Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN Rurouni Kenshin and its Characters.

A/N: Story formation is as usual, that is:

THOUGHTS and "SPEECH"

Thank you all of you that had given in your reviews, I appreciated them all very much. Your reviews keep me going with this story!!

To Maya, Holly, Luke and Joseph, ( your families too) thank you soo much for making my days at Anantara really fun. It's been great knowing you guys! Enjoy your stay...To my great friend Howard, if you didn't nagged at me all the time I wouldn't be posting this chapter up this soon. So thanks to you too. Love you!! and lastly to my Dearest friend Nasastar: Opp I know we didn't get to talk much lately but I really miss you naaa..Goodluck in everything you do na ja!! Right!!! Hehehe sorry for blabbering on this long... So on with the story. Enjoy!!!

Chapter 6

Storming back into his bedroom, Kenshin practically flung himself onto the bed. After all the hard work of the week, he thought he more than deserve to sleep in on the weekend, but no, Soujirou had made sure of that. He didn't believe that his manager just dropped in to say goodmorning as the guy had claimed. It wasn't in Seta's personality to do that. That guy's a one hundred percent workaholic and everybody knew it. He was probably partly intended to come in to say goodmorning and, if all was good, planned on urging Kenshin to hurry up with his work. Pulling the blanket up over his head he closed his eyes, trying to get back into his dreamland. He had never told anyone the real reason why he hated being roused early in the morning. He had never tell anyone that once in the not distant past he had loved to watch the sunrise and to hear the birds chirping in the early mist. But that was all in the past. Frowning he turned over with his blanket drawn over his head. He tossed around for awhile before he finally fall back to sleep.

Even though the room was still silent but more sunlight had shone into the room through the half drawn curtain making the room look warmer than in the early morning hour. On the large bed, fiery red locks were visible on the pillow, though half of the head were shielded from view by the blanket. At the moment a chime was heard throughout the large bedroom. Kenshin ignored it for awhile but when the ringer doesn't stop ringing the doorbell a groan was heard from under the blanket. Slowly his head emerged from the blanket. Turning to look at the clock on his bedside he let out another groan. It was not even ten in the morning. He tried to stuff his ears with the pillow but to no avail. The bell still chimes continuously. Knowing full well who it was he stormed out of his bedroom and stomped towards the front door. What does he want now. Woke me up this morning's not enough? And why the hell is he ringing the doorbell.

Kaoru tapped her foot impatiently, she had been ringing the doorbell for almost five minutes now. Still no one answered the door. Are all the people in there deaf or what? Finally she heard a sound of a door slammed from other side of the door. Followed by heavy footsteps and then she heard it, his voice distinct and clear,"Soujirou, How many time do I have to tell you. Do not –"

The door swings open revealing a very grumpy red haired guy. She could see the surprise written all over his attractive face. But what stunned her more was the fact that he was not wearing any shirt. Kaoru thought he looked even hotter like this half naked, with his long red hair falling freely behind him. He stared straight at her for a few minutes before blinking hard."Oh!! It's you??!" He said looking nervously at her.

Kaoru could only smile. Holding up the box of cake,"I came to give my thanks, hope I'm not disturbing." She said blushing slightly.

Kenshin was speechless. He was glad to see her, very glad indeed. Dumbly he mutter," It's okay. Come on in."

Kaoru stepped into the foyer to found herself in a very large penthouse. She never knew being a singer could make someone this wealthy. Kenshin on the other hand was still on the stunned state but then he look down on himself and realised that he wasn't wearing any shirt. Hurriedly he excused himself and make a quick dive back into his room.

"Miss Kaoru, make youself at home." She heard him called from behind a closed door. She walked around the spacious living room. At the other side of the room see could see a large balcony with a small swimming pool.

Wanting a closer view she quickly place the box a small glass table and walk briskly around the room towards the ceiling high glass door that separate the living room and the balcony.

Kenshin open his wardrobe quickly and grabbing the first shirt that he found, he pulled it on and make a quick visit into the bathroom where he pull his hair into a low ponytail. Am I still dreaming or what. Why would she be here???!! Within seconds he was back in the living room. He found his guest staring out into the balcony and quickly joined her.

