Author's Notes: Well here it is, the seventh installment. I must say that I like this one the best so far for various reasons. As I was writing, my pen ran out at 12:30 in the morning! ;; Needless to say, I hat to scurry for a new one. Also, I had a bit of trouble regarding our new member, but I hope you guys like the path I have chosen.

NOTICE: I have re-read the first few chapters and they are as I have come to think "horrible." SO when the story is done, I plan completely revise the first two chapters. There won't be any major changes I think, but the writing and other certain things will definitely be revised. If you have any strong disagreements, let me know and I may reconsider, I just feel that they can be a lot better.

Disclaimer: I do not own these character…yadda…yadda…yadda…you know the deal. X


Chapter Seven: Chaos! Romance! And a New Member!

A little after dawn the next morning, Kaoru and Misao boarded the plane. The sun had only been up for a short while and was now casting golden light upon them. Kaoru sat in the window seat near the back, Misao filing in after her. Her forehead against the cool window, Kaoru looked out towards the sun. For some reason her mind was on Kenshin and this frightened her somewhat. She was becoming attached.

Sighing in her confusion, Kaoru sat back and slouched in her seat. Misao lulled her head to the side, still somewhat sleepy, "Something wrong?"

Kaoru put on a faint smile, "no, I just can't wait to get there," she lied. "Although, I never was a fan of flying."

A svelte woman stood at the front of the plane and began her introductions, "Good morning everyone, my name is Ms.Shizuki. If you could please fasten your seatbelts, the plane will then prepare for take off. Feel free to ask me or any of my companions if you need anything." After her speech, she disappeared behind a curtain.

The passengers obeyed and began mumbling amongst themselves. Misao fastened herself in and placed some headphones over her ears. She rest her head back and closed her eyes.

Kaoru on the other hand was now fully aware of her situation and became taut. Gripping the arm rests she said, "Misao, how can you be so calm?" Misao didn't answer. "Oh for God's sake, how can she be so calm?" Kaoru said to herself.

The plane began to move and Kaoru jumped. A rumbling sound was coming from somewhere and it was almost unbearable.

Ms. Shizuki's voice came over the speakers again, "Please do not worry, but we will be experiencing the usual turbulence for a moment or two."

Kaoru closed her eyes tightly, 'Oh God, oh God…' They were now in the air, and the plane continued to shake. By now Kaoru thought death was inevitable. But just as the lady said, the shaking seceded to a semi-smooth ride. Kaoru held a hand to her heart, gathering herself.

Misao opened her eyes and looked and Kaoru, "geez, relax. We'll be there in no time…haven't you ever been on a plane before?"

Kaoru stared at her, "no I haven't incase. Incase you couldn't tell behind those headphones of yours, I thought I was going to die! And to think I have to go through this again on the way back…"

Misao just laughed and went back to her music. Kaoru looked out the window, both marveled and nervous by the view. Soon enough, she relaxed a bit and forced herself to focus on the movie being broadcasted.


A few hours later, the plane landed in Atami. In the airport, Kaoru and Misao waited for their luggage to come around on the belt.

"So, where are we going to stay?" Kaoru asked as she found their bags.

Misao grabbed her suitcase and the two walked towards the exit. "We're staying at the New Akao Hotel on the Sun Beach. I hear it's great. But first, we need to rent a car." She looked around and noticed a car rental store near the edge of the port, "c'mon."

A little while later, the two left with a black Jeep. With their luggage in the back, Misao sped out onto the thruway. Kaoru put her arms in the air and inhaled deeply. "Yes!" Turning on the radio, she stated, "I can't believe we're here! Three days of paradise, Misao!"

Misao laughed, "We are sooo gonna party. But first we have to find some guys…" She glanced over to Kaoru, "that is, of course, if you're lovely Battousai doesn't object."

Kaoru sat quietly for a moment, "Kenshin, his name's Kenshin." She turned and looked hard at Misao, "he's not as bad as you think, really."

Misao scoffed, "I saw the way he looked at you when we went over to his place. God only knows what would've happened if I weren't there."

