Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.

Innocence

Chapter Four

Kaoru's P.O.V.

The night was chilly. I regret not bringing a cloak along, but that would just slow me down. I don't know why, but I'm kind of anxious to meet him. Then it hit me! I didn't even know who he was! I am so stupid. Well no turning back now, I can see the lake already.

A silent night. The lake was calm and the moon reflected in the lake was perfectly round. Hmm. Where is he? It has to be one or two hours past midnight already. Did he set me up?!

East of the lake... The sandy dunes came alive at night. Even the slightest breeze set them off. Hypnotized by their movement, I curled up and fell asleep.

Soujiro's P.O.V.

I've been here for hours expecting her to come on time, but she was late. No matter. At least she's here now. I liked how she curled up into a ball like that, with her hair astray. It seemed rather inviting. But I restrained myself.

Stealthily, I shifted from shadow to shadow until I was right next to her. Brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, I heard her murmur something that I couldn't quite make out. I figured she would be cold so I wrapped my outer gi around her slight figure. Holding her head in my hands, I rested her head on my lap. Before long, I drifted to sleep as well...

Kaoru's P.O.V.

Mmm. I woke up to a smell of minty pine. Everything was so warm and cozy. Wait a minute...Where am I?! I sat up only to find a set of strong arms around me. It was my blue-eyed assassin. I figured I should be afraid, but for some reason, I felt safe in his arms. We were so close. I looked up at him. His head hung down low, his bangs hiding his eyes from view. He looked so innocent and cute. He couldn't have been much older than me. His steady breathing was comforting. I wrapped my arms around his neck and rested my head on his chest I knew I was enjoying this. I placed my hand gently on his left cheek. Then I felt it. There was a tear droplet rolling down his face, and to his chin. Without thinking, I traced it with my index finger and wiped it away.

Soujiro's P.O.V.

Fresh jasmines, my favorite flowers. I loved to scent they gave off. I smiled when I woke up. Kaoru's arms were wrapped around me. I didn't think she knew I was awake so I just sat there, enjoying this moment. All she knew about me was that I was supposed to kill her. Yet she is so warm and affectionate towards me. She placed her hand against my face. I have never felt this much love before in my life. In all those 14 years of living, not one bit of care. I tried to suppress my sadness like I have done for most of my life, but now I couldn't. A single tear rolled down my face.

I felt her finger trace the tear track and then wipe it away. I couldn't help it, I hugged her tight. I could sense that she tensed up at first, but then she relaxed. I slowly began to rock us back and forth.

Kaoru's P.O.V.

My head rested against his chest. Listening to his heart beat was so soothing. Suddenly I remembered something. I had to get back to the palace before anyone goes to check on me!

"I'm sorry, I must go now."

"Then I will escort you."

"I don't think that would be such a good idea..."

"Why not?"

"Because, um, someone might see you."

"I see what you mean. Then I bid you farewell."

"Wait!"

"Yes?"

"Before you leave, can you please tell me your name?"

"My name...is Soujiro Seta."

"Will I ever see you again Soujiro?"

"Perhaps, Kamiya-san. So good-bye...for now."

And with that, the ever so mysterious Soujiro Seta vanished without a trace. I really do hope that we meet again. Hoping wouldn't do much good, but right now, I have to get back to the palace before someone finds out that I am gone.

Soujiro's P.O.V.

I know that I told her that I wouldn't escort her, but I had to make sure that she's all right. So I followed her on her way back to her palace... Why do I feel so protective of her?! Could it be that I am in love? No. I brushed that trivial thought from my mind. I couldn't fall in love with anyone. I wouldn't fall in love with anyone.

'Well, she's not just anyone.'

What?!

'I said "She's not just anyone."'

Who are you?

'What do you mean "who are you?" I'm YOU!!!'

Okay. Now I'm going crazy. I'm talking to a voice in my head.

'You're not going crazy. You already are. Well anyway, you know you love Kaoru. You just won't admit it. She's the only one who actually cares about you.'

Shishio cares about me...kind of...

'No I mean how Yumi cares about Shishio. Kaoru is the same for you.'

You are confusing me. Bye now.

'What do you mean "Bye now"? Hey are you listening to me?'

Okay. So now I'm ignoring the voice. Good. Kaoru's in her room now. Time for me to go.

A/N: Sorry for ending it right there. How do you like it so far? I tried to make the chapter a bit longer this time. I won't be updating "True Colors" or "Ulrich's Diary" for a while. No one swore at me this time (thank goodness), I'm kind of wrapped up in "Innocence" right now. Oh yeah and before I forget: Please review!

Erica: Thankies!!!

Flaming-Amber: Yes I had to. It was impossible to resist. Actually, that was just a diversion so he could get Kaoru off guard.

Anabell: Yay! Thankies!

Snow White: Thankies! And I'll try...

Rurouni Kaoru Kenshin's Love: Shrinks smallerOkay I'll try, but you don't have to be so aggressive. (I'm just joking).

Angel of Lonelyness:Okay I will. Thanks for the support!

Chisakami Saiyuki: Thankies! I will!

Starian Princess: Yeah I guess you're right. Thanks! I'll try to fit it in somehow.

Soujiro/Kaoru Fanatic: Yay! That's cool!

Okay. I think that's about everyone. I feel so loved!!! Thank you to all of my reviewers and my future reviewers (yes, I will be expecting them...). Well, stay tuned (why do people say that?) for the next chapter!

SouKao Dreamer