Thanks for the comments! We had a busy week in our hiring office this past week and I've realized the clock is ticking down for my free time to get this story up. I've never been one to talk about my personal life, but I'm part of the opening team for a restaurant opening up this holiday season. Not going to lie, partly why Kaoru happens to be bartender.

Enough about me. You're really here for the next chapter and here it is. Hope you all enjoy!


Noises came to her slowly. She heard the ticking of a large clock, echoing the pounding in her head. Her body ached and she winced, attempting to recall what had happened. Slowly she opened one eye and then the other, her vision blurry and slowly coming into focus. She looked around the room and slowly lifted her head. Kaoru placed her fingers to her temple, then ran them through her tangled tresses as she sat up.

She lay stretched out on a divan, a dark crimson blanket covering her. The room was cold, gleaming hardwood floors uncovered by any trace of warmth. A large grandfather clock ticked the seconds by in the corner. She wrapped her arms about herself and shivered and then stopped. She glanced at her left arm and held it out in front of her. She thought the man had broken it. However, it felt fine and she felt only a little bit of pain as she moved it

Tentatively she rose from her perch and moved towards an open doorway. She dimly noted that heavy drapes hung from the windows. Other than that, the room was stark and devoid of any indication on who the owner might possibly be. Distantly she heard a soft murmur of voices. She came to the doorway and cautiously peeked around the doorframe.

Two people stood in what appeared to be the foyer. One was a beautiful woman, her long dark tresses falling down her back. She carried a regal countenance to her. She was dressed in a silk blouse and slim skirt, showing off her svelte figure. She reminded Kaoru of a debutante. The other was Kenshin. He was only slightly taller than the female, his dark red hair pulled back from his face. His profile hid the scar on his cheek and she studied him, the line of his nose, the strength of his jaw. She crept closer, attempting to hear what the pair was saying.

"If Hiko finds out, there will be consequences." The woman was saying.

"Then make sure Hiko doesn't find out."

"You can't hide it forever. Symptoms will slowly manifest, for both of you. That is if they haven't already."

"There shouldn't be any symptoms as it was not a full exchange. I will deal with Hiko."

"Perhaps those are not the symptoms I'm referring to." The woman snapped. "Between you and Aoshi, you threaten to expose us."

"Full disclosure, your actions haven't exactly helped our cause either, that they have not."

Abruptly he looked at her and Kaoru stepped back at the intensity she saw in his dark violet eyes. The woman turned as well. Her dark eyes narrowed and she cocked her head to the side.

Kaoru retreated back into the room, unsure of what to do. She spotted her purse and jacket on another small chair and she hurried over to them.

"You're awake." The voice had her jumping and she whirled, clutching her things to her chest. The redhead stood there. He noticed she had gathered her things and a frown marred his brow. "You are leaving?"

Her bottom lip trembled and words failed her. "My roommate will wonder where I am." That wasn't quite true as she wasn't sure what time it was. She glanced sat the clock and saw it was nearing six. Whether that was am or pm, she didn't know.

"Dawn approaches." He stated, sensing her question.

Then Misao wouldn't be wondering where she was just yet. There was even a remote possibility that Misao wasn't even home yet. "Where am I?" She asked.

He didn't approach, merely watched her. "This is my home."

"Why did you bring me here?"

"I don't know where you live." He stated.

Of course he didn't. "What happened?"

His face darkened. "You were attacked."

The woman entered the room, carrying a bag. She looked tired and stared expectantly at her. "How do you feel?"

Kaoru felt her nerves jangle at the question. "Apparently I was attacked. How do you think I feel?" She snapped.

"There's no need to be rude." The woman's dark eyes flashed. "If Kenshin hadn't called me who knows what sort of state you'd be in right now." She strode over and put the bag down. "Now sit down so I can go get some sleep."

Kaoru bit her lip. Something about her triggered a memory long forgotten, but suddenly she knew who the woman was. Reluctantly she sat down. "you're Kitsune."

The woman looked up in surprise. She held a stethoscope in her hands. "What does that mean?"

"You work at St Nazareth's."

"Why would you call me that. I can think of only person who has even thought of referring to me by that name."

"That's my best friend, Sano."

