I OWN Akina, NOTHING ELSE…. EVERYTHING ELSE BELONGS TO SOME DUDE….

Chapter 8

The girls didn't know it, but Kenshin and been standing in the shadows, listening to ever word said, watching every movement. He shook his head. It wasn't worth staying to see each one fighting, grieving over him. He would leave…tonight.

Getting ready for bed, Akina brushed her shoulder-length, copper brown hair. She sighed as she put her brush down, and finished packing. She would leave a note for Yahiko… explaining. She would leave when everyone was asleep. That way no one got hurt.

Kaoru sat on her futon, twiddling with her hair idly. The words she had said just a few moments ago, playing over and over in her head, she loves him, she loves him. She sighed and laid back on the futon, ready for the sleep she needed overtake her. It did.

Kenshin slowly crept out of his room, sliding the door shut without a sound. He slung the small handkerchief that held his stuff, witch wasn't much. He walked toward the dojo's entrance. He read over the note he held in his hands.

Everyone,

I'm sorry to have to leave you all. I feel it is necessary.

It was short, yet to the point. Just the way he waned.

************************************MEANWHILE****************************************

Akina signed her name at the end of her note, and silently pulled the door closed. She laid the note on the side table beside the door to the dojo. She didn't notice the one that lay beside it. She walked out into the night. The storm and ceased its torment, but a light rain and begun to drizzle. She stopped and looked up and stretched out her hands spinning slowly. She sighed as the rain reminded her of Charles.

He had climbed a tree when he heard someone walk outside. He watched her now, as she spun slowly in circles. He strained to hear her. He could see her lips moving, but through the tree limbs, he wasn't able to see clearly. Then he heard her something that made his blood curl. The name of her beloved, Charles. He was stupid to think that she loved him, but a guy can dream can't he? Kenshin sighed.

Akina immediately stopped. She heard something…something in that tree. She slowly backed away, toward the gate. Feeling the gate against her back, she turned and made a run for it, not looking back once.

Kenshin slowly made his way back down the tree. He stared at her running toward the market. He turned and walked back to the dojo. He looked at the side table and what he saw confirmed his suspicions. He read it by the light of the still burning candle.

Yahiko,

I'm so sorry for leaving you. Maybe you will understand someday. Just remember that I love you. I feel like you would be better off here, where you have a home and loving family. Before, I had full intention of taking you with me, but now, I would never dream of tearing you apart from this wonderful place. I want you to be nicer to Kaoru; she loves you like I do, as a brother. She just wants the best for you. Do it for me, please. I love you and I will forever and ever.

Akina

Kenshin smiled and sat the note back where it lay, but something caught his eye. He looked on the table where the note had lain; there was a picture of Akina, smiling, with a handsome blonde. He picked it up and turned it over. On the back three words were written, Charles and I. He jumped as a small sound came from the other side of the room, "Kenshin?"

"You should go back to bed Miss Kaoru, that you should." Replied Kenshin as he laid the picture down.

"What are you doing up?" Slowly, the realization crept up on her. She locked eyes with Kenshin, "You're leaving again, aren't you? AREN'T YOU?" she screamed. (Lucky Megumi and Sano, they can sleep through anything) "I won't let you! I won't, I won't, I won't!" She ran over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist and clung on tightly.

Kenshin smiled and kissed the top of her head. "I'm not going anywhere, Kaoru." She blushed a deep red (redder than Kenshin's hair! Which is saying something!) when she realized that he had left out the Miss. He heard her gasp and then realized what he had said. He just hugged her and smiled in spite of himself.

Kaoru sighed and asked the question again, "What are you doing up then?" She pulled away so he could look at his face. Kenshin discreetly crumpled his own note and threw it in the trash right by the door. "Ummm…" "What's that?" Kaoru asked as she walked toward what lay on the table.

After reading the note, she dropped it in shock. Her knees felt weak, "Kensh…." Her words to be left unspoken.

"What happened to her?" asked Megumi, dabbing a wet washcloth on Kaoru's face.

"She read this and just collapsed." Kenshin handed Megumi the note. Megumi read it. "Do you know why she left?" Megumi asked, handing off the note to Sano. Kenshin started to answer but a small voice interrupted him. "Because of… me," Kaoru said with great effort. "Kaoru! What makes you say such a thing?" Megumi and Sano both also noticed that Kenshin left off the Miss. She just arched her eyebrows. "We were arguing…" Kaoru tried but she couldn't say anymore. "It's OK, Kaoru, It's OK," Kenshin assured her, stroking her hair. He kissed her forehead as sleep overtook her body again.

AN: I know this is all sentimental…some of you may be gagging yourselves right now. Some may even be confused. Just to let all the confused ones know…I too am confused…and I'm the one typing this story! My brain shuts off when I type and my fingers take over. When reviewing this fanfic (which I hope you will) please b truthful! If u thought my story sucked, tell me. Ideas for my story tell me. Think my story should end, TELL ME FOR YOUR MOMMA'S SAKE!