Kyaa Kyaff here once again!
Disclaimer: Soujiro & co doesn't belong to me.
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'…' Kaoru thoughts
*…* Kenshin thoughts
"…" Dialogue
Hmmm… there's a little lime in this chapter…so you have been warned. I'll just say this chapter is going to be r.
Fragile Balance
Chapter 14: Death, Despair, and Desire
Kenshin came closer his every step radiating fury.
He slowly looked up with burning amber eyes, "Release her now."
Enishi began to laugh as Kaoru struggled to get away from him, "You may have beat me the first time Battousai, but this time it's different."
"I said release her now," Kenshin demanded in a venomous voice.
"Step any closer and I'll hurt her. You know I will. I would do anything to have her, to keep her from you," Enishi said tightening his grip on her hair.
Enishi started to back up to the house his hand releasing Kaoru hair and wrapping around her waist. She had to do something. Kenshin had stayed back analyzing Enishi. His eyes were like the night he had come back and practically attacked her. Kaoru felt a chill crawl up her spine looking into those eyes. She stopped her struggling causing Enishi to subconsciously loosen his hold slightly. That was what she needed. Twisting around she brought her elbow back as hard as she could. She had been prepared for him not to let go, but she had stunned him. Slamming her foot on his she grabbed his hand going for his thumb and yanking it back. He could not keep his grip. Kenshin was there in a second slamming Enishi across the face, and catching Kaoru in his arms as she slipped and almost fell. After securing her balance he released her, pushing her behind him.
"Take care of your friend," Kenshin ordered.
"Kenshin…" Kaoru whispered softly.
A woman's scream cut through the air stopping Kaoru in mid-step. It sounded like Megumi. Kenshin had already disappeared inside after Enishi. Kaoru resisted the urge to follow, instead running to the car. She searched real quick for Kenshin's cell phone before flipping it open and dialing 911. She frantically told the operator what was happening and the address. The person assured her help was on the way. Throwing the phone back she ran over to Sano checking his wounds. She couldn't do anything at the moment. Kaoru feared if she tried something she would only make it worse.
Kaoru looked up sharply as she heard another shout. Jumping up she ran inside. Enishi was holding Megumi, as a shield while Kenshin stood there weaponless as well.
"You hide behind a woman Enishi. I thought you said it was different this time. Is this what you meant?" Kenshin taunted.
"I just want Kaoru," Enishi said his eyes lighting on her as she walked in.
"Megumi!" Kaoru cried out.
'Sano must have been trying to save her. It's my fault they're involved.'
"Where's Sano…is he…" Megumi started.
"Shut up!" Enishi said giving her a shake.
"I've called the police Enishi. Just give up," Kaoru spoke softly.
"No! No, I won't give up! Kaoru just come with me. I love you. I just want to be with you," Enishi pleaded.
"No, Enishi. No more. Stop, that's enough," Kaoru said sadly.
"NO!" Enishi cried throwing Megumi to the side.
Kenshin instantly came forward. Enishi reached back for his sword, stopping Kenshin short.
"I'll kill you! I'll kill you! You took her away from me! You took her away! It's your fault!" Enishi began yelling as he slashed at Kenshin.
Kenshin dodged to the side. He needed his sword, but it was in the car. He would have to get the sword out of Enishi's hands. Kenshin spotted an old broom and grabbed it. Enishi began to laugh; Kenshin just smiled knowing Enishi felt he had the advantage. Kaoru took the chance to run over to Megumi, whose hands were still tied.
She glanced over her shoulder to see Kenshin with a broom in his hand dodging this way and that never using it. She understood what he must be doing. He was waiting for an opening on Enishi so he could get the sword away.
"Sano, where is he?" Megumi asked as she sat up her hands now free.
"He's outside. I've called 911. They'll be here soon."
Kaoru could see the dry tears staining Megumi's face and felt an overwhelming guilt.
"Are you okay?" Kaoru asked.
"I'm fine."
