4) Happy

By: Ochako107

Standard disclaimer applies

Kenshin stared at Kaoru. She had changed. The same sapphire eyes, but behind them was loneliness and fire. Her lengthy raven hair was longer almost down to her waist. And, well, he couldn't help but notice her fine curves. (A/N: Well, he is a guy!)

Kaoru also blinked. She looked over Kenshin's face and found his messy red locks and violet orbs once again surrounding her. He had a light shine of sweat over his shirtless body. She saw he worked out somewhat and took in how handsome he come across at the moment.

As they sat there staring, Misao and Aoshi had sweat drops. "You know each other?" Misao said sarcastically.

"Oh! Now I know. Kenshin's that guy Kaoru's been looking for, for years. Why didn't I catch that before?" Aoshi concluded. Kaoru broke her stare and stared daggers at Aoshi. He just stood there and watched his sister suddenly become enraged. Her fans magically appeared in her hands and hit him square on the head with the fan closed.

"AND YOU DIDN'T CATCH THIS WHY?! YOU KNOW I'VE BEEN CRYING OVER THIS FOR YEARS AND YOU JUST DON'T CATCH IT?! IDIOT!" She screamed.

Kenshin just felt bad for the taller male shielding his head. Yet, he couldn't understand how Aoshi could not see this. He didn't know many people with red hair. Who else would Kaoru be talking about? Unless there was another man. He shuddered at the thought. He'd finally found this girl and now what? She turns up having another guy, giving him her heart and shattering Kenshin's. No, don't think so negative, at least you got to see her again. He mentally contemplated.

"Why don't we eat lunch and sort this all out?" Kenshin spoke before Kaoru could whack Aoshi again. They all went to a bagel shop and talked about the fight, what they've been doing over the years and well... everything. Kenshin and Kaoru were in deep conversation. Eventually, Kenshin breathed easy knowing Kaoru wasn't seeing anyone.

"But why? There must be men in lines waiting at a beautiful girl's door step." He joked.

Kaoru giggled and placed a bitter smile on. "If they could even get that close to the door."

"What?"

"Well, I don't go out... anywhere, without Aoshi. I barely get to see anyone and anything. I don't even have a boyfriend or a friend! I've been locked up in that place I'm supposed to call home and... I don't want to talk about it..." She trailed off.

Kenshin felt anger rise, but diminish just as quickly. So she wasn't seeing anyone: a relief. She hadn't been seeing anyone because she was held a prisoner in her own home: a resentment.

Kenshin cleared his throat. "And Aoshi?"

"Aoshi?"

"Yes, does he take you out often?"

Kaoru propped an elbow on the table and placed her chin on her palm. "Aoshi is so nice to me. He might not show it, but he cares you know. Once or twice he's tried to let me go out alone, but Uncle finds out one way or another and Aoshi gets the worse end of it. Then again, there were times Aoshi felt I needed protection and wouldn't leave me alone." She sighed softly. "I guess that's what big brothers do."

Kenshin reflected on that. He could see where Aoshi was coming from, being an older brother also, although his sister was... eccentric. He stayed quiet as they finished they sandwiches.

Misao leaned on Aoshi's shoulder as he draped his arm on her chair. Misao was happy her brother was happy. If that made sense. His emotions reflected on hers often and Misao knew this was one of Kenshin's happier days. He never broke eye contact with the raven haired girl as she never did either. Aoshi on the other hand was usually protective over Kaoru. He had a keen eye on her at all times, but there was no tension in the air, just the smell of food cooking in the back and warm food's aromas. He and Misao leaned on their chairs giving an input once in a while to Kenshin and Kaoru's conversation, but not much. This of course bothered Misao since she wanted her voice heard, but Aoshi didn't mind. They had been talking all afternoon and Aoshi suggested they walk home.

Aoshi and Misao were in the front, still in the same position like the restaurant with his arm on her shoulder as Kenshin and Kaoru trailed behind. For some reason, Aoshi didn't feel the need to protect Kaoru. He felt comfortable with Kenshin. They seemed to look like they knew each other forever. Misao cleared her throat.

"Um... Aoshi? I- I've never felt this way with anyone before. I feel so happy and safe with you. Is-is that crazy?"

"I don't think so Misao. You make me feel different also. I've never shown anyone, but Kaoru my emotions. You make me feel... happy." He closed his eyes.

"Aoshi?"

"Hum?"

"Will... will you kiss me?" She blushed. "Wait, that didn't seem right, did I say that out loud? No, no, no I didn't, just shut up, Misao! Stop talking to your self! Then again... no stop it! Ahh, I didn't say anything! What I mean to say was..." But his eyes snapped open. He looked into her eyes and smiled as she shook her head and rambled on and on for her slip up of words. He bent down and kissed her on the forehead, an innocent little peck with his soft lips. Misao shut up and put a hand to the spot staring into space while still walking blindly. She smiled. "You make me so happy too Aoshi."

They all reached Aoshi and Kaoru's house. Aoshi kissed Misao again, this time on the cheek. Kaoru and Kenshin just stared at each other thinking of their department. She couldn't take it anymore. She didn't want to leave Kenshin even just for the night.

"Um, I guess-well... night, Kenshin." She turned.

"Wait!" He grabbed her hands and held them. "I-I can't leave you again, that I cannot. I'm afraid I won't see you again and can't leave without knowing that. I've waited two long years for you and don't want to lose you... again, that I don't. It sounds funny, but, I can't think of you living here as if you were trapped, what if I do not see you again? Oh, Kaoru I'm sorry." He kissed her hand softly feeling it may be his last connection to the girl who stole his heart. A tear fell down Kaoru's cheek as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"You won't. I'll come see you at the dojo every chance I get, Kenshin. I won't lose you either." She spoke into his hair.

A cigarette was thrown idly to the side and some scuffing of shoes against cement was heard. Then, a sharp voice filled the air. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Thanks to everyone who read or reviewed! I love reading your responses to the chapters, honestly! You could leave a message if you want to, no pressure.