Kaoru flushed, "Misao…"

"look, do whatever you want with him, just don't get yourself hurt."

Kaoru just sat and looked out to her right. A few guys drove along side them and whistled. Misao ignored them, "…do you really like him?"

Kaoru watched the guys remotely as they made obscene gestures, "I don't know, there's just something about him-"

"Can you trust him?" Misao cut in.

Kaoru paused and hesitated. Can she trust him? She barely knows Kenshin. For all she knows, he could be leading her into a trap. "I don't know…" Kaoru said, her voice distant. "I know I hardly know him, and that the odds are against us, but still…"

Misao sighed and jerked the car to the right and back. Kaoru startled and grabbed the seat. "Well if you don't even know the answer to that question, then keep your legs crossed. I don't want you around him alone, I can tell that he wants you, and not just as an accomplice."

Kaoru stared at Misao, "…you really care about me don't you?" she smiled.

"Yes, but I just don't trust him is all." Misao glanced at Kaoru who was still smiling. "Hey, let's not get all ooey-gooey now. We're here to have fun and Battousai-I mean Kenshin, is not around. So let's just forget about it all for now, Kay?"

Kaoru laughed, "okay." She turned up the radio's volume and rested her arms on the bar above her.

The guys continued to drive along side them, attempting to gain their attention. Misao and Kaoru gave in and laughed. "What do you want?" Kaoru called out to them.

The guy in the drivers seat spoke up, "We thought we'd never get your attention!" he laughed, "I'm Eri, and my friend here is Shinji." He yelled back. Kaoru turned the radio down and introduced themselves. Eri looked at Kaoru for a moment, scanned her body and looked back to the road, "You ladies seem new here, mind if we show you around a bit later? Where are you staying?"

Misao spoke up just then, " The New Akao Hotel, room 212. Be there at ten?"

Eri's friend smirked, "Of course, that's when the real fun just begins!"

"Well, our turn-off is coming up, we're not that far from you ladies. See you then!" Eri drove off on their exit, leaving Kaoru and Misao smiling.

"See? Told you we're gonna have some fun." Misao bragged as she turned the radio back up. "I wouldn't mind Shinji, what about you? Eri seemed interested."

Kaoru laughed, "We'll find out tonight then, won't we?"


Later that night, the guys picked them up as promised. Misao sat in back with Shinji, making small talk. "So," Kaoru asked, "where are you taking us?"

Eri smiled, "Just to one of the best parties around. A lot o buddies an us often have open parties on the beach. Anyone and everyone shows up with drinks and shit like that. It can get pretty crazy."

"Huh, sounds fun." Misao perked up.

Eri smirked and said under his breath, "oh it will be…" Nodding his head towards the beach he said, "Ah we're here. It's not that far from your hotel, within walking distance actually if you don't mind walking two to three miles." Eri parked his jeep on the side of the road and hopped out. The rest followed. Shinji grabbed the beers in one hand and wrapped his other around Misao's waist.

Eri came up behind Kaoru and wrapped his arms around her waist as well. "So, are you ready to have some real fun?"

Kaoru smiled, "oh yea."

When they reached the party near the shore, many people were already dancing and drinking. A few couples were lying in the sand making out. Eri led her away, to his friends, "Hey, hey!" After leaving her side and greeting some of his buddies, Eri gestured towards Misao and introduced her as Shinji's girl. He paused, smirked, and then introduced Kaoru, wrapping his arm around her again.

"These ladies are new here. We're gonna show them how to have fun," Eri stated. "Isn't that right?" He winked at his friends before asking Kaoru to dance.

The music blared and the fire blazed. Eri pulled Kaoru close to him as they danced erotically and awfully close to the fire. After many drinks, Kaoru's eyes glazed over and she decided to go for a walk.

"Would you like some company?" Eri whispered in her ear.

Kaoru stumbled a little and laughed, "sure."

"Hey Kaoru, where are you going?" Misao pranced up to her, Shinji close behind.

