Title:    A New Beginning

Rated: PG-13 (Violence & Language)

Author: charismatic angel

Email: charismatic_angel@msn.com

Chapter Date: June 25, 2003

All the stuff you do not want to read but I have to say:

* sighs * I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. Someone else owns the rights and characters to this series. You know the rest…(Please don't sue me)

Chapter 9:

Kaoru somberly walked back to her apartment, thinking about what happened. She reached her apartment and shut the door, and leaned her back against it as she replayed the kiss in her head. She had mixed feelings about what the kiss meant. It was gentle soft and pure but what did it mean? Fear of reliving the past, held her back from truly expressing how she felt.

That night, sleep did not come easy for Kaoru. For such a young girl she had many burdens to carry. She was reminded of her past every single day. Living in New York, was a constant reminder of what she left behind. It was unfair that she had to leave her life and friends in order to survive.

Finally, Kaoru's eyelids became heavy as she drifted off.

Dream

"Misao…is that you?" Kaoru called out to the small raven-haired girl in front of her.

The girl was kneeling on the floor clutching her face in her hands. It looked as thought she was crying? She didn't turn to speak as Kaoru called out to her. Another figure appeared it was a man. Only a vague outline could be seen until he stepped forward and stopped beside the girl.

"Enishi?!" Kaoru gasped

The tall white haired man hovered over Misao, staring downcast at her through his small-rimmed glasses.

"Where is she?" He asked in an even tone

"I…I don't know where she…"

Enishi pulled his leg back and kicked her in the ribs. She fell over clutching her side as tears poured down her face.

"Where is she?! You know where she is. Tell me or I will KILL YOU!" he growled.

Enishi bent over Misao's fallen figure and grabbed her long braid. He jerked the handful of hair and brought her face level to his.

"I will find her with…. or without your help. He hissed, "She can't escape me…I am everywhere…"

End of Dream

Panicked, Kaoru woke up and flung herself into an upright position. Her breathing was fast and heavy. A dizzy feeling came over her as she realized she was breathing too hard. Kaoru tried to slow her breathing, repeating it was only a dream. Kaoru's dream was all too real and she found it hard to calm herself down.

Kaoru wiped the beads of sweat off her forehead and pulled the covers off her body. She looked at the clock to see it was only 7:30am. There was no way she could go back to sleep after that. Worry etched her face as she thought about her friend Misao.

I wonder how she is? I hope she is okay…If she is in danger it's all my fault!...I have to find out if she's okay… It's dangerous, I know, but I can't go on worrying if she is all right or not?

Kaoru decided to throw caution to the wind and call Misao If something ever happened to her, she would never be able to forgive herself. In no time, Kaoru got dressed and headed to the corner store to buy a phone card.

After purchasing the phone card Kaoru looked around for the nearest payphone. She didn't have a phone yet and besides it'd be foolish to call from her apartment. Kaoru eyed a pay phone a couple blocks away and made her way towards it.

The phone was not enclosed but was freestanding next to a light post. She nervously scratched the silver from the back of the card and then dialed the necessary numbers. Moments later, the sound of ringing could be heard through the receiver.

1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8 – times it rang

 Ohh…Why isn't she picking up? Please don't let anything be wrong!

"Hello." A girlish voice answered

"Misao!" Kaoru practically yelled, "What took you so long to answer the phone, are you okay?"  She said, as her heart practically jumped in her throat.

There was a pause

"It's too early…you shouldn't have called…it's not safe." Misao whispered.

"I know it's early, but I had to know if you were okay…you are all right?" Kaoru asked

"Yes I am." She replied, "I take it you arrived safely?" Misao asked

"Yes, I have had some help along the way." Kaoru said

"That is good to hear. Misao said in a relieved tone, "We shouldn't talk too long…it's not safe.

"Has…has…you know who came by?" Kaoru nervously asked

"Yes…He was looking for you. I didn't tell him anything. He's got people searching for you…but I don't think he knows where you are… he knows I won't tell him."

"I am glad you're safe" Misao said in a reassured voice.

"Me too" Kaoru replied

"We have talked too long…I love you Kaoru."

"I love you too." Kaoru said trying to hold back tears.

