Disclaimer: I don't own the characters.

Warning: Contains some language and suggestions. This is OOC. If I were trying to write an in character Kenshin story, I'd definitely choose a different couple.

A/N: I've kind of grown to love this crazy couple and am having fun with this story. Thank you to those of you who have reviewed. Please let me know what you think. Thanks.

A Night to Forget:

Love Boat

Kaoru and Sanosuke sat side by side on the deck of the ship. It was the last part of their journey to Kyoto. Kenshin and Aoshi had been spending most of their time going over the details of the murders and Kaoru had barely talked to either of them since the night they had dinner together.

Kenshin had mildly protested the two of them tagging along, but had finally agreed, figuring he didn't need a repeat of the last time he had told them no.

Sano's eyes widened as the ship hit some rough water. He didn't hate traveling by boat nearly as much as by train, but in general anything that was beyond his immediate control bothered him. Kaoru reached over and took his hand.

"I'm not scared, you know," he responded in a rough voice, but he kept a tight hold of her hand and tightened his grip with each bob.

"So what exactly do we know about this serial killer?" Kaoru asked. She was angry that she had been left out of most of the conversations, but knew it was mostly because of how awkward things were when she was with both Aoshi and Kenshin.

"Just that he keeps his victims alive before he kills them." Sano answered. "The men disappear about three days before the bodies turn up, and according to Aoshi they're still fresh."

"Do you know how he kills them?"

"I guess it's pretty gruesome. A real slice 'n dice job. Ahh."

The ship jolted suddenly causing Sano to grip Kaoru's hand before giving her a slight smile. She looked at the man before her. He was so open and honest, always wearing his emotions on his sleeve. Kaoru considered how much easier it would be if she could love a man like him. Of course she loved Sano, but their love was definitely familial, and if she had brothers she would them to be him and Yahiko. Luckily for her Sano felt the same way which made it easy for them to develop a real closeness. As for her romantic interests, she preferred more mystery like Kenshin, or Aoshi her mind added although she quickly removed the thought.

"Sanosuke glanced at her. "So, Aoshi's been acting really weird lately," he said as if reading her thoughts. "I wouldn't have ever believed it, but I think he has a crush."

Kaoru blushed. "Just because he believed for one afternoon that we slept together doesn't mean he has a crush. Besides, he has not been acting strange lately. He's just been busy talking to Kenshin.

Just then Kenshin and Aoshi approached them.

"Hello," Kenshin said cheerfully, "You ready to be off the ship Sano?"

Sano glanced at him and then noticed Aoshi staring at he and Kaoru's joined hands with an odd look in his eyes. He said nothing and continued staring his eyes narrowing. Kaoru and Kenshin also noticed.

Sanosuke dropped Kaoru's hand, stretched and put his arm around her. He pulled her toward him and whispered, "Not acting weird, huh?" He then kissed her cheek and pulled away. Kaoru looked up in time to see a flash of anger in Aoshi's eyes before he returned to his even expression. Kenshin was giving Sano a puzzled look.

Sanosuke smiled widely at his friend. "You steal my woman, I'll just take yours."

Kaoru pushed him off his chair. "You wish Megumi was yours to steal." She patted the chair next to her. "Sit down," she said to both men. Kenshin took the chair beside her and Aoshi pulled up a chair for himself. Sanosuke stayed seated on the deck and leaned against Kaoru's chair pouting.

"We were just discussing the serial killer." Kaoru explained. "So how exactly does this concern Kenshin?"

"Aoshi believes the killer is a trained swordsman based on the markings on the men's bodies." Kenshin answered.

"Oh, let me guess," Sanosuke cut in, "some swordsman from the revolution who can't forget the way of the sword, and you were unable to defeat him back then. Really, Kenshin, you should have been more efficient."

Kaoru giggled but gave Sano a swift kick to the back.

"Actually," Aoshi said giving Sanosuke an icy stare, "we have no idea who this man is and have not been able to find a connection between the murdered men."

Kenshin looked thoughtful. "As of now five men have lost their lives to this hideous murderer, and I plan to do my best to insure that there isn't another victim, that I do."

Aoshi nodded slightly. "As of now we have a general idea of where he does the slayings because all the bodies have turned up around the same area, but by then it's too late. I plan for the Battousai and me to split up and search the forest for the killer. All we have to do is wait for a man to disappear. That should buy us three days to find him."

Kaoru stood and walked over to the side to stare out at the water. It always worried her when Kenshin got involved in these things, but she knew nothing she would say could change him. He would forever be working off the debt of his past. She was surprised when she looked up to see Aoshi beside her.

"Miss Kaoru, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for everything. I've behaved quite dreadfully."

She smiled at him. "Not at all." She said, "It's not everyday a girl gets proposed to… or carried around town nude," she added causing Aoshi's lips to twitch into a slight smile.

"I'm sorry I kissed you those two times." Aoshi gave her a sidelong glance.

"Me too." Kaoru said, "But I'm not sorry I kissed you." She patted his hand. "That was much better."

"You're a strange girl Kaoru Kamiya."

"Believe me, I know." She shivered slightly causing Aoshi to tentatively place his arm around her shoulders as they watched the approaching shoreline together.

Behind them, Kenshin surveyed the scene and sighed sadly.

TBC

Sorry there wasn't much action in that chapter, but I needed it to move the plot. Next chapter we'll be in Kyoto and there will be something for both KA and KK fans.