Kyaa Kyaff here!

Disclaimer: RK…hmm…let me think about it…nope they definitely aren't mine.

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

Facing Adversity

Chapter 8: Invite to Dinner

Kaoru felt a hand shaking her shoulder. With a groan she turned over pulling her blanket over her head.

"Kaoru…Kaoru…wake up. Saitoh-san called."

Kaoru immediately sat up throwing the blanket off. She searched for her clock seeing that it was twelve in the afternoon. She put a hand to her head.

"Great," looking over to an amused Tomoe Kaoru sighed, "What did he say?"

"He wants to see you this afternoon around two. He said not to be late."

Kaoru swung her feet off the bed and got up, "He's going to kill me for missing practice."

"Where were you all night? I was a bit worried. It's not like you."

Kaoru blushed before turning away, "I went out to dinner, then dancing. Afterwards we went to this very scenic place away from the city where he set up a telescope. After that we talked until the sun rose."

Tomoe looked interested, "You really will have to bring this guy over."

"Tomoe…"

"I'm serious. Invite him over for dinner tonight. I won't take no for an answer," Tomoe said.

"Fine," Kaoru replied.

Kaoru decided to get ready right away, so she would have time to visit Tsubame. After a fast shower she got dressed and left with a quick goodbye to Tomoe and Akira. Enishi had already left earlier. Kaoru was relieved. She always got so flustered around him.

Getting in she drove to Tae's place thinking of last night. After the sun had rose Kenshin had hugged her close suddenly pressing a kiss to her temple. She still remembered how her heart started to race at the gesture. Then he had whispered in her ear saying they should head back now. Kaoru hadn't wanted to go, so they stayed there for a few more minutes before Kenshin packed everything up. On the ride back home Kaoru tried her best to stay awake but couldn't. Kenshin had woken her with a soft kiss to her lips upon reaching her house. He left her with one more lingering kiss before she dreamily went inside and fell to sleep the instant she reached her bed.

Kaoru smiled as she got out of her car having reached her destination. Walking up to the door she knocked and was greeted as usual by Tae's smiling face.

"Hey Tae-san."

"Looking for Tsubame, right?" Tae replied.

"Yep."

Tae led her inside and pointed to the garden. Making her way over to the doors she paused looking out. Her eyebrows rose at what she saw. Tsubame was sitting on a bench smiling as Yahiko shyly gave her a flower before going back and…gardening.

'Yahiko is…he's full of surprises I guess.'

"Kamiya-san!"

Kaoru turned at her name to see Yutarou come over, "Hey! What are you doing here?"

"Well, Yahiko and I will be staying here for awhile. Our house was burnt to the ground and…you know."

Kaoru put a hand on his shoulder, "It's great seeing you. Feeling better then?"

"Yes," Yutarou exclaimed, "I'll have to get used to using things with my left hand. I've always been a righty."

"You'll do fine," Kaoru said, "Could you do me a favor? Tell Tsubame I'll be waiting for her in the living room. I'm not in the mood for a confrontation with your brother."

"No problem."

Kaoru went into the living room to sit down casting a glance at her watch. She still had time before she went to see Saitoh. She wasn't looking forward to it though. After a few seconds Tsubame came walking over her face glowing brightly.

"Kaoru-san! You came to visit!"

"Of course I did, silly. I said I would," Kaoru said getting up.

Tsubame came over taking Kaoru's hands in hers, "I know a few notes on the piano. Yahiko showed me, so that when you start to teach me I'll know something."

"That's great. I'm sure you'll pick up quickly. Everything going okay since the last time I dropped by?"

"Everything's fine. Can you stay long?" Tsubame asked.

"Unfortunately I have to go see Saitoh-san. But I will definitely devote Sunday to teaching you. How about that? I'll come to give you lessons every Sunday."

"That sounds great," Tsubame said.

Kaoru put an arm around her shoulder heading toward the front, "So I see you and Yahiko are friends."

Tsubame blushed lightly, "He's very nice."

