Title: A New Beginning
Rated: PG-13 (Violence & Language)
Author: charismatic angel
Email: charismatic_angel@msn.com
Chapter Date: June 26, 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 10:
Two weeks past since Kaoru last saw Kenshin. Kaoru wondered why she hadn't seen him lately? At first, they bumped into each other quite frequently. Now, it was as if he completely dropped off the face of the earth. Kaoru wasn't sure why she was so concerned about his whereabouts. They only met a couple times; it wasn't like they were good friends? What was Kenshin to her? She tried to convince herself that they were only mere acquaintances, nothing more. But, why did she feel bad about categorizing him as such?
Why was Kenshin avoiding her? Did she do something wrong? Was he upset with he,r for not answering his question?
Kenshin isn't the type to avoid me for a reason like that? Why am I so concerned? I shouldn't have given him that kiss…but then again it felt so right. I wish I knew where he was…
On another side of New York, Kenshin was walking in a very scenic park. The atmosphere was peaceful. Large trees loomed high above letting little flecks of sunlight through their bountiful leaves. Children's laughter could be heard in the distance and the sounds of "clip clops" from horse drawn carriages. Kenshin enjoyed the tranquility of the park. He only wished his mind could be as serene as the parks atmosphere.
Visions of a dark haired beauty constantly played out in his mind. It was impossible to forget about her. Staying away didn't help; it made him want to see her all the more. He knew he shouldn't be feeling this way. A man like him didn't deserve her she was far too pure.
He felt twinges of jealously, ever since that day he overheard her confess her love to another. It was wrong of him to be jealous but he couldn't help it.
Why can't I be happy for her?
Kenshin continued walking down the path until he heard familiar voices. Lifting his head up, Kenshin spotted Sano and Yahiko. Sano was laying on the grass watching Yahiko play in the sandbox. He smiled, for he rarely saw Sano at peace. No matter how much Sano denied being a father, Kenshin knew he enjoyed it.
Kenshin loved children and wished he had some of his own. He always wanted to find someone who shared his same desires. At one point in his life he had but she was gone. Nothing in this world could bring her back.
He was knocked out of his reverie when a small spiky-haired five year old tackled him.
"Uncle Ken! Uncle Ken!" Yahiko shouted, as he gestured for Kenshin to pick him up.
He picked up the small boy who instantly wrapped his arms around Kenshin's neck.
"It is nice to see you Yahiko, that it is." Kenshin smiled, "Are you having fun?"
Yahiko nodded his head. Sano got up from his place on the grass and walked over to the two.
"Yo, Kenshin! What are you doing here?" Sano asked
"Taking a walk, that I am." Kenshin replied
Yahiko, feeling ignored pulled on Kenshin's shirt.
"Uncle Ken!" Yahiko pouted.
"Yes Yahiko, please forgive me for not paying attention to you." He grinned
"I want to show you something!" Yahiko said, in an excited voice.
"What is it?" Kenshin asked, trying to sound interested.
"You have to close your eyes first." Yahiko commanded
Kenshin closed his eyes but tried to peek. Yahiko caught him.
"Uncle Kennn! No peaking!" he whined.
"I will not peak then." Kenshin said, closing his eyes.
He waited patiently still holding Yahiko in his arms. Kenshin wondered what he was going to show him?
"Okay! Open your eyes." Yahiko instructed
As soon as Kenshin opened his eyes he felt something hard smack his face. Yahiko jumped out of his arms and ran off with a plastic shovel in hand. Kenshin fell to the ground going "Oroorororororororo."
Sano laughed at Kenshin's fallen figure.
"Can't believe it…outsmarted by a five year old!" Sano teased
"He has a good aim, that he does." Kenshin said, rubbing the injured spot.
Kenshin eventually got up and brushed himself off. He turned to see if Yahiko was anywhere near, hoping he had nothing more to show Uncle Ken today. Kenshin spotted him chasing a couple squirrels that madly dashed up a tree and barked down at him.
"That kid has so much energy. I'm not sure how fox can handle him." Sano said
"It's hard to tell who he takes after? Both you and Megumi are very spirited." Kenshin stated.
"By the way, how is she doing?" Kenshin asked
"Aww fox…well nothing much has changed. She's still going to school so she can become a doctor. Keeps on telling me to make something of myself…thought I already was somebody." Sano chuckled.
"So Kenshin, what have you been up to? I haven't seen you around in awhile. It's strange that I'm the one asking this. Usually people are saying that to me."
Kenshin nervously scratched the back of his head. He didn't want Sano to know it was because of Miss Kaoru. He knew she hung around Sano quite often.
"Things have been busy at work. You know how that goes?"
