Kyaa Kyaff here once again!!!!!!!!!

Disclaimer: Mine?…nope they don't belong to me, none of the RK characters do. *sigh*

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

Fragile Balance

Chapter 11: Misao betrayed

As Kaoru tried to deal with everything that was happening that night, Misao was having her own problems.

"I work tonight! I already told you that!" Misao didn't add the fact that Aoshi would be waiting to see her there.

"We've called your work and told them you quit," Kuji said.

Misao's mouth dropped open.

"We've decided that from now on you can come with us on our trips. We can spend more time together and bond," Mei added smiling.

"What!!! I don't think so. I don't want to bond. It's too late. I have to go to work and fix this."

Kuji stopped her from leaving, "Misao-chan, you need to get ready. Kiyosato-san and his son will be arriving soon."

Misao felt her face flush with anger but then controlled herself and put on a defeated look, "Fine. Mother, could you help me get ready?"

Her mother smiled with pleasure and her father sighed with relief. Misao had every intention of cooperating for the night, but that was it. She would leave after that. She had no plans on going anywhere with them. They had tried it once, when she was younger, but Misao had just ended up being babysat by someone, who only spoke German. That year Misao learned how to speak German good enough to get by, and had only seen her parents when it was important for their business.

Misao stared blankly at the mirror as her mother gushed on about how much time they would be spending together. Misao winced as her mother caught a particularly tough knot. Mei smoothed through it saying how important it was for a woman to know how to do her own hair. An hour passed with her mother giving her glamour tips. Misao ended up with a lovely green dress that belonged to her mother. It was easy to see where Misao's petite form came from. Finally, Mei finished with Misao's makeup.

"Makeup is essential to any woman's life," Mei announced as she began gathering everything up to put it away.

Misao frowned. She never wore any. She figured people would have to take her as she is. Why hide the face you have? Her mother would say you were accenting it or bringing out its full potential. Misao looked down at her hands wondering how her mother could believe all the stuff she spouts.

"Come on Misao-chan!" Mei exclaimed excitedly.

Misao followed behind slowly. Walking down the stairs she watched as her mother calmly assumed an air of elegance. Kuji came in from the living room and over to his wife.

"You look magnificent Misao-chan. They won't be able to resist your charm," Kuji stated.

Misao plastered on a fake smile to make them happy. It instantly reminded her of Soujiro. Is that why he smiled all the time? Was it easier then showing your true emotions? Sighing Misao came down the rest of the way. Just as she reached the last step the doorbell rang.

"Time to make a good impression," Kuji said straightening and going to the door.

Misao listened vacantly as her father greeted Kiyosato and his son. Mei gave Misao a little nudge and both started forward.

"And you have met my wife. I believe you have yet to meet my daughter though," Kuji said putting all the attention on Misao.

Misao bowed, "Makimachi Misao, I am pleased to meet you."

Kiyosato nodded with approval, "And this is my son, Kiyosato Akira."

Akira stepped forward taking Misao's hand in his own before bowing and kissing it. Misao blushed faintly waiting to take her hand back as soon as possible. Akira slowly released it.

"It is nice to meet you. Your parents have told me much about you, but it seems they did not sufficiently describe your beauty or grace," Akira said politely.

Misao tried her best not to blush again. His words were surely lies, but Misao was not used to the compliments. This was the first time her parents were trying to make a match for her.

Kiyosato looked pleased, "Ah, but you can tell she gets it all from her mother."

Everyone laughed pleasantly.

"Come in, dinner will be ready shortly. Misao, could you show them to the dining room?" Mei asked.

"Of course, mother. This way," Misao said sweetly, while trying her best to walk elegantly.

She just had to get through tonight.

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Aoshi sat in the Akabeko at his usual spot. Misao hadn't shown up, however. He seemed unfazed. A figure walked up to him taking a seat.

"You don't plan on backing out, do you?"

"No," Aoshi replied not even acknowledging the man beside him.

"Here's half the money. The rest upon her delivery."

"Keep it," Aoshi said.

The man beside him looked puzzled, "You do not want it?"

"No," Aoshi took a sip of his drink.

"You are a strange one."

Aoshi said nothing. The man took the money back and left without another word. Aoshi watched nothing in particular as he cleared his mind, setting himself apart from but still aware of his surroundings. He sat like that for several minutes. He was tapped on the shoulder suddenly but didn't even turn.

"Oi, I need to talk to you," Sano said.

Aoshi still made no reply.

"Oi! Are you deaf? It's important!"

"What?" Aoshi asked.

"You know that Enishi guy, don't you?"

