hurt her. It is been so wonderful the way we have
lived.”
“What man’s wife would run a dojo? What man’s wife has
a tongue like hers? She can’t even brew a decent sencha. I
do not want her for a wife like that. We have invented
something new. It is not the marriage you speak of.”
“If she loves you maybe she would change her life.”
Aoshi straightened up. Kenshin only became more huddled “And
you have changed for her.”
Kenshin curled tighter into his ball.
Aoshi sat down sprawling his legs “Don’t marry her
then. You have even me confused with your riddles.”
The sat side by side
“Aoshi?”
“Hn.”
“Why did you marry Misao?”
“Because. I needed for her to be my wife.” Aoshi said.
The master of mystery. Who never said anything he did not
mean. How could a shinobi be so blunt? “So I let her in.
And I have made her happy. As happy as a man can.”
“Do you understand what it is like between Kaoru and I?
I don’t think I could be with someone I really didn’t like.”
Kenshin said.
“I feel I have to change something. But I don’t know
what I can do. My heart and mind will not meet… I’ve felt
this tension before. Now that Yahiko is involved.”
“Is it not his business either?” Aoshi asked just as
sharply as Kenshin asked him questions.
“He’s a boy.”
“Innocent. He did not make your decision. But he
lives with them,” Aoshi said.
“I don’t want to hurt Yahiko.”
“If you hurt yourself, it will hurt him. He loves you
as a father… or a brother…. No definitely a father.”
Kenshin nodded “I love him too. In my way. Because he
is not my son or my brother. He means something very
special to me.”
“But there is no right path after this long. Every
thing is lost and dark. I am older. Not wiser. I still do
not know my own mind… It’s been almost 10 years since I have
met Kaoru, and I still am lost.”
Aoshi leaned on his hand listening. “I won’t talk about
it again.” Aoshi shook his head “I can’t marry Kaoru. I
can’t make you get married. I can’t marry you.” Aoshi sat
down “Fool. Puzzling Fool.”
Aoshi took a deep breath “But it is a lovely night to
be alone. Perhaps something will free your mind tonight.”
Kenshin and Aoshi sat for another half hour and went to
there rooms. Aoshi went back to Misao’s knot of arms and
Kenshin, to his quiet room to think and to hear the sounds
of breath against the thin walls.