Kyaa Kyaff here once again!!!

Disclaimer: Hmmm… Yahiko & co doesn't belong to me!

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

Just to be safe I am going to say this chapter is rated r. It's not that bad but …on to the chapter!

Fragile Balance

Chapter 9: No more.

Kaoru woke up groggily. Looking over she saw it was only seven in the morning. Sitting up a Kaoru's stomach growled loudly. She made her way into the kitchen so she could have a bowl of cereal. Kaoru started to think about Kenshin when she was startled out of her thoughts by the phone ringing. Kaoru jumped up to answer it wondering who it could possibly be calling her. She should have known.

"Kaoru."

"Leave me alone!" Kaoru cried out slamming the phone back on the receiver as she recognized Enishi's voice.

The phone began to ring again. Kaoru glared at it, but it continued to ring. Picking it up she hung it right back up. It began to ring again. With an aggravated growl Kaoru picked up the phone.

"What!"

"I just wished to talk with you Koi," Enishi said.

"Don't call me that!" Kaoru said angrily.

"Kaoru, I am very upset with you. You really shouldn't try and make me jealous like that. I saw you in the hallway with him. I was so angry Kaoru. And right now you are wearing his shirt. You shouldn't do such things to make me jealous," Enishi stated.

Kaoru whirled around looking to see where he was.

"Wondering where I am? Don't look so frantic. I will be at your place in a few seconds since you want to see me so bad."

"No! Leave me…" Kaoru stopped as she heard the phone hang up.

Kaoru made a strangled noise numb with fear. Kaoru shook off her terror and ran toward the door to go over Sano's before Enishi came. It would be safer there.

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Misao had been awake for a while, but did not want to go down and have breakfast with her parents. Last night after they had opened the door they had been rude to Aoshi for no reason. Misao became angrier as she remembered.

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There stood her parents. Makimachi Kuji and Mei.

"Misao-chan," her mother said stunned to see her daughter kissing this unknown man, who looked kind of old for her daughter in Mei's opinion.

"What are you doing home?" Misao asked awkwardly.

"Sorry to cut your date short, but you should come inside Misao. We have some things to discuss. You can leave young man," her father said curtly.

Aoshi's face had become that emotionless mask again.

"I'll see you tomorrow Aoshi," Misao said.

"No you won't," Misao's father replied, "Now leave."

Misao glared at her father, "Gomen ne! My parents are being less then civil. I will see you tomorrow, right!?"

"Of course," Aoshi replied before leaving.

Going inside Misao had refused to talk to her parents and went straight to her room.

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"What's there problem anyway? They just come home and think they can interfere with my life!"

Misao got up unable to stay in her room any longer figuring she had to face her parents some time. Going down the stairs she went to the dining room, where her parents were eating breakfast.

"Good morning. I was wondering when you were coming down. You should have gotten dressed first. You must always be prepared and look your best," said her mother.

"I always eat breakfast in my pajamas. I am not going to change that now," Misao said.

"Don't talk to your mother like that," Kuji scolded.

Misao didn't reply. She went over to where her food was set out for her. She began eating in silence as her parents discussed some business. After finishing her breakfast Misao asked to be excused.

"We have some things to discuss with you first," Mei started to say.

"As you know, we are trying to merge our small company with a bigger one," Kuji said while Misao silently disagreed with this statement.

Misao never really knew what her parents were doing. This was the first time she was hearing about this merge. She could care less anyway.

"Well, we would like you to meet the son of the man we are doing business with. He is a few years older then you, but I am sure you two will get along great. There could be a possible engagement if all goes well,"

"That would be wonderful. That is how your father and I met," Mei added happily.

Misao paled, "I am already seeing someone."

"That boy? Forget about him. He seemed too old for you anyway. The young man I mentioned is a much more suitable match for you," Kuji said dismissing Aoshi without a thought.

"I am not some tool for you to use! You have been away for two years, and you suddenly come back and tell me what to do. I am an adult now. I make my own decisions." Misao said calmly.

"Now honey, I know it has been awhile. We are just looking out for you," Mei said.

"I am not going to listen to this anymore," Misao stated.

"You were not excused," her father said sternly as Misao got up to leave.

Misao didn't even turn around as she left the room.

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Megumi shifted in her sleep before slowly waking up. Snuggling into the warmth surrounding her she sighed with content. She loved the feeling of waking up with Sano right beside her. He made her feel so safe. Never before had she felt this loved. He made her feel important, even though he did have his dense moments. Megumi chuckled softly. She always made him pay big time for those though. She ran her hand along his tan muscular arm that was thrown over her waist in his sleep. Folding her hand in his she closed her eyes again.

