Disclaimer: Surprise, surprise, I don't own RK or WK either! _ Although I wish I did! Ooh, and the soul mate principle belongs to L.J. Smith.

A/N: *grins evilly* Let's hope that my yelling rant in the last chapter discourages people from asking me time and time again where Megumi is. Now maybe people will take note of the author's notes. Anyway, welcome back everybody, and this chapter will probably be a delight for K/K fans ^^ They're finally going to find out about their HalfSoul connection from Katsura, and WAFFYness ensues =) XD OOC-ish Kenshin! My, my, how very mischievous XDXD Enjoy!

Reviewers' Space!

DragonTamer9741 - ^^;; wow, I'm glad that there is someone who gets that overjoyed after finding my story =) Lol, nice to know that you enjoy my story that much! Thank you ^^ I'll try to update as fast as I can! Thanks for reading and reviewing, and hope to see you around in the chapters to come!

Missaw – hyper? ^^ I do that a lot too. Especially after eating chocolate! Glad you like the story girl! I'll see you around in the next chapter!

Tanukichan – Glad that you like it! I agree; the more WAFFYness, the better! ^^ I'll update as soon as I possibly can!

Baka-Ryu – I'm glad you think so! I worked hard on that scene to make sure that it didn't make Sano and Sou too unmanly. It turned out ok, I guess! Yup, more again on the HalfSoul concept ^^;;; I can imagine Kaoru blowing up. Thanks for R&Ring and see you around in the next chapter!

Chris – yup, Aoshi sure blew up alright! He is definitely overprotective over Misao! Lol, you're right, those girls are real lucky to have 3 bishies being so protective over them! Ah, yes, ^^ the boys' reactions to the girls going undercover. It'll be a blast! Thanks for R&Ring and do stay around for more!

Dragowolf – What? It *is* my story so I can do what I want to it :p *sigh* I have to tell you that I'm more of a Kaoru fan, so you'll just have to deal with that. I don't see how exactly I'm making Misao weak in anyway, and even if you do see her as weak, I'm writing up her character as I see it my way. If you're referring to the way that Aoshi is blowing up thanks to Okina's suggestion, then that's just Aoshi being overprotective, not Misao being weak. Whatever. Thanks for R&Ring.

Dragona – Glad you liked it! I'll try to update as fast as I can, and anyway, here's the next chapter!

Neko Oni – Hell yeah! I'm like that sometimes. Totally peaceful until you rile me up, and then you'll get what you asked for. Seriously! What the hell do they think the author's notes are there for if not for them to read -_- I hope other people get the message loud and clear too, otherwise I'll probably murder the next person who asks the same question. Yea, it's kinda strange to visualize assassins going to school, isn't it? Lol, well, they had to do *something* in the day, otherwise the story would get boring real fast, and it can't all be missions all the time, ne? I would kill to be able to yak in class without being found out either! ^^;; of course, when the teacher asks you an impromptu question, then you're also screwed, right? Kenshin and Sano are done with uni already, so they get to laze around, hehe. Kenshin's gracefulness is definitely up there on my list of wonderful things, lol. Mmm…manga is gooooood! I've got the 8 books of RuroKen, 3 of Inuyasha, and a ton on everything else. Ranma ½ is currently showing on TV over here, and it's pretty hilarious ^^; Too bad it's so hard to get doujinshi where I live. I only know about 3 people who are totally in love with manga and anime around here, but oh well. Thanks for reviewing girl! ^^ Ooh, and when are you going to update your stories, hmm? I'm waiiiiting ^^ Lol. See ya in the next one!

Kaoru – Yeah, reviews sure are gratifying, aren't they? Lol, to each his own, but too many people have been asking the same question over and over again, and I just got really fed up. XD so I indulged in a loud rant! Mwahahhah~ lol, yeah, I'll try to see what I can do with Yahiko, but for now, he's just really chill. I'm glad you like it! And that you're still around reading it ^^ Unfortunately, updates are gonna be pretty slow from now on, coz school is starting for me this week. Sucky, but well, just gotta deal with it. Thanks for R&Ring girl, and see you in the next chapter!

Nicky - ^^ I'm glad it's so satisfying. Yup, Kenshin and Kaoru & co. have a new mission (but Katsura just hasn't told them about it yet, hehe). Yahiko is on the mend, thank goodness, so he'll probably become more open in the chapters to come. XD I'd like to see Kenshin's reaction too! *Snigger* It sure will be interesting! ^^ Time will tell; anyway, thanks for R&Ring! I'll update as soon as I possibly can!

