Kyaa Kyaff again!
Disclaimer: Kenshin & co does not belong to me!
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'…' Kaoru thoughts
*…* Kenshin thoughts
"…" dialogue
An Alternate Place and Time
Chapter 11: Meeting Tomoe
"Kenshin, I will never let you go because… because I love you!"
Kenshin stopped frozen in place by her words.
*She loves me? She loves me.*
Kaoru watched as several emotions crossed his face.
*No, Kaoru. You can't. You don't understand.*
His face hardened once again into indifference gazing at the crying Kaoru.
*Your eyes are so beautiful. I wish I could tell you that. But I can't be with you now. Maybe when this is all over. It is better this way.*
"I feel nothing for you."
Kaoru did not know how to react to this. She only gripped his gi tighter. He placed his hands over hers and gently loosened her grip.
"I never loved you." Kenshin said trying to hurt her.
Kaoru continued to stare at him.
"And I never will. You are just another faceless person to me."
Kaoru let her hands slip to her sides shocked by his words. He began to look at her disdainfully.
"Now save your dignity and leave me alone."
'Leave me alone! Never loved me! Liar! You're lying. You have to be.'
That was what Kaoru wished to say out loud. Her chest felt painfully constricted and she found it harder to breath. Kenshin began to turn away and as he did she caught a glimpse of his face. He held a tortured look.
'Did you think my words meant nothing?'
Kaoru was angry now.
"Kenshin," Kaoru said.
"You can stop now. It is pathetic." Kenshin said without turning.
Kaoru flinched at his words but continued anyway drawing strength from her anger, "I am not giving up on you. Push me away. Go ahead. But I will always be there. I didn't lie. Everything that happened wasn't your fault. I made a mistake by leaving once. I won't do it again. No matter what you say or do, it won't change the fact that I love you, Shinta."
Kaoru watched his back tense up as she spoke his real name. Before he could move she brushed her way passed him descending back into the building without looking back. Kaoru stood leaning against the wall several seconds wiping the tears from her face. She walked passed Kenshin's room and turned the corner but stopped abruptly pulling back. In front of her new room, stood Yahiko and Tsubame. They both were looking at the ground. Kaoru chose not to interrupt. She could wait to get to her room.
"Tsubame, I will protect you. You don't have to be afraid here." Yahiko said shyly.
"Arigato Yahiko," Tsubame replied.
"Tsubame, do you…? Do you want to go take a walk with me? We could sit right outside in the courtyard."
"I would like that," Tsubame replied.
'Better backtrack so they don't see me, or Yahiko is likely to flip and ruin the moment.'
Kaoru made her way out of the building deciding she really wasn't tired.
'A little sake wouldn't hurt any.'
Kaoru entered the bar. No one paid her any attention to her relief. There were only a few whispered comments.
"That's the Kamiya girl…" or "I heard she…"
Kaoru ignored the comments and went to sit at the counter ordering some sake. She took slow slips as she tried her best not to really think of anything. It wasn't working. She was worried about meeting Tomoe.
'Kenshin you weren't there to protect her, but neither was I. I shouldn't feel guilty, but I do. Uncle what were you thinking? Why did you do it? Where are you know?'
Kaoru was sure of one thing. If she saw that bastard again it would take all her willpower not to kill him. Sitting there drinking her sake a thought hit her.
'Tae. Tae and her family are also dead.'
Kaoru attempted to stop thinking of it. She began to drink more sake than she had intended while trying to drown out her thoughts. Kaoru began to feel woozy. She was emotionally overwrought and exhausted making the drink that much more effective.
'Great, I drank too much. I think I am drunk.'
She smiled. 'Haven't done that ever. Better go back to my room.'
She paid for the sake and got up to leave. She was a little unsteady but was managing just fine. She thought so at least. Well, maybe not. Almost to the inn she stumbled over nothing and ended up on her butt. She giggled slightly.
"Good job Kaoru. Trying to break something. I can just see Yahiko now, 'Baka busu' he would say."
She tried to get up only to fall on her butt again.
"Damn it!" She cursed angrily, "Pull yourself together!"
Kaoru stood and took a couple more steps before running into something.
"Are you all right?," Takasugi said, "Hey you are that Kamiya girl. Drunk are you?"
"I am not drunk," she declared shoving away from him.