"Oh, I'm just going for a walk with Eri. I need to get away my head is pounding." Kaoru leaned on Eri for support.

Misao hesitated, looking back and forth between the two, "okay, just not too long okay? I'll try and wait for you but if not, I'll see you back at the room." Misao paused again, "…call me if you need a ride or anything."

Kaoru blinked quickly a few times, obviously drunk, "sure, see you later Misao."

Eri led Kaoru down the beach and gave a furtive thumbs up to his friends, they hooted and hollered. Wrapping her arm around his neck, Eri questioned, "She really cares about you doesn't she?"

Kaoru hiccupped, "Yea, for some reason she feels as if she's got to protect me."

Eri whispered in her ear, "Maybe she does."

Kaoru walked slower, confusion playing across her face, "what?"

Eri began to kiss the crook of her neck feverishly. Kaoru attempted to shrug him off, "Eri, no." But he did not listen, unbuckling her legs with a swift kick, Eri followed her down to the ground. "Eri, no! Stop!"

"Hey," he said in-between kisses, his hands roaming her body, "you said you wanted to have fun. So here we are." Quickly he unfastened his jeans.

Kaoru writhed against him, attempting to get away. She kneed him hard between the legs and pushed him off. Getting to her feet, Kaoru unsteadily ran towards where they came.

Eri caught the edge of her shirt, ripping it in the process, revealing most of her back and chest. Kaoru gasped as he grabbed her wrists, bruising them. "You can't get away from me. There's no one to help you now." He said as he kissed her below her collarbone.

Perspiration beaded on her skin, forcing her hair to stick to her face. Once again she was pushed to the ground. She plead for help but no one came. Ripping the fastening of her shorts, Eri laughed.

"Please, stop!" Due to the alcohol, Kaoru's body was weak and defenseless. Kaoru closed her eyes and prayed for help when Eri was about to get what he wanted.

But it never came.

Instead, he was swiftly tackled to the ground. By whom, she did not know. That is, until the moonlight caught the blaze of his amber's eyes. "Kenshin-" But it wasn't Kenshin, this was Battousai. Kaoru sat there on her legs, completely taken aback and somewhat scared.

Kenshin' eyes raged with fire. Holding Eri by the throat, his feet off the ground, Battousai threatened his life and manhood. Dropping him to the ground, Eri pulled up his jeans and ran up the beach.

Silence ensued between the two for a moment. Battousai stood there in the moonlight, eyes ablaze, taking in the sight of Kaoru. His eyes lingered a second too long on her semi-revealed breasts; she was entirely vulnerable and under his mercy…Walking slowly towards her, Battousai's eyes changed and he was Kenshin again. He held out his hand, thought Kaoru would not take it. She sat there looking down at the sand.

"Are you hurt?"

No reply.

Kenshin stripped himself of his shirt and carefully put it on Kaoru. Swiftly, he picked her up in his arms and walked up the beach towards the road. Her light breathing and the tickling of her hair on his chest, sent sensations down through his body, but he remained passive. 'Not now, this is not the time,' he though. Kenshin clenched his teeth against all his desires.

Three miles he walked, carrying the sleeping Kaoru and facing curious looks from passers by. When he reached Kaoru's room, he knocked crisply on the door.

Misao answered and froze at the sight, taking it in, "what happened?" Immediately she let him in and closed the door. After finding the bedroom, Kenshin softly lowered Kaoru onto the bed, Misao at his feet. "What happened?" She demanded again.

Kenshin lightly caressed Kaoru's silky check before replying. Misao, taken aback by his demeanor, watched. "I believe that is for her to tell, but Eri had dirty intentions. He attempted to take advantage of her."

Misao gasped, "Is she okay?"

"Yes, just exhausted." He turned to her. "How could you've let Kaoru go off dunk and vulnerable with a guy you just met?" He demanded.

Misao squirmed under his glare for a moment, "Well, I-" she paused, "Wait a minute!" Pulling him into the kitchen so as not to wake Kaoru, she questioned him. "Why the hell are you here?"

"I may go anywhere I please." Kenshin sat down in defiance.