Flyinangel777 – Ooh, new reviewer. Hi there! ^^ Thanks for reading, and I'll try to update as soon as I can, so please be patient until then, ne?

InuYasha22 – Hehe, hope this chapter satisfies you then!

Sticks - ^^;;; Sorry for yelling. Glad that you enjoyed this chapter! It *is* good to see Yahiko opening up more, isn't it? XD haha~ Sou just loves to tease Kaoru ^^ Their conversations are always so very amusing! Thanks for R&Ring, and I hope to see you around for the chapters to come too!

CurlsofSerenity – Yeah ^^;;; Sano's being nice; he ain't all that bad, just rough around the edges and all. Thanks for R&Ring and see you around in the next chapter!

Now, on to the WAFF!

Chapter 13 – Sweet Bliss

Thoughts are in ' '

Speech is in " "

Telepathy is in italics.

Kenshin and Kaoru walked close together, shoulders grazing together, fingers almost-touching, yet not touching, as they made their way through the throng of people, moving towards the Kouka Teahouse where Katsura waited for them. They had left the house not long after lunch, and had taken the MTR to the Shinjuku station. The journey had been made in comfortable silence; neither Kenshin or Kaoru felt the need to talk, and besides, all the other people in the train made more than enough noise for both of them. Many whispers and glances had been thrown their way, at the handsome man with auburn locks and strange amethyst eyes, and his companion, a pretty woman with ebony tresses and deep blue eyes. It was as if they were in a world apart on their own; they looked so secretive and mysterious to outsiders, but yet, seemed to exude a 'look-don't-touch' kind of aura.

That didn't stop numerous high school girls from sneaking glances at Kenshin and tittering softly to themselves about the good-looking man, and Kaoru's jealous glare didn't seem to affect them much either. The edges of Kenshin's lips turned up in a smile as he felt Kaoru's jealousy flare slightly at the glances that the girls were giving him, but he only had eyes for his one and only blue-eyed angel. Surprised blue orbs turned to him when he laced his fingers through hers and squeezed her hand gently in a reassuring manner. A smile spread across her face as she returned his squeeze. The train gave a sudden jolt, sending many people off balance, and someone crashed into Kaoru's back, throwing her forwards. A strong arm snaked around her waist, and Kenshin's chest cushioned her fall as he held on to her tightly, leaning against the door of the train compartment. When she looked up at him, face blushing pink, his bemused amethyst eyes tinged with gold looked back down at her, a little smirk adorning his face.

'Mou!' she thought to herself. 'He's so infuriating!' She let out a small indignant "hmph!" and turned her head away from him. His smirk grew wider. Am I now? His silky voice invaded her mind, tingling electricity between them. She blatantly ignored him, although he knew very well that she had heard his voice, but she kept her face turned away from him, exposing the alabaster skin of her neck to him. 'Well then.' Kenshin thought amusedly. 'I'll just have to get her attention back to me.' He ducked his head slightly to her neck, his crimson ponytail covering his actions from the public, and he nibbled lightly into her neck.

'Oh. My. God.' Kaoru let out an involuntary gasp as Kenshin's teeth nibbled teasingly at her flesh, her eyes widening. The teeth were soon replaced by equally teasing lips that kissed the same spot on her neck. Then he lifted his head again, and Kaoru felt the loss of his lips on her neck. The high school girls squealed as he gave Kaoru a very wicked grin, amethyst eyes flashing amber for mere seconds before changing back to their normal colour. She shoved him playfully in mock anger, but at that moment, the train doors chose to open behind him, and he fell backwards against the platform; she fell on top of him, his arm still wrapped around her waist. Kaoru blushed red as she tried to get up from Kenshin's strong hold on her waist, but he continued to grin mischievously from his spot on the floor, refusing to relinquish his hold on her. A crowd was starting to gather around them; she could hear girls giggling, and she didn't even need to look to see the stares that people were giving them; they were also blocking the pathway.

"Kenshin!" She hissed. "People are watching!"

"So?" Came the nonchalant answer.

She muttered something under her breath and continued to wriggle in his hold, trying to get him to let her go.

Apparently he heard the muttering, because his eyes flashed amber once, widening slightly, and the grin on his face grew; his hold on her loosened and he finally allowed her to get up.

She had grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the crowd that had formed around them, face still a burning red. As soon as they had got out of the station, she dropped his hand and turned around to face him. She poked him in the chest, and started to rant.

