Title:    A New Beginning

Rated: PG-13 (Violence & Language)

Author: charismatic angel

Email: charismatic_angel@msn.com

Chapter Date: July 4, 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 16:

Two glorious weeks passed as Kenshin and Kaoru's relationship blossomed. As each day went by she felt herself falling for him more and more. They spent practically every day together.

After work she would meet him atop the roof and together they would gaze at the stars. Kenshin would often skip work to spend time with Kaoru. Since he was the owner it was easy for him to take time off, much to Aya's disliking. He didn't care what she thought, as long as he was with Kaoru the sky could fall on top of him and he wouldn't notice.

Their physical relationship never went past kissing. Kenshin knew that Kaoru was special and he didn't want to move too fast. He was content to have her in his arms sharing passionate kisses. He never felt so much more as a whole until Kaoru came into his life. He was fascinated by her energetic spirit and heartwarming kindness. A day didn't go by where he wasn't thankful for her to be in his life.

Thanks to Kenshin's kindness, Kaoru was able to email Misao via his computer. Kaoru told her about her new home, job, and friends. Kaoru also blabbed about her growing relationship with Kenshin. She told Misao how happy she was with him and how nice he's been treating her.

A few days later Kaoru got a reply from Misao. Misao was happy that Kaoru was doing all right and had found such good friends. She warned Kaoru to be careful with this new man she was dating. Misao said he sounds nice and is glad Kaoru found someone to make her happy. She told Kaoru, as her friend, she only wants the best for her because she deserves it more than anyone else.

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

Kaoru's Apartment:

The past few nights, Kaoru found it difficult to sleep. She kept having reoccurring dreams about her past life with Enishi. She would awake in cold sweats and with her heart pounding a million miles an hour. After the nightmare's, she had trouble going back to sleep, because if she dared to shut her eyes the nightmare would continue.

One particular morning, Kaoru was having another bad dream. In the dream Enishi was beating her with everything he had. She tried to scream but nothing came out. The nightmare was so real, she could feel each blow as it contacted with her body and she could taste blood in her mouth.

She violently thrashed around in her bed softly moaning for him to stop when all of a sudden she sat up. Her popped open and her heart raced as she sat glossy eyed on her bed. Kaoru's breathing slowed when she realized it was another nightmare.

'The dream it was so awful. It felt like it was real…I could taste blood and felt every blow. Why am I having these dreams? I wish they would stop. my life with him is over. He can't hurt me anymore.'

Unable to sleep, Kaoru got out of bed and decided to make herself a cup of tea. She filled the kettle with water and shakily set it on the stove. Her movements were quite wobbly, because she was still getting over the awful dream. She decided to sit and relax until the tea was finished. The dream apparently took a lot out of her.

She thought of Kenshin and how safe she felt around him.

'Kenshin would never hurt me, would he? I feel so safe around him, like he would protect me from anything that wished to do me harm.'

The kettle started whistling, bringing Kaoru out of her thoughts. She got up and turned the stove off. She was about to get a cup when she heard someone knocking. The knocking seemed to be coming from next door. Curious as to who it was, Kaoru crept to her door and slowly opened her door.

Kaoru peered from the small crack to see Megumi and Yahiko standing in the hallway. Megumi looked annoyed as she waited for someone to open the door. She banged on the door with her fist and gave it door a couple of kicks.

"I know you are in there! Get out of bed rooster head this is important!" Megumi yelled.

Kaoru wondered why Megumi was there? She thought he only had Yahiko two weekends a month?

Megumi finally gave up with a big sigh of frustration. She picked up Yahiko and turned around to leave when she caught Kaoru peering outside her door.

Megumi gave her a hard stare and asked, "Do you know where that rooster head is?" She said, in a demanding voice.

Kaoru didn't intend on Megumi seeing her or even talking to her and was taken aback by her demanding tone.

"No, I don't know where Sano is." Kaoru replied.

"Damned rooster head! He picks the finest times to be gone!" Megumi said, in an exasperated voice.

"Do you know when he'll be back?" she said aggregately

"What do I look like, his secretary?! I don't know when he'll be back!" Kaoru said, not liking how Megumi was being so forceful.

