Kyaa Kyaff here!

Disclaimer: RK does not belong to me.

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

-------indicates flashback

Facing Adversity

Chapter 9: New Partner

Kaoru hummed happily as she tied her hair up in the usual ponytail. She would finally meet her partner today, and she had a new assignment. Her last few days of vacation were spent happily with Kenshin, when he had off. He seemed a little distracted, but other than that everything was going great. Being around him made her feel more alive somehow. Though to be honest she was looking forward to work again. She had been a little restless as well these past couple of days.

Turning off the bathroom light, she grabbed her keys and purse from the table. With a glance toward her sister's bedroom Kaoru went to the front door and left. The great news was Akira was beginning to have some feeling in his legs. At this rate he might start walking again.

Getting into her car Kaoru threw her purse on the passenger's seat. Just yesterday she had helped Enishi move into his new apartment. It was rather big and spacious. She still had yet to have that practice with Enishi. It was something to look forward to after always practicing with Saitoh. Kaoru smiled remembering her piano lessons with Tsubame. The girl was a quick learner, easy to teach. Everything in her life seemed to have taken a turn for the better. Kaoru easily pulled into her parking space having reached her destination.

Eagerly getting out of the car she made her way up to the building with quick strides. She wasn't too happy about this new partner idea, but she did want to meet the person. She said a quick hello to a pale Misao.

Stopping short she turned, "Are you feeling okay?"

"I'm fine," Misao replied with less energy than usual.

"You sure. You look kind of pale. Maybe you should rest a bit."

Misao waved away her concern, "It's nothing. You better get up to Saitoh-san. You know how he hates when you're a minute late."

Kaoru gave Misao a once over one more time before going into the elevator. Tapping her foot she waited for the door to open once the elevator stopped. She stepped out as it opened and waved to Okita before knocking on Saitoh's door. Hearing the quiet come in she let herself inside. A tall man was standing with his back to her. She came up beside him and waited for Saitoh to speak.

"Kamiya, this is your new partner, Shinomori Aoshi."

"What!"

Kaoru turned to look at the man beside her. It was Shinomori Aoshi. She would recognize him anywhere.

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"I know why you came to this party," Misao said.

"So? You cannot stop me."

"Aoshi…" Misao started.

Aoshi stepped closer to Misao reaching out and pulling her into his arms. Misao's eyes widened before softening.

"Enough. Gomen," Aoshi said striking her sharply, catching her now limp body, "Misao-chan."

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"Is there a problem Kamiya? Shinomori is quite trustworthy and has been working on your new assignment for quite some time. There is information on your desk and Shinomori will answer anything else you need to know. Now I'm busy. You're dismissed."

Kaoru glanced at Aoshi before wordlessly going over to open the door and leave. It wouldn't do any good to say anything. She remembered when she was partnered up with Akira. Saitoh was always curt and expected people to do as he said. But having Shinomori Aoshi, as a partner was a big surprise.

'Was that why Misao was so pale?'

"I remember you. You challenged Battousai that night," Kaoru said quietly going over to her desk and picking up the file there.

She was answered with something that sounded more like a grunt than a reply. Flipping through the folder her eyes widened.

"We're looking for Battousai?"

Flashes of the night of the party came to her mind as she touched her scar. He had given her that scar trying to get rid of her. Strangely enough he had saved her life not even fifteen minutes later. The man was a complete mystery. This wasn't some minor case. Battousai had to be one of the most elusive men out there.

"How long have you been trying to find this guy?" Kaoru asked still reading the information.

"Two years," he replied curtly.

"So what brought you here?"

"None of your business," Aoshi stated firmly.

'I can see working with him will be fun.'

"Have any leads?" Kaoru asked.

"Read the information."

Kaoru was becoming increasingly angry with the man standing beside her desk.

"Would you sit down!? I hate when people hover over me!"

"I prefer to stand, and get used to it," Aoshi replied simply without much emotion.

Kaoru was seething with anger now. This guy was being impossible.

"We're partners right?"

"Temporarily," he countered back.

Kaoru tried not to yell. Taking a calming breath she read more.

"…who's this guy?"

Aoshi actually leaned over to look, "A very rich man that has been under suspicion for the following things listed. He's received a threat from Battousai."

