Freedom
Chapter 8
A Birthday

Stop banging! I said I'm coming! Kaoru snapped as she walked to the door. Someone just wouldn't stop! What the hell do you want! She screamed as she threw open the door.

Dang, you look like you would know what is in hell. You look bad! Sano said forgetting to think before he spoke.

Kaoru shrilled.

Happy birthday, Miss Kaoru! Kenshin said as he stepped in between the two. He handed her a bouquet of flowers.

Oh thank you Kenshin. They're beautiful! Kaoru exclaimed, which was no lie. They were beautiful. So many colors working against and with each other to be noticed. The smells all twisting and turning to create a common bond. They already sat in a cobalt blue vase that accented the flowers wonderfully. Kaoru walked over to the couch and put them down on the coffee table.

Do you want to go get something to eat? Kenshin asked.

Oh that would be great! Why don't I go take a quick shower before we go. Kaoru said.

That would be a good idea. Sano mumbled.

Kaoru asked as she turned around in front of the hall entrance. You know I have half the mind to...no wait I have the full mind to kill you! Kaoru said as she began to walk towards him.

Sano said with a sly smirk. Just try it.

Miss Kaoru, Sano, could you please reframe for death. It is a birthday. Kenshin chipped in trying to stop what was to come.

Yes Kenshin. I'll be out in a few minutes. Kaoru said. She then quickly ran into her room and then to the shower.

~*~*~*~*~

It only took Kaoru forty-five minutes to shower and dress, but she couldn't bring herself to leave the room. This was her first birthday in a long time.

Kaoru looked at her self in the mirror. This was one of the outfits that Kenshin had bought her. It was a long denim skirt that looked as if a pair of jeans had been cut. She also wore a vintage style t-shirt that was red and in gold read Rub my tummy for good luck.' Sano had insisted on the t-shirt.

Kaoru laughed at the memory and began to pull her hair into a high ponytail tied with a large red ribbon. She used to wear ribbons in her hair before she was taken. The ribbons was also taken along with everything else. She couldn't help, but to wonder if she hadn't been taken and her parents were still alive would she of been the same person that she is now.

With a sigh Kaoru left the room and walked into the living room where Kenshin sat quietly and Sano paced the room impatiently.

Ah, Little Missy! Sano said as he saw her enter. Well, well you're wearing the shirt. Sano skittered closer and began to rub her stomach.

Hey stop that! Kaoru smacked his hand away and jumped behind Kenshin who had just gotten up from his seat.

Just wanted some good luck. Sano grumbled as he jammed his hands in his pant pockets, but he allowed a smirk on his face. He wore a leather jacket with a simple white t-shirt and blue jeans. His hair though still stuck strait up and for some odd reason he always wore that red what-cha-ma-call-it around his head.

Shall we go? Kenshin asked as he stepped away from the two and towards the door.

Kaoru said as she marveled at the sight of him. He sure looks good. Kaoru thought.

Kenshin wore a light blue button up shirt that he left the top three un done and a pair of flat fronted black pants. The sleeves were rolled up so they were now 3/4 in. long. He gave her a smile and held the door open for her.

~*~*~*~*~

Breakfast was nice and simple with Kenshin's occasional comments on how Kaoru should make sure not to eat to much or to fast. Kaoru would only smile and tell Kenshin thank you for reminding her. Then she would continue to eat.

Afterwards they all sat in the car trying to decide where to go.

Where would you like to go, Miss Kaoru? Kenshin asked her.

Kaoru whispered and began to think. Is there a park around here with a pond and ducks?

Yea. You want to go to a park when you can do anything? Sano said a little shocked by this.

Yes please. Kaoru whispered.

I think it's a wonderful idea. Kenshin said and then pulled onto the streets.

~*~*~*~*~

The three walked down the path that weaved throughout the park. The birds chirped their songs while the flowers stretched their blossomed heads to the sun.

Kaoru walked between Sano and Kenshin, but her mind didn't notice it. She couldn't stop the memory of her last birthday.

