Kyaa Kyaff here once again!
Disclaimer: RK is not mine! *sigh*
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'…' Kaoru thoughts
*…* Kenshin thoughts
"…" Dialogue
------------ indicates flashback
Fragile Balance
Chapter 18: Past, Present, and Possibilities
"It was about eleven years ago…" Okina started.
Misao waited patiently for him to continue.
"The Oniwabanshu was in shambles from an earlier incident with Shishio Makoto. Shishio had been silently amassing power. In an attempt to stop him I ordered an attack. It was too late though. I don't know how he knew about Shinomori Niki, or how she was connected to us. I expected him to attack real soon and was making preparations for such an event," Okina sighed, "Instead he came with a deal. He wanted Niki. He wasn't burnt like he is now, but he was quite a fierce looking man. I refused the very idea at first. Niki was only sixteen. He was thirty."
Misao touched Okina's hand as he paused.
"I really didn't want to do it. She was a very beautiful and independent girl. In the end I gave her to him."
"But Jiya…" Misao started.
"Things are different in the real world Misao-chan. Many people live in an illusion of security. I handed her over against her will. Aoshi became quite angry. He even tried going there. Things settled down after awhile. Shishio kept his promise not to attack. The Oniwabanshu regrouped and became stronger. Shinomori took position as the leader. I made a mistake though, a terrible mistake. Three years had passed, and I felt we were strong enough to attack Shishio. I ordered it. Aoshi vehemently opposed the idea. He was afraid for Niki and thinking of her safety. Those two had always been close."
Okina stood walking over to the door.
"Aoshi refused to cooperate. Hannya and the other three agreed with him. They were fiercely loyal to him. I went ahead with the attack anyway. Aoshi went, but only to save his sister. It was too late though. During the attack the building Shishio was staying in caught on fire. Aoshi found Saori and got her out. I assume you know of whom I speak of," Misao nodded, "She was about two at the time, I believe. He couldn't find Niki though. Afterwards the men retreated, and Shishio's forces were greatly diminished. Shishio had just barely survived. He was badly burnt."
"That's why he's wrapped in all those bandages. Wait! What about Niki?" Misao asked.
"She died in the fire."
Misao couldn't speak for several seconds. She could see Okina's shoulders shaking.
"I sent her to the enemy then killed her with them. Aoshi has every right to hate me. I should never have sent her there. What was I thinking?"
Misao stood up and walked over to Okina, "Jiya, you did what you thought was best."
Okina put a hand to his face. Misao came over to stand in front of him.
"Please don't let it weigh your conscience. Mistakes are made. You did what you thought you had to. It's in the past now. All we can do is make up for it now," Misao said softly.
Okina smiled down at Misao's determined face, "Hannya is here? Would you like to go see him?"
"Are the others here too?" Misao asked her voice tinged with a trace of sorrow.
"They are out at the moment."
"Then I'll go see Hannya," Misao said.
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Akemi opened her eyes slowly. Her head was pounding, and she felt very tired. Her eyes snapped open as she looked at the unfamiliar ceiling and the unfamiliar room. She then realized she was lying in someone's bed. She controlled her breathing as she felt fear press down on her. The last thing she knew she had been outside and had bumped into that guy. She must have passed out. Was this his room? What kind of freak brought an unconscious girl to his house!? The hospital, maybe, but his house.
Akemi slowly sat up keeping her eyes on the closed door. She saw her purse sitting on the desk across the room and silently walked over to get it. She had to get out of here. Through the window was out of the question she realized as she looked out. She must be about five stories up. Akemi went over to the door her hand hovering over the knob. This was her only way out. Hesitantly she twisted the knob gradually open, so as not to make any sound. She peeked out and was met with a pair of blue eyes. With a cry she jumped back going defensive. The boyish man from earlier entered the room with the same big smile.
"You woke up. I'm glad. You had me worried," he said tilting his head to the side.
"What do you want? Why did you bring me here?" Akemi demanded.
"You fainted. I wasn't going to leave you on the sidewalk," he said matter-of-fact.
"You don't take a stranger to your house cause they fainted! I could have had some serious problems. Why didn't you take me to the hospital?"
He seemed to think about that before getting a sheepish grin on his face, "I didn't really think of that. I was worried, so I brought you here, because it was right around the corner."
Akemi put a hand to her face, "Baka."
"Are you feeling better then?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. What's your name anyway?" Akemi asked.
"Seta Soujiro. What is yours if you don't mind my asking?"
"Himura Akemi."
Akemi missed the slight widening of his eyes.
"I'm leaving now," Akemi announced.
"Are you sure you are alright?" Soujiro asked as she walked past him.
She almost jumped out of her skin as he went to touch her arm. Seeing her reaction he pulled back.
"Gomen. I appreciate your help," Akemi said softly.
"It was nothing."
