Due to the outstanding positive response to my first attempt at a Kenshin fanfic, I shall continue it. I'm not promising anything, but hopefully it will be as even better than the first part. (On a side note to the Rurouni Kenshin fans, I suggest that you never watch the OVA series. It almost made me sick in its attempt to ruin the best anime show I've seen in a long time.) (If you like OVA, I'm sorry too.) Since everyone seems to like the start to the story, I'll just add on and hope not to ruin it.

Kenshin and Kaoru walked peacefully next to the river, hand in hand. Their fingers were intertwined, neither being able to pass a single moment without being a part of each other. Kenshin pulled up Kaoru's hand with his own and laid a soft kiss on the back of it. The stopped walking for a moment and both stared deep into each other's eyes. The glow from the moonlight was reflected in Kenshin's sapphire eyes. He smiled gently at her and she looked slightly towards the ground, turned her head a bit to the side, and blushed. She was not used to such open affection from Kenshin. Before this night, she treasured any slight brush as they passed, any lasting glance, any smile, any word, anything and everything. Then suddenly, in a single night, she could be with Kenshin, just like she had dreamed of since she first met the wandering samurai around a year ago.

"Miss Kaoru." stated Kenshin quietly. "Yes Kenshin?" Kaoru responded. "This. this is truly the most magnificent night of my life, that it is." Kaoru was so unused to hearing Kenshin talk like this. She sweetly replied, "I've dreamt of this for so long Kenshin, you've made my dreams come true." Kenshin leaned in and they kissed again with an indescribable passion that transcended physical sentiment. However, unbeknownst to the two lovers, they were under the watch of a steady eye. As soon as the two had kissed, two eyes lit up, half in shock and half in joy. The young Oniwaban Ninja, Misao crouched stealthily in the trees. "This is unbelievable." she whispered to herself, struggling not to shout with joy. "I've got to tell someone," she muttered as she sprung from tree to tree back to the hot spring.

If either Kenshin or Kaoru noticed Misao, it didn't matter; they were in a world in which the only things that mattered were each other and their love. Their casual walk again resumed. As they reached the path, they took a moment to turn around and look at everything around them. The river still ran on steadily, reflecting the glory of the night sky. The moon and stars shone down brightly on the forest. Time seemed to stand still save for the warm breeze that blew through the trees. It was the perfect night. "We must remember every moment of this night, every detail. Even when I'm old, but still very beautiful, I want to think back to this moment and tell my children, 'That's what love is,'" explained Kaoru, hands clasped by her chin as she gazed into the sky. "I could never forget this night. Of all things past, all the things to come, everything pales in comparison to this night. We should head back now, that we should. We have much to do tomorrow," responded Kenshin. "Kenshin? Do you think. do you think we should tell the others?" asked Kaoru shyly. "I believe they deserve to know, and even if we don't want them to, they'll find out," smiled Kenshin, glancing towards the trees where Misao had stood not long before. "You're right. There's no reason to hide our feelings anymore! I want the whole world to know!" she practically shouted. And so, hand in hand, they returned to the hot spring.

When they returned to the hotel, Kenshin and Kaoru said goodnight before walking to their respective rooms. However, when both reached their doors, they opened them halfway and stared back at each other for a long while. After a time had passed, they entered the darkened rooms and began to prepare for sleep. However, when Kaoru entered her room, she was barely able to contain a shriek when she noticed a pair of eyes, following her movements throughout the room. "A little late for a walk, don't you think Kaoru?" asked the eyes. "Oh Misao, it's just you. I was just, uh. by the river," responded Kaoru. "It's funny, I was talking to Kenshin earlier tonight, and he decided to go for a walk too. And you know, I'm just a curious little." "Weasel." muttered Sano in his sleep from the room next door. Misao was about to leap through the thin wall and attack Sanosuke, but she regained her composure and resumed her interrogation. "Well, I guess what I'm trying to say is that. it's about time! I hope that you enjoyed your time at the river." smirked Misao as she stood and left the room. After she had left, Kaoru could only smile. She wasn't sure how Misao knew about the occurrences at the river, but she didn't care; she was as happy as she'd ever been. She practically danced around her room as she prepared for bed. After a beautiful night's sleep and dreams of Kenshin, Kaoru awoke. It was an even greater joy that they were no longer just dreams. She prepared herself and went to eat breakfast before getting to work. At the same time, Kenshin arrived at the table where Sano and Yahiko already sat. Sano was eating quickly and Yahiko seemed to scorn the thought of trying to ingest anything.