Sano slowly opened his eyes as he felt Megumi dance her fingers along his arm before clasping his hand. Holding her in his arms was a wonderful feeling. He knew it would always be that way. He wondered how she had enchanted him so much. Before her he would go from one girl to the next. He always found something that annoyed him or some better-looking girl. Megumi was so different. The first time he saw her he was fascinated by her. Her sharp tongue, her classic beauty and elegance, and her caring heart had attracted him all the more. Shaking his head he pulled her closer kissing the top of her head. She had turned him into a lovesick loyal fool, and he didn't care as long as he could be with her. The guys would be laughing at him if they knew what he was thinking. They had labeled him as the person least likely to settle down. Now look at him.

"I love you Megumi," Sano whispered.

Banging was heard on his door suddenly. Both Megumi and Sano jumped up with a start.

"What the hell?" Sano said scratching his head.

Getting up he grabbed a pair of boxers pulling them on before stumbling over to the door. Just as he reached the door the knocking stopped. Opening the door he stepped out into the hallway. Looking down both ends he saw nobody. Grumbling he shut the door.

"Who was it?" Megumi asked coming out wrapped in a blanket.

"Probably the kid across the hall. The little bastard has done it before. He thinks its funny. I will teach him a lesson next time I see him." Sano said.

Megumi shrugged her shoulders. Sano suddenly smiled.

"Damn, you look hot in that."

Megumi looked down at the blanket she held getting a mischievous look on her face, "Do I? Hmm…how about now?"

She said this as she slowly let the blanket pool around her feet. Sano's eyebrows rose.

"Definitely like that one too," Sano replied forgetting everything else.

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Misao had called Aoshi on his cell phone, which he had given her the number to yesterday. She had asked him to come pick her up if he wasn't busy by her house. He wasn't so she had grabbed her work uniform, her kunais, and left the house to wait outside unbeknownst to her parents, who thought she was moping upstairs. They didn't know her too well. Misao almost laughed at the thought. They didn't know her at all. Misao was sitting on the sidewalk a little ways from her house when Aoshi pulled up. Misao's face split into a huge grin. Her earlier worries about her parents disappearing at the sight of Aoshi. Jumping into his car she gave him a big kiss.

"Where to?" Aoshi asked with a small smile.

"Anywhere," Misao replied happily.

Aoshi shifted gears and started down the road.

"Aoshi," Misao started.

"Yes?"

"Gomen ne. My parents are a little judgmental. They have this idea that I should meet this guy's son, who is merging with their company. That's why they were rude. You don't exactly fit into their plans, but you fit into my plans!" Misao said.

"Do I?" Aoshi asked almost playfully, well for him.

"Most undeniably! So how about my lessons?!" Misao said switching the topic.

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Kaoru woke up abruptly. Her eyes shot open and her whole body stiffened as she took in her surroundings. Actually she couldn't see much. It was way too dark. Instead of her clothes she was wearing a bathrobe.

"No," Kaoru moaned.

Getting up she felt the space around her and almost felt like screaming. She was in a closet of all places. Again. Kaoru hadn't even used her closet in her apartment. She couldn't go near the things because of Enishi.

'Why can't he leave me alone?'

Kaoru remembered running out of her room over to Sano's. She had been banging on the door, when suddenly nothing. She woke up here. Kaoru started to search the closet for something to use as a weapon. Feeling around she found a couple of big heavy books, but other then that there was only clothes. Grabbing the biggest book she could find she sat back waiting for Enishi to come.

After what seemed like forever she heard the sound of someone coming inside. The handle to the closet door started to move, as it was unlocked. Kaoru rushed toward the door, as it was being opened and slammed into it. She heard a grunt as she hit the person opening the door. Enishi was recovering from the unexpected hit when she swung the book straight at his head laying him out flat. Looking around frantically she saw a door that looked like it led out to the front. Rushing to it she yanked on the door only to realize it was locked. She looked in dismay at the bolts shutting the door. She immediately went to work. As she unlocked the second to last one she heard Enishi groan.

"No, no! Hurry," Kaoru said to herself.

Unbolting the last lock, she yanked on the door. It didn't budge. She realized she had forgotten to open the regular lock on the doorknob. With shaky hands she attacked it. Yanking the door open she almost had her freedom. Kaoru was violently wrenched back. The door slammed shut, and with it Kaoru's hope of escaping. That didn't mean she wasn't going to fight back.