Akemi walked to the front door of the apartment. Her hand stopped on the knob. For some odd reason she didn't want to leave with just that. She turned to see his smiling face again. Something about that smile attracted her.
"Maybe I'll see you around sometime," Akemi said.
"Maybe."
Akemi opened the door and left with a quick goodbye. She walked a couple of steps down the hallway and stopped. What was wrong with her? She had a strong urge to go back. After all she had freaked out on him and had been rude earlier. Before she knew it she was standing in front of his door again giving it a knock. He opened it with a surprised look. She flushed a little. She really needed to get a hold of herself.
"I was thinking…since you helped me and all…I could repay you with lunch…that is if you have nothing else to do…"
Soujiro's smile brightened, "I would like that Himura-san."
"You can call me Akemi."
"Alright then, Akemi-san."
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Kaoru had to suppress her laughter as Kenshin turned bright red.
"Shishou! Are you quite finished? You were going to tell us why you came?"
"Be quiet baka deshi. Kamiya seems to be enjoying the story," Hiko said directing his gaze to Kaoru, who immediately put on a straight face.
Kaoru was glad Hiko had started telling her about Kenshin's childhood instead of focusing on the very embarrassing moment earlier that day.
"Shishou…"
"Baka. Go get some water," Hiko ordered.
"What? Why?" Kenshin asked.
"I can begin telling Kamiya about the time…" Hiko started.
"Fine," Kenshin said grabbing the bucket not even wanting to know what Hiko was going to bring up next.
Hiko was silent until he was sure Kenshin had left.
"How is he?" Hiko asked.
"He's fine," Kaoru replied.
"How are you?"
"I'm doing well," Kaoru answered.
Hiko seemed to consider this. Kaoru watched him as he shifted around. He suddenly threw something to her. She caught it without even thinking. Looking down she saw it was a cell phone.
"For you."
"Why?" Kaoru asked.
"Just in case there is any trouble. I would like to keep in touch, see how my baka deshi is doing without having to trudge up here. There are two phone numbers. If you can't reach me, Akemi's number is on there. Don't tell the baka about it."
"You truly care about him," Kaoru said softly.
Hiko raised an incredulous eyebrow at her statement. Before he could answer Kenshin came tromping in.
"What took you so long baka deshi? It doesn't matter. I'll be going now."
"What?" Kenshin exclaimed putting down the bucket of water as Hiko stood.
"I said I'll be going now. Are you deaf?"
Without another word Hiko left the house brushing past a gaping Kenshin. Kaoru got up and went over to her stuff putting the cell phone away.
"He was just trying to get me out of the room, wasn't he? What did he say?" Kenshin asked watching Kaoru.
"Nothing! He just changed his mind and decided to leave."
Kenshin's eyebrow raised, "Sessha doesn't believe that for one second."
Kaoru held her hands up at Kenshin's suspicious expression.
"If you won't tell, sessha might just have to get it out of you," Kenshin threatened.
At his predatory smile Kaoru laughed, "No matter what you do I won't tell!"
"So he did tell you something."
"Mou! That's…" Kaoru started but Kenshin had already grabbed her around the waist.
Kaoru began to giggle as he suddenly started to tickle her.
"Ken…shin…" She said between laughter trying to struggle from his grip.
"What did he say?"
"I'm…not telling!" Kaoru declared, "No matter how much you tickle me!"
"Then I will have to change tactics."
Kaoru let out a cry as he pulled her onto the bed holding her hands above her head. Kaoru stilled as he dipped his head down to kiss her. She closed her eyes in anticipation, but was left with just a bare whisper of his lips against hers. She opened her eyes to see him watching her. She pouted and tried to raise her hands to pull him into a kiss. He didn't let go though; instead with feather light kisses he traced her shoulder to her neck. Kaoru strained against his hold trying to get him to actually kiss her, frustrating her further with the scarce contact.
Kenshin stopped right next to her ear, "What did Shishou have to say?"
Kaoru's eyes narrowed realizing what he was up to, "Nothing."
Kenshin's smile widened as she struggled to free herself. With all her strength she managed to raise her hands up before twisting around and throwing Kenshin to the side. He easily got back up, but Kaoru had a spilt second to go after him. One hand free she grabbed him around the neck as he went to push her down again. They ended up tangled together in a very compromising situation neither having the upper hand at the moment.
"Forget about what Hiko said. We are alone now. Why don't you take advantage of that?"
Kenshin let her hand go slowly. Kaoru smiled before pulling him into a passionate kiss.
________________________*Two weeks later*___________________________________
Two weeks passed quickly. Megumi had not heard from Soetsu in that time and felt a little relieved hoping he would forget about her. Sano was recovering just fine, and as she insisted was living with her. She loved waking up beside him in the morning.
Megumi ran a hand along his jaw. His eyes slowly opened to meet hers. Half asleep she watched them focus on her and light up. She treasured these moments the most. A smile spread across his face as he took her hand in his.
