Kyaa Kyaff here!

Disclaimer: RK in no way belongs to me.

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

------ indicates flashback

Facing Adversity

Chapter 12: Comfort in his arms

Kenshin stared at the door for a few minutes after Kaoru's departure. He felt numb and slowly sat down on the floor feeling his energy quickly draining away from him. Kaoru had looked so pale. He raised a hand to cover his eyes only now noticing how much he was shaking. He had done it.

*She has every right to hate me.*

Last night had been one of the happiest moments in his life. He remembered lying there with her in his arms feeling as if life couldn't get any better. It was stupid of him to lose control as he had, but with Kaoru he always felt like he wasn't exactly in full control of himself. Kenshin had drifted off into sleep, and it was there he became convinced that it was best to break it off with Kaoru. That was how much the dream had disturbed him.

It was still very vivid in his mind. Everything had started fine. He was with Kaoru strolling through the park. Out of nowhere he had grabbed her by the throat, slamming her to the ground. His sword with him, he pressed it to her throat as onlookers watched with avid interest. He was happy, enjoying the pain and betrayal in her eyes. That was what had scared him most. Never did he do that to any victims of his. It was a clean kill, but this was not. Afterwards he stared at her lifeless face with pleasure before looking at the crowd. Sano was there with Soujiro and Misao. Aoshi stood off to the side with a disgusted look. What had woken him was when he caught sight of Shishio's face among the crowd. His horrible figure grinning at Kenshin's act.

Kenshin had woken in a dead sweat. He held Kaoru, who was spooned against him, in his arms. He gently buried his face in her hair taking a deep breath before pulling away reluctantly. He had agonized over the dream. He finally resolved to tell Kaoru, but hadn't meant to do it when she woke up. It was as if he was watching himself though and couldn't help it, still caught in the horror of his dream. Kenshin had hit her when she was most vulnerable. Maybe he did it, so there could be no possible reconciliation between the two. If he had dumped her before then he might have been able to win her affections back, when he was feeling a moment of weakness. Instead he irrevocably destroyed any chance of being with her again.

Kenshin drew his knees up hiding his face in the fold of his arm. No tears fell, but his shoulders shook anyway in dry sobs. He was shocked at how profoundly affected he was, and all he wanted to do was break something. A solid knock sounded at the door. Kenshin knew that knock was Sano. A very bad time to come around. Kenshin slowly stood his face an emotionless mask as he walked to the door. Just as Sano went to knock again Kenshin opened the door.

"Hey…" Sano trailed off at Kenshin's blank expression before picking right back up with his cheerful tone, "What's up buddy?"

"Is that supposed to be a joke?" Kenshin asked walking away from the door.

Sano invited himself in closing the door behind him, "What do ya mean?"

"Don't fuck with me today."

Sano sighed taking a seat at the counter as Kenshin opened the fridge, "So Jou-chan's out of the picture?"

Sano's answer came when Kenshin shut the fridge quite forcefully, "What the hell do you think?"

Sano leaned back in the chair, "Look man, you're my best…hell to be honest, only friend. I care about you. Come on. I wouldn't have told you to drop her if I didn't think it was for the best. It's dangerous, and you'll only cause trouble for each other. You know that too."

"I know. I'm in a bad mood," Kenshin said grudgingly, "You only find someone like that once. I just wanted a taste of the normal life."

"We've got to stick it out with this though. There's no getting out anyway, even if we did want to leave," Sano added with a trace of sadness.

"I don't know how I'm going to forget her, Sano. She was unlike anyone I had ever met…"

"It just takes some time," Sano replied.

Kenshin leaned over his forehead pressed to the cool counter, "In the mean time I'll go crazy."

Kenshin's demeanor was more composed on the outside, but inside he was being torn apart. He would never let Sano see him like that though.

"Let's go out then. Forget you troubles for a little while."

"No, I think I'll just stay here," Kenshin replied.

Sano stood, "I'm not leaving without you. You're coming with me."

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Kaoru dragged her feet under her only giving herself a push once in awhile on the swing. She stared blankly ahead as others laughed and played around her. She'd been there for half the day now. She had wiped her tears away and had been trying to figure out what exactly happened, compounded with the fact that she now knew Kenshin was Battousai. She should have known, but she blinded herself to it. She didn't want it to be true, because that meant Kenshin was deceiving her. He knew whom she had been searching for. She wondered if it was a big laugh to him, but he had the chance to kill her and hadn't. In fact he had saved her life. Kaoru shook her head frustrated.