"And if I do?" Aoshi replied.

Sano came around to sit beside him, "He's taken Kaoru. Do you have any idea where he might be?"

"No."

Sano bristled at the quick reply, "Damn it! I have to find Kaoru! She could be in danger you block of ice!"

Sano jumped up as Aoshi stood.

"Not my problem."

Sano grabbed Aoshi's arm, "I'll make it your problem!"

Aoshi brushed Sano off as if it was nothing, "I cannot help you."

Sano could only watch as Aoshi left. Megumi, who was working, came over.

"No luck?"

"No. Saitoh is looking into it, but the guy is up to something," Sano answered.

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Kaoru woke up feeling stiff and uncomfortable. She had spent the night in the same sitting position holding onto Kenshin. She looked down at his now peaceful face. She brought her hand to his face to move away the hair covering it, gently smoothing it back.

'What is it about you? I'm not frightened, but I feel I should be.'

Kenshin stirred in his sleep whispering out her name, "Kaoru."

Kaoru felt her face flush with a pleasant smile.

'What is wrong with you, Kaoru? This man is crazy. He's a killer. He's …Kenshin. I just can't hate him. I want so much to help him.'

Kenshin moved again this time opening his eyes. Blinking a couple times he sat up abruptly. He opened his mouth to speak, but Kaoru silenced him with a finger to his lips. She gazed into his violet eyes serenely.

"Don't apologize again. Don't say anything. Just lie here with me a little longer."

Kenshin watched her amazed as she moved from her sitting position to lay down.

'I want to help you. I don't know what's wrong, but I know I can't forget about you. And I do not blame you for the death of my father. Enishi…you will not get away with this.'

"Are you going to keep staring at me like that?" Kaoru asked.

Kenshin didn't reply. Instead he took the opportunity to lie down beside Kaoru and pull her into his arms. She snuggled closer to him and was soon asleep, having gotten little sleep the night before. Kenshin didn't know what to think. He almost believed he was still dreaming, or the events that had happened earlier were part of a dream. But Kaoru was real, and he was definitely not asleep.

*Why are you comforting me? Why don't you push me away in disgust?*

Kenshin kissed the top of her head, for once in a long time feeling peaceful. No other voice tormented him.

*Please don't leave me after this. I could not bear it.*

A tentative knock was heard at the door. Not wishing to wake Kaoru up Kenshin carefully slid her from his embrace. Standing up he went over to the door. Bags heavy under her eyes, Akemi watched him with a troubled expression. Stepping out of the room and closing the door he frowned at her haggard appearance.

"Gomen ne Akemi-chan. Sessha did not mean to scare you."

Akemi threw herself into his arms trembling before crying softly, "Oniisan!"

"Shh…it's okay now. Sessha is better. Sessha never meant to threaten you. You know sessha would never harm you."

"I was so worried. Kenshin this isn't good for you. Kaoru…she has to leave," Akemi said pulling back and wiping her tears away.

"No," Kenshin snapped before catching hold of himself, "No, she can't leave right now. Katsura said she was to stay here until he decided what to do."

Akemi deflated even more, "That was the first time you ever threatened me, and it was because of her. You can't control yourself because of her. We can talk to Katsura…"

"No, Akemi-chan. It won't happen again. Sessha promises. Has sessha ever broken a promise to you?" Kenshin asked.

Akemi cast her eyes down unable to stop herself from saying, "Yes, and you know when and for whom you broke that promise."

Kenshin paled suddenly, "Sessha…sessha has to go take a shower."

Akemi unwilling to cause her brother anymore pain smiled sadly, "Why don't I go make breakfast?"

"That sounds good," Kenshin said pulling his gaze away from the dry blood caked under his fingernails.

Akemi turned and went downstairs looking worn down. Her eyes mirrored a deep sadness and devote love for her brother.

She reached the bottom of the stairs whispering softly to herself, "Kenshin baka. Can't you see? It's happening again."

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Misao stretched and pulled off her pajamas. Last night had gone perfect. She had played the elegant wonderful daughter and had got along pleasantly with Akira, who insisted she call him such. He was an extremely nice guy, but she only had eyes for Aoshi. That night she had been littered with praises from her parents. They were empty to her ears. Now all she had to do was get in touch with Aoshi and apologize for not meeting him. Grabbing a pair of jeans and shirt, Misao braided her hair searching for her phone.

"Aha! There it is. Heh! Heh! I really should clean my room. Oh well!"

Dialing his number she waited as it rang three times before he picked up.

"Hello."

"Hiya Aoshi! It's me! Sorry bout last night. I don't even want to get into what happened with my parents," Misao gushed out.