"Yes, I suppose he can be."

Tsubame gave her a quizzical look.

"Just ignore me," stopping at the door Kaoru smiled, "Take care of yourself. Sunday okay?"

Opening the door Kaoru waved goodbye.

"Don't forget," Tsubame called at the door.

"I won't," Kaoru replied before getting into her car.

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Kaoru was making her way up to Saitoh's office not looking to forward to the encounter.

'What am I going to say to him? Sorry I was on a date, and I stayed up all night.'

Kaoru shook her head. She saw Okita in his office. He smiled giving her a thumbs up as she passed by. Kaoru gave him a half-hearted smile in return before knocking on Saitoh's door.

"Come in."

Kaoru cracked the door open reluctant to go in. Taking a deep breath she went in all the way closing the door behind her.

'It figures he'd be smoking.'

Kaoru waited for Saitoh to say something. He just continued to watch her waiting. Kaoru finally decided to speak.

"I…"

Saitoh held up his hand interrupting her. He took another drag of his cigarette before putting it out.

"I've decided to cut your probation. If you had shown up for practice I would have told you then. I need you to start work Monday. I have a new case for you. You can get all the details Monday. Don't bother coming for practice this week. I'll be busy."

Kaoru tried to absorb all of this information, "Saitoh-san…"

"Oh and you'll be getting a new partner. I called him here once I learned he was in the city. A trusted man of mine."

"A new partner…" Kaoru started, "I don't need a new partner."

"Don't start. You need a partner, and Kiyosato-san is regrettably not coming back," Saitoh said.

Kaoru stopped herself from replying.

"That's better. Leave now."

Kaoru opened the door and was about to leave bristling with anger.

"Tuesday practice will resume, and we'll make up for you missing today."

Kaoru tried her best to keep smiling as she shut the door. Seeing Okita still in his office she went over.

"Who's this new partner? What's the name?"

Okita held his hands up as Kaoru leaned closer with a threatening look.

"I don't know his name. I just know it's someone Saitoh-san knows and trusts."

Kaoru thought this over before sighing, "I'll see you Monday."

"Take care Kamiya-san."

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With nothing else to do and feeling stressed out Kaoru decided to visit Sagara's Antique. She had found out where it was last night. It was a small shop she had passed dozens of times with barely a passing glance. Pulling into the parking lot she looked at the shop. The sign on top proclaimed it as Sagara's Antiques. Walking up she pulled the door opened hearing a small bell jingle. Glancing around she noticed a bunch of ancient looking swords in a case along with some really nice new ones. Her gaze wandered over to a big chair that looked like it had once been a throne.

"Hello. How may I…Kaoru?"

Kaoru turned at the voice, "Kenshin."

Kenshin's face lit up as he saw her.

"I thought I might come by and see the place," Kaoru said walking up to one of the shelves where lots of little odds and ends were placed.

Her hand ran along a music box before she opened it up, "If your not busy…well you don't have to but…my sister would like it very much if you came to dinner tonight. She would like to meet you."

"That sounds wonderful."

Kaoru picked the music box up to get a better look at the design before putting it back down. She wondered over to the swords and was drawn to one in particular.

"Why does that one seem different?" Kaoru asked as Kenshin came over.

"It's a sakabatou."

"They make those? I only heard stories about it. You know the one about the rurouni, who wanted to atone for his sins by helping those in need and never killing again," Kaoru laughed, "You might not know it. My father used to tell me that story and so much others. I remember them so clearly even though I was so young."

"So young?" Kenshin asked.

Kaoru looked down, "He died when I was really young."

"Gomen nasai."

"Don't worry. It was a long time ago," Kaoru looked back up, "How much is it?"

"Hey! Kenshin. This isn't dating time. Nice to see you again Jou-chan, but we do have a customer over here," Sano said coming from the back.

"Quite expensive though I can't remember the exact price at the moment," Kenshin said hurriedly before going to the front where a customer had come up.