"Uhh…actually I don't but I'll take your word for it." Sano replied
Changing the subject Sano said, "I heard you met Missy."
Kenshin looked at Sano with a confused expression.
"Missy?" Kenshin asked
"Ya, Kaoru." Sano filled in
Kenshin looked taken aback as he realized whom Sano was talking about.
"Oh Miss Kaoru." He said dropping his gaze
"She went on and on about how nice you were and how you helped her out. Blah blah blah…"
"So, what did you actually help her with?" Sano asked, raising his eyebrow and nudging him.
"She had a cut and I gave her some medicine to put on it." Kenshin firmly stated, purposely leaving certain details out.
Kenshin wasn't sure where Sano was going with this and didn't want to take it any further. He took this walk to get her off his mind, which wasn't exactly working.
Sano recognized his change of mood when he brought up Kaoru. Kenshin looked upset or something, which was highly unusual for him. He always had a hard time figuring Kenshin out since he masked his feelings so well. There was something highly wrong with this picture.
"How…How is Miss Kaoru?" he quietly asked.
"She's doing alright from what I can tell. Missy is still getting used to the city. I still have to walk her to the Akabeko every night, since she still gets lost. She won't admit it but if I didn't tag along who knows where she'd wander off too. I've already had to save her from a close call. But man, does she have a fiery temper. You don't want to get on her bad side, believe me."
Kenshin laughed trying to picture Miss Kaoru mad
"You say she isn't from here?"
"She's from Japan. It hasn't even been a month since she's arrived."
"Does she have family here?" he inquired
"No, I don't think so." Sano replied, as he quieted his voice, "Listen, between you and me, Missy's had a hard life. She may not show it but it's true. That one's got spirit and I'm sure she will pull through."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"I don't know? Thought you'd be interested? I was thinking you could be friends…just don't tell her I said anything, okay?
He firmly said, "I promise"
It was getting late and the sun was almost setting. Kenshin waved goodbye to his two companions and made his way towards home.
~~~~~~Later that Evening~~~~~~
Kaoru tried several times to go to sleep but was unable to. Since she started working at the Akabeko, she found it difficult to go to bed early. She tossed and turned trying to get comfortable but it was no use. She just wasn't tired!
Giving up, Kaoru turned on the lamp next to her bed. She pulled a magazine out of her nightstand drawer and began to read. Kaoru flipped through several articles finding none that appeased her. Disgusted she thru the magazine to the side and got up.
She walked to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water. She glanced at the clock on the wall
11:00! I'm never going to get to bed at this rate!
Kaoru sat her glass down and anxiously paced her living room floor. After several minutes of aimless walking she gave up and sat on the couch. "Urrgh!"
She was almost crawling out of her skin with boredom. There was absolutely nothing to do! She wished Tsubambe wasn't working tonight, because they could have done something. A thought quickly flashed thru Kaoru's mind.
I could take a walk!
Kaoru went to the door to retrieve her coat and keys and then realized it was too late for her to go walking by herself. She bothered Sano enough and couldn't ask him to accompany her. Besides, he had Yahiko with him this weekend. Kaoru stomped her foot on the floor and tried to come up with another idea.
Then it hit her! She had never explored the inside of the building before. It couldn't hurt to walk around the building she lived in. Of course…she would have to mind the second floor because that's where "he" lived. Her mindset, Kaoru grabbed her keys and didn't bother to take her coat or shoes. Where was she going to go anyways?
Kaoru eagerly explored all the floors except one. She was having a nice time walking up and down the corridors and looking out the big windows. Finally, she reached the last floor and was a bit disappointed until she saw another set of stairs. The stairs went up towards a small metal door. Curious about where they went to she went to have a look.
She reached the last step and stood behind the small door. Anxiously, she turned the knob to find it wasn't locked. Kaoru pushed the door open and walked through. Kaoru gasped, as she found herself on the roof. Everything was simply beautiful. The view was awesome! Being in the fresh air, she felt her heart soar as high as the building around her.
All of a sudden, Kaoru jumped when she heard footsteps. She looked to the side to see a pair of amber eyes staring into her.
Kaoru let out a silent shriek
"Who's there?" the cold emotionless voice asked
"Uhhh…uhh" was all Kaoru could manage
The figure with the amber eyes stepped out of the shadows towards Kaoru. She immediately froze with fright. As he stepped forward Kaoru could make out his silhouette.
"K..K..Ken..shin." she stammered
The amber eyes immediately faded and were replaced by a dark set of violet ones.
"Miss Kaoru?" Kenshin said, as his eyes grew a softer shade of violet
Kaoru noticed the sudden change in his demeanor.
