Kyaa Kyaff here!

Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin does not belong to me!

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

Fragile Balance

Chapter 17: Water games

Kaoru watched as Kenshin gave Akemi a small hug. She smiled at something he said and shook her head. Kenshin said one more thing before walking over to the car Kaoru was in. Opening the driver's door he paused.

"I'll see you later, Akemi-chan."

With a weak smile she waved goodbye to him as he got into the car noting the fact that he had dropped the sessha that she found so irritating. Kaoru gazed at Akemi as they pulled out of the driveway and onto the road. After she couldn't see her anymore she directed her eyes to the front. An uneasy silence followed as Kenshin concentrated on the darkened road.

"Sessha hopes Akemi-chan wasn't rude to you. She said you two talked."

"No, she wasn't," Kaoru reassured picking at an invisible spot on her jeans.

Another stretch of silence followed Kaoru's words. Looking out the window she watched the buildings pass by. It was going to be a long ride.

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Misao woke up with a groan. Sun was shining into her eyes making her shut them tightly. She turned over carefully before opening her eyes again. She noted with a bit of relief that she could open her other eye fully now. It was no longer swollen shut. Her bandaged wrists caught her attention, and she grimaced. She could probably take the bandages off now. Sitting up she looked around the room that was now hers. Jiya had taken her home last night after having her wounds treated. Tired and weary she had fallen asleep literally the moment her head hit the pillow. Sighing she decided she wanted to take a nice long hot bath.

Standing up she smoothed down her shirt. She hadn't even bothered to change last night. Putting her hands in her pockets she came into contact with a small folded paper. Pulling it out she frowned reading her name on the paper. Hesitantly she opened it up and began to read.

Misao,

Gomen nasai. I won't ask for your forgiveness. It's my fault you were hurt so badly. I should have known what they would do. I did know. I wanted you to understand though; that the time we spent together was not fake. I did enjoy being with you. My smile was real and just for you. It's so much easier to tell you this now in a letter. I am a coward, I suppose. Do not worry; I will never bother you again. I hope you continue to be the cheerful and wonderful person I came to love, but you aren't one to give up, so I'm sure you will be fine. You are safe now. Please take care.

Aoshi

Misao held the letter in her trembling hands reading the one line over again.

I hope you continue to be the cheerful and wonderful person I came to love…

Love…Misao shook her head folding the letter neatly fighting the urge to crumple it up or tear it to pieces. Her emotions were running free and it was overwhelming her. Misao closed her eyes as she fought for control. It would have been better if she had never read this note. She could have gone on with her life and pushed the memory of Aoshi away. Misao's eyes slowly opened as she put the note back in her pocket. She knew now that she couldn't do that. Every part of her yearned to find him and see it in his eyes, to hear it from his lips. She knew that once she recovered she would venture out to find Shinomori Aoshi, no matter what.

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"Aw come on Megitsune. I can lie down all day in my own room. I can't stand being here," Sano complained as he shifted uncomfortably in the hospital bed, grimacing in pain.

"Sano! You haven't even been here two full days yet! You can't just get up and leave! Do you want to make your injuries worse!?" Megumi asked becoming frustrated.

"I'll be fine."

"No," Megumi stated plainly, "The doctor won't even consider releasing you until a couple days have passed, and he is sure you are stable."

"Meg…" Sano started but was stopped as she placed a finger over his mouth.

Leaning forward she gave him a soft kiss, "I have to go, but I'll be back."

Sano caught her hand as she went to stand pulling her into another more satisfying kiss then the peck she had just given him.

"Megumi-san…oh! Gomen!" Yuriko exclaimed backing out the door.

Megumi chuckled at her friend's hurried retreat.

"I'll be back later this afternoon. Try not to get into any trouble."

"Me? Trouble?" Sano asked incredulously.

Megumi shook her head as she headed out the door, where a flustered looking Yuriko was waiting. She knew Sano would probably be dead asleep when she returned. He was hurt badly and had expending all his energy in that one conversation. He had incredible stamina though that kept him going. He would be back to normal in no time.