"Why does Battousai threaten his victims first? Doesn't that make his job harder?"

"He is overconfident. It makes it easier to track him," Aoshi informed her.

Kaoru was amazed he was actually talking to her. He straightened as she looked over at him.

"So we protect this guy until Battousai shows up, is that it?"

"Exactly."

The elevator opened and out came Misao carrying a couple of folders. She resolutely did not look their way as she passed by to reach Saitoh's office. Kaoru noticed the way Misao's eyes darted briefly to where they were before hastily looking away. Kaoru turned her gaze to Aoshi. He was still looking at the folder, but his eyes kept edging to where Misao was standing.

'What is this?'

As Misao went into Saitoh's office Kaoru spoke, "What is she to you?"

"What do you mean?" Aoshi asked, "Who?"

"You know who. Misao-chan, right?"

"None of your concern," Aoshi replied abruptly snapping the folder shut.

"She was there too. That night. She wanted to stop you. You knocked her out."

Aoshi gave her a cold look, "No more of this."

Kaoru frowned grabbing the folder from his tight grip and flipping it open, "Fine. I'll leave you alone if you answer my questions on Battousai, instead of telling me to look it up."

Kaoru didn't back down as their eyes locked in a fierce battle of wills.

"Fine," Aoshi finally complied.

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Kaoru caught Kenshin's hand as he walked beside her.

"Sorry I was late. I had to stay longer. You wouldn't believe this guy. It's like I'm talking to a wall half the time, but I think a wall would be more responsive than that."

Kenshin distractedly replied. He'd been acting like that all night. She had met up with him around eight after a long stressful day dealing with Aoshi.

"You know you look like a girl with all that long red hair, don't you agree?" Kaoru asked trying to see if he was listening.

"Yes."

Kaoru frowned stopping short. She held firmly to his hand and gave it a little tug as he continued walking.

"You aren't listening to a word I'm saying," Kaoru said softly.

"Yes I am," Kenshin replied turning to face her.

"So you really think you look like a girl?"

"What?"

"My point exactly," Kaoru sighed, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm just a bit tired."

"Want to sit down? There's a bench right over there," Kaoru suggested already started to bring him over there.

"Sure."

Sitting down Kaoru leaned against him happy to see him. She didn't know what it was about him, but she was drawn to him. He made her feel like she was special without having to do a thing. She laced her fingers through his and squeezed loving the feel of his strong warm hand. Kaoru tried to keep the frown off her face.

'Now if only he would hold my hand back. What's wrong anyway? He's seems really distracted.'

"I probably won't get to see you for a few days. Me and Shinomori have this important assignment."

"Shinomori is your…" Kenshin started before trailing off.

Kaoru leaned forward so she could see his face, "You know him?"

"No, I've just heard the name before."

Kaoru did frown this time. He was lying to her. She was sure of it, but why would he lie? Taking her hand from his she stood up. If he wasn't going to listen to her, and he was going to lie to her, she didn't see the point in staying.

"Why don't you go home and get some rest? I'll give you a call, when I can, and we can see each other some other time," Kaoru said sharply.

"No," Kenshin looked up, "Gomen. I'll get my head out of the clouds. Please sit down. I want to spend as much time with you as I can."

'What's with his tone? He makes it sound like he'll never see me again.'

Kaoru sat back down beside him. He smiled at her taking her hand in his before kissing her open palm. She gave him a half-smile in reply.

"Hey Kenshin…"

"Yes."

"If you're getting bored of me just tell me straight out. I don't want any of that beating around the bush crap," Kaoru said.

Kenshin squeezed her hand gently running his fingers along her jaw so she would turn to face him, "I can't and won't get bored of you, so wipe that worried expression off your face."

Kaoru pulled away from his hand, "I just want to know you won't lead me on…I mean I know we haven't been going out for very long, but…I really do like you and all, and I don't want to get serious unless you want to."

"I really like you too," Kenshin replied cupping her face with both his hands, "And I want to be with you. You're so different from anyone I've ever known, so kind. So stop all this silly worrying. Let's enjoy tonight. I'll miss you when you're working."

