Kyaa Kyaff here!

Disclaimer: Not mine! Not mine! Shishio & co aren't mine!

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

Fragile Balance

Chapter 10: Gomen ne, Kaoru-dono

Kenshin let his hands trail along Kaoru's face and through her hair. They were in his bedroom now. He had brought her to his house after what had happened with Enishi. Akemi, much to Kenshin's relief, was not home at the moment.

"Gomen ne. I never meant for this to happen."

*You knew this would happen.*

"No, I just wanted to…"

*to possess her. She's perfect.*

Kenshin gripped his head between his hands and went across the room, where he slid down into the corner resisting the urge to look at Kaoru.

"Leave me alone."

*How? I am you.*

Kenshin shook his head closing his eyes. His whole body started to shake as he tried to repress the voice he was hearing.

*Remember when we first saw her?*

"Stop."

*It was at the Akabeko.*

Kenshin remembered. He had been on one of his assignments waiting and watching for his target to leave. There he had seen her serving one of the men next to him. She had a beautiful smile and artfully stayed out of the man's grasping hands while still appearing amiable. Kenshin strained to hear her voice in the crowded place. He heard her laugh at some comment the man she was serving had made and was mesmerized.

Kenshin drank his sake before focusing back on his target, but his eyes kept drifting back to the unknown woman as she weaved her way through the crowds of people. At one point she stopped to talk to one of the other workers that looked like a little girl. A man had come from behind the woman he had been watching grasping her wrist. She had turned around with a polite smile asking him if he needed anything. Kenshin began to become angry when he saw the man starting to grope her. Her smile never left her face as she quickly whipped around and used his strong grip on her wrist to lay him out flat on his stomach pinned to the ground. A tall man with brown hair that seemed to defy gravity pushed through people to the woman's side and none to kindly 'escorted' the man outside.

"So she knows how to defend herself." Kenshin whispered softly to himself.

Switching his gaze once again to his target he saw the man was on the move. Kenshin let his eyes rest on this unknown woman for a few more moments before leaving.

After that he could not forget about her. Her image haunted his vision the whole week. Akemi became a little worried with the way he was acting, but he ignored her repeated questions. She was over protective of him. When they were little he had sacrificed much to protect her. It was nothing to him. He loved her, his only family, but she seemed to think she was in his debt. Then after some past events that Kenshin did not wish to recall the rolls had almost reversed. She was always there to support him. He couldn't tell her though. He knew what she would say, what she would bring up.

One day he was walking through the park when he heard a shout. Looking around he saw it was the same woman from the Akabeko.

*It's her.*

Kenshin moved forward against his own will watching her as she twisted and turned attacking one way then the other with her shinai. He walked right up near her standing next to a tree watching.

*She's stunning.*

Kenshin stepped forward and heard her yell out no, sharply pivoting he was smacked right in the head with her shinai. An oro escaped him when that happened. From that meeting he had learned her name was Kamiya Kaoru. The other part of him became even more obsessed. Kenshin tried his best to remain calm but ended up going to her apartment. He found a small locket and took it. He hadn't meant to. Then he had gone to her house again, but this time she had come home. Kenshin hadn't been able to control himself and had assaulted her much to his disgust. He had fought with himself but was unable to prevent his actions. All because he couldn't stop himself, couldn't control himself, this had happened. With these thoughts past memories arose.

Kenshin uttered out a name he had not spoken in years, "Tomoe."

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"Sano stop it. You couldn't have known," Megumi said resting her chin on his shoulder while wrapping her arms around him.

"She's gone. Who knows what that bastard could be doing? This is my fault. I should have realized it was her. I was supposed to protect her and I failed," Sano said his face holding a sullen expression.

Megumi controlled her emotions holding Sano even tighter. She was hoping against hope that Kaoru was all right. Sano had called the police, and Sano and Megumi told them the details. The person in charge didn't seem too concerned. He said there was no sign of struggle and their story was based on assumption. He also said they had to wait twenty four hours before they could file a missing person's report, since there was no evidence of anything. Overall the officer informed they would look into it. Sano almost knocked the guy out, and would have it Megumi hadn't stopped him. Megumi started in surprise when she felt something wet hit her arm. Sano was crying. Megumi released him coming to face him. Tears silently tracked down his face. Megumi had never seen him like this.