"Uh-huh, so you being here has nothing to do with Kaoru?" Misao crossed her arms in disbelief. "And you just happened to come across her and Eri."

"It's a good thing I had!" Kenshin stood quickly, looming over Misao.

She glared up at him, "what are you doing with her? What the hell is it that you want?"

"I've already explained that. She and I could be great together if we both went against Shishio."

"You mean, her, you and me right? The three of us could be great. That's what you meant to say right?" Misao raised her chin up to him, angered.

"Right." Kenshin smirked and walked to the door. "I'll be back sometime soon, so don't be surprised." Firmly Kenshin closed the door behind him.

Misao huffed and threw her arms up in the air, "I sear…" she said under her breath. Quietly she went into the bedroom and settled in her bed. Turning her head towards the sleeping Kaoru, she whispered, "Oh, I just want to protect you Kaoru…" Slowly, Misao turned on her side and fell asleep into the dark abyss.


The next morning, Kaoru woke with a massive headache. When she sat up, holding a palm to her forehead, she noticed Misao sitting in the armchair. She uncrossed her legs, stood, and gave Kaoru on of two coffees before sitting back down.

"So, I here you had quite the night last night." Misao said before taking a sip of her coffee.

Kaoru did the same, and ran a hand through her hair. Slowly, bits of the previous night pieced together.

Misao watched her, "I'm sorry I didn't stop you from going. I knew something wasn't right but I let you go anyway-"

"Misao, don't be sorry for my bad judgment. I'm okay, so you don't have to worry." Kaoru smiled heartily, "But thank you anyway." Kaoru paused and placed the coffee on the bedside table, "Hey, I'm gonna go take a shower and freshen up, okay?"

"Kay."

Kaoru steeped into the bathroom and locked the door behind her. She stood in front of the mirror after turning on the shower, observing herself. Suddenly, she noticed that she was wearing Kenshin's shirt; she had forgotten that part. Sheepishly, Kaoru pulled the collar up to her nose and took in the man's scent. Inhaling deeply, Kaoru smiled and hugged herself before lifting the shirt up above her head and folding it neatly on the counter. She took in the sight of her ripped clothing and sighed to herself. After removing the ripped garments, Kaoru tossed them hopelessly into the garbage and stepped into the hot shower.


The next day had been a short one full of tanning and shopping. After coaxing Kaoru, Misao had finally been able to find out what had happened the night before. "So," Misao said as they walked along the beach, "it seems that B-" she stopped herself and sighed, "Kenshin, isn't so bad after all."

The sun was beginning to set and many people packed up to return to their hotels. Kaoru kicked at the sand, looking down, "Look, I know now that you were right about Saitou, but not this time. You have to trust me on this." The water licked their toes before pulling back once again, leaving bubbles.

"Yea, yea…" Misao looked down too and smiled, "so, how many times has he been on your mind today?" Misao smirked and looked up at Kaoru.

Kaoru's head whipped around, "I don't know what you're talking about," she laughed and playfully shoved her friend away.

Misao didn't believe it thought, "uh-huh. Well anyway, let's go back, I'm tired."

"Okay." Kaoru kicked sand up at Misao and ran up the small beach, laughing, Misao chasing after her.

Later that night, when Misao was sleeping, Kaoru left their room. She had left a note explaining where she was and not to worry. Quietly, Kaoru made her way down to the beach. The moon showed brightly above, it's reflection playing across the water's surface.

When she found a dry spot, Kaoru sat in the cool sand with her hands supporting her up from behind. She looked up at the stars and moon. It always seemed to remind her of her family, looking so bright yet lonely. Closing her eyes, she tried hard to suppress memories of her brother, but failed.


Yahiko laughed like the small child he was, and pulled Kaoru out onto the porch. "Kaoru, come here!"

Kaoru stumbled after her little brother, "Yahiko, you should be sleeping! Get back to bed."

"Oh please sis, can I just watch the starts?" Yahiko sat and pouted. He begged her for just a few minutes.