Megumi's eyes widened causing Kaoru to turn. Kenshin struck Enishi sharply in the face with the broom, swinging down from there hitting his hands hard. The sword began to fall from Enishi's hands, but before it could touch the ground Kenshin grabbed it stabbing up quickly with speed never before demonstrated. Enishi's eyes widened in surprise as Kenshin shoved the sword deeper. Enishi grunted in pain. Kaoru watched with wide eyes her heart beating widely.
"So you win," Enishi stuttered out quietly, "You've killed me, my sister, and her father. How many others?"
At his words Kenshin viciously twisted the sword to the side. Enishi gripped Kenshin's shoulders to keep himself from falling as his knees began to give out.
"You will kill her too. You know it," Enishi started before Kenshin ripped the sword free shoving Enishi away.
Enishi fell to the ground his eyes beginning to glaze. Kaoru got on unsteady feet walking over to the two. Reaching a hand up she felt tears falling.
'Why am I crying?'
"I would have kept her safe. Loved her, but you…you will kill her."
Kenshin glared down at the man, "Die already."
Kaoru took step after step unable to stop herself. She dropped down beside Enishi much to Kenshin's displeasure. Kaoru didn't understand why she felt so sad. Maybe it was because even though she hated everything he had done, she truly did not hate him. She had not wanted him to die. Flashes of when they first met crossed her mind. She would be free of him now, but this wasn't how she wanted it. Not like this.
Enishi looked over to her, "You're crying…for me?"
Kaoru didn't reply. Enishi reached his hand up weakly touching her cheek.
"I knew you cared. I knew you loved me," Enishi breathed out
His hand slowly slipped from her face to land limply on her lap. Kaoru stared down at it as her tears dripped silently down. Megumi crept up behind her placing her hands on Kaoru's shoulders reassuringly. Kaoru placed her hand over Enishi's open eyes closing them. He was smiling broadly. The sound of sirens was heard in the distance. Kaoru didn't hear them though, she felt numb.
Kenshin suddenly grabbed her wrist painfully tight dragging her up. Megumi gave a surprised cry getting up quickly as well. Kenshin pointed Enishi's sword at Megumi keeping her back.
"Stay back."
Kaoru looked at Kenshin with shock, "What are you doing?"
"We need to leave here now," Kenshin replied calmly.
Kenshin dropped the sword to the floor scooping Kaoru into his arms. Dashing out before Megumi could even move, he shoved Kaoru into the car. Getting in the driver's side he took off as Megumi ran out of the house.
"Are you crazy!? What are you doing? Stop this car! Kenshin!"
"Be quiet Kaoru. We are going home. I don't want to hear a word from you," he said in the same threatening voice.
Kaoru watched him scared by his attitude and unsure what to do. So she brought her knees up hugging them as she watched the houses whip by.
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Megumi watched as the car took off. She didn't know what to think. She heard a groan from the side and finally noticed Sano lying there in a widening pool of blood now saturating the ground.
"No!" Megumi cried running over to Sano.
The ambulance pulled up at the same time as Megumi reached him. The paramedics jumped out with their equipment. Everything went by for Megumi in a dream state. She felt someone pull her away and begin to speak to her. She didn't hear them though. All she could do was watch as the paramedics set to work on Sano. Her vision started to fade before everything turned black.
"Will she be alright?" Megumi vaguely heard.
"Yes, we ran some quick tests. She wasn't harmed. Her friend however…"
"Sano, where's Sano," Megumi asked starting to regain all her senses.
The face of one of Megumi's friends from medical school hovered over her, "He's being operated on right now."
"I have to finish my rounds. I'll be back," the doctor said leaving.
Megumi sat up rapidly causing herself to get dizzy.
"Megumi-san!"
Megumi put a hand to her head, "Why am I here?"
"You fainted. They ran some tests to see if you had been hurt."
"I have to see Sano," Megumi said swinging her feet off the bed.
"Megumi-san please. You must wait. He's been badly hurt."
"Yuriko, I have to see him," Megumi stated.
Yuriko sighed, "Fine."