"You are the most infuriating, annoying, craziest and embarrassing man that I have ever known! Ooooh, you make me so mad!!" Amusement danced in his eyes as she continued to scold him. "Don't you ever do that in public again!" 'Why do I always seem to end up in embarrassing situations when Kenshin is around?'

"So I can do this when we're home?" He drawled.

"Mou! I never said that!" she retorted. Kenshin couldn't help but chuckle at her; she was just too adorable when she was angry. He lowered his head so that his lips were close to her ear.

"I know you liked it. We'll finish this at home." The husky voice sent shivers up her spine. He winked at her and started walking along the pavement. "Let's go now!"

~*~

A waitress greeted them with a cheery smile as Kenshin and Kaoru entered the Kouka Teahouse. "Irrashaimase! How may I help you?" Catching sight of Takasugi who was sitting at one of the tables, he returned her smile answering that their companions were already waiting for them. The pair approached Takasugi's table.

He greeted them with a wave of his hand. "Yo. And just how have my favourite assassins been doing?" The pair arched eyebrows at him. "Faring well, I guess? And how's the connection going?"

Kaoru's eyes nearly popped out of her head. "You knew?!" Surprise was soon turning into outrage. "And you didn't tell us?!" Her fingers itched to whack the man upside in the head, but he was her superior, so she couldn't do anything.

"Relax." He drawled, puffing out a breath of cigarette smoke. "Katsura will tell you all about it." His thumb jerked towards a room behind him. "He's already in there, so you'll be able to get your answers real soon." Takasugi shrugged. "FYI, I only found out after you guys met up." A rakish grin lit his face. "Good luck with all the philoso-babble that you're going to get from him."

Realizing that that was all that they would be able to get out of the man, they walked past him towards the only room near the back of the teahouse. Kaoru and Kenshin slipped off their shoes, and the former slipped the shoji door slightly, peeking in to see if Katsura was really in there already. They took up seats in front of Katsura, steaming hot tea in front of them. He smiled at them benignly.

"Thank you for coming to see me. I trust that you have many questions about the familiarity that you both feel with each other, and also about the silver cord?" Kenshin and Kaoru nodded silently. "All those questions will be answered today to the best of my knowledge."

"Ano, Katsura-san, before you start telling us about the connection that we have, can you please tell us why you know so much?" Kaoru was curious.

The amiable reply came. "Of course. For one thing, I am a Seer (1), and I guess you can say that I foresaw this. For another thing, I have had the experience of knowing a connection like yours and Himura's."

Kaoru could only utter a surprised "Oh." 'Wow. We're not the only weird ones then. There are other people like us who have a connection like this?' Kenshin's mental voice hushed her. Shh… let's just listen to what Katsura-san has to say for now. She nodded absently.

"Well." Katsura began. "There is a name for people like you who feel such a connection. These people are called HalfSouls. Before I confuse you any further, let's start on the soul mate principle. Have you heard about something like that?" Kaoru nodded; Misao had told her something about it. Kenshin, however, was absolutely clueless. "The soul mate principle states that for every person that exists, there is a soul mate, another soul, that they are meant to be with. I have no idea whether there are indeed soul mates in this world, but the one thing that comes close to it are HalfSouls." He pointed at Kaoru and Kenshin in turn. "That is what you two are. Originally, two HalfSouls are actually one, whole soul. However, through the process of reincarnation through many lives, that one soul split into two, thus forming two people. This rarely occurs, but when it does, then HalfSouls are formed. Basically, when HalfSouls meet, they will have a sense of familiarity about each other, which I'm sure both of you have been experiencing. Yet another characteristic that HalfSouls have is the ability to read each others' minds and emotions, whether they are telepaths or empaths or not." He paused, regarding Kenshin and Kaoru.

"There are of course, good points and bad points to this. You may of course, feel that you have no privacy." His face broke out into a small grin. "You could try to hide facts or other information from your HalfSoul, but they can easily find out what it is when you fall into a state of Mind Limbo (2)." 'Anytime now, they will start asking questions.' Katsura smiled to himself secretively. As if on cue, Kenshin opened his mouth to ask a question.

"So…what you're saying is that we are destined to be together?"

Katsura fingered his chin thoughtfully. "If you can put it in so many words, then, yes, HalfSouls are destined to be together. However, the probability of finding one's HalfSoul is very low, so I would say that you two are lucky to have found each other. I know I was lucky to find Ikumatsu-san."