"Was there something you needed Yuriko?"

"Um…just to tell you this man was looking for you. His name was…Kanryu Soetsu," Yuriko said.

"What was that name?" Megumi asked breathless.

"…Kanryu Soetsu. Is something the matter, Megumi-san?" Yuriko asked concerned.

"No, no I'm fine. Is…is he still here?"

"He said he'd wait outside for you, when I said you were inside" Yuriko said wondering what was wrong.

"Thank you. I guess I should be going then."

"Are you sure everything is fine?" Yuriko asked.

"Yes."

Megumi felt a swirl off emotions race through her at the mention of that name. As she made her way outside she calmed herself. She wouldn't appear anything but nonchalant. Taking the first few steps from the hospital doors she saw him leaning against a wall. Her breath hitched in her throat as she saw he hadn't changed much over the years. If anything he had become even more handsome. He had the same brown hair gathered into a short little ponytail. He was tall and slim, but it was easy to see his strength. She could see the similarities between his brother Takeda, but Takeda had always reminded her of a rat. Soetsu definitely was far from that. Realizing she was standing there staring at him, she began to walk by as if she didn't care he was there.

"Mi-chan," he called in a soft voice.

Megumi stopped in her tracks at the familiar nickname. Taking a deep breath she turned her face neutral. Soetsu gave her his lopsided grin reminding her of Sano. With long graceful strides he came up beside her. Megumi took a small step back as he neared.

"Mi-chan, it's good to see you again," Soetsu purred out softly gazing into Megumi's eyes and reaching his hand out to hook a piece of hair behind her ear.

At the contact she jerked back.

"You are as beautiful as ever."

"What do you want?" Megumi demanded.

"What's with the tone? I'm hurt. I was in town, and I thought I'd look you up. It's been awhile."

"So nice of you. I'm so honored," Megumi retorted sarcastically.

It only made Soetsu smile wider, "I see you haven't lost that sharp tongue of yours."

Megumi frowned at his words, as her heart continued to beat rapidly, "Was there anything else because if there isn't I'll be going now."

Soetsu lifted his hand brushing his thumb across her bottom lip catching her by surprise. Again she took a step back her face flushing.

"Mi-chan we were good together. I never met a woman like you."

"That was before you abandoned me to your brother and left with…whatever her name was," Megumi stated her anger flaring.

Soetsu looked unperturbed, "I was younger then. I didn't realize what I had 'til I gave it up, and I didn't know Takeda would treat you like that after I left. I would never have left if I knew what he was planning."

Megumi turned away from him and started for her car. She didn't want to hear anymore. He followed her.

"Leave me alone."

"Come on give me a chance baby. You always gave me a second chance," Soetsu said smoothly.

Megumi pulled her keys out as she reached her car. She fumbled with them looking for the key to unlock the door.

"No more second chances. It doesn't matter anyway. I am happily engaged to a wonderful guy."

Soetsu put a hand on her shoulder spinning her around before pressing her up against the car. One hand tangled in the hair at the back of her head as the other held the hand Megumi had tried to smack him with when he pulled her around. Megumi felt a small thrill run through her body as he held her. He always had that effect on her, but this time it wasn't going to work.

"Let go of me," Megumi ground out.

Soetsu pressed his body against hers even more holding her intimately close, "No, I don't think so, sweetie. Wonderful guy, hm. Then I will just have to make you see I am better, won't I?"

With that he gently tightened his grip on Megumi's hair forcing her head back so he could give her a passionate kiss. Megumi fought against the warm feeling in the pit of her stomach that made her want to melt into his arms. He always had the power to daze her like this. With a satisfied smile he backed up.

Brushing a hand along her cheek he sighed, "I will leave you with that thought. See you later Mi-chan."

Megumi put a hand to her lips as he walked away. She waited until she could no longer see him before snapping back to reality. Leaning down she picked up the keys that had slipped unknowing from her hands. As she opened her car door and slid in Megumi shuddered with self-loathing. She always felt so weak when Soetsu was around. She was disgusted with herself. She should have shoved him away. Told him to go to hell. Anything would have been better then staring at him with shocked eyes, as he was the one to pull back from the kiss. Hitting her steering wheel she leaned her head on her arm.

