Freedom
Chapter 6
Good Bye

Kaoru awoke the next morning with a long yawn. She looked at the other side of the bed, but Kenshin was gone. Quickly she sat up and looked around for any sign of trouble. Oh. Good morning Kenshin. Kaoru said relieved to find him sitting on the window seat starring out at the city.

Good morning, Miss Kaoru. Kenshin said as he turned to barely look at her. You should probably get dressed so we can go to Miss Megumi soon.

Kaoru looked down at the foot of the bed to see that Kenshin had already pulled out some clothes for her. Thank you.

Kenshin nodded and left the room closing the door behind him.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru quietly walked into the living room, hoping that Kenshin didn't see her on her feet.

Miss Kaoru, you shouldn't be on your feet until Miss Megumi says that it is okay. Please sit down. Kenshin said in a sullen voice from the kitchen.

Kaoru immediately sat down. She was shocked. Kenshin hadn't run over shrieking about her being on her feet. He only softly asked her to sit down. What is wrong with him? Kaoru asked herself.

~*~*~*~*~

Well you seem to be fine. Megumi said as she checked over Kaoru.

Can I walk? Kaoru asked, eager to hear the answer.

Megumi put her hand to her mouth and then lifted Kaoru's ankle in the air. I guess so. Megumi then looked over at Kenshin as Kaoru clapped and wiggled on the table, happy to have her freedom. Megumi noticed that he didn't speak and had a very sad look on his face.

Well thank you Miss Megumi. If that is all I think we best leave. Kenshin said in his normal polite voice except with a depressing hint in it.

Kaoru looked over at Megumi and shrugged. He's been like this ever since last night. Kaoru whispered as she walked pass Megumi.

Megumi thought that maybe she could help Kenshin. Kenshin could you stay behind for a couple of minutes? I need to discuss something with you.

Yes, Miss Megumi. Kenshin said quietly.

I'll wait in the car. Kaoru turned and left.

Megumi waited before turning to Kenshin who was looking out the window. What's wrong Kenshin?

Wrong? Of coarse nothing is wrong. Kenshin said trying to sound happy.

Megumi glared at him as if to say We both know that's a lie.

Miss Megumi, it is not that big of a deal. Kenshin said.

Then why is it upsetting you so? She challenged.

Will you let me go if I tell you? Kenshin caved. He couldn't fight the emotions that he hid alone.

Maybe. Depends on the seriousness of the problem. Megumi stated truthfully.

With a sigh, Kenshin began to tell her. Kaoru has been the prisoner of a relentless and abusive gang. I kept her so that she would be safe. Now they are all in jail and she no longer has to worry.

That's good. It would be hard to live in fear. Megumi stated

Yes it would. My boss is in the process of buying her an apartment of her own, though, so either today or tomorrow she will be moving out. Kenshin continued.

What is bad about that? Megumi said, not quite catching on.

Miss Megumi, I don't know if I can live there without her around. Kenshin said. I think I have fallen in love with Miss Kaoru. She is so bright and cheerful, but stands her ground when necessary. I find everything about her wonderful. The only thing that isn't perfect is that she is only seventeen and I am twenty eight, but she doesn't act like an age difference would bother her. Kenshin paused for a moment, almost surprised at how strong his feelings for Kaoru were. Miss Kaoru is just so wonderful. If anyone doesn't deserve to be mistreated then it is Miss Kaoru. She is so pure that I get the feeling many times that I am not good enough for her. Kenshin finished with a sigh and a blush.

Megumi stared at him for a couple of moments before speaking. It's obvious what you need to do... tell her that you love her and can't be without her.

Thank you Miss Megumi. I will ponder the thought. Kenshin got up and began to exit the room when Megumi called after him.

Don't spend your last day with her depressed. Her tine was a knowing one.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru sat at the kitchen table eating her lunch as Kenshin talked on the phone.

With a thank you, Kenshin put down the phone and sat down in a chair. Miss Kaoru, the gang that held you captive has been caught.

Are you serious? Kaoru said shocked.

Yes. Even the head is now in jail. My boss has bought you an apartment for your good work and says you may move in today because you no longer need my protection. Kenshin finished.

Kaoru said a little upset to be leaving, but deciding it best not to tell Kenshin. Kaoru got to her feet. I'll get my stuff and we can go.

Kenshin nodded, allowing his depressed mood to consume him further.

~*~*~*~*~

Kenshin slowly walked down the hall as Kaoru looked for her door. Kenshin? Are you coming?

Yes Miss Kaoru. Kenshin looked up and walked to the door where Kaoru stood. Kenshin opened the door and allowed Kaoru to go in first.

So this is my home? Kaoru asked, noting that the layout was like Kenshin's.

Yes Miss Kaoru, it is. Kenshin said as he walked in. Unless you don't like it at all.

Well, um, it is intimidating. I've never lived alone. Kaoru said as she came to stand next to Kenshin again.

Kenshin took her hand in his and looked her straight in the eyes. Miss Kaoru, fear is one thing that can control you, but it is also something that you can control. If you fear living alone then that is no reason at all, but if you would just rather be with someone because you like to have someone around to confide in, then that is another thing. Kenshin spoke softly. He knew that there was a fear in her. He also knew that with that fear he had the power to make sure she came back to him, but Kenshin didn't want to do that to her. Kenshin knew that he loved her enough to let her go. He knew he loved her enough to allow her to experience life, with or with out him around.

Then I guess I should at least try it. I mean I've lived through much worse then just living alone. Kaoru said with an obviously forced laugh.

Kenshin let out a sigh, this was not what he wanted to hear, except half of him had already excepted it.

