Hi everyone! This is my first fanfiction ever, so I hope you as readers encourage me to keep writing (if it deserves it lol) I would love critique or constructive criticism, however flames will be used to roast marshmallows for s'mores! :)

SanoxKenshin

This story is shounen ai, contains yaoi, meaning boy loving another boy. If you don't want to read it, you don't have to.

Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin does not belong to me.

Protection

The scent was perfect. It was light, but so lovely and pleasant that it had to be noticed. At least, that's what Kaoru thought when she had placed the beautiful white plum bunch in a vase on the center table. It was a lovely little addition and it added a little feminine touch to the household. Kaoru gazed at the flowers fondly for moment before deciding to see if Kenshin was up and ready to prepare breakfast.

"Kenshin? Are you awake?" Kaoru called out into the hallway where Kenshin's room was.

"I'm outside Miss Kaoru." A faint voice was heard calling back to her.

Kaoru made her way out to the back where she saw the little rurouni already starting on some laundry. His worn, magenta sleeves were rolled up loosely and his signature smile was placed on his face as he scrubbed one of Yahiko's garments out thoroughly.

"Good morning Kenshin! It looks like you already started some of your chores. How about you drop what you're doing and come make breakfast for all of us?" Kaoru asked sweetly, knowing he wouldn't refuse. "Besides, I think Yahiko's already up, and knowing that rooster head; Sano will probably be on his way to come and grub off of our food and shelter." She added with a bitter afterthought.

"This one would love to." The smiling rurouni merely said as he wiped off his soapy hands on his hakama.

Kenshin observed the peaceful outdoors before starting on his way. He unconsciously tucked back some loose strands of flaming red hair behind his ear as they danced out of his ponytail. As soon as Kenshin entered the dojo he froze. The scent of white plums assaulted his sense of smell and immediately the nightmares rushed back.

'Blood. Bodies. Murder.'

"Kenshin? Don't just stand there all day, get to making the food." Kaoru's voice snapped him out of his memories.

"Yeah Kenshin, better hurry before ugly tries to cook anything!" Yahiko said as he walked into the room with a grin.

"You little brat! I'm going to beat you so hard! Or maybe you shouldn't get any breakfast and just start training!" Kaoru yelled back as she stomped over to start some physical violence.

And so the dojo was awake.

Kenshin shook his head and tried to concentrate on preparing breakfast. He continued to prepare the food not noticing that his pale hands were faintly trembling. His daze was slightly broken as he heard one moe voice added into the walls of the dojo. Sanosuke entered the area and immediatly drove a path straight to the kitchen, as the other two continued to bicker and banter.

"Something smells good! I hope that's almost ready Kenshin." Sanosuke said as he entered the kitchen area.

Kenshin flicked his eyes over to Sanosuke for a brief moment then turned his face down. He frantically tried to compose himself in front of the former zanza.

"It is ready right now Sano. I hope you did not wait long." Kenshin said as he turned with a smile.

Sanosuke observed the petite rurouni for a moment. The smile on his face seemed too plastered on to be real, and his violet eyes seemed to have a slightly glazed look. The tall fighter walked towards him and leaned down to look him in the face.

"You alright? Seem kinda out of it." He remarked with his casual nonchalance.

Kenshin's eyes widened in surprise. Then, he smiled that same innocent smile.

'How many times has he faked a smile like this? And how many times have I fallen for it?' Sanosuke thought with slight concern as he watched the small swordsman gather the dishes for serving.

"I'm just fine Sano; this one thanks you for asking. You can go to the table now; this one will get the breakfast. You must be hungry." He cheerfully stated to the fighter.

The fighter gave him one last glance before helping him get the dishes. A sheepish smile was sent his way as he took some dishes from Kenshin's petite arms. As soon as that smile was created, it disappeared as they walked out to the table. Kenshin froze in mid step as he saw what was placed neatly in the center of the table.

White plums.

This is obviously only the beginning (hopefully) Please let me know what you think, the plot has only just begun!

Cheers! ~MS