Freedom
Chapter 5
Disturbance

At around midnight that night Kaoru was fast asleep on the couch still dressed in Kenshin's yukata. Kenshin got up from his chair and walked over to her. Taking the blanket he gently pulled it away and began to pick her up when there was a knock on the door. Kenshin reluctantly walked to the door and looked out a little hole. What's going on Sano? Kenshin asked as he opened the door. He wasn't expecting him, but Kenshin also had a feeling that something was wrong.

I'm sorry Kenshin. I was just in the neighbor hood and wasn't paying attention. Sano said sadly.

What are you talking about? Kenshin asked.

He's talking about us! Just then four men appeared behind Sanosuke.

Kenshin took a step back remembering that Kaoru was asleep in the room. What do you want with me?

We know that your friend Sano works with the Battousai. You're him, right? Another man asked.

If I am then what does it matter? Kenshin said defiantly.

Then we need to kill you. He answered. Suddenly they all lunged at Kenshin and Sano.

The fight raged on for several minutes until Kenshin realized that he was fighting two of the men while Sano only had one, which meant that the fourth one was missing. Where is he? Kenshin instinctually flashed a glance over to Kaoru to see the fourth man walking towards her. She was scooting further into the corner of the couch as he got closer. Having no other choice, Kenshin abandoned the two men and in one flying leap he cleared the couch, landing between the other man and Kaoru.

Kaoru called in a voice laced with fear as she grabbed onto the back of his shirt.

Miss Kaoru, run to the bathroom. Kenshin requested.

Kaoru tried.

Please, Miss Kaoru! Kenshin pleaded.

Kaoru didn't answer, she just climbed over the arm of the couch and stepped on the ground towards the bathroom. Immediately though when her foot hit the ground it rebelled and she fell to the ground. She tried to get up, but it hurt to much.

Kenshin heard her yelp out in pain and instantly turned around to scoop her up in his arms.

Hey hand that girl over! She belongs to my boss! The man shouted to Kenshin.

Not anymore! Kenshin responded as he turned towards the bathroom.

They'll never stop until they get her back. He yelled again.

Kenshin didn't even bother to turn around. Then they'll be after her for a long time. Kenshin said emphasizing the word long. Once in the bathroom he set her on the floor and walked out closing the door behind him.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru could hear the fight that was taking place in the living room. Fear was slowly beginning to consume her. Fear for Kenshin, fear for Sanosuke, and then fear for her self. Finally no sound could be heard.

I'll take these jerks to the police. Came Sano's voice.

Need any help? Kenshin asked.

No. Any ways, you've got Little Missy. Sano replied. Then Kaoru heard the door shut.

Miss Kaoru? Are you okay? Kenshin asked once he opened the bathroom door. He knelt in front of her to make sure she wasn't hurt.

Just a little shaken up. Kaoru lied. She was not okay at all. She was terrified. Kaoru welcomed Kenshin's arms as he scooped her up and carried her into the bedroom and sat her down on the bed.

Kenshin walked over to the closet and pulled out a plain t-shirt and some really old nurse pants that Megumi had given him. Remembering the time he walked back to the bathroom.

Kenshin had to go to the hospital because he had hurt himself pretty well and had to stay there for awhile. He had complained about the little robe, so Megumi gave him some nurse scrubs. He just kept the pants.

After changing he walked into the living room and sat down.

Kaoru called in an unsure voice.

Yes Miss Kaoru? Is everything okay? Kenshin asked as he came into the room.

Kaoru sat in the middle of the bed with her legs folded up beside her and her hands laced together in her lap. Her head was bowed, allowing her bangs to cover her eyes.

Don't be scared Miss Kaoru. Kenshin tried to reassure her.

That's just it Kenshin. I am scared. Kaoru looked up with a shocked look that she had just admitted it.

Kenshin quickly walked over to the bed and sat down. What of?

What that guy said was true. They won't stop until they find me. It happened when I was with my father and again when I was twelve. Kaoru said, her head once again bowed.

Well, what I said was also true. Kenshin said.

Thank you. Kaoru said. Kenshin made a move to get up, but Kaoru grabbed his hand. Please don't go.

Kenshin asked, shocked by her words.

I know you said that I'd be safe, but I'm still scared. Kaoru admitted. I trust you Kenshin. I know I'm safe with you.

How can I refuse that? Kenshin thought. Okay, Miss Kaoru. Kenshin then sat at the head of the bed and leaned his back up against the wall. This all right?

Yes. Thank you. Kaoru said with a large smile. She then slipped under the blankets. With a loud sigh Kaoru looked up at Kenshin. Are you going to leave once I fall asleep?

I thought you'd want that. Kenshin said.