"Wanna go and check it out?" he asked startling her. "Oh, didn't hear you came in." She said clasping her hand on her chest. Looking at her he smiled faintly."I'm quite lightfooted. So wanna check it out?" Before Kaoru could answer, Kenshin was already unlocking the glass door. Within seconds he was standing outside in the morning sun, beckoning her to join him. Kaoru stepped out and walked over to the redhead who was now leaning casually on the railing. The moment she walked close to the railing. Her breath caught in her chest. The view infront of her was astonishing. She could see almost the whole city from where she stood. It was beyond words. Her own apartment does not provide such an awesome view. Kenshin smile to himself at the look on Kaoru's face.

"Like what you saw?"

Kaoru nodded in reply unable to take her eyes of the scenery before her.

"Sorry I shouted at you just now. I thought you were someone else." He said sheepishly. Without taking her eyes of the magnificent view she replied,"It's okay."

"So tell me what brought you all the way here.." he asked leaning on the railing and crossing his arms.

Staring at him Kaoru said meekly "Well, I'm here to say thank you." Kaoru felt her face flush presumably a million shade of red.

"Thank you, about????" he eyed her curiously.

"For returning my purse the other day." She replied as a matter of factly.

He merely chuckle at her and shake his head lighty, "You don't have to. So how did you know where I lived anyway."

Kaoru was about to answer when he put up his hand and continue."Wait, let me guess. Sano told you isn't it."

He smiled at her causing her to smile back. "I've brought cakes. Sano said you'd liked them." At the word of cakes Kenshin's grin widen."He's right about it. But like I've already said you don't really have to bother."

"No it's okay, really, I want you to know how grateful I was."

Kenshin had never been this amused for as long as he could remember. She's so weird.

"Hmm well okay then. But only if you'll stay and share it with me." He flashed her another one of his charming smile. "I'm not suppose to be eating too much sweets."

He led Kaoru back into the cool shade of his apartment. Kaoru ran to get the box then hurried after her host who had just disappeared down the left hallway. She walked slowly after him. No wonder he's an artist. This place just screamed 'artistic taste alert'. She thought surveying the figuries that were displayed in the hallway.

Again the dining room was just as amazing as the other rooms in the penthouse, brightly lit with yet again ceiling high glass windows. Kaoru placed the box on a rather small dining table. She turns to find Kenshin walking in from presumably the kitchen with plates and cuttlery. "Can I see what you've got in that box?" he rounded on her and touched the box gingerly. Kaoru nodded and open the cover. She saw his eyes gleamed at the sight of the cakes. "Wow! Is it alright if I'll have the green tea one??" he asked hopefully at the young girl next to him.

Kaoru couldn't help laughing at the way he's acting. "Sure...they're all for you actually."

"Miss Kaoru do you mind eating in this room? I know you like the balcony but I think it's rather hot."

Kaoru looked up to see her host staring back at her mildly "Sure I'll eat anywhere this place's even better than my own dining room already."

Megumi sat staring at her boyfriend curiously. Sano was currently downing another plate of her homemade pancakes. He felt her eyes on him and looked up,"What's the matter, Megumi?"

"You're up to something aren't you? You're having a secret with me?" she asked looking straight into his brown eyes. To her surprise Sano looked away from her. "No ofcourse not." He said avoiding her eyes. "That's not true." She said raising her voice a little louder. But he only smile back at her gently. "What makes you think I'm keeping something away from you, Foxy lady.."

"Because you're not looking me straight in the eyes. You always avoid looking into my eyes when you're having secrets with me Saggara Sanosuke." He looked taken back with the tone of voice that she's using. It was not the normal ranting – squeaky voice she usually use and it's definitely not her famous flirty one as well. It was serious and demanding. Sanosuke looked out the kitchen window for a few second before asking his girlfriend. "Megumi, what do you think I'm keeping from you? Any idea?"

Looking annoyed she replied. "I know you're trying to set Kaoru up with Ken san. And there's a reason for it. A reason you wouldn't tell me." She said solemnly.

"You're right." He said looking seriously back at her. "I'll tell you all about it only if you'll promise me that you'll never mention it to anyone, is that alright?" Megumi shifted in her seat. "You know I'd promise, Sano."