Kaoru touched the glass display wanting to hold that sword in her hands more than anything. Kaoru didn't notice Kenshin watching her intense interest in the weapon as he took care of the customer. Sano returned to the back to finish whatever he was doing. Kaoru walked up to the counter as the customer left.

"I should get going and let you work. Dinner's at six."

"I'll be there…"

"Here let me write down my address," Kaoru said taking a piece of paper and the pencil Kenshin offered her and jotting it down, "It's not that far from the park."

Kenshin took the paper and slipped it into his pocket.

"See you later tonight then," Kaoru said.

"Wouldn't miss it."

"Good."

Kaoru leaned across the counter giving Kenshin a quick kiss before heading for the door.

Opening it up she stopped, "Bye."

"Bye."

Kaoru reluctantly left heading for her car with a single glance back. Getting in she sighed.

'Where to now?'

Starting the car she decided to head home. Tomoe would have taken Akira to therapy by now, and Kaoru was still really tired, and since she would be going to work Monday she may as well enjoy the few precious days she had left.

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Kenshin finished cleaning the counter as Sano came out. Seeing no customers he spoke.

"Hey, you aren't getting too attached to that girl are you?"

"What are you talking about?" Kenshin said sending him an incredulous look.

Sano frowned, "Yeah…remember you said it wouldn't be anything serious. Just someone to cool off with."

"She is."

Sano didn't looked anywhere near being convinced, "I'm telling you not to get close to her. You know who she is. Come on man. You'll only…"

"I'm perfectly fine Sano. So why don't you mind your own business? She's not important to me. Okay. She's just some fun," Kenshin said angrily throwing the cloth he had down and walking to the back.

Sano followed close behind, "What if you are ordered to kill her? Did you think of that?"

"Yes, I already thought of that!"

Sano grabbed Kenshin's shoulder making the shorter man face him, "And what will you do?"

Kenshin's face became grim, "I'll follow orders of course."

Shrugging out of Sano's grasp he grabbed his coat and walked out the door. Sano sighed as Kenshin left.

"Liar."

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Akira was sitting on the couch with his head back and eyes closed. Kaoru was pacing around the room. Tomoe was finishing dinner. Enishi was in his room.

"Are you going to keep pacing?"

"Be quiet Akira. I just don't feel like sitting down," Kaoru said picking up a cushion and throwing it at him.

It fell short and hit his legs.

Without opening his eyes he laughed, "You fell a little short. I guess I should be glad that you only threw a cushion otherwise my knees would be killing me."

Kaoru stopped short holding another couch cushion in her hand. She had hit him in his knees, but he hadn't looked down. He hadn't even moved. The cushion slipped from her hand as she came over and stepped on his foot.

"Itai! Hey what do you…" Akira trailed off.

Kaoru's mouth opened a couple of times before she could form words, "You…you felt that."

"No, it was just another phantom pain I'm sure."

Kaoru leaned over and pinched his knee. He started a little. She then pinched his calf without any reactions. He watched wide-eyed as she pinched his knee again causing him to start again.

"You're getting some feeling back…"

She then pinched his upper leg causing him to start again.

"Akira…this is…this is great!"

"It's just. It can't be. I won't get my hopes up. It's just a phantom pain. I know it," Akira said seeming a little panicked.

"Close your eyes then."

"Why?" Akira asked.

"Cause if you don't know if I'm pinching you or not, or where for that matter, you won't react."

Akira closed his eyes. Kaoru pinched his calf without any reaction from Akira. She frowned before pinching his upper leg again. This time he jumped opening his eyes.

"Tomoe! Tomoe get over here!" Kaoru called.

Tomoe came rushing out at the urgency of Kaoru's voice, "What…what is it?"

"Akira. He felt something. On his legs. He felt something."

Tomoe stood with her mouth open, "Are you sure?"

Kaoru nodded, "Yes!"

Tomoe over to Akira and touched his face, "Is it true?"

"I…I think so…" Akira said uncertainly.

Tomoe threw her arms around him with tears in her eyes. Kaoru was laughing and holding on to both Tomoe and Akira. Enishi came out to see what all the noise was.