"What's wrong Yahiko? You usually have such an appetite," commented Kenshin. "How could you?" he muttered. "What?" asked Kenshin in surprise. "You and. ugh. Kaoru. in the woods. ack. kissing," gasped Yahiko as he seemed to choke on an invisible evil force and his eyes narrowed. "Don't mind him, Kenshin," stated Sano. "He doesn't understand. I've seen this coming forever, we all have." "Miss Misao helps word to travel quickly, that she does," stated Kenshin. 'I'm glad that those two finally got over their fears of each other and admitted their feelings. I didn't know how much longer I could live watching them cautiously live on like that,' thought Sano. He smiled slyly. 'Plus, now that he's chosen Kaoru, I can make my move on the foxy doc.' Moments later, Misao and Kaoru wandered into the room, kneeling and beginning their meal. "Morning Kenshin," smiled Misao suspiciously. "Good morning Miss Misao," responded Kenshin. "Did you get enough sleep?" asked Misao, practically bursting at the seams. "I slept quite well," he responded, sipping his tea patiently. Misao shot a glance over at Kaoru, who seemed nervous at where Misao's interrogation could be going. Everyone knew what had transpired, but it still seemed that all were afraid to talk about it. Misao looked around with glee, Yahiko was unsuccessfully trying to convince himself to eat, Kaoru looked down and blushed slightly, and Sano just shook his head. "Hey, weasel girl, why don't you leave Kenshin and Kaoru to their business. I don't think that just because you know how to climb a tree you need to be forcing yourself into other people's lives," advised Sano quite bluntly. Not much more was said at the table, they ate in peace. The uneasy sentiment no longer lingered and they all went about their business of working in the hotel. Later that night, Misao and Kaoru again rested in the hot spring while the boys sat outside the fence, conversing on their own.

"Kaoru, what's wrong? You've been quiet all day." stated Misao. "I don't know Misao, I just don't know. I mean, at last I've gotten what I always wanted, right? I've always dreamed of Kenshin and now that I have him I just feel like there's something unresolved." responded Kaoru. "Like what?"

"Well, like there's something holding us back." Kaoru stood suddenly and dressed. She exited the fence and passed the three men who were talking amongst themselves. She and Kenshin made eye contact and without any words, both understood exactly what they were planning. When the sun had gone down and all had been long asleep, Kaoru arose and walked to the river in the woods. She went to near where they met the previous day, when she arrived, Kenshin was already waiting. He was staring at the river. She walked up behind him and grasped his arm with her hands. Their fingers intertwined; Kaoru spoke first. "Is this how we are destined to live, Kenshin? Sneaking out at night so that we can meet?" asked Kaoru softly. "No Miss Kaoru, I certainly hope not." "Then why are we so afraid?" she asked quietly. "I do not know," he responded. "So what's holding us back?" There was a silence. They soon sat down on the soft grass and lay back to look at the stars. "They're beautiful, aren't they." stated Kaoru. "Yes, they truly are. I wish that we could just stay here like this forever." Kenshin looked over at Kaoru, whose eyes sparkled with the light of the night sky. They lay there together in each others arms and watched the sunrise together.

The next day, like always, they had to leave their fanciful world and return to their normal lives. That morning at breakfast, Kenshin announced that he had to leave to complete an important task. So as the other 4 went and reported to the manager for their daily tasks, Kenshin set off down the path into the forest. It was two days before he would come back; for his task, he had to return to Tokyo. Kaoru missed him greatly, even for his short absence; she went to the river each night and hoped that he would come up beside her and take her arm, but to no avail. The second day Kaoru even began to fear that he had gone back to his wandering ways out of fear, but she quickly dismissed the thoughts.

