Kyaa Kyaff here!

Disclaimer: The RK characters…not mine.

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

Hiya everyone! This is the sequel to An Alternate Place and Time. Although it's not absolutely necessary to read the first you might get a little lost if you don't! So it's definitely recommended! Hope you enjoy!

An Illusion of a Peaceful Time

Chapter 1: Reunion

Kaoru snapped Kenji's shirt out before hanging it to dry with the rest of the laundry. Wiping a hand across her sweaty brow she sighed. It was pretty hot outside, but Kaoru enjoyed the feeling of the sun warming her back as she did the laundry. Going inside she cleaned up a little before her students were going to begin to arrive.

"Kaoru-san."

"Yes," Kaoru replied turning to see Vincent Calar leaning in the doorway.

"I won't be here for the next four days, so don't worry about setting a place for me to eat," Vincent said casually.

"Thank you for telling me so," Kaoru answered.

Vincent nodded turning to leave. Kaoru followed him out heading for the training room. One of her students came walking inside.

"Kamiya-sensei!" Tsukayama Yutarou shouted waving enthusiastically.

Kaoru smiled at the boy as he ran up to her. She had met him one day in the town about two years ago. He was visiting and was quite arrogant. Trouble had began with a man named Isurugi Raijuuta. Kaoru had taken care of that problem, but was unable to stop the injury Yutarou had sustained to his right arm. Amazed by Kaoru's skill, Yutarou moved to the town with a couple servants of his to train with Kaoru. He had informed her that he had no parents and did as he pleased, so now he decided she would train him. Yutarou had told her as if she didn't have a choice. Thinking back on it made Kaoru smile. He was her top student. He had blossomed from a reclusive arrogant child to an open and friendly person with an unyielding desire and competitiveness to learn how to fight.

Kaoru trained him using his left arm. It was different, but Yutarou excelled at it quickly. He stopped short of running into her. He bowed before straightening with a smile.

"Kamiya-sensei, I've been practicing real hard. I know all of the kata now."

"Good, I expect a good demonstration from you then," Kaoru said.

"Don't worry about that!" Yutarou exclaimed.

"Why don't you began your warm-up exercise while we wait for everyone to arrive."

"Yes, sensei," Yutarou replied going inside the training room.

Kaoru watched through the open door as Yutarou took his shinai and began swinging it with practiced care in his left hand. She didn't have many students yet, but it didn't matter. She loved her students, and the smaller class made it easier to teach them in a more focused manner. Kaoru also visited other schools as well when she had the time. Hearing a noise Kaoru looked up to see Higashidani Uki and Outa entering. Uki was a fiery twenty-year old, who had left in search of her brother. It came of great surprise to learn Sanosuke was that brother. Kaoru could see the resemblance. She didn't remember ever meeting her before though, she hadn't met any of his family for that matter. Sano went by a different last name and was always the one to come to your place, not the other way around. Come to think of it Kaoru had no idea why he went by Sagara if his last name was Higashidani.

Uki had come a year after Sano had left, befriending Kaoru instantly. Her ten-year old brother Outa had become seriously ill, when they had first come, and Kaoru had taken them in. After that Uki did not want to push Outa anymore worried for his health. The illness had been serious and had taken much of his strength. From time to time he would become weak. Uki decided to stay with Kaoru hoping Sano would once again stop by. She became a student of Kaoru's as well as Outa. Both were proficient and quick learners. Kaoru loved teaching them.

And finally Mishima Eiji came dashing in. He was the last student she had begun teaching. His older brother Eiichiro had been killed during the fight between the Ishin shishi and Shinsengumi. He came wondering here ragged and untrusting. Kaoru had been there to take care of him. He now lived with Gensai-sensei, helping clean and anything else Gensai-sensei might need. He seemed to have a small crush on Suzume.

"Okay everyone, begin your warm-up. Class will begin in five minutes," Kaoru said walking into the training room followed by the other three.

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Kenshin walked through the town's marketplace, a sword at his side despite the new law. It wasn't his regular sword; it was a sakabatou. It was Kaoru's sakabatou. He was here now after running into Sano a few weeks ago. Sano told him where Kaoru was, and that he had a son named Kenji. Kenshin acknowledged the fact that Kaoru had remembered the name he had picked. Kenshin gave Sano some good news as well. Knowing Megumi's whereabouts Kenshin told Sano what had happened. She was safe now living with Enishi and Tomoe at present.

