Chapter Seven:

"Hey Keeeenshiiin!" this made him jump and turned around freaked out. It was Misao and next to her was..Kaoru. He put a hand to his heart and scolded Misao for scaring him like that. His eyes slowly moved over to Kaoru and she gave him a small smile.

"Hey Kenshin."

"H-hey…" he blushed a bit. She looked at him confused but ignored it.

'she's not mad at me? For sure I thought she would hate me..does she even know?'

"Ne Kaoru? did your mother talk to you about any specific things?"

"Hmm? Why is it?" he blushed again.

"Uh..nothing. Just a random thought that it is."

" She did want to invite Enishi over for dinner," Kaoru said with a smile. ", it's this weekend so I don't think we'll be able to go to your house Kenshin." her smile changing into an apology.

"Oh..na it's okay. We'll postpone that for now. Don't need to apologize."

'I'm the one to apologize. Your mother invited him over to probably tell you the news.' After that Kenshin stayed quiet once Enishi came. He watched as Enishi put his arm around Kaoru and pulled her close to him. Kenshin tried to pay attention in class but ended up spacing out.

-Flash back-

"What do you mean I'm getting married!" Hiko sighed.

"Mou mou..enough all ready.. don't make this hard Kenshin. Besides that's the girl you said you liked right? So why are you complaining?"

"Oh so you two all ready met," Mrs. Kamiya said a bit surprised. ", you never told me that Hiko. Well you like her huh?" she said smiling. Kenshin blushed.

"I- sh-she has a boyfriend!"

"Yes she does. But you don't need to worry about that."

"Wait wait wait…why are we getting married in the first place?"

"Well we both made a promise when you and Kaoru were younger that you two would marry. The two of you played together a lot and we knew you guys would be best friends." Hiko said.

"But we're not!"

"That's because we had to move. It was unexpected. That was the time your parents had died on their vacation." Kenshin became quiet. So his memory of Kaoru wasn't an illusion. Yes he did like Kaoru but he didn't want to force her into liking him back nor marring him.

"Well then. It's settled. You two are now engaged and will be married next week."

"Whaaat! Why so soon?"

"Soon? You were to be married a long time ago. It's not soon. It's late." Hiko said as Mrs. Kamiya got up gracefully.

"Well. It's best I get going. Kenshin..," he looked up at her. ", things will turn out fine kay?" he looked at her with doubt. She gave a smile and said goodbye. As the door closed Kenshin calmly walked away but was stopped by Hiko.

" This is unfair Hiko. Kaoru will be mad at you, her mother and will hate me." he then went upstairs. Hiko sighed and sat back down.

"…We're doing this for a good reason Kenshin." he said with a whisper.

-end of flashback-

Kenshin snapped out of his thoughts when he heard the bell, packed his stuff and went to his locker. He put some books inside and got his lunch out.

"Hey Kenshin." he turned his head and Kaoru stood next to him with a smile opening her locker which was next to his. He nodded silently closing his locker and prepared to leave. He wondered how she would react and if she would hate him. He regretted moving here and wanted to go back to his old school. Kaoru caught up with him talking happily about rumors in school. As we reached outside to our usual spot Sano, Megumi and Misao was all ready there eating their lunch. He sat down and wondered again how would their friends react? He knew for sure Megumi was going to be mad cause she all ready suspected that he did something to Kaoru, which was only a kiss.

"My my.. your awfully quiet Himura-san." Megumi said with a cold tone.

"Are you feeling guilty that you did something bad? Huuh?" Misao and Sano looked at her confused. Kaoru choked on her food and shook her head. She had forgotten that Megumi knew she went to Kenshin's house and probably accused Kenshin from what happened three days ago.

"Mou Megumi. Stop teasing." Kaoru said. Megumi looked at her.

"I'm not teasing. I'm only concerned for you. Kaoru what did Kenshin do to you?" both Sano and Misao were confused.

"Megumi what are you talking about?" Sano asked.

"When I Kaoru was going over to my house the other day she was really going over to Kenshin's house." Misao's eyes widen.

"So?" Sano said calmly.

"So? Something thing happened that made Kaoru feel sick the next day!"

"Megumi!" Kaoru shouted. Kenshin closed his eyes with a frown.

'geez this bitch…she's just causing more trouble.'

"You should learn to but out of other people's business." Kenshin said coldly.

"Not when my friend is involved! Himura what did you do to her!"

"I kissed her damn it! Now will you please shut up!" everyone's eyes widen with shock.

"Temae!(you asshole)" Enishi came out of no where and punched Kenshin causing the girls to scream while other people looked over with surprise. Kenshin got up wiping some blood away from his mouth and looked at Enishi angrily. His eyes changed to amber. Enishi charged towards him and punched him but Kenshin blocked it and punched Enishi sending him to he ground. As Enishi got up he wiped blood from his nose and dodged another attack from Kenshin or so it seemed, Kenshin punched his stomach twice.

"Enishi!" Kaoru screamed. Enishi got up and charged Kenshin again this time faking a punch and moving away only to hit him on the stomach with his knee. Blood spilled out of Kenshin's mouth as he hugged his stomach and kneeled to the ground.

"You bastard..dont you ever touch Kaoru again!" Enishi got ready to hit him again.

"Enishi no!" Kaoru got in the way and looked at Enishi with plead.

"Enishi stop this! It was an accident when Kenshin kissed me!" Enishi looked at Kenshin angrily and went away. People started to talk and crowed around then a teacher came over. Kaoru turned around and kneeled down trying to look at Kenshin.

"Kenshin…" the teacher stood beside them.