"I hate him! I hate him so much!"

Megumi forced herself to straighten her left hand resting on the steering wheel as she put the key in the ignition. The morning rays of the sun caught and reflected her engagement ring drawing her attention to it. She turned her hand this way and that to send it sparkling. A feeling of warmth suffused her as she looked at the ring. She loved Sano so much. He had never hurt her, was always there to help, and was everything she had ever wanted. Turning her car on she cast a wistful look at the hospital. Megumi's mood lightened as she thought of Sano.

"I'll make that arrogant bastard see…he's nothing to me now," Megumi smiled at her words, "The only person I want is you, Sano."

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Kaoru snuggled closer to the person beside her loving the hint of sandalwood on him as she took a deep breath. Opening her eyes she saw Kenshin fast asleep. After reaching the place in the middle of the night, Kenshin had took a few of their things inside. After changing Kaoru realized two things, there was only one bed and no running water, unless you counted the pump she had seen outside. Kenshin had insisted she take the bed, but Kaoru wasn't going to put up with that. It was a very big bed, and she wasn't going to confine him to the ground. To tired to argue with her he had fallen asleep quickly giving Kaoru another chance to see him as he slept. She felt a little honored that he trusted her enough to fall asleep around her.

Getting up as silently as possible after enjoying a few more seconds of being near him, she went over to her bag to grab some clothes. She decided to go exploring. Kenshin had told there was a river with a waterfall nearby. Going for a swim sounded very good at the moment. Kaoru heard Kenshin shift around and glanced over trying her best not to drool at the sight.

He was sitting up with a hand to his face rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Directly to his side was a window allowing the sun to shine in highlighting his red hair. He was only wearing a pair of sleep pants, and his hair was free from the usual ponytail. He looked absolutely gorgeous all tousled and sleepy. Looking over he smiled.

"What are you up to, Kaoru-dono?" he asked noticing the bathing suit and towel in her hand.

"I was thinking of taking a swim," Kaoru announced.

Kenshin stood up and stretched as Kaoru watched with pleasure.

"That sounds good. Mind if sessha joins you?"

"No," Kaoru replied.

Once both of them had changed, Kaoru now wearing her bathing suit and a pair of shorts, Kenshin just wearing black swim trunks, they set out. He showed her the way, and she had to stop at the sight before her. It was magnificent. They were at the edge of a small cliff by the waterfall. Small droplets of fine mist fell on her as she stepped closer. Kaoru had never seen a waterfall before. As she did she glanced down, and even though it wasn't a long drop it was still too high for her. She quickly backed up, but Kenshin was right behind her. His arm went around her waist holding her firmly to him. Her fear lessened a little.

"What's the matter?"

"I'm just a little scared of heights," Kaoru replied nervously.

She heard him chuckle softly as his other hand trailed around her waist. Kaoru took in the feeling, the awkwardness of the other day completely gone.

"Then you really won't like it when I do this," Kenshin said in his voice filled with humor dropping the sessha.

Lifting her up he moved to the edge as her eyes widened and she struggled, "Kenshin!!!"

She was cut off as he jumped. Her heart flew into her throat, and all she could do was close her eyes and take a deep breath. She was immediately surrounded by water. Kenshin released her, and she swam back up to the surface. She came up wide-eyed and sputtering. Kenshin appeared next to her with a wide smile.

"That was NOT funny!" Kaoru exclaimed splashing water in his face and swimming for shallower waters where she could stand and calm her racing heart.

"Baka," Kaoru muttered as she reached shoulder level water.

Kenshin came swimming up behind her, "I figured it would be easier just to jump in, instead of walking all the way down."

"What are you doing!?" Kaoru exclaimed suddenly.

"Getting these shorts off, unless you plan on swimming in them."

