Kyaa Kyaff here again!!!!

Disclaimer: Enishi & co doesn't belong to me!!!

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thought

"…" Dialogue

Fragile Balance

Chapter 8: The rest of the day.

Kaoru stepped out of Kenshin's car, gazing at the rows of stores. She spotted Hiko's Wares and immediately started walking toward it. Kenshin followed slowly behind. Kaoru stopped to look at the beautiful pottery that was on display at the window.

"Does Hiko paint them as well?" she asked while staring at the elegant designs on one particular piece that had caught her eye.

"Yes, but so do Yahiko, Akemi-chan, Okita-san, and sessha."

"Are any of yours on display?!" Kaoru asked excitedly.

Kenshin pointed to the one Kaoru had been staring at, "It's beautiful. You have a lot of talent. If I tried something like that…well let's just say I am not very artistic."

Kenshin laughed, "Would you like to go inside?"

Kaoru nodded her head eagerly and followed him inside. There were all sorts of things. Cups, vases, and even small animal figurines.

"Who makes these?" she asked looking at a wonderfully crafted raccoon.

"Okita-san," Kenshin replied.

Looking over she saw a teenage boy with spiky hair standing at the counter handing a customer their change.

"Your welcome, sir," the boy replied politely.

After the man left the boy looked to see who had just entered.

"Kenshin! What are you doing here on your day off?" he asked glancing over to Kaoru, "And who is that?"

"Yahiko this is Kaoru-dono, a friend. Kaoru-dono this is Yahiko."

"Nice to meet you," Kaoru said politely.

"Can't say the same, busu."

Kaoru blinked a couple of times, "Excuse me?"

Yahiko smiled broadly, "What you have a problem with the truth?"

Kaoru was getting a little pissed. She didn't even know the kid and he was insulting her. What had happened to the polite young man she had witnessed a few seconds ago?

"Yahiko, please stop teasing Kaoru-dono." Kenshin said seeing Kaoru about to explode.

"I…" Yahiko started but was hit in the head from behind.

Stepping around Yahiko was a girl that looked almost like Kenshin. She had blue eyes, however, and her red hair was shoulder length. Shaking her head she approached Kenshin.

"So who's the girl?" she asked giving Kaoru an unfriendly look.

"Akemi-chan, this is Kaoru-dono. Sessha met her at the park recently," Kenshin said.

Akemi glowered at Kaoru before switching her gaze back to Kenshin, "That's nice, but why is she here?"

Kaoru watched the girl in puzzlement. She wasn't sure what she had done, but she could tell Akemi didn't like her very much.

"She wished to see where sessha worked," Kenshin replied.

"Could you drop the sessha!? It drives me nuts." Akemi said.

"If this is a bad time, we can lea…" Kaoru began.

"He's not going anywhere with you," Akemi said emphasizing the you.

Just as Kaoru made to reply giggling could be heard coming from the backroom. A woman opened the door smiling, turning she said, "Thank you for the lesson Hiko-sama."

Shutting the door she passed them with a brief hello to Akemi before leaving. Kenshin shook his head.

"Akemi, I don't know what the problem is, but if you continue to be rude to Kaoru-dono, I am leaving with her," Kenshin said dropping the sessha.

Akemi once again glared at Kaoru before pivoting around and heading for the back, "I better tell Hiko you are here."

Kenshin grimaced, but stayed where he was. Yahiko decided not to say anything more.

"Gomen nasai, Kaoru-dono. My sister is…" Kenshin started.

"Don't worry about it Kenshin. You don't have to apologize for your sister," Kaoru said reassuringly.

"Kenshin, Hiko wishes to see you," Akemi called from across the room.

Kenshin sent Kaoru an apologetic look before heading toward the back. Akemi came back out after shutting the door behind Kenshin. Kaoru stole a glance at the girl before starting to look at some of the items in the store. Akemi came walking right over to her.

"You know nothing about Kenshin," she said softly.

"I am getting to know him. What's your problem anyway?"

"You'll leave him just like everyone else. You can't help him. He doesn't need you. The only person he can rely on is me," Akemi said.