"What's all the excitement about?"

"Akira! He has some feeling in his legs!" Tomoe exclaimed happily.

Enishi looked surprised than happy, "That's great to hear."

The doorbell rang interrupting them all.

"I'll get it!" Kaoru said happily.

Opening the door she saw Kenshin. Not even giving him a chance to speak she flung her arms around him still extraordinarily happy. He took a couple steps back to regain his balance as he caught her.

"Kenshin! You won't believe it! Remember how I told you about Akira last night?" Kaoru said pulling back a little bit.

"Yes."

"He has some feeling in his legs! I hit him with a couch cushion, and he felt it. He wasn't even looking to know!" Kaoru said grabbing his hand and pulling him inside.

Tomoe was still holding Akira as Enishi stood close by his hand on Akira's shoulder.

"Kenshin's here!" Kaoru called.

Tomoe blushed red jumping up, "Oh I have to finish making supper! I hope nothing's burnt."

Enishi smiled, but it was an icy smile without much warmth. Akira sat up clearing his throat.

"Nice to meet you," Kenshin said with a small bow.

"I would get up to greet you, but these legs of mine…" Akira said looking down.

"Here let me help you into your chair," Enishi said.

Kaoru squeezed Kenshin's hand, "That is my future brother-in-law, Kiyosato Akira. You know Enishi already, and my sister just went running into the kitchen."

Back in his chair Akira came over extending his hand, "Nice meeting you."

Enishi came over but didn't bother shaking hands, "It's been awhile, Himura."

"It has."

Kaoru looked between the two recalling the night before.

Taking Kenshin's hand again she smiled, "Come on. I'll bring you to the dining room. Dinner should be almost ready."

Enishi and Akira followed behind. Kenshin made a point to move closer to Kaoru.

"You'll be sitting here. Now I'll be right back."

Enishi took his seat across from Kaoru's. Akira moved next to Enishi. Tomoe would be sitting at the head of the table. There was an uneasy silence before Akira decided to try and break the tension.

"So you two knew each other before right?"

"Yes. We trained together," Enishi said not taking his eyes off Kenshin.

"That was many years ago," Kenshin added.

Another uneasy silence followed until Kaoru came back carrying plates. She walked around the table setting them down.

"Thank you, Kaoru," Enishi said, "Do you need any help?"

"No, I got it. Besides you're a guest too," Kaoru replied moving over to Kenshin and placing his plate down.

She then left and returned with Tomoe and their food, placing the bowls of food in the center of the table. Once everyone settled down they began to eat.

"We'll have to tell the doctor about this tomorrow," Tomoe said her eyes shining.

"Don't get your hopes to high Tomoe. I don't want to disappoint you," Akira replied softly clearly worried.

"Oh be quiet!" Kaoru said pointing her fork at him, "don't be all depressing. You'll walk again."

"We all hope so," Enishi said, "Itai."

"Oops. I didn't mean to kick you that hard," Kaoru said with a smile, "There's no reason to hope! He is going to walk and that's all there is to it."

"You sound very sure," Kenshin said.

"I am. If not I'll make him walk!"

Everyone looked at the determined expression on Kaoru's face and started laughing.

"Hey! Don't laugh at me! Kenshin…grr!"

"So how did you and Kaoru meet? She didn't tell us," Tomoe inquired.

"We met at that party Akira and I had to go to. Then I bumped into him later on and we recognized each other," Kaoru explained.

"He was the one you kissed without even knowing who he was if I recall." Akira stated.

Kaoru turned red, "Shut up Akira. That was a while ago anyway!"

"Kaoru has a habit of acting on instinct. Not thinking things through sometimes," Akira said talking to Kenshin.

"Akira…" Kaoru started threateningly.

"There was the other day she came home with this happy goo-goo eyed expression on her face. She was holding a white rose and…"

Kaoru was standing over Akira, who was rubbing his head now, where Kaoru had hit him rather forcefully before calmly taking her seat again.

