Rurouni Kenshin Fanfic

Rurouni Kenshin & Samurai X Original Japanese Version © N.Watsuki/Shueisha * Fuji-TV * SME Visual Works Inc. * Sony Pictures Entertainment

All Fanfics created by Chiruken (me) were written for the sole purpose of shared entertainment and not intended for publication or sale.

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The Blanket Scenario

Hiko & Kaoru

by Chiruken

Chapter 5

Kaoru stepped closer to the fire and held her hands over the flames in an attempt to thaw them out. She glanced around herself surreptiously with a slightly bewildered frown marring her features. Something didn’t seem quite right. Her frown deepened to a scowl as she turned around, warming her backside and surveying the one-room cottage. Something seemed to be missing…but what?

Hiko straightened from the other side of the sunken hearth and studied the young woman standing across from him, steam rising from her wet clothes. He sighed inwardly and stood, removing his cape. He cleared his throat to gain her attention. She turned and tilted her head to the side questioningly. “You should take off those wet things, Kaoru-chan.”

Kaoru’s lips quirked with her returning humor. “Do you realize, Hiko-san, that you’re the third man who’s told me to take off my clothes?”

Hiko’s eyebrows rose to meet his hairline. Of course he knew. There wasn’t much he DIDN’T know about his baka deshi’s chosen woman…including her exploits with Shinomori Aoshi and Saito Hajime…he just hadn’t expected her to divulge that particular secret to him. He grinned and winked. “And did you enjoy the attention, Kaoru-chan?”

She gasped, momentarily shocked speechless. Clenching her hands into fists at her sides she glared at him, furious. “Just what are you implying, Hiko-san?”

He shook his head, expression distressed though his eyes were glinting with wicked humor. “Tsk tsk…Kaoru-chan, how could you think I would…“

“Stuff it. I don’t want to play your games right now, all right?”

Hiko scowled irritably. “Fine. Just get out of those wet clothes and put this on.” He tossed her his white cape. “Try not to get too close to the fire, Kaoru-chan. Soot is difficult to wash out of white.” He turned on his heel and strode for the door. “You have five minutes.” Kaoru stuck her tongue out at his retreating back. “Mature…real mature.”

Kaoru blinked at the door as it closed. How had he known what she was doing? She smacked a palm to her forehead. Of course! He was the thirteenth master of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu…his powers of perception were remarkable. That’s how he knew. She sighed and quickly removed her wet kimono, wrapping Hiko’s cape around her shivering body with an appreciative smile. It was luxurious! She snuggled into it, rubbing her face against the soft velvety feel of the lining. The only problem was that it was so heavy! She glared as the door opened.

Hiko blinked and paused on the threshold. “What?”

“Why is your cape so heavy, Hiko-san? Did you sew weights into it?”

“As a matter of fact…yes. If it’s too heavy for you, sit down.” He moved closer to the fire and checked the small earthenware pitcher partially submerged in water close to the sunken hearth. He reached to the side for a small cup. He poured the warmed liquid into the delicate pottery and held it out to Kaoru. “Here. Drink this.”

Kaoru frowned into the cup and wrinkled her nose. “No thank you. I don’t drink sake.”

Hiko gave her his most fearsome scowl, leaning closer almost threateningly. “Drink it.”

“Eep!” Kaoru jumped in fright at his command, grasping the cup and downing the contents in one gulp. Hiko filled it again immediately and held it out to her. Once again Kaoru drained the cup.

After refilling her cup three times and watching with fascination as a flush crept into her face Hiko relented. “That should do it.”

“Do…*hic*…what?” Kaoru blinked blurrily and grinned at her slurred words. “Uh oh…“ She swayed to the side before catching herself and giggled.

Hiko quirked an eyebrow at her in amusement. “My baka deshi wasn’t exaggerating.”

Kaoru frowned, attempting to decipher what to her was a cryptic statement. “What about your simple paper cup?”

“My…what?” Hiko looked at her blankly. Kaoru giggled in response. “Wonderful. A drunk tanuki.”

**To Be Continued…**

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