Chapter 129:- A good son, and a good dad

Back at home, Kenshin prepared the bathwater, ensuring it was comfortably warm. Once the tub was ready, he approached Kana, who was bundled up in a blanket near the fireplace.

"Mom, the bath's ready," he said, crouching down beside her.

Kana shook her head, clinging to the blanket. "I'm warm enough here, Ken-chan. I don't need a bath."

Kenshin sighed, already used to this routine. "It's freezing tonight. You'll feel better after a soak. Nee-san, help me out here."

Akane grinned and stepped in, tugging lightly at the edge of Kana's blanket. "Come on, Mom. You always say no, but you love it once you're in."

Kana pouted like a stubborn child, but between the two of them, she had no chance. With some gentle coaxing—and light dragging—they managed to get her moving toward the bathroom.

As Kenshin helped Kana out of her layers, she suddenly called out, "Yukari, you should join us! It'll be fun to have the whole family together."

Yukari, who was sitting nearby with her hands folded neatly in her lap, immediately flushed. "Kana-sama, I don't think that's—"

"Come on, Aunt Yukari," Akane added with a mischievous smirk. "It'll be fun."

Yukari fidgeted, her cheeks turning an even brighter red. "But Kenshin-sama will be there, and—"

Kenshin shook his head, waving dismissively. "It's fine, Aunt Yukari. It's not like this is new or anything in this family."

Still, the thought made him slightly self-conscious, though he kept his expression neutral. Yukari hesitated, clearly torn, but Kana's relentless enthusiasm finally wore her down.

"Alright," she said reluctantly, avoiding Kenshin's gaze. "But, Kenshin-sama, please… don't look too much at me."

Kenshin sighed with a small, exasperated smile. "I wouldn't dare, Aunt Yukari."

After washing, they settled into the warm water, the chill of the night melting away. Kana sighed contentedly, stretching her legs out under the water and poking Kenshin and Akane with her toes.

"You two," she began, her tone teasing, "need to be more careful around guests."

Kenshin and Akane exchanged confused glances. "What do you mean?" Kenshin asked cautiously.

Akane raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, Mom?"

Kana gave her a knowing look. "I mean, whatever you were doing upstairs earlier, Ino-chan went to check on you. She came down all flustered and practically sprinted to the bathroom afterward."

Kenshin's face darkened, and he gave Akane a pointed look.

Akane, avoiding his gaze, gave a sheepish smile. "I just wanted to give you a little prize for buying me flowers. It was the first time you did that…"

Kenshin sighed inwardly, feeling a twinge of guilt. He hadn't actually bought the flowers; Suu had brought them along to cover his connection to Suu. Still, he couldn't possibly mention it, as it'd reveal his PTSD to her.

"Be more careful next time," Kenshin said firmly. "No… 'prizes' while we have guests over, alright?"

Akane quickly added, "I'll be more careful next time, promise. Nothing like that while we have guests over."

Yukari, meanwhile, was doing her best to avoid looking in Kenshin's direction, her focus firmly on the water. Despite his initial embarrassment, Kenshin seemed completely at ease, which only made her struggle more to remain composed.

Akane leaned into Kenshin's side with a small pout. "You should buy me flowers more often, though. It feels nice. And definitely not leave them in the damm shop and forget about it."

Kenshin wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer with a chuckle. "I'll keep it in mind. But if I buy you flowers too often, it won't feel special anymore."

Akane smirked, closing her eyes as she rested against him. "You always know how to win an argument, don't you?"

Kana laughed at the sight of her children, while Yukari quietly excused herself from the bath, her cheeks still faintly pink as she hurried out to dry off.

After the bath, as Kenshin carefully dried Kana off with a warm towel, she glanced up at him and said, "Ken-chan, help me out with my mission prep after this, will you? I need to pack my equipment."

Kenshin nodded. "Of course, Mom."

After drying off himself, he turned back to see Kana sitting on the edge of the bathtub, reaching her arms out toward him with a small, childish pout. Before he could process the sight, Akane burst into laughter.

"Mom, you're really pulling out all the stops tonight!" Akane teased.

