When Innocence is Given

By: Rabid Turtle

Author: Chapter is Kaoru's POV. I think I'm going to keep switching off from Kenshin to Kaoru's thoughts every chapter. Maybe. If this works. Words in italics are Kaoru's memories.

Disclaimer: Rabid Turtle can't afford a car so she definitely does not own Rurouni Kenshin. Leave her alone so she can complain about her money problems in peace.

Chapter 2: Flashback Lunch

Some days it was just too painful to pretend that everything was fine. As I walked away from Chemistry class, I shuddered. That redhead boy with the cross-shaped scar on his cheek had really gotten to me. He reminded me too much of Sou, with his grin and...I shook my head. I knew better than to think about that. It would just land me with more psychiatrists. I decided to stay as far as possible from...Kenshin...as I possibly could. Although...I could tell he was a nice guy; probably had some nice girl that he would settle down with to have some nice children and start a nice family together. I snorted. He definitely didn't need me and my problems in his all-together ordinary, perfect life. It would be better for everyone if I stayed away from the people here. And safer.

"Uhu-Hu-Hu. Hello baby. Why do you look so tense? How 'bout I help you relax by showing you how people in Smithville have a good time?" A hand painfully grabbed my elbow.

I looked up, startled. In front of me was a muscular boy with eyes that were roaming up and down my body. I felt myself blush with embarrassment. Why did I have to go through this everywhere I went?

Shivering, I asked him to leave me alone.

"Uhu-Hu-Hu. I don't think so baby. We've just met." He tugged me closer to him.

Hands, dirty hands, reaching for me.

Tugging at me, my hair, my clothing.

"C'mere girl. Let's have a good time"

"NO!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!" I ran away to the lunchroom, panic and revulsion coursing through my body. It had been sometime since I had a flashback. Was it going to get worse, like before?

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"What the hell did you say to her Jin'eh? She looked like you were gonna murder her." Enishi murmured as he came over to stand next to his friend.

"I dunno. She just froze up and started twitching. Then she ran off."

"Heh. What a crazy bitch. You still want her?"

Jin'eh sneered. "Even more now. The crazy ones are entertaining...so much spirit. I have a feeling that this is going to be fun."

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Slowly I calmed down and came to a halt outside of the cafeteria. The flashback had scared me. The last one I had had was about six months ago and the doctors had said I was getting better. Franticly, I stopped myself from thinking about it. I needed to calm down, knowing that if I looked scared people would notice. Entering, I saw Kenshin glance at me from across the sea of people. How did that boy seem to know where I was all the time? Before he could motion to me to come over, I wandered over to the other side of the lunchroom and tried to ignore the catcalls and whistles of the football team. Why did this school seem to be filled with horny perverted guys out to get me? I suddenly didn't feel hungry any more and prepared myself for a half-an-hour of surveying the floor. I watched as a pair of manicured feet stopped in front of me.

"So, you're the new girl I've been hearing so much about? Now that I've seen you, I wonder why. Did you know that at least two varsity players have asked about you? It's amazing what guys will go for these days. I'm just warning you though. Enishi is mine." A girl with long black hair and narrowed brown eyes stood in front of me. She would have been quite pretty if it wasn't for the nasty smirk she had on her face.

Shit. My first day and I had already made people angry. I tried to smile "I don't intend to date anyone here. You don't have to worry. I don't even know who Enishi is."

" Who said I was worrying? I was just warning you. Anyway, now that things have gotten straightened out, come sit with me and the girls. We really need to get you up-to-date with what people wear here. And makeup. You really need some makeup."

I looked at her, stunned. Was this how people acted here? I had just met her, and had been insulted by her. Now she was asking me to come over so she could change the way I look? However, I had a feeling that this girl wouldn't be pleased if I said no. I nodded and got up to follow her.

"Oh by the way, my name is Megumi Takani." She stopped at a table. " Girls this is Kaoru. I have decided that she is good enough to hang out with us."

I glanced at Megumi; wondering if she was joking or if she really was that stuck up. I couldn't tell.

There were two other girls, Yumi and Misao. Yumi was drop dead gorgeous and seemed to think everyone around her should worship her because of that fact. Misao, on the other hand, reminded me of a delicate little bird who would not shut up. However, Misao was the only friendly one at the table. Throughout the rest of lunch I just sat there listening to Yumi and Megumi gossip while Misao dreamily looked at a dark-haired boy who was silently sitting with a group of guys... which included Kenshin.

The more I heard Yumi and Megumi say the less I wanted to be with them. They reminded me of the girls in my old school, making me very uncomfortable.

" Did you hear what she told me? It was like she thought I would actually listen to her!"

" What a bitch! Doesn't she know that Shishio and you are like together now?"

"Don't tell me what to do!!"

"I told you I don't like you hanging around me all the time Kaoru."

"Why? Don' t you like me anymore? Why can't we do stuff together?"

"Kaoru...Things are different now. We are growing.."

"Don't talk to me! You said you would be there for me! Always!"

slamming doors, weeping,

someone is calling my name, running, feet slapping pavement, laughing, darkness.

"I love you, don't forget me..."

"Uh... Kaoru are you O.K.? You're shaking." Misao touched my shoulder cautiously.

Fortunately, I snapped out of it and blinked a few times to clear my head.

"Sorry Misao. I was just...thinking."

"Oh good. I thought you were going to be sick or something."

I frowned. Two on the same day. What was going on with me? I had been doing so well on the medication...

I sighed.

Some days it was just too painful to pretend that everything was fine

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Author: Woohoo. Chapter 2 is done. Please Review!!

To Reviewers:

Kari-san: Since I highly respect your writing skills, I'm honored that you will give me a chance! I'm glad you noticed the humor I threw about. Makes me feel all special inside.

Bradybunch4529: Hehehe...I hope your fall didn't hurt too much. Hopefully, this chapter gave hints as to why Kaoru is so 'quiet and withdrawn'. Thank you for your review. It made me giggle. Literally. And I still don't know why.

gaby (hyatt: Thank you for your comment. It made me happy.