sapphirebubbles: ohayo, minna-san! this is my first fanfics so... i hope you will like it! i also accept reviews and some constructive criticism! just a warning, i am a 100 ken-kao fanatic, so for tomoe fans, gomen! i have nothing against her, but i dislike her just the same! hehehe! arigato gozaimasu! ja ne!

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin! Wish I do, though! Anyway, they are Watsuko-sama's! Enjoy!

a/n: To Mademoiselle Anime, the boy in chapter 5 is um, well, some extra character... and he appeared in chapter 6! thnx for the reviews! i love it! we should make a we-don't-like-tomoe fan club! hehe, just kidding tomoe fans! gomen nasai! well, i just think that kenshin is more compatible with kaoru, i mean, they look so cute together! hehe, don't you agree? thnx 4 the reviews again, i promise i will update soon!

Last time...

I have never seen Kenshin sleep so peacefully, until now... Miza smiled. Maybe she is the one who can save him...

On the couch, a sleeping Kenshin hugged Kaoru tightly, the latter snuggled in his embrace.

Chapter 7: It's not me, isn't it?

Megumi sat at the king-size bed in her own hotel room, warily eyeing Sanosuke who stood unmoving at the door.

"What?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"Huh? Oh, nothing." he said, snapping out of his daze.

"Fine!" she threw her hands up in the air, striding towards the bathroom. She took the handle, then opened the door. A bath tub and a jacuzzi met her eyes. She sighed. Looks like it's time to thank the rooster head. She went inside, locking the door behind her. She sighed again, then took a peek outside. He was still there, unmoving.

"Thanks!" she shouted, then abruptly shut the door, blushing fiercely. "Baka roosterhead."

Outside, Sano grinned.

"Anytime, fox. Anytime." With that, he left the room.

-----------------------------

Next day...

"Oh. My. God." Misao said, staring at the school newspaper's front page.

"NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"AAAHHHHHH!" The whole school was full of ear-splitting screams.

"Oh god..." Misao said, still shocked. A pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist.

"Ohayo, koibito." a masculine voice said. No response.

"Misao? What's wrong?" Aoshi asked. He took a peek at the thing she was holding.

"Did they see it already?" he asked.

"N-no... they haven't arrived yet..." her voice was so soft, so calm. Aoshi grinned inwardly, letting go of her. He casually took a step back. His little Misao will explode in about five seconds when she's using that voice. Five... four... three... two...

"WHO THE HECK PRINTED THIS NEWSPAPER?" she screamed, making the people around her back away, except Aoshi.

"The school, of course." Aoshi replied. After he said it, he knew it was the wrong thing to say.

"I KNOW IT'S THE SCHOOL! DON'T YOU PLAY COOL WITH ME, AOSHI SHINOMORI!" He cringed. Suddenly...

"Ohayo, Misao-chan. Aoshi-san." a voice greeted cheerfully. All the people quieted.

"What's wrong?" Kenshin asked, right behind Kaoru.

"Is there something on my face?" Kaoru asked uncertainly, unnerved by all the stares she was receiving. Kenshin pulled her closer to him, realizing that all the glares were being directed at her. Kaoru buried her face in his chest.

"Aoshi, what's wrong?" Kenshin asked urgently, stroking Kaoru's hair. Just then, Misao came back to life.

"YOU!" she directed to the people looking at them. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU LOOKING AT?" The people abruptly turned their backs, resuming their business.

"Follow me, Himura." Aoshi said quietly, dragging his girlfriend away. They went to an empty classroom, Aoshi shutting the door behind them.

"Show them, Misao." Aoshi instructred. Misao handed Kenshin the newspaper, looking away.

Kenshin's eyes were molten amber when he teared his eyes away from the newspaper. A picture of him and Kaoru kissing was on the front page. It read:

WHY HER?

Kenshin Himura, son of Seijuro Hiko, the owner of the school, an A student, famous for his good looks and charm, was seen kissing a raven-haired, blue-eyed girl yesterday outside our school. It was said that this woman gave him drugs so that our dear Ken will fall for her.

"She isn't even pretty!" a beautiful blonde, Reika, said arrogantly. A dozen other girls agreed. "Yeah, she definitely used drugs! Kenshin-sama even shouted at us yesterday morning!" The other girls agreed again.