"Kaoru said she would show me her skill sometime with the sword. Maybe you would like to come along," Enishi said looking at Kenshin.

"If it wouldn't be a problem. I don't want to intrude."

"No problem. I would love to see if you've gotten any better since the last time we fought," Enishi replied.

"Anyone for desert?" Tomoe asked as everyone finished up.

"Sure."

"Yes, thank you."

Akira excused himself saying he would be right back. From the expression on his face he had eaten too much. Tomoe and Kaoru went to get some desert for Enishi and Kenshin. The two stared at each other with narrowed eyes.

"So how have you been?" Enishi asked.

"Fine."

"Indeed. So you were at that party. I thought I had seen you," Enishi said.

"What are you doing here?" Kenshin asked.

"Business," Enishi said before lowering his voice, "But it seems I get to mix it with pleasure. She is quite a beauty with lots of spirit."

It took all Kenshin's willpower not to rise to the challenge in Enishi's voice, "Too bad for you I found her first."

"Ah yes, but too bad for you. When you go home to your cold and lonely bed, I could easily warm myself in hers."

Kenshin's hands clenched as he moved to stand, but at that moment Kaoru came in carrying some cake.

"Here you are. Tomoe made this earlier today, so it's fresh. Her special recipe!"

Tomoe came out as well, "I better go check on Akira. Gomen, I'll be right back."

Kaoru sat back down next to Kenshin and noted his somewhat strained expression.

She touched his arm to catch his attention, "Something wrong, Kenshin."

"There's nothing wrong. We were just arguing over who won the last fight we had and who would win the next," Enishi said.

"What a thing to argue over! I swear guys have no sense whatsoever," Kaoru replied taking a bite of the cake.

"I have no plans on losing though," Enishi stated firmly.

Kenshin smiled, "Neither do I, even if it seems I have the disadvantage."

"Disadvantage?" Kaoru said not understanding.

"Not for long," Enishi countered before turning to Kaoru, "I have some business, and I'll be moving here now. I've already found an apartment."

"Really? That's wonderful!"

Kenshin caught Enishi satisfied smile as his gaze lingered over to Kenshin. An unspoken malice passed between the two as Kaoru finished her cake unaware.

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Standing outside Kaoru held onto both of Kenshin's hands as he leaned against his car.

"Tonight was nice. I really enjoyed you coming over and meeting my family."

"Your sister cooks exceptionally well," Kenshin complimented.

Kaoru smiled, "Sadly it doesn't run in the family. I couldn't cook a decent meal if my life depended on it."

"Then it's good I can cook."

Kaoru let go of his hands and pulled him into a hug resting her head against his chest. A small smile touched his lips as he hugged her back.

"Now kiss me goodnight!"

"I would never refuse a such a gorgeous woman," Kenshin replied.

Kaoru went to hit his arm, but he caught her hand, bringing her back into his arms. He gently kissed her causing her to sigh and move closer to him.

"See you later."

He traced a finger from her cheek down to her chin, "Yeah. I'll see you later."

She pulled him into one more kiss before walking back to her door. Kenshin got into his car starting it up. As he began to pull out she waved to him. He rolled down the window and waved back before leaving. As he drove back home Sano's question began plaguing his mind.

"What if you're ordered to kill her?"

*But that wouldn't happen. It wouldn't. Could I if it did?*

Kenshin slowed to a stop at the red light.

*I've let my guard down. It seemed so natural to do so with her. I hadn't meant to.*

The light finally turned green, and he began to go with a small feeling of anxiety as he realized what he had done, but promised himself he would never do. Not with the life he led. He couldn't, or he would become weak, vulnerable.

*I'm falling in love with her*

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Sorry for the late update everyone. I've been working on my other story, which is now complete. I've had lots of work and on top of that I got really sick. I'm starting to feel better now though! ^_^ Thanks for the patience!

Thanks goes out to all you wonderful people for your reviews! I love hearing from you!

Kyaa Kyaff saying til next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!