Freedom
Chapter 19
The Note
By, DarkKishi


Nights slowly turned into mornings and then into afternoons only to turn back into nights once more. Days went on like this for sometime, but Kaoru made sure to stay near Kenshin's side as best as she could. Today was the day that Yahiko came back to them. They were on their way to pick him up from school. For some odd reason, Kaoru was nervous. Why, she didn't know, but she was. Kenshin must've sensed it because the next thing she noticed was his hand on top of hers.

You okay? He asked . You shouldn't be nervous, Miss Kaoru. He said making sure to put the comforting Miss on front of her name.

Kaoru had to keep reminding her self that she didn't tell her thoughts to him. How can you read my mind? It's amazing!

Not really. I just read the change in your aura. Kenshin squeezed her hand reassuringly. It's been changing for the last couple of blocks.

Was all Kaoru could say. She made a mental note on asking him to though her later tonight.

All they pulled up in front of the school Kaoru could have sworn that her heart was about to burst. It was all she could do to set still.

Were early. Kenshin told her.

What do we do then? Kaoru asked.

Kenshin thought for sometime circling the school until he finally came up with an idea. We could either take him out early or we could either take him out early or we could walk to the park.

School is very important and so is normalcy so maybe we should take that walk. Kaoru reasoned.

Once the car was parked the two got out. The walk was silent and both were nervous. If the two would have taken the time to look back on the past then they would have realized that it was ridiculous to be this way when they shared the same bedroom.

It was cold, but Kaoru tried desperately not to show it. The pack was quiet with little people there. Quietly the two sat down on a near by bench. As Kaoru looked around she found the bench under the tree where she used to sleep.

Kenshin heard her sigh loudly and couldn't keep from wondering what it was that bothered her. Desperately he followed her gaze, but all he saw was a bench. Miss Kaoru, what is it about that bench that bothers you?

Kaoru snapped out of her trance and quickly turned to face him. It's nothing. It's just that I slept on that bench when I left you. She looked at Kenshin and noticed that just by her speaking of that time had made him upset. She began to wish that it could all be erased from time.

Please don't stay with me only to make me happy. If you long for a different life then you should go to it. Kenshin whispered.

What are you talking about? Kaoru questioned him.

It's just that I don't want to keep you from something else. I took you under my wing to get you away from the slavery you were in and I'd hate to find that I've only put you into another.

Kenshin, you're being ridiculous. what ever gave you the idea... Kaoru was cut short when Kenshin looked at his watch and got up quickly.

We should go Miss Kaoru. Yahiko will be getting out by the time we get back to the car. Kenshin said as he held out his hand. Once she had grasped it and stood up he continued. Maybe we should continue this conversation some other time.

Kaoru only nodded as she held Kenshin's hand and walked back to the car.

~*~*~*~*~

The car ride was quiet with little movement. Yahiko and Kaoru both had trouble with the silence. Kenshin smirked at how uncomfortable they were. never was there pure silence. There was always the constant groan of the leather responding to their constant movements, but it was humorous to say the least.

Once at the apartment Yahiko stood at the doorway, unsure of what to do. Kenshin was in the kitchen getting ready to start dinner while Kaoru sat in the couch.

Why don't you go get changed and start your homework, Yahiko? Kenshin suggested.

Yahiko walked towards his bedroom, but turned around in the doorway. Kenshin? Kaoru? He said trying to get there attentions. Once they both turned to look at him, he said what was on his mind. Thanks for bringing me back here. Before either could respond he ran off.

Kenshin went back to preparing the dinner before he walked towards the couch. When would you like to talk about early?

Is love usually this hard? Kaoru asked without turning towards him.
Kenshin thought for awhile before he finally answered. I'm not sure. I do know that obstacles in front of us won't detour me, but then you have to figure out what's best for you.

I know that I like to be with you, so maybe we don't have anything to worry about. Kaoru told him.

