Thanks to Ishimaru Amon, who asked for a fic in which Tomoe prevents Akira from going to Kyoto and their future life. Hopefully, you will not be disappointed.

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.

"Perception"

"I'm thinking of asking her to marry me," Akira said suddenly.

And yet it was not so sudden. She was all his master could talk of in his leisure, and frankly, En was growing sick of her. Tomoe, Tomoe, Tomoe. It only grew worse, as the days became shorter and the nights longer.

"That would be a good idea," En replied as he had rehearsed over and over. "Both of you are in the proper marrying range and close in status."

"True… But a marriage isn't only about signing paperwork and exchanging family names. I want to have—"

"Love, commitment, dedication," En chorused. "Yes Kiyosato-sama, and those things come with a disciplined samurai daughter. You mustn't worry. Haven't you and Yukishiro-sama been in close contact since you were children?"

Akira blushed. "Those qualities should come with a wife like a neatly wrapped package," he argued, "I have to be sure I've earned them."

En didn't add that Tomoe was far from the worthiest wives for his master, at least in his eyes. Akira was worrying over nothing. "And you have. You've spent a small fortune courting her, which is probably why we're having rice as our main course instead of fish."

Akira frowned. "Watch it there."

"Forgive me, I was blind. That grain of rice is clearly a fish scale."

With his status, En should have humbled himself. After all, he was only a servant to Akira, the second son of a retainer to the shogun. It might not have seemed like an impressive title, but it only made Akira's magnificence shine out greater amongst the his humble background. Indeed, Akira had gained himself a loyal servant, and was on his way of marriage to a woman who didn't deserve him, and yet he was trying so intently anyway. He spoke kindly to En, something he hadn't experienced ever since he was left alone. He was the second son in his family, and yet he was pleased with his status. Humble, kind, diligent, with just the right amount of fire made Akira who he was: a perfect man. Why Yukishiro-sama couldn't see that was beyond him.

But the relationship between him and Akira was different. They weren't just master and servant; they were friends, close friends. Akira taught En the meaning of friendship. He would almost go so far as to say that Akira taught him love, but if what Akira had for Tomoe was love, En was sorely mistaken.

So what did that leave? Friendship could hardly describe the dedication En felt for Akira. Deep affection, a burning loyalty, and affection… Brothers perhaps? He knew how Enishi acted whenever Akira and Tomoe were together.

Yes, brothers. It was natural for him to feel alienated towards Tomoe then, just as Enishi was toward Akira. It was natural for him to feel a stinging jealousy slash across his chest like a sword whenever he saw that look on his master's face directed toward Tomoe, natural to want to tell Akira that he loved him so much more than Tomoe did. Completely, utterly natural. Just like Enishi was.

Shaking his head, Akira stood up. "I'm going to have a bath now. Care to join me?"

"I'll decline. I still have chores to do."

"Suit yourself. Good night En."

"Good night Kiyosato-sama."

It always seemed weird to En to take a bath with someone, and he never got used to his master's presence while his was in the tub.

He wondered if Enishi took baths with Tomoe.

A few notes:

I'm sorry it's so short, but it seemed right to end the prologue there. The main point of this chapter was to introduce En, an original character. I never thought I'd make an original character, but seeing as how this is an AU and Kenshin and the gang won't play a major part (if they're mentioned at all), I need some supporting characters.

As this is my first OC, I tried not to make him a "Gary Stu". This is also my first time dealing with homosexuality in writing. However, this is not "shonen-ai" or "yaoi", because En isn't sure if he is in love with Akira (I think he is), and Akira has his eyes on Tomoe. I'll try not to center this fic on En, but he will play a major part. I already have my impressions of his character, and I'll let you, the reader, form your own.

Reviews are greatly appreciated, and I'll do my best to reply to them.