Kenshin let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "And you get angry when I say you're not an adult," he said, bending down to scoop Kana up into his arms before she could properly wrap her towel.

Kana squealed in surprise as her towel dropped. "Ken-chan! What are you—"

Without answering, Kenshin smirked and carried her straight out into the freezing cold hallway, ignoring her protests.

"Let's go, kiddo," he said mischievously, enjoying her reaction as the cold air hit her damp skin.

Kana immediately clung to him, shivering. "Ken-chan you meanie! Why would you do this to Mommy?!"

Kenshin shrugged, still smirking. "Because you've been acting less like a mom and more like a kid tonight. I figured I'd join the fun."

He quickly carried her to her room and placed her down, helping her into her warm kunoichi uniform. Kana let out a sigh of relief once she was dressed and warm again.

"You'll regret this, young man," she muttered, though there was no real bite in her voice.

Kenshin chuckled. "Looking forward to it."

The two of them got to work organizing her mission supplies. Kenshin helped Kana pack enough food to sustain her immense appetite for a month, along with weapons, scrolls, and other necessities. Kana made a mental checklist as they sorted through everything, ensuring nothing was forgotten.

Once they were done, Kana let out a satisfied sigh, slipping the scrolls into her flak jacket's pockets. She moved to the mirror, taking a long, contemplative look at her reflection.

"It feels surreal," she murmured, her fingers lightly brushing the edge of her jacket. "Taking a test mission to become a Jonin… Just a few months ago, I wasn't even sure I'd live to see tomorrow." Her voice softened. "Those seven years… they took so much from us, didn't they? Barely surviving—it couldn't even be called living."

Kenshin stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her in a warm hug. "And yet, you never gave in, Mom. You were so tenacious. That's why we're here now. In dad's house, with nee-san and aunt Yukari. It's all because of you."

Kana's hands reached up, gently holding his arms. "When did you grow up so much?" she whispered, her voice tinged with emotion. "From my little boy to a man. A man who even dares to call Mommy cute."

Kenshin rested his chin on her shoulder, his smirk returning. "Mommy," he said with playful emphasis, "is as much a daughter to me at times as I am a son to her. And I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world."

Kana gasped, pulling back slightly to look at him in the mirror. "You just said Mommy! For the first time in years!"

Kenshin grinned and leaned in to place a light peck on her cheek. "It's something I'll only use on special occasions. Like tonight."

Kana's cheeks turned pink, and she couldn't help but laugh softly. "You really are one of a kind, Ken-chan."

"And I get it from you," he replied warmly, holding her close.

Kana stayed still for a moment, taking in Kenshin's comforting embrace. Then she turned around and hugged him properly, wrapping her arms tightly around his torso.

She rested her head against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ken-chan… do you think I'll do well?"

Kenshin's arms encircled her again, holding her close. His chin rested lightly on her head, and his voice was calm and reassuring.

"Mom, you don't need to worry so much," he said softly. "You just need to be yourself. Don't try to be something you're not. Not all Jonin are the textbook ideal Shinobi, you know. The best ones are those who play to their strengths and stay true to who they are." He gave her a gentle squeeze. "If you do that, you'll pass with flying colors."

Kana's grip on him tightened slightly, her nerves easing as she absorbed his words. Kenshin pulled back just enough to look at her, cupping her face gently.

"Good luck, Mom," he said, leaning down to press a soft, affectionate kiss to her forehead.

Kana's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but her smile was radiant. "Thank you, Ken-chan. I'll do my best."

"I know you will," Kenshin replied, his voice full of confidence. "You always do."

Kenshin stepped back, his gaze lingering on Kana as a surge of pride welled up in his chest. If they were still in the Hidden Rain, he knew she would never have this opportunity.

The villagers there had always mistreated her as long as he knew, due to his father being a leaf shinobi and what the hidden rain went through because of the leaf.

But here, in the Hidden Leaf, because of the arrangement he had made, she was finally able to thrive—finally getting the recognition and opportunities she deserved.

He watched as Kana carefully tied her Hidden Leaf headband around her forehead, the metal plate gleaming in the dim light of the room.