Running a hand through his ruffled hair, Kaoru smiled, "Fine, but just for a few minutes." She sat next to him for a moment before lying down, Yahiko copying her.

The two siblings lay for a few moments in silence, when Yahiko's hand suddenly shot in the air, pointing out a shooting star, "Look sis, a shooting star!"

Kaoru laughed, "Quick, make a wish."

The little boy tightly clamped his eyes shut in concentration. After a moment or two, he opened them again.

Quietly, Kaoru asked, "What'd you wish for?"

"Uh-uh! I can't tell you! If I do, it won't come true!"

Kaoru tickled him, "Oh c'mon, you can tell me! Besides, that's just a myth."

Yahiko laughed and tried to get away but failed, "okay, okay!" he surrendered. Kaoru laid back down, satisfied. "I wish that we'd be together forever."

Kaoru lifted her head and looked at him. The child lying next to her was full of hopes and dreams; she smiled at this. Not able to stop herself, Kaoru tickled him until his eyes began to water, "Okay young one, now it's time for bed!" Their laughter rang throughout the quiet night, burning itself into Kaoru memory.


Slowly, Kaoru opened her eyes, which had now begun to tear. Wrapping herself in her arms, Kaoru looked out at the water, letting her silent tears fall down her face. From behind, strong arms wrapped themselves around her as well. Kaoru startled and looked behind her. It was Kenshin. His eyes penetrated hers and quickly, she wiped away her tears.

"K-Kenshin, what are you doing here?" she tried to hide the quivering in her voice but failed.

Kenshin kept his arms around her, "I was going to ask you the same," he said quietly, "but I can already see."

Kaoru let out a sob she couldn't force down. "I'm okay, really." She wiped at her tears again. "I just miss my brother and family is all."

A knowing look showed in Kenshin's face and eyes, though Kaoru hadn't noticed. He brushed her shoulder with his thumb. Silently then, he whispered in her ear, "It'll all be okay."

Kaoru turned her head back and looked up at him, tears staining her cheeks. Slowly she raised her head and kissed Kenshin lightly on the lips.

Kenshin looked down at her as she slightly pulled away. Placing a hand in the crook of her neck, he kissed her back. Shifting his body, Kenshin lowered Kaoru carefully down in the sand, never breaking their kiss. Brushing the soft skin of her shoulder, Kenshin moved to kissing just above her collarbone. Kaoru ran a hand through his hair, which was in the usual high ponytail. Kenshin wrapped one of her legs around his waist and let his hands roam her body. She closed her eyes and moaned under his ministrations, until Misao's words came into her mind suddenly.

"Kenshin-" she gasped as he lightly bit the skin just above her breast. "Wait, we shouldn't."

He kissed her full on the mouth, his tongue exploring hers, matching their bodies' motions. Kaoru found it difficult to turn him down but she had to, and put a hand between them. "Please, wait."

Kenshin looked at her and pulled away. He sighed as he sat next to her in silence and pulled out a cigarette.

Kaoru stared at him, "You smoke?"

"What's the problem Kaoru? You know there's something between us, why won't you let me touch you?" Kenshin asked looking out at the water.

Kaoru was quiet for a minute before answering, "I know, but before I can allow myself the luxury I need to be realistic here. I mean, I don't even know you Kenshin. How do I know this isn't all a trap? I need to know for a fact that I can trust you." She paused and looked down at the sand, "I think we should just not see each other for a few days."

"Right and what about our work?" Kenshin asked.

"What's it matter? I haven't seen Saitou in a while and I have no other cases. You're my case. I don't know where to get any information, so how can I be of use?" Kaoru quietly asked.

Taking a puff of his cigarette, Kenshin continued to watch the waves. "How well did you know your father Kaoru?" he asked quietly.

"What? What does that have to do with anything?" she asked, curious.

"Nothing. Just forget about it."

They sat in silence for a while, reflecting on their conversation. Kaoru pulled her knees up to her chin and glanced at Kenshin. She wanted to be with him, but she just felt that they should wait. She needed to be more in control of her life and have a better understanding of what was going on around her, before entering some chaotic relationship. 'I'm sorry Kenshin, just please wait for me.' she thought, and looked back out at the waves.