Was I seeing things, or were his eyes amber? They couldn't have been…it must have been the light.
"I'm..,I'm sorry…to have interrupted you." She whispered
"I'm sorry to have scared you. No one ever comes up here. You surprised me that's all." He calmly said as he stepped closer to her.
Kaoru stood planted in the same spot still shaking with fear. Kenshin noticed her reaction and felt bad about scaring her, he didn't mean to. Her shaking turned into shivers as a cool breeze moved past them. He saw she was only wearing pajama bottoms and a tank top. He wondered why she wasn't wearing a coat or shoes for that matter.
"Miss Kaoru, please take my coat, you are cold." He said, as he removed his jacket.
Before she could object he draped it around her shoulders and folded the opening close against her.
"I wouldn't want to see you get sick Miss Kaoru, that I would not."
Kaoru relaxed into the warmth of his jacket. His body heat was still radiating from the fabric. The scent of sandalwood drifted by her nose and she inhaled deeply smelling the musky scent.
"What are you doing out so late Miss Kaoru?" he politely asked
"I couldn't sleep, so I thought I would do some exploring. Then I noticed this door and wanted to see where it lead."
"I see." Kenshin smiled
Kaoru smiled back, hoping he wasn't upset with her presence.
She looked up towards the sky and admired the twinkling stars above.
"Aren't they beautiful?" she said still looking towards the sky,
"Yes, beautiful." He said, looking at her.
"There must be a million of them. I wonder what it would be like to touch one, don't you?"
"Yes." He whispered
"I've always thought looking at the stars was so romantic." She said with a sigh, "I wish I had someone special to share this moment with me. My friend Misao would love to see this, but she's in Tokyo."
Kenshin whispered, You do…
"Did you say something?" Kaoru asked turning towards him.
Kenshin was embarrassed, he couldn't believe he said that out loud.
"Do you have friends and family in Tokyo?" He said, changing the subject
"My father was the last of my family…he passed away a few years ago. She said, sadly.
"I…I'm sorry I asked."
"No, you didn't know." She said and tried to smile
"I have a friend, Misao. She is very dear to me, I love her as if she were a sister."
"Do you get to talk often?"
"No…It's been awhile…I talked to her a couple weeks ago but not for long. I was sad to leave her behind." Kaoru said growing quiet and looking down.
At that moment, Kenshin realized the person she was talking to over the phone was Misao. Kaoru said she loved her…that could be the only explanation. His heart soared hearing it wasn't some other guy. He still had a chance…but did he deserve it?
"I lived in Kyoto years ago." He said, breaking the silence.
Kaoru perked up hearing this information.
"I came here to start a new life….or rather new beginning. Kenshin laughed, "You probably don't understand what I am talking about."
Kaoru felt herself draw closer to him as she understood all too well what he meant. He was like her, trying to start fresh.
"I understand completely." She said and then took a deep yawn.
"You are tired, come I'll walk you to your apartment." He gestured.
Kaoru followed him leaving the starry night behind them. Together, they walked down the series of steps until they reached her apartment.
They stood outside her door, not saying a word.
"I guess I better go." She reluctantly said.
"Yes." He smiled, "Thank you for a wonderful night Miss Kaoru."
An unmistakenable blush spread across her cheeks. He saw her reaction and was pleased.
He gently took her hand into his and brought it to his lips. He gingerly kissed her hand and looked at her with his violet orbs.
"Goodnight Miss Kaoru." He said letting her hand go and then walked off.
Kaoru stood motionless as she watched him leave. She smiled and touched her hand as if it were some prized possession.
Finally, Kaoru snapped out of her daze and made motions to unlock her door, when she realized he forgot to take his jacket. She would have called him back but he was already gone. Kaoru snuggled against the soft coat, as the scent of sandalwood assaulted her nose. She would give his coat back next time they met.
Another yawn escaped her mouth before she turned to enter her apartment.
End of Chapter 10!
*Sighs* I wish my boyfriend was more like Kenshin! Realistically, not many guys can compare to the sweet rurouni lol.
I think I may take a day off from writing tomorrow…I'm not sure. If I get enough people asking me to continue I might change my mind.
I still haven't finished Harry Potter & "TOOTP." It's on my to do list, along with reading my new Rurouni Kenshin Manga CD. I've taken a peek at it and from what I've seen it's awesome!
I used to be a big Sailor Moon fan, but after watching Rurouni Kenshin on Cartoon Network, it became my favorite anime.
If this fanfic goes well, I may do a Rurouni Kenshin/Sailor Moon Crossover…it's just a thought. Of course, I wouldn't even think of it until this fic was finished.
Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you think of the fic so far… I enjoy your responses.
Take care!