"Sano?"

"I failed her just like..." He started softly.

"No you didn't! Are you giving up? If the police aren't going to help then we can figure out something on our own!" Megumi said fiercely.

Sano smiled as Megumi wiped the tears from his face and kissed his forehead, "What would I do without you Megitsune?"

"You would be lost. Now is there anyone you know that might help us?"

Sano considered this for a moment before nodding with a frown, "Yeah, his name's Saitoh Hajime."

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Misao stretched and yawned. After her kunai lessons she had gone to work. Then Aoshi had picked her up and took her to dinner again. She knew her parents would be worried but at the moment didn't care. She ended up staying the night at his place. He lived in a nice little house by himself. Aoshi slept on the couch in the living room and insisted she take his room. He had been a perfect gentlemen. Misao was wearing one of his shirts since she didn't have any pajamas or anything with her except what she had been wearing and her work clothes. She was practically swimming in it the sleeves being way longer then her arms. Standing up she stretched again before hugging his shirt closer to herself. Opening the door to his bedroom she looked out to see him up with breakfast ready.

"You get up early," Misao said with a huge smile.

There was a good reason for it too. Aoshi was standing at the kitchen counter his hair a little tousled and only wearing a pair of black sleep pants. Misao had to resist the urge to drool over him. She wouldn't mind waking up and finding a site like that every morning. Misao pulled her gaze away from Aoshi and came over. She didn't notice that Aoshi had also been staring at her in only his shirt that came down to her knees with her hair down, not in the usual braid yet.

"What do we have here?" Misao said looking over the food set out.

"Eggs, toast, cereal, and that's about it."

"Sounds good to me!" Misao declared deciding on scramble eggs and toast with orange juice.

After breakfast Aoshi went to take a shower and got dressed, much to Misao's disappointment. Misao pulled on her pants but kept his shirt on. He came over his hair still wet. Misao could not resist anymore. She jumped up and gave him a kiss wrapping her arms and legs around him to hold herself up.

"I don't want to go home!" Misao said not letting go of Aoshi.

Aoshi kissed her nose, "Your parents are probably worried sick about you."

"So? Let them be. They don't care any other time."

"Misao, I believe your parents are trying to do the best they know how." Aoshi replied walking over and sitting down on the couch. Misao moved around so she was now sitting on his lap.

Misao pouted, "Fine. I'm working tonight. Are you going to be there?"

Aoshi smiled, "Yes."

"Good! Then you can take me home."

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Kaoru opened her eyes looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings. She sat up with a start remembering everything that had happened. She heard a soft noise from the corner of the room and looked over. Kenshin was curled in the corner head buried in his arms, which were resting on his knees. Kaoru felt her heart twinge. He was crying. Getting out of the bed she walked toward him uncertainly. Memories of the other night came back. His cruel smile and the pleasure he seemed to have fighting and harming Enishi.

'Kenshin…was that really you?'

Kaoru reached out her hand to touch him, when there was a shout from outside of the room.

"Kenshin! You home?" Akemi called from the stairs.

Kenshin's head snapped up. Kaoru fell back onto her butt startled.

"Kaoru," he breathed out.

Kaoru opened her mouth but was unable to say anything. His eyes were the normal violet instead of the vicious amber she had seen the other night. It made it hard to believe that this was the same person. The door swung open and both looked over startled.

"Kens…" Akemi trailed off as she saw her brother sitting in the corner with tears in his eyes and Kaoru sitting across from him.

Akemi felt herself become anger. Whatever he was crying for was surely Kaoru's fault.

"What did you do to him?" She asked angrily coming forward and shoving Kaoru back as she tried to get up.

Akemi kneeled in front of Kenshin.

"She did nothing, Akemi-chan."

"Why are you crying? What happened?" Akemi said averting her gaze from Kenshin to Kaoru with a glare.

