Chapter36 The Unstoppable Torrent

Kaoru racked her brains frantically as she stood staring at her gate. "What do I do?" She thought aloud.

Sanosuke appeared behind her, a worried expression on his face. "What happened Jou-chan?" He had seen nearly everything.

She shook her head as she looked at him, a lost expression on her face. "I'm not really sure…all I know is that they seem to hate each other…and if I don't do something, something terrible may happen…" She trailed off and Sanosuke nodded, walking quickly to the gate.

"Where are you going?" She asked.

"To find Kenshin and bring him here." He opened the gate and quickly closed it, setting off in a run.

Once again, Kaoru was left alone. A panicked look came to her face as she said, "What do I say to Kenshin?"

Things were definitely taking a turn for the worst…

Enishi was beyond angry. The emotions that surface when he gazed at the face of the Battosai were indescribable.

"And he's the father…that bastard! How dare he do that to Kaoru! Leaving her alone to raise a child…" It didn't surprise him very much.

"He killed Tomoe, after all." He felt his hatred double at that thought. His little sister, his beloved Tomoe. He felt tears sting his eyes as he slammed open the door to his home.

"And now he want to take Kaoru from me too!" His eyes fell upon his katana that hung on his wall. A look of determination filled his face as he grabbed it, shaking the dust off the sheath.

"I won't allow it." His voice echoed throughout his house as he put the katana at his waist and left, heading towards the Kamiya dojo.

"Kenshin!" Sanosuke's voice rang out. He couldn't find the redhead anywhere. He looked to the sky, noticing the dark clouds gathering over the city. The very air smelled of rain as a summer storm approached.

Sano snorted. "Fitting weather for this situation."

He ran towards town and spotted Kenshin on the roof of the Akabeko, sitting with his face buried in his knees. "There you are…" He said softly as he jogged towards him.

"Kenshin! What are you doing?" He called up to him. Kenshin looked to his friend and Sanosuke felt a pang of sympathy at the look in Kenshin's eyes.

"Sanosuke, what am I doing here?" He asked softly and Sanosuke shrugged.

"What do you mean?"

Kenshin sighed. "I don't know what is going on…one minute I'm prepared to tell Kaoru that I still love her…the next, a ghost from my past has shown up, standing in between us." He sounded as if he was already giving up.

Sanosuke narrowed his eyes slightly. "You are going to let her go, aren't you?"

Kenshin blinked at him, seeing the anger in his friend's eyes. "I don't know what else to do! I mean, she didn't tell me that it was Enishi that she was dating!" He felt bitterness and betrayal well within him.

Sanosuke felt the urge to jump up there and shake Kenshin, but refrained as he stood, his jaw set in determination. "You never asked."

Resentment flooded through Kenshin as he stood as well, looking incredulously at him. "How could she not tell me that it was him! She knew who he was! Knew what happened between us in the past…"

Sanosuke glared at him, folding his arms. "Kenshin, you block head! She had no idea that he and the Enishi of your past were one in the same until today! I mean, did you ever describe what he looked like to her? And even if by chance you did, may I remind you that it has been over FIVE YEARS since that conversation!"

The ex-Hitokiri immediately deflated as he realized how foolish he was acting. "You're right…how could I have expected her to know? Everything is becoming so much more complicated…" The red head put his hands to his temples, feeling the beginnings of a headache.

Sano smiled, saying, " Not it's not. You love her, and she loves you. It's simple. Besides. Their private conversation was her practically telling the guy to get lost." He winked as Kenshin snapped his eyes to him.

"It was?" He asked, not being able to hide the hope in his voice.

Sanosuke chuckled. "Now, why don't you come back to the dojo? We have a very confused Jou-chan waiting for you."

Kenshin nodded and leapt down, allowing Sano to lead him in that direction.

"What should I say to her?" He asked quietly as they walked.

"Well, I'm no expert, but I would just tell her you love her. That should fix everything." Kenshin looked at him uncertainly. "I don't know…"

His friend elbowed him. "Trust me. It will work. She feels the same way, Kenshin. We all see it. Stop being afraid of it."

Kenshin blinked and then smiled broadly, feeling his confidence raise. "You're right Sanosuke…I've been afraid. But what kind of life would it be if I lived in fear of what I might loose?"

Sano grinned. "That's right. Now tell her that. It's perfect."

