Here it is everyone! The sequel to 'Learning To Fall'! You know you're excited x)

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! This is everyone's Christmas gift from me x)

Kenshin leaned against the doorframe of the porch and smiled. He was looking at a sight that had become precious to him in this past month: the woman in front of him laughing while running after a young girl. Her long, black hair steamed behind her and her bright blue eyes sparkled. The young girl giggled and shook her head, her small pigtails bouncing against her face. Suzume's older sister, Ayame, ran after the dark haired beauty and jumped on the older girl's back. Kenshin's grin grew wider as Kaoru's eyes widened in surprise as she stumbled backward, her arms pin wheeling. Before she knew it, Kaoru was caught in the arms of a certain red-haired, ex-hitokiri.

She looked up in surprise and Kenshin gave her a small smile. Maybe today will be the day… He thought hopefully. But like all days before that, she merely gave him a glare and pushed away from him.

Just as her presence had become a vital part of his life, so had her scorn. She had forgiven him for forgetting her – a thought that still made him cringe and feel shame – as it was something that could not have been helped. However, she had yet to forgive him for insisting her brother was still alive. He was sure that if he had dropped the matter, she would have let it slide, blaming it on his memories which were still fuzzy at times and not truly reliable. Though, he continued to insist that Saitou was alive, well and healthy, thus turning Kaoru against him. She had finally come to terms with Saitou's death, and here he was trying to insist that the truth she had known for the past two years was false. She had yet to look him in the eyes even though they had been living in the same house for the past month.

On the bright side, Kenshin had found work in both the Aoiya and the Akabeko. Both Tae and Misao's Gramps had offered him odd jobs every day, whether it is waiting tables, cleaning the dishes or going out to the market. He came when beckoned. Relations with Sanosuke had improved and he finally had someone he could call a friend. Dr. Gensai had allowed him to stay in his abode and refused to take rent.

The only thing that weighed heavily on his mind – despite Kaoru – was Katsura's request. He missed the feeling of his katana on his hip, and both a katana and the sakabatou were in his room. Yet he did not miss the feel of his blade cutting into flesh. He did not miss the cries of men as they died, nor did he miss the blood and gore that came with being a hitokiri. Ever since the war ended – marked by lesser mob deaths in Japan and a general peace in the world – Kenshin's resolve to never kill again was further reinforced. Yet both he, Aoshi and Katsura knew that this peace could not last. This was the calm before the storm. Shishio was still at large, and neither the Ishin Shishi nor the Oniwabanshu could find any trace of him and his faction.

But Kenshin didn't want to think about that, especially on this day. It was Kaoru's nineteenth birthday, and even though she had requested a small celebration, the whole crew was there: Dr. Gensai and his two granddaughters, Sanosuke, Megumi, Aoshi, Misao, Gramps, Yahiko, Tae and Subame. Kaoru laughed while she played with the two little girls while Misao watched mischievously by the refreshment's table. Kenshin feared that the green-eyed girl might join in, and that it will end up in tears. Dr. Gensai looked on with a large smile on his face while also speaking to Megumi. Megumi paid little attention to the rambunctious girls, instead gesturing animatedly while she explained some new discovery she had made. Aoshi was sulking on the other side of the porch and Kenshin could hear Tae and Gramps arguing in the kitchen over what cake to do for the birthday girl. Yahiko was showing off to the small mousy girl, who hid a smile behind her hand.

Kenshin jumped slightly when he felt a large hand descend on his shoulder. "Hey there Kenshin. Those chips for me?" The larger rooster headed man asked, a huge grin on his face as he gestured to the plate of chips in Kenshin's hand, which he had picked up after saving Kaoru.

"No, Sano. They are for the guests."

"Come on! I'm a guest!"

"You'll have to wait until I put them out."

"That could take forever, considering you're staring at Missy there."

"I'm not staring."

"Liar."

"I'm watching out for her."

"Sure, sure. So, about the chips…"

"Do you believe me?"

Sano gave his shorter friend a strange look, his hand poised above the plate of chips. He blinked his eyes slowly, sighed, and then ruffled his hair. "Kenshin, I want to believe you. But we have gone so long thinking he was dead. Kaoru's taking it harder than I thought she would, but she'll come around. It'll be better if you can provide some proof."

"I don't know where he is, or if he even survived the war. Not many of the Shogunate survived after the Ishin Shishi won. Plus, if he had lost, don't you think he will come home?"
Sano frowned. "That's true, but Saitou is a proud man. He will never come home and admit defeat. He also believes fully in his motto, so for all we know he may be trying to live up to it now."

Kenshin nodded solemnly, then slapped Sano's creeping hand away from the chips. He gave him a bright smile and walked away from the sulking man, who followed like a puppy after the food. Kenshin shook his head as the younger man descended upon the food as if he hadn't seen food for days when Kenshin knows that Sano had a hearty breakfast and a large lunch before. Both he and Yahiko had bottomless stomachs.

As Kenshin walked back into the house to get more chips – by the looks of it, Sanosuke will finish them before anyone will even notice that Kenshin put out more – Kesnhin heard the phone ring. Without hesitation, he picked up the phone. He knew who it was going to be.

"Katsura."
"Kenshin. We just received rumours that Shishio may be in Japan. You will have to return immediately; I don't think he will be staying long."

"Katsura, I don't think…"

"Kenshin, you are the only one who can beat him. Both you and I know this. And I swear, after this I will not give you any more missions."

Kenshin sighed. The truth was, he knew that Shishi was a real threat. If he didn't want a massacre or a new war to start, he had to act quickly and decisively. There was no more time to dilly-dally.

"Ok, get me on the next flight to Japan."

"Thank you."

Kenshin hung up and sighed deeply before moving to his room. He gazed at his home for the past two months, and smiled fondly at the good memories, refusing to think of the bad ones. He began to pack his meagre belongings when he felt a presence behind him. He recognised her aura immediately, but refused to tur around.

"So you just heard." Misao's voice was soft.

"Yeah."

The young girl sighed. "Aoshi will be leaving in an hour. When are you leaving?"

"Probably later tonight or tomorrow."

"I want to come." He heard the resolve in her voice, and he turned around, catching her green gaze with his amber-violet one.

"No."

"I have a right to come with you! Aoshi isn't letting me come with him, but I know that I am ready! Let me come. Please."

"Misao, I need you to stay with Kaoru."

Misao looked away, but not before Kenshin saw her anger and frustration reflected in her deep green orbs. Before she said another word, she spun on her heel and marched away. Before Kenshin could think of something that he could say to encourage her, he heard the phone ring again. Knowing it was Katsura, he picked up the phone on the second ring.

"You leave on the eight a.m. flight tomorrow morning." Katsura hung up before Kenshin could reply.

Even though he knew he had little else to pack, there was one other thing he wanted to do before he left. But, before that, he decided to enjoy his last day in Maui with his friends.

Any thoughts? Comments? Criticisms? Like it? Hate it? Love it?

r.e.v.i.e.w.

please?

;]