What has happened to Kenshin Himura? Has he really been using drugs? Has the girl stooped so low that she used drugs to make Kenshin fall in love with her? Stay tuned for the next issue, and we will answer all your questions.

"How dare they." his voice was a low hiss. Kaoru lifted her head up from his chest.

"Kenshin? What's wrong?" she read the newspaper he was holding. Her face went pale. "I didn't..."

"I know you didn't, koishii." Kenshin said, tightening his hold on her. His eyes were hard and cold. "They will pay for hurting you... they will pay dearly."

"What do you want us to do?" Aoshi asked solemnly.

"I believe in you, Kaoru-chan." Misao smiled comfortingly at her.

"I want a meeting with the School Press. Now." He kissed Kaoru's forehead tenderly, then passed her to Misao. "Don't worry, koishii. I will straighten everything out. Take care of her, Misao-dono." He and Aoshi left the room.

Kaoru launched herself into Misao's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

"I didn't Misao-chan! How could they say that to me?"

"Don't worry Kaoru-chan, Kenshin will make things right..." she said cheerfully. "So while we're waiting, what do you want?"

"I could use a bottle of water..." Kaoru smiled shakily at her.

"Wait here, I'm gonna get you some." Misao bounded out of the room. Kaoru turned her back, watching the scenery outside. The door clicked.

"Misao, I didn't expect-- Reika?" she said, turning around. "What do you want?"

Reika turned around, her eyes blazing. She has two girls accompanying her. They locked the door.

"Don't you have respect? Call her by her last name!" a girl snapped at her.

"Wha- Reika, what's wrong?" Kaoru asked, a bad feeling settling at the pit of her stomach.

"You, are wrong. You came and Kenshin-sama left me." Reika bit out.

"But--"

"I love him so much, years before you came..."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know--"

"She doesn't need your pity, you stupid girl." the other girl muttered angrily.

"Do you think Kenshin-sama will be interested in a little girl like you?"

"No, Kenshin cares--"

"He doesn't. You're just some little girl who passed by his life..."

"Did you know how I felt when I saw him kiss you? I felt my whole world tip over!" Reika wiped her tears angrily.

"I'm so sorry Reika, I didn't--" Kaoru breathed.

"No you don't. And now you have to pay..." the two girls advanced on her. Reika turned her back away.

"Reika, what's--" A scream erupted from the room, unnoticed.

-----------------------------------

Misao skipped all the way to the room holding a bottle of water.

"Kaoru-chan?" No response. She opened the door fully. She spotted a trail of blood, leading to a sobbing form in a corner of the room.

"KAORU!!!"

-----------------------------------

Kenshin's mouth was a thin line, facing all the staff of the school newspaper.

"Who did that article?" his voice was low, angry, calm.

Nobody moved.

"Who made up those damn lies about my girlfriend?" he roared, slamming his fist on the table, his patience snapping. Everybody cringed.

"I highly suggest you answer. It is not wise to anger an already pissed dragon..." a voice interrupted softly. All the people looked at him. Aoshi stood calmly, leaning on a wall.

"I'm s-sorry, K-kenshin-san..." a boy gulped, stuttering nervously. "W-we were s-supposed to p-print the p-paper t-tomorrow, but when w-we came, uh..." he gulped again. "...the paper was g-gone a-and was d-distributed to all s-students..." After that, he hid behind another staff member.

"Who did this..." Kenshin stared at each one of them, pinpointing who's lying. Everyone looked away, frightened by Kenshin's raging amber eyes.

Suddenly...

"Kenshin!" Yahiko burst through the door. "Misao told me to come and get you! Something bad happened to Kaoru!"

"What?! WHERE IS SHE, YAHIKO?" Kenshin said, shaking the boy.

"K-kenshin! S-she's at y-your house!" Yahiko said, swirly-eyed.

"Thanks, Yahiko!" Kenshin said, patting the younger boy's head. He whipped his head towards the staff. "Don't tell anyone about this, understand? Or else..." he said grimly.

The staff nodded their heads immediately. Kenshin sped off.

Kaoru, please... who did this to you? Kenshin thought.