Megumi knew this hospital, it was the on she went to for her training. Yuriko was one of her friends in the same medical class. Megumi tried to remain calm as she followed Yuriko down the hall. Yuriko stopped before a window, looking uncertainly back at Megumi. Megumi took and deep breath before looking through the window as the doctor worked hard to save Sano. Yuriko held Megumi comfortingly as she continued to watch on.
"Baka…" Megumi said softly, "Why did you come?"
Megumi started as the doctor suddenly looked up as the monitor went flat. The nurses rushed about as the doctor tried to revive Sano. Megumi held her breath praying. A minute passed by feeling like an eternity to Megumi before the doctor shook his head looking at the clock. One of the nurses started to say something, but Megumi's knees had buckled beneath her already as she began to sob putting her hands to her face.
"No, this can't be happening! No, it's not true. No…" the last no came out as a strangled cry.
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"Uncle Aoshi, will she be okay?" Saori asked sitting in the front seat of Aoshi's car.
Aoshi had easily taken Saori. Without Seta Soujiro or Shishio Makoto in the way it had been easy. They weren't expecting it, and he got some satisfaction from knocking Hoji unconscious. Saori didn't know what was happening, but she trusted her uncle, so she went with him.
"She'll be fine."
"Where are we going?" Saori asked.
"Somewhere she'll be safe," Aoshi said tightening his grip on the steering wheel.
"Am I going there too?"
"You're coming with me," Aoshi replied.
"Yay!"
Aoshi looked in the rearview mirror ever once and awhile to look at the unconscious Misao. It would still be another three hours before he reached his destination. Saori started moving around in her seat not liking to be cooped up in a car so long. Aoshi had already been driving for an hour. Saori continued to squirm.
"Uncle Aoshi, I have to go to the bathroom!"
Aoshi frowned.
"Uncle Aoshi, I really have to go!" Saori insisted.
"Let me find a place," Aoshi replied.
Aoshi looked around, finally deciding to stop at a best looking gas station he had seen thus far. Turning into the parking space he looked back at Misao. He would have to leave her in here for a second. He didn't want Saori going in there on her own. Saori was out of the car in a second. Aoshi made sure to lock all the doors of the car before following.
Misao shifted in the back seat of the care not understanding where she was. Opening her eyes she looked around. She finally realized she was in a car. Her eyes opened wider. Sitting up painfully slow she looked around the familiar car. The smell of the car as well as the jacket that was thrown over her were all verifying the fact that this was Aoshi's car. She was confused as to why she was here. Last thing she remembered was seeing Aoshi, and then Soujiro's comforting words soothing her to sleep. Misao doubled over as she felt a stabbing pain lance through her chest. It became hard to breath. It took a few seconds for Misao to return her breathing to normal.
When she was able to straighten back up she saw a small girl's face peering through the window at her. This caused Misao to start causing more pain to race through her worn and weak body. The girl looked alarmed as Misao began to cough uncontrollably. The door was opened suddenly and she felt a large warm hand on her back rubbing it gently. Her coughing finally subsided and she looked into the concerned blue eyes of Shinomori Aoshi. The little girl was standing behind him watching with worry as well. Misao switched her gazes between the both noting the resemblance between the two. Aoshi stood up abruptly realizing he had been staring.
"Are you okay now?"
Misao nodded slowly. Aoshi closed the door walking to the driver's side. The little girl jumped in the passenger's side.
"You sure you're okay?" the girl asked seeing Misao wince in pain.
Misao nodded.
"Are you thirsty?" the girl said holding out her drink.
Misao eyed the bottle of water, realizing how dry her mouth was. Misao nodded again taking the bottle in her hand. Aoshi started the car not saying anything. Misao tried to open the bottle but her shaky hands wouldn't cooperate.
"Here I'll open it for you!"
Misao handed the bottle back. In a second the girl had it open, and Misao was taking a wonderful relieving drink.
"My name is Shishio Saori! What's yours?"
Misao's eyebrows rose in surprise. Shishio Saori…could she be…his daughter, but she looked like Aoshi. The girl tilted her head to the side with a questioning gaze at Misao's look.
"Makimachi Misao."
The girl turned completely around in her seat holding her hand out to shake Misao's. Misao reached out and Saori gingerly took her hand.
