Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.
A Flurry of Wings-Chapter Two
Kaoru rubbed her eyes. Where was she? She was laying on a couch, in some kind of living room. The last thing she remembered was going unconscious.
"You're awake, I see. What is your name, miss?"
Kaoru looked up, startled. A remarkably handsome young man with red hair stood over her. His lavender eyes were filled with concern. Kaoru suddenly felt dizzy. Was she…dreaming?
"Where am I? And who are you?" Kaoru blurted out.
The man smiled. "I'm Kenshin Himura. When that street thug pushed you against the wall, I thought you could use some help. I uh…taught him a little…lesson, and since you seemed to not have a home, I brought you here. If you're feeling better, would you like something to eat?"
Kaoru eyes widened. "Thanks for helping me. I'm Kaoru Kamiya. I'm sorry if I can't pay you any money for helping me, but I'll really try to repay your kindness."
"It's all right. I don't accept money from people I help. But you could help me by trying some of this soup. I'm really not a good cook, but I think its edible." Kenshin grinned as he handed Kaoru a bowl of hot, steaming soup.
Over the next two days, Kaoru felt her heart being melted by the handsome man who had rescued her, as she stayed in his small apartment. Over dinner, she found out that Kenshin was a doctor, and was thirty years old. He would have been the ideal boyfriend for the old Kaoru, but the new, homeless Kaoru refused to fall in love-not with anyone.
'Really," she said to him, "I think I should leave now. It's really not good for me to get too dependant on anyone. Thanks though."
"You're welcome to stay longer." Kenshin replied. "I don't mind."
"I really have to go. I'm sorry if I sound ungrateful. Good bye, Kenshin."
And she left.
(one year later…)
Kaoru could not concentrate on her work. It was December, close to Christmas, and everyone was eager for a break, but Kaoru couldn't help but look outside…and think of how a red-haired man had saved her on a cold winter day just like this.
Kaoru knew she shouldn't let her mind stray. She had a job now, writing newspaper articles. Her second cousin, Misao, had finally found her, and had gotten her a job. She had her own apartment now, and many friends. She should just let the past be-those days of hardship and torment were over. Besides, she only met Kenshin for two days-hardly enough for her to fall in love with him. But yet her heart told her differently. Where are you, Kaoru thought, Where are you, Kenshin?
