Freedom
Chapter 18
Confrontation
By, DarkKishi


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Huge apology below!

Also I didn't have the time to find a new song for this chapter. Up until the last chapter I had all the verses pre chosen. It was very convenient, but alas I don't have that anymore, so no song for this one.

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Kenshin parked the car after a long drive and walked into the building. It still poured outside and anyone would be crazy to stay out in it. He decided to check his mail before walking to his apartment. With that decided, he walked to the front of the building. For a split second he thought he saw someone sitting on the steps and when he stopped to look at it further he realized that it was Kaoru.

She sat with her back against the door and her hair clinging to her back. She was hunched over as if she'd fallen asleep. The rain poured so hard that it made it close to impossible to see her.

No where else to run? Kenshin said in a sharp tone.

Kaoru whipped around, water spraying everywhere, to see Kenshin staring at her. She told him. Kenshin just lowered his head so his bangs covered his eyes.

I'm sorry. She started to get up, but slipped back down. Finally on the second try she was successful and came to stand in front of him. Kaoru then reached out her hand to him but stopped in mid air as she sensed his energy flair in anger.

I don't have time for games. Kenshin snapped before he turned around and walked back into the building, forgetting the mail.

Kaoru turned back around and noticed that it was now night. She then coughed with a sneeze to follow. What more? She asked no one in particular before turning around once more and running after Kenshin.

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Kaoru stood at the door inside of the apartment facing Kenshin's back. He refused to look at her and they had already spent thirty minutes in silence. Shouldn't Yahiko be back by now? Kaoru asked in a skittish voice.

I decided that he was safer living with Miss Megumi. Kenshin told her quickly.

Kaoru said before she went to sit down on the couch. She began to sneeze once again before coughs wracked through her. I'm really sorry Kenshin. She then told him once it had stopped. Kaoru grimaced when all Kenshin did was huff. Finally she got up and walked so that she could stand right in front of him. What more do you want from me? She yelled.

He yelled back. All I want is to know that if I give my heart away that it won't be thrown back in my face!

Kaoru got so mad that she threw her hands up in the air and huffed right back at him. I'm so sorry that I can't do anything right, but hey, what can you do? Once again she looked in his eyes and all she saw was amber. Kaoru couldn't think of anything more to do and finding herself at a loss she allowed her heart to take control. I... well I love you Kenshin. She then gave him a cautious kiss on the mouth. When she felt him make no move, she reluctantly pulled back. Her only plan hadn't worked. Tears began to fall from her eyes as she turned her back to him.

Kenshin stood there a warm feeling beginning to pulse throughout him. He reached out to her and asked her in a tentative voice. Do you really? Kenshin saw her nod, but noticed that she didn't move. Thank the gods. He then breathed out as he began to turn Kaoru to face him. Her eyes were closed as Kenshin placed a hand on her cheek. He wiped at her tears with his thumb and watched as she slowly leaned into his hand. She opened her eyes, sending his lungs to constrict. Oh gods. I love you Miss Kaoru. He confessed before he leaned towards her and kissed her passionately. Feeling her press towards him only sent his passion fuming and before her knew it, Kenshin had her back slammed roughly against a wall.

Kaoru's eyes flew open in shock. She could feel Kenshin's mouth leaving hers to travel down her neck and to her shoulder only to travel back to her mouth. She held onto him tightly as a mix of feelings began to flow through her. It felt good to be with him like this, but it was frightening. When she felt his lips leaving hers again and his hand lifting her leg up, it became to much. S-stop Kenshin. Please, please stop. She cried.

It took everything in Kenshin to stop, but he had to. He could feel the change in her spirit, her nails in his arms and the tears on his neck. He looked up at her and noticed that she refused to look at him. He pulled away from her slowly and walked down the hall. When he came back he found Kaoru at the same spot except she was on the floor this time. He carried her yukata in his hand and held it out to her. Here Miss Kaoru. I'll fix something for you to eat.

She looked up and took it from him and waited until he moved away to get up. I'm sorry Kenshin. I-I, I'm so sorry. She began to whisper over and over again until it turned into her own mantra.

Kenshin turned back around at this and quickly kneeled in front of her again. Shh, Miss Kaoru. I don't mind. You have your reasons. I'm just happy that you came back to me.

I'm not ready for...that. Kaoru told him while hiding her shame. Anything but that. She whispered.

Kenshin smiled at her in a warming and heart felt fashion. Then you tell me what you are ready for and I won't push you any further then that.

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Yahiko sat in the clinic break room waiting for Megumi to finish her closing routine. Sano had been here when he got back from school. He had told them what had happened to Kaoru and that last he'd seen her sitting on the front steps of the apartment with no signs of Kenshin. Yahiko didn't wonder for a second why Sano didn't try and intervene more. The only thing that he couldn't understand was why Sano and Megumi were so worried.

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Sano? Are you scared that Kenshin would hurt Kaoru? Yahiko had questioned.

Sano turned to Yahiko the serious look still on his face. It's not like that.

You know the reason you're here is because Kenshin is different now and when he is in this state he is unsafe. Megumi told him.

