Title:    A New Beginning

Rated: PG-13 (Violence & Language)

Author: charismatic angel

Email: charismatic_angel@msn.com

Chapter Date: July 1, 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 14:

Kaoru felt light headed after her kiss with Kenshin. She was surprised that it even happened. What surprised her more is that she didn't stop him. In fact she wanted him to kiss her. Kaoru was confused about what to feel.

'I'm not sure what I am feeling? Do I like him…of course I do, there is no doubt that I more than like him. Then why do I feel guilty? I am not sure what to do….or what to say…I am not sure if I am ready. I shouldn't feel guilty, Enishi is in the past.'

"Miss Kaoru" Kenshin spoke, breaking her train of thought.

"Yes" she said, not quite meeting his eyes.

A worried look etched his face, 'Stupid! I never should have kissed her. She's scared, I can tell. I've blown it…now she will never want to be around me. Why couldn't I control myself?'

"I…I….Miss…" He tried to choke out.

"Kenshin…you don't have to explain. I…I wanted you to kiss me." She said blushing slightly but still not meeting his eyes.

"You did?!" he said quite shocked.

"Yes.." She softly whispered, "I really like you…and I really liked the kiss too."

"Really?!" He said in a choked voice.

Kaoru nodded and grabbed his hand, "Last night I was really worried about you. I was scared that something bad might happen. I care what happens to you. I know it sounds strange…for the fact that we haven't known each other very long, but I do care about you."

"I don't think it's strange…because I really care…about you too Miss Kaoru." He said softly.

Kaoru made a half smile.

"Miss Kaoru, is there something more? You…you don't look happy? He said, with a hint of worry.

She turned away and stared blankly at the wall. Kaoru gave off a cold aura that didn't settle too well with him.

Slowly and quietly she began to speak, "The reason I…. The reason I…didn't want to start another relationship was…" Tears began to form in her eyes, "was because I just got out of one. We were engaged for a few years…I…"

"Sshh, Miss Kaoru." He said putting his fingers to her lips. "You do not need to tell me. I can tell it still hurts you so. I will understand if you only want to be friends." He said lightly.

Kaoru turned her head and forced herself to look into his eyes. She could see a look of concern, hurt, and a deep sadness reflecting off them. She wanted to tell him everything but couldn't after looking into his eyes. It would be too much for him to handle. It was to be her burden alone.

'I do not want him to feel sorry for me. My past is in Tokyo and my future is here.'

Kaoru forced herself to smile, despite how she felt.

"Kenshin." She whispered.

"Yes." He said, eyes growing big waiting for her to reject him.

"Do you think…that maybe…you know…we could…"

'Just say it…say that you don't want to be with me….' Kenshin thought to himself.

"…kiss?" she replied.

"Oro?!" was all he could say

Kaoru made the moves this time and softly brushed her lips against his. Kenshin's big violet eyes widened not believing the whole situation. One minute he was waiting for her to reject him and the next he was being seduced by her!

"You do want to kiss me…don't you?" she whispered against his lips.

Kenshin didn't need anymore convincing on her part and he quickly ravaged her lips. At first the kiss was forceful but became tenderer as she responded. He placed his hand on the back of her head and drew her nearer to him. Kaoru let out a muffled sigh enjoying the deepening of the kiss.

She ran her fingers through the masses of red hair and slightly pulled it by the roots, showing her wanting ness. Kenshin let out a soft groan enjoying her playfulness.

After a few minutes they broke apart, completely flushed in the face. Kaoru's lips were bruised and swollen clearly showing how powerful the kiss was. Kenshin tenderly stroked the top of her arm and then leaned forward as he lightly kissed her forehead.

Kaoru closed her eyes as he whispered into her ear, "I will never let anything hurt you."

Kaoru smiled inside upon hearing those words.

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

Back in Tokyo:

"Sir, we have located Aoshi Shinomori."

"And?…" Enishi inquired

"He refuses to talk with the messengers."

"What kind of news is that?!" he spat

"He said it wasn't worth his time. I am sorry but that is all I know." The man humbly said

Enishi's eyes turned cold as he crumpled a piece of paper in front of him.

"Oh…we will make it worth his time." He grinned evilly, "Send Mr. Shinomori a message that I have a proposition for him…one that he cannot refuse. Make arrangements for me to leave at once. I want to tell him the conditions in person."

"Very well sir." The small man bowed and left.

'If I know Shinomori, he will not refuse my offer…especially since it concerns the Oniwaban group.'

End of Chapter 14

I am sorry this is so short! I wanted to write more but I promised my boyfriend that we'd actually get to talk tonight. Between our busy schedules we only catch each other every now and then. *sighs*

Anyways…I hope you liked this chapter even though it was short. What would you guys think if I were to speed the relationship up…to say like…six months later…I would do some in-between explanations and so on. I wanted to do this in order to delve on some certain things, but if you want me to move a little slower I will.

The reviews have been phenomenal! I love hearing from you guys! It makes me happy to know that you'd take a few minutes out of your schedule to reply. I have noticed that some authors want so many replies before they post another chapter…which is cool, but to me the number of reviews aren't what make a story good. It's the people who look deep enough to appreciate a story for what it is. Even if I only had 2 reviews I'd still write. ;)

Enough said, lol.

Oh, I want to ask you one more thing before end this. Do you think I should update on the 4th? I know many of you will be spending time with your friends and family. Let me know what you think?

Thanks for reading!

~*Charismatic Angel*~