But we do need to worry about it. I just don't want you to miss out on anything. Kenshin wasn't going to let this conversation drop so easily. That was what he thought until Yahiko came back out.

Is something burning? Yahiko asked as he sniffed the air.

Oh no! Kenshin quickly ran to the kitchen before slowly turning back around to face them. Anyone feel like going out to eat? He said with a smile and one hand behind his head.

~*~*~*~*~

Sano was the one to great them when they got back from eating.

Hi Sano! Yahiko said as he flopped on to the couch. Mm...I'm stuffed!

Kenshin and Kaoru stood behind the couch, both having their own suspicions of what Sanosuke was really here for.

Another assignment? Kaoru ventured.

Sano only nodded before Kenshin asked his question. Do we know who?

It's just a drug dealer, but he is the top as I hear. After that's taken care of we are o drive around just to see how much information that we can get.

So you guys are going to be out all night? Yahiko asked.
Both nodded this time.

Should we just stay here? Kaoru questioned.

Kenshin took his time to think about the different options. Finally he decided, Yes. I think you two should be just fine.

Kaoru nodded, but you could see the reluctance in her eyes. She gave Kenshin a hug and whispered her hope fir his safety in his ear.

~*~*~*~*~

Kenshin and Sano sat in the car. Kenshin leaned in hard to the back of the front seat, panting as he tried to regain his breath. THe man was there just like Sano had said, but he wasn't alone. There were ten or more men with him and everyone had a gun and knife. Sano was calling the police, deciding that their time was better spent patrolling than delivering.

What did that man give you? Sano asked referring to piece of paper that Kenshin clutched in his right hand.

Kenshin looked at him shocked before he opened his hand to look at the paper. Slowly he focused his eyes and began to read it to Sano. You might have won a couple of battles, but I'll win the war. Sincerely, Susumu.

So this was all a setup to show you how many tricks he has up his sleeve. Sano whispered. Are you going to tell Kaoru?

I haven't decided yet. With that Kenshin turned the ignition and started out onto the streets.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru sat up in bed staring out the window. She couldn't sleep and had grown tired of forcing her self to lay down. It was getting colder and it was beginning to lightly snow. Occasionally her eyes would leave the window to check the clock on the bedside table and then return to the window. It was late now almost five in the morning and Kenshin was still gone. She worried even though she'd heard him say that he'd be gone all night.

Light poured into the room as the door opened causing Kaoru to shriek in panic.

Miss Kaoru? I don't mean to wake you. Kenshin said softly as he walked into he bedroom.

Kaoru watched as he walked over to the bathroom and then coming back out with his arms full of his toiletries. What are you doing? Kaoru asked.

I'm just gathering my stuff so I can move back into my room. Kenshin told her.

What? Why are you leaving me. Kaoru got to her feet.

Miss Kaoru, I... Kenshin tried to speak, but couldn't. The thought of the note he still kept in his pocket caused him to drop the things in his hands and fall down to the bed. He held his head in his hands trying to get his head strait.

Shocked, Kaoru ran to him sliding to her knees in front of him. She asked as she laid her hands on his knees. What's going on. Is something scaring you?

Kenshin looked up at her his eyes a mix of emotions. Slowly he reached out with his hands to hold her face. I just want to protect you from everything. Kaoru, I want to protect you from everything that stops you from living the fullest life that you can even if that means that I need to protect you from me. You;re only eighteen and for so many years, you've been denied the right to live your life like a normal girl your age.

What if I don't want to live like a normal girl my age. I want to lice my life with you and have a relationship with you, or for at least as long as it will last. Kaoru told him before she began to pick up all the stuff he'd dropped.

Kenshin watched her take the stuff back into the bathroom. Are you sure? His voice was low and uncertain.

Kaoru walked back out of the bathroom and crawled back into bed. Of course. She gave him a wide smile and then yanked on the back of his shirt. Isn't that all?

Not really. Kenshin whispered under his breath.

Do what? She asked.