Misao waited for him to reply but he didn't.

"You're not mad, are you?"

"No," Aoshi replied.

"Great! Can I come over today? Maybe spend the night again? My parents have it in their head that I should go with them on their business trips to spend quality time with them. Yeah right!"

Misao frowned. One-sided conversations weren't always the best way of communicating. She was used to such behavior from Aoshi before, but now it struck her as odd. He had become more talkative when they started going out, but now…

"Hey! You there?" Misao said looking perplexed.

"Yes."

"Everything okay?" Misao asked concerned.

"Yes."

"Are you sure you aren't mad at me?" Misao continued uncertainly.

"Yes."

"Okay…when can you come get me?" Misao sat down on her bed.

"Two."

"All right! I guess I can wait to see you until then! Bye then!" Misao paused to hang up the phone waiting for his reply.

"Bye."

Misao pouted wondering what was wrong with Aoshi. Maybe he was just having a bad day.

"Yeah! That's it! I should stop worrying. Now to call Tae and get my job back!"

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Kaoru woke up unable to sleep any longer due to her very full feeling bladder. She grumpily sat up before blindly stumbling to the bathroom door. Giving the doorknob a twist she was blasted by a wave of steamy air. Squinting Kaoru's eyes widened at the person before her. Kenshin was standing there completely naked. Kaoru was horrified with herself as her eyes, as if they had a will of their own, trailed from Kenshin's feet, stopping briefly at one point, before traveling to look at his face.

"Ano…Kaoru-dono…"

"Oh!" Kaoru jumped back into the bedroom swinging the door shut, "Gomen nasai!"

Kenshin grabbed his bathrobe watching the door and hearing Kaoru's repeated apologies.

*Why cover up? She obviously likes what she sees.*

Kenshin frowned.

*She is mine. It would be so easy to seduce her and claim her fully as my own.*

"Stop it! No, sessha won't let you."

*You won't let me. You are me. You are going to.*

"Leave."

*For now.*

Kenshin sat in silence for several moments. Finally he opened the door. Kaoru quickly looked the other way bright red.

"You can use the bathroom now. Akemi is making breakfast, so…"

Kaoru tried her best to stop blushing, "Okay."

'What is the matter with me? I have seen a naked guy before! You would think I am a little schoolgirl with the way I'm acting.'

As Kaoru passed Kenshin her face flushed even more. The dark bathrobe was open at the chest, and Kenshin's wet hair messily surrounded his face. He looked so good. Kaoru rushed to the bathroom to stop her thoughts.

'Why can't I control my emotions around him?'

Kenshin quickly got dressed and stood outside the bedroom door waiting for Kaoru. He heard her come out of the bathroom and to the door. Stepping to the side he waited as she opened it. Kaoru came out and started with surprise seeing Kenshin right there.

"Come on, sessha will show you where the dining room is."

Kaoru nodded and followed Kenshin as he walked down the stairs. Akemi was setting the plates on the table, when they arrived. Akemi was stunned seeing Kaoru walking right next to Kenshin, she hid her surprise though. Hadn't Kaoru seen and must know what Kenshin is? Instead of insulting Kaoru, Akemi made no comment as she went back into the kitchen to finish preparing the food. Kenshin held out Kaoru's seat for her, which she happily took. Seating himself at the end of the small table the two waiting for Akemi to return neither saying anything. Akemi brought out a delicious looking breakfast and everyone proceeded to eat it in silence.

"We have a guest bedroom for you. And I'm sure you would like a change of clothes," Akemi said frowning.

Kaoru was surprised. Akemi had never talked to her without malice.

"Thank you," Kaoru replied.

"You can't leave here," Akemi added.

'No, you are wrong. I won't leave here yet. I have to figure this out. You said I would leave him like everyone else. I will prove you wrong, Akemi.'

"I have to call my friends so they know I'm alright."

"No, I don't think so," Akemi said.

"Akemi-chan…" Kenshin started.

"Stay out of this. She could be trying to get help."

"All I want to do is let my friends know I am okay. You can stand right next to the phone and hang it up if I start to say anything I shouldn't," Kaoru countered.

Akemi scowled but acquiesced, "Fine after breakfast is finished."

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Sano was having some breakfast, when the phone rang. Jumping up he scooped up the phone. Pausing for a second he swallowed the last of his food.

"Hello."

"Sano…it's me Kaoru."

Sano's eyes almost bugged out, "Where are you, Jou-chan!? Are you okay? If that bastard…"

"Sano that's enough. I'm fine."