"I like you!" Saori declared.
Misao smiled.
"Saori, sit down properly and put your seatbelt on," Aoshi spoke up crossly.
"Uncle Aoshi! I'm trying to talk to Misao-chan!"
Misao noted the fact she had used uncle, so they were related. Misao was missing something though.
"Saori…"
"Yes…yes…" Saori said sitting back down and putting her seatbelt on.
Misao began to feel sleepy again, having strained her already stressed body. Lying back against the seat she pulled Aoshi's jacket closer inhaling his scent. She didn't understand Aoshi at all. Was he taking her somewhere else for Shishio, or did he save her? No, he had betrayed her. He didn't care for her. Misao's grip tightened as she remembered his warm comforting hand and concerned eyes. Misao felt tears began to form. No, she wouldn't let Aoshi get her guard down. Misao was a fool once, but she refused to be fooled twice. She drifted off into a troubled sleep.
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Kenshin parked the car in the driveway coming over to Kaoru's side when she did not come out. Opening the door he grabbed her upper arm 'helping' her out of the car. Slamming it shut he dragged her all the way inside.
"Kenshin! Stop it!"
Kenshin didn't let her go as he slammed the front door shut. Instead he pushed her up against the wall and started to kiss her. It was a demanding kiss that Kaoru tried to avoid but couldn't as he held her chin with his hand. His other hand ran along the side of her body as he slowly trailed away from her lips and began nipping her neck lightly. Kaoru was beginning to forget her fear as he nibbled on her ear. Kenshin took her hands in his as she moved them holding them in a firm grip.
"Kenshin…"
Kenshin captured her lips with his silencing her.
He pulled slightly away from her his lips just barely touching hers, "Shh…don't speak."
Kenshin then tugged her away from the wall still holding her close. He pulled her over to the couch pushing her down. Before she could utter another word of protest he was kissing her again. Kaoru brought her hands up trying to stop him for a second as she was bombarded with many emotions. Kenshin smiled dangerously taking her hands in his and pinning them above her head.
"Ken…" Kaoru started but was cut off again.
Kenshin straddled her hips leaning over again holding both her hands in one of his. She did not fight his hold though. She didn't want to anymore. Triumph gleamed in his eyes as he began nuzzling her neck. He let go off her suddenly grabbing the end of his shirt and swiftly pulling it over his head throwing it to the floor. Kaoru's eyes widened as she watched him. His hands slowly slid up her stomach, one hand going behind to lift her up so he could get the shirt off. Kaoru easily complied gazing at his amber eyes in fascination. He was being gentle yet demanding, fierce but tender sending Kaoru reeling with emotion. He slowly let he lay back down following her. His bare skin against hers felt so good.
Kenshin started kissing her lips but slowly slid down to her stomach. Kaoru shivered as his hands traveled along her body as he was biting her side gently. He then began kissing her making a path slowly to her bellybutton. Once he reached it she giggled slightly at the tickling sensation. He stopped and went to the side of the couch so he could unbutton Kaoru's shorts sliding them down and off of her. Kaoru held her breath as he tossed them on the floor and ran his hands along her legs. Kenshin smiled again standing up and unbuckling his own pants. He kicked them off only in a pair of boxers now. Kaoru just stared him unable to say or do anything anymore. His red hair spilled around him his eyes the strange amber color. His lean but muscular body captured Kaoru's gaze. Kenshin smiled seeing the longing in her eyes... seeing exactly what he wanted to see. She was too caught up in the moment of what was happening, forgetting everything else. She remembered when she had accidentally seen him naked in the bathroom her mouth going dry.
Coming back onto the couch and laying beside her he moved onto his back pulling Kaoru on top of him. Kaoru easily felt herself melt against him as he held her in his arms. She gave into the feeling she was having and began to kiss him back just as ardently as he kissed her. Both their faces were red as she let her hand explore him as his did hers. She wasn't shy whatsoever making Kenshin desire her even more. Kaoru was far from inexperienced, and she no longer wanted to stop this. She didn't care what happened after. Kenshin grabbed her face pulling her in for another passionate kiss.