Kaoru turned to face the girl, "And you don't know me! So stop judging me. Your brother is a very kind person, and if I want to be with him you can't stop me."

'Ack! Where did that come from?!'

The girl's eyes narrowed becoming darker, "I can't stop you? That's a laugh. Don't get involved with my brother. You don't know what you are getting into."

"I don't know what you are talking about, but I don't care," Kaoru said becoming angry.

The tension between the two was rising when a customer came in. Akemi's expression immediately changed to a smile.

"Welcome sir. Do you need any help today?" Akemi asked brightly.

"No, just browsing," the man replied amiably.

Before Akemi could say anymore Kenshin stepped out of the backroom frowning. Akemi moved away from Kaoru and over to Kenshin. She grabbed onto his shirt giving him a pouting look.

"Can't you stay here? I am sure she can find her own way back to the gutter," she said sending a dirty look at Kaoru.

Kenshin pulled his arm from hers, "Akemi, that's enough!"

Kenshin walked over to Kaoru reaching out he grasped her by the hand and said, "Sessha is sorry, Kaoru-dono. How about we go somewhere else?"

Kaoru blushed lightly at his close proximity, and the fact he was holding her hand, "I would love to."

They began walking out the door.

"Kenshin!" Akemi exclaimed.

He ignored her, however, and went out with Kaoru to enjoy the rest of the day.

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Misao paced the house nervously. She had already gotten dressed. Glancing in the mirror again, she sighed. Her hair was in the usual braid. After fighting with it for a half hour she had resigned herself to the braid. The shirt was fancy at least. It had long bell cut sleeves, and it went well with the shoes she was wearing. She had been restlessly roaming around the house for about an hour now. It was nearing five, when Aoshi was going to pick her up. Sitting down on the couch, she turned on the radio. Her favorite song was on and she began singing to it. The doorbell rang jarring Misao from her singing. She jumped up excitedly and practical ran into the door in her hast to get to it. Opening up she saw Aoshi standing there looking as gorgeous as ever. He held out a single red rose for her. Taking it in her hand she smiled broadly.

"Come in for a second, while I find a vase for this."

Aoshi stepped inside waiting by the door. As she began looking she started singing to the song again.

"Aha!" Misao exclaimed in triumph.

She took the vase into the kitchen to fill it with water. Coming back out she placed it on the table near the couch.

"You have a very beautiful voice," Aoshi said.

Misao began to blush, not even realizing she had been singing loud enough for him to hear. She went over to turn off the radio.

"I'm ready to go!" she said cheerfully.

After getting into the car and driving for about fifteen minutes in comfortable silence, they arrived at the restaurant. Misao realized she was woefully underdressed, as she stared at one of the most popular and expensive restaurants in the city.

"I can't go in there!" Misao said.

"You look beautiful," he said taking her arm into his.

Misao grinned happily at the compliment. Walking in Aoshi confirmed their reservation. They were led to an elevator where they got off on the fourth floor. Walking over to the balcony the man placed their menus on a table set up with candles. Misao's mouth almost dropped open. Sure her parents were rich, but she had never been exposed to anything like this. Aoshi held her seat out for her. Misao took her seat and began to look at the menu. She had no idea what any of these dishes were. Misao's eyes widened when she looked at the prices. Glancing back up at Aoshi, she realized he had been watching her instead of reading the menu.

"I…um…what would you recommend?" Misao asked her face flushing slightly.

"The special," Aoshi replied.

Misao looked down at the menu again. The special didn't seem so bad, but it was so expensive. The waiter came over bringing them their drinks. While waiting for their food Misao chattered on as she usually did. Aoshi talked about as much as he ever did. Misao didn't mind though. She couldn't believe this was really happening. She was on a date with Aoshi. She wished it wouldn't end. After eating and having desert Aoshi paid in full for the meal as Misao protested. She gave up though. He wouldn't let her pay for any of it.

"Dinner was great," Misao proclaimed while Aoshi held out his arm for her to take.

"I am glad you enjoyed it," he replied.

Walking out he held open the car door for her, getting in she frowned.