"Megitsune."
She also loved when he called her that. She raised her hand to look at her beautiful engagement ring. Sano touched the ring lightly.
"I was so scared you wouldn't like it. It took me days to find the right one. I saved up all my money. It was worth it," Sano said his voice still husky from sleep.
"I have to go take a shower. I have school today," Megumi said sitting up unable to stop herself from smiling.
"I'll help."
"I remember the last time you 'helped'. I was late for school that day," Megumi said standing up, "Besides you're still in no condition…"
"Did I ever tell you how sexy you look in those pajamas," Sano interrupted.
Megumi rolled her eyes, "Stay in bed. You need to relax."
Sano watched her until she closed the bathroom door. His hand strayed to the spot Megumi had just been laying in. With a groan he sat up carefully. He was still recovering from his injuries. The doctors, however, were amazed at his fast recovery. Sano didn't see anything to it. He was used to it after all. He had been a good share of fights and never stayed out long.
As he heard the shower start he thought of just going in there to startle Megumi. He could just see her flushed face with wet strands of hair framing it. The flush wouldn't be from embarrassment though. She would be angry that he hadn't listened to her. He could quite easily coax her out of that anger.
Sano shook his head. He was hungry, and he didn't want to bother her. Going into the kitchen he grabbed something to eat while staring out the window. He absently ate for the next ten minutes his mind elsewhere. The doorbell rang as he finished up. Getting up slowly he walked over and opened it up.
"Yeah?" he asked surveying the man in front of him.
"Who are you?" the man asked.
Sano didn't like this guy's attitude, "Shouldn't I ask you that?"
"Where's Mi-chan?"
"Mi-chan…?"
"Sano…hey didn't I tell you to…" Megumi trailed off as she walked into the living room drying her hair wearing only a towel, "Soetsu!"
"Mi-chan," Soetsu said warmly trying to step inside.
Sano blocked his path, "Hey, wait a second."
"What are you doing here?" Megumi asked still standing in the same place.
"I missed you, baby."
"Baby! …You need to back off," Sano said.
Soetsu looked Sano over, "You must be the person she was talking about. No matter."
Sano, who was looking over at Megumi's shocked expression, didn't even see the other man move. He doubled over in intense pain as the man slammed him in the stomach.
"Sano!" Megumi cried trying to rush over to him.
Soetsu stepped over Sano and caught Megumi around the waist, "This guy isn't so wonderful. Come on now. I wanted to speak with you privately."
"Let go of me, you bastard!"
Sano struggled to stand upright. He was pissed. Normally a shot like that would leave him unfazed, but due to his injuries…
"Let her go," Sano said in a dangerously low voice.
Soetsu sent him a condescending look before releasing Megumi, "Fine with me. I suppose we'll have to catch up on old times later, when other people aren't around."
Megumi ran to Sano's side as Soetsu walked toward the door. Sano went to go after him, but she held him back.
"Later Mi-chan," Soetsu said before closing the door.
"Oh god Sano. Are you alright? Let me see…" Sano caught Megumi's hand in his.
"Who in the hell was that?"
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Kaoru opened her eyes as she felt the sun's rays on her back. She smiled at the sight of Kenshin's back, his fiery hair spilled across the pillow in a tangled mess. She slid closer to him, wanting to feel his skin next to hers again.
Kenshin turned over feeling her move toward him causing him to wake fully. She reached a hand out to brush back his hair. He wrapped an arm around her to pull her close. She nestled against his chest feeling completely content. He was so warm and soft. She ran a finger down his chest feeling the smooth skin scarred here and there. Everything was so peaceful that it made her worry. Kenshin had finally dropped the sessha and became more open with her. They were together all the time, and no longer worried about interruptions.
'He makes me feel so special.'
"Kaoru. Is something bothering you?"
"Hmm…no. I'm still a little tired," Kaoru replied.
Kenshin kissed her forehead, "Then rest. I'll stay here and hold you a little longer."
Kaoru nodded moving closer to him. She wrapped an arm around his waist running her hand idly up and down his back.
"Kenshin…?"
"Yes."
Kaoru squeezed him close, "This place is so beautiful. I want to stay here just like this forever."
His expression softened as he looked at the woman in his arms, "I wish it were possible."
Kaoru pressed a kiss to the base of his throat.
"How about we come here every year then on this day to recapture this moment," Kenshin suggested.
"I would like that."
"I will bring you here every year then. I promise," Kenshin said.
Kaoru raised herself up on one arm to look at him. Kenshin turned onto his back hooking an arm around her waist, pulling her on top of him. Framing her face in both of his hands he gazed at her lovingly before giving her a tender kiss.
"You are so amazing and beautiful. What would I do without you?"
Kaoru smiled, "You would live your life to the best of your ability."
