Kaoru the minute she was let go quietly folded her arms into her sleeves, watching him from the corner of her eye, as she always did. She always watched Kenshin--not in the sense of over interest--simply because she noticed how he'd always have a slight slip in his guard.

The fact he wouldn't face her for that instant?

That was a slip. Her eyes narrowed, innocent as they were they had a level of shrewdness that somehow came naturally when it came to the man she had opened her home to.

..Something's wrong. Is it about today? Or is it something else..--I've got to act together or I won't find out.

Was all she thought, as Kaoru turned and glanced up at the cold wintery sky, and she found the lump in her throat returning. This wouldn't do--she was thinking of the day again and being in the city didn't really help.

She'd go home with Rangiku and she'd drag her off to do something ridiculous and she'd feel better. (Right?)

Kaoru wasn't sure it really was better. Frankly it was uncomfortable being in the city.

"..Away from that nurse? You bet. It's her lucky day, that's for sure." She retorted, but her smile was lighter than the forced one from minutes before.

"You'd think she'd seen a split lip before--honestly!" She continued, crossing her arms. Inwardly she was waiting for another slip. So she could be sure.