"Where are you? What happened?" Sano asked concerned.

"Kenshin saved me. Um…I'll be staying with him for a little while. I won't be able to make it to work, so if you could tell Tae something important came up, and I won't be able to come in for awhile." Kaoru said as Akemi watched her.

"Sure Jou-chan. No problem. You sure everything is fine. You're not hurt. Can I come see you?"

"I'm fine. You can't come see me right now though," Kaoru said.

"What! Why!?" Sano asked incredulous.

"Things are just a little complicated right now. I have to go Sano. Just tell everyone I'm fine and not to worry."

"Jou-chan…Oi! Jou-chan?" Sano held the phone to his ear listening to the dial tone.

He hung up unable to stop himself from worrying. Something wasn't right about the whole situation. Sano would let it rest for a bit and see what Saitoh could find.

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Misao had spoken to Tae explaining what had happened. Tae had laughed telling Misao she was welcome back. The rest of the time Misao spent before two was with her parents. They were so happy with her.

"You charmed them real good Misao-chan. Kiyosato Akira wishes to see you again. What a success!" Mei said her eyes brightening.

"Great job. Won't this be wonderful. The three of us together. You have your mother's charm and beauty." Kuji stated.

Misao smiled and nodded when she had to. Her parents began praising themselves saying how wonderfully they had raised her. Misao just wanted to shout at them that she practically raised herself among all the different babysitters. At one-thirty Misao excused herself. Her parents were so happy with her that they let her go. She went inside her room grabbing some of her things before walking back down the stairs. Her parents were engaged elsewhere making it easy for Misao to slip outside. Walking down the sidewalk she sat down in the grass waiting for Aoshi. He pulled up at exactly two. Misao threw her stuff in the back and jumped into the car.

"I missed you Aoshi!" Misao said giving him a peck on the cheek.

Instead of answering he shifted gears and got on the road. Misao was not put off by his abrupt behavior though.

"So what are we going to do today?"

"Anything you want," Aoshi replied.

"Hmmm…I know! Let's go to the mall!"

Aoshi immediately set out for the direction of the mall. It wasn't too far away and only took them twenty minutes to get to. Misao jumped out of the car as soon as Aoshi parked. She had spent most of the time talking much to her disappointment. Aoshi came out of the car and Misao took his arm.

"Shopping time!"

He nodded and they walked inside. Misao went straight for the candy shop. Laughing she tried to get Aoshi to get something but he refused. Next Misao decided she could get some new clothes. She picked out some clothes that actually fit. Aoshi just followed never complaining.

"Let's get something to eat," Misao said as her stomach rumbled.

Stopping at one of the small restaurants Misao had her fill. Aoshi paid for the meal after they finished. Coming from the restaurant Misao noticed a small photo booth.

"I've never used one of those before. Come on. I want to get some pictures together."

Misao pulled Aoshi into the booth realizing just how big Aoshi really was as he took up a lot of the space. Starting it up she sat by Aoshi and smiled. A flash went, and Misao turned to see Aoshi wasn't smiling. Four more pictures to go. He was going to smile. She grabbed his face lifting it up for him. Another flash followed.

"Aoshi! You have to smile." Misao pleaded.

Aoshi's eyes softened and he smiled for her. Then she leaned her head on his shoulder for the next one. Aoshi turned his head to look at her forgetting the pictures. The last picture Aoshi smiled again.

"Great! I hope they came out good."

Paying the machine she looked at the five photos she had doubles of. Handing Aoshi his, she examined all of them. One picture caught her attention. It was when she had rested her head on Aoshi's shoulder. He was looking at her with a tender expression. Misao felt a little lighter suddenly.

"I love them!" Misao exclaimed putting them safely away, "Now you have to stay here. I'll be right back. Don't you move."

Misao made Aoshi sit on a bench as she skipped away. Looking down at the photos in his hands he sighed. Misao's brilliant smile captured ones eyes while looking at the picture. She really was beautiful. After about ten minutes Misao came back empty handed.

"Okay, now for some more shopping."

They continued to shop for another hour. Misao left Aoshi again coming back with a box. She informed him he was not allowed to look at it. Finally, going back to the car they started off. It was getting a little late and Misao was tired from all the walking. She began to doze off. She woke up as Aoshi pulled the car to a stop. Opening her eyes she looked around confused.

"Aoshi…where are we?"

He did not reply, just continued to stare straight ahead.

"Aoshi, you're scaring me. Come on…" Misao was cut off as she was violently yanked from the car.

She let out a short yelp before trying to pull away as someone held her in place.

"Aoshi!"