"Listen, I don't have a lot of time. My entrance exams are this week and I am not able to watch Yahiko. His usual babysitter isn't available. I wanted that rooster head to take some responsibility and watch his child. If you could just watch him until he gets home…"

"Ohh NO…I don't think so. This is yours and Sano's problem. Plus you don't even know me! How do you know I am not some kind of psycho?!" Kaoru shot back.

Megumi rolled her eyes, "Please…The exams are only given once a year. I can't miss them. I don't usually leave Yahiko with people I don't know, but I am begging you to reconsider. She asked in a pleading voice.

Kaoru felt bad for her. She knew that the entrance exams were very important to Megumi, otherwise she wouldn't' have asked a complete stranger to watch her child. Sano said she wanted to be a doctor and Kaoru thought it'd be difficult being a single parent studying for med school.

With a slight bit of hesitation, Kaoru agreed to watch the little devil not fully aware of what she was taking on.

Thankful, Megumi pried Yahiko's little fingers from her shirt and set him on the ground. She removed the bag from around her shoulders and handed it to Kaoru.

"Here are his things. I have some toys and a few snacks. Tell Sano that I will pick Yahiko up on Thursday, after my last exam. I am staying at a hotel, the number is in the bag if you need to get a hold of me."

Megumi bent down and gave Yahiko a quick peck on the cheek.

"Be good for…er…" she said, not remember Kaoru's name.

"Kaoru, the names Kaoru." She said rolling her eyes.

*laughs* - 'doesn't even know my name and she leaving her kid with me!!'

Megumi ruffled the young boys hair and blew him kisses as she left.

"Bye sweetie, see you in a couple days." She yelled before disappearing.

'Great! What have I gotten myself into?! Way to go Kaoru! This is what you get for being so snoopy!'

Kaoru stared down at the little boy, "Come in Yahiko, I promise I don't bite." She said nicely.

Yahiko looked up and gave her scowl before entering. He wasn't pleased with his mom for leaving him behind.

"Well…ummm…I didn't expect to have company." Kaoru nervously said, "What would you like to do?"

Yahiko surveyed the room and then asked, "Where's the T.V.?"

"I…uhh, don't have a T.V."

Yahiko's eyes almost popped out of his head, "You don't have a T.V.?!"

"I am sure we can find something else for you to do. Your mom said she had some toys in that bag. Maybe you want to play with those for awhile?" Kaoru suggested.

Yahiko scrunched up his nose, "I don't want to play with those toys."

"Are you hungry?" Kaoru asked

"What do you got to eat?"

"Well, I could make you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You do like peanut butter and jelly?" she asked.

Yahiko nodded his head.

Kaoru went to the kitchen and pulled out some jars and bread and started to prepare his sandwich. This was one thing even Kaoru couldn't mess up. After fixing the sandwich, she cut it in half and put it on a plate.

"Here you go." She said, handing the plate to him.

Yahiko stared at it and didn't make any effort to take it.

"Come on, I thought you were hungry?" Kaoru said in a confused voice.

Yahiko shuffled his feet and said, "My mommy cuts them in triangles. Those aren't triangles."

Kaoru rolled her eyes, "Okay, triangles it is." She said, retreating to the kitchen.

Kaoru cut the sandwich into triangles and gave it back to him. He stared at the plate not taking them.

"They are triangles see?" Kaoru said, pointing out her handiwork.

"I don't like the crust. My mommy always takes it off." He replied.

"Oh…you don't like the crust? Well, is there anything else you don't like?!" she said, getting very annoyed.

He shook his head and she went to cut the crusts off. Kaoru came back and handed him the plate, which he took. He sat on the floor and began to eat. In a matter of two minutes he ate the whole thing! He greedily licked his sticky fingers, which were covered in peanut butter.

'He is his fathers son.' Kaoru thought to herself.

"Want to see a trick?" Yahiko asked, whipping the rest of the peanut butter on his jeans.

"Sure, what is your trick?" she asked

"I can't tell. It's a surprise." He said, with a mischievous grin.

"Close your eyes." he commanded.

Kaoru closed her eyes.

"You have to sit on the floor or it won't work." He said

"The floor?!" She shot out, "oh, alright." She said, kneeling on the ground.

"Kay, close your eyes and wait."

She closed her eyes once more.

She heard him scuffling around until he came back a stood in front of her.

"Okay, open your eyes."