"Fine. Okay remember when I told Misao I knew Kenshin from a club at my old school. Well, I actually knew him far longer than that. We used to live next door to each other. He was always helping me with a lot of stuff, he was like a big brother I never had. When my parents went abroad (A/N: yep Sano and Yahiko's parents are working at a company in another country.) he was always there for us, I meant Yahiko and me. He looked up at his girlfriend who sat listening patiently. And continue on," He knew it was hard having to live without parents. You see, he was an orphan himself. His parents died, how? I've never asked. But they left him alot of fortune. And his only guardian was his uncle. Hardly knew the man though only met the him once or twice. Weird freak he was." He said scratching his head. "Anyway, well Kenshin was really popular in school. Rich, goodlooking, talented and intelligent. Loads of girls went berserk just to get the chance to talk to him. But he never cared about any of them. Strangely he never had much friend either. Keep to himself. And his temper...." He said glancing up towards the ceiling."Well let's just say you can't be sure when he's going to blow up."

"Well he doesn't look all that ill-tempered when we met him last night." Megumi said doubtfully. Her boyfriend smirked at this," That's because he was in a good mood. Believe me he could be very scary when he's provoked. Anyway on with the story." He saw his girlfriend nodded and continued,

As I was saying..he never cared about any girl, then all of the sudden this girl appeared. She got transfer from this other school. Tomoe's her name. I'd never forget how Kenshin fall for her. Then they started going out, much to everyone's envy. They were what everyone called a perfect match. Both goodlooking and rich. She was actually very nice to me too. Kenshin went out with her for years, went to the same college and everything.

It was just the matter of time before he asked her to marry him. I was so sure of it. Tomoe's really pretty, she was a model, and obviously Kenshin doesn't mind as long as she's happy. But out of the blue she broke up with Kenshin and married this guy, I don't know his name, and moved to Paris." He sighed eyeing his girlfriend whose mouth was hanging open in shock.

"You mean she dumped him just like that?"

Sano gave a tiny smirk with total disgust,"Yea. Just like that. Kenshin was in pieces." He sighed heavily.

"But he became a singer though." Megumi exclaimed excitedly.

"Yea...met his manager Seta Soujirou about four years ago. If you ask me he did all this singing thing just to forget Tomoe."

"But Sano, I still don't get it, what it's got to do with Kaoru."

"He likes her. I could see it in his eyes. Last night was the first time in years that I could see him smile like that.

I couldn't help thinking maybe Kaoru might be able to bring back Kenshin that I knew years ago."

"Bring back? Bring what back exactly?"

Sano scoffed at his girlfriend's comment. "You'll find out soon, I hope. So like I've said I'm really counting on Kaoru."

Sipping her of coffee Megumi smile slyly And if I'm not mistaken she fancies him too.

"Sano, you should know that Kaoru's also got this little plan in mind." She said an evil smile appearing on her pretty face.

"And what's that???" he asked curiously

"Well....She's trying to make Ken san go out with her."

That make Sano laughed outright. "Megumi, I don't think Kaoru stand that much chance—"

"What?! You just said Ken san liked Kaoru so—"

He wagged his fingers at his girlfriend in a bemused manner. "Let me finish, foxy lady...I said Kaoru wouldn't stand at chance on making a go with Kenshin. And that's because Kenshin's much faster than her. She'll be falling for him quicker she'll even know it, so her plan will never come to progress."

Megumi sat stunned in her seat. "You mean to say that he already make the move before Kaoru even knew it?"

"Yea...I knew Kenshin forever. He's very lucky—he always knew exactly what it is he's feeling and what is it that he want Why do you think he's at our school the other day in the first place, obviously you didn't fall for his returning purse excuse also?!"

Megumi blinked then process all the information she heard in her mind. The she smile lightly Well atleast I could be sure that Kaoru will be in good hands. Sano's right, she's just much too inexperience to make a go at someone.

She look across the table to see her boyfriend had already went back to finishing off his pancakes.

Kaoru laughed outright at yet another weird phrase that Kenshin who was sitting on an armchair just uttered.

"What's so funny??" Kenshin squeaked playfully at the cute raven-haired girl.

Kaoru waved her hands apologetically around. "S-sorry it's just the way you say things...I mean, I've never

heard any people say it like you do."

She grinned even more at the confuse mingled with amusment look on her host's face, who now scratched

his head. "Wow didn't know I could make people laugh at the way I talk, that I don't."