'Damn you Kenshin! Damn you to hell!'

What was she going to do about him being Battousai? Kaoru was sure he didn't know she knew. Even with all the anger she was feeling, there was no way she could just turn him in. It didn't feel right to her, but she couldn't let him continue his killing. It was inevitable that she would fight him again. Saitoh had a right to know. Kaoru kicked the sand underneath her before leaning her head against the chain of the swing.

"Need a push?"

Kaoru instantly turned to see the owner of the voice, "Enishi…what are you doing here?"

Enishi's eyes widened as he reached out to touch her cheek, "What happened? Did you get hurt?"

Kaoru pulled away standing up, "No. I'm fine."

Enishi looked at Kaoru with concern, "You sure?"

"Absolutely. Now I believe I asked what you're doing here?"

"Out for a run. I don't keep this killer body in shape by sitting around doing nothing," Enishi answered with a wink.

"You're the only one who thinks you have a killer body."

"Is that so?" Enishi asked in a sly tone.

Kaoru's eyebrow rose before she began walking away.

"Hey, wait up. What's the matter?"

"I'm in a really bad mood at the moment, and if you don't want to feel the effects of it you might want to leave me alone," Kaoru said through gritted teeth.

"Come on now. I know. It's my day off. I'll take you out to cheer you up!"

"No thank you. The last thing I want is to hang around men," Kaoru ground out continuing to walk away.

"Oh…so that's it. You and Kenshin fight?"

"None of your business," Kaoru bit out.

Enishi held his hands up at the glare he was now receiving, "Won't say another word on the subject."

Kaoru stopped walking putting a hand to her forehead, "Are you trying to be a pain or does it come naturally?"

"All natural."

A small smile started to cross Kaoru's face before she stubbornly started walking ahead again.

"Ah. Ah I saw that. You smiled," Enishi said, "Since you're so mad at the male species why don't you take it out on me? A little practice couldn't hurt anything."

Kaoru crossed her arms as Enishi came in front of her blocking her path.

He smiled devilishly, "I'll make a big deal and embarrass you in front of all these people."

"Enishi," Kaoru said with a threatening frown.

"You coming?"

Kaoru stared at Enishi for several moments before giving in, "Fine. Fine let's go."

Enishi winked at her. Kaoru shook her head. It would take her mind off things for a little while, and she always enjoyed Enishi's company. He was like a really good friend, and he was cheering her up at the moment. She could worry about everything tonight, but for now she would just enjoy herself.

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Kaoru began to giggle, unable to stop herself. She must look like an idiot, but at the moment she could care less what others thought about her. After a satisfying practice with Enishi, where she successfully vented some of her frustrations, he had taken her out to eat. Then it was on to the arcade, a place Kaoru hadn't been in ages. Finally, Enishi had taken her to the club she always went to with Kenshin. Kaoru had protested quite profusely. Some dancing and a few drinks later Kaoru was thoroughly enjoying herself. She wasn't a drinker but decided tonight would be a good night to have a few drinks. Enishi had left to go speak with a friend, and without him there Kaoru had downed one drink too many. She knew she was trashed, and she was liking it. She lifted her glass to her lips only to have it be taken away.

"I leave for five minutes, and you've gotten yourself smashed."

"Gimme that back," Kaoru said trying to snatch the glass from Enishi's hands.

Enishi signaled the bartender over, "No more drinks for this one. Just give her some water if she's thirsty."

"Enishi…" Kaoru growled out in anger.

Enishi downed the contents of the drink before setting it back on the counter, "I have a little business to take care of. I will be right back, so behave."

Kaoru frowned, "Yeah, whatever you say."

Enishi smiled, "Maybe bringing you here was a bad idea."

Kaoru stuck her tongue at him as he weaved his way through the crowd of dancing people. She watched him reach the stairs and go up, entering one of the rooms above. Kaoru turned around with a sigh. Her happy mood was starting to deflate, and she was becoming thoroughly depressed. She wished someone would pick a fight with her so she could kick their ass. Kaoru began tapping her hands on the bar counter becoming extremely bored. He said wait for him, but he was just taking too long for her. She wanted to leave. Now.