She straightened up, ready to step out, but Kenshin stopped her with a gentle yet firm voice. "Mom, wait. Where's your rain headband?"

Kana blinked, caught off guard. "Ken-chan… I don't think I should wear it. It might give people mixed feelings since I'm a Leaf kunoichi now."

Kenshin sighed, his tone soft but resolute. "Mom, where is it?"

She hesitated before pointing to a drawer near her bed. Kenshin walked over, opening it to find the Rain headband neatly folded inside. He held it up, then turned to her. "Take your jacket off."

Kana blinked in surprise but complied, unzipping her flak jacket and shrugging it off. She turned her back to him, and Kenshin stepped closer, tying the Rain headband loosely around her neck, just tight enough that it wouldn't slip off. He adjusted it carefully before stepping back to look at her.

"I told you not to be something you're not," he said, his voice firm but kind. "You're loyal to the Rain just as much as the Leaf. And eventually, people will figure that out. We didn't betray the Rain, and we didn't defect. We were given to the Leaf as part of an alliance. Our family is a bridge between the two villages, and you shouldn't have to hide that."

Kana turned around, her fingers brushing against the Rain headband. "But what if they—"

"If they can't accept it, that's their problem, not yours," Kenshin said firmly. "You don't owe anyone the burden of making them feel safe at the cost of who you are."

He helped her put her flak jacket back on, the Rain headband now resting just above the zipper. Stepping back, he smiled softly. "You look better like this. And you shouldn't be embarrassed about it. Wear your heart on your sleeve, just as you always have."

Kana's eyes shimmered as she hugged him tightly, burying her face in his chest. "Thank you, Ken-chan. You're the best son a mother could ever have. Sometimes… sometimes I feel like I don't deserve a son like you."

Kenshin wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her head. "I feel the same way sometimes. Like I don't deserve such a cute and loving mother."

Kana's tone softened, her voice carrying a gentle curiosity. "Ken-chan… about your other life. What was your mother like? What kind of a lady was she?"

Kenshin gazed down at Kana's bright red hair, his eyes clouding slightly as he tried to recall memories that felt like fragments of a distant dream.

"In that life… I lost my mother when I was eight," he said quietly. "I don't remember much about her. She was always sick. Akane… she lost her mother too. She was twelve when it happened."

His arms tightened around Kana, his voice heavy with emotion. "Maybe… maybe it's fate that two people who lost their mothers as kids were born to you—a mother who's also, sometimes, like a kid herself."

Kana chuckled softly, her voice warm. "Fate, huh? Then I guess fate has a funny way of making things work out. I'm glad I had you two."

Kenshin nodded, his embrace unwavering. "Yeah… me too. And I'm sure she feels the same."

Their tender moment was interrupted by Akane leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed with a teasing smirk. "If you keep hugging Kenshin like that, Mom, you're going to be late for the briefing," she said playfully.

Kana turned her head to Akane with a small pout. "Just a little more time, Akane-chan. Please?"

Akane sighed, stepping into the room. "I get it, I really do. Kenshin is the perfect hug pillow. But you've been here for over two hours now, and it's going to be midnight soon. If you don't hurry, you'll be late, and we both know Yuki-sensei doesn't tolerate tardiness."

Kenshin smiled softly and pulled back, giving Kana a gentle kiss on the head. "You'll do just fine, Mom. Just remember what I said: don't try to be someone else. Focus on your strong points, and trust in the training you've done with Yuki-sensei."

Kana nodded, her face determined despite the faint shimmer of nervousness in her eyes. "Thank you, Ken-chan." She stepped back, her movements slow and reluctant, before heading to the door where Akane waited.

As Kana left the room, Akane turned to Kenshin with a mischievous grin. "You really are such a daddy sometimes, you know that?"

Kenshin blinked, his face immediately turning red. "Don't call me that! Mom only says that to embarrass me!"

Akane laughed but didn't expect Kenshin's retaliation. He poked her waist with his index fingers from both sides, and her whole body jerked suddenly in surprise. "Wha—!"