"You worried me there. I thought you weren't going to show. Here's the money," the man holding Misao said.

"Chou…Chou?!" Misao exclaimed recognizing the voice.

"I don't want the money," Aoshi replied.

Misao looked over to Aoshi disbelief in her eyes, "Aoshi…what is this? What…"

Aoshi got out of the car. He ignored Misao as he walked inside. Misao was trying her best to stay calm. Her heart was racing faster and faster, and she began to feel weak.

"Hey, calm down there. Misao-chan. You won't be harmed."

"Why? What is happening? Why are you doing this?" Misao asked her head bowed.

Chou pulled her inside making her walk in front, "Try not to take it to personal, but you've been kidnapped."

"Why?"

"Not my place to tell you. Now come on." Chou said letting her go so she could walk on her own.

Misao didn't say anything further. Her mind was on Aoshi and his cold expression as she shouted for his help. Misao was having a hard time believing this was actually happening. Chou went ahead of her to open the door. Coming inside she saw a horribly bandaged man sitting with a beautiful woman to one side and…

"Sou-chan!?"

Soujiro's unfaltering smile faltered, "Misao-chan…? What…?"

"So nice to meet you Makimachi-san," The bandaged man interrupted sending a displeased look to Soujiro, who immediately resumed his smile with a blank look.

"May I present Shishio-sama," Chou announced.

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Aoshi waited in one of the many rooms in the complex. Finally, a man that looked akin to a snake came walking in.

"Hoji," Aoshi acknowledged.

"Shinomori, Shishio-sama thanks you for your cooperation. I believe you received your payment."

"I do not want the money. You know why I have come." Aoshi said his eyes narrowing.

"Ah, yes about that. Shishio-sama has decided that she will be retained a little longer until his plans for the Makimachi girl are complete," Hoji explained.

Aoshi stood to his full height, "That was not the agreement."

"Yes, but Shishio-sama does not wish for your interference. Come back tomorrow and you may discuss this with him."

Aoshi revealed no emotion as he calmly passed Hoji knowing there was nothing he could do at the moment, "Tomorrow then."

Aoshi made his way out of the building to his car. Aoshi was able to keep his cool facade in place the whole ride home. Getting out of his car, he looked in the back where all of the things Misao bought were. Grabbing it up he went inside his house throwing it all on the couch so he could get rid of it later. The box Misao had bought had his name written on it. Unable to stop himself he opened it up. Inside were two kodachis with his name written on the hilt of both. They were well crafted. She must have noticed his collection earlier.

"Misao…" Aoshi whispered.

Placing them back in the box he noticed an envelope addressed to him. He opened it taking out a personalized greeting card. The front was completely white with black lettering.

I have tons of friends

And am as happy as could be

But still, still I felt so lonely.

Aoshi opened it. Inside was a picture of the two of them from earlier that day. He read the rest.

That was until I met you

Here's a gift just to say thank you.

Misao signed her name underneath with a little heart. Aoshi stared at the card for a full minute before throwing it back on the couch going into his bathroom. Looking in the mirror he saw a blank emotionless face staring back at him.

"I don't care," Aoshi said softly repeating it to himself as his gazed dropped to the counter, where his hands clenched the sides turning white from the strength of his hold.

Aoshi released the counter and stalked out of the bathroom into his bedroom. Sprawling out on his bed his hand came into contact with soft material. Picking up the shirt Misao had forgotten from the other day he glared at it, but did not let it go.

"I don't care."

Sitting up he tightened his hold on the shirt in his hands. A fresh summery scent caught his attention. It smelled of Misao. Aoshi closed his eyes throwing the shirt across the room.

"I don't care."

^____________________________________________________________________________^

Told you I'm back! Wow! You guys are great! Thanks for all the congrats! Appreciate it lots. *Hugs all of her reviewers* I have lots of work to do before school tomorrow, so I'm going to have to save the individual thanks for another day! But I would still like to thank you all: Lan Night, Fabi-chan, Shunu no Miko, Jason M. Lee, Vesca, dewey, Suzuki Rei, chibi-ken14, chibi-hime, hosi-ni-onegai, Leigh, Phoe-chan, Jim, Atralkitten, Koizumi Tsukiyo, Yuki Arashi, Mango, Kokoro Kakera HP, aku-chan, Omochi, kame Hime, Lina, Angel of Ruins, me me me and only me, chitchat, marstanuki, Apple, Chiki, moonblossom, Kriska, Onna Oji, Shizuka, and tesuka-chan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Motivate me some more!!!!!!!

Kyaa Kyaff wishing everyone the best in the new year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!