"Sanosuke." She looked up sharply. "You know him?"

"They've been friends since childhood." Kenshin answered her.

The woman glanced over her shoulder at him. "This is some sick joke isn't it?" She muttered.

"You should cut him some slack."

She looked up in surprise. "Cut him some slack?"

"He really likes you."

Sighing, the woman wrapped her arm up to take her blood pressure. "Sometimes it's not that cut and dried."

"He likes you, you like him; sounds pretty back and white to me actually."

Megumi paused and looked up at her. "Are you always this optimistic?"

She grinned. "I want Sano to be happy. I've never seen him so worked up over a woman before."

Megumi sighed and shook her head. "It's not necessarily on me."

Kaoru opened her arm to respond and grimaced as the woman tightened the band, the arm feeling tight and she realized it was her left one, the arm she thought had been broken. "How bad was I?" She asked softly.

The dark eyes darted up to hers. "Pain sometimes make the injuries feel much worse than they are. NOw that the shock has worn off and we can actually assess your injuries, it isn't that serious. You strained a few muscles and will have some bruising. Probably have a headache for a day or two, but otherwise, you'll live." She grew quiet and listened to her blood and nodded to herself.

Kaoru frowned slightly. In her limited experience, it was usually the other way around. She opened her mouth to question it when the woman rose. Wrapping her equipment back up, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a card. "If you feel dizzy or nauseous in anyway in the next forty-eight hours, call me. If anything remotely seems out of the ordinary, call me."

"She should be fine." Kenshin stated.

The woman's dark eyes glared at him briefly. "Anything out of the ordinary at all, please call me."

Kaoru gingerly took the card from her. "Thank you."

"Make sure you actually use this one if necessary." Kaoru fought the urge to blush. The woman shrugged off her professional demeanor. "And get some sleep. You look like a raccoon with those dark circles under your eyes."

She turned and touched Kenshin on the shoulder. "I trust you will follow through with this?"

He shot the woman a dirty look. "Of course."

Kaoru watched the look they exchanged and wondered at the nature of their relationship. From what she had gathered from Sano, the woman was all over the place. One moment she had been hot for Sano, then the other pushing him away. Perhaps she was involved with Kenshin, the reason she had not allowed things to progress further. Either way, Kaoru felt a splurge of jealousy rise up in her as the woman moved out of the room.

Alone together, Kenshin glanced over at her. "Not to reiterate her question, but how are you feeling?"

"My head hurts. My body aches." She sighed, knowing he had been worried for her. "Other than that okay I guess."

He took a step towards her and stopped. "Why didn't you take a cab?"

Kaoru flushed. "I meant to, really I did. I've made that walk before with no incident." She shrugged. "I didn't really have anyone to call."

"I gave you my card." Slowly he sat down next to her. "You could have called me. You were supposed to call me."

She looked up at him. "I barely know you."

He sighed. "True. However, I would like to resolve that. That can't happen if you aren't careful."

His words were sincere and she felt her eyes fill. "I'm sorry I wasn't more careful." She murmured.

He shook his head. "Don't apologize. You didn't ask for him to attack you."

Swallowing, she forced herself to look away. She didn't want to cry, not here in front of him. "thank you."

Fingers touched her chin, turning her face back towards his. "I'm serious Kaoru-dono. I meant what I said last night: No matter what time or where you are, you can call me. I will come for you. Always."

She stared into his dark violet eyes. "I promise." She whispered, mesmerized by the intensity in his gaze.

"Good." Kenshin rose, breaking the contact and Kaoru felt herself grow cold as he moved towards another doorway. He paused. "Would you care for something to eat?" He asked.

She hesitated. "I really should be going."

The redhead nodded. "Of course." He paused, thinking on something and nodded. "I'll give you a ride."

"That's not necessary."

"I insist. I wish to make sure you arrive home safely."

"I can call a cab. I'll even let you make the call." She hurried on when he raised an eyebrow.

"I would much prefer that you let me take you. Considering your propensity to not follow my instruction, I think it's only fair."

Blushing, Kaoru brushed a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. "Why have you been so nice to me?"

He took a step towards her. "Would you rather I was not?"