Kaoru opened her eyes and was immediately assaulted by a big burst of cool water. She wiped the water away from her face and saw that he had a squirt gun. Yahiko laid on his back and was laughing like there was no tomorrow.

Kaoru got up shaking her wet bangs out of her eyes.

"Why you little….just wait until I get a hold of you…" she spat, as she grabbed for him. Being quick, Yahiko jumped up as she chased him around the apartment.

"You little jerk!" she called after him.

Their game of chase was interrupted by a knock at the door. Breathlessly Kaoru went to the door to see who it was.

'I hope it's not one of the neighbors. Damn kid, he's a little monster!'

She opened the door, expecting a disgruntled neighbor when she saw Kenshin. He flashed her a big smile and held up a bag of donuts.

"Good morning Miss Kaoru, I thought you would like some breakfast." He greeted.

"Oh Kenshin, I am so glad you're here!" she said in a relieved tone. "Megumi left her demon spawn here until Sano gets home. The kid is so obnoxious! If Sano doesn't get home soon, there may be a little accident." She implied to Yahiko, who was hiding behind the couch snickering.

"Now, Now Miss Kaoru." He said shaking his hands in front of him, "Yahiko is full of energy that is all."

"Energy? That's a laugh!" she said sarcastically.

Kenshins brow furrowed as he noticed Kaoru's face. It looked flushed as if she was sweating and her bangs limply stuck to her forehead.

"I hope I did not make her sick. I should have known better to kiss her when I was sick.'

"Miss Kaoru, are you feeling okay? You look like you have a fever?" He said, his voice full of concern.

Kaoru touched her bangs and pulled a limp strand up. "Oh this…courtesy of Yahiko. Little brat has a squirt gun. I was chasing him around and tried to get it away from him." She laughed.

Kenshin smiled, happy to hear she was feeling all right. He walked in and set the doughnuts on the counter and walked up to Kaoru as he gave her a soft kiss.

Kaoru was surprised by his sudden affection and warmly returned the kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he pulled her closer tasting more of her mouth.

"EWWWW! You are kissing ugly?! Gross! I am going to be sick! Uncle Ken that is gross!" Yahkio said, sticking his finger in his mouth.

Kenshin broke the kiss much to Kaoru's dismay.

"You will understand one day Yahiko." He smiled.

"Hey, why don't we go to the park…if it is all right with Miss Kaoru?" Kenshin suggested

Kaoru shot a glance at the little maggot and agreed. She'd rather have him destroying something outside than in her house. Maybe Sano would be back by the time they returned.

She grabbed her keys and they left.

Kenshin insisted that Yahiko hold both their hands so he wouldn't get lost…or rather wonder off. Yahiko didn't want to, claiming he'd get ugly germs but Kenshin insisted that was how it'd be if they were going to go to the park. Reluctantly, Yahkio took Kaoru's hand as they made their way.

The three walked along the sidewalk looking as if they were a happy family. Kenshin smiled, wondering if this is what it's like to be part of a family. He lovingly looked over at Kaoru. She looked absolutely beautiful with her hair shining in the sun creating a little halo above her head. Her hand protectively held Yahiko's in hers. He knew she would make a great mother someday. Kenshin hoped someday that him and Kaoru would have a family. The thought made his heart swell with joy.

They finally arrived at the park as Yahiko ripped his hands away from theirs and ran towards the swings. Kenshin and Kaoru sat on a bench overlooking the park and held hands. Every now and then Kenshin would lean over to give Kaoru a kiss. Kaoru enjoyed her time with Kenshin, even if they had to watch the little brat. She noticed how different Kenshin was acting since they left the apartment. He seemed…happy.

Not like Kenshin wasn't happy, but it emanated from his very being. She was glad that they were able to have this time together. Most of all she was glad to be with him.

The day wore on and a few hours later Kenshin called towards Yahiko, telling him it was time to go home. Yahiko, reluctantly got up from the sandbox and left with them.

When they got home, Kaoru checked to see if Sano was home but no one answered the door. A bit dismayed, Kaoru wasn't sure what to do. She had to work in a few hours and there was no way she could bring Yahiko to work.

"What have I gotten myself into." Kaoru said, running her hand through her bangs.