"Is something wrong?" Aoshi asked sliding into the driver's seat.

Misao immediately smiled, "No, I just don't want the date to end yet."

"I have something else planned if you would like to go."

"Really! Let's go," Misao said cheerfully.

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"I've never been to this park before, and it has a lake! It doesn't seem like there would be one in a place like this," Kaoru said staring at the lake her and Kenshin now stood in front of.

"It wasn't here four years ago. There was a massive beautification project for the city, and this park was fixed up. It used to be a pond, now it is twice the size as is the park. You can rent boats over there," Kenshin held out his hand to her, "Would you like to go?"

Kaoru brightened considerably. It had been one of her favorite things to do. Gliding on the surface of a lake was always so calming. Enishi used to… Kaoru stopped her train of thought.

"Kaoru-dono?"

Kaoru hadn't even realized she had stopped; smiling reassuringly at Kenshin she began walking again. Kenshin went over to the man by the dock that managed the boats. He rented one, and brought Kaoru over to it. Kenshin held out his hand to Kaoru to help her into the boat. She took his hand stepping in carefully, so as not to rock the boat. Kenshin came in after her. With a little push the two glided along the river. Kenshin took the oars and started to slowly row them away from the shore. Kaoru watched Kenshin's face in content. He was smiling at her, his violet eyes sparkling. Kaoru felt herself falling for him.

'Why am I not afraid?'

She never expected to fall so easily for another guy. The very idea frightened her, but here she was with this man she had only known for a little while wondering what it would be like to be in a relationship with him.

"Kenshin, today was fun."

"Sessha is glad," Kenshin said.

Kaoru tilted her head back to stare at the stars, "It is so beautiful."

"Yes it is," Kenshin replied watching Kaoru.

She raised her hand up as if to capture the stars in her hands. By this time Kenshin had stopped rowing, and they were drifting leisurely across the lake. Closing her hand she laughed.

"When I was little I would stand outside and watch the stars. My father asked me one day what I was doing. I told him I was trying to figure out how to reach the stars. He laughed and told me he knew how," Kaoru sighed happily lowering her hand and continuing to stare at the stars, "I was so excited. There was a park near where I lived with a beautiful lake like this one. Well, he took me there. Before we reached it he had me close my eyes, and when I opened them I was surrounded by little blinking stars. I reached out my hand and one landed on it. They were fireflies, of course, but I believed my father had given me the stars."

"Your father sounds like a kind man," Kenshin said.

"He was," Kaoru replied wistfully.

"Gomen ne, Kaoru-dono."

"Don't worry about it," Kaoru said.

"Do you have a favorite star?" Kenshin asked.

"No, I love them all. Plus I don't know anything about astronomy."

Kenshin pointed up toward the stars, "That one is my favorite. Sessha doesn't know its name, but sessha can always find it."

Kaoru leaned forward to see where he was pointing. Still not able to tell she moved carefully over to his side, "Where?"

Kenshin pointed once again.

"That one. Well it isn't the North Star, but it is pretty bright. Maybe it's a planet disguised as a star," Kaoru said.

Kaoru glanced over at Kenshin, who had been watching her the whole time as she gazed at the star he had pointed out. Kaoru realized just how close she was to Kenshin. She also realized that she was enjoying it. Scooting a little closer she leaned against him much to his surprise and hers. Kaoru looked across the lake as Kenshin adjusted his position a little to make her more comfortable.

"Arigato," Kenshin said quietly.

"For what?" Kaoru asked softly.

Before Kenshin could answer they heard a happy shout from across the lake.

"Kaoru-san!"

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Misao was beyond happy now. Aoshi had taken her to a park with a lake that was near the restaurant. Misao held onto Aoshi as they walked across the path to rent one of the boats sitting at the dock. Misao wasn't to keen about getting into the boat. Last time she had done something like this she had fallen out into the water. Aoshi stepped into the boat first before picking Misao up and helping her in. Aoshi sat down and took the oars. After several strokes Aoshi let the boat drift on its own. Misao let her hand trail in the water.

"This is a very beautiful place," Misao said.

"Yes," Aoshi agreed.