-----------------------

Kenshin arrived at the Seijuro mansion, almost knocking out Pierre as the butler turned to greet him.

"Sorry, Pierre!" the redhead sped off.

What could have happened? Pierre thought.

Kenshin flew up the stairs, bursting through his room.

Kaoru?!

She was there, crying on his bed, hunched over her back. Miza and Misao were there, trying to comfort her but failed.

"Who did this to you, Kaoru-chan?" Misao asked, near to tears.

"Please, Kao-chan, tell us." Miza pleaded. Kaoru shook her head, tears falling.

"Mom, Misao-dono, please, leave us alone." The three women whipped their heads toward him.

"S-sure, Kenshin." Misao said tearfully.

"Make her smile, Kenshin." Miza whispered, patting his arm. Then, they left.

Kenshin settled himself on the bed, pulling Kaoru closer to him. Kaoru let out a choked sob, clutching his shirt tightly.

"Let it out, koishii, I'm here..." Kenshin soothed. And she let the dam break. He just stroked her hair, whispering comforting words in her ear. Every heart-wrenching sob teared at his heart, fueling the rage that is building inside him. Moments later, all he heard was sniffling.

"I'm all right now, Kenshin..." she said softly, letting go. He just tightened his arms around her. She winced, clutching her arm.

"What's wrong, koishii?" he asked, violet eyes filled with concern. She turned her head away, clutching her arm. His eyes darkened.

Why won't you tell me what's wrong, Kaoru? Did you know how I feel when Yahiko told me you were injured? I thought I will die, koishii. Don't you realize how much I love you? He sighed.

"Who did this to you?" She shook her head again.

"No one did, Kenshin, I just got injured when I... fell..." she lied, closing her eyes tightly.

"Himura-san will never be interested with a brat like you..."

"You're just some little girl passing his life..."

"He's merely toying with you, you know that?"

"Didn't you know? Don't tell me you believed all he said? There are more deserving girls worthy of him..."

A teardrop fell from her eye.

"Reika did this, right?" he asked softly. Shocked, she was speechless. How did he know?

"S-she didn't K-kenshin..."

"Stop lying to me, Kaoru." he said harshly.

"N-no Kenshin, R-reika-san's--"

"I said stop lying. You even added an honorific in her name." he cut off. "Did she do it?" She nodded mutely, looking away.

"I knew it. She will p--"

"Kenshin, please, no!" Kaoru begged, shaking him slightly. "Onegai... don't hurt her..." her shoulders shook by the force of her sobs.

"I loved him, years before you came..."

"When I saw him kiss you, I felt my whole world tip over..."

He sighed. You're too kind, Kaoru...

"All right, I won't do anything, just please... don't cry, I don't want to see you cry..." he kissed her forehead tenderly, then her cheeks, kissing her tears away. She giggled slightly.

"Thank you, Kenshin..."

"But if she hurts you again, I will make her pay." he warned. She nodded her head uncertainly.

"Then that's all settled..." he leaned his head forward, catching her lips in a passionate kiss.

-----------------------------

"I knew my son can help her!" Miza grinned outside Kenshin's room, ears pressed to the door.

"You're right, Miza-san! Ooh... I bet they're kissing right now!" Misao giggled, her ears also glued to the door.

"I bet you're right, Misao-chan. Now let's give them some privacy!" Miza said, standing up.

"B-but!"

"Let's go."

Misao reluctantly agreed, staring wistfully at the door.

"They are so cute together, ne, Misao-chan?"

"Hai! They are perfect for each other."

"Uh-huh. So, how about you and Aoshi?" Miza asked casually. Misao sweatdropped.

"Hehehe..."

------------------------------------

Later that night...

"Hey fox!"

Megumi turned around, shocked to see Sanosuke waving at her.

"What do you want now?" she asked, annoyed. "Can't you see I'm busy?"

"What are you doing anyway?"

"Papers, of course. Or have you forgotten I'm the manager, you big lump?"

"Of course not, fox."

"So, what do you want?"

"Hey, are you busy tonight?"

"Duh."

"Oh yeah. Tomorrow?" he asked hopefully.

"Uh... I think my schedule's free. Why?" she asked suspiciously.

"Would you like to go out on a date with me?" he asked ever-so-casually.

"NANI?"