Kenshin did not go into the whole story. Both men, although happy to meet once again, both felt an urgent need to set off to be reunited with the one they love. Kenshin was now making his way through the crowds of people. He prayed he would see Kaoru. He had been without her for so long, unable to find her, sometimes unable to even search for her because of the many things that had happened.

Kenshin was glad to hear he had a son, but it pained him to know his son must be four or so now. He had missed so many important things. He wondered what his son looked like. Did he have Kenshin's red hair? Kenshin sighed.

"Kenji! Get back here! Kenji," a man's voice called.

Laughing with delight a small child ran right into Kenshin landing on his butt. Kenshin could not say anything as he saw the child in front of him. The child stared back with a questioning gaze. He looked exactly like Kenshin when he was younger except his eyes were a deep blue, instead of violet.

"Kenji!"

Kenji turned as the voice approached. A younger man came over to Kenji, who began to laugh again running over to him. The man easily picked him up placing him on his shoulder not even seeing Kenshin.

"I don't know if you should get that candy now. Your okaasan would be very upset if she knew…" the man's voice faded out as he walked through the crowd the small child named Kenji looking at him with adoration.

Kenshin was speechless as he stood there being bumped into by the people trying to pass him. There was no question in his mind as to who he had just seen, but that man, who was he? Kenshin began to walk again, when he heard a familiar voice call his name.

"Ken-nii!" Ayame called upon seeing him.

She ran up to him to confirm her suspicions when he didn't answer right away.

"Ayame?" Kenshin said uncertainly at the girl.

"Yes!" she said pulling him toward a small clinic.

She had grown. He had last seen her at the age of ten. Now she must be fourteen, starting to grow into a beautiful girl. Going into the clinic Kenshin looked around.

"Suzume! Get out here! You won't believe who's here!" Ayame called out.

A ten-year old Suzume came running in her hair in pigtails. Her eyes widened on seeing Kenshin. Running over she threw herself in his arms.

"Ken-niisan!"

Kenshin hugged the excited girl back as Ayame joined in.

"What's with all the noise?"

"Ojii-san! Ken-nii is here!" Ayame called.

"Ken-nii is here!" Suzume repeated.

Gensai came into the room straightening his glasses. His mouth dropped open.

"Himura-san!"

"Gensai-sensei, it's good to see you," Kenshin said to the shocked man.

"Oh! Have you seen Kaoru-chan? No, of course not otherwise I doubt you'd be here! Oh, Kaoru-chan will be so happy!" Gensai said coming over to Kenshin.

"I actually don't know where she lives," Kenshin replied.

"Yes, of course. The Himura dojo is down the road. You can't miss it. Would you like some tea?"

"No, I am in a hurry," Kenshin said kindly.

"Gomen. I understand. You will have to come visit again," Gensai said following Kenshin outside.

He pointed out the direction for Kenshin to take. Kenshin thanked him saying goodbye to the happy Ayame and Suzume, promising to come visit soon. Kenshin had to resist the urge to run all the way there. He had spent so long looking for Kaoru that it seemed he was never going to find her. A strong feeling of happiness filled him as he walked.

"Excuse me, sir. Swords are prohibited," a man behind Kenshin said.

Turning to the voice he saw a uniformed man standing there arrogantly.

"I said swords are prohibited. You looking to get thrown in jail?"

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Kaoru waved goodbye to her students as they left. Yutarou stayed behind.

"You are getting better everyday Yutarou," Kaoru complimented.

The boy beamed, "Do you think I could come practice tomorrow in the dojo?"

Kaoru wasn't teaching class that day, but Yutarou usually came anyway practicing on his own. Kaoru, when she had the time, enjoyed having him come for more practice.

"Sure. You have no need to ask."

"Thanks! I'll see you tomorrow!" he called waving goodbye.

"Okaasan!" Kenji said trying to wriggle off of Daisuke's shoulder as they entered passing Yutarou, who greeted Kenji briefly.

Daisuke grasped the energetic boy around the waist, helping him down before he fell. Kenji ran up to Kaoru excitedly.

"Okaasan! Want some?" Kenji said holding out his hand.

Kaoru shook her head, "Why don't you save it?"

"Okay," Kenji replied making his way to his room to put some of it away.

Daisuke came over to Kaoru.