Kenshin swung around in surprise, but quickly put a smile on his face. I said yes. He then crawled over to her and gave her a quick kiss. Good night.

~*~*~*~*~

Slowly Kaoru stirred. She was still asleep, but some presence was causing her to awaken. A fear began to make its way into her head, but there was something else in there telling her that it was okay. She dare not open her eyes until she knew what to do. She could feel this someone's hot breath on her cheek. Was it Susumu? Finally she decided to just roll off the bed. hoping luck would be with her and allow her enough time to get away.

In one fluid motion she twisted her body and flipped off the bed, but was grabbed before she hit the floor. A hand was quickly clamped over her mouth preventing everything but muffled screams to escape. She was doomed.

Shh, Miss Kaoru. Everything is okay. Her capture whispered.

Kaoru stopped immediately. She felt the hand leave her mouth and was able to turn and face the person behind her. Kenshin what were you doing. I thought you were... Kaoru couldn't finish her statement before tears rolled down her cheek.

Oh Miss Kaoru. I am so sorry. Kenshin said as he pulled her into a tight embrace.

Kaoru hung to Kenshin for sometime before she finally pulled away. She gave him a hard stare before she smacked his arm playfully. What were you doing any ways? She asked.

I was...er... Kenshin couldn't find away to put it.

Kaoru leaned in and smiled. You were what?

Kenshin turned away and got up. I was watching you sleep. He said with his back towards her and a hand behind his head.

How weird. Kaoru mused.

What do you mean weird. Kenshin turned back around to look at her fully expecting to see a confused look, but was met with another wide smile. On instinct he leapt onto the bed tickling her.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door and the two quite immediately. Kaoru looked at Kenshin with concern in her eyes.

Taking no risks, kenshin slowly got to his feet and reached for a sword he'd taken to keeping by the bed. Who is it? He asked in a stern voice.

It's Yahiko! Don't you two ever sleep? He yelled through the door.
Kenshin quickly laid down the sword and let out a sigh before he opened the door to allow Kenshin entrance.

I didn't know your relationship had gotten to this level so soon. No wonder you guys took your time in bringing me back. Yahiko said as he walked in and sat on the bed.

That's not true. And it's not like we're doing anything inappropriate. We are just sharing a bed. Kaoru said looking to Kenshin for his approval.

Who said you were? Actually I'm just trying to figure out what Kenshin sees in you, Ugly. Yahiko said snidely.

How dare you. As if on Que. both Kaoru and Yahiko got up and ran in their cat and mouse game while Kenshin just sighed and sat back down on the bed.

This is going to be one long night. He whispered to himself.

~*~*~*~*~

Snow covered the ground in a thick blanket of cold. The plowers were working hard to clean up the city quick enough to prevent any hassles from the daily life.

Yahiko stared out the window feeling grateful that he had no school today. It was wonderful to know that he wouldn't need to walk in that type of whether. It was early in the morning and usually Kenshin would have been up much earlier, but him and Kaoru were still sleeping. He had it all figured that Kenshin had stayed out really late like he said he would and that Kaoru didn't sleep until he got back safe and sound.

Even with this knowledge, and knowing that they both needed to sleep, his selfishness began to kick in. Yahiko was bored. He sat staring out the window wondering if anything would happen today. Would today be another horrifyingly eventful day? He didn't think that any of them could handle anymore. It was time for them all to have a break. Yahiko couldn't think of two other people that deserved to live happily ever after than Kenshin and Kaoru. When will it stop? He whispered.

~*~*~*~*~

Kenshin stood in the snow as he watched Kaoru and Yahiko run around trying to hit each other with a snowball. A smile was stretching across his face. Yahiko looked so happy and his aura seemed to be brightening day by day. Kaoru was something all her own though. She seemed so content. Kenshin was more than happy to be near her. He wouldn't call this group of people his family quite yet, but...