Kenshin stood up and looked down at Kaoru, "I'm sorry about before. I'll respect your wishes and leave you alone for awhile…" He studied her for a second and then walked off into the dark night.


The next day, Kaoru and Misao went to a café for lunch. Tourists bustled everywhere, left and right, trying to get to the beach. "Mommy, I don't want to go to the beach!" A little boy pouted and stamped his feet. Folding his arms he continued, "I wanna go ride the go-carts!"

The distressed mother smiled and tried to lure him with promises to go later with daddy, however he wouldn't budge. "Kakashi, let's go! It's just for a little while. Daddy will take you later."

"C'mon Kakashi, quit being mean, all the good spots will be gone!" A small child stepped from her mother's side. Kakashi stepped on his sister's foot, making her cry.

Kaoru looked away from the sight and smiled at Misao, leaving the mother to settle the argument. Putting the glass of water to her lips, she asked, "So what do you want to do on our last day?"

"I dunno, really." Misao signaled the waitress over to pay the bill.

"Hmmm…" Kaoru thought about where they could go. When the waitress came over, Kaoru pulled out her purse and began to pay her, when a small boy ran into her. "oh! Are you okay?" But the boy kept running, and Kaoru realized she had just been robbed. "Hey! Come back here!" Kaoru chased after the kid and caught him in the street. "Excuse me, but that's mine!"

"No really?! You're a smart one!" The child yelled back. He was only about five or six and yet he had a storming attitude.

"You know, you better watch that attitude of yours." Kaoru put her hands on her hips and looked down at him. "It just might get you into trouble some day."

"Oh yea and what would you care?"

Kaoru just smiled, "I used to have a younger brother just like you." She bent down and peered at him, "What's your name anyway?"

The boy looked at Kaoru, curious of what she meant by 'used to'. He stood properly and decided to go easier on her. "Well I don't really know what my real name is, but I like to call myself Shuichii."

"You don't know your real name?" Kaoru looked puzzled.

Misao walked up to them and smiled, "Whose this? Did you get your money back?"

Shuichii shook his head, "Oh, I forgot. Here." He gave Kaoru her money back.

"By the way, what did you need this for?" Kaoru asked.

"Nothing really. I need a lot more than you have." Shuichii replied.

Kaoru looked at Misao and back, "What could you possibly need that costs that much?" She looked at him skeptically.

"Money so I can find my father." The boy said plainly.

Kaoru just stared at him for a moment, "You're trying to find your father?"

He nodded, "The orphanage I ran away from said that I came from Kyoto. So I was saving up money so I could go there and look for him."

Misao couldn't help but ask, "you really think you could steal that much money? That's a lot you know."

"Hey let me talk to Misao for a few minutes about something. Stay here, okay?" Kaoru patted his shoulder and pulled Misao aside. "Misao, let's take him back with us. If his father lives in Kyoto, then we can help him. Our work is low anyway, it's not like we have anything else to do."

"Are you serious? Kaoru we can't do that." Misao exclaimed.

"Why not? I know what it's like to not have a father or mother. Please let's not let him go through the same thing either." Kaoru plead.

"Yea, and what if his father isn't there. What if he's not even alive?" Misao asked quietly as she watched Shuichii. He just stood there staring at them, waiting.

"Then-" Kaoru paused and looked at Shuichii, "Then we can take him in, or I can. And if not, we'll find him a family. Someone has to take care of him."

Misao looked at Kaoru for a moment, and sighed, "Fine. We'll take him and help him find his father. After that we'll just go from there."

Kaoru hugged Misao tightly, "Thank you, you won't regret it."

"Yea, yea."

Kaoru walked back over to Shuichi, "Okay. Misao and I live in Kyoto and we're leaving tomorrow morning to go back home. We have agreed, that if you want to, you can come with us and we'll help you find your father."

The boy looked at them skeptically for a moment, "Really? I can go with you?"