After the two of them had finished all the cakes Kaoru had brought earlier that morning the two of them had retreated into the spacious living room. They had a few round at chess and watch a TV show together. After awhile Kaoru had then started a conversation much to Kenshin's delight.

She had came to the realize that to be an idol's not an easy thing after all. From what Kenshin had mention he seemed to have very limited time for himself. And she quickly congratulated herself for deciding to visit him that day because it happen that this was his only free day for weeks.

"So what would happen if your manager find out that you have eaten sweets?" Kaoru asked playfully.

Kenshin leaned back into his seat and looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully, an evil smile playing on his lips.

"He'll probably freak out—'You Ate cakes????? You know you have to watch your diet'—something like that."

He grinned mocking his manager's voice. Kenshin looked back at Kaoru who sat grinning back at him. It was

Amazing at how fast they were becoming close to each other.

Kaoru took her eyes away from his intoxicating features and glanced down at her watch. She had to jump in

Surprise at what she saw. She didn't realised how long she had spent lounging around and chatting with the redhead. Kaoru forced her eyes to look up at his face again. A sheepish expression was on her innocent face.

"I think I better go home now." she sighed lightly in dissapointment and gazing at her watch at the same time. Reluctantly she got up from the soft leather sofa.

"Oh, I didn't know you got other appointments." Kenshin replied in a low tone not bothering to hide his frown, and stood up after her. Great now, you're acting like a total jerk, way to go.

"No- er, I didn't have any other appointment, it's just I'm using up your day off." She said picking up her bagpack. "You're suppose to get some good rest. You know- relax, watch TV-read books, chill out. Don't let me ruin your day off, I already woke you up early, you deserve to enjoy the day and have some time for yourself." She added cheerfully. Kenshin blinked at how fast she is speaking and chuckle at her nice intention for him. But he had a better idea of how to spend his so-called day off. He flashed an evil smile at the young girl before him. "Hmm...you're right Miss Kaoru. Sooo---I think I'll drive you home, just give me afew minutes, will you." Not waiting for Kaoru's approval he zoomed off into bedroom, leaving Kaoru standing in the middle of the room with her mouth hanging open.

Kaoru was dazed, did she heard right? She hadn't plan on him saying what she thought he did. Then she

Wondered why he said it. Most people would be glad to have their guest leaving as soon as possible so that they could enjoy the rest of their day in peace. But it seemed that this redheaded idol is harder to understand

Than most people she had met. hehehe! Seems like my visiting plan's working after all. Shrugging, Kaoru put her bagpack back down and made her way to a niche at the far side of the room. It was laden with elaborate photo frames containing portraits; some presumably of Kenshin's family and friends but most are of Kenshin himself in various poses and locations. Kaoru let her eyes trail from one frame to another. She smiled at a photo obviously of Kenshin's parents. A man with flaming red hair much like Kenshin's own but much shorter which was slicked back neatly, giving off an air nobility. Unlike his son the man in the portrait had a dazzling hazle brown eyes, which radiates kindness and warmth. If Kaoru had to decide which of the parent that Kenshin resembled she'd have to say it was his mother. They shared the same mesmerising lavender eyes her and the same sharp feature of the face. The only difference was that her long curly tresses are deep brown with strange golden strands visible amongst them.

She looked very happy and seemed like a very kind woman. Kaoru couldn't help thinking back at her own parents who also are very kind and had loved her dearly. Suddenly Kaoru's eyes caught sight of another portrait that brought her attention away from Kenshin's parent. It was a portrait of Kenshin in his high schools days standing beside a stunningly pretty girl, with long dark hair with a confident look on her face. Kenshin was raising a trophy with one hand and holding the girl's hand in another. It wasn't Kenshin that had caught her attention, but it was the girl he was holding hands with. Kaoru felt a sudden tinge of uneasiness at the sight of this very girl for some strange reason. Shaking her head lightly she examine the next frame, and to her surprise this portrait was of the same girl again, standing at a beach with her beautiful hair flying in the wind. She looked as if she was posing for a magazine cover. Kaoru bent down to look closer but had to jump in shock as she heard a door slammed behind her. Kaoru turned around and had to grasp.

Standing in the doorway was Kenshin. But he no longer had on his shorts. He was on full gear, wearing a tight black jeans and a blood red top. Even his hair had been tied up into a high ponytail. At that moment Kaoru practically forget to breathe.