Kenshin smirked knowingly. "Your pressure point is still the same as in the other life. Although it's a rather common point."

Akane narrowed her eyes, muttering something under her breath about making him regret it later tonight, but Kenshin ignored her, walking to the front door. Kana was there, putting on her shoes while Yukari stood beside her, watching fondly.

Kana looked up as they approached, smiling brightly. "Come closer, you two."

The moment they stepped closer, Kana pulled them all into a big, warm hug. "Wish me luck!"

"Good luck, Mom!" Kenshin and Akane said in unison, their voices filled with encouragement.

Yukari smiled softly, her gaze full of warmth. "Good luck, Kana-sama."

Kana stepped out the door, pausing briefly to wave before closing it behind her. As the sound of her footsteps faded, Kenshin felt a bittersweet pang in his chest. Pride mixed with an ache he couldn't quite place. "It's such a strange feeling," he murmured, mostly to himself.

Akane tilted her head curiously. "What is?"

"That feeling," Kenshin said softly, staring at the closed door. "When you watch someone you care about walk out on their own, becoming independent. It's… bittersweet."

Akane smiled knowingly. "That's what parents feel when their child leaves the house to stand on their own."

Kenshin wiped at his eyes, a hint of moisture there. "She's supposed to be my mom, but… I can't help but feel this weird fatherly pride, seeing her like this. On her way to becoming a Jonin, no less."

Akane reached out, taking his hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "That's because you're a good son. And, you're kind of like a good dad, too."

Akane went quiet for a moment, before her face scrunched up. "God, that feels so weird to say. You're a good son and a good dad?"

Kenshin chuckled, teasingly patting her head. "It's fitting for our family, don't you think?"

Their moment was interrupted by Yukari clearing her throat with a soft cough. "Kenshin-sama, Akane-sama, it's getting late. You should both prepare for bed."

She gave them a pointed look, her tone gentle but firm. "If you plan to participate in the Chunin Exams, you need plenty of rest and time to train. Idling away your free time won't do, Kenshin-sama."

Kenshin raised an eyebrow at Yukari but decided not to argue, nodding instead. "Yes, Aunt Yukari. I'll keep training."

Akane smirked, nudging Kenshin as they turned to head to their rooms. "Looks like you're getting scolded, 'daddy.'"

Kenshin groaned, muttering under his breath. "Stop that, please!"

After everyone headed to their rooms, Kenshin lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. Clad in his pajamas, his mind wandered to thoughts of the therapy session with Suu tomorrow. How would Suu approach his PTSD? Would it really help?

The uncertainty weighed on him, but before he could delve too deep into the thought, his door creaked open softly.

Akane entered with a sultry smile, her posture and expression leaving no doubt about her intentions. Kenshin sighed internally, already knowing where this was going.

"No," he said firmly before she could even start. "Not tonight, Akane. You have training with Kakashi tomorrow morning. If you're late, he'll never let you live it down."

Akane pouted, stepping closer to him. "Oh, come on, Kenshin. You deserve a little punishment for poking me earlier, don't you think?" Her tone was teasing, but there was a playful glint in her eyes.

Kenshin shook his head, getting up and gently grabbing her hands to stop her. "Not tonight," he repeated, his voice calm but unwavering. "You need to focus, and I won't let you sabotage your training for this."

Akane sighed, looking disappointed but not deterred. She tugged at his hands, her expression softening. "Fine, but at least sleep with me tonight. No sex, just sleep. Please?"

Kenshin studied her for a moment before nodding. "Alright, just sleep."

Satisfied, Akane led him to her room. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of lilies Kenshin had bought for her, their scent soothing and gentle.

Akane immediately changed into her pajamas, and then climbed into bed. She patted the space beside her with a smile.

Kenshin joined her, letting her pull the blanket over them both. Akane wasted no time wrapping herself around him, her arms draped over his chest and her head resting against his shoulder. The warmth of his body began to lull her into sleep.

As her breathing deepened and slowed, Kenshin watched her for a while, feeling a quiet peace settle over him. Eventually, his own eyes grew heavy, and he drifted off into a deep sleep, their shared warmth chasing away the lingering shadows of the day.