As soon as Kaoru spoke those words she heard a gentle click. Kaoru held the phone to her to ear until she heard nothing but dial tone. A few tears escaped her eyes as she hung the phone back on its receiver. She wiped them off with the back of her sleeve and returned to her apartment.

Meanwhile, in the shadows another person emerged from a well hidden corner. His eyes were downcast following the image of Kaoru until he could no longer see her. The crestfallen violet gaze slowly dimmed in memory of her recent words.

He had no intentions of spying on Miss Kaoru. He was happy to see her rushing down the sidewalk and into the corner store. After last night's events, Kenshin had trouble falling asleep and stayed up all night. He found it hard to forget the serene look in her eyes and how they danced like stars in the night. He was taking a walk to clear his head of these thoughts.

Kenshin wanted to talk to Miss Kaoru, but was hesitant after what happened. He wanted to say he was sorry for upsetting her by asking her out but then remembered the kiss she gave him. It was soft sweet and kind. There was no way he'd be able to talk to her without looking like an idiot. He would give her time to sort out what she felt. It was very clear how much more confused she was about her emotions, than Kenshin.

The temptation to follow Miss Kaoru was too strong. He decided to keep his distance and look from afar. That's when he saw her walk to the payphone. He could only hear bits and pieces of her conversation. He knew it was wrong but he couldn't help himself.

He saw the look on her expression change to one of sadness. His heart ached to go over and console her but he knew it wasn't wise, since she had no idea of his presence.

Kenshin then caught wind of four painful words. Maybe not painful to anyone else, but to him they were devastating. He distinctly heard her say, "I love you too." He saw the woebegone look in her eyes as tears fell from her eyes. His heart caught in his throat, he wasn't sure what to think? Was that the reason why she didn't give him an answer, when he asked her out? Didn't she say she was single? Many of these thoughts rushed through his head.

Maybe it was a secret lover that she didn't want anyone to know about. His heart fell, knowing something wasn't right. How could he have been so stupid? She is a beautiful girl, who wouldn't want to be with her? But…Why did she have to lie to him? Why couldn't she tell him that she was seeing someone? His face fell ashen as he realized all hope with her was lost.

Back at the apartment Kaoru finished her breakfast and washed the rest of the dinner plates from last night. She looked at the leftover food setting on the plate from the other day.

Why didn't Sano finish? He always eats whatever is left?

Upon inspection of the food she could tell why. She couldn't believe he ate it! Instantly, she felt remorse for the way she acted towards him. Kaoru had a hunch Sano wasn't joking when he said he was sick.

Kaoru made it a point to check in on him after she finished the dishes.

After putting away the last dish Kaoru put her shoes on and walked next door. She knocked on the door several times before she heard him cough and stumble towards the door to open it.

The door creaked open to a tired looking Sano. He looked awful! He had a five o'clock shadow and was still dressed in the same clothes from the day before. His face was still pale and his eyes were half closed.

"Hey missy, what are you doing here?" he asked groggily

"Uhh..hi Sano…I wanted to check and see if you were alright? Tae said you weren't feeling well."

"Oh…" he said scratching the back of his head.

"Why don't come in?" he asked

"Oh…umm..if you are not feeling well maybe I shouldn't. It would be better if you rested."

"Nah, I am fine." He said yawning

"Come in." he said opening the door wider.

Kaoru walked in and stood in the middle of the room staring at the mess. It looked as though he hadn't cleaned for months! He had pizza boxes stacked on the counter and dishes overflowed from the sink. His clothes were strewn about the floor and glasses covered the end tables.

"I know it's not the cleanest but I am the one who has to live here." He said with a chuckle.

"Do you need anything Sano?" she asked

"No I am fine. My stomach is starting to feel a little better." He said reassuringly

"Oh…Well maybe I could help you pick up around here? You have done so much for me. It is the least I can do.

"Sure kid, do whatever you want. I will just lay here and watch TV."

Kaoru rolled her eyes and got to work.

Sano wouldn't be Sano, if he weren't lazy

In a few hours Kaoru had straightened up the place. It still looked like a bachelor pad, but much cleaner. She through out all the garbage, washed the dishes, and put his clothes in a neat pile. Sano was content watching TV, never looking up to see what Kaoru was doing.