After the second night, Kenshin did return. He walked up with no visible sign that he had gone anywhere. When Kaoru saw him coming in the morning light, she ran to him and jumped into his arms. He held her closely and they walked back to the hotel together. Kenshin and Kaoru seemed much closer somehow. All of the members of the group noted some kind of change, there was no more unease between them. The time away had only strengthened the bond between them. But it was still the morning and a day of work followed them. The work went quickly when they were together. Before long, night had fallen on the hot spring resort once again and the heavens were set ablaze. They left the hotel together that night and walked together to riverside. "I'm so glad that you're back, Kenshin; I was so lonely when you were away. We'd just learned so much about each other, and then you left," stated Kaoru. "I'm sorry that I had to leave you Miss Kaoru, but it was urgent. I could not have allowed it to wait for any longer," explained Kenshin. "What is it about this river Kenshin?" asked Kaoru, looking deep into the glistening brook. "It does something extraordinary, like it reveals the heart." "I think you're right, Miss Kaoru," stated Kenshin as he lead her to the bridge. Kenshin could never have been prepared for what was to come. Years of sword training and battles all failed him now. They stood at the rail of the bridge, staring into the sky, letting the cool evening breeze sweep over them. It was at that moment that everything would change forever.

Kenshin looked over at Kaoru and breathed deeply. He laid his hand on hers. "Miss Kaoru?" Kaoru looked over at his hand and then back to his face. He seemed to glow. "I have something I wish to ask you, that I do." "What is it, Kenshin?" Kenshin turned fully to her and looked into her eyes before he smiled gently. "Well Miss Kaoru. I was. I was wondering." She stared back into his eyes and watched their beautiful shimmer. He held her hand all the more tightly. They seemed lost in each other's minds. Then, Kenshin bent to one knee. "Miss Kaoru, will you marry me?" The breeze blew, brushing Kaoru's hair back. She looked into his hand, where he held a beautiful diamond, set in gold. However, she quickly looked back to his face, for his eyes shone more brightly than any star or river or diamond could ever hope to do. "Of course I will Kenshin! I love you!" she exclaimed. He slid the ring onto her finger and stood. She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him. Neither had ever been so happy in their entire lives. Fireflies danced all around them, but nothing seemed to matter except each other. They stood back, holding each other's hands, impassioned for one another. Suddenly over the river they heard a shrill whistle. Above them fireworks erupted and lit up the night sky. A voice cried out, "Kenshin!" Both he and Kaoru turned to see Sanosuke leaning against a tree applauding. Next, Yahiko fell out of a tree laughing. Misao leapt stealthily out from the bushes before falling over Yahiko and almost falling into the river. "What are you all doing here?" asked Kenshin surprised. "Got a little tip," stated Sano, gesturing towards Misao, who smiled gleefully. "Plus, we're not the only ones here." From all sides, people emerged. Megumi, Doctor Gensai and the two young girls, the staff of the Akabeko, and even the Kyoto Oniwaban and Aoshi appeared. They all clapped as Kenshin and Kaoru stood on the bridge. Before long, congratulations were being spread around. All of the women were crying with Kaoru and looking amazedly at the size of the diamond she wore. Then men all slapped Kenshin on the back and wondered where Kenshin could find the cash for that kind of ring. Things settled down and everyone stood on the bridge and looked out over the beautiful night. Kenshin and Kaoru stood hand in hand. Sano boldly put his arm around Megumi as they stood next to each other. She turned to him smiling and moved closer as she took his hand. She whispered, "You're still an idiot, but I'll keep you around anyways." Yahiko stood next to Tsubame. He glanced over and she quickly looked away blushing. He placed his hand on hers, which lay on the railing. She looked over and blushed, he smiled. He pulled something from his pocket. "For you. they're candies," he stuttered. "Oh, thank you, little Yahiko!" she exclaimed. He smiled and she leaned up and kissed his cheek; he grasped her hand and they stood close together. Misao too, who stood next to Aoshi, looked up starry eyed towards the man she always sought. He looked back at her and smiled (a rare enough sight) and then silently put his arm around her. Together they all looked at the indescribable reality all around them. None of them would ever forget that night. It would live forever in their minds. Kenshin would always be by Kaoru's side. Their love went beyond words, beyond feelings. It was from Kaoru that Kenshin drew his strength. As the artist noticed, Kaoru's every action was full of Kenshin. It was love. That was how it was, how it is, how it always would be. Forever.

Well, there's the second installment of the story. I hope that you enjoyed it. again. If it wasn't as good as the first one. then, sorry, I only wrote it because I thought people wanted it. And if you did, then props to people for asking. But this story has to end here. I don't have any more I can add to it. Maybe I'll write a new one. There's always that for later. Goodbye for now, Cloud413