"Need help to your room? Or mine?"
"Oh please. That was the worst pick up ever attempted." Kaoru said looking at the man with disgust, "Can't you people control your hormones. All men think about is sex! It makes me so mad!"
"So Himura is like that too. The lucky dog."
Kaoru glared at the man, "Nothing happened between him and me!"
"Fine! If you say so. Come on now, I won't hurt you. But we have some men here who would take advantage of your present state, so let me escort you to your room," Takasugi said.
"Do I look stupid to you?"
"No, just drunk and haggard, now come along," he said grabbing her by the arm.
Kaoru was dragged along. One or two times she lost her balance, but Takasugi kept her standing. He brought her to her room safely, where Tsubame was already sleeping.
"Arigato," Kaoru said feeling foolish.
"No problem." Takasugi said leaving.
Kaoru sighed and closed the door. She went to her bed, which was prepared for her by Tsubame.
'Such a sweet girl. Just what Yahiko needs.'
Kaoru lie down to sleep completely exhausted. A pair of eyes had watched Kaoru as she left the bar, making sure she would not be accosted in her drunken state. Seeing her returned safely to her new room, Kenshin allowed himself to go to his own to sleep
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Kenshin woke at the first light looking over to the loudly snoring boy who was sprawled across the floor. He missed Kaoru sleeping in here. Even after just one night. He had the habit of watching her sleep, watching her dream. Kenshin shook his head.
*Stop it.*
He stood stretching. He hadn't gone to visit Tomoe for a while now. It would be good to see her again. He left the room headed for the kitchen to gather food to bring with him. _______________________________________________________________
"Oh my head." Kaoru said peering at the morning sunshine that was unmercifully shining on her.
She sat up slowly holding her forehead. 'Baka, how could you go and get drunk!'
Tsubame was not in the room. Kaoru must have overslept.
'Tomoe.'
Kaoru jolted up real quick. She was going to see Tomoe today.
"Shouldn't have done that," Kaoru said feeling her headache increase.
Her door was opened, and Kenshin stepped in. Kaoru yelped in surprise.
"What are you doing in here? Don't you know how to knock?"
Her face turned red as she hurriedly fixed her sleeping yukata, which was revealing more flesh than she wished. Kenshin's eyes remained fixed on her face
"Here take this, it will help with the headache," Kenshin said throwing a little packet at her, "Get dressed. After you are done meet me by the left guard post."
Kenshin left closing the door behind him. Kaoru looked at the little packet. It was one of Megumi's medicine packs.
'How did he know?'
Kaoru dressed quickly and went to the kitchen to get some water to take the medicine with. Her progress was slow, because of her aching head, but she managed. After that she went to speak to Yahiko. Kaoru made absolute sure that Yahiko stayed put and did not go off far from the inn until Kaoru returned. Kaoru then made her way to the left guard post where Kenshin was waiting. He turned without a word and she began to follow him. They were headed for the nearby village.
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They had walked in silence the whole way. On reaching the town they made their way to the market where Kenshin bought a pretty ribbon for Tomoe. After walking a little ways they ended up standing in front of a nice looking house. Kenshin made his way to the entrance and was greeted by a kind looking old woman.
"Himura-san, how are you?"
"I am fine. I have come to see Tomoe."
"And who is this young lady behind you?" The woman asked kindly.
"Kamiya Kaoru," Kaoru replied.
"Nice to meet you young lady."
"Let's go," Kenshin said nodding to the woman. The house was big, but Kenshin seemed to know it well. They stopped in front of one of the many doors. Kenshin gave a soft knock.
Tomoe opened the door smiling, "Hello, may I help you?"
Kenshin smiled at her, "I came to visit you."
Her face lit up in childish delight. Kaoru felt uneasy. No spark of recognition had possessed Tomoe's eyes as she glanced at Kaoru.
"Would you like some tea?" Tomoe asked kindly, "I do not get many visitors."
Kenshin nodded and moved into the room followed by a silent Kaoru. Tomoe went into an adjacent room to get them some tea. Kenshin took a seat by the table, Kaoru did so as well. Neither spoke. Tomoe came back in carrying a tray of tea. She placed it on the table and proceeded to serve Kaoru and Kenshin.
"My name is Tomoe. Who is your friend Kenshin-san?"