Kaoru didn't answer as she felt him run his hands along her stomach looking for the button of her shorts. He undid it before beginning to ease them off.

"Lean back against me," Kenshin ordered.

Kaoru didn't think to protest as she leaned back her legs floating up. Her heart pounded as his hands trailed along her legs before freeing her of her shorts. Ringing as much water from them as he could, he drew his arm back before throwing them toward the shore. They fell with a plop to the ground a little distance away.

Kaoru suddenly fell back into the water as Kenshin moved away. Righting herself she looked back. Kenshin was swimming toward the waterfall.

"Where are you going?"

"Follow me and see," Kenshin replied.

Kaoru frowned as he disappeared. Once she reached the waterfall she felt a small tug on her leg causing her to yelp. Kenshin came out of the water grinning. Kaoru glared at him.

"This way."

Kaoru followed him to the side of the waterfall. There was much to her surprise a small alcove behind it. Holding out his hand he pulled Kaoru up.

"I used to come here a lot, when Akemi and I lived here. It was a good way to get away from everything."

Kaoru looked around her heart warming, "Now I know where to find you if you try and hide from me."

Kenshin walked up to her pulling her into a strong hug, "I won't hide from you."

Kaoru wrapped her arms around his waist, feeling the wet hair plastered to his back. Tilting her head back he began to kiss her his hands running along her back. She was so caught up in the moment she wasn't paying attention to what his hands were doing until it was too late. Stepping back Kenshin held Kaoru's bathing suit top in his hands. Kaoru gave an indignant squeak one hand trying to cover her chest as the other made a swipe for her top.

"Kenshin!"

"Yes?" Kenshin asked.

"Give me back my top!"

"This?" he asked dangling it in front of her.

"Yes!" she said her eyes blazing.

'He's acting differently, and his eyes, they aren't amber, but they're not violet either. Maybe it's this place. Maybe Kenshin feels more at ease here. Baka! I can't believe I didn't notice what he was doing!'

"I guess you'll have to catch me then," Kenshin replied leaping through the waterfall into the water.

Kaoru jumped into the water right after him, not through the waterfall like him though. He was a foot ahead of her going for the shore. She would be damned if she let him reach it. Kicking her legs furiously to catch up to him she latched onto his arm. Kenshin took the opportunity to twist her around so her back was cradled against his chest.

"Can I have my top back now?" Kaoru asked embarrassed.

"Not yet."

Kenshin with Kaoru in his arms swam closer to the shore so he could stand with the water up to his chest. Like her shorts he drew back his arm and threw it next to the shore before returning his attention back to Kaoru. A small smile formed on his face.

"What…what are you doing?" Kaoru stuttered out.

"Hm…nothing," Kenshin replied as his hands traveled along her body.

He kissed the side of her neck with slow delight as she leaned unconsciously into it. He felt her relax against him as he leisurely trailed his fingers toward her belly button, the other hand teasingly brushing past her breast. He caught and nibbled on her ear. Kaoru closed her eyes with a soft sigh forgetting her shyness. She started as his hand slid further down.

"Ken…Kenshin," Kaoru started a little alarmed.

"Yes?" he asked innocently.

"Oh, mmm. Never…never mind."

Kenshin smiled, pleased.

"No one is here to interrupt us this time," Kenshin whispered softly into her ear.

"That's good," Kaoru said distractedly tilting her head back against his shoulder and closing her eyes.

Nibbling her shoulder he brought both hands up to turn her around. She made a soft disappointed noise as he did so. Cupping her face in his hands he gave her a tender kiss. Kenshin trailed his hands down her arms as he watched her. Kaoru smiled before unexpectedly grabbing his shoulders and dunking him under the water making an escape for the shore.

Kenshin resurfaced a second later, "Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm going to get my top back!"

"Oh no you don't," Kenshin replied as he saw her stick her tongue out at him.

Being faster then her he easily caught up and snagged one arm around her waist before pressing her against the side of the small cliff. Waist deep in water Kaoru shivered at the cold contact of the rock. Kenshin's warm body against hers made her forget the idea of getting her bathing suit top back. She loved the feel of his skin against hers.

