If you haven't read Apologies and Explanation. Please read it.

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin

Chapter 11 Kenshin's Past

March was starting to get warmer and Kaoru had been beaming with happiness. Misao and Megumi didn't understand why and they couldn't put their finger on it. Kaoru was happy because she was with Kenshin.

They had a wonderful relationship. Every time they met after school, they'd talk, hug, and kiss. Kaoru was so happy she couldn't describe it. The feeling was wonderful and tonight she was going to meet Kenshin at his apartment for the first time. She was thrilled.

Kaoru arrived at Kenshin's at five and knocked on the door. She had chosen to wear a pink sweater and a black skirt and her hair was held up in a ponytail by a pink ribbon. Kenshin came and opened the door and there he saw his beautiful girlfriend. Kenshin looked handsome in his black jeans and black sweater with his red hair in its low ponytail.

"Hi, Kaoru."

"Hi, Kenshin."

The two kissed quickly and Kaoru entered as Kenshin closed the door.

Kaoru looked around, "Your place is very clean."

"Thanks, I vacuum a lot. Are you hungry? I made some great chicken and rice. Your favorite."

"Cajun chicken?"

"Yes."

Kaoru smiled, "You know me well."

The two hugged and kissed and then went to eat their food.

After dinner, they cuddled on the couch and watched TV. Kenshin's arm was around her shoulder and her hand was on his chest and her head on his shoulder. She could smell his scent of forest and pine. Kaoru loved his scent. She turned her head to see a picture frame and what appeared to be a wedding photo. She moved from her spot on the couch and took the picture to exam it and saw it was in fact a wedding photo of Kenshin and a beautiful woman.

Kaoru looked at Kenshin, "Kenshin, who is this in the picture?"

Kenshin turned off the TV and sat beside her. He really didn't want to talk about this but he knew he had to sooner or later.

"I don't know how to say this but here it goes. That is my wedding photo and I was married before."

Kaoru looked surprised and he continued.

"That is Tomoe Matsuki. I met her in college and we soon fell in love" he paused for a moment and then gave a slight smile "Before school ended we got married. We just couldn't wait. Before we graduated though our life together ended."

"Divorce?"

Kenshin turned to her with a frown, "No. She died. A drunk driver hit her car and she was killed instantly."

Kaoru couldn't say anymore and put the photo back on the table and held Kenshin as he cried.

"It happened 8 years ago and the worst part was...she was pregnant. She found out that day and it killed me. A part of me died with her."

Kenshin continued to cry and Kaoru held him, comforting him the best she could.

She silently whispered, "I'm here Kenshin, I'm here."