Standing up she went to grab Kaoru.

Kenshin's hand on her wrist stopped her, "Please. It isn't her fault."

"What is she doing here?"

"She saw sessha. She knows sessha is Battou…" Kenshin stopped unable to finish.

"What…I told you! I told you this would happen! You wouldn't listen! She can't leave now," Akemi declared.

"What?" Kaoru asked.

"Akemi-chan please calm down," Kenshin pleaded.

"No, Kenshin I won't. I can't believe you. What are we going to do? We have to discuss this with Katsura or Hiko," Akemi said frowning.

Kaoru stood up still unable to make any sense of what was happening. There were too many questions floating around in her mind. Akemi glared at Kaoru.

"I'll stay here. You go find Hiko or Katsura," Akemi ordered.

"Akemi…"

"I won't harm her. Stop being paranoid. Hurry up and go."

Kenshin reluctantly stood up. Akemi sent Kaoru another scathing glare before leading her brother out of the room. Kaoru just watched as they left. So many thoughts raced through her mind. She tried in vain to make sense of all of it. The door opened and Akemi came back in eyes blazing. She walked right up to Kaoru and smacked her across the face.

"This is all your fault. I warned you to stay away. You are going to cause him more pain. You already are causing him pain!"

"I didn't do anything. He…he," Kaoru said holding her throbbing cheek.

"Shut up! I don't want to hear it."

Kaoru closed her eyes for a second, "He killed my father. He knows Enishi…"

"Enishi! Enishi is here. How do you know him?" Akemi yelled grabbing Kaoru's shirt with surprising strength and pulling her close.

"He's my ex-boyfriend."

Akemi let Kaoru go with a shove, "Stay in this room. Don't even try to leave. If you try I will go against my word and take care of you myself."

Kaoru sat down on the bed staring at the door that Akemi had just slammed shut.

'What am I supposed to do now?'

Kaoru looked around the room. It had a small window that she might be able to fit through. Going over she looked out and realized that she would not be able to fit through the window, because it had bars across it. She sighed in frustration.

'Kenshin…'

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Sano walked up to the door and knocked. A panel on the door slid open and a pair of beady eyes looked out.

"Yeah?"

"I am looking for the Mibu Wolf." Sano replied.

The beady eyes narrowed, "What's your business?"

"My business is my own. Tell him Zanza wants to talk with him cause I know he's here."

The panel slid shut. Sano stood there waiting for several minutes before the door was unlocked and Sano was allowed in. The man that had been questioning him gazed at him suspiciously. Sano nodded politely to him as he walked further into the smoke filled room. The stench made him want to gag, but he resisted the urge. Walking up a flight of stairs he knocked on a nice oak door.

"Come in." A voice said from within.

Sano opened the door, stepped inside, and closed it firmly behind him as he saw someone try to gaze in curiously.

"What do you want, tori-atama? Looking to be thrown in jail again?" Saitoh asked lifting his cigarette to his lips.

"I need your help finding someone." Sano said ignoring the remark.

Saitoh's eyebrow raised, "And what makes you think I'll help you?"

"I'll pay you." Sano replied.

"I have no need for money."

"Damn it! My friend Kamiya Kaoru has been taken by some psycho named Enishi! The police won't help and the only one looking is Kenshin. You're a detective. It's your job to help," Sano exclaimed angrily.

"Kenshin…what is his last name?"

"What?" Sano asked confused.

"His last name."

"Himura," Sano replied.

Saitoh seemed to take this all in, "So Himura, Yukishiro, and even the Kamiya girl are all now connected. This is quite interesting."

"You know all of them?!"

"I have decided to investigate this matter. First, I must finish my business here. You will no longer be able to find me at this location. I will find you. You can leave now tori-atama." Saitoh said taking another drag from his cigarette.

Sano clenched his fists but said no more. Opening the door he left in a hurry. Something wasn't right about this. Sano had to figure out what. As Sano walked out he remembered that the Enishi had addressed the ice block better known as Shinomori as if he knew him from before. He needed to talk to him.