Getting up she stumbled a bit. She wiped a hand across her brow before pushing through the sea of people, not even trying to go around. It took her a little longer to reach the stairs but finally she did. She felt tremendously satisfied by her accomplishment feeling another giggle bubble up. Back on the move she was beginning to feel a little better, but she still wanted to get the hell out of the place. Kaoru held onto the banister as she climbed the stairs step by step.

'Who would have thought going up a flight of stairs was such an effort.'

Reaching the top, Kaoru looked at the long line of doors.

'Now which one did he go in?'

"Hmmm…this one looks good."

Kaoru wandered over to the third door down trying to open it.

"Locked. Oops. Wrong one. It was this one then."

Kaoru tried the next door down and smiled in triumph when it easily opened. She stepped inside.

"Oh."

The first thing Kaoru noticed was a woman sitting on top of a man her dressed hiked way up, while the top was almost completely down. Not even wanting to see where the man's hands were Kaoru backed up. A little too quick though for her state. Somehow her feet became tangled under her, and she landed on her butt with a thud. She groaned in pain as the startled couple looked over to her.

"Gomen! Gomen nasai," Kaoru slurred trying to get her feet back under her.

Kaoru promptly fell back down. Looking up she stopped in complete shock. She blinked a few times to see if she was imagining things. There sat Takani Megumi, her dress still hanging off of her, on top of Kenshin. His hair was a wild mess, lipstick smeared on his face. He had no shirt on, and Kaoru now saw where his hands were. They quickly slipped away from the woman on his lap. Kaoru staggered to her feet.

"Oh…how lovely. Just who I wanted to see!" Kaoru said her voice heavy with sarcasm.

Anger, she had to get angry or she would break down and cry in front of that woman and Kenshin. She wouldn't give either one the satisfaction.

"Kaoru…what are you doing here?" Kenshin asked hesitantly trying to get up.

Megumi didn't seem to want to move though.

"I could ask you the same thing, but wait…that's obvious," Kaoru smiled despite the pain in her chest trying to appear nonchalant.

"You're drunk," Kenshin said sounding amazed.

"Ah really. Thanks for noticing. I'll let you get back to what you were doing. I'm sure this is your daily routine. I guess the people at the club were telling the truth."

She saw anger flash in Kenshin's eyes as he forced Megumi off of his lap.

Kaoru held her hands up, "Don't let me stop you. She's obviously way more attractive than me anyway."

Kaoru started backing out the door. Her damn feet were messing with her again though, and she lost her balance. Kaoru prepared herself for the pain but was surprised to find she was being held up. She turned her head to see Enishi. She moved from his arms but lost her balance again. Enishi held her firmly around the waist.

"Where have you been?" Kaoru demanded, "I've been looking for you."

"Enishi," Kaoru heard Kenshin growl out.

"Kenshin," Enishi was smiling broadly, "So nice to see you. Sorry to intrude. We'll be going now. I've got to get her home."

"No!" Kaoru pushed away from Enishi, "I can't go home like this. I don't want Tomoe to see me like this!"

Enishi started to lead the distraught Kaoru from the room.

"Stay here for one moment. Then we can go to my place."

Kaoru nodded leaning against the wall, trying to stop the nausea that was rising.

Enishi came back into the room seeing Kenshin's enraged and jealous expression.

"Just thought I'd let you know that I'll get her to my house safely. You can have your fun with this walking disease," Megumi sent a glare in Enishi's direction for the comment, "In the mean time I'll be having fun with Kaoru tonight. Tell me. Is she any good? I suppose I'll find that out myself."

Kenshin went for Enishi's throat but was stopped by Megumi, who was now having a difficult time holding him back.

"If you touch her I'll kill you."

"I've never seen you lose your temper so. Amusing," Enishi grinned, "She's probably a little wildcat in bed. Your loss."

Kenshin's eyes narrowed.

Kaoru stumbled back in the room, "Enishi…I don't feel so good."

Enishi took her into his arms to help support her. He moved his hands over her in an almost possessively intimate fashion as he watched Kenshin before walking toward the door.

"Kaoru!"

Kaoru stopped to look over at Kenshin her gaze becoming icy, holding onto Enishi's arm to keep her balance.

"I hope I never see you again!" Kaoru spat out.

She watched him for several more moments until her chin began to tremble.

"Get me out of here," Kaoru said softly sounding defeated.

Without another word Enishi left the room, leaving Kenshin more devastated then he had been before. Realizing Megumi still clung to him, he quickly became disgusted with himself.

