Sorry for taking so long to update again. Once again, I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or any of the characters. I am simply borrowing them for my own, and hopefully your amusement.

Things will start picking up soon. I would love to hear what you think!

CHAPTER 4

Kaoru's first protection detail went off without a hitch, and she carefully stored the 50 yen away. Although she was proud of her accomplishment, there was no way to let the others know about the size of the money without suspicion arising, so she quietly placed it into the savings fund. The next four days continued on like normal. Yahiko continued to teach the dojo classes, Kaoru and Kenshin did their normal daily chores, and Kenji happily followed his mother around the grounds, practicing his swordsmanship on the unsuspecting Kenshin and Yahiko whenever he was able. Kenshin could sense that Kaoru was less stressed, and had mostly returned to her normal self. He relished in her happy presence, and the peace it gave him.

However, a sense of dread could be felt, for he knew that Kaoru would have to leave again tomorrow morning for another "training request." Kenshin understood the reasons, but it did not mean that he would not miss her; nor did it mean that he would not worry while she was from his sight. Kaoru could sense Kenshin's trepidation, but knew that there was not much she could do to ease his worry.

That night they sat on the porch together under the stars, enjoying the simple presence of the other. "I am sorry Kaoru-dono that I do not provide better for our family, and that you are forced to work."

Kaoru chuckled softly and placed a hand on top of Kenshin's. "Kenshin, there is nothing to apologize for. I love the art of the sword, the gift my father left for me, and I love my family. There is no need to apologize for allowing a woman to do something that she loves."

"I just wish that I was more useful to you. Then you wouldn't have to leave our side so often in one month." Then Kenshin turned towards Kaoru, admiring her silhouette under the moonlight.

Kaoru continued to look toward the stars, "Kenshin, you do plenty for the family. You protect us when required, you love your son, you help me take care of the dojo and the chores, you help train Yahiko, and you have ended my loneliness. You deserve this peaceful life, and that is enough for me."

Kenshin, although not completely agreeing with the words that Kaoru said, gave himself a moment to absorb their meaning and the love that she conveyed with them.

"And please don't worry Kenshin. I will be back around mid-night on the second day; so it will be either late on the second day, or really early the morning of the third. You will hardly notice my absence."

Kenshin shook his head with a slight frown, "I seriously doubt that Kaoru-dono. You will always be missed, but I do understand, that I do."

"Thank you Kenshin. Remember, that everything I do, I do for you and our friends. I should make enough money with this next job that I won't have to take any extras for a while. When all this is over, we will be able to relax and have a lot of fun with our friends."

Kenshin smiled and turned his head towards the stars, noting that their beauty was pale in comparison to Kaoru's. "Kaoru-dono, I am sure we would have plenty of fun regardless of income."

"You know, it is going to feel a lot like old times now Kenshin! When I get back we should also invite Misao and Aioshi for a visit. With Sanosuke and Megumi in town, it will be like old times!"

"Yes, I suppose it will, but I hope this time it is without all the fighting."

Kaoru let out a carefree laugh, "I don't think that will be a problem Kenshin, if anyone is going to be fighting this time, It will probably be Sanosuke, and I don't think we need to worry about him, don't you?"

"I suppose your right there." But then Kenshin became somber as memories of the darker past flooded his brain. At the memory of Kaoru's death, he felt like his heart stopped. He turned his eyes towards hers, and poured all of his emotions into the gaze as their eyes locked, "Just please be careful Kaoru. I am not sure what I will do if I ever lose you again."

Kaoru was momentarily stunned by the depth of emotions that Kenshin uncharacteristically showed with his piercing gaze. Her expression softened as she placed her hand on his cheek softly, while still holding his hand with her other. "Kenshin, you never lost me." Placing the free hand over his heart, she continued, "I am always right here. Now let's go to bed, this will be our last night together for a little while."

Kenshin leaned into her hand for a moment, being reminded by her warmth and smell that she was in fact still in front of him. He never knew how he ever received a gift such as her, and knew that he did not deserve it, but even so, he was happy to have her in his life. He continued to hold her hand and they walked together to their room, both enjoying the love from the other.