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Misao looked at her house unenthusiastically, "Do I have to go in there?"

Aoshi nodded.

"Okay but I am going to get hell for this. You better make it up to me."

"I will."

Misao smiled and leaned over to kiss him. Smiling again she pulled back and winked at him before jumping out of the car. Aoshi started the car up and gave her a short wave. Misao watched his car until it turned the corner, and she could no longer see him. Her shoulders slumped as she made her way up the driveway. She really wasn't looking forward to the confrontation that was bound to happen. Opening the door as quietly as possible she peaked inside. It was afternoon, and she was hoping against hope that her parents weren't home.

"Makimachi Misao! Where have you been?" Misao's mother exclaimed coming into the living room her face flushed.

So much for them being gone. Misao walked in and closed the door behind her. Her father shortly followed.

"Your mother asked you a question!"

"I am an adult now. I don't need to tell you where I am going." Misao said tiredly.

She knew how this conversation would go. Misao would probably end up stomping into her room in anger.

"Misao-chan, your behavior is unbecoming. You are supposed to meet the son of our business partner today. We thought you wouldn't be back in time! Do you know how bad that would have been for us!? Do you even care?" Kuji stated trying his best to remain calm.

Misao almost felt like crying. That was why they were upset. Not because they had no idea where she was and were concerned about her. No, they were concerned about the business merge and their appearance.

"Merging with the Kiyosato Company is extremely crucial." Mei supplied.

Misao could no longer hold back her tears as she felt them slowly building up blurring her vision.

"You know I almost had myself believing you actually loved me. Parents should love their children, right? I finally understand now," Misao said quietly walking passed her parents, who stood speechless at their daughter's words.

"Misao," Mei called as Misao made her way up the stairs.

Misao ignored her saying to herself as she wiped the tears from her face, "Why am I crying? Why do I care? I have always known. The faster I make a good appearance and help their company the faster they'll leave. Just like they always do."

Misao went into her room dropping her stuff on the floor. Lying on her bed she grabbed the big yellow duck Kaoru had given her for her birthday and hugged it tight.

"I don't need them. I have my friends."

Elsewhere Aoshi flipped open his cell phone as it rang.

"Yes?"

The voice on the other line began to speak, "How is she?"

"Fine." Aoshi replied.

"That's good. Did you gain her trust as I have asked you to?"

"Yes," Aoshi answered without emotion.

"Good. Then tomorrow you will do as I have instructed."

Aoshi looked at the shirt Misao had forgotten holding it in his hand, "Of course."

"Excellent."

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Kaoru had passed the time slowly. Akemi had come back only once to change the lock, so Kaoru couldn't get out. Kaoru had spent most of the time trying to figure out what to think and feel. Her emotions were all muddled and mixed.

'I should hate him. He killed my father. He's Battousai. But that isn't the gentle person I know and fell for.'

Kaoru shook her head, "I don't know what to think."

Kaoru stood up and walked over to the door and turned the knob in vain. It wouldn't open just as she thought. Seeing another door she opened it up. It was a bathroom. Kaoru felt dirty from what Enishi had done to her and a shower sounded really good. Trying to decide if she should take a shower or not she walked up to the locked door putting her ear to it. No sound could be heard. Kaoru shrugged her shoulders. If they were going to lock her up she had every right to do whatever she wanted. Walking back into the bathroom she found some towels in one of the cabinets. Locking the bathroom door she proceeded to get undressed.

Kenshin on the other hand had just arrived home. He had spoken with Katsura, who decided that for now Kaoru had to stay there until something definite was determined. This would only torture him more.

*Torture you. No, now she is right here.*

"Go away."

*We can have her. She is ours.*

"No, sessha will not harm her."

*Harm her. No. Never.*

Kenshin came inside expecting to see Akemi, but he didn't see her at the moment. Kenshin walked up the stairs to his room he tried to open it, but it was locked. Frowning he looked down at the door. Since when did it lock from the outside. Akemi's doing obviously. She left nothing up to chance. Kenshin unlocked the door and came in to see Kaoru wrapped only in a towel drying her hair. His mouth dropped open and his face flamed, but he found it hard to stop staring.