"I love the water. It's always so serene, but it can change so quick and become turbulent. My brother once compared me to water. He's so weird!"

"You have a brother?" Aoshi asked.

"Well, he's not really my brother, but I consider him one. He was at my party. Seta Soujiro. He was the one always smiling." Misao explained.

Aoshi nodded.

"My father and mother are always so busy. I can't tell you how many babysitters I had when I was younger. I even knew them better then my parents. I wasn't so popular at school either. Soujiro was my only family," Misao said.

Aoshi watched her silently.

"But I'm not so lonely anymore. I have tons of friends that I made at the Akabeko. And that's where I met you!" Misao exclaimed happily.

Aoshi smiled. As he was about to reach across to kiss Misao her eyes widened.

"No way!" she said.

Aoshi looked over his shoulder to where Misao was looking. Their backs turned to Misao and Aoshi, Kenshin sat with Kaoru leaning against him.

"Himura," Aoshi said faintly.

"Kaoru-san!" Misao shouted cheerfully.

Kaoru turned startled to see Misao and Aoshi. Aoshi began rowing closer to the two. Kaoru moved away from Kenshin blushing.

"Kaoru! What are you doing here?" Misao asked.

"Umm…we…watch out Misao-chan!" Kaoru said as Misao leaned over bumping the boats together.

"I'm so happy to see you! What a coincidence!!!" Misao said starting to stand up.

Misao had forgotten the fact she was in a boat, and as the boat started to shake she lost her balance. Kaoru instinctively leaned over to stop Misao's fall. Her mistake. Both fell into the water with a splash. Kaoru resurfaced with Misao, who gave her an apologetic grin. With a little struggle both girls made it back into their respective boats. It wasn't cold out, but being wet and nighttime did not mix to well. Both men rowed back to shore. After the boats where secured back in place the two girls stood there dripping wet.

"Misao!" Kaoru fairly growled.

"Heh, heh. It was an accident! Really! Gomen ne!!!" Misao shouted as Kaoru began to run after her.

Kenshin began to laugh quietly. Aoshi watched with an amused glint in his eyes. Misao came running around and grabbed onto Aoshi, hiding behind him.

"Don't think Shinomori is going to stop me!" Kaoru yelled.

"My Aoshi-sama will protect me!" Misao declared.

Aoshi just watched Kaoru without backing up Misao's claim.

"So you finally asked her out! It's about…" before Kaoru could finish her sentence Misao stepped from behind Aoshi and grabbed onto Kaoru to shut her up.

"Yeah! Well you and Himura looked awfully close back there!"

"What!!!" Kaoru cried her face turning red.

'Mou! Why am I acting like a lovesick girl with all this stupid blushing!'

"Here Kaoru-dono, wear this," Kenshin said handing her his shirt interrupting the girls' tirade.

Kaoru let go of Misao taking the shirt, while staring at Kenshin. She had seen him shirtless before, but he still looked so…for lack of a better word…hot. Stopping herself from staring before Misao could say anything, she thanked him.

"I'll be right back," Kaoru said suddenly.

Going behind a tree she took her shirt off and replaced it with Kenshin's shirt. It was just a little bit longer on her, and it smelled just like him. Coming out she began ringing the water out of her shirt. Aoshi had followed Kenshin's example and handed Misao his shirt. He had a black tang top underneath. Misao stopped herself from drooling and took it gratefully. As she changed and came back Kaoru began to laugh. She looked like she was swimming in the shirt. The arms were way to long for her and the rest of the shirt went down to her knees.

"Well, I guess we should head back home now!" Misao said sending Kaoru a mock glare.

"See you tomorrow at work then, Misao-chan," Kaoru said.

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Misao sighed in resignation as Aoshi walked her up to the doorway.

"I had fun today!" Misao said.

"As did I."

"I get a kiss goodnight, right?" Misao asked with a winning smile.

"Did you think I would let you leave without giving me one?" Aoshi asked teasingly.

Misao blinked in surprise. It almost seemed weird having Aoshi tease her. She was seeing a side of him she never knew was there.