Kenshin felt his resolve solidify as Sano encouraged him, and straightened his shoulders as he readied himself. 'I'll tell her…and if she doesn't feel the same, at least I can say I was honest with her…and myself.'

"What is going on?" Kaoru mumbled. She had her face buried in her arms as they rested on her knees. She neglected to look up as the gate opened and Misao and Aoshi walked in.

"Hey, Kaoru-chan. Just passing by and thought that…" Misao's cheerful voice trailed off as she viewed her friend's depressed state. "Kao-chan, what's going on?" She sat by her, putting a hand to her back.

Kaoru raised her head, confusion still on her face. "I don't really know. I was talking to Enishi this morning when Kenshin came over…they saw each other and I thought that a fight was going to break out…they both stormed away. I don't know exactly what's going on, or what's going to happen…" She put her face back into her arms.

"How do they know each other?" Aoshi asked.

"It was a long time ago. There was an accident and Kenshin killed Enishi's little sister…it was really tragic. I had no idea that Enishi was the one from Kenshin's story…"

Misao was about to respond when Kenji came tearing around the corner. "Kaasan! Thewe you awe!"

Kaoru opened up her arms and he jumped into them, hugging her tightly. She put her chin on his head as he sat in her lap, saying, "I was looking fow you! Whewe is Too-san today? He said he was coming…" He blinked up at her and she felt as if she might cry.

Would Kenshin be angry with her? Would he think that she was trying to hide the fact that it was Enishi that she had been dating?

"I'm not sure, son. But I'm sure he will come soon."

The gate opened again and Kaoru felt her heart leap when Sanosuke came walking in, Kenshin beside him. She felt a wave of relief as she stood. 'He came back…'

She set Kenji down, who promptly took off towards his father. "Too-san! You awe hewe!"

Kenshin chuckled as he squatted down, arms outstretched. He caught the little boy and lifted him. "Hello, Kenji. How are you?"

Kenji grinned as he squeezed Kenshin around the neck. "I was waiting fow you!"

Kenshin ruffled his hair in affection as he gazed at Kaoru, who stood there with an unsure look on her face. He never took his eyes from her as he spoke. "Kenji, I need to speak with Kaasan for a bit. Is that ok?"

Kaoru felt her insides warm as Kenshin neared her. 'He doesn't look angry…'

Kenji nodded and allowed his father to hand him off to Misao. Everyone stepped aside, parting the way as he walked towards her, smiling.

"Kaoru…" He began.

"Hitokiri Battosai! Where are you?" All stiffened as once again the gate flew open and Enishi stepped inside, a murderous look on his face.

Kenshin's eyes narrowed. "I don't go by that name anymore, Enishi."

"Don't be so familiar with me, you bastard!" Sparks of anger flew from the man's eyes as he glared at Kenshin.

Kaoru felt surprise come over her as she viewed Enishi in his fury. 'I have never seen him angry before…' Her eyes widened and she felt a lump of worry rise to her throat, seeing the katana at his side. 'He knows how to use one of those?'

Megumi, Yahiko and Tsubame rounded the corner, concern on their faces. "What's going on? We heard shouting." Megumi asked and then stopped as she saw the hatred on Enishi's features as he faced Kenshin.

She scooted closer to Kaoru, whispering, "What's going on?"

Kaoru shook her head as she shrugged lightly. "I don't know, but I think Enishi intends on fighting Kenshin…"

Megumi's eyes fell upon his sword and she leaned closer to Kaoru. "I didn't know he was a swordsman."

"Neither did I…"

"What is it you want, Enishi?" Kenshin's cold voice echoed over the yard and all eyes looked to the duo. Enishi gritted his teeth as he drew his sword.

Kaoru shivered as she heard the slide of cool steel. She hadn't heard that sound for years and she felt a knot of panic form in her stomach. She stepped forward, saying, "Enishi? What are you doing?"

He looked to her, his anger never leaving his face. "Doing what I should have done a long time ago." He whipped his head to Kenshin, who stood there silent. Pointing his katana towards the redhead, he hissed, "Draw your sword, Battosai."

"Iie." Came Kenshin's short reply.

Enishi's eyes narrowed as his whole being begun to quiver in rage. "I said draw your blade! I will come at you whether you do or not." Kenshin shook his head and Misao, Sanosuke and Aoshi moved to the porch to join Kaoru and the others.