"No." She flushed. "I would like to know you better as well." She volunteered shyly.

He approached her slowly, as though he was afraid she would bolt. "I would like that very much." He murmured.

Kaoru looked up into his eyes, her breath held. Would he try and kiss her? It seemed for a second that he would and then he shook his head slightly. He grinned and took a step back. "Your roommate will be wondering where you are, that she will."

She couldn't help the feeling of disappointment that coursed through her. "Right." She followed him through the halls and she tried not to gape at the beauty and splendor of his home.

"Who was that woman?" She asked, in an attempt to distract her.

"Her name is Megumi."

"Did you know who she was that night at the Akabeko?"

"I wondered." He answered slowly.

"How do you know her?" She asked casually.

"I've known her for a long time. I've had need of her services from time to time. And she makes house calls." His words did not abate the envious turn of her thoughts. Kenshin paused and glanced over at her. "Not those kind of house calls." He told her with a wry grin. "She is like a sister to me, you could say."

Kaoru attempted to look nonchalant. "Okay."

Kenshin opened a door and walked into the garage. Kaoru paused on the threshold, looking out at the four cars siting inside. She swallowed, realizing she just might be way out of her league. She didn't know much about cars, but recognized the emblem on the the sleek black vehicle. Something told her however, that while she might know the silhouette of the ferrari, that there was something particularly unique compared to those she found on the road. Kenshin moved towards a silver BMW, again a car that seemed familiar and yet different than what she knew. Almost reverently she got into the passenger side and sat, apprehension welling up in her.

"Where do you live?"

The car purred to life. "Over in Elizabeth, not far from the hospital."

They fell silent as he rolled out of the garage. She couldn't help but gape at the size of the house, no the mansion, that seemed to stretch over the pristine lawn. "You live here alone?"

"There are a few others that dwell here as well. You recall Aoshi from the other night?"

She nodded, still staring at the large house. It was hard to make out many of the details in the predawn lighting, but she imagined it was as beautiful on the outside as it was on the inside. She looked over at the redhead. "He lives here too?"

He nodded. "And a few others. Kind of like an extended family if you will."

Kaoru nodded, not sure she wanted him to elaborate on what that meant precisely. She was just glad to hear he apparently didn't have a wife. "And Megumi?" She asked after a moment.

"She has a room here but she also keeps a small apartment by the hospital." He stated after a moment,

She nodded at that and sat back, watching the scenery flash by. He had said their relationship was platonic and she needed to trust him.

She was rarely up this early, but couldn't help but be amazed at the sight of the city coming to life. The pale light flitted between the buildings, streetlights slowly burning out. They paused at a light and she watched as an older gentleman raised the gate to his store, picking up the stack of the day's paper and heading into his bakery.

"take a right up here at the next light." She instructed after a moment.

HE complied and she glanced over at him, sighing as she studied his profile again. After a moment he cast a look at her and raised an eyebrow. "See anything you like?"

Flushing, she returned her eyes to the road. Her lip curled slightly. "At the bottom f the hill take a left." She murmured.

"How long have you lived with Misao?" He asked.

Since high school." Kaoru answered. "She keeps some strange hours, but she pays the bills on time."

"You've known her that long?"

"Almost as long as Sano. It's the white one with the green door."

The car pulled up smoothly to the curb and Kenshin put the car in park, the engine idling.

She opened her car door and hesitated. She glanced back at him. "I have tonight off. Would you like to meet me for a drink? We didn't get to have that drink last night. My treat. It's the least I can do since you rescued me."

Slowly, his lips curled into a smile. "I would like that very much, that I would."

Feeling a bit giddy, she blushed. "I can meet you-"

"I will pick you up. Here at eight?"

She nodded. "At eight."

He reached across the seat and took her hand. Gently he lifted it to his lips and pressed a kiss to her palm. She restrained herself from stretching out her fingers to caress his cheek. She wondered what the scar would feel like, though it didn't look rough or puckered.

"Until then, Kaoru-dono." He murmured.

"Until then."


Misao paced back and forth in front of the window. She heard a car door slam and immediately pulled back the curtain. A sleek silver car was pulling way from the curb. Kaoru was walking up the sidewalk, her purse and jacket in her hands. Misao threw open the door, her concern turning into anger.