The next morning Kaoru slipped out from the dojo earlier than normal already dressed in her training gear. Although the last mission had no problems, that was simply because there was no attack. The mission and protection units were poorly organized, and she promised the manager to arrive early today to work out a new arrangement.

"Ah, Shinta-San. Good Morning! You are ready I presume?"

Kaoru cocked her eyebrow in his direction in order to convey the feeling of "are you kidding me?". "Futsuzu-san, I would not be here if I was not ready. What are the specifics of this trip?"

"As blunt as always Shinta-san! Ha Ha! That is what I like about you! No beating around the bush, the true sign of strength!" Futsuzu's face was alight with joy, and his mind was racing with the prospects this boy's presence would mean. With Shinta around, he was sure things would be a success!

Kaoru shot him another warning glance, and his laughing quickly stopped. "The train, right! Well you already know the schedule for departure and arrival. This time the trip back is more important that the one there. We will bring back a large shipment of gold for the government, and its protection is our top priority. There have been reports of pirate activity over the last few days, so I am not sure this trip will be as easy as the last."

"I see, in that case I recommend that we split the fighters into squadrons; we will ensure they are balanced. Each squad will take control of one car, and we will place then in both directions; with the car containing the gold in the middle of the train. I will lead a squadron with the strongest fighters, and we will be in the car with the gold as the last line of defense." Kaoru handed the manager a sheet of paper and continued on with her instructions, "I recommend the squadrons be set up as instructed on that paper."

Futsuzu looked over the plans carefully and pondered the instructions that Kaoru provided him. Finally, he agreed, after all, "Shinta" was the most experienced of them all.

Yahiko arrived at the Kamiya dojo around mid-morning in order to mooch some breakfast from Kenshin. Yahiko walked into the kitchen, happy to see that he wasn't too late. "Morning Kenshin!"

Kenshin turned around and with his signature smile greeted Yahiko, "Morning Yahiko! You made it just in time for breakfast! Will you be joining Kenji and I?"

"Well since ugly isn't the one cooking it, I would be stupid to turn my nose up at good food!"

Kenshin laughed at Yahiko's jab, surprised that he felt the need to poke fun at his teacher even when she wasn't around. Kenshin was sure that at this point, it was almost second nature to him. Kenshin set out the food for the small group, not realizing until it was too late that he made a bowl for Kaoru. Kenshin sighed, already missing her warm presence.

"Where is the old hag anyway? This is the second time she has gone missing in the last week! It really isn't like her?"

Yahiko grabbed a flying chopstick that was dangerously close to his face. "Mommy isn't a hag!" screamed a small voice. Across the table sat a very indignant Kenji, scowling at Yahiko. This only caused Yahiko to laugh as he placed the chopstick back on the table.

"Now, Now you two. She had another training request in a neighboring town. She should be back some time tomorrow mid-night. Until then, we are on our own."

Yahiko took this in with surprise? Kenshin seemed to be calm relaying the news, granted his expression appeared to give off a hint of loneliness. However, it wasn't like Kaoru to take on extra training requests without talking to Yahiko first, after all, he was the assistant master now. Waiting until Kenji was dismissed to play outside, Yahiko asserted his slight concern. "About Kaoru, are you sure Kenshin? Kaoru doesn't normally do something like that without running it by me first. Not that she asks for permission or anything, but when it concerns the school, she normally keeps me in the loop."

Kenshin realizing there was truth to this and was worried for a moment. Kaoru had been hiding something recently, and she did seem worried earlier in the week. However, he couldn't see how that would relate to her leaving, and couldn't think of anything besides teaching that would take her away over night. "That is what she said Yahiko, and I didn't press further. I am sure she just didn't want to bother you with the details. You are pretty busy with Yutarou gone."

Yahiko shrugged his shoulders as he continued to shovel rice down his mouth. "Yeah, I guess you got a point there, and it isn't like she has any reason to lie to us anyway, right!"

"Right" Kenshin replied simply, but a growing sense of unease started to fill him. Something about this situation wasn't sitting right, but there wasn't much he could do about it now. He would just have to wait patiently for Kaoru's return he surmised.