"Well, I have finished." She said brushing her hands together

"Hey, the place looks pretty nice. Maybe you should come here and clean for me more often." He said jokingly

"When pigs fly Sano! This will be the first and the LAST time I ever clean for you!" she said mockingly.

At that moment, a distinct knock could be heard from outside. Sano wondered who it could be? He was about to get up and answer the door but Kaoru had already beat him. Kaoru opened the door, to find a woman standing there with a small boy holding her hand. The woman pushed the door open further, knocking Kaoru out of the way.

Who the hell does she think she is? She can't just come in here and act like she owns the place!

Kaoru glared at the tall dark haired woman who still had the small child hanging on her hand. Sano stood up his eyes wide with surprise.

"FOX?!" What are you doing here?" Sano squeaked

"How many times must I tell you! DON"T CALL ME FOX!" she shouted at him.

Sano winced at hearing her high-pitched voice.

"Who's the girl?" She said not looking at Kaoru

"She's a friend." Sano replied

She eyed Kaoru, "Hmpf…Friend indeed." "Listen, I don't know who you are, but you can't just barge in here and treat Sano that way!" Kaoru shouted.

"I very well can and will." She shot back

"Hmpf…I can see he hasn't told you yet…figures."

Sano's eyes went even wider and he began to waive his hands in front of him, nodding his head left and right.

"Aren't you going to tell her? I mean she is going to figure it out sometime?" she said with a devilish grin.

Sano gave a loud sigh of defeat and scratched the back of his head

"Kaoru, this is Megumi…my ex-wife."

"Your…your…wife?" Kaoru said not believing it.

"EX-Wife." Clearly emphasizing the ex. Sano shouted

Megumi shot a look at Kaoru and continued with her business. She took a bunch of juice boxes and plastic containers and placed them in the fridge.

"These are for Yahiko. I have a list of instructions on when to feed and give him snacks."

Kaoru arched her eyebrow, clearly she forgot about the kid. But, where was he?

Megumi shot Kaoru another annoyed look.

"I suppose he forgot to tell you he was a father too huh?"

Kaoru's jaw dropped

"YOUR'RE A FATHER?

"Only two weekends a month." He said shooting Megumi a disgusted look

"Don't expect anything out of a rooster-head like him! You'd be smart to run as fast as you can and never look back. I have a hard enough time collecting child support and alimony from him! She said directing the last sentence towards Sano.

Megumi looked at her watch and realized she was running late.

"I love you Yahiko" she shouted and walked out the door.

Kaoru gave Sanosuke a surprised look. She still couldn't believe what happened?

Two seconds later the door cracked open, Megumi was back.

"Oh I forgot to mention. If I find out that you took him out gambling or around those friends of yours…so help me god…!"

"I know, I know. When are you coming to get him?"

"Have him ready and unharmed by 6:00pm tomorrow. Remember what I said, if you know what's good for you." And with that she slammed the door.

Sano gave Kaoru a nervous laugh.

"Pleasant isn't she?"

Megumi was far from pleasant. Kaoru wasn't sure what they saw in each other. Clearly, they were extreme opposites. She decided not to ask questions, considering she found out too much.

Kaoru remembered the small boy who accompanied her inside. He was still nowhere in site.

"Where did…you know…he go?" Kaoru asked

Sano nodded his head towards the couch.

Being friendly, Kaoru decided to introduce herself. She slowly crept towards the couch and stopped in front of it. She kneeled on the floor and moved to peek behind the couch.

"Yahiko…"

A small boy holding a toy gun between her eyes confronted her

"SURRENDER UGLY!". He shouted

Kaoru's eyes crossed looking at the flashing gun that was going off against her head.

Kaoru muttered "Cute kid. I wonder who he takes after?"

Sano laughed

END OF CHAPTER 9

Bet you guys didn't see that coming. Megumi and Sano divorced? Sano a father? Yahiko their kid?

If you haven't noticed by now I've changed Yahiko's age. I thought this would be a little more interesting than the played out "Yahiko being an orphan."

I am glad you think this is a cute fic

Your reviews mean a lot to me!

Thanks for reading! "Ciao"