Kenshin shook his head softly, "I don't think I could."
Hearing the seriousness in his voice Kaoru sighed. Lying her head on his chest listening to his heartbeat she closed her eyes.
"You are a strong person, Kenshin. You would."
Kenshin listened to her gentle voice; her hair tickled him slightly as she moved. He brought a hand up to touch the silky strands.
*You're wrong Kaoru. I'm not strong. I am so weak it scares me. I need you.*
Kenshin tensed suddenly.
"Kenshin?"
"Shh. Stay right here," Kenshin said sitting up as Kaoru moved.
Grabbing a pair of shorts he pulled them on, sliding his feet to the floor. A polite knock was heard at the door. Kenshin recognized that smell. It could only be one person. Grabbing his sword, which was leaning against the wall, he opened it slowly.
"Saitoh," he hissed out.
The man stood there a smile crossing his face as he flicked his cigarette aside.
"What do you want?" Kenshin asked.
"Battousai. Even with Okita working right under your nose it was hard to find your location. You are a very hard person to track."
"Okita helped you!" Kenshin pulled his sword free.
"Kenshin! Who's there? Who is it?" Kaoru asked alarmed.
Saitoh's eyebrow raised, "Have company? This must be the Kamiya Kaoru I was asked to find. She fits the description."
Kenshin's eyes narrowed. Kaoru was pulling on clothes as she stumbled closer to the door.
"Stay back!" Kenshin ordered.
"I have come to dispose of you. If you would be so kind as to step outside we can settle that little score of ours."
Kaoru grabbed Kenshin's arm as he went to step out.
He turned to her with a fierce expression, "I said stay back. Don't get in the way."
She let go stunned by his attitude. She wasn't use to that fierce expression being directed at her anymore. His eyes were that peculiar amber again as he left the house She closed her eyes in the silence that followed. As the first ring of blades connecting echoed through the trees Kaoru opened her eyes. She had to stop this. She just had to. She looked over to her bag where the cell phone lay. They could help somehow, but there was no way they would arrive on time. She had to call anyway.
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Akemi grabbed the shirt off her bed and pulled it on. She glanced in the mirror running a hand through her hair to straighten it. The doorbell rang startling her. Picking up her purse she calmly made her way downstairs.
Opening the door she smiled, "Soujiro-san."
"Are you ready to go?" Soujiro asked.
"Yeah. Come on let's go."
Akemi stepped out and followed Soujiro to his car. They had become really good friends over the two weeks since their first awkward meeting. This was the third time they were going out. He was taking her to lunch this time. Much to Akemi's surprise she felt attracted to him. There was something in his eyes that drew her. Something in that smile that seemed so sad. She wanted to get to know him better.
Soujiro made sure to maintain his distance and keep her comfortable. She seemed a little wary of him at times, but genuinely enjoyed their time together. He had to admit she was quite beautiful and intelligent. The only thing that bothered him was she was Himura Kenshin's sister. This was a possible problem.
Getting out of the car Akemi took a seat outside as Soujiro went to go order their food. Akemi had said it was too beautiful to eat inside and insisted they eat somewhere outside. It didn't take long for their food to be prepared. Akemi poured dressing on her salad after Soujiro had brought it out to her. Soujiro took a seat across from her.
"So any siblings?" Akemi asked.
"Not blood related anymore. I do have someone I consider a sister though. I've known her since we were young. What about you?"
"I have a brother. He's on vacation right now. What a baka he is," Akemi said with a shake of her head.
Akemi took another bite of her salad swirling the piece in the dressing beforehand. Her cell phone rang in the silence. Opening her purse she pulled it out and answered.
"Hello?"
Soujiro watched Akemi's face change to surprise.
"Kaoru? How did you get my…what? You couldn't get in touch with Hiko? Wait calm down."
Soujiro raised an eyebrow at the names.
"Saitoh…who's that…? What!"
His attention was definitely caught by that name. Saitoh meant trouble.
"Fighting! Hold on! I'm not too far from Hiko's. I'll see if he's there. Please keep him safe."
Akemi snapped the cell phone shut.
"I have to go now. I'm sorry. It's an emergency. Could you drop me off somewhere?"
"Of course. It is no problem," Soujiro answered.
He definitely had to find out what was happening.
^___________________________________________________________________________^
And there's chapter 18! Hope you enjoyed. Sorry for the late update!!!!!!!
Thanks goes out to chitchat, JML, Aya Komiyama, Fabi-chan, Mistress of All Worlds, Gypsy-chan, hotaru, Ann, tiggergirl, Chiki, NightRain, Tonya, Chibi-ken14, Dragowolf, penguu2000, Omochi, tesuka-chan, redroseprincess678, Shizuka, Nikki, Phoe-chan, Tat, January, Misanagi, and bek!
Kyaa Kyaff saying til next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
