DISCLAIMER: Rurouni Kenshin and Rurouni Kenshin characters are exclusively owned by Watsuki Nobuhiro, Shueisha, Sony Entertainment, Jump Comics and associated parties. Please note, this is purely fiction and for entertainment purposes only. This story is not meant for sale or profit.

Author's Notes: This story is an a/u comedy/romance about Kenshin and Kaoru falling in love. Chibi-angel and Gypsy-chan co-authored this fic. We had a lot of fun working together on it. Hope you like this fic! ^_^

LONELY HEARTS
Written by Chibi-angel and Gypsy-chan
Part Four



"Megumi bowed to Kenshin and Sano again as she left the room. As Kenshin reviewed her credentials, Sano was thinking, "I've never met a woman like her before. I can't wait to see her again."

==============================

"Glad those boring auditions are over," yawned Yahiko as he approached Sano. "I'm tired. Let's go home Sano."

"Sure thing little brother," replied Sano as he grabbed Yahiko by the head and pretended to hold him in a head lock.

"Hey let go of me you big jerk," scowled Yahiko while trying to break free.

Kenshin smiled as he watched the two brothers playing.

"Are you ready to go home too?"

"No, you two go ahead," replied Kenshin. "I have to finish auditing the restaurant's account."

"Ok, see you later buddy," said Sano as he and Yahiko left the restaurant.

~~~~~

While sitting at his desk and reviewing the files, Kenshin mumbled, "I can't believe how sloppy Sano's work is. It's going to be a long night," he yawned. Kenshin loosened his tie and leaned back into his chair. As he closed his eyes, images of the beautiful raven haired girl filled his mind.

"I don't even know her name. Why do I keep thinking of her? I don't even know her. What is it about her that drew me to her? Will I ever see her again…"

~~~~~

"Mou! Everyone's gone home," pouted Kaoru. She looked around the room and muttered, "I guess I'll clean up a bit since I haven't been here for the past two days. After I finish this table, I'll go home."

Kaoru turned her head and looked intently at the microphone on the stage. She had been eyeing it on and off during the evening.

Kaoru bit her bottom lip while staring at the microphone. ""I would love to go over there but I know that shouldn't." She quickly looked around the dark room and then thought, "Well, since no one is around, I don't think Sano will mind if…

Next thing she knew, she had made her way to the stage. Kaoru bit her lip in nervousness again. She clicked the switch of the microphone and tapped it to see if was working. She softly uttered, "Testing, one... two... three....

"It's been a long time, since I sang… Okaasan, we used to sing together, do you remember?"

Tears began forming in her eyes. She closed her eyes in reverie allowing the tears to fall. She soon began singing…