I'd actually rather you stay here all night, unless it's to uncomfortable. Kaoru was becoming really close to Kenshin. She didn't want to, but something about him was just so welcoming.

Then I'll be here when you wake up. Kenshin said with a reassuring smile. He watched as Kaoru turned onto her side and snuggled into the pillow. With a sigh Kenshin allowed himself to relax once he heard her breathing calm, signaling that she had fallen asleep. I have to get rid of that gang! If anyone deserves a life with out worries, then its her. Kenshin concluded to himself. After a few more thoughts Kenshin to drifted off to sleep.

~*~*~*~*~

When Kaoru awoke the next morning she felt something against her back and across her side. Kaoru turned her head and strained her eyes to see Kenshin sleeping next to her.

Kenshin was also sleeping on his side. One arm was draped across her and the other was folded under his head. From what Kaoru could see with out moving to much, Kenshin had his forehead rested against her back. He's so handsome. The thought should have shocked her, but it didn't. She knew that she was attracted to him, but that was it.

Reluctantly, Kaoru looked at the clock. It's two o'clock in the after noon! She shrieked.

Kenshin mumbled as he slowly opened his eyes. He instantly shot up and backed away. I am sorry Miss Kaoru.

It was fine. Kaoru said with a pleasant smile. What's oro' mean?

It's just something I say. I guess like Oh my'. People make jokes about it. Kenshin explained.

I think it's a cute phrase. Kaoru then began to stand. She yelped as Kenshin grabbed her wrist and yanked her backwards.

Kenshin was kneeling on the bed and as he had planned, Kaoru fell right into his awaiting arms. Miss Megumi told you not to walk, Remember?

Kaoru only nodded. She was seeing if Kenshin had forgotten about that, but he hadn't. It's really late in the day. I've never slept that late before.

Kenshin asked. He set her on the couch and walked into the kitchen.

Yea. I usually have to wake up at dawn. It really stunk because on the nights I had to work I only got like two or three hours of sleep. Kaoru explained.

Kenshin rooted through the kitchen trying to find something to make. Well, I usually wake up around six, but last night was probably the best sleep I've ever gotten.

Really? That's great, I guess. Kaoru said.

I thought so. Kenshin walked in and presented her with a tray of food.

Kaoru took the food happily. Thank you.

Kenshin sat in the chair and ate his food while watching Kaoru eat hers, making sure she ate slowly and not to much, when a knock came at the door. Kenshin got up and walked to the door as the knocking got louder. Sano what's wrong?

I called you earlier, but no one answered! Where were you? I thought you weren't going to leave little Missy alone? Sano yelled as he barged into the room.

Kenshin looked over at Kaoru. They both shared a look of surprise, but Kenshin soon answered. I've been here the whole time. I guess we didn't hear the phone.

How could neither of you hear the phone? Sano asked, taking Kenshin's seat.

Kenshin sat down on the couch next to Kaoru and took the tray away from her, setting it on the table next to him. Miss Kaoru and I were asleep.

Yeah. We just woke up maybe thirty minutes ago. Kaoru said.

Sano thought for a moment before speaking. Listen, Kaoru... Sano must've wanted to have a serious conversation. I need to know where the gang that you used to work for is.

She asked.

I got news that tonight would be a great time to get them all, even the head in just one sweep. Sano said.

Kenshin and Kaoru asked simultaneously.

Yea, they're celebrating something, so they'll all be there. Sano announced.

Sano I know that we can take down a lot of people, but that's just to many. Kenshin said.

Well, your not going. Sano clarified.

What? Why? Kenshin was dumbfounded by this.

Because our boss wants you to stay anonymous. Everyone knows that I'm connected with the battousai, so he said that you had to stay. Sano explained. You still get a percentage of the reward money and so does Little Missy.

I do? Kaoru asked. Sano just nodded.

So you're going alone? Kenshin asked.

No the police are too. Sano told him.

That made Kenshin feel some what better.

Kaoru told Sano where it was and anything else she could that might help him out. Sano left quickly after that. He said he wanted to get a nap before.

~*~*~*~*~

Kenshin paced around the room impatiently.

Kaoru turned around on the couch and looked at him. Are you worried? She asked him.

A little. Kenshin admitted.

Why don't you sit down. You can watch what you want. Kaoru said offering him the remote.

Kenshin walked around the couch and sat down next to Kaoru. He took the remote and began to flip through the channels.

Maybe we shouldn't watch TV. Kaoru said noticing how everything on TV only distressed him more.

I'm sorry. It's just that I've done this for so long that I'm not sure how he'll do on his own. Kenshin said

No need to apologize. I understand, but I'm sure that Sanosuke will be fine. Kaoru reassured him.