"Where the hell have you been?" She demanded.

The woman paused. "Well, good morning to you too."

"Don't take that tone with me. You were out all night."

The woman gave her a strange look and pushed past her into the house. "Because you've never done that."

Misao felt herself grow hot at the comment, but didn't allow that to deter her from her anger. "Sano said he gave you money to take a cab. That did not look like a cab that dropped you off four hours after the bars closed."

Kaoru frowned at her. "are you my mother now? I gave his money back as I thought I wouldn't need it. Lord knows the freeloader can't afford to give anyone any money." She reached the stairs and paused. "Look can we argue later. Im tired and my body hurts. I just want to take a shower and then go to bed."

"At least tell me who that was."

"Kenshin"

"The redhead?" Misao crossed her arms over her chest. "How did that come about?" She asked, her green eyes narrowed.

"I was in a spot of trouble." Kaoru said lightly. "He came to my rescue."

"What kind of trouble?"

"It wasn't a big deal. He came into the bar last night and he ended up giving me a ride."

Misao studied her friend. She could detect the truth in her words and yet there was something else underlying her tone. Something about her seemed off, but Misao couldn't pinpoint what it might be. "You aren't telling me something. Did he take you the long way home? The one that took you to his house and possibly his bed?"

Her eyes flashed blue fire. "What the hell does it matter if I did? You've been harassing me for over a week about it." She turned on her heel and headed up the stairs.

Misao felt her shoulders sag. She was tired, the stress of her night time 'hobby' weighing on her. Last night had been an emotional roller coaster. She pressed her fingers to her lips, recalling the kiss Aoshi had bestowed on her. Something was off with him. She wasn't sure what it was, but he was an enigma.

She allowed Kaoru to go and she entered the living room and flung herself onto the couch. Sighing she thought back on everything she knew about Aoshi. She had never seen him before Friday night. Immediately she felt drawn to him though he had barely given her a second glance. Then he had shown up the next evening right after she had dispatched of four vampires. Initially she thought he was a fellow demon hunter. After his sudden appearance the previous night, she wondered if he was something more. And the possibility that he was could put her in a precarious situation as she was slowly becoming infatuated with the man, especially now that he had kissed her and expressed his interest.

Then there was his connection to the redhead. As her suspicions were mounting, it meant doom for her best friend. It could also mean that perhaps she would finally have to come clean with Kaoru, especially now that Sanosuke was cluing in.

On the coffee table, her phone rang. She groaned and sat up. She glanced at the caller ID and sighed wearily. Briefly Misao wondered what would happen if she didn't answer. Knowing he phone would continue to ring until she did, she pressed the accept button.

"Yes?"

"Did you get any sleep?"

"Not really." She answered.

"I need you to come over. There is something serious in the works and I need your opinion."

"I usually have days off, Okina." she retorted.

"Misao." The tone had her sitting up straight automatically.

"I'm useless if I don't get any sleep."

"How's your roommate?"

"Kaoru? She's fine." She blinked at the change of subject.

"I think its time that she and I meet."

"Why?"

"I'll give you the day off, but you need to go out tonight."

Misao closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine."

"Bring Kamiya-sama by two days from now at two."

Misao shrugged and shook her head. The old man was eccentric, but she loved him. And she had her duty to fulfill. "Fine. Andy particular place you want me to go out tonight? And are you sending Beshimi out as well?"

"He has an errand to run, yes. I want you to hang around the docks. Iv'e been hearing rumors of an increase in activity. There's something coming, happening in the next few weeks and we need to be ready."

'What?" She sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose.

'We've spoken of it."

"The key to Naraka, to hell. Great. Can't wait." She stated flatly.

"The ties are more western in thought but yes, essentially."

"Why aren't we looking for it? I could be of more use than just attracting fledgling demons and dispatching them."

"Don't think that it hasn't gone unnoticed. You are bound to have caught someone's attention. I'm hoping that that person can lead us to more information."

She had definitely caught someone's attention. Briefly she wondered if Aoshi was searching for the key and if he was what his intention might possibly be. "I'll see you in two days."