"K…Kamiya Kaoru." Kaoru replied.
"That sounds familiar. Maybe we've met before."
Kaoru couldn't reply. Kenshin took out to the ribbon he bought her. "Here," he said.
"Is this for me?" Tomoe asked elated.
She turned to Kaoru, "Will you put this in my hair?"
"Of course I will." Kaoru moved to sit behind Tomoe and began to gently arrange her hair.
Kenshin watched silently. Kaoru's smile faded as she arranged the other girl's hair.
'She doesn't remember me. Her eyes are not her own. She acts as a child would.'
Kaoru's heart lurched. Placing Tomoe's hair in a high ponytail she caught a glimpse of a huge scar running from her neck and disappearing into her clothes.
'Those bastards!'
"All done, Tomoe-chan! Do you like it?" Kaoru asked forcing herself to sound cheerful.
Tomoe stood going over to the mirror. She squealed delightedly.
"Now I look like you!" She cried, "Will you be my friend?"
"Of course I will." Kaoru replied.
Tomoe came back over. That was when Kaoru noticed the slight limp in her step.
Kenshin stood.
"We have to go now."
"Already," Tomoe said.
Kenshin nodded.
"Well, it was nice seeing you again Kenshin-san. It was nice meeting you Kaoru-chan! Please come visit me again!"
Kaoru walked over to the woman and gave her a tight hug, "Of course I will come visit you again." Tomoe smiled and hugged Kaoru back.
With a few more goodbyes Kenshin and Kaoru went to the front, and were greeted by the old woman. A few words were exchanged before the two left the building. A few seconds later a frantic cry was heard. Tomoe came running over to them pushing through the many people crowding the street. Kenshin's face became troubled.
"Kenshin-san, you dropped this," Tomoe said handing Kenshin a very familiar comb.
Kenshin took it quickly putting it back into the hidden pocket of his gi. Suddenly a person rushing passed knocking Tomoe over and shoving Kaoru out of the way. Tomoe started to look around frantically realizing how many people she was surrounded by.
"Tomoe," Kenshin said firmly while helping her up, "Tomoe, look at me."
Her breathing became rapid as she saw more people, mostly men. She started to struggle against Kenshin's restraining arms. Kaoru's eyes widened. Tomoe's eyes glazed over and she began to scream causing several people on the street to stare.
"Damn it!" Kenshin cursed, "Kaoru grab her. We need to get her back inside."
"What's happening to her?" Kaoru yelled in a panic.
"Just grab her now."
Kaoru did. The people watching watched several seconds longer and then continued on with their business. Kenshin and Kaoru got Tomoe back inside where the old woman ran to him.
"Why did you let her out?" Kenshin yelled furiously.
"I didn't see her go!"
"Hurry! Go get some water! Kaoru bring her to her room. I will be right there."
Kaoru frantically picked Tomoe up running to the girl's room. The other people living there looked out from their rooms to see the what was happening. Kaoru ignored them, got inside the room, and lay Tomoe on her bed. Tomoe continued to yell.
"Nooo, please. No stop! Shinta! Shinta where are you?"
She raised her hands up scratching at thin air. Kaoru was stunned. She clasped the girl's hand, smoothing her hair trying to calm her as she screamed some more her face twisting into tormented shock.
"Shhh. It is me Kaoru! There is no one else here. Just me and you!"
The girl continued to cry, "No, get away from me. Stop."
"Shhhh. There is no one here," Kaoru choked out desperately, "Listen to my voice. See, it is me Kaoru. Just me. No one else. You are safe now."
Tomoe stopped struggling but continued to moan in terror.
"Tomoe," Kaoru said in an agonized cry, "Tomoe-chan, please, please stop."
Kaoru sobbed her tears falling on Tomoe's face. Tomoe became silent as the wet drops hit her face. Her eyes focused slightly on Kaoru.
"That's right. It is okay. I will protect you. There is nothing to be afraid of. I am here this time. Please, please forgive me for leaving. For not being there for you sooner," Kaoru said trembling.
Tomoe began to shiver. Kaoru decided to find a blanket to cover Tomoe with, but was stopped as Tomoe gripped her arm.
"Please," she whispered, "Please don't leave."
Kaoru dropped to her knees, "I won't leave. Don't worry. Just rest now. I will lay right here beside you."
