Back to ze past

Kaoru pouted "I don't wanna"

"No, then what do you plan to do?" Hotaru asked. "You have a son now. Have for three years young man."

"I know... doesn't mean i wanna go tho. He's happily playing with Sadaku and Kenji"

"Then what are you planning to do?" Hotaru asked. "Since my children are at yours, and its justthe two of us here."

Kaoru grinned evily
"I can think of a few things...."

"I don't like that look in your eye." Hotaru said, leaning away slightly. "No, I think it best you go home."

"I'm sorry," he apologised meekly, letting her go

"You mustnt think those thoughts Kaoru-dono." Hotaru said, bowing her head slightly. "They are not proper."

he sighed, back to the formality...
"I beg your forgiveness Hotaru-sama, it was inexcuseable."
he bowed deeply and turned away

"Kaoru..." Hotaru sighed deeply. "I'm sory if I offended."

Kaoru ran his fingers through his hair
"I really am sorry Hotaru, Its just i hate it when you call me Kaoru-dono.
like my rank is something to come between us... i hate it..."

"Your a lord, I'm a simple pesant." Hotaru sighed. "I do love being with you, don't think I don't but... If peoople found out. Your title, your way of life could be in trouble."

he smiled sadly
"my title and lifestyle are nothing but a burden to me. Something keeping me from how i really want to live my life... and who i want to live it with..."

Hotaru moved forward and ran her hand across his cheek. "Don't smile like that. It makes everything worse, when your eyes become sad."

He hugged her tightly
"I'm sorry if our relationship, your association with me, has caused you any trouble. I know you worry about if the village finds out. I wish it didn't have to be like this."

"I'm annoying to track for a perfectly good reason" He said with a smirk. "And I don't think I need to mention the last time I actually spoke to her. I didn't teach her any of this. And I'm not averse to the help." He said with a nod.

Taro grinned at him. "Priest hmm? That make me a sitting duck?"

"It always ends up like this." Hotaru sighedd. "Maybe its better if we stop seeing each other."

Kaoru felt like his heart was being crushed but he kept it from his face
"I-If thats what you want, I will respect that. You have my word"

.......................................

Hikaru smiled
"Great!"
Momiji did not look pleased at this but a stern look from her father prevented her from voicing a complaint

Takeo grinned
"Fear not friend. It would be hypocritical of me to 'purify your arse' for what you are.
You and I are in the same boat as it was, and Hika for that matter.
half the reason we 'ave to keep on the move."

"We always end up worring about what if people find out." Hotaru sighed. "Its not even like we're married."

Kaoru looked at her, a strange look in his eyes
"Would it be better if we were?"

"What?" Hotaru asked, confused.

he took hold of her hands
"Hotaru, would you marry me?"

Hotaru lookd at him and slid her hands back. "No." He said afer a long pause. "I-I don't think so."

Taro beamed. "Good to hear. Camping out couldn't possibly get any more fun, now there's more people than my big, fun, cheerful buddy here" He said and elbowed Mori who made a point of pushing him away as one would an over-enthused child. Mori massaged his temple and looked back to Hikaru.

"Right. If you're happy to help, that is. I don't want to drag you around if you've got soimething better to do." He nodded at the section of forest he'd be going through. "But either way, I'll never catch anything of her if I don't get oing now."

"I understand." he said