"Yes, you may. Do you have any clues or ideas about what your father looks like or where in Kyoto he lives?" Kaoru asked.

Shuichii thought for a moment, "I guess he looks like me. The people at the orphanage always told me that I looked like him. They said I have the same hair and eyes like him."

Kaoru took in his eyes and hair. The boy had sharp hazel almost amber eyes and a full head of bushy reddish-brown hair. 'Hmm…he almost looks like…no…it can't be-'

"Kaoru?" Misao looked at her.

"What? Oh, um then let's go back. We need to pack anyway, get our things together. So you're going with us then Shuichii?" Kaoru held out her hand.

"Of course I am," he glanced at her hand, "what am I, five?"

Kaoru blinked and smiled, "Well? Aren't you?"

He scoffed, "No, I'm six."

Kaoru laughed and withdrew, "Okay then, let's go Shuichii."


When the three of them reached the hotel, Misao and Kaoru showed Shuichii the room and told him that he could have one of the beds to himself. After asking if he was hungry, Kaoru made him a sandwich while Misao began to pack her things. While Shuichii ate, Kaoru began to pack as well, her mind swarming with thoughts. 'He looks so much like Kenshin, but that can't be. Kenshin doesn't seem to be the kind of guy with a kid…' She made a face, 'but then again he does seem to be the typed to get around…' Kaoru scoffed at her own thoughts.

Misao closed her dresser drawer, "what's on your mind Kaoru?"

"Why?" Kaoru looked up from her suitcase.

"Well for the past five minutes you've been really quiet. Not to mention you keep making strange faces and scoffing, like you did just now."

Kaoru laughed, "It's nothing really. I'm just thinking about Shuichii."

"Uh-huh, but there's something else isn't there?" Misao stepped up to her friend.

Kaoru looked at her for a moment, and then stepped around her, closing the door. She hesitated for a second before confessing. "Shuichii looks familiar, doesn't he?"

Misao shrugged.

Kaoru continued, and paced the room. "He almost looks like….he almost looks like Kenshin."

"What? No he doesn't."

"Misao, think about it. They have the same eyes and hair, pretty much anyway. I'm wondering if Kenshin is the father." Kaoru frowned.

Misao thought for a while, seeing the resemblance. "I don't know what to say Kaoru. Only that you should start asking your beaux some questions."

"What, you're not going to help me?"

"No, not if Battousai's involved. If he's the father then it's his own problem, which you can fix. If not, then I will help you." Misao closed her suitcase with a snap and a zip.

Kaoru sighed and left the room. She found Shuichii sitting on the sofa and watching television. Nonchalantly she sat next to him.

"You were talking about me weren't you?" he asked.

Kaoru glanced at him, "maybe." She smiled, "We're just trying to figure out how we can help you." The boy let it be and continued to watch his program. "By the way Shuichii…do you know anything about your mother?"

"Don't!" he yelled.

Kaoru shut her mouth, taken aback.

"I don't want to talk about my mother."

Kaoru whispered carefully, "it's okay to miss your mom, Shuichii-"

"What would you know?!" he quickly stood and looked at Kaoru.

She looked straight into the boy's eyes, "Both my parents and my brother were killed when I was only a kid. So I know a lot more than you think I do."

Shuichii stood firm, and quickly regretted having yelled at her. He sat down and put his hands in his lap, "I'm sorry. You're right, I do miss her. A lot. But please, I don't want to talk about her yet."

Kaoru moved closer to Shuichii and put her arm around him, "I understand."

They sat there quietly and watched tv for a while, Misao joining them. The day came to a close quickly and soon it was nighttime. The trio had gone out for dinner and Shuichii made an effort to be nicer; his manners were gladly accepted. Kaoru had trouble sleeping that night and found that she couldn't get Shuichii and her family out of her mind. Creeping out of bed, she left the bedroom and sat in front of the tv. A few silent minutes passed when Shuichii snuck out and joined her.

"Shuichii, why aren't you sleeping?" Kaoru got up and turned one of the lamps.