Well, I think he won't be for long. Yahiko stated.

Sano nodded at this point. I agree. There's a magic there that won't be deplenished.

~*~*~

After that Sano had left. Yahiko could see the worry still etched on Megumi when she returned, but she tried to hide it.

She asked him.

Yep. Let's go. Yahiko quickly followed Megumi out of the clinic and to her car. He really wanted to go back to Kenshin and Kaoru, but knew that if he wanted this little family of his to fix itself then he was better off away from them.

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Kaoru laid in bed on her side trying to conceal her giggles. Kenshin had snuck in and out of the room all night, making sure that she hadn't left him again. It had woken her up the first and second time, but now she just waited for it. He'd be back sooner or later. Didn't he need his sleep?

Just as she had predicted though, Kenshin slowly opened the door and tiptoed over to her side of the bed. She tried not to smile, but found it to be to much when she heard him sigh. Kenshin, why don't you just stay here? She offered.

Kenshin's eyes widened before he began to stumble away. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you.

Kaoru sat up and grabbed his hand. Kenshin, you're worried that I'll leave you again, right? When he nodded, she continued. Then stay with me and let me prove myself.

Kenshin smiled when he felt himself being tugged forward. He watched her lift up the corner of the blankets and he then quickly slid in. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her towards him. Are you okay with this?

I'm the one that suggested it didn't I? Kaoru retorted. Your eyes have lost some of the amber. She told him.

That's a good thing then. Kenshin said. I can feel it happening. He gave her a smile before pulling her towards him.

The two only kissed before settling down to sleep. Kenshin laid on his back while Kaoru slept on her side with her back facing him. It wasn't a romantic thing while at the same time it wasn't unromantic. It was just two people sharing a bed, both knowing that the other loved them, one scared the other might leave and the other one just scared.
Kaoru wasn't scared that Kenshin would jump her or force her into a compromising position. No, that wasn't it. She knew better than that. She was scared because she still thought that she put Kenshin in danger. Another reason that she was scared was because she was afraid that if she stayed in one place at the same time that she would be caught. She then was scared that she wouldn't be what Kenshin needed, that her fears would get in the way to much.

So many worries for such a young woman. It was enough to make a sane person go insane. It was enough to make Kaoru give up on ever having a freedom.

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Kenshin woke up and quickly looked over to Kaoru, but she was gone. He took no time in jumping from the bed, the covers gliding to the ground. As if he was a leaf being pushed by the wind, Kenshin flew out of the room. He checked throughout the whole apartment until he finally went to the door. Just as he opened it and stepped out he saw Kaoru walking down the hall with Sano.

He didn't know what came over him, but before he knew it the fear left and anger flew into him. Where have you been?

Kaoru and Sano both looked at him quizzically. Kenshin? You know you're not dressed, right?

Of coarse I do. I just didn't have that much time to change. He then spun around and took long strides back into the apartment.

Sano and Kaoru shared another look before he shrugged and walked off. Kaoru shook her head and then walked into the apartment.

Kaoru called once inside.

What do you want? he asked as he walked out of his bedroom buttoning his shirt.

Want? I want nothing more than to know what's with the snapping? Kaoru said as she plopped in the chair.

It's nothing. Kenshin said in another snappy voice.

If it's nothing then why are you acting like that? Kaoru said in a accusing fashion.

I don't want to talk about it. Kenshin still stood in the hall his arms crossed over his chest.

Well I do! Kaoru got to her feet and walked over to stand in front of Kenshin. Look at your self. You're so mad that your eyes are gaining more amber again. She pointed out.

Ugh! Maybe I'm upset because I woke up once again to find you missing again! Kenshin yelled. Do you care at all about how it affects me?

Of course I care! I didn't know that you'd get this mad so easily. Kaoru took a step back.

You're making me look like a jealous monster. Kenshin said.

Well you are being like one! Kaoru snapped back. What happened to you? I thought that by coming back that you'd change back into Kenshin, but you haven't! You've only become jealous and overly protective!

Kenshin quickly turned around, no longer able to look at Kaoru directly. He could sense Kaoru's aura change and she was coming closer. He then felt her hand lay on his shoulder and he shrugged it away quickly. Don't touch me.

Kaoru turned around and quickly walked to the door. She stalled for awhile her hand resting on the doorknob before she slipped to the floor her head resting on the door. What has happened?

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What are you doing here Sano? Megumi asked as she led him into the clinic. Yahiko is at school.

I know. I was just with Kaoru. Sano said as he took a seat.

Did something happen? Megumi asked out of concern.

Well, we took a walk, but weren't gone long. When we came back though Kenshin looked as if he could go up in a flame at any second. He was furious. Sano told her.

Megumi took a seat next to him and leaned in close. What happened next?

Sano stalled for a long time until he finally told her. I just left her. I'm beginning to wonder if that was really smart.

You don't think he'd hurt her, do you? Megumi asked repeating herself, but was not satisfied with the shrug that she got as an answer.

~*~*~*~*~

What has happened to us? What has happened to you? Kaoru asked never turning around until she asked her third question. What has happened to me?