*She is beautiful.*

Kaoru shrieked in surprise and jumped back into the bathroom.

"Kaoru-dono," Kenshin started.

"Get out of here!" Kaoru shouted from behind the closed door.

"Gomen ne! Kaoru-dono. Sessha had no idea you were…" Kenshin trailed off as he backed out of the room closing the door.

Turning around he bumped right into Akemi, "So what did they say?"

"She is to stay with us for the time being."

Akemi face turned down in displeasure, "Kenshin I want you to forget about her. She is an ignorant little girl and not worth your time."

Kenshin shook his head, "Don't speak of Kaoru-dono in that way."

"I will if I want to the little bitch. I warned her not to get involved. I knew this would happen. She is just going to be in the way."

Kaoru, who had come back out once Kenshin had left, moved her ear away from the door. This wasn't good. So she was supposed to stay at this place. She heard their footsteps as they left. Turning the knob slowly she realized Kenshin forgot to lock it. Kaoru backed up, thinking. She couldn't risk leaving right this moment, or they would stop her. She had to sit and wait and hope that they didn't come back in. Kaoru began to explore the room. Going over to a picture frame she picked it up to look at it. In it was a teenage Kenshin and Akemi. Both were smiling happily with a tall man standing behind them with an arrogant smirk on his face. Another photo caught her attention. It was a picture of that annoying boy Yahiko when he was a kid holding a shinai facing off with Kenshin.

Leaning over to look at more of the pictures she saw a broken piece of glass near the corner of the dresser. Kneeling down she looked in between the wall and the dresser and saw another picture. Reaching over she carefully pulled it out. The glass was broken and dust coated the frame. Kaoru blew on it and gazed at the beautiful elegant woman Kenshin had his arm around. The woman had a quiet smile, while Kenshin's was bursting with joy. Kaoru stood up with the picture wondering why it was behind the dresser. She placed it at the end next to the other pictures.

After waiting for the sky to darken some more she decided it was time to try and leave. Three hours had passed. Kaoru held her breath as she opened the door cautiously peeking out. Seeing no one she stepped out all the while staying alert to any noise. Tiptoeing down the stairs hoping they weren't the kind to creak she made it to the bottom successfully. Turning a corner she saw the front door. Unfortunately she also saw Akemi sitting on the couch by the door.

'There has to be a back door.'

Creeping toward the kitchen she stealthily made her way inside. Seeing there was a door she went for it. Unlocking it as quietly as possible she looked back hearing a noise. Akemi was coming toward the kitchen. Kaoru dove behind the counter opposite the refrigerator. She heard Akemi come closer and go to the fridge. Kaoru held her breath her heart pounding loudly and madly to her ears. Akemi came over to the counter Kaoru was right behind. Kaoru scrunched her eyes closed. After a minute Akemi opened the fridge one last time before going back into the living room. Kaoru did not even allow herself a sigh of relief. Rushing to the door she with painstaking care opened it. Stepping out she took the same amount of time to shut it. Kaoru finally allowed herself the sigh of relief. Looking at the house she frowned.

'Gomen ne Kenshin. I cannot stay here. I have to leave.'

Kaoru not knowing if there was anyone else in the house slid along the side of the house. Just as she was about to break away she was slammed back against the side of the house.

"Who are you," A voice asked.

Kaoru started to tremble and resisted the urge to gag as she smelled a strong stench of blood on the person now pressed against her.

"I said who are you?"

Kaoru recognized the voice this time.

"Kenshin?"

Immediately the sword was lowered, but he did not move away, "Kaoru."

Kaoru began to struggle trying to get away from Kenshin. She had almost escaped. Kenshin merely pressed against her more to try and stop her efforts.

"I would stop squirming if I were you," Kenshin said in a husky soft voice that Kaoru recognized.

"Oh god, that was you. The whole time it was you. What is wrong with you?" Kaoru whispered softly in despair.

"Be quiet," Kenshin said bringing his face closer to hers, "Why do you fear me? Am I not good enough for you?"