"Kaoru…" Kenshin said in a sigh.

She rested her head on his shoulder bringing her arms around him. His hand went to the top of her head slowly following her hair down her back. They held each other like that for a few moments of peaceful silence and contentment.

"I love you, Kaoru."

"I love you too," Kaoru replied.

"Now where was I before you rudely interrupted me by running away?" Kenshin asked releasing her and tapping her nose playfully.

Kaoru smirked as she grabbed his neck and pulled him into a demanding kiss, the other hand wandering down his backside. Kenshin decided this was a very good answer, and let his own hands explore her just as freely intensifying the kiss even more. Just as Kenshin decided to take it a little further a voice rang out across the water.

"Oh. Sorry to interrupt. Go ahead and finish. I'll be waiting in the cabin."

Both froze for a few seconds before Kaoru flushed bright red and with amazing speed submerged herself in the water all the way up to her chin with a mortified look in her eyes. Kenshin growled as he saw an amused look flash across Hiko's face. Hiko stood at the shore for a moment longer before turning his back to them and making his way back up the trail.

"So much for not being interrupted," Kenshin muttered in anger the mood between the two broken.

Kenshin watched until he was sure Hiko had left. Turning around he smiled at the still submerged Kaoru. Going over he lifted her chin up out of the water to give her a small kiss.

"Come on. We should really hurry and get back. Who knows what Shishou is doing?"

Kaoru nodded her shyness coming back as she tried to cover herself again. They waded to the shore both silent. Once they reached it Kaoru leaned down and grabbed her shorts and bathing suit top. Turning her back to him she put it back on before shaking her shorts free of any dirt and sliding them back on. She looked over at him and gave him an embarrassed smile.

Kenshin smoothed back her hair before resting his hands on her shoulders, "Don't let him bother you. He lives to embarrass me, so whatever he might say please don't listen."

Kaoru brushed back wet strands of hair that hung in Kenshin's face, "Don't worry about it."

"I could kill him," Kenshin said his eyes narrowing.

Kaoru held back her laughter, "Maybe we can pick up where we left off later tonight."

Kenshin's eyebrow raised at the suggestion before he took her hand in his and started up the trail to the cabin.

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Akemi closed the door behind her. She didn't have to work today, but she didn't want to be cooped up in the house either. She couldn't stand the silence. The walls seem to close in on her, so with a sigh of relief she looked at the sky. It was something that always made her feel a little easier, fresh air and the ability to feel the warmth of the sun. She had been denied everything even this small pleasure, when she was younger. With a frown Akemi pushed such memories to the back of her mind to be locked away.

Akemi liked to go for walks and always did so when Kenshin wasn't around. The only way she could really stand being in the house was knowing he was there. She shook her head.

"How pathetic I am."

With a careless shrug she took in all the scenes around her. A smile graced her face as an elderly woman walked hand in hand with her husband. They looked adorable together as he squeezed her hand before giving it a kiss. Another younger couple was staring into each other's eyes as the man whispered soft words to the woman. Stepping out of the way of a group of girls, who were excitedly chatting away Akemi almost tripped. A pair of arms went around to steady her. Akemi froze at the contact before jerking back.

"Are you alright?"

Akemi rubbed her arms trying not to freak out, "I'm fine."

Her curt reply didn't effect the big smile on the boyish man's face. Akemi calmed herself. She didn't want to make a spectacle. Her heart was racing and her arms were tingling from his touch. She hated to be touched. She continued to rub her arms as if to erase the feel of it. She only allowed a select few near her, otherwise she couldn't stand it. It frightened her to no end. The physical touch of others scared her beyond belief. That was why she had completely moved out of the way of those girls. The thought of them even brushing past her sent chills up her spine. She really was screwed up after all.

With a sigh Akemi gave the person a tremulous smile, "Gomen. I didn't mean to sound so rude. I'm fine thank you."

"No need to apologize," the person replied without moving.

