Author's Note: Checked my Stats on FF.N today and was honored to see I have 8 (count them …8) persons eagerly awaiting my next chapter. My only wish is that I not disappoint anyone.

I really want to apologize for the last chapter. It was a difficult chapter to write and went through more than a few revisions. To this day, I'm still not happy with it. I've re-read this chapter and am pleased to say that, after the inconsistencies of the last two chapters, I somehow got things back on track. I hope everyone likes it. Please, I beg you, let me know whether you like it or not. Thank you – Blaze.

Only 2 more chapters to reformat and I can attempt to continue this story. YAY!

Currently listening to: Heaven's Not Enough by Steve Conte from the Wolf's Rain OST 2

Reviewer responses have been moved to the end of the chapter.


Chapter 8

Kenshin says as Kaoru turns toward the house, "I too should be leaving."

Kaoru tries not to sound disappointed, "It's still early."

Kenshin looks at the setting sun and replies, "The sun has begun to set and I wish to get to my apartment before it becomes too dark."

Kaoru smirks and says teasingly, "Afraid of the dark, are we?"

Kenshin responds, "No. I was thinking of your reputation."

Kaoru exclaims, "Excuse me but…ORO!"

Kenshin explains, "A lady living alone should not entertain men in her home after dark no matter how nice they seem. It isn't wise."

Kaoru asks, "What century are you living in?"

Kenshin replies, "Oro?"

Kaoru asks, "What about Sano and Okina?"

Kenshin responds, "Relatives don't count."

Kaoru irritation is evident as she says, "You sound so outdated. But I can see your logic. My father would have agreed with you."

Kenshin turns to leave, "I should be going."

Kaoru stops him, "Wait a sec. How'd you get here this morning?"

Kenshin says, "I walked."

Kaoru inquires, "All the way from your apartment?"

Kenshin answers, "Yes. I walked everywhere when I lived in Japan."

Kaoru is trying to think of a way to spend a little more time with him, "Still." Suddenly, it hits her, "Help me get the stuff from the garden and I'll drive you home."

Kenshin tries to decline, "That isn't necessary, Kaoru-dono."

Kaoru refuses to take no for an answer, "No questions mister. Get back there and start picking up teacups."

Kenshin acquiesces, "Oro? Yes, ma'am."

On the way to Kenshin's apartment

Kaoru asks, "What did you want to tell me today?"

Kenshin explains, "Just a bit about myself. I felt as if I should help you see why I am the way I am."

Kaoru observes, "I get the feeling I've just scratched the surface."

Kenshin responds after a long silence, "I envy your friendship with Misao-dono."

Kaoru answers, "We've been friends for a long time."

She looks over at Kenshin, staring at his hands, his bangs veiling his eyes.

Kaoru encourages him, "Now c'mon. You have to have at least one friend."

Kenshin thinks a moment, "No. Well, just Shishou, but he's not exactly friendly."

Kaoru asks, "Who?"

Kenshin clarifies, "My master."

Kaoru guesses, "Let me guess, the arrogant, prickly type?"

Kenshin looks up in surprise, "Yes."

Kaoru asks, "So you don't have any other friends?"

Kenshin says sadly, "No. People tend to keep their distance from me."

Kaoru inquires, "So what am I, chopped liver?"

Kenshin responds with a question, "You think of us as friends?"

Kaoru asks him, "What? You don't?"

Kaoru parks in front of Kenshin's building and glances at him. He's staring at her.

Kaoru thinks to herself, "Aw crap. Way to stick your foot in it, Kaoru."

Kenshin responds reverently, "This one would be honored to think of you as his friend."

Kaoru is relieved and says, "Good. Now that we're friends let me tell you about the privileges and responsibilities that come along with it."

Kenshin asks innocently, "Privileges and responsibilities?"

Kaoru asks, "First, you have satellite right?"

Kenshin nods innocently.

Kaoru goes on, "Good because, as your friend, I get to come over whenever I want and watch TV, raid the fridge, make long distance calls and so on."

Kenshin asks, "And the privileges?"

Kaoru responds, "You get to bask in my company, help me with lawn and house maintenance and kill spiders and other creepy insects."

Kenshin's voice takes on a teasing tone as he asks again, "And the privileges?"

Kaoru replies, "You also inherit my friends, Misao, Sano, Megumi and Yahiko. Sano's been looking for a drinking buddy for a long time. Think of it as a 5-for-1 deal."

Kenshin asks again, "And the privileges?"

Kaoru offers, "You can call me Kaoru instead of Kaoru-dono?"

Kenshin grins and says, "I prefer calling you Kaoru-dono. It suits you."

Kaoru can't take it anymore, "AHHH! You're infuriating!"

Kenshin grins wider as his teasing had the desired effect, "Just being a good friend. Oyasumi nasai Kaoru-dono."

Kaoru realizes he's been teasing her, "Goodnight Kenshin."

To Be Continued…