"Thank you again. I swear I wouldn't know what to do without you," Kaoru said with a smile.

"It's no problem. I love Kenji."

Kaoru began to feel a little nervous as he stepped closer, "I have to start dinner."

"How was class?" Daisuke asked.

"It was good. My students are all very dedicated and brilliant."

"That's good."

Kaoru backed up a little, "Well, I really do need to start dinner."

"Kaoru…" Daisuke started dropping the san.

Daisuke reached up brushing some hair from Kaoru's face as the wind blew gently. Kaoru backed away from his touch.

"Kaoru, I love Kenji, but I also love his mother. I have for a long time now. And I was hoping she would let me heal her heart."

Kaoru was stunned speechless for several moments. He had told her he cared for her before, but he never had told her outright that he loved her.

"Daisuke…I'm married and…"

"He's gone Kaoru. He's never coming back," Daisuke interrupted gently.

"That's not true!" Kaoru replied in anger.

"I want to be a father to Kenji. I can provide for you. You won't have to work so hard. Why can't you except my offer?"

"Why are you saying this now?" Kaoru asked.

"I have wanted to say it for a while, but I didn't have the money to give you what I wanted for that time. Now I do. When I was out, I bought you something. It's a western tradition. You give the woman you love a ring."

Daisuke held out a beautiful ring with a blue sapphire. Kaoru's eyes widened.

"I've thought this over, and I love you and Kenji so much Kaoru."

"Daisuke…I can't…" Kaoru started to say.

"Don't say no. Kaoru…" Daisuke took her left hand in his.

Kaoru tried to take it back, but he wouldn't let go.

"I love you Kaoru," Daisuke stated looking into Kaoru's eyes.

Leaning forward he didn't give Kaoru a chance before he captured her lips with his. Kaoru was stunned not reacting to the soft kiss she was receiving. Daisuke pulled back slightly staring straight at Kaoru.

'Kenshin…'

"Daisuke…I love…"

"Okaasan! Who's that?" Kenji's voice rang out interrupting Kaoru.

Kaoru turned around to see a sight she had only seen in her dreams over the past four and a half years.

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Kenshin had been slightly delayed by the police officer, but having not gone far from the clinic Gensai came out to help. The chief of police had arrived to handle the situation, recognizing Kenshin right away. Needless to say he wouldn't be bothered anymore. Touching Kaoru's sakabatou he walked down the road toward Himura dojo. Crossing a bridge he looked out across the lake. Smiling he continued starting to go into a more wooded area along the road. That's when he saw the dojo, his pace quickening. He anticipated the feeling of holding Kaoru in his arms again. As he approached the open entrance he heard voices and stopped abruptly.

The man from earlier was standing very close to Kaoru with her hand in his.

Leaning even closer he spoke, "I love you Kaoru."

Kenshin felt an anger he hadn't felt in a long time stir in him. All his hopes on seeing Kaoru and holding her again were slipping away as the man suddenly kissed Kaoru, who did not stop him. Kenshin resisted the urge to step forward and pull the man away for even daring to touch Kaoru.

Kaoru stood stone still, "Daisuke…I love…"

Kenshin felt a painful constriction as he realized what she was about to say. She was interrupted though. Kenji, who had come back out, had seen Kenshin.

With inquisitive eyes he pointed to Kenshin saying, "Okaasan! Who's that?"

Kaoru turned slowly to face him the blood draining from her face, "Kenshin?"

The man beside Kaoru visibly stiffened, an air of hostility surrounding him as he glared at Kenshin putting his arms around Kaoru possessively, pulling her close.

"Okaasan?" Kenji said looking over to Kaoru.

"Gomen nasai. I must have found the wrong place," Kenshin said pivoting around swiftly and walking away.

*I can't stay here right now. I can't see her right now. *

"Kenshin!" Kaoru called pulling away from Daisuke's arms.

He caught her wrist, "Kaoru, don't. Please I…"

"Gomen nasai," Kaoru replied sadly pulling her wrist free.

"Okaasan, who was that?" Kenji asked coming over.

"Stay right here Kenji. Okaasan is going to bring him back in just a second."

Kaoru looked at Daisuke before rushing outside. Looking around she didn't see him anywhere. Kaoru felt panic start to take hold of her. Kenshin had just been here. She had too see him.

'Where is he? No, this is wrong. This is all wrong!'