Kaoru's eyes softened as she leaned into his touch, "So what do you want to do?"

"How about we continue our walk and see where we end up?"

"Sounds good to me," Kaoru answered standing up.

Wrapping an arm around her waist Kenshin contentedly walked down the sidewalk forgetting his earlier troubling thoughts. Just having her near him comforted him. As they walked he pressed a kiss to her cheek smelling jasmine as he did so. She made him wish he was someone else. No he wouldn't think of that. Kenshin would just enjoy tonight. A loud crack of thunder made them both jump. Without warning rain started to fall quickly turning into a downpour. Grabbing Kaoru's hand the two dashed for the nearest cover, a gazebo across the street. Thoroughly drenched Kaoru giggled at Kenshin's appearance.

He turned to her with a playful glare, "What was that laugh for?"

Another loud boom of thunder sounded causing Kaoru's eyes to widen. She neared Kenshin with a nervous expression.

"Scared of a little storm?"

"No!" Kaoru replied to quickly, "Well just a bit."

Seeing her shiver he took off his jacket throwing it around her shoulders before pulling her into his arms. She sighed as she moved closer lying her head against his warm chest.

"You'll catch a chill," Kaoru said softly.

"I'm not the one wearing a shirt with thin material. I'll be fine."

Kaoru brought her arms around him snuggling closer, "We'll have to wait until the rain lets up a little bit. Your car is too far away."

"That's fine," he replied resting his cheek on the crown of her hair.

In that moment Kaoru knew without a doubt that she was serious about him. She felt like she could stay forever like she was. Wrapped in his strong arms snuggled in his jacket that smelled so much like him she felt safe. She felt like she could let her guard down. Kaoru was scared by such a feeling, but at the same time wanted to give into it. She lifted her head up wanting to feel his lips against hers, to experience the wonderful thrill that shot through her as his hands caressed her back. As his lips touched hers she felt like she was drowning suddenly. She'd never felt this way before and as Kenshin tenderly held her she forgot about everything but him.

"Kaoru," he whispered against her lips, "You must be a dream."

"I'm not…" Kaoru sighed pressing herself closer to Kenshin.

His hand gently brushed away the small wet hair clinging to her face before kissing her again. She felt warm, so very warm being held like this. She wanted more. She trailed her hand up to his neck pulling him into a more passionate kiss completely forgetting about the storm raging around them. The rain continued to fall in heavy sheets as the two held each other.

Kenshin stiffened suddenly pulling away from Kaoru. He spun around standing in front of her protectively.

"Cool it Kenshin. It's just me."

Kenshin visibly relaxed at the voice but still looked on guard as the man came forward.

"Hey Jou-chan," Sano said with a nod.

Kaoru held onto Kenshin's arm giving a slight nod back.

"What are you doing here?" Kenshin asked in a wary tone.

"Just a coincidence is all. I got caught in the rain," Sano said simply.

"You're hardly wet," Kenshin replied with a small edge to his voice.

Sano held his hands up, "I have an umbrella, but the rain is coming down pretty hard."

Kaoru looked between both men seeing the hard glint in both their eyes. Though Sano talked easily she could see something was wrong, and the tension surrounding Kenshin wasn't helping either.

'Something's wrong?'

"I thought you might be with Megumi, but I guess I was wrong," Sano added casually.

Kaoru glanced at Kenshin, as his fists clenched, "I don't associate with that woman unless I have to."

Sano smiled, "You mean when you need some…"

"What the hell?" Kenshin interrupted, "We're leaving."

Kaoru heard the dead finality in his voice as he took her hand.

"I'll see you later tonight then," Sano called after them as they walked out from under the gazebo.

"Yes. You will," Kenshin growled out in anger.

Kaoru didn't no what to say, so instead she hurriedly followed him as they made their way to his car. When they finally reached it the rain had let up a little. It didn't matter since they were thoroughly soaked as it was. Unlocking the car for Kaoru, he opened the door. Getting in on his side he sat there for several seconds before starting the car.

"I'll take you home," he said quietly.

"No…" Kaoru replied, "I won't get to see you for awhile. I want to spend some more time with you. I still haven't been to your place."