Kaoru stretched out on the bed beside Tomoe, pulling the girl into her embrace. Tomoe held onto her like a frightened child to her mother. Kaoru began to stroke her hair softly humming a tune Tomoe had taught her. In no time Tomoe was sleeping peacefully.
"Tomoe, I am sorry," Kaoru said brokenly more tears slipping from her eyes from seeing her friend in such a state.
'Where is Kenshin?'
After several minutes Kenshin opened the door softly. He saw Kaoru lying with Tomoe huddled up against her soothing the girl. He had chosen not to come into the room realizing that Kaoru was calming Tomoe down. If he had come she might have gone into another fit.
"Where were you?" Kaoru asked quietly.
"You had everything under control. I did not want to interrupt for fear of scaring Tomoe more."
"What happened to her?"
"She can't be in large crowds. She mostly stays in her room. This happened once before."
Kaoru looked at Tomoe, who was now in a deep sleep. She gently disentangled herself from Tomoe.
"We have to go now, or we won't be back in time for the meeting." Kenshin stated.
Walking around Kenshin, she looked and found a blanket to cover Tomoe with. Tomoe whimpered softly. Kaoru leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
"I will be back, I swear," Kaoru whispered caringly.
Kaoru was worried about leaving Tomoe by herself.
"Will she be all right?" Kaoru asked wiping the tears from her face.
"Yes, the old woman will take care of her. She will be fine."
Kaoru nodded, looked one last time at Tomoe, and left the room.
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Kaoru asked no questions of Kenshin, and once more neither spoke. Kaoru went to find Yahiko upon her return. Finding him safe she went to her room. Thinking over what happened her blood began to boil. It was Saitoh's fault that Tomoe was like this. Kaoru wished she knew where he was. She was disgusted at the thought of once admiring such a despicable man.
'Tomoe came out to give Kenshin something. What was it? It looked like a hairpiece. It was a beautiful comb… wait…it looked like…'
"busu, you better hurry or you are going to be late for the meeting with Katsura." Yahiko said.
"Arigato, Yahiko-CHAN."
"Grrrrrrr!"
Kaoru came out of the room and grabbed Yahiko around the neck, rubbing her knuckles in his hair. He struggled to no avail. Finally letting him go, he pulled away with an angry huff.
"What was that for busu?!" Yahiko asked heatedly.
Kaoru laughed again, "You never change Yahiko. I love you for it."
Yahiko watched dumbfounded as Kaoru walked away.
"What is up with her?" Yahiko said scratching his head quizzically, "Oh well, better go find Tsubame."
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Kyaa Kyaff smiles at all her reviewers! Awwww! I love you guys soooo much!
This must be the fastest I have updated. Well I got some really excellent reviews! I had nothing else to do and was brimming with ideas so here is the next chapter ^_^
*Gazes fearfully at Aizel's amber eyes. Reminds Kyaa Kyaff of Kenshin!* Kenshin! I love you! *attacks Aizel with a big hug knocking Aizel over.* Oops! Sorry Aizel!
He! he! Honest mistake! *rubs sore throat from neck wringing Crystal gave her*
I didn't think I could survive another one so no cliffhanger! ^o^
*waves to Chiki*
*Looks around and sees Kara Himura, runs excitedly over to her.*
Your Kenshin's sister *big smiles* You are so lucky! You have to introduce us *nods head eagerly* Will you? ^_^
^o^ *pulls Saitoh out from around the corner gagged and bound.*
Hiya everyone! Look what I found! *Saitoh gazes fearfully at all the reviewers and tries to say something*
Sorry can't understand you. I'll be right back, I have to go find some tissues. *turns to reviewers and winks.* Have fun!
*cough* I mean make sure he doesn't move.
*returns with a big box of tissues to give to those who feel they need it
* Looks to reviewers* Where did Saitoh go? Anyone know?
*smiles and bows* I would like to thank moonblossom, Joey, marstanuki, Gypsy-chan, Apple, stillborn angel, Angi, Ro-chan, kawaii sakura-chan, Aizel, lizzie, omochi, Gina, Chiki, Vesca, Shunu no miko, Kara Himura, Crystal, Bunny, and White Plum for all the wonderful reviews! Sorry I didn't respond individually, I am being lazy!
Kyaa Kyaff thanks you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!