Kenshin gazed at he with possessive eyes, "You will be completely mine now."
Kaoru stopped short at the tone in his words and the words themselves. It was like having a bucket of cold ice thrown on her. He noticed her abrupt change of manner, and circled his arms around her waist to prevent her from getting up.
"Let go off me," Kaoru cried out hitting him without much strength due to the awkward position.
Kenshin tried to stop her, but all she kept seeing was a vision of Enishi saying she was his in the same tone Kenshin had used. She was hit with another thought. Enishi was dead, and Kenshin was acting just like him.
'Why is this happening?'
"Kenshin…please…please let go," Kaoru pleaded in a broken voice stopping her struggling.
Kenshin's eyes widened as he felt a something wet drop on his face. Kaoru was crying, and it was his fault.
*What have I done? *
Kenshin released her abruptly. Kaoru stayed there a few seconds longer before getting up trying to hide her tears from Kenshin.
"Gomen…" Kaoru said softly as she went to pick up her shirt, trying to discreetly wipe away her tears.
"No, sessha is the one who should say sorry," Kenshin said standing up and coming over to Kaoru.
He rested his hands on her shoulders, "Sessha wants you to leave here Kaoru-dono. Enishi is no longer a threat, sessha is."
Kaoru had been watching the ground, at his last statement her head snapped up. It was the violet-eyed Kenshin she knew. His words troubled her. She couldn't just leave, could she? Hugging her shirt to her chest she looked down again.
"I'm not leaving," Kaoru stated.
"Kaoru-dono. You can't stay here."
Kaoru looked up at Kenshin, "I'm not leaving. Kenshin…I love you and I'm going to help you in anyway I can. No matter what happens."
"Kaoru-dono please…" Kenshin stopped short realizing what she had just said.
Kaoru gazed at him with determined eyes her jaw set, daring him to tell her to leave again, daring him to say he didn't care for her.
"Kaoru…"
Kenshin brought his arms around her. Not in the demanding way he had before, but gently as if he needed her support, letting her know she could pull away at any second.
"Kaoru-dono…sessha is scared, because…sessha loves you as well. But it…"
"Kenshin, don't worry. I'm a strong girl. I'm not scared anymore. I will protect you," Kaoru interrupted snuggling closer to him.
*But who will protect you? *
The front door opened and Akemi came walking in.
"Kenshin are you home?!…Katsura said you never…" Akemi trailed off as she saw the two hugging and practically naked only in their underwear with their clothes on the floor around them.
Kaoru turned red and jumped behind Kenshin. Kenshin's face was equally red as he held his hands up.
Akemi burning bright red herself stuttered something unrecognizable before running out the front door. Kaoru was relieved when she left. She had almost expected her to come stomping over and yell at Kaoru before grabbing Kenshin and dragging him away. Apparently Akemi didn't know what to do with this situation.
"I…umm…better get dressed," Kaoru said picking her shorts up.
"I better get Akemi-chan," Kenshin added pulling his pants on.
Kaoru watched as Kenshin ran out the door calling Akemi's name. Kaoru sighed making her way up the stairs to her room. She was going to take a long hot shower and avoid Akemi for as long as possible.
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Hiya!!! Hope you liked the chapter! Tell me what you thought!!!!!!!!!! Just in case anyone was wondering Kaoru is worried about Sano and all that…just the situation at hand made her kinda lose track…
Thanks to Jason M. Lee, Mistress of All Worlds, Gypsy-chan, chibicherry, tigerlilly, aku-chan, gracianeko, me me me and only me, marstanuki, tiggergirl, Fabi-chan, Chiki, stillbornangel, Kriska, Shunu no Miko, Phoe-chan, Kamimura Kaoru (hope you enjoyed ^_~), princezz kaoru, KitKat, chibi-ken14, Lina, Onna Oji, Vesca, EK, Misanagi, chitchat, Sujakata, Alannah, meow-chan, Aelinwen Elentari, Jim, Omochi, UnearthlyEmperor, and Apple for your wonderful and encouraging reviews.
Hope to hear from you again!
Kyaa Kyaff saying love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