Kaoru closed her eyes taking a deep breath to calm herself. She opened her senses searching for anything to give her a clue. Kaoru's eyes opened abruptly a smile spreading across her face despite the circumstances. Walking a little further she stepped onto the green grass coming beside a tree.

"Old habits die hard, ne?" Kaoru said staring across the glimmering lake.

She heard a rustle, but Kenshin did not come down.

"Kenshin…"

"Don't say anything Kaoru. It is fine," Kenshin interrupted.

"Can't you come down here and talk to me? It's been so long."

Kenshin dropped down easily, leaning against the tree. Kaoru couldn't look at him, if she did she would break down. Who was she kidding, already a knot was forming in her stomach.

"I'm so happy to see you again," Kaoru said tears brimming in her eyes finally looking over at Kenshin.

"Are you?" Kenshin asked neutrally.

Kaoru could no longer hold back the tears. She had not let herself cry in a long time. Now she could not stop. She abruptly rushed to him throwing her arms around him as she began to sob. Kenshin held her tight burying his face in her hair.

"Kenshin! Kenshin! I missed you so much! Where have you been?" Kaoru cried out in muffled tones against his gi as he held her shaking frame firmly to him.

"Gomen. I wanted to come to you as soon as possible, but…" Kenshin trailed off trying his best to hold back his own tears.

Kaoru looked up, "Kenshin, what you just saw wasn't what it looked like. You have to believe me. I was trying to tell him I loved you. I have waited so long to see you! I never gave up hope."

Kenshin felt a weight lift from his heart, believing her words. He pressed a finger to her lip as she tried to say more. Trailing his finger along her lower lip he brought it to her chin lifting it up. With his other hand he gently wiped the tears from her eyes. Then he leaned forward giving her a tender and slow kiss. Kaoru wrapped her arms around him once again, holding tight as she responded and raised the intensity of the kiss. Finally pulling back, Kaoru took his hand in hers.

"Kenshin, I want you to meet our son," Kaoru said softly.

Holding Kaoru's hand Kenshin started to follow Kaoru back both a little dazed at actually seeing each other again. Kaoru didn't even ask how he had found her. She didn't care, he was here now, and it was as if they had never been separated.

"Please don't be mad at Daisuke. He's just…well I don't know, but he really is a good person and…"

"Do not worry Kaoru," Kenshin reassured.

Kaoru gave his hand a squeeze before going back inside. Kenji was sitting outside with a frown.

"Dai-nii left Okaasan!" Kenji said sullenly.

"Don't worry Kenji, he'll be back," Kaoru said, "Kenji…I want you to meet your Otousan."

Kenji stood up looking at Kenshin. Kenshin kneeled down so Kenji could get a better look.

Kenji looked up to his mother, "This is Otousan?"

Kaoru nodded. Kenji moved curiously forward reaching his hand out to touch Kenshin's face. He then leaned forward carefully studying his eyes as one hand pulled Kenshin's cheek out.

"Oro!" Kenshin exclaimed after Kenji grabbed his other cheek pulling on it.

Kenshin made a funny expression causing Kenji to laugh. Kenji let go watching to see what Kenshin would do next.

"I have a gift for you Kenji," Kenshin said pulling out a small spinning top.

Kenji immediately grabbed it looking at it questioningly.

"Do you want me to show you how to use it?"

Kenji nodded eagerly deciding to trust Kenshin. Kenji wasn't shy at all, and immediately decided he liked Kenshin. Kaoru watched as Kenshin showed Kenji what to do. Kenji began to laugh and tried it on his own. He couldn't get it to spin right, so Kenshin showed him again helping him the second time. Kaoru was still adjusting to the fact that she wasn't dreaming this. That Kenshin was actually here playing with their son. Kenshin looked up to Kaoru love in his eyes.

"I'm going to make dinner," Kaoru announced.

"You can cook?" Kenshin asked.

Kaoru frowned, "Yes, I can cook!"

Kenji jumped up, "Okaasan doesn't burn food anymore! Ojii-san said so."

Kenshin smiled as Kaoru's expression darkened as she muttered something about Gensai.

"Think we should help just in case?" Kenshin asked in a conspiring tone.

Kenji nodded holding his arms out to be held by Kenshin. Picking him up, Kenshin walked over to Kaoru and gave her a kiss. Kenji leaned forward in Kenshin's arms also giving her a kiss.