"I couldn't sleep. May I watch tv with you?" He plopped down next to Kaoru. "I'm sorry about before."

"Oh, it's nothing, don't worry about it."

"Do you still want to know about my mom?" Shuichii asked.

Kaoru looked at him and smiled, "only if you want to."

He nodded at this and faced Kaoru on the couch, crossing his legs. It took a moment before he began. When he finally did, it was but a whisper, "my mom was killed too."

Kaoru held back a gasp, and looked at him with sympathetic eyes.

"She was raped and killed by one of the worst clans in Kyoto, three or four years ago. I only know this because when I was taken to the orphanage there was a note tucked in my blankets. It explained her death, but it never said who my father was. The people at the orphanage said that when I was dropped off, my father looked dark and dangerous. He just left the note with me and never said a word. When they looked away for two seconds, my dad was gone. They remembered how his eyes were dark and piercing, it scared one of the ladies and she avoided him." There was a minute's pause. Shuichii looked up with that same determined look, "I think my father is still out there, getting revenge on the people who killed her."

Kaoru stood and paced the room a distant look in her eyes. 'Oh my God, there's no doubt about it, it has to be Kenshin. There's more to him than I ever thought…oh my God.' She looked at Shuichii who sat there watching her. "Shuichii, I'm so sorry for your loss. If you ever just need to talk to me you can."

He nodded then stood up and hugged her, "thank you Kaoru. I really think we're gonna find him."

Kaoru patted his head and bid him back to bed. After turning off the television and the lamp, she followed him. "Kaoru?" Shuichii whispered, "could you please sleep in my bed?"

Kaoru smiled, she reminded her so much of her brother, "of course." She crawled under the blankets, "good night," she whispered.

"Good night, Kaoru." He grabbed hold of her hand and they fell asleep under the close comfort of an understanding friend.


The next morning the three of them boarded the plane and made their way back to Kyoto. Shuichii seemed nervous yet excited at the same time. The ride seemed fairly short and they were home by late afternoon. Unlocking their apartment door, Kaoru announced their arrival and gave Shuichii the grand tour. Once they had settled in and unpacked, Kaoru pulled Misao aside and informed her of a plan. She also suggested she take Shuichii out shopping for clothes and small trinkets that would amuse him in the meantime. After saying her goodbyes Kaoru departed and focused on her goal.

Kaoru knocked on the door and waited apprehensively for Kenshin to answer. She knew what she needed to do, but found it hard to stay focused. When Kenshin opened the door, she looked up at him and he let her through. Closing the door, Kenshin leaned against it with a curious look. "I thought you were going to stay away from me for a few days. What happened?" He crossed his arms, making it hard for Kaoru to approach him.

"There's something that I need to show you Kenshin; something that I believe you really need to see." Kaoru stepped closer.

He raised and eyebrow at her and stood, "And what would that be, because right now I'm pretty sure we're thinking two totally different things." He stepped closer and placed his hands on her hips.

"You're right, we are." Kaoru tried to keep steady.

Unable to help himself Kenshin kissed her, and pulled her closer, "I won't go any further, but God you taste so good."

Kaoru put her arms around him, "Kenshin, please focus. This is not the time." He kissed her on the mouth deeply and she closed her eyes, enjoying it for what time she had. "Please just wait."

Kenshin looked at her, curious, "What is it?"

"There's someone you need to see. Just please come back to my apartment." Kaoru grabbed his hand and looked at him. He gave in and followed her out the door.


When they reached Kaoru's apartment, Misao and Shuichii were still out. Opening some windows and turning on the radio, Kaoru tried to explain. "Yesterday, I ran into someone who you might know personally…someone important…" The front door unlocked and opened, though it went unheard.

"Who, Kaoru? Who is so important that makes you hesitant to tell me?" Misao and Shuichii made their way down the front hallway.

"Your son." Kaoru looked passed Kenshin.

Shuichii stepped around the corner and Kenshin whipped his head around, "Kenji?"


End of Chapter 7:Chaos! Romance! And a New Member!

Next Chappie to come hopefully soon.