Proposal and melting ice.

I do not get a chance to rest long after Kenshin reaches me because the seconds that elapsed from my words being spoken and a few quick breaths did an immediate rush of paparazzi appear.
My eyes are being bombarded by flashing lights on mobile phones,I try to shield myself but Kenshin is ahead of me on that using the umbrella and his significant height difference to shield me from the onlookers too.
He doesn't even flinch,he stays put eyes watching for something and would flit to me apologetically,as if somehow that would explain why I am being bombarded right now when he is the prodigal son of a prominent swordsman family and also a potential heir to the fifth largest conglomerate.
"Why are they focusing on me!?I am a nobody,why are we waiting here?Its freezing...."I mutter at t he end,rain has never been an ally of mine even once.
"Trust me?"

I look up at him when he asks that,I try to focus on anything but the soft way he says that or the very intensely close proximity we are sharing right now that is attempting to make calm a fleeting emotion for me.
I wave off a 'Yes' and hope that will make him stop looking down at me with those sparkling eyes of his and I hear a loud engine makes it way behind him.All the while though the paparazzi are closing in from the sides of the gate of the school,the not well kept as of now bushes and even out from behind parked faculty cars.


"Come on!"
A youthful voice says quickly and I am assisted into the car by Kenshin and winked at by the driver who is not so youthful has he sounds.
He appears to be in his late fifties but has a fire in his eyes like he truly is the embodiment of the term'Firebrand'.
The older man laughs as Kenshin gets in the car telling him to go to "Moko".
"What is a Moko?"I ask simply because half of me feels  so stupid I did this and the other half is wondering if I may just get into trouble for agreeing to talk to him which did not entail a drive anywhere.

The driver man simply whistles happily as he drives,saying not even one word else towards either of us but Kenshin on the other hand smiles with such mischief I wonder if I am going to have to use my three years of boxing training(Though I never excelled at it)towards that face of his.

"The best place in the world to talk Lovely,the best place in the world."

HALF HOUR LATER

Even though most of me is so worried that uncle Goji is going to be a panicked mess when I see him.
Even though my boss may just fire/murder/or other wise hate me for being late on the most visited day of the year for the shop.
Even though this and that and the other.
Kenshin is right,

This is the best place in the world to talk.

Moko is a small secluded park that has a short climb that lets one have a view of a creek with such a array of beautiful flowers such as hydrangeas and even a few cherry blossoms line the path here.There is a pet park by so families are around and the feeling of a safe,gentle rest is here and I like it so much it brings tears to my eyes because it takes me unexpectedly back in time on the inside.
"Do you like it here?It is a bit of a home away from the dojo for me.One can only breath so long around wood panels and depictions of ancestors that can't keep me company."
To my shock,Kenshin only passes me a small handkerchief and asks not the reason for my tears that are only just beginning to slow down to my embarrassment.
"I see what you have been saying since you were so young now Master,I will return soon for the both of you."

I only then turn around."What do you mean?Leaving?I don't know where I am and I have to go to work soon!"
My eyes fall on Kenshin who simply exhales like he has to force himself to remain serious right now and it makes me want to punch that exceptional face of his.
"Your work is taken care of,I have been to that shop for over a decade so your boss owes me a favor for a favor.Your uncle?I told him when I visited the arcade last night that I would ask you to join me out for a while to help me."

What?
"WHAT??What do you mean exactly?Do you mean that you know where I work and my family and to top that have been there since I do not know how long and you 'fixed' today so I will be free?What?!"
I take a hesitant step back and he is fighting back a deep laugh,I see that in Kenshin's expression.

"If you really think I am a stalker creep then I will call you a taxi and pay your fare for taking you out here,but recall that you agreed to talk to me and also hard as it may be to understand I tried to sneak off from my family compound with the help of Mr Sahmoto there and found out by some online article about the store and about the arcade,well,Mr Sahmoto said it was his escape as a child.He is best friends with your Uncle."

The look of cheeky victory on his face.
I don't know whether I like it or want to punch him again because my temper is hot right now.

"Just...What is it you want me for?Just completely spill it out so I can decide if I should just agree,run or knock you out cold."
Big talk from a girl that is five foot one towards six foot one of lean, trained ,and experienced muscle but I can't back down now.

Right?

Kenshin sits on a smooth rock,his eyes slowly stare at creek and its various life going to and fro in it giving even more vibrancy to this spot.

"You have written story after story about samurais,warrior women,healers and fighters for any number of good causes.I read each one because I believe in trying to do what I can good with my means and name.I didn't even know at first reading that it was you who wrote them,it seemed like someone older to me,lived longer you know?"
"Anyway,I heard from Mr Sahmoto a story about a girl who went around Kyoto to every school and even private schools,online tutoring and more to get help.Help to unburden parents of extra school expense,help to grant children a broader choice in life to be who they wish to be without being a greater expense,to create happiness through work and study.That made me so happy that someone else felt the same and had the courage to actually fight for it!"

I listen to his words and I do feel something is stirred in him,like he really means every single letter of his statement.

"Still though.Why me?You are not going to pretend to me that even with only a few days here at my school you haven't heard of my infamy?Or that at each of those schools I only got a quarter of my petition signed towards my goal?"

"I signed it.I believe in you.Can't you believe in you too?"

Stupid betraying heart,one look and word and you thump out of control.

"What are you proposing?"

Why did I use those words.....
Kenshin lets a smile escape that could melt glaciers.

"I am proposing that you become the face of my goal,the words of it.Be a friend to me because I have no one else and honestly I am offended that you do not remembering me signing,still.No one else believes in this like you do.I think your fire could melt even my Father into making the public program to be for anyone.Not just pretending elite.Also any other proposing should be a bit later,I am a gentleman after all but I have all intentions of proposing many,many things to you with hopes of very little refusal."
His smirk only grows when I redden and turn hard away from him.

"A face?For a goal like this?I am told I look like a horror villain and am devoid of any liking to anything good or looks.My speech isn't like a singer kind of good so what about that."

Only for a brief moment does Kenshin turn so serious like it actually hurt him.

"No one is more beautiful in the whole world.You talking to me sounds like a song so what about that?I say it will inspire a nation,you inspired me to fight with my heart and my sword.All I need is your heart and your words.Let not a feeling like that ever be felt in your heart again,let me know if you ever feel that again.I will repeat my sentiment until it becomes your song."

Eye contact doesn't break for seconds or eternities I am not sure but he breaks the moment after hearing my stomach grumble unbecomingly.

"Chicken or dango?Well my Lovely Wordsmith?'