"You don't have to do it this way, Enishi! Can't we just talk?" Kaoru pleaded and she saw a brief flash of pain in his eyes.

"Talking gets people no where."

Kenshin felt a drop of rain hit his cheek as a large thunderclap sounded overhead.

Kenji whimpered as he reached to Kaoru from Misao's arms. "Kaasan! I'm scawed!" Absently, she accepted him into her own arms, feeling as he clung to her.

'Is Kenshin going to fight him?'

"Are you afraid Battosai? That you might loose?" Enishi taunted. "It has been a while since you killed someone, hasn't it?"

Kenshin kept his cool, not taking the bait. "I won't fight you, Enishi. Especially not in front of children." He said calmly.

Enishi snorted, a sneer coming to his face. "Well, isn't that so noble of you? Like I said, you don't have a choice in the matter. I'm coming for you if you are ready or not!" With great speed, he was upon him, bringing his blade crashing to Kenshin.

Kaoru held her breath. 'He's so fast!'

But he wasn't as quick as Kenshin. The ex-Hitokiri parried the other man's blade with ease, flipping away and falling into a Battojutsu stance.

"You have become faster." Kenshin observed, his voice flat.

Enishi smiled darkly. "Don't think I have forgotten what you did to my sister, Battosai. I have practiced everyday for the passed seven years, waiting for this moment if it ever presented itself. Don't think that I'm going to let you get away this time!"

Kenshin's eyes narrowed and Kaoru gasped as his old amber color began to take over the lavender. "So. You still blame me for her death. It is a shame to waste you life away on revenge."

Kaoru blinked and Kenshin was moving towards Enishi in a flash. Enishi's eyes widened briefly, blocking just in time. He was pushed forcefully back, sparks flying form both blades as they clashed. Their swords locked and the men glared at one another. Enishi was loosing severely, barely able to hold his blade up against Kenshin's power. His arms began to tremble and his locked his jaw.

"I…will…not loose!" He all but screamed and pushed with all his might against Kenshin's sword. Kenshin quickly jumped back, landing gracefully.

Enishi stood there, heaving. Neither one seemed to have registered the warm rain that had begun to fall, running in rivulets down their faces and onto their clothes.

"Give it up, Enishi. I didn't mean for what happened to happen. And you know it. I cared for Tomoe just as much as you did. You can't change the past."

Enishi's eyes ignited with flames of loathing as he spat, "That may be…but I can change the future!"

Kenshin's eyes widened as the man threw himself at him, blade raised above his head. He brought his own up, deflecting it. He was pushed back as Enishi flung his sword towards him again and again, never seeming to tire as he constantly struck.

"What- do- you- mean?" Kenshin asked as he continued to fend of the other man's attacks.

"You know exactly what I mean! Kaoru!"

There was an audible gasp and Kenshin's eyes narrowed as he felt his own anger begin to bubble. He leapt back from Enishi, only to charge again towards him, sword upraised. "What about Kaoru?"

They clashed and Kenshin ran passed him, turning again as he slid to a halt in the newly formed mud.

"How dare you do that to her?" Enishi was upon him in an instant, confusion flickering across Kenshin's face as he parried.

Kaoru breathed in sharply as she covered her mouth with her hand. 'He still thinks that it was a one night stand and Kenshin knowingly left me!' "Enishi! Stop! It's not what you think!" She yelled out into the now torrential rain.

But her words were lost to him as he continued to charge Kenshin repeatedly.

"What do you mean, what I did to her?" Kenshin was yelling loudly now as the rain fell harder, muffling the conversation.

"Don't play dumb with me! You got her pregnant and then left her! You bastard! You know, that's just typical of you!"

Kenshin's eyes flew open as he felt the weight of Enishi's sword against his own, and he thrust him away, saying, "It's really none of your business! I wouldn't have left had I known!"

Kaoru felt tears begin to fall down her cheeks. "This is all my fault! Everything is! If I had just told the truth from the beginning!"

"Kaasan, is Too-san ok?" Kenji whined as he looked to her.

She hugged him close, saying, "Yes, Kenji, he will be fine." She felt as if she were trying to convince herself more as she looked once again to the men as they battled.

"You didn't know! And I'm supposed to believe that?" Enishi spat and Kenshin ground his teeth, eyebrows furrowing in anger.

"What the hell WOULD you know about this situation, Enishi?" He forced the man back, feeling his hair as it stuck to his face, slick from the rain that continued it's downpour upon them.