Kenshin made no response , but he did turn around to face her.

When I was younger, before I was taken, I was happy. Then I was taken and slowly I began to become a void. The only emotion filling my body was the hope of a freedom until that to disappeared. Finally one lucky night I decided to rob your home and was reminded of freedom. I was so happy. My life was perfect. I didn't need anything more, but I guess I can never be so lucky. You got hurt and it scared me. I believe that your life and other's lives are much more important than mine so I left. I come back after finding that you were hurt more by my leaving than if I had stayed, but nothing has gone back to what I loved. Kaoru then looked up at him. I feel lost, hopeless, trapped, lonely, and unloved.

Kenshin lowered his head and whispered to her. I'm sorry.

Kaoru could feel that he was sincere. Ever since I met you I've relied on you. You were the one that made me feel safe. I don't know how to fix what has happened to you, and I don't even know how to fix what has happened to me, so I'll wait.

Kenshin then looked up in pure confusion. You'll wait?

Kaoru looked into his eyes and was somewhat satisfied to find that they had lost a little amber. Yes I'll wait. I'll stay with you, hoping that we can be fixed. If I have to stay right by your side at all times then, Kaoru got up and walked to stand right beside Kenshin. then that is where I will be. I'll do whatever it is that you think we need to.

Kenshin wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a tight embrace. He held her head to him and put his chin on her shoulder. Just stay with me until I'm secure again. I'm just afraid that you'll leave me again. He then pulled away and kissed her for a short time. He held her head and moved it so that their foreheads touched. I would rather die then to have you leave me to save me.

Kaoru had tears running down her face when a smile appeared. I love you too, Kenshin.


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A.N.~
I am so, so, so, sorry that I haven't updated in a long time. Its horrible of me and I can't believe how long its been. Everything has just been on my shoulders. With the play, homecoming, spirit week, sleep, and homework, I don't know how I'd ever find the time. Once again I am sorry about not having the verse at the top for this chapter.

For The Reviewers~

Charmed~
Ooh, my first threat. I just want to let you know that the only reason why I haven't updated in awhile is because I've been really business and have ha a really stressful time lately, but I'm glad you feel so strongly about this story.

insanelykkrazy~
Sorry you forgot what you were going to say. I do it all the time! Um, thanks for the push, I really did need to update didn't I?

Wolf^_^X~
Guess I wasn't as soon as I usually am with updates, ne?

Kenshin_gotenks~
Here's more.

Mika~
Hehe, what a good connection. yepp she's back, isn't life just grand!

Inuyasha~
I like Battousai too! I'm having a real hard time allowing him to go back into the Kenshin we all know because I like Battousai so much! What ever shall I do?

dragonmasterduelist~
So so so sorry for the cliffs I truly don't mean it. Do you want to know my little secret? If you delete all the other stuff like my AN, In My Head, Translation, and Review responses. Then you change to font to Apple Chancery' size 14 then they are all mostly 9 to 10 pages long. I've got a set page number. How sad of me!

one black tear~
okay here is more. So sorry for the delay!

Kawaii Kokkei Tsuita no Neko~
Once again, I am so sorry for the delay! Here is more!

fanfiction wanderer~
Hope you liked the chapter!

Crystal Renee~
Thank you so much for the art work! Poor, poor Kenshin. Well I didn't win homecoming again this year. Second time in a row! Mou, it's so depressing. Any ways, just read in my head because that's where I rant about it! Also just thanks again.

bonessasan~
Oops! I didn't know people were keeping count on my cliffhangers. I have a friend that is reading this story and she said that I shouldn't use to many cliffs because it annoys the reader, but she also said that she usually keeps on reading. Personally, I like cliffs. They intrigue me. Hmm.

Bob-san~
Yippee!

Ginny-cry~
So cute!

aglaia102~
thanks again for reviewing! It's wonderful!

allin656~
Thank you so much for the motivation. I need to hear that kind of stuff from time to time!

inuyasha0024~
I really like your idea and will think about it more. I probably should have used yours instead of what I did, but I thought that maybe the characters and the readers could use some peace for a while, but once again I did love your idea.

Angle1~
Mou, so many choices. What will happen next? Well I know how it ends, but I haven't yet figured out how they get there.

Angle81~
Thanks for reviewing and wish I had won, but sadly I didn't. If you want to hear me rant about it then just read In My Head'!

CurlsofSerenity~
Thanks so much! Hope you liked the chapter!

In My Hand~
Okay, so I didn't win homecoming queen. The only reason why I wanted to win was so I could prove that it wasn't always the popular person to win. The girl that won this year is known for being well a regular...er.... you know. She's the one who doesn't like anyone and loves to make others feel like they are worthless. Who knows, but being on the court twice and not getting the crown doesn't make me think it's going to happen anytime soon. Also, my aunt is dying and so we all spent Thanksgiving with her but the cancer has gotten so bad that we don't believe that she'll live to christmas. The play for my school will be over on Monday and then its review week. After that it's exams and finally winter break. Hopefully I will have time to work more on my stories then. Well any ways, life goes one and so does this story! Tune in next time for another installment of Freedom'!