"Now stop it, koi!" Enishi commanded.

"Like hell," Kaoru yelled slamming down on his foot.

Enishi momentarily let go of her, "You ungrateful bitch."

Enishi smacked her hard across the face, expecting her to acquiesce after the hit. Not even waiting to recover she swung at him catching him in the jaw. He staggered back a few steps from the power in the punch. Wiping his bleeding lip he got a lustful look in his eyes. Kaoru immediately looked down at the bathrobe that was now hanging open from the struggle. She wasn't wearing anything underneath. She hastily closed it tying the belt tight as she backed up.

"Kaoru, it's been so long since we've been together," Enishi said coming closer, "Too long."

"Stay away from me!" Kaoru yelled again.

She swung at him again, but this time he caught it easily. Pulling her close he went to kiss her. She tried her best to kick him, but he had her backed up against the wall. She turned away. He forced her to look at him before dipping his head down for a kiss. Enishi pulled back in pain as Kaoru bit him.

"Don't touch me!" Kaoru cried.

"I love you Kaoru. Don't push me away. You'll come to see. Then things will go back to the way they used to be," he said in placating tone.

She fought him as he pulled her into the bedroom firmly shutting the door. Kaoru struggled as much as she could, but Enishi was stronger and more skillful then herself. Enishi put her on the bed lightly sitting on top of her to keep her thrashing legs in place. Smiling he leaned forward and began kissing her neck as he held her hands above her head to stop her from hitting him. Kaoru yelled in disgust. His touch, which she had once enjoyed so much, was making her skin crawl in disgust.

"Please stop!" Kaoru pleaded fighting against his strong grip.

"Shh! Kaoru. Shh," he bent forward gently moving her bathrobe out of the way as she tried to free her hands.

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Sano cracked an eye open as he heard knocking on his door again. Groaning he sat up. Megumi remained asleep. It was in the afternoon he noted. Sano's face changed into a wicked grin as he looked down at Megumi's sleeping form. Megumi sure was good at tiring him out. Getting up he pulled on a pair of pants. Going to the door he opened it up to see Kenshin standing there.

"Yeah?" Sano asked.

"Is Kaoru-dono here? She is not answering at her door," Kenshin said politely.

"What? Maybe she's still sleeping," Sano began to feel a little worried, "Hold on a sec."

Sano went back into his apartment to get the key to Kaoru's room. Coming back out he tried knocking on the door first. Reaching for the handle he turned it easily without having to unlock it first. Now Sano was really worried. Kaoru always locked her door. He suddenly remembered someone banging on his door in the morning. What if it had been…?

"No way!" Sano said alarmed.

"What!" Kenshin asked.

"He's got her. That Enishi bastard must of…" but as Sano looked over Kenshin was already gone.

"Shit!" Sano cursed.

Sano went running into his room. He had to call the police. All the while praying Kaoru was all right.

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Kaoru lie looking at the ceiling her one hand handcuffed to the bedpost. Enishi had done that before he went to sleep to make sure she didn't leave him. Kaoru shivered as Enishi curled up against her. She had no desire to wake him up. Kaoru was burning with fury and hate. He had been very gentle whispering his love to her and repeatedly telling her she was his. Kaoru hated him. Hated him more now then anything. She had no plan on giving up to him. Never again. No matter what he did to her. Enishi had done worse. She would survive this. Kaoru felt nauseated and almost cried out as Enishi shifted in his sleep resting his hand on her stomach. She grit her teeth as she realized he was waking up.

"Oh koishii, I have missed you so much," he said running his hand along the length of her body.

"I have nothing but hatred for you," Kaoru said quietly.

"Koi, don't talk like that," he said gently caressing her face.

There was a loud noise heard outside the bedroom door. Enishi's eyes narrowed as he jumped up grabbing a pair of pants. Going over to his sword collection he picked one up.

"Whoever it is will pay for interrupting our peace," Enishi informed Kaoru quietly.

The bedroom door burst open and there Kenshin stood.

"Kenshin!" Kaoru cried out in relief.

She was startled however. Kenshin glanced at her briefly his eyes narrowing even more. His eyes were a harsh amber color. To Kaoru's amazement he was holding a sword in his hand, and was fully focused on Enishi, deadly intent in his face.

"Battousai, you always seem to be getting in the way. How did you find me?" Enishi snarled with hatred.

"I have my sources," Kenshin replied.

"Battousai?" Kaoru said in confusion.