"I know that you didn't love her! You were with her one night and then left! Treating her like a WHORE!" Kaoru winced as she squeezed her eyes shut.

Kenshin stopped in his tracks, staring in disbelief, eyes flitting between Kaoru and Enishi. " But I did love her!" He shouted.

"The hell you did!" Enishi struck Kenshin again, their faces inches apart as he said venomously; "First, you take Tomoe from me! Then, you take Kaoru from me! I won't allow it! You had her once, now it's my turn! She doesn't need you!"

All eyes widened as Kaoru held her breath.

For the first time in the battle, Kenshin felt jealousy and hatred overtake him as he roared, "I LOVED HER FIRST!"

He ground his sword against Enishi's, who bellowed, "YOU ABANDONED HER! AND NOW SHE'S MINE!"

Rage was evident in Kenshin's eyes as he retorted, "SHE HAD MY SON! NOT YOURS!"

"YOU LEFT THEM BOTH ALONE!"

"I STILL LOVE HER!" Kenshin yelled as he blocked the man's attack.

"YOU- DON"T –DESERVE- HER -LOVE!"

Kenshin stopped dead in his tracks, eyes wide as Enishi stood there breathing hard, sword still pointed to him.

Kaoru felt pain course through her as her tears began to fall harder, her bottom lip quivering. 'Oh Gods! Kenshin believes him!'

Kenshin hung his head, eyes behind his bangs and Enishi smiled in triumph as he sheathed his katana. He knew there was no way to win a sword fight against the legendary Hitokiri Battosai…but he had won a much deeper and relevant battle.

"You know I'm right, don't you?" He prodded Kenshin with his hurtful words, grinding them deeper into the other man's mind.

"That's enough, Enishi!" Sanosuke snarled as he stepped forward.

He halted as Kenshin held out a hand, saying, "It's ok, Sanosuke."

Kaoru felt her heart twist in agony as Kenshin brought his gaze to hers, regret in his eyes. Panic threatened to overtake her as she recognized the look in his eyes. 'He's going to leave again…' She bit her lip to keep from crying out. 'No no no! This can't be happening! Everything was supposed to be alright now!'

Kenshin looked at Kenji, who was staring quietly at him. The little boy looked as if he was going to cry. He closed his eyes, feeling tears prick them as he said aloud, "Sayonara." He sheathed his sword quickly and leapt to the fence, turning to look one last time at the group before disappearing.

Kenji reached out, crying, "Too-san!" He looked frantically to Kaoru, who had her eyes tightly shut, tears leaking from them. "Kaasan! Whewe is he going!" He pleaded and she heaved, a sob escaping her lips.

"Oh, Kenji!" She hugged him tightly, unable to speak because of her emotions.

Enishi sheathed his blade and looked coldly to her, saying, "Is what he says true, Kaoru?"

She looked at him through tear filled eyes. Enishi didn't need her words to tell him the truth; he could see it in her eyes.

His own narrowed in disgust and he ground out, "You lied to me…and on top of that, you had his son, a man whom I can't forgive… I thought I loved you, Kaoru. But now I know that the woman I thought I loved never existed… Good bye."

Sanosuke rounded on him, his eyes blazing. "GET OUT!" He yelled, pointing to the gate.

Enishi smiled, turning to leave. He stopped at the door, looking at Kaoru once more. "It's not my fault that you are a woman capable of many lies."

She squeezed her eyes shut as the tears continued to fall. "I'm sorry, Enishi…" She said softly and he snorted.

"Sorry? It is not I who has to live with your deceit, but you."

Another sob escaped Kaoru's lips and Sanosuke took a step towards the man. "I SAID, GET- OUT! BEFORE I BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF YOU MYSELF!" He shouted again and Enishi shrugged, shutting the door behind him.

Kaoru felt her knees go weak, feeling herself fall to the floor, Kenji still cradled against her chest, crying. Megumi scooped him from her and she sat there limply, heaving with sobs.

'He's right! What have I done? When did things go so wrong? When did I become such a terrible person?' Kaoru heaved silently to herself. Her face screwed in pain again as she answered her own question. 'When you killed a man for the first time, at twelve years old…I haven't become much better, even after all these years…'

She had thought that Kenshin's pure acceptance of her had healed her; had changed her. 'But it was all a dream… I know now that he wouldn't have accepted me if he knew who I truly was in the beginning…and he won't ever. I deserve this…'

The group remained in silence, listening to the cries of Kaoru and Kenji, the air thick with grief and tension.

