The Bloody Jasmine • Samurai X

Chapter 8 | Another Yukishiro Member

With the passing of many months, Mei has gone back to her normal self and continued on with her assassinations. With the passing of her birthday, the brunette has matured and understood things more.

With every day that passes, Mei became more patient. Kenshin noticed this as soon as it happened, and it seems he likes this new Mei Hayashi more than the one he once knew.

But one thing that still hasn't changed, was her stubbornness - Mei was still as stubborn as ever, despite the fact that she was practically a different person.

For example: She still suspects Tomoe.

It's true - Mei refuses to deny the fact that Tomoe Yukishiro was not trustworthy. Kenshin might end up being betrayed or heartbroken - And she cannot let that happen.

Mei's medical condition was strange - it was unexplainable. No one knew what it was, but everyone was relieved that she was doing much better.

With every visit to Otsu, Kenshin has been talking with Mei more. He and Mei began caring for crops; Something they used to to together when they were younger.

It was a breezy afternoon, a bit cold actually. Mei was already in the Himura residence, sipping the tea that Tomoe made.

"The crops look very healthy," Mei commented, earning nods from Kenshin and Tomoe. "I'm quite excited to see how they will turn out." She spoke quietly. 'A quiet visit...I don't like it.' Mei thought to herself.

"I'm going outside." Kenshin said, getting up from his seat as he adjusted his arm guards. "I'll help you." Mei sighed, rolling her kimono sleeves up and picking up a shovel.

"I'll be making dinner, excuse me." Tomoe said, also walking away.

Mei and Kenshin nodded their heads and went outside, readying themselves to begin the work. They both used their farming equipment and worked on the soil, occasionally wiping their foreheads from the sweat.

"Hey Kenshin?" Mei asked, grabbing his attention. "Yes?" He replied and averted his gaze to her.

Mei suddenly felt her heart skip a beat, her face showed an obvious blush. "U-Uh...it's not really...I-I mean, I just wanted to ask..." She looked away from his view.

"You wanted to ask...?" Kenshin said, paying even more attention to her. "Do you...enjoy having me around?" She asked.

"Mei, don't ask stupi--"

"Please answer me." She interjected. Kenshin sighed, "...Yes, I do."

"Are you just saying that or do you really mean it?" Mei asked, sounding like a little girl. "No, I mean it. I really enjoy your presence, it makes me feel...safe, somehow."

"Safe?" Mei asked, her voice sounding shocked. "Just finish your work." Kenshin said. Mei secretly grinned happily and continued smiling the whole time they worked. Soon enough, she decided to get herself and Kenshin a drink of water. "Kenshin, I'm going to get water for us both." She told him as she dusted her hands.

He nodded as he he wiped some sweat off his forehead and continued on. Walking to the house, Mei felt another presence within the atmosphere. She furrowed my eyebrows suspiciously as she tried to casually walk inside, attempting to look un-alarmed.

"I'm just here for water!" The brunette called out. She then walked into the living room and saw Tomoe with another boy here. 'What the...? Who's this?' She thought to herself. "Oh. Why hello there." She tried to make a good first impression to this mysterious boy. "Mei-san, this is my brother Enishi." 'Brother?! What the f--'

"Ah, the brother of my dear sister-in-law. I'm Himura Mei, It's nice to meet you Enishi." Mei said nicely, in which he just glared at her and turned away impolitely. 'How rude.' Mei thought to herself.

Soon, Kenshin came in and caught sight of Enishi. After Tomoe introduced him to Kenshin, they both went out - leaving the Yukishiro siblings alone.

After giving Kenshin his water and resuming our work, Mei drowned in her thoughts. 'Shit... this is bad. Another Yukishiro member means more trouble.' Mei stopped moving as she placed her pointer finger and thumb under her chin.

She tried to think of a way to escape from Kenshin to secretly listen to them, but nothing had come to mind. "Kenshin? Do you mind if I take a little break?" She asked. He stopped in his tracks and furrowed his brows. "Break? It hasn't even been 5 minutes since we continued - Are you that lazy?"

'Crap - That didn't work.' Mei bit her lip slightly. "Right..." she muttered under her breath and sighed before continuing her work.

'This is getting too troublesome. Tomoe has a brother? Well, I don't trust him either. I feel like I'm despising the Yukishiro family more and more everyday.'

Mei sighed before looking to Kenshin - who was really working hard to make sure that the crops are well watered and taken care of. A smiled stretched it's way across Mei's face, admiring the way he's putting his heart into farming.

Mei then wondered...

'Am I...growing feelings for Kenshin?'