"Hey, it's just a date. Consider it as payment for the hotel room." he grinned at her.

"All right. Just once?" she said uncertainly.

"Uh-huh." he smirked, leaning on the table.

"What are you still doing here?"

"Oh, me? Of course I'll take you home after your shift. Wouldn't want you walking around like that, wouldn't I?"

"I'm not a child!"

"No you're not. You're a woman, that's why I'm taking you home, and that's final."

She sighed. The roosterhead sure worries about her a lot.

------------------------------------

Kenshin eyed his so-called girlfriend who was sleeping on his bed, her angelic face peaceful.

Kaoru... do you know how much I love you? Do you know? he sighed, caressing her face. Do you know how much it hurts when I see you getting lonely? When you cry? I feel like my heart is breaking, Kaoru. Reika... I could just kill her for hurting you, but... you're too kind, koishii. You're so brave and kind-hearted and... wait, didn't you say you were a kendo instructor? How come you didn't fight back? What did they say to you, koishii? Would you tell me? Can you tell me? he sighed again, holding her hand. Just then, Kaoru stirred, clutching his hand tightly.

"Koishii?"

"Kenshin..." she murmured in the midst of her dreams.

"What is it, koishii?" Kenshin asked, amused that she was dreaming about him.

"I... I love you, Kenshin..." she whispered softly, smiling. Kenshin stilled. Moments later, Kaoru frowned.

"You don't love me do you?"

Kenshin made no response.

"I knew it! Reika was right... I am nothing to you..." she mumbled, wrenching her hand away, tears falling. "I am your toy, aren't I, Kenshin? I am just some little girl passing by your life, ne? Ne?" she sobbed.

Kenshin came back to his senses, retrieving her hand back.

Even though you're probably dreaming, I will tell you koishii... I will tell you how much I love you...

"No, Kaoru... I love you, I love you so much..." he whispered in her ear, kissing her hand. She smiled through the tears.

"I love you too, Kenshin..." she whispered back, falling back into sleep.

--------------------------------

"He got angry, boss, when we published that newspaper. He got angry to the whole staff."

"Did he know it was you?" 'Boss' said sharply.

"No he didn't, boss. I were the one who spoke to him about the lie, he didn't know it was me." the boy replied back.

"Good. Interesting. It seems we hit a weak spot. The girl is his weakness. Now for Kenshin Himura's downfall." 'Boss' said, smirking.

--------------------------------

Megumi eyed Sanosuke, who was lounging on the bar. What does that man want with her? She sighed. Men. Just then, she heard loud giggles. She looked back at Sanosuke. Girls were all around him, asking for his name, or his number, or to dance. Her eyes narrowed angrily.

Hey, hey, hey. Wait a second. Why the heck do I care? she thought. Maybe it's nothing.

But when she watched Sanosuke flirt with the other girls, she can't help but shake that little feeling inside her.

Am I jealous? Of course not. Her mind scoffed. Yeah right, it said.

"I'll go now, Katsu, please lock the building." she said to the bartender.

"Yes, Takani-san." Katsu bowed. "Have a nice night." She nodded. Unconsciously, she found herself walking towards Sano and the girls.

"I'm ready now. Shall we go?" she heard herself say.

"Oh, hey fox. Sure. See ya, ladies." he grinned, waving at the girls. They all giggled. Megumi felt her anger rise. What is happening to her? Annoyed, she walked out of the bar, stopping in the middle of the street. Her fists clenched and unclenched.

"What is happening to me?" she muttered angrily. Then, a large truck came barreling towards her. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't move. It seems like her feet were stuck on the ground. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. All she thought was 'Sanosuke no baka...' before there was darkness. She didn't even hear her name that was shouted at the clear night sky.

"MEGUMI!!!"

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a/n: Hurray for me! I finally finished Chapter 7 and I'm so freakin' happy i'm jumpin up and down. Well, that's good news! unfortunately, there's also some bad news... to all my readers, i'm very sorry to say that this story, yup, New Memories, will end in a few chapters or so... i have come to a conclusion. i have formulated it in my mind, and it is to come to a grand finale... but! i will make another story for you my beloved readers to uh, read again! yup! a new series! so arigato gozaimasu, for the reviews, for the support! :)