"I want Too-san!" Kenji finally wailed and Kaoru dropped her elbows to the floor, her forehead touching the wood of the porch as she let out a huge bawl.

Yahiko stepped forward, a determined look on his face. "Kaoru, go get him!"

When she didn't answer, he took another step forward, persisting. "Kaoru! Don't let him go this time! Don't let history repeat itself!"

Misao blinked at him as she felt his determination rub off. "He's right, Kaoru, go find Kenshin!" She stepped next to Yahiko staring at her.

Kaoru's sobs began to lessen and she looked up, her eyes puffy with tears. "But, he's going to leave again! He probably already has! I don't have the right to ask him for forgiveness…" She stared out into the rain, which had lightened considerably, but was still steadily falling.

Megumi sunk down next to her, bringing Kaoru's face to hers, resolve clear in her brown eyes. "Kao-chan, stop this! Nothing will ever get solved if you and Kenshin continue to dwell on passed matters! Neither of you can change what happened! But, Enishi said something today. Something that you need to take to heart. Kenshin said that the past could not be changed. And Enishi said that may be, but he could change the future! And so could you!"

Kaoru stared at her sister, eyes wide as her words came to rest in her mind. 'Change the future? Could I?' "Do you…think so?"

Sano grabbed her arm gently, picking her up and setting her on her feet as if she weighed nothing. "Jou-chan, you heard him. He said he still loves you. He won't go wandering so soon yet. Tell him you feel the same. Don't let Enishi's other cruel words tear you apart. Your love has withstood the test of time, Kaoru. Don't let the words of some bastard get in your way now. And don't think for a minute that you don't deserve Kenshin. You have waited five years for him! You let him get away then. It doesn't have to happen that way again. You have the chance to fix things…fix them like you were unable to five years ago. So do it. Go out there and find him!" He said with confidence and she felt a small smile spread over her face.

Standing, she felt her own resolve solidify her as she nodded. 'I may not be able to change what I did…not then, and not now. But, history doesn't have to repeat itself…I can do something about this. And I will.'

She turned to Kenji, saying, "Wait for me. I'll bring him back."

Kaoru ran, uncaring as the rain soaked her, matting her hair to her head. She splashed through puddles, the mud sticking in clumps to her feet.

'Where is he? Where did he go?' She asked franticly as she whipped her head to and fro, searching for him. She began to slow her pace. She had been searching nearly forty-five minutes now and was beginning to loose hope. Her solid steadfastness was beginning to come apart.

"It's going to be just like last time…I'll look for him…but I will never find him…" She said crestfallenly.

Kaoru rounded the corner, the large city lake coming into view and she stopped, her heart leaping. There was Kenshin, sitting under the lone Sakura tree, head buried in his knees.

'He looks so alone…'

Slowly, she walked towards him, willing her feet to move as she put on foot in front of the other, her pulse pounding in her throat.

'Will he be angry? Will he come back? Will he forgive me…?'

She stopped when she reached him, folding her hands in front of her. "Kenshin…" She ventured softly and he looked up to her.

Her eyes widened when she saw large tears trailing down his face. Her own welled up behind her eyes as she opened her mouth to speak. No words came.

He sat there staring at her, pain pouring from him in. Finally, after moments of silence, he stood, eyes narrowing slightly.

Thunder clapped loudly overhead and Kaoru jumped as the rain began to pour harder. She ignored it as it trickled over her head, down her face and down her entire body, causing her clothes to cling to her.

"Kaoru…" Kenshin had to speak louder than normal against the loud pattering of the rain.

"Kenshin, please don't leave!" She cut in as she pleaded, her voice raised as well. Kenshin smiled, although no humor was evident on his face. "You lied again!" He said forcefully and she clenched her fists.

"I lied to Enishi! Not you! I didn't trust him enough to tell him about my past! Was that so wrong?" She asked in defense and she saw anger flit across his face.

"Being untruthful to anyone is wrong!"

She felt her temper rise, feeling like he was speaking down to her. "Well, I wasn't aware that suddenly you were my father, telling me what I can and cannot say!" She gazed defiantly at him. His jaw was set as he began to turn away.

"Are you running away again?" She yelled and he whirled on her.