Her finger hesitated over the call button. After a moment she dropped her phone and sat back, sighing in dismay. Megumi replayed the conversation in her head. Kaoru hadn't said anything other than Sanosuke was interested, she hd never seen him so worked up. However, the infuriating man hadn't called her and she was worried what it could mean.

She wasn't even sure why she was fretting about it. It wasn't as though she hadn't dismissed men before. There had been plenty who had thought they could handle the truth of her nature and in the end freaked out. SO why did this one bother her so much?

We really need to talk. Please call me. She typed into her phone. She hit the send button before she could change her mind. She counted tot en and then glared at her phone when it didn't buzz. This was not the kind of person she was used to being.

"Trouble in paradise?" Aoshi asked, walking into the room.

Megumi glanced up at the tall vampire. He sat down across the table from her and leaned back. She narrowed her eyes at him. "You seem fairly chipper right now."

Aoshi raised an eyebrow. "Chipper?"

"Not something I would have thought you capable." She sat up and rested her elbows on the table. "Something has happened with you."

"I have no idea to what you are referring."

She shook her head slightly, her dark eyes studying the man. She knew him fairly well, as we as anyone could know him she supposed. HE had been the one to turn her centuries ago and for that they had a bond that couldn't be destroyed. "You seem lighter."

"And you seem darker."

Sitting back she stared out the window. "Any news?"

"We have set our final negotiations with Oniwabanashu."

"When do we meet?" She asked wearily.

"Tomorrow." Aoshi told her. "I need you to track down Sagara."

"He won't take my calls."

The man sat down, his dark eyes intense. "Megumi, Hopefully we agree to this alliance. All signs point to the ascension in less than two weeks. No one knows where to find the key and unless we find it, the consequences could be apocalyptic. We need as many people on our side. Sagara has connections we need to utilize as Kenshin has made it clear he will not us allow to call the wolf."

"With good reason."

"Regardless, you have formed the relationship with him."

"Kenshin has one." She attempted to argue.

"That is precarious with his involvement with Kaoru."

"He staked his claim."

The words were out of her mouth before she could take them back. She looked up at Aoshi. The man had grown still. "After all this time?" He asked slowly. Megumi nodded. "Still, we need Sagara."

"He won't take my calls. He knows."

"I know that he went to Tsukioka. And he attempted to gain information from Misao."

Megumi shook her head. 'He knows about me."

Aoshi narrowed his dark eyes. "You're sure?"

"It was a fledgling, but it one of Shishio's. He meant to mug us and then possibly more. I told him to get lost."

"That easy?"

She hesitated, recalling the cold way the brunette had looked at her after she has revealed to their attacker her true nature. "I dropped a name, flashed him a smile. Sano might have seen more than he should."

"Still, you need to try."

Megumi sighed. "What am I supposed to do?"

Aoshi leveled look at her. "You're a beautiful woman, Megumi. You have your ways."

"You' want me to seduce him?"

"I don't think you'll have to try very hard."

"I told you, he won't take my calls or respond to my texts."

Aoshi shook his head slightly. "And I'm sure you've spent all night attempting to explain."

The woman pressed her lips together and looked down. She had made one call and two texts. But considering how quick he had been to respond before, she could only assume he wanted nothing to do with her. She glanced at her phone, still with no response. "I'll try again."

"I think this requires a personal visit."

"And if he runs away?"

"I told you, he went looking for answers last night. That is not the sign of someone who wants nothing to do with you."

"He walked away from me last night."

"The man had just realized that horror movies might be true. He wanted answers because he can't decide if his interest outweighs the risks."

She mulled over his words and the comment Kaoru had made last night. "And if your'e wrong?"

"You'll have to kill him then."

Megumi felt her eyes widen in shock. Aoshi smirked at her. "I'm kidding. But I'm not wrong." He rose from his seat. "And for your sake I imagine you hope that I'm right."


Not sure if I should say this but *spoiler* at this point I have no intention of having Kenshin turn Kaoru. She does have a role to play in the coming altercation, and it isn't necessarily damsel in distress.

Thanks for all the feedback. IT is always welcome and it helps me focus on getting the story up. Until next time! ^_^