[Start of R18]

The next morning, light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Kenshin stirred, his body slowly waking as a warm, wet sensation enveloped him.

His eyes fluttered open, his mind still hazy from sleep. He glanced to his side and found Akane's spot empty. Confused, he lifted the blanket slightly—and there she was.

Akane was between his legs, her lips wrapped tightly around his cock, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders as she worked him with an intensity that made his breath hitch.

She looked up at him, her eyes glinting with mischief as she sucked him deeper, her tongue swirling expertly around his shaft.

"Good morning," Kenshin managed to say, his voice tinged with both amusement and pleasure. But before he could finish, Akane took him fully into her mouth, her lips sealing around him in a slow, deliberate suck.

The sensation sent a jolt of electricity through him, and his head jerked back against the pillow, a low groan escaping his lips.

'You're insufferable,' he thought, though the words came out as a choked laugh. "Seriously, Akane… you're way too horny for your own good."

She pulled back just enough to reply, her voice muffled by his thickness. "Good morning," she said, her tone teasing but affectionate.

Her hand wrapped around the base of his cock, stroking him in time with her mouth as she resumed her rhythm, her cheeks hollowing as she sucked harder.

Kenshin's fingers tangled in the sheets, his hips involuntarily lifting toward her. The pleasure was building fast, too fast, and he could feel himself teetering on the edge. "Wait, wait—" he started, his voice strained. "I'm gonna—"

"Don't you dare," Akane interrupted, pulling off him for a moment to give him a stern look. Her lips were swollen, glistening with saliva and precum, and the sight alone was enough to make him throb. "You don't cum until I say so."

He let out a frustrated laugh, his chest rising and falling as he tried to steady his breathing. "You enjoy ordering me way too much."

She smirked, her expression softening as she leaned down to kiss the tip of his cock. "Because you love it too," she murmured before taking him back into her mouth, her tongue pressing against the sensitive underside as she sucked him relentlessly.

Kenshin's hands moved to her hair, his fingers tangling in the silky strands as he fought to keep control.

The sensations were overwhelming—the heat of her mouth, the pressure of her lips, the way her hand cupped his balls, massaging them gently as she worked him closer and closer to the edge.

His whole body was tense, every nerve alive with pleasure, and he knew he couldn't hold on much longer.

"Akane—" he gasped, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't—"

"Not yet," she whispered, her breath hot against his skin. She slowed her movements, teasing him with long, languid strokes of her tongue, savoring every inch of him. Her free hand wandered up his chest, her nails lightly scraping his skin as she kept him on the brink.

Kenshin groaned, his hips bucking involuntarily as he felt his balls tighten, the pressure almost unbearable.

He was so close, so damn close, and he didn't know how much more he could take. "Please—" he begged, his voice raw with need.

Akane pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her eyes dark with desire. "Now," she commanded, her voice firm but gentle.

That single word was all it took. Kenshin's body shuddered as he came, his release surging into her mouth as she swallowed him whole.

Her lips stayed locked around him, milking every last drop as he gasped her name, his entire body trembling with the force of his orgasm.

When it was over, he collapsed back onto the bed, utterly spent. Akane finally released him, licking her lips as she sat up, her expression one of pure satisfaction.

She wiped the corner of her mouth with her thumb, her eyes never leaving his as she gave him a sly smile.

"You're… overdoing it," Kenshin said, his voice hoarse as he tried to catch his breath.

Akane shrugged, completely unfazed. "You're big," she said matter-of-factly, crawling up the bed to lie beside him. "And you can hold it for a long time. Of course I'm addicted."

He laughed softly, shaking his head as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face. "You're impossible."

She nuzzled into his hand, her expression softening as she looked at him. "But you wouldn't have me any other way," she said, her voice quiet but full of affection.

For a moment, they simply lay there, the silence between them comfortable and intimate. Kenshin's hand drifted down to rest on her hip, pulling her closer as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

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Once again, thank you everyone for your continued support and power stones. And as always, please give me your power stones and comment your opinions. They make a big difference and motivate me to write more.