"Yes, this is the guy that killed your father," Enishi said.

Kaoru looked over to Kenshin disbelievingly.

"You paid me to," Kenshin finally replied with a steely voice.

Kaoru's eyes widened trying to take this all in, "No."

Enishi turned to look at Kaoru, "I did it for you, koi. He didn't want us to be together. With him out of the way, I was able to move in. It was just me and you."

"No more," Kaoru said in a defeated tone, "No more."

Enishi turned back to Kenshin, "Leave."

"Not without my woman," Kenshin replied calmly while Kaoru's eyes widened even more if possible.

Enishi raised his sword preparing to strike, "Your woman! She is mine. I've been waiting for my chance to kill you. Did you think you could get away with killing my sister? I have trained since then. Now that I have completed my training it is time. Die, Battousai."

Kenshin laughed softly. Enishi initiated the attack.

Kenshin swiftly jumped out of the way, "Still too slow Enishi. I should have killed you when I had the chance years ago."

"Bastard!" Enishi yelled in anger.

Kenshin parried the thrust, slipping behind Enishi, but before Kenshin could strike, Enishi pivoted rapidly while ducking low and striking up. Kenshin read the move and was already out of the way as Enishi followed through with the combination. Kenshin went offensive jumping up and going after Enishi. Enishi easily countered, but Kenshin anticipated this using his momentum to turn and shove off the wall, coming at Enishi again. Enishi wasn't prepared for this. Kenshin stabbed his sword right through Enishi's shoulder pinning him to the bed. Enishi's sword flew from his grasp landing across the room.

"You should have trained more," Kenshin said giving his sword a savage twist before pulling it out.

Kaoru watched mesmerized at the sweet gentle man she had met at the park. This was not him. Not this cold blooded cynical killer. Kenshin raised his sword to pierce it through Enishi's throat. Kaoru scrunched her eyes closed unable to watch. She felt Kenshin stab into the bed. Kaoru opened her eyes slowly. He had missed. Enishi had moved at the last possible second. He had a thin trail of blood trickling from his neck. Kenshin ripped his sword right through the bed straight for Enishi. Enishi was already up and out of the way before Kenshin's sword could cause any more damage. He was standing by the doorway holding his shoulder, looking at Kenshin, and shaking with unimaginable rage.

"Pathetic," Kenshin said.

"I will be back to find you koi, and when I do I will kill you Battousai." Enishi said before disappearing.

Kenshin chose not to follow him. Going over to Kaoru, he noticed the key to the handcuffs just out of her reach. Just like Enishi. Kaoru cringed away from him. He looked over in anger, and before he could stop himself let his gaze peruse her body. Kaoru whimpered softly trying to move away. Kenshin felt the anger raging in him slowly abating. Grabbing the key he unlocked Kaoru, who snatched her hand away and held it to her chest while trying to cover herself with the sheets.

"Hurry and get dressed," Kenshin ordered harshly.

Kaoru didn't move just continued to stare at him.

"I said hurry up. Now. And don't try to leave without me. I won't let you."

Kaoru slowly stood up watching him stunned. Going over she grabbed some clothes on the chair by the bed and quickly put them on. Kenshin walked right up to her. She shrunk from his touch. This rekindled the fading anger, and he grabbed her roughly by the arm.

"This is for your own good," Kenshin said looking into Kaoru's wide blue eyes before knocking her out.

He couldn't leave her here. He would have to bring her with him. Placing her back in the bed so he could grab a few things he felt his anger finally leave him. Shaking his head he looked with sorrowful violet eyes over to where Kaoru lay unconscious. He slowly sat down beside her. Reaching out a hand he touched her cheek tenderly with a pained expression.

"I have lost you as well," he said with a voice filled with self-loathing and sorrow.

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And that is chapter 9! Hope you enjoyed. Uh oh! Things are going to get complicated now. I want to individually thank everyone, but unfortunately I am really busy with semester exams, so I am just going to say thank you to all!!!

Jason M. Lee, Chiki, aku-chan, Vesca, hosi-ni-onegai, Apple, Shizuka, Tesuka-chan, kame Hime, Kamimura Kaoru, Omochi, Sarryn, roque solus, Kriska, SakuraCherryBlossom, CD9979, Shunu no Miko, chibi-ken14, Gypsy-chan, kawaii_tenshi77, Lina, ells, Misanagi, Jim, Onna Oji, and marstanuki.

You guys definitely motivate me to write faster. So tell me what you thought!!!

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