~*~*~*~*~

What is my problem? Kenshin yelled out loud. He drove down the streets to his apartment. Kenshin thought. I'm going home to my lonely, no one waiting for me with a smile on their face or anything, nothing to look forward to, apartment. Kenshin let out another sigh trying to calm himself. All she is doing is moving out. It's not like I'll ever see her again. But as Kenshin thought about that another thought entered his mind making him upset again.

Since she no longer needs you, I am going to have her move out. Is what his boss had said.

Since she no longer needs me, then why would she want to be with me? Kenshin said. He then looked up at the review mirror and memories began to fill his head. I remember asking her not to steal. I remember telling her that I would repeat none of what had happened to her. I even remember watching her sleep in the back seat and holding her when she hurt herself in the bathroom. Kenshin then jerked and sharply turned a corner. He pulled into a parking space and slammed his head into the steering wheel. She's not dead! Why can't I stand to be with out her for just a little while. Kenshin raised his head as the answer hit him. Because when she's around, it is the only time I feel like I have any true meaning. Kenshin smiled at that thought and returned to the streets.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru was looking around her new home when she walked into the bedroom. Oh my... Kaoru gasped as she saw a large stack of money in the middle of her bed. Just as she reached out to pick it up the phone rang and she reluctantly ran off to find the phone.

Kamiya, Kaoru? A rough man's voice asked. This is Himura's boss, Mr. Toyogawa, did you find the money?

Y-yes I did. Kaoru responded.

That is for your help with the gang. He clarified.

Kaoru said.

Next time it will be a check if you choose to help me. I just gave it to you like that because I thought you would need groceries. He explained.

What do you need my help for? Kaoru asked.

I won't need it often, but since you are known as being with a gang I believe that you could help us get some inside information. Each mission I will ask you to complete, you will have the choice of accepting or declining. the more you work the more money you get. understand? Mr. Toyogawa explained.

Kaoru replied.

Good. Have a nice night. with that the line went dead.

Kaoru hung the phone up and walked back into the bedroom. she picked up the money and walked out of the apartment. I'm hungry. She thought.

~*~*~*~*~

I wonder if she will desert us? Sano thought as he sat across from Kenshin eating his dinner. I don't know Kenshin, it just doesn't sound like something that she would do.

That's what I think, but then there's that little voice taunting me, saying that we didn't really know her. Kenshin said.

Sano thought for a moment before speaking. Do you really have strong feelings for her?

Kenshin stalled.

Come on Kenshin, tell me the truth! Sano leaned across the table and stared him in the eyes.

Um... yes. Yes I do. Kenshin finally admitted. But do you know how old she is?

Sano admitted.

Seventeen. Only seventeen and I'm twenty-eight. It just isn't right. Kenshin knew that age didn't really matter, but what if she wanted someone her age?

Well then, I guess, love knows no age. Sano said as if he was some awesome philosopher.

~*~*~*~*~

A.N.~ I had this wonderful paragraph about how long it took me to right this chapter, but it's gone now. I hate it when you delete something and it won't undo the delete! Any ways, this took me so long so I hope you like it. Like always review!

Dark Kishi: Everyone say hello to my friends Laura and Amy!

Amy: Hi ya'll what's up. *says in southern accent* (remember we are southern.)

Dark Kishi: Laura speak!

Laura: Huh....? You say something?

Dark Kishi: Sorry amy's to busy annoying us!

Amy: *Starts singing* I know a song that gets on everyone's nerves.'

Laura and amy: *fighting Over purse.*

All of us: *Singing Don't worry be happy.' All the sudden Laura and Amy began to fight again , but this time its something off of Jerry Springer.*

Dark Kishi: Please somebody save me!

Amy: You took my man.

Larua: Well he's better of with me!

Dark Kishi: At least no one will take my anime loves from me. *I say in a timid voice. Begins to ramble off all my loves from anime.*

Amy: He ain't never been good enough for you that's why he broke up with you and know he's with me.

Laura: Ooh honey. *Shaking finger* You drink like a camel

Dark Kishi: Minna-san, I think they forgot the point of this skit.

Laura: Oh yeah what was the point again. *Says scratching back of head.*

Amy: *Falls off of chair laughing.*

Dark Kishi: we were supposed to convince them to leave reviews.

laura: Why was that important again?

Dark Kishi: Because it makes me feel like someone in this world loves me!

All of us: So, in sort, this could have been easier with out this, but please review.

For The Reviewers~

Inuyasha#1~ Well I'm glad you like the story. Also, Inuyasha is another favorite.

Azura Dea~ Well I hope you found a way to wait for more. Ha ha Anyways, I'm glad you think this story is interesting.

Kawaii Kokkei Tsuita no Neko~ Your gonna have to wait for the kiss, but romance is building. Any ways I know when certain things will happen, but sadly a kiss...not until well after chapter ten.

Koniko-chan~ Yea I'm sorry if it seamed to easy, but hey when you're looking for something good you'll take any cahnce, ne?

Animeloca~Thanks for taking the time to review.

Elisa ang~ Hmm a million times before? I would have lost count after maybe... two? But I'm glad you like the story so much.

Kaoru Himura7~ Yea lets get a whole group to kill those thugs!

AnkaraStark~ well heres chapter...how'd you like it.

Ana~ Thanks for the huge compliment. What an honor to be told how great my story is.

In My Head~

Pretty much nothing is in there. I'm to hyper to think strait. This is how I get when my friends are around. Oh yeah school starts monday the 18th!

Dark Kishi,

There are no bad reviews, only unwritten ones!

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