Akemi began to fidget a little. Usually she wasn't this bad, but memories of her childhood had been plaguing her mind making her more sensitive. Her system was feeling a little overwhelmed.

"Are you sure you are okay?" the man asked Akemi as she paled.

No. She wasn't alright, but she wouldn't say that. Shaking against her will, Akemi closed her eyes taking a deep gulp of air. Stop. She wanted it to stop, these memories and these sensations.

"Gomen. Gomen. I'm fine. I just need to…"

She couldn't finish her sentence. Akemi was in a near panic her chest constricting. She hadn't had such an attack in awhile. It had been years. She fought against it as best she could. It was a losing battle.

"Miss…?"

"I…I…" Akemi stuttered out before trying to take a couple of wavering steps away.

The man caught her by the elbow as she almost fell. This caused her to panic even more, her breath becoming rapid, her eyes dilating. She tried to control the strong reaction, but it was too late. With a silent scream she collapsed completely caught by the baffled and concerned arms of the man she had been talking to, Soujiro.

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Misao patted her stomach content, "That was an excellent breakfast! My compliments to the chef."

Okina agreed with her as he finished his own meal. Misao was upbeat and cheerful despite her injuries that were causing her to wince every once and a while. Okina went to her side to help her up as she tried to stand.

"Hey Jiya," Misao started softly.

"Yes, Misao-chan?"

"Do you think we could talk privately?" Misao asked.

"Of course. I just have to take care of some business real quick then I'll be back."

Misao nodded, "Hurry back then."

After a few more words and making sure Misao was comfortable Okina left. Misao had decided that before she left she would find out what had happened to Aoshi and his sister. She remembered vaguely meeting them when she was younger. It was the last time she had been allowed to visit before her parents decided it would be best if she never went there again. Misao tried to recall the memory.

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Misao laughed running away from Hannya, who was in charge of watching her. Looking over her shoulder she didn't even notice the boy in front of her until it was too late. She landed on her butt with a painful thud.

"Itai!"

"Are you okay?" the boy asked standing over her.

With tears brimming in her eyes she stared. A thirteen-year old boy leaned over looking at her speculatively.

"Shinomori Aoshi! What did you do?"

Misao switched her gaze to a beautiful girl that came up behind Aoshi. She caught him by the neck in a chokehold, ruffling his hair.

"Nee-san!" Aoshi exclaimed trying to pull free.

"Are you okay? This baka didn't hurt you, did he?" the girl asked.

Misao shook her head fascinated, "I ran into him."

Aoshi pushed away from his sister with a frown. His sister held out a hand to Misao, who took it.

"There. Now apologize Aoshi-chan."

"Don't call me chan," Aoshi said angrily.

The girl just laughed.

"Niki-san! Aoshi-san! Where did you two go? It's time to go?"

Niki sighed, "It was nice meeting you."

Misao nodded her eyes wide as she watched the stunning girl tease her brother some more while they walked away her infectious laughter making Misao smile.

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Misao put a hand to her face. How come she didn't remember that before? Walking absently around she spotted Okina coming back into the house. She waited for him to come up to her.

"Now what is it you wanted to ask me?" he inquired leading her into the living room to sit down.

She took a seat, "I wanted to ask you about Aoshi…and his older sister. What happened to them?"

Okina froze at her words, "What do you mean?"

"Jiya, I need to know what happened. It's important."

Okina looked down, "I have done some regretful things, Misao-chan."

"Please tell me what happened."

"Aoshi has every right to despise me, because I made a deal with Shishio Makoto many years ago. He wanted Shinomori Niki, and in exchange he would leave the Aoiya and the Oniwabanshu alone. At the time we were in shambles, and I…"

Misao's eyes widened, "You didn't…"

Okina looked away sorrowfully. Misao couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"It was about eleven years ago…"

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Hiya! Hope you liked the chapter!!!

Thanks goes out to everyone who reviewed! You guys are great!!! I'm short on time so I'll have to leave it at that! Thanks Kamimura for giving me some ideas for the letter! Love talking to you!

Kyaa Kyaff saying til next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!