Disclaimer: Whoops I forgot to put this earlier, and characters used for this story that belong to the creators of Rurouni Kenshin belong to them. All original characters are mine (not that I have any significant hehe) . So please do not sue, this is for mere enjoyment purposes only.

Chapter Four: Up and Gone.

Sano was very suspicious of Aoshi. Why was the older man taking him outside? Did he want a fight? Sano smirked, well if he wanted a fight…then he'll get one. He was still catty about what that jerk did to Jou-chan. Nobody leaves her out in the dust and…

"You'll need to take care of her for me."

"What?" Sano jerked out of his thoughts. "What did you just say?"

Aoshi scowled, he hated repeating himself. Slowly, he said, "I said, you will need to take care of her for me. When I'm gone."

The spiky haired male still had a hard time processing this, "Whoa hold it, hold it. Did you just say when you were gone?? Who said you were leaving buddy?" Sanosuke narrowed his dark eyes to slits, a deep frown set on his lips.

Aoshi took a step towards Sano, his dark blue-green eyes glaring at the younger male before him. Must he make things so complicated? He just wanted to up and leave, but before that could happen he needed reassurance. Reassurance that one of his closest possessions was in the hands of someone capable. Okay…capable was too strong a word. Aoshi needed someone who would protect and take care of Kaoru in his absence.

"Tonight I was discovered," Aoshi reluctantly revealed, his gaze settling past Sano's shoulder. "You should know what happens now. I have no other choice, it's either leave or be killed. If I choose the latter I would be endangering anybody and everybody I associate with."

"You fool…how could you get so careless." Sano's hands clenched tightly, his eyes glaring at Aoshi. "I know I'm not what everybody expects me to be, but I thought better of you Shinomori. I guess not."

The dark-haired man turned away, "Not everybody in this world can not make mistakes, and the rare few that fall under that category are already dead. Now I need to know, will you do what I am asking of you?"

Sano smirked, "You're a lot dumber than I thought if you actually have to ask that of me. But your request will be heeded, whether you want it to be or not. It's risky to have Kaoru unguarded when connections with her could be revealed to the underground."

"Hn." Aoshi nodded then turned to the door of the Kamiya home. All the lights were off, as expected and a peaceful silence had settled over the humble abode. "I'm going to see Kaoru one last time. Do not go in until I leave." He walked in, but not before throwing something over his shoulder.

Abruptly, Sano caught the object. It was a key, but not any key…it was the key to Kaoru's home. "What's this…?"

"I mean it when I say I want you to watch over her." Aoshi smirked, "Also Sagara, all those debts you owe me…consider them dropped."

The spiky-haired fellow grunted and crossed his arms over his chest.

Aoshi went in.

************

She had hardly moved from the position she was in before. Her pillow was snuggled tightly in her grip and her blanket was lowered to her hips. Kaoru's inky black hair was spread over her other pillow like a fan as her face was unstressed with sleep. A smile was on her lips.

"You know…" Aoshi whispered as he tucked her blanket securely over her shoulders. "They say that when some one smiles in their sleep they are seeing their guardian angel…" A side of his lip quirked up in irony, he was never one to believe in sayings, rather believing in his own black and white philosophies.

His green-blue eyes scanned over her features intensely, as if cementing them in his mind forever. He was in a way, he had to make sure that somehow someway he would never forget her pretty face. "When you are older…maybe I will take you away with me. One day…I will come back to you. Patience is needed with a man like me, but then again patience was never your strong point."

His callous fingers lightly trailed over hair, slightly stroking the silky dark mass. He was going to miss her hair…the jasmine fragrance would never leave his memory. It was embedded too deeply.

"Stay strong, not that you need to be told but if you miss me. Just keep memories close by. I am assured that Sano will take good care of you." His long bangs curtained his eyes as he lowered his chin. Her face was very pretty, its heart shape and creamy complexion he would never forget. Her dazzling sapphire eyes that burned with emotion and pouty features made her all the more lively, for he had seen faces that would be described as gorgeous but hers stood out. Her sincerity made her stand out, like a ray of light in a dark night sky.

"Goodbye Kaoru. Words cannot express how much your presence will be missed in my life."

He left, but not without one last thing.

A kiss of remembrance, light and sweet.

****************

"…ah." Her blue eyes drowsily blinked as she focused on the intruder in her room. "…Sano? Whatcha doin here?"

Sano smiled warmly, "Go back to sleep Jou-chan. I'm just watching over you." He leaned back into the couch in her room, it was pretty comfy.

Kaoru yawned tiredly and gave her companion a small sweet smile, "…mkay. 'Night Sano" Her eyelashes fluttered shut.

"Sweet dreams little lady."

*****

I've got a fear of flying on a plane, 'Cause we've got no say in how it ends up Well, in my mind love's the very same way That's why I never give my heart to no one I never take a chance on a love That lifts me off the ground, oh yeah I cling to earthbound things But I wanna spread my wings somehow, somehow

---Fear of Flying

Mya.

Author's Note: Okay this is finally complete. Heheh I bet it wasn't the ending ya expected right?? Well I decided to not make it a happy ending but bittersweet sorta.

Hehehe I'll be working on a SEQUAL…but do you think any body would mind being my beta??? I always wanted one!! ^__^ I never had one before so I was wondering if anybody would mind??? Hehe I like having some constructive criticism as long as its all in good cause.

Can anybody help me?? Email: xshinimegamixktx@yahoo.com