Hey Little Missy, you okay? Sano asked as he noticed how quiet she was.

Kenshin noticed this also and decided that maybe she needed to be alone. Kenshin reached behind Kaoru and grabbed Sano's sleeve, yanking him back.

Hey What are you doing? Sano demanded.

I think we should let her be. Kenshin said as he watched Kaoru's form become smaller as she kept walking. Kenshin knew that she was remembering something as she never noticed that they were gone.

You think she's okay? Sano's concern grew as she never answered him.

We won't know until she says she is. Kenshin then turned to face him. We have to understand that even though she's free, her memories haven't let go. She's been abused physically, but more threatening is that she's been abused mentally.

Well if anyone can help her and understand her turmoil, then you can. Right? Sano said with a slap on Kenshin's back.

I hope so. Kenshin whispered. I really hope I can help you, Miss Kaoru. He told himself and then began to walk, but slower.

~*~*~*~*~

Happy birthday Kaoru! Kaoru turned away from the pond to see her mother and father standing there, their hands linked in each others. She then looked to the bank of the pond to see herself when she was a little girl.

Look Mommy, it's a mommy duck and its babies! A little Kaoru sang happily.

That's wonderful, hunny. Kaoru's mother then walked towards the little girl and took her hand. Now come on. We don't want to be late for your party, right?

This is the best birthday ever! The little Kaoru exclaimed as she ran after her mother occasionally looking back to grin at her father.

It was the best birthday. Kaoru whispered to her self as she found her self back in her present life standing in front of the pond. Oh, why did they have to leave me! Kaoru exclaimed as she dropped to the ground sobbing and fisting the grass in he hands.

Miss Kaoru! Kenshin exclaimed as he watched Kaoru drop to her hands and knees. Using speed that many had never seen, Kenshin ran over to her. He also dropped to his knees before her. He grabbed onto her shoulders and pulled her to look up at him. Miss Kaoru? He asked, taking his hands from her shoulders, he cupped her face. Why are you crying? Shouldn't your birthday be fun?

It's nothing. Just memories. Kaoru whispered. She then gently pulled away from him and sat down, allowing her legs to stretch before her.

At the same time Kenshin moved to sit next to her with his legs also stretched before him. Some memories are worse than others I guess. Was it a bad one?

No. Actually it was a good one, but because it was good, it was sad. Kaoru admitted.

You okay now? Sano said as he came to sit on her other side, mimicking the others.

Kaoru looked at her hands for a moment and then looked over at Sano. Where are your parents, if you don't mind?

Sano thought for a few moments before speaking. I don't really know. I haven't seen them since I was fifteen.

Do you remember them? She asked again.

Yea, but I try not to. I was kicked out of the house. Difference of opinions. So I don't think about them and they don't think of me. It's all very simple you see. Sano told her.

Oh, I'd say sorry, but some how I think it's not something you want. He nodded and she turned to Kenshin. What about you?

Me? Well my parents died when I was real young, so all I know of them is what I've been told. That's only that they were real kind people even on their death beds.

Kaoru looked at her hands again. Would I be any different if my parents were alive?

Kenshin asked her.

If my parents were still around and I hadn't been taken would I of turned out as the person I am now? Kaoru asked him.

He turned towards the sky and spoke slowly. Well on a personal level, I like who you are, so if this was how you were supposed to be or not doesn't matter to me. He then turned and watched her mouth gape at his words. What about you? Are you happy with who you are now?

Kaoru thought for a moment and then looked him in the eyes with a smile. Yes. Yes I think I am.

Kenshin got to his feet and then pulled Kaoru to hers. Lets go eat.

It's really that late? Sano asked.

Let's eat at my place. I'll cook. Kaoru offered.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru carefully laid the plates of food before the two men before taking her seat. So, how is it? She asked hastily.

Immediately Sano spit the food back on his plate with a disgusted look on his face. What is this? It's horrible.

I think it's fine. Thank you, Miss Kaoru. Kenshin said politely.

I'm glad you like it, Kens... Kaoru was then cut off by Sanosuke.