Kenshin looked over to her at the suggestion. Kaoru despite herself felt her cheeks heat up, and was happy for the cover the darkness provided. After a small stretch of silence Kenshin put the car into drive and started off. It didn't take long to arrive at his house.

Once inside Kenshin helped her out of his jacket after flipping the light switch on. Kaoru looked around at the sparsely furnished room. A couch and television were the only things in the living room. Walking over to the other side of the room he opened a closet and threw a towel over to her.

"Let me find you something dry to wear. If you take your wet things off I can throw them in the dryer for you."

Kaoru walked further into the living room.

"Bathroom is right here. Be back in a sec."

Kaoru watched Kenshin disappear into his bedroom before going into the bathroom. She began taking her wet clothes off before wrapping the towel firmly around herself. A knock sounded on the door. Kaoru opened it up to see Kenshin holding some clothes out to her with his gaze averted. She took the clothes before shutting the door again. She pulled the black shirt he had handed her over her head. It fell just above her knees and smelled like Kenshin. Next was a pair of boxer shorts. Having nothing else to wear she pulled them on. Stepping out of the bathroom she gave Kenshin her wet clothes. He smiled causing Kaoru to blush.

"I like you like that," Kenshin said, "Let me go dry these for you."

Kaoru nodded wandering into the living room as he left. Sitting down she waited for him to return. He came back in few minutes later now in a baggy shirt and sweatpants. Kaoru thought he looked absolutely gorgeous noting his hair was free from the ponytail that held it. She scooted over as he came to sit by her. Kaoru ran a hand through his hair catching on a knot.

"Your hair is one big knot. Got a brush in that bathroom of yours?"

"Yes."

Kaoru smiled getting up, "Good."

Going into the bathroom she spotted the brush right on the counter. Picking it up she went back into the living room. Sitting beside him she held the brush up.

"Turn around so I can get to your hair."

"I don't think…" Kenshin started.

"No excuses," Kaoru said scooting closer and turning him around, "Sit on the floor. It'll be easier."

Instead of arguing Kenshin did as he was told. Kaoru sat behind him holding his hair and brushing the tangles from it as gently as possible. Once it was all untangled she put the brush down running her hands through his hair earning a soft sigh of pleasure. Leaning his head back Kaoru kissed his forehead. Moving back up onto the coach Kenshin encircled her in his arms.

"Hey I've been meaning to ask," Kenshin started, "Are you ticklish?"

Before she could answer he was tickling her sides. Kaoru began to squeal in laughter trying her best to make him stop.

"No, please! I am ticklish! Ah! I hate being tickled!"

Kenshin laughed as Kaoru struggled to free herself. He had to admit she was really strong as she managed to free herself from his grasp and jump off the couch. She was breathing heavily from the struggle, and looked far from pleased. Kenshin just continued to grin as he got up. He decided he liked her with her face flushed red, wearing his clothes.

"Oh no you don't," Kaoru said holding a hand out to ward him off, "Stay back."

"What's the matter?" Kenshin asked innocently.

Kaoru moved behind the television as he inched forward. He saw her glance in the direction of the bathroom. In the next second she took off. He beat her to the door, so she instantly pivoted around going for his bedroom door. She almost got it shut, but at the last second he turned the handle so it wouldn't lock.

"If you promise not to tickle me I'll let go," Kaoru said still sounding a little breathless.

"No deal."

Pushing the door open was a battle. Kaoru was a really strong person despite her appearance. His admiration for her rose as he slowly opened the door. Suddenly Kaoru released it causing Kenshin to fall forward. She dashed away looking for an escape route, the only one being right where Kenshin was.

"Now Kenshin…" Kaoru said with a pleading look in her eyes as she saw the evil smile on his face.

Moving forward with speed that could not be matched he caught her around the waist knocking her onto the bed. The struggle began anew as she tried her best to get away from his hands. Finding her method wasn't working she decided to switch tactics, unfortunately as she slid her hand up his shirt and started tickling his ribs he only grinned.

"Damn you! Not fair," Kaoru gasped out upon seeing that Kenshin was not ticklish.