"Don't worry Miss Kaoru, if Sano isn't back by the time you go to work, I can watch him." He offered

Kaoru smiled, "You are a sweetie." She said giving him as kiss, as he went "oro."

Sano wasn't home by the time Kaoru left for work. Kenshin, happily stayed behind to watch Yahiko. He gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek before she left.

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

Later that Evening:

Kaoru returned home tired as ever. The night had been very busy and she was suffering from lack of sleep. She groggily walked to her door and unlocked it. She walked in to find Kenshin and Yahiko lying on the couch.

It looked like Kenshin was reading him a bedtime story before they both fell asleep. Yahiko was resting his head in the crook of Kenshin's arm. Kenshin had his arm wrapped around Yahiko's shoulder and was in a peaceful slumber.

Kaoru didn't have the heart to wake them. She smiled, as she heard Yahiko give off little snores.

'Another thing he gets from Sano!' she laughed to herself

She softly walked into her bedroom and pulled out a blanket. She went back to the couch and laid the blanket on them. Kaoru tucked the blanket around the two boys and then kissed each of them on the forehead and whispered goodnight.

'It can't hurt to let them sleep. Plus, I feel safe when Kenshin is here.'

Kaoru changed into her nightclothes and crawled into bed letting sleep take over.

*Dream*

Kaoru was laying face down in a pool of blood. Her body was sore and bruised and she couldn't move.

"See what you've made me do?" Enshi's evil voice spat.

He kicked her in the stomach as she grunted in pain.

"Please NO MORE!" She cried out.

He pulled her hair as he lifted her head up, "I will tell you when you've had enough." He said with a venomous whisper.

Hot tears escaped her eyes, "ENISHI! No, No, No, No…" she whispered

*End of Dream*

"Miss Kaoru, Miss Kaoru." Kenshin whispered, as he gently shook her.

Slowly Kaoru opened her eyes and saw a dark shadow hovering over her. Scared of the dark figure, Kaoru shot up and slapped his hands away. She ran to the corner of her room and crossed her arms tightly against herself.

She cried out as the figure moved towards and slumped to the ground.

"No, No, No, that was only a dream. This can't be happening!" She kept repeating to herself.

"Miss Kaoru." The figure spoke slowly extending his hand toward her.

He moved closer as the moonlight shone over his face. Soft violet eyes and wisps of read hair were revealed. Kaoru's voice caught in her throat as she tried to say something. Tears of sadness and relief filled her eyes as she began to cry.

Without hesitation, Kenshin gathered her frightened form into his arms and carried her back to the bed.

"Ssshhh" he whispered into her hair, "You're all right, I am here, I won't hurt you." He said, holding her tightly against his chest.

Sobs racked her body as she heard his voice. Kenshin began to softly pat her head and rocked back and forth, trying to sooth her.

When her sobs subsided and she quieted down, he bent his head down and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Kaoru's huge sapphire eyes looked into his own stormy violet ones. She saw the look of love and concern in them. She knew she was safe.

Kenshin whispered into her ear, "You are safe with me. I won't let anyone hurt you. Go back to bed, I will not leave you." He reassured her.

He gently pushed her back on the bed so she was lying on her side. He then lay down next to her and put his arm underneath her head and wrapped his other arm protectively around her waist.

"Sleep." He whispered and then kissed the back of her head.

A few minutes later, he was content to hear her breathing slow as she drifted back to sleep.

'My angel, what causes you so much pain?' he thought to himself.

End of Chapter 16

So what do you think? I like how loving Kenshin is towards Kaoru. He is such a cutie!

I want to apologize for not updating like I promised. Due to unforeseen circumstances, caused by my "dear" father, my computer has been out of order. My dad got this hair-brained idea to go into the control panel and fool around with add/remove programs.

The guy thinks he's a computer genius, but he's really a computer idiot. To make a long story short, I spent most of my time reinstalling software needed to start certain programs. So please forgive me!!

Thanks for the reviews…As of recently I have 103! I was like HOLY CRAP! 103 reviews! Never expected it! It's fun to read all of your comments. I appreciate your feedback.

As for those who wish me to do a lemon…I am not sure. I mean there are some younger audiences reading this fic. It wouldn't be right to post to this story. This is my first fic and all so I don't know.

Anyways, I hope you all had a HAPPY 4TH!

Thanks again for reading,

~*Charismatic Angel*~