You'd have to have a steel stomach to eat this crap! Sano exclaimed.

Exactly what are you trying to say? Kaoru asked in a menacing tone as she took to her feet and leaned over the table.

Miss Kaoru please calm down. I'm sure Sano doesn't mean what he is saying. Kenshin said, trying his best to calm everyone. He sighed in relief when Kaoru sat down.

Well I'm still not eating it. Sano said as he leaned back in his chair, his hands behind his head. Before Kaoru could say anything Sano had flipped over and was lying on the ground, his feet in the air. Oh, my head. He moaned.

Kenshin and Kaoru began to laugh hysterically at the sight before them. That's what you get! Kaoru giggled.

~*~*~*~*~

Well I need to go meet someone so I think it's time I leave. Sano said as he stretched his arms out.

Are you sure? Kaoru asked as she followed him to the door with Kenshin lagging behind.

Yea, business you know. Sano said with his hand behind his head.

Miss Kaoru, I believe it's more of a girl than business. Kenshin gave her a smile before ducking away from Sano.

Sanosuke began to shake his head feverently. That's not true.

Whatever Sano. You do what you need to. Kaoru smiled at him and closed the door. She then turned around to come face to face with Kenshin. Do you have to go too? Kaoru whispered with her head down allowing her bangs to cover her eyes.

No. I can stay...unless you wish to be alone. Kenshin stumbled to get the words out.

Kaoru shrieked. I mean...please stay. Kaoru took his hand and led him to the couch. What do you want to do?

It doesn't matter. I'm happy with anything. Kenshin took a seat on the couch as Kaoru shuffled around. Miss Kaoru?

Yes, Kenshin? What is it? Kaoru stopped what she was doing to look at him.

Am I...Do you think... Kenshin stumbled with the words he was trying to say. With a deep breath he decided to just say what was on his mind. Do you think I'm the person that I'm supposed to be?

What do you mean? Kaoru asked as she took a seat next to him.

He got to his feet and began to walk around the room, allowing Kaoru's gaze to follow him where ever he went. Who was I supposed to be? Am I supposed to be Himura Kenshin, the non-killing crime fighter who goes unnoticed by the world? Or am I supposed to be the Hitokiri Battousai, cold hearted killer, who is so close to the edge of insanity that a feather could knock me over; who has become lost to the world because everyone is to scared to see him. Kenshin paused for a moment before speaking again. Or am I supposed to be someone else entirely? Kenshin stared at his hands. Slowly he saw a hand reach over to him and pull him to kneel on the floor. Kenshin never looked up, but he knew that it was Kaoru holding his hands and kneeling in front of him.

Kaoru was a little scared by his ranting. There was such ferocity in his words. She knew then that he had been thinking about this subject for a long time. Kenshin I haven't known you for that long, but I can tell you this, I know for a fact that I hope you are never supposed to be the Battousai again. I don't want you to be cold, and I think you don't want that either, right?

Your right. So who am I supposed to be? Kenshin asked, still not looking up.

Well right now your just Himura Kenshin. You think your unnoticed, but your not. Kaoru took one of her hands form his and placed it on his cheek.

Kenshin uncontiosly leaned into her hand. For some reason it was soothing. What do you mean? He asked in a faint voice.

Kenshin, I mean, I notice you. Kaoru smiled when he looked at her with shock in his eyes. Now I don't know who you were supposed to be, but like you told me, I like who you are so who you were supposed to be doesn't matter to me. Kaoru smiled again as she allowed him to think over that. Now let's get off the floor.

Thank you. Kenshin whispered as he also got to his feet.

~*~*~*~*~

Miss Kaoru the movie is... Kenshin drifted off as he looked over and saw Kaoru asleep with her head on the arm rest. Quickly he decided to put her in bed and leave. Carefully he got to his feet and scooped Kaoru up into his arms. He froze when she wiggled a little.

Slowly her eyes crept open. She whispered still in her sleep.

Shh, go back to sleep Miss Kaoru and I'll see you in the morning. Kenshin whispered to her as he walked down the hall and into her room.