Kenshin stepped into the living room and smirked at the expression of Kaoru's face.

"I see you like me better when I'm all dressed up." He purr slyly and walked over to her. Kaoru shouldn't help but blushed lightly at his comment. Kenshin looked at the frames lovingly before picking up his parent's picture.

"These are my parents." He said warmly showing Kaoru the photo of his parents. "They don't like taking pictures of themselves, so this is the only one I've got of them. Always insist of taking mine instead. That's why I had so many photos of myself."

Kaoru grinned sadly at his words," My parents are also like that." Kaoru looked up at the guy standing beside her, He looked so sweet when he's talking about his parents. He must have loved them very much. Maybe as much as I have loved mine. She watch as he placed the frame lightly back onto the niche and then she saw his eyes shifted to the frame that hold the portrait of that pretty girl. "Um she's very pretty." She said politely.

Kenshin smiled tightly but replied in a normal tone." Yes, She's a model." Kaoru raised an eyebrow but was not entirely surprise. Then she heard him sigh lightly, which make her turned to him once more. He had on an expression she had never seen before. It was a cross between sadness and regret. But suddenly he turned around to face her and smile lightly. "I think we should go, I'm not sure how the traffic's gonna be at this time."

She nodded silently and together they walked out of the apartment.

Kaoru wait patiently while Kenshin shove his belongings aside for her on the passenger's seat. They had walked out into the parking space awhile ago, and if Kaoru had thought Kenshin a careless type of person, she'd decided against it from this point on. For several minutes he had checked the engine and all the tires. When she had asked him what he was doing he meerly said that it's just for safety reasons.

He straighten up and smile apologetically at her. "Okay it's safe." He said gesturing to the young girl. Kenshin waited until Kaoru had gotten into the car, he closed the door for her then made his way to the driver's seat. Once he was in the tiny car Kenshin starts up the engine and sped off into the buzzing street.

Soon the two of them were caught at yet another red light. They sighed in unison, which cause Kenshin to turn to face his passenger, "Boring isn't it—"Kenshin was cut short by the ringing of his cell phone. Frowning, he

Peek at the ringer's ID and glowered darkly. "Yes?....I'm not free. No I won't. Forget it, Seta! It's my day off today!!" Kaoru turned her attention towards the raging Kenshin. Whoever's on the other side of the line's really

Pushing Kenshin's temper. As if sensing Kaoru's gaze Kenshin turned to her his phone still pressed to his ears. At the sight of her, his expressions soften a little. "Look Seta If you want to talk..It'll have to be on Monday!" He tossed his phone away from himself a little harder than intended. "Is there a problem?" Kaoru asked curiously. She was concerned at the way he was looking. Kenshin cocked his head in her direction then reply tightly.

"My manager wants me to drop into office for a little talking...right now." Kaoru could see his hands gripping the steering wheels tighter. "And you're not going???" Kaoru asked again more seriously. Half unconciously she had folded her arms across her chest, an action she would do only when she was fustrated. Kenshin did not reply, but kept driving on. Kaoru shift slightly on her seat and turned fully to meet Kenshin who was still driving with a little too much concentration. "Look, I think you shouldn't be doing this." She said loudly. "I shouldn't do what exactly?!" he snapped back at her. But Kaoru's not going to give up anytime soon. She will make him realise that he could not neglect his responsiblity."Not going to the office, ofcause!" she said her voice getting louder with every moment. "It's MY DAY OFF! You said so yourself I should be able to have sometime for myself and do whatever I wanted to do!" he hissed dangerously making her shudder lightly. Kaoru turned away from her driver and stared blankly out the car's window. She drew in a breath. "Fine it's your decision. But I'll tell you one thing. If it was me I'll never neglect my responsibility-even if it's my day off." She said indifferently and completely turn away from her driver. That make Kenshin averted his eyes back to the young girl beside him. Something in her serious tone caught his attention. It seemed sooo familiar to him, then it hitted him. She had sounded so much like....

A/N: Hehehe! Well that's it for this chapter. Hope you liked it. Who Kaoru had sounded like, well just have a guess. Next chapter things will just get a little bit more complicated!! Goodluck to you all!!!

And as usual Review Please!!!!!!