"So you think I don't have a choice in the matter!?"

"No," Aoshi replied.

Misao went to escape him, but he caught her in his arms, "Where do you think you are going?"

She squirmed out of his arms before backing up and then jumping on him, "Right here. Now kiss me!"

Aoshi complied with her demand.

Pulling back from the kiss so she could talk she asked, "So when do I get to see you again?"

"Tomorrow before you go to work?" Aoshi asked hopefully.

"Sounds good!"

Placing her back on her feet, he leaned down reaching a hand out to cup her cheek before kissing her tenderly on the lips. Just as Misao was going to make the kiss last a little longer the door opened. Jumping back startled Misao's mouth dropped open in surprise.

"Mom. Dad. You're home."

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Kenshin pulled up to the apartment complex. Sitting in the car Kaoru hesitated to get out.

"Thanks for the wonderful day," Kaoru said.

"It was my pleasure," Kenshin replied.

"If your not busy, I'll be practicing in the morning. I can give you your shirt back then," She said trying to keep her eyes on his face, and not his well-toned body.

'Hentai! Stop it.'

"That would be nice," Kenshin replied.

"Goodnight," Kaoru said reluctantly.

"Sessha will walk you to your door to make sure it's safe," Kenshin said.

"Alright," Kaoru responded pleased.

She had almost forgotten about Enishi. Almost. Getting out of the car he walked her to her room. On reaching it Kaoru turned to say goodnight to Kenshin. She started in surprise when she saw how close he was to her.

"Goodnight Kenshin," Kaoru said a little nervously.

"Goodnight Kaoru-dono."

Neither moved however.

'I wish he would kiss me.'

As if hearing her silent wish Kenshin came forward to kiss her. Kaoru held her breath as his lips barely grazed hers before he moved back marginally. His lips were just centimeters away from hers. She didn't dare move. Kenshin smiled softly before kissing her fully. Kaoru leaned back against the door as she brought her arms around Kenshin. In reply Kenshin deepened the kiss, while pulling her into a fierce hug. Kaoru sighed with pleasure as he trailed a serious of kisses from her lips to her neck. She began running her fingers through his silky hair. Kenshin stopped kissing her neck suddenly, and pulled her even closer to him. Kaoru's heart was beating wildly. He inhaled sharply and sighed.

"Jasmine," he said softly to himself.

Kaoru froze.

'That voice.'

"Kaoru-dono?"

'No, it just sounded so similar. It's not him. It can't be him. That would be crazy.'

Kenshin took a step back looking at Kaoru concerned. Kaoru bit her lip.

"Gomen ne. I…I should really be going now," Kaoru said.

Kenshin nodded seemingly unfazed by her abrupt change in demeanor, "Tomorrow then."

Kaoru smiled weakly, "Yes."

She watched as Kenshin walked down the hallway.

'I can't believe I just did that! I hope he isn't mad.'

Kaoru put a hand to her head in dismay. Taking her keys out of her pocket she unlocked the door stepping inside. Throwing her wallet on the counter she changed into her pajamas before lying down on the couch. Staring at the ceiling she couldn't stop thinking of Kenshin. Kaoru got up and went over to pick Kenshin's shirt up from the pile of clothes that needed to be washed in the morning. Pulling it on, she smiled. Lying back down on the couch she snuggled into his shirt and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

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Hiya everyone! Hope you enjoyed the chapter and the waff!!! And don't worry I am not going to forget about Megumi and Sano now that he has proposed to her. And thankfully Enishi didn't show up to ruin Kaoru's day! Well he didn't today! But anyway I want to thank everyone who reviewed: Vesca, Chiki, Jason M. Lee, Lina, Shizuka, A.W., Gypsy-chan, Alannah, sarah0sleds, hosi-ni-onegai, Omochi, Shunu no Miko, princezz Kaoru, Isis 13, kame hime, Sujakata, Apple, ella-tsukiyono, Tesuka-chan, Red Ninja, chibi-ken14, Misanagi, and ForestKarma!!!

You guys motivate me lots!!! Hope to hear from you again!

Kyaa Kyaff saying love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!