Your leaving? She asked.

Kenshin laid her in the bed and pulled the covers out from under her and tucked her in. Yes. You're tired, so I'm going home.

Will you come tomorrow? She asked. She really wanted to ask him not to leave at all, but she felt a little embarrassed about that.

Yes of coarse. I'll call you tomorrow to see when to come. Kenshin replied.

Thank you. Kaoru whispered with a smile on her face as sleep once again took over.

Kenshin sighed and left the room. He found her key and locked the door behind him and slid it under the door back into her apartment. I wish I could stay with her. Kenshin thought to himself as he walked down the long hallway.

With out any warning a feeling hit him so hard that it almost knocked him over. Dark depressing colors swirled around in his mind followed by a sharp scream. Kenshin clamped his hands over his ears trying to drown out the female's scream, but found that it only got louder. The scream was in his head as if warning him of something. Kenshin ran down the hall and the stairs as quickly as he could. Once he got to his car he began to insert the key in the door when another scream coursed through his mind. This time it was his name being screamed, as if pleading to him. This was followed by an image of a beautiful woman with long raven hair and sapphire eyes that gleamed with tears. A hand that wore a black leather glove was trying to cover her mouth, but she kept wiggling. finally with one last scream of his name it went silent and the image faded away.

Miss Kaoru. Kenshin whispered as he realized who the woman was. Snapping out of his trance Kenshin hurried to get in his car and gunned it down the streets to his home.

~*~*~*~*~
A.N.~
I need ya'll s help though. I'm thinking of having a song or lullaby occur in this song. I can't tell you exactly what parts I would like it for, but if I can find the perfect song then we'll see. Okay I'm looking for a kinda sad one. You know one that displays Kaoru's yearning to be free or rescued. something sad and slow, with lots or meaning...or anything you guys think might fit Kaoru's turmoil! Also I would appreciate it if they were in Japanese and english. Please choose one of the three ways to offer your help- in your review, in a e-mail, or in an instant message! Thank ya'll so much!

Also...please, please, please review! I've been so tired lately so more reviews would really help! Let's get this story lot of reviews. Another reason is that my friend Amy (remember her form a couple of chapters ago?) Well, I had her read the story up to chapter seven, and she doesn't like it!She didn't mean to and even apologized, but I think I'm wounded, so I don't know!

For the Reviewers~

Angle1~ Well the gang members in jail are, well, I'm not sure. I think it's be easier to think that they are gang members, or just hired help. hmmm. I'm not sure! My friend that passed was fine, but on monday or tuesday she was in the car with another friend when his brakes failed and he crashed into another car, but they are okay. Just bruised from the seat belts, but thank god they were wearing them! Any ways she passed out from dehydration and high blood pressure. They think her medicine was messing her up, But She is fine now and I'm so happy!

Elisa ang~ Okay here they are. Once again I'm glad you love this story!

Azura Dea~ Don't ya just love the padded room? I know I do! Haha! Whos that? *Looks behind her quickly.* Ahh! The doctors have found me! I got to hurry! ^_^

Thunder Sister~ Evil? Wow! Haha kiss that all you posers! *screams at everyone else that claims they're evil* I'm EVIL lalalalala! Me evil so there!

Kawaii Kokkei Tsuita no Neko~ That is exactly what I strive for! I want Kenshin and Kaoru to be the perfect match!

Koniko-chan~ I could tell you what Susumu has panned for Kaoru, but then why would I write the story! Thank you again for your concern for my friend!

In My Head~
Second week of school is over! I'm so happy. Tonight I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean for the second time! I love that movie! Johnny Depp is my hero! My friend and I went to get a drink and the cashier was so cute! We began to tease and flirt with him! It was so much fun. When he said our orders again we teased him saying he was so smart and then I said he must've gone to college because he was so smart! Ugh it was fun! I should do that more often!

Dark Kishi,

There are no bad reviews, only unwritten ones!

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One Step At A Time
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We Can Cross The Line.