"I don't seem to have a choice! How can I know what you really feel when you won't tell the truth?"

Her eyebrows furrowed as she stepped closer to him, fists still clenched. "I…you have no right to berate me on this matter! Not after leaving for as long as you did! How dare you come back into my life again, settle down beside me and then try to leave again! You have a son! A son who needs you!"

Kenshin stepped closer as he retorted, "Oh, so Kenji needs me, but you don't?"

"Dammnit Kenshin! I still love you! Can't you see that?" She hollered.

"I don't believe you!" He yelled and her eyes widened as she felt her anger deflate rapidly.

Her shoulders sagged as his words sunk in. "You…don't believe me…" She trailed off and she could see the hurt blazing in his eyes. She wiped her cheeks, unable to tell the difference between tears and rain as they trailed down her face.

Looking to Kenshin, she smiled sadly. "I have loved you for over five years. I have spent every waking moment thinking of no man but you." She hissed. "I may have lied to you about certain things Kenshin. But I have never lied once about my feelings for you. How dare you make a mockery of them."

Kaoru whirled around and his eyes widened as he reached out for her, regret for his words taking hold of him. His hand fell on her shoulder and she wrenched herself away from his touch, walking forward rigidly, her slim frame beginning to heave with sobs.

"Kaoru…" He said softly as he followed her. When she didn't stop, his eyes narrowed and he grabbed her arm, forcing her to turn.

It didn't take much force as she rounded on him once again, bringing her hand squarely across his face in a numbing slap.

Kenshin sat there in stunned silence as he registered what had just happened. He still had a hold of her arm, and he watched as her face screwed in pain.

"If you don't love me anymore, then just leave me alone! Get out of my life so I can move on!"

He stared at her wide-eyed. "I said I still loved you!" He pleaded, referring back to his arguments with Enishi.

"You told Enishi you still loved me! I don't believe you!"

He cringed as she threw his own words back at him.

She tried to turn away from him, struggling to loosen herself from his grasp. "Let go of me! Just go if you are going to go!" When Kenshin refused to let her leave, she rounded again on him.

"STOP HURTING ME LIKE THIS!" She hollered and he tugged her towards him, crushing his lips to hers.

Kaoru didn't have time to register his kiss as he pulled back quickly, saying, "No! I won't let you go this time!" Kenshin cried. She stopped, staring in disbelief at him as he continued.

"I made a mistake the last time Kaoru. A huge one. And I know that now. I understand if you don't want me in you life…allowing me to be a part of Kenji's has been nothing short of incredible. But, before you walk away, I have to tell you how I really feel, Kaoru. I regretted walking out of your life nearly everyday these passed years. But, I know I will regret it for the rest of my life if I don't tell you now that I still love you. That I want nothing more than to be by yours and Kenji's sides…and if you will accept me, I will stay forever. Not just for Kenji's sake, Kaoru. But because I love you. I always have and I always will."

Her eyes widened in shock as he brought his lips to hers again. She ignored the rain that continued to run down her face, mingling with her tears as Kenshin kissed her. At first, she struggled feebly, but was held fast in his iron grip.

Heart thundering, she thought dazedly, 'Is this real?'

Her eyes began to flutter closed as she relaxed into his embrace. Kenshin smiled inwardly as he felt her accept his kiss, and wrapped his arms fully about her, bringing her closer. Letting out a sigh, she put her own arms around his neck, standing on her toes as she leaned into him. He deepened the kiss and she felt her knees go weak, like so many times in the past.

Pulling back from her, he breathed, "I still love you, Kaoru…"

She could tell it was the truth, the emotion she saw in his eyes speaking clearly. Her own softened as her cheeks warmed. "I… I still love you, Kenshin... I have wanted to tell you for so long…but I was so afraid that you didn't feel the same way still."

He laughed, responding, "I understand what you mean…."

Kaoru smiled widely as she hugged him close, burying her head in his neck, not caring that they were both sopping wet.

"I'm sorry, Kaoru…"

She heard his whisper and squeezed him tighter, shaking her head gently. "You don't have to apologize to me, Kenshin. If anyone should be sorry, it should be me."

She brought her head back, so she could look at him, continuing, "Everything that has happened has been my fault…"

"Kaoru, you are not the only one at fault. If I had been better at communicating, maybe things would have been different. It may have taken me five years, but I think I finally understand that now." He broke in.