"Get off of me."

He shoved her off walking over to the couch and sprawling across it.

"Kenshin honey," Megumi started coming over to him.

The touch of her hand against him made his skin crawl. No matter how drunk he got, he could never imagine that it was Kaoru's warm hands. Nothing he did would ever be as good again. He smacked her hand away.

"You want to do me a favor. Go find Sano. Now!"

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Enishi sighed hanging up the phone. He called Tomoe so she wouldn't worry about Kaoru. He had explained the situation, saying Kaoru was drunk and that it seemed Kaoru had found Kenshin with another woman. Tomoe sounded upset upon hearing the news but promised she wouldn't say a thing, and instead would let Kaoru tell her.

Enishi looked over to the woman sleeping contentedly on his couch. He couldn't help but smile as a particularly loud and very unladylike snore sounded from her. He went over to her, leaning down and gently brushing a hand over her face.

"Kaoru. Kaoru…wake up."

She groaned slightly her eyes slowly opening to meet his.

"What?" she croaked out.

"You fell asleep."

"No, I didn't," Kaoru argued sitting up.

"Here, let me get you something. It'll help a little for the hangover you are going to have in the morning."

Kaoru rubbed a hand over her face as Enishi came back with two pills and a glass of water. She obediently took the pills, drinking two gulps of water.

"I have some tea made. Just have a little than you can go back to sleep."

Kaoru stood up stretching. Enishi began walking over to the dining room, Kaoru in tow.

"You were right. I lied," Kaoru announced as she sat down at the table.

Enishi brought her cup over to her with a quizzical look, "About what?"

"You really do have a killer body."

Enishi smirked, "I know. Now here, drink this."

Kaoru pushed the cup out of the way, standing up. Enishi watched her come closer, her hand reaching out to touch his cheek.

"I especially liked seeing you in those boxers."

Enishi took her hand in his lowering it from his face before letting go. Kaoru moved closer leaning in to kiss him. He pressed a finger to her lips, picking up the forgotten cup of tea.

"Have some tea," Enishi said.

Kaoru's face flushed with anger.

She knocked the cup from his hands, "I don't want the damn tea! I want you!"

Kaoru threw her arms around him. Enishi gently disentangled her arms from him.

"You are drunk and upset."

"So! What does that matter? It doesn't change how I feel!" Kaoru then let out a bitter laugh, "Am I so unattractive!? I mean I know I'm no beauty queen, but I didn't think I was that bad."

"Kaoru…"

"I mean what the hell! That girl over me! I must have been really bad," Kaoru's shoulders shook, "Damn you all! Am I really that undesirable? Am I really…"

Enishi abruptly pulled Kaoru into his arms, cutting off her tirade.

"You are very desirable and very gorgeous," Enishi held her as she struggled in anger, "The moment I saw you I realized you were something extraordinary. That asshole doesn't know anything. It's not you. He's done it before to many women."

"And I was stupid enough to fall for it as well," Kaoru said her voice muffled.

"You are not stupid. Stop putting yourself down."

Kaoru let out another bitter laugh, "Maya always told me what a screw up I was. No matter what I did, no matter how hard I tried I was never good enough. She was right. She was always right."

"Shh…Kaoru. Come on. Why don't you lay down?" Enishi led her into his room sitting her down on the bed, "I'll sleep on the couch. You can have my room. Try and get some rest."

Kaoru caught onto Enishi's hand, "Please…don't leave. I don't want to be alone. I'm so tired of being alone."

Enishi sat down on the bed slowly leaning against the wall and pillows behind him. Kaoru came over to him curling up into his arms.

"Don't say that," he finally replied, "You have your sister and Akira…and you have me."

Silent tears tracked down Kaoru's cheeks as her eyes started to close drowsily.

"Enishi…"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

Enishi looked up at the ceiling, holding Kaoru securely in his arms. They stayed that way for the rest of the night. Enishi offering silent comfort to the distraught woman, and in return she unknowingly gave him something he had needed. Something he had been desperately searching for since he had lost it some many years ago. Someone to protect.

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Hiya!

Oh and before anyone asks…Kaoru was extremely drunk and on top of that upset and shocked at what she saw, so she didn't even think to arrest Megumi. It didn't click with her. Don't worry. She'll be stressing about it later.

Oh, thank you to all who reviewed! Great encouragement, and sorry for the late updates. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

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