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!" Kaoru's outburst echoed through the whole teahouse, and other patrons and waitresses alike glanced in the direction of the private room. She clapped a hand over her mouth in embarrassment, while Kenshin let out a small "Oro." And Katsura looked on.

"In case you still haven't figured out by now, I too, am a HalfSoul, which explains how I know so much as to what's going on with you two. The silver cord that only the two of you can see is evidence of being HalfSouls, and so is the silver mist. Although strong telepaths," He gestured to Kaoru. "Can indeed delve quite deeply into the mind of an unconscious individual and see their memories, HalfSouls can unconsciously tap into each others' minds, regardless of whether they are awake or not. HalfSouls can also find each other and communicate mentally over vast distances, which is something that telepaths cannot master unless they are very experienced."

"Katsura-san, what about the sparks of electricity that seem to occur during contact?"

"That is also yet another characteristic of HalfSouls. There is no way to avoid this, and every time you come into contact, or close contact with your HalfSoul, you will experience this electricity. You can, however control whether you move into Mind Limbo from there, or stay in the reality world after that contact." Katsura himself was rather experienced in doing this.

Kenshin continued. "And what about the colours?"

"The colours that you may be able to 'see' coming off of your HalfSoul usually depicts their mood or emotions. The colours that you may see in their mind, however, are a completely different thing. You will learn to understand one colour from another as time goes on."

Kaoru's quiet voice interrupted. "What happens if one HalfSoul dies? What will happen to the other one?" Kenshin's eyes flicked to her, amethyst eyes wide. 'Why is she asking such a question?'

Katsura's face turned grave. "For this question, I can offer no answer to you. It may be that the other HalfSoul will continue to live, feeling the loss of the deceased one, and may never feel whole again. Or" His eyes seemed to grow sad. "It may be that both of them will die."

"I see." Her eyes lowered to the surface of the table, and she refused to meet Kenshin's eyes. Kaoru… He whispered to her worriedly. She continued to stare at the table. He would have to address her concerns as soon as they were out of here.

"Do you have anymore questions for me to answer?" Katsura questioned them. The pair shook their heads in silence. "If that is the case, then Kamiya, would you allow me to have 5 minutes with Himura in private?" Kaoru stood up and bowed, silently, still not meeting Kenshin's eyes as his eyes searched for hers, and she closed the shoji door behind her, her shoes whispering softly against the floor as she moved away from the room.

"Himura." Kenshin turned back to face Katsura. "I hope that you understand that the connection that you have with Kamiya is of the utmost value and importance. Do not underestimate it, and know that it would be better not to hide anything from her." Kenshin nodded. "Should any she come to any harm, both of you will be affected as well. The past itself may one day return to haunt you."

His amethyst eyes darkened slightly, narrowing. "Katsura-san, are you saying that--?"

Katsura shook his head wearily. "It is merely a warning. You and I both know what the implications of the past can bring. I can tell you nothing of whether it will come to pass or not, lest it affect your fate."

Kenshin bowed his head. "I understand."

"Well, that is all that I had to say. One more thing, you may be having a mission soon, and this will require both you and Kamiya to go undercover. Please ask her to come in; I would like to speak to her in private as well." Kenshin nodded once before he left the room, shutting the shoji door in much the same manner as Kaoru had done earlier.

Katsura sighed to himself. The burdens of a Seer were indeed great; you could see possible futures, but that did not necessarily mean that you could do anything about it, just know that it would happen. He could not tell the persons involved in the visions either, lest some kind of catastrophe occur. 'I pray it will not come to that.' He thought to himself. Kaoru slipped the shoji door open a minute later, entering alone.

"Katsura-san? Nan no you desuka?"

"Kamiya. I must ask you this: how is your relationship with Himura faring?" The point-blank question surprised Kaoru, and she had to blink twice.

"Relationship?" Had she heard him correctly?

"Aa."

She twisted her fingers. "Well, we are more than friends, and I think, we think," She corrected herself. "That in time our relationship may proceed further than that."

The chief of the Ishinshishi nodded; it was as he hoped then. "What I wish to ask of you now, Kamiya may sound strange, but I hope that you may be able to do this." He paused for effect. "I ask that you be an anchor for Himura, his link to sanity. He has been through many things in his teenage years, and now and again, he may come across something that reminds him of those years. When he does go through those stages, I ask that you stay beside him as a friend, a companion, a lover, and help him pull through them. You will have to be strong for him always, even if there are times when you feel as if there is nothing more that you can do."