Kenshin leaned back onto the couch and tried to relax.

Kaoru reached over and grabbed his hand. With her thumb Kaoru began to rub the back of his hand, trying to calm him. She smiled to her self when Kenshin closed his eyes and let out a sigh. It's the least that I can do. You stayed with me all night, I really appreciated it.

I didn't mind. I slept wonderfully. Any ways, I told you already, I'll do whatever it is to keep you safe. Kenshin said as he opened one of his eyes and laid his hand over hers, which was still holding his other one.

Kaoru smiled and was about to speak when the phone rang. Go ahead I'll tell you later. Kaoru said.

Kenshin got up and answered the phone.

Himura, I just got word from Sagara. The man said.

Oh you did sir? How is he. Kenshin asked his boss in a polite tone.

That girl of yours was a large help with the information she was able to give, according to Sagara. He replied. Any ways, the group is all taken care of. Everyone even the head of the group has been arrested.

Really? That's just wonderful. Kenshin said.

Yes it is. Mr. Toyogawa said and then continued. Now, about the young women. Since you no longer need to protect her then I have decided that she will move out. I have someone looking for an apartment for her and I will call you tomorrow with the details. She should be able to move in either tomorrow after noon or the next day. He finished.

Oh...thank you sir. Kenshin said sadly. He held the phone to his ear well after the line disconnected.

Kenshin? Who was that? Kaoru said shacking Kenshin loose from his thoughts.

Sadly Kenshin walked around the couch and again sat on the couch, this time a little farther away from Kaoru. That was Mr. Toyogawa.

Kaoru, picking up on his mood, slid closer to him. Is everything okay?

Yes Miss Kaoru. He was just saying that the mission went well and that Sano was fine. For some reason Kenshin didn't want to tell her that she was going to move, or for that matter, that everyone she feared was now in jail.

Oh that's good. Kaoru said with a sigh. She then yawned and looked at the clock. It's getting late.

Yes it is. We should probably get some rest. Kenshin got up and took Kaoru in his arms to the bedroom.

Hey, tomorrow I go to Megumi, right? Kaoru asked.

Kenshin said. This for some reason added to his despair. He no longer had an excuse to carry Kaoru around.

Will you stay with me again tonight? Kaoru asked as he laid her in his bed.

If that is what you wish, Miss Kaoru. Kenshin sat, down his back once again up against the wall as Kaoru fell asleep. Kenshin didn't go to sleep that night though. He just watched her sleep, to far lost in his sad, depressing thoughts to notice the night pass by.

~*~*~*~*~

Sir it worked. Susumu said as he walked into his boss' office. They arrested all the men believing that they were us.

Wonderful. That should get the Battousai and the rest of them off of our backs. He said.

Yes sir. It should also allow us to find the Kamiya girl, now that she thinks she is safe. Susumu said never forgetting about Kaoru.

When you do find her make sure she remembers that it isn't good to play games. He said, knowing that Susumu will do just that.

Don't worry sir. I have been planning it for awhile now. Susumu said with a large smile.

Do whatever you wish...just don't kill her. He said.

With that Susumu left the room still holding the sinister look on his lean face.

Susumu was a tall man with dark hair and beady eyes. He had broad shoulders and kept his body well toned. Susumu usually wore black, but his strength was mostly in his cold appearance and gun. His personality was sneaky and manipulative. He planned to let Kaoru know just how evil he could be.

~*~*~*~*~

A.N.~
I'm just sitting here typing and listening to my Goo Goo Dolls cds. Man do I love them! Please, please keep reviewing, I'm in real need of them.

For The Reviewers~
Izi~ Yea I think that it is cute how Kenshin and Sano are in this story two. Also, I thought for a while, and I guess it is a little dark for Kaoru.

Angle1~ I hate it when people don't update for moonths either. Sadly though, I'm guilty of that with other stories, but I promise this won't happen in this story.

Kaoru Himura7~Yea, I sure wouldn't mind living with someone like Kenshin. Aww a girl can always dream. ^_^

Kawaii Kokkei Tsuita no Neko~ You gives such great compliments. I relly appreciate it. Oh and doesn't the romantic tension just drive you crazy.

Koniko-chan~ Don't worry, I'm a huge sucker for romance! Haha. As for Yahiko...hmm...maybe or maybe not! Ok, no I'm kidding yea he's in the story, but much later. I thought about leaving him out, but decigeg that I needed his comic relief.

In My Head~
What's in my head lately? Um...well lately I've been sick so these reviews are really the driving force in my finishing this story.

Dark Kishi,

There are no bad reviews, only unwritten ones!

We Walk In Shadows
One Step At A Time
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We Can Cross The Line.