Kenji looked at her quizzically, "Okaasan! Why are you crying?"

Kaoru shook her head wiping her eyes, "I'm happy."

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That night Daisuke did not return. Kaoru worried for him slightly, but was sure he had found somewhere else to stay the night. Kaoru truly liked Daisuke. He was helpful, kind, he did love her son, but she had repeatedly turned away his attentions. She did want them not to talk anymore because of this, but she understood what he must be feeling now. It would be awkward the next time they talked. Kaoru continued to look up at the stars still trying to believe that Kenshin was actually here, and that their son had welcomed and accepted him so easily.

"Kaoru," Kenshin said softly coming to sit by her after putting Kenji to bed.

"I'm still trying to believe this is real that you are actually here after so long."

Kaoru felt his hand on her cheek turning her face to his, "I really am here, and I'm never leaving you again."

Kaoru leaned into his touch, smiling, "I told him about you. I wanted him to know he had an father that loved him. I was worried he might not take to you right away, but I was wrong."

"Gomen nasai, Kaoru," Kenshin said softly.

"For what?"

"For not being here to take care of you and our son. I promised we would never be apart again," Kenshin replied gently hugging her to him.

"Shhh, Kenshin. It's not your fault. I promised too. We did what we had to do, none of it matters. You're here now."

"Many things happened after that day…" Kenshin started.

Kaoru placed a finger on his lips, silencing him, "We can talk about what happened tomorrow. Tonight I just want to live in the present. I just want to be with you."

"I've missed you so much koishii."

"We have a lot of time we need to make up anata," Kaoru replied with a mischievous smile.

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Daisuke stumbled blindly around. He had left immediately after Kaoru had. He couldn't stay there. Why had he waited so long to ask her? If he had done so sooner Kaoru would have been his. Instead he played the helpful caring brother type. He had even come all the way here apprenticed to the meanest boss he had ever had. Still Kaoru didn't see. He had taken care of Kenji. He had begun to imagine Kenji calling him otousan as Kaoru came out to announce dinner calling him anata.

Daisuke had waited believing her husband dead and gone. He wanted Kaoru to have a chance to accept the loss, but she never did. Ever since that horrible night when he had accidentally tripped on her, he had felt a strong connection with her.

"Why!? Why now?! Why did he come back now!?" Daisuke shouted to the empty street almost falling down.

He had been sure Kaoru was going to say she loved him.

He remembered hearing her soft words, "Daisuke…I love…"

But then that bastard showed up. It wasn't fair! Kaoru loved him. Why would she want someone that had abandoned her? Kenshin should have found her within those four years if he truly loved her. No, Daisuke didn't understand. He wouldn't accept this. He couldn't accept this.

"Himura Kenshin! Kaoru is mine!"

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A young man stood outside the darkened town surveying it. His once spiky hair now longer, fell around his face almost covering his eyes. He was tall and lean with a serious look in his eyes. He ran a hand through his brown hair as he continued to scrutinize the town before him. At the sound of someone behind him he gripped his katana pulling it out with easy grace blocking the attack. The attacker laughed softly stepping closer.

"Was that necessary?" the young man asked.

"Just making sure your guard is up!" the other person replied.

"I won't be caught unaware, especially by you," the young man said smiling toward his companion.

The other man laughed easily, "Give me some credit! I've trained longer than you. Just cause I'm not naturally talented…"

The young man held his hand up silencing the other. A man stumbled blindly around nearing the edge of the town.

"Why!? Why now?! Why did he come back now!?" the drunk shouted tripping over nothing.

"Heh! Heh! He sure is drunk. Just look at him."

The young man nodded at his companion's words with a look of disgust on his face. The drunk wiped his face as if trying to clear his thoughts.

Suddenly his hands clenched, "Himura Kenshin! Kaoru is mine!"

The young man started at the words as his companion laughed at the drunk's antics.

"This town is our next target?" the young man asked already knowing the answer.

"Yeah."

"I'm going to check it out," the young man answered dashing off before the other could say a word.

"Eh? Oh well, I never will understand that guy."

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I think we all now who that is right?! But anyway! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter! Please tell me what you thought! Oh and I will be explaining some of the things I mentioned vaguely such as about Megumi and where Kenshin was and all that!

Kyaa Kyaff saying until next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!