Ohhh…… Oohhh…. Hmmm…

~~~~~

Meanwhile, from Kenshin's office…

Am I crazy or do I hear someone singing? Such a wonderful voice, just like an angel."

Kenshin stepped out of the office to see whose voice it is. When he finally saw who was singing, Kenshin gasped, "It can't be! This is too good to be true!"

He began staring at her, taking in her full appearance, allowing every detail about her to sink in. "Long black hair… smooth face… those eyes… It... IT IS HER!!

Kaoru eased up and slowly overcame her shyness. With pure passion, she closed her eyes as she continued with her song.

My heart beats for you
I love you so my heart would break

Kenshin stared closely at her eyes, being drowned at the intensity of the dark pools in front of them.

My soul yearns for you
Don't leave me behind
I want you to stay.

With those lines, Kenshin suddenly had incoherent flashbacks. He began envisioning his final moments with Tomoe. He recalled how he felt as she slipped away into death.

Stay and fill my empty heart
With pure waters gushing from your love
These tears are falling endlessly
Say you'll stay
Mend my shattered heart with your presence
Satiate my desire with your smile
Fill me With your warm breath,
give me life.

Caress me with your gentle touch

Hold me and I will kiss you

Give you all the love that I have

Offer you everything that I am

Just so you won't leave me…

Kenshin stared at her intently and blushed. "I feel like I am intruding into her private time. Should I stay? I feel as if she is pouring out her heart and soul in this song. I can't believe this is the same woman I had been thinking of a few moments ago. Here we are, both under the same roof. But… I… I shouldn't be here. I better leave before she notices..."

"Crash!" (Kenshin had accidentally knocked down a wine glass)

Kenshin cast his eyes down to the shattered glass and then back up to Kaoru. "Now… what? I ruined her private moment! Damn! I hope she doesn't hate me for intruding on her privacy."

As he slowly raised his eyes to meet hers, he could see many emotions playing across her face.

Kaoru blushed with embarrassment. She never thought anyone was still at the restaurant not to mention hear her sing. She quickly put down the microphone and slowly descended the stage. Kaoru held her head down to hide the pinkish tint now displaying on her face.

"Excuse me sir," she uttered softly, "the restaurant has been closed for hours." "Hmmm…. I must have forgotten to lock up."

"You sing like a goddess… Oro!" Kenshin was snapped out of his musing and blushed slightly, "Oh, yeah I forgot, we haven't met yet. I am not a customer. My name is Kenshin Himura, Sano's new business partner." He extended his hand to her.

Kaoru gasped with what she heard. "I'm so sorry Himura-san! I didn't mean to be rude. I didn't know…" Kaoru blushed.

"Omigosh! He is so handsome! Red hair… violet eyes… Hmm… why does that sound familiar?" She shooked her head and continued with her musing, "Can something or someone be any more beautiful?"

Kaoru reddened some more when a realization dawned on her. She fidgeted and looked down on her feet, suddenly taking interest on it as she stuttered, "Uhm… Anou… I'm very sorry for using the stage earlier. I didn't know anyone was still in the building."

"It's alright," smiled Kenshin. "No harm was done. At least you didn't make a mess," he said while glancing down toward the broken glass.

"Don't worry Himura-san… I'll clean the floor immediately sir."

"You shouldn't have to clean up behind me," replied an apologetic Kenshin. "Please allow me to clean up the broken glass."

"No! I insist on cleaning up. It's my job," she replied while rushing into the kitchen to get a broom and dust pan.

Kaoru had returned with the broom. She quickly began sweeping up the broom the glass pieces. Kenshin stood there feeling guilty. He reached over to Kaoru trying to take the broom from her hands.

As their hands brushed together, they both jumped and blushed at the contact. Their eyes met for a second before Kaoru turned away. She hastily left the room taking the broken glass and broom back into the kitchen. After changing from her waitress uniform into her street clothes, she peeked into the other room to see if Kenshin was still there. While scanning the area, she had assumed that Kenshin had left. Kaoru breathed a sigh of relief and the proceeded to quickly head out the door.

"Are you just going to leave without telling me your name?" asked Kenshin as he sat in a dark corner of the bar sipping on a glass of red wine.

Kaoru turned toward him and bowed slightly saying, "Please forgive my rudiness." She then walked over to Kenshin, extended her hand and said, "My name is Kaoru Kamiya."

Kenshin took her hand into his and instead of shaking it, he gently turned it over and brushed his lips tenderly upon her hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet a dazzling songbird like you. Would you like to stay with me for a while and drink?"

Kaoru was shocked by Kenshin's sudden boldness. She could feel her blood rising to her face. To prevent some more embarrassment she slowly took steps backward and said, "Sorry but I must go now… it's already late and…"

She quickly turned around from him and ran outside the restaurant. Her heart was racing and she started feeling very light-headed. Kaoru leaned against the gates of the restaurant for support and whispered to herself, "What is this I am feeling?"

She slowly closed her eyes thinking, "I wonder if he would be the one to fill the emptiness of my heart? No! No!!! I musn't think that way!" said Kaoru as she verbally scolded herself. "I better hurry home."

Meanwhile, Kenshin stared at the door after Kaoru had left. "I never thought I'd see her again! Kaoru…

He placed a finger on his mouth and touched it gently, remembering the tender kiss he placed on her hand.

To be continued…

Author's Endnotes:

We hope you guys enjoyed reading this… Read and Review =)