It was Kaoru's turn to nod. "As per your orders sir." She lifted her blue eyes to look at his, and she smiled, a sad, sad smile. "Even if you hadn't asked this of me, I would have carried this out anyway. Now you have given me a reason not to fail in this."

His sorrowed smile matched hers. "Thank you."

Kaoru left not long after, leaving Katsura alone in the small room. The cups of tea were no longer steaming. He lifted his eyes to the ceiling.

'So many burdens…so many mishaps…if only…if only…'

~*~

They were walking back to the Black Dawn headquarters in silence, Kaoru walking slightly further ahead while Kenshin lingered behind. The fading weak light of the sun reflected off his hair, turning it slightly orange, even as the streets grew colder. Neither Kaoru or Kenshin had spoken after they had left the Kouka Teahouse, and even the train ride back from Shinjuku had been made in silence, both of them lost in their thoughts.

"Kaoru." Kenshin's voice made her turn around to face him. His face was shadowed by his red bangs. "Why did you ask such a question?"

She was using that quiet voice again, and she turned around to face forward. "I needed to know what would happen. If…you know…"

He hugged her from behind, breathing in her jasmine and vanilla smell. "Don't." His voice was slightly choked with emotion.

"Don't what?" She whispered, resting back into his embrace.

"Don't think like that." He pleaded. "Don't think about that."

"But it's a reality. Something that we may have to face up to." Tears were starting to gather in her eyes.

He spun her around to face him, gripping her shoulders firmly, but not painfully. "It won't come to that!" His voice softened and he repeated himself. "It won't come to that."

She smiled sadly and hugged him, burying her face into his neck and his crimson locks. "I pray that it won't." Kenshin held her tightly as he felt a salty tear plop onto his neck. He could make no promises, just as she could make none. True, they were top assassins, but that didn't mean that nothing would ever change, or that they would never get hurt. Kenshin himself knew that better than anyone.

"I promise you this." He pulled away from the embrace slightly, running a hand down the side of her cheek as he smiled. "No matter what happens, I will always be there for you. If you are ever lost, then I will find you, even if I have to walk to the ends of the earth." He pulled her close again. "This I can promise you."

Her smile brightened slightly. "Then I will promise you this. No matter what happens, I will always be strong for you. No matter what happens, I will always be there for you. And if you are ever lost," She lifted her eyes to his, blue eyes shining as they met amethyst. "Then I will find you, even if I have to walk to the ends of the earth."

He smiled a real smile, a true smile, and wiped a tear from her face, then brushed her bangs aside, kissing her forehead.

"Yakusoku yo." He held out is little finger to her.

"Yakusoku." She linked her little finger with his.

As they walked back to the house, hand-in-hand, the fading sun shone on the both of them, illuminating the pair of living, walking angels on earth.

Dictionary

Mou! – Kaoru's exclamation when she's exasperated or angry.

Kouka – Chrysanthemum

Irrashaimase – Welcome (used in shops and restaurants)

Ano – erm

Oro – Kenshin's way of saying 'Huh?' or well, just his own little expression.

Nan no you desuka? – What's the matter?

Aa – male informal way of saying 'yes'

Yakusoku yo – Let's make a promise

Notes:

(1) Seer. Mentioned in the earlier chapters of the story. Katsura is a Seer, and has the ability to see possible futures to come. Visions occur to Seers often, but they can never tell whether that particular vision will actually happen or not, or what the certain outcome will be. They are also forbidden to inform the people that they see in their vision what they have seen, otherwise they may alter the fate/s of that person/s life.

(2) Mind Limbo. It's the place where Kenshin and Kaoru end up if they maintain contact for long periods of time; they usually pop in after the electricity thing has sparked up. Mind Limbo is basically being in both your mind and your HalfSoul's mind at once.

A/N: @_@ Aaaaaaaaaah! I am so tired! _ School started today, and I ended up doing a ton of stuff, as well as spring-cleaning my room a bit. 3000+ words again. Bit of a sappy chapter, and also XD cryptic hints being dropped, so I hope you enjoyed it. _ Kinda got a bit sad-ish in the end, but well, that's to be expected. I bet you all thought that I would pull that 'a sword needs it's sheath' thing right? XD Hah! ^^;; 'tis different. Well, from now on, it'll take more time to make an update, so you'll just have to be patient, ne? Coz school has started. _ Thanks to all for reading, and I'll see you all in the next chapter! I should be able to update at least once a week. If you're lucky, then there may even be 2 updates in one week, depending on how much work that I've got. Ta~