"Just leave me alone."

"I can't. I won't. You are mine." Kenshin said as his hand slid up to hold her cheek.

Kaoru tried to pull away angering Kenshin further. She was amazed at the person she was with. This wasn't the Kenshin she knew. He sounded like Enishi. Kenshin moved away grabbing her hand and pulling toward the front.

"Kenshin?" Akemi said jumping up from the couch as Kenshin entered the front door.

Kenshin gave her a chilling look telling her to stay put and not to interfere if she knew what was good for her. Kaoru tried to pull away from Kenshin's strong grip but couldn't. Akemi merely sat back on the couch her face pale taking in the fact that Kenshin had actually seriously threatened her. Kenshin dragged Kaoru all the way back to his room, where he threw her on the bed slamming the door shut. Kaoru watched him with fear as he approached her. His shirt was bloody and he yanked it off, throwing into the corner.

"Don't look at me like that!" Kenshin yelled in anger.

*Gomen ne Kaoru-dono.*

Kaoru moved further away from Kenshin. He followed her onto the bed grabbing her hands and straddling her hips to hold her down. He leaned over his face inches from hers.

"You are mine," Kenshin said as he held both her hands in one of his.

*Please stop. Leave her alone.*

"No, I won't stop it," He said bringing his free hand to caress her face with gentle tenderness belying the absolute fury radiating from him.

*You are hurting her.*

"No I'm not!"

Kaoru watched in confused fear as Kenshin began talking to nothing. He let go of her hands suddenly. Kaoru watched as his amber eyes slowly melted to the violet she loved. Kenshin began to tremble gazing at her with a horrified apologetic face. He quickly got off of her looking around frantically.

"Kenshin?" Kaoru asked alarmed at the tragic look on his face.

Kaoru didn't understand what was happening. One minute he seemed entirely different, now he looked like the Kenshin she knew.

"Gomen ne Kaoru-dono. Sessha…" Kenshin fell to his knees as he spoke his head bowed.

Kaoru got up cautiously. He looked tormented and Kaoru couldn't help but go over to him. She didn't understand what exactly was happening. It was as if he had two different personalities. His speech patterns even changed. She was thoroughly frightened, but something pushed her to comfort him. Maybe it was because she was so confused and unsure of how to react to the whole situation she was put in, maybe because she was a compassionate person, or because she cared for Kenshin and was trying her best to understand what was happening to him. Kaoru hesitantly kneeled in front of him before putting her arms around him instinctively knowing that he needed her to do such. He tried to pull away but she held on.

"Sessha disgusts you."

Kaoru made no reply. Instead she coaxed Kenshin to stand up and led him over to the bed like a small child. Kaoru sat back against the headboard of the bed. Kenshin lay with his head in her lap, arms around her waist, curling into her warmth. He held tight needing her comfort more then ever, fearing her rejection and hatred.

"Shh…rest now," Kaoru said as Kenshin shook.

"Gomen ne Kaoru-dono. Sessha never meant for this. Gomen. Sessha just wanted to be with you like a normal person," Kenshin said brokenly with a note of desperation.

"Just rest now," Kaoru replied forgetting everything else in her attempt to soothe the pain of the person in her arms.

^_____________________________________________________________________________^

Hiya everyone! I'm back! Gomen nasai!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

During winter break my boyfriend, now fiancé ( ^_______^ ) was visiting from his AIT training, so I wasn't home, well just barely. If you are reading my Christmas party, sorry I haven't gotten out the last chapter! I will.

So now I am back and ready to update weekly again! I want to thank everyone who reviewed: KitKat, Masika, Leigh, ewunia, Kriska, aku-chan, Jason M. Lee, Tesuka-chan, EK, me me me and only me, Vesca, Gypsy-chan, chibi_ken14, Chiki, Shunu no Miko, Megumi-chan, Omochi, ells, hosi-ni-onegai, red, chibi-hime, Apple, Sujakata, Val, Kamimura Kaoru, Misanagi, Astralkitten, chitchat, Isis 13, Ro-chan!!!!!!! You guys motivate me lots!

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