A/N: Okay peoples! So this is mostly AU. Same time period and still in Japan, but... Kenshin is about 16 and is still an assassin. Kaoru is about 17 and Tomoe is still 18. Setting: Japan is also becoming very westernized (ignore any cultural conflicts of 1964). Kaoru is a flower shop owner and Tomoe lives with Kenshin, though they are not together yet (just friends). P.S. They live at that Choshu inn place with the old hag as the owner person. Yeah, I can't believe it, but it's been so long I forgot the name of that place... Anyway, enjoy and please R&R!

For now, the story first takes place in Kyoto.

Fallow Grounds

Chapter One: Where It All Began

Let's travel back in time, over 150 years.

1864 May

I can't believe I'm actually writing a journal entry again, like a diary. But Tomoe says it clears you mind so you don't have continuously think of those annoying, tugging thoughts. Well, it's not working quite well for me so far. However, I will admit that doing this is... refreshing. Today I was walking down the market, and met a very curious woman. No, she wasn't curious, more like I was interested in her. She had such a happy and welcoming attitude that attracted everyone into her shop, even me. There was just something about her that was so... out-of-place. Almost like she was too happy. Or maybe that's just how she is, I'm probably overreacting. What's her name? I wonder. Oh! Why in the world am I even thinking of that? Never mind, I'll be going now, Tomoe is calling me for lunch.

Himura Kenshin

A young girl in a long kimono called out, "Buy your flowers here!" She smiled, nodding a 'hello' to at all her customers. "Oh! Good morning, Sir. How are you today?" She tilted her head as her eyes questioned the short figure engulfed by the red flames of his hair.

Kenshin walked towards her slowly, struggling to answer. "H-hello, Miss. I'm fine, and you?"

"Just great! Thanks for asking. Are you planning on buying any flowers for anyone in particular?" she replied casually.

He thought momentarily, glancing at her charming eyes. "Um, I guess." Bending down, he picked up a rose... no two roses. One, blood red, and the other, gentle, soothing pink. Handing the yen towards her, he then placed the pink rose in her hand. "...Here. This is for you. Your rose, so please don't put it back. How about you keep it on display? You know, for good luck." Kenshin slightly grimaced. Good luck? Since when did pink symbolize good luck?

The lady didn't notice his squint, and in response grinned cheerfully, "For me?! Oh, wow. Thank you so much." She took it and immediately put it in a glass vase on top of the counter. "There! Well, my name is Kamiya Kaoru. It's a pleasure to meet you." Unexpectedly, she grabbed his hand and shook it wildly.

Startled by her sudden grab, Kenshin nearly jumped, as his heart began to race. He wondered why he was feeling so uncomfortable around her all of a sudden. Finally, she let go. "Oh, I'm sorry Sir. You seem quite bothered. Guess I should try next time to not scare my customers." She giggled and waved the idea away, not offended one bit.

Kenshin's mouth twitched, then surprisingly giving in to a friendly smile. Kaoru sighed contently; yep, today was definitely one of her best days since moving to Kyoto a year ago. "Stay her as long as you want, enjoy yourself." She gave one last smile, then quickly turned to greet her other neighborhood friends. Kenshin, however, stood frozen in place as he stared off into asiles. How dizzy he felt, so he grabbed a shelf for support and frowned in embarassment. Best to leave as soon as possible now.

"Sir, is something wrong?" Kaoru came back, eyes filled with concern. "Are you feeling faint or something?"

"Oh... no! I'm fine. Um, have a nice day." With that, he bowed his head rashly and rushed out of the store as quickly as he legs could move him.

Kaoru clasped her hands together and pleaded goodbye, "Please come again!"

Out in the open, Kenshin gasped for air. He could finally breathe. She did more damage to his body that anyone has ever done, with a sword or gun. In fact, he was quite impressed, but that was besides the point. So then he walked back the Ishin Shishi's headquarters and gulped down a bowl of miso soup for his late breakfast.

Afterwards, on the way to his room, he received a black letter from Katsura-san. That only meant one thing. He would have to, yet again, fulfill another job. Finally, he entered his room and carefully folded it open.

He read, "9 PM, 2 days time, Alley of Flower Shoppe, Kamiya Kaoru. Directions? Ask Takasugi."

Immediately, his jaw gaped open as the feelings of horror, anger, and shock mixed together. Either he was about to choke to death or he was about to vomit. Both ways ending horribly, and even worse... Kamiya Kaoru? How could it be?! She was the most innocent, beautiful, kind, welcoming, giving, friendly... he went on and on and on. In mid thought he paused and shook his head. What was he thinking?! And why her? How she is even connected to this war?

Irritated, Kenshin snarled. He would have to do it anyway. Suddenly a quiet knock came from his door.

"Come in." He quickly put away the black envelope, sliding it into his journal and shaking away his emotions.

"Oh, hello Kenshin. I thought you were out. Sorry for coming at the wrong time, but I have to clean now."

Kenshin looked up. "Tomoe-san! I'm glad to see you, how are you?"

She replied softly, expressionless. "I'm fine, thank you. And you?"

"I've had better days," he replied bluntly without thinking twice. "Oh, anyway, this is for you. I bought it on the way here." Kenshin handed her a charming, red rose as he softly gazed in her dreamy, glass-like eyes.

"Oh, I love it. It's beautiful, thank you. ...Ba- why are feeling down?" She sounded slightly worried, still without showing any sign of emotion.

He shifted uneasily. "Uh- Well, it's nothing really. Okay, it's something. Just another kill." Sorrow overcame him as he shook his head indignantly. "What would you do in this situation, Tomoe? Follow your heart or follow your orders?"

Frowning, she looked away. "I'm not sure. Of course I would always follow my heart, but during these times, I think following orders are much more important." She glanced at her broom and around the room. "I'm sorry, Kenshin. I must finish cleaning your room. The landlady ordered all the rooms to be cleaned by nightfall."

"Hm? Oh right, I'll be on my way then." Kenshin left the room with a big sigh. "I'm utterly torn," he whispered to himself, walking down the hall with a journal in his hand.

Outside, he sat alone on the porch as he watched the trees swoosh back and forth. Today was such a nice day... until now. Good whether. Beautiful roses. Tomoe too. And Kaoru? He grunted, falling over and blocking the sun with his notebook. Guess he had nothing else to do...

1864 May

Is it even appropiate for the infamous, cold-blooded battousai to have feelings? Who knows, and this is what frustrates me most. Nothing has changed really. Except for the fact that I did find out the flower girl's name: Kamiya Kaoru. Oh, how much do I wish it wasn't! Yes, obviously I'm stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time, like always. I must to the job, but I am quite curious. Why Kaoru? Since the mission's in two days time, I'm going to do some scouting. Or should I say spying? No, that sounds much to harsh. Okay, now I'm talking nonsense. Goodbye.

Himura

Kenshin signed off with a blob of thick ink from his brush and once his pages dried, he smacked the book to a close. There were still many important things left for him to uncover before his two days were up. Time was his only restriction.

Who is exactly this Kamiya Kaoru?

A/N: OKAY! So this is anoter story of mine. There's going to be some twists and turns, beware! And well, I'm also thinking of making a sequel. Heh. I hope you like it! Please review and I'll post more chapters up faster.

See you in the next chapter! Reiia