Kenshin's eyes widened as cold smashed on his head and began to sink into his hair. Immediately his eyes caught Kaoru's smiling form and he knew it was her that hit him.

I got you! She yelled and then stood there with her hands on her hips and a bright smile.

You did. Well I think I should repay the favor. Kenshin then scooped up a ball of snow and took one step forward before Kaoru turned around and ran.

It didn't take Kenshin long before he had Kaoru pinned up to a tree begging not to be hit. But that's not fair Miss Kaoru.

Oh please don't. Kaoru said with a smile. Truthfully she wouldn't mind one bit if she got hit, bu this was fun too.

Kenshin gave her a wink before he leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. Then before Yahiko had time to think, he had a snow ball right in his chest.

Yahiko yelled. He picked up a snow ball of his own and whirled it at Kenshin, but Kenshin ducked and it hit Kaoru in the stomach. Once again the war between Yahiko and Kaoru began and Kenshin was left daydreaming again.

Why wouldn't I call them my family? He whispered to himself. So they were a little unorthodox, but not everything is perfect. Kenshin didn't really want a normal family any ways. Kaoru and he would raise Yahiko as best they could. He always thought that the most important thing in a family was the support and Kenshin supported Kaoru and she did the same for him. It was decided a long time ago, but Kenshin was just now registering it. This was his family and he wasn't going to let go of it.

~*~*~*~*~

Freedom was the word that Kaoru couldn't get from her mind. Was this freedom.

The three of them were walking down the sidewalk to a restaurant. The snow was deep in the park near by, but it had been swept of the concrete. The restaurant wasn't far off and it didn't take them that long to get there. Immediately when they walked through the door they were meeted by a woman who seated them quickly.

Kenshin made Kaoru sit down first and then waited till Yahiko sat down before he took his. He sat down next to Kaoru while Yahiko sat across from them. He had a bad feeling but he just couldn't place his finger on it. How could he get out of this one. He needed to convince Kaoru and Yahiko that they should do something else.

Kenshin, I gonna go to the bathroom. Kaoru said beginning to get to her feet.

And that was it. Before Kenshin could even think Kaoru was off and Kenshin's eyes widened when the sense got stronger. He needed to act fast.

~*~*~*~*~

AN so sorry not to write much here, but if you really want to know why then please e-mail me and i'll give you the story. I got to hurry and write my responses to the reviewers though!

Responses to the Reviewers~


Ashley (tm90love@msn.com)~ Yay I updated!
noner)89 ~ It wasn't soon, but it is an update.
Kenshin01~ (pickle72290@yahoo.com) ~sorry for the slowness of my updates.
Black Twilight~ Thanks for the complement. Heres more.
Angle81~ Thank you.
Innocence8~ Ooh. I always strive to be different.
aglaia102~ hope you were able to wait for more.
Kawaii Kokkei Tsuita no Neko~ ooh i'm glad i can help you in your everday life. It's always nice to help others.
Kaoru Himura7~ Well I'm so happy that you found my story again. Thank you so much for the complements.
Kenshin-gotenks~ Not right now does Sano and Fox-chan get together but i'm seeing a liitle image f a sequel, so there is hope.
Crystal Renee~ Thanks for your sympathy about my aunt. also thanks for being the dedicated person that you are.
Ginny-cry~ I'm getthing happy again. Thanks for reviewing.
allin656~ Heres another update!
Charmed~ if i have anytime then i'd love to read your stories, just tell me how i can find them.
Fanfiction Wanderer~ Yay for twisty and drama. Thanks.
Tenshi Koneko~ sorry for shortness heres an update though.
inuyasha0024~ Thank you. I;m glad you liked the last chapter.
Battousai-Katana~ Here is the next chapter. ENJOY!
Catrina3~ Thank you for reviewing!
Koishii Sweet~ Hope you like this chapter too.
Angle1~ I bet your gonna drop to the ground when you see that i finally updated again!

Love and Peace and thanks for the reviews! KEEP THEM COMING!!!