Kaoru had one more plan in mind. Instead of tickling she let her one hand caress the lean muscles of his chest. The other hand grabbed him around the neck and pulled him into a kiss. He tried to pull free, but Kaoru managed to wrap her legs around his waist holding him in place. His hands slowly stopped there incessant tickling as she coaxed him into kissing her back. His hands began to gently caress her instead. His wet hair slipped off his shoulder brushing Kaoru's cheek. Smiling she brushed it back, hooking it behind his ear as he made his way from her lips to her neck. She leaned into him as much as she could, one hand trailing down his back.

The phone decided to ring at that exact moment. With a muffled groan Kenshin moved away from Kaoru.

"I have to get that. Be right back."

Giving her one more quick kiss he left to go get the phone. Kaoru sat up feeling a little flushed. Kenshin had that effect on her though. After several seconds she got up and walked over to the door. Kenshin had a hand to his forehead and wasn't looking too pleased.

"Yeah…yeah…I'll be there in a minute. Yeah...bye."

"Is something wrong?" Kaoru asked as Kenshin banged his hand down on the table.

"Someone broke into the store. I've got to go there," Kenshin said sending her an apologetic look, "I'll drop you off first."

"Someone broke into the store! Is everything…?"

Kenshin shook his head, "I don't think there was too much damage."

"Well, I don't want to hold you up."

He smiled as he moved forward and wrapped and arm around her waist before thoroughly kissing her.

"Ok. Let's go."

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After dropping Kaoru off Kenshin drove as fast as he could to the shop. Pulling into a parking space he got out, walking over to where Sano was standing.

"Looks like Tenken's work," Sano said without turning, "The bastard took off when I showed up."

"Shit," Kenshin cursed, "Did he get into the back?"

"No. He didn't find it," Sano said pushing the door open and going inside.

Kenshin followed Sano looking only slightly relieved. He glanced around the store seeing that most everything was in order. Only one or two things were misplaced, definitely Tenken. He was precise and accurate unlike Chou.

"Damn. We're going to have to be extra careful now," Kenshin said, "If I had just killed him when I had the chance…"

"Which means no more dates," Sano replied, "You can go satisfy your lust elsewhere. Megumi's always available to you."

Sano's last statement came out bitter. Kenshin's eyes narrowed as he remembered Sano's earlier performance.

"What the hell do you think you were doing back there at the park?"

Sano closed his eyes leaning against the counter, "I thought you said it wasn't serious."

"It's not."

"She'll become a target. She already was, wasn't she? That night at the party. She'll be your weakness," Sano suddenly opened his eyes, "Damn it Kenshin open your eyes. You can't do this. I just found out who Jou-chan's new partner is. Shinomori knows what we look like. What happens if he tells your little girlfriend? She'll sell you out in a second. It's her job."

Kenshin tried to keep his anger at bay, "It's none of your business."

"The hell it isn't! We work together. As a team. You have had your head in the clouds with this girl long enough. Time to drop her or I'll convince her to drop you, "Sano replied heatedly.

Kenshin grabbed Sano, and despite his smaller size, slammed him against the wall, "If you go near her I'll kill you."

Sano watched Kenshin for several moments before shoving him away, "Not serious, huh? Could have fooled me? I'm staying here tonight. I haven't forgotten what I do."

Kenshin took a deep breath wiping a hand over his face.

"And now that Tenken's back, he'll be after your jou-chan, I'm sure. He was after her at the party. If he knows you two are together…"

"Damn," Kenshin felt like he could break something, "I'm leaving."

"One more thing," Sano called out, "Jou-chan's gonna be protecting our next target. Just thought I'd let you know."

Kenshin stalked away from the store feeling his rage slowly die away. Sano was right. Kenshin had foolishly allowed himself to care for Kaoru. It had come so natural and easy.

*I'm so stupid.*

Next time he was with her he would break it off. He would have to. It would be better in the long run. Suppressing the ache that was rising in his chest he went to his car thinking only of Kaoru. So preoccupied was he as he opened his car, he didn't notice the person sneaking up behind him, or hear the soft release of a sword from it's sheath.

"Kenshin!"

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Hey! To make a long story short…I've been busy! Sorry for the late update! I love you all and want you to know I appreciate the support! I'll be updating a whole lot faster now that I have more time! Thanks for the patience!

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