She looked down, responding, "Yes, but maybe if I hadn't been so good at lying, this would have never happened. It seems that even five years later, I am still a terrible person…"

He cupped her chin, bringing her gaze to his.

She saw the love shining in his eyes and tried to tear her own away. 'I don't deserve this…'

Kenshin forced her face to remain where it was as he said quietly, "Don't think for a minute that you don't deserve happiness, Kaoru." Her tears threatened to spill once more as he went on, saying, "As I recall, from so long ago, I had once felt that way…until you came into my life and changed that. When you told me you loved me for the first time, it was as if those three words had saved my very soul. I couldn't believe that you knew what I did, and still loved me for it."

She looked to him, answering quickly, "Yes, but all along, I had been committing the same sins, so of course I knew how you felt…"

He smiled as he shook his head. "That may be, but there was still a difference between us."

"What was that?" She asked and he sighed.

"You didn't have a choice, Kaoru. I did."

Her eyes widened a bit as his words registered. He was right…

She looked away again, although he still held her face. "But you were just fighting for what you believed in, Kenshin."

"So were you."

Her eyes met his once more and softened. "I still didn't need to lie to you." She said.

He smiled again, his eyes gleaming with hidden sadness. "Yes, Kaoru. You did. And I understand that now. I was hurt because I thought that you didn't trust me. But I know now that in reality, you were doing what anyone in your dire circumstances would have done. How could I have expected so much from you back then? When you had never trusted anyone outside of your close family and friends? When Kanryu had your very life, along with your sister's, on the line? Kaoru, everything is clear to me now. Before you, I had nothing left to live for. But you still did; you had so much responsibility riding on your shoulders. You were fighting for you family's sake, and I had no right to accuse you of such terrible things then, like I did."

Kaoru squeezed her eyes shut as she allowed hot tears poured down her face once again. She cried quietly for a time, unable to speak. When she looked at him once again, she found Kenshin watching her intently, sorrow on his face.

"Kenshin…" She began softly. "I did trust you. You are right; I had never been able to trust anyone outside my family, until I met you. You were the one who showed me that life was still beautiful, despite my situation. You showed me that not all of humanity was cruel, like Kanryu…that there was true good in this world. My dreams have been realized, all because of your love for me…and I wanted to change for the better because of you. You set me free, Kenshin, in every aspect of the word."

It was Kenshin's turn to adopt a look of undeserving and she placed her hand to his face, holding it in a similar fashion that he was holding hers. "Kenshin, this goes both ways. You can't tell me that I deserve happiness when you don't think that you do."

His eyes locked again with hers and she sighed.

"We have both committed awful sins in our life time, Kenshin. Neither of us can deny that fact. But…" Kaoru looked up, smiling softly as she noticed the rain had ceased, rays of sunlight sparkling through the dark clouds. "We can move forward. Together. And atone for our sins by living our lives as fully as we can." Kenshin's eyes widened as she spoke again.

"If we were cowards, we would have given up and died long ago…but I know now that living is what takes real courage."

He was speechless as he listened to her words, and suddenly, she seemed much wiser beyond her years.

Kaoru brought her other hand to his other cheek, looking deeply into his eyes. "I love you, Kenshin. And I think that we are being given a second chance. Let's not ruin it this time…we should take our pain and turn it into bravery, and face our transgressions together."

Kenshin felt an unbidden smile slowly grow on his face as he found himself nodding. "You are right, Kaoru…it truly takes courage to continue living after taking so many lives…that was what I truly had found out on my journey."

She smiled widely, responding, "Yes. And I know that me being alive can't bring back all the people that fell by my hand, but I can make a difference in the lives of those around me today. Including our son."

Kenshin pressed her to him in a tight embrace and she wrapped her arms around his neck once more.

For the first time in five years, both ex-Hitokiris felt as if a great burden had disappeared from their lives, taking with it their sorrows, grief and pain as they found their love once again.

Kenshin buried his face in her neck, taking in her familiar scent. "I love you, Kaoru. Let's go home."

She pulled back, a brilliant smile gracing her beautiful features. "Kenji is waiting for us."

They clasped their hands together as they began their trek back to the dojo. Kenshin smiled to himself as they took their first step. They had truly come far in their hardships, but proved in the end that love does, indeed, triumph over all. It had been a journey, and a long and painful one.

'But this is our first step into our new beginning together. And in all of my days, no journey has ever been more worth it.'