"Is he all right? Let's take him to the nurse." Kaoru nodded and helped Kenshin up putting his arm around her. Once they had reached the infirmary the nurse said that he was all right and his injuries were nothing too serious. Kaoru gave a sigh in relief and faced Kenshin as the nurse left. Kenshin was looking down. She called his name but he didn't look up it looked like he was ashamed to look at her.

"Kenshin.." finally he looked up.

"Kaoru..i'm sorry-" Kaoru stopped him with her finger.

"You don't need to apologize. It isn't partly your fault on the kiss..cause I kissed you back…"

"Not just that but there's something else I have to tell you about." Kaoru got up.

"You can tell me later. Right now..i know Enishi is angry. I need to talk to him." Before Kenshin could protest Kaoru left leaving him with a troubled mind. It took awhile till Kaoru found Enishi on top of the building of school sitting on the edge of building. Kaoru sat next to him. They sat there in silence for a while till Kaoru decided to discus the incident.

"Enishi.." she started off. He didn't answer and kept quiet looking out. Kaoru looked at him and he was all ready calming down.

"Enishi..i'm sorry."

"I knew Himura liked you. It was obvious by the teasing he did to you. But I didn't think he had the nerve to kiss you. Especially when he knew you were taken."

"….."

"How do you feel about Himura?" Kaoru looked at him. ", Do you love him?" Kaoru put both hands on his cheeks and looked straight into his eyes.

"I love you and only you. We've been together for a long time. How can you say that I love him? Kenshin kissed me on accident nothing more. So please don't hate Kenshin. I also want to apologize for not telling you. I knew you would be angry and I did not want to hurt you." Enishi looked at her.

-flash back-

"Mrs. Kamiya. You wanted to see me?" Enishi said entering her house.

"Yes. Please take a seat."

"What did you want to talk about?" Mrs. Kamiya paused trying to think.

"I- I know you have been with Kaoru for two years and you've been by her side," she paused. This was difficult than she had planned. She didn't know if she could really tell him. ",…but..long before you met her…I made a promise to a friend…that Kaoru would be married to his nephew…they left on hearing that his parents had died on an accident the next day…and I didn't think they would come back…" she did not know what else to say. The situation was pretty explainable what would happen next.

"You've been with her knowing her condition and I thank you so much for that.." Mrs. Kamiya looked at him a bit worried for him.

"Who is he…"

"Himura…Kenshin..he does not know he is getting married either but his uncle and I are planning to tell him tomorrow afternoon."

-end of flashback-

'…this will be our last time together….' Enishi pulled her closer for a hug ', can you stay here with me ..one last time?'

"How is he?" Kaoru looked at him surprised.

"He'll live." She said with a smile. Kaoru leaned up and gave him a kiss.

'this is why I love you….your so forgiving..Enishi.'

Throughout the school day people were now gossiping about the fight and strangely people were saying how it happened was that Kenshin kissed Kaoru in front of Enishi or some crazy story like that. Kaoru couldn't believe the school for the teachers was also talking about them! She was passing by the teachers lounge and for some reason it was open and heard some of the teachers talking about them. Kaoru blushed madly and quickly left as one of the teachers caught her listening.

As for Kenshin he was getting sick and tired of questions from students and especially from Sano who kept on teasing him about how he knew Kenshin liked Kaoru. Not only did he have to endure his ranting but he also had to do the same for Misao. She was now squealing but the same time shouting for hitting on her sister like that. As for Megumi she was furious with Kenshin and did not talk to him or Kaoru.

The past few days Enishi watched Kaoru like a hawk and never left her side. And through those days Kaoru went out with Enishi for lunch avoiding Kenshin. People still were talking about them but slowly people forgot about it. The weekend came quickly and it was the day Enishi were to get to Kaoru's house for dinner. Although Kenshin wasn't going to be there he was anxious. How would things turn out? Enishi would defiantly hate him If only he had kept him mouth shut a few days ago his punishment wouldn't be as harsh as he thinks.

This was only doubling the hatred from Enishi plus he did not know how the gang would react. There was no use of not telling them for they were bound to be invited to the wedding. Kenshin shivered just the thought of getting married. He wasn't ready for this, this was just too sudden. His uncle was just making his life a living hell but then again the thought of getting married to Kaoru made him excited. He went downstairs and decided to munch on a snack.

"Ne Kaoru? Can you please put some plates on the table?" her mother asked as she finished cooking. Kaoru, who was chopping some vegetables, nodded and went to the cup board and looked for some plates.

"Ne okaa-san? can I help?" Misao asked coming in the kitchen.

"Yes please. Finish what Kaoru has been doing please. Oh by the way. Is Aoshi coming home soon?" Misao stood beside her mother.

"Yes. He's on his way. By the way mom why do you want everyone home tonight? What's so special?" Mrs. Kamiya ignored her question and looked at Kaoru.

"Is Enishi still angry about the incident?" Kaoru's eyes widen and she turned to her mom.

"H-how did you know that!" she looked over to Misao who wasn't looking at her. She frowned.

"Misao! How could you tell her!" Misao put down the knife looking at Kaoru.

"I thought she deserved to know what happened."

"Is this why we're having dinner? Because of that stupid incident?" Her mother paused for a minute.

"…No it's not. I- ..you'll see later." Aoshi soon came in but with Enishi. The two were talking and as Kaoru came over and gave him a hug Enishi frowned a bit. Kaoru looked up at him with a smile. He smiled back.

"Aoshi did you bring desserts?" Aoshi nodded and gave it to Misao. The dinner was awfully quiet well it seemed that way for Kaoru. She couldn't help but worry for Enishi for he was strangely quiet. Usually when he went to her house he would talk and ask some questions to her mom but now he hasn't said a word, he looked a little sad. Something was definitely wrong. But before Kaoru could ask what was wrong the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." Kaoru said getting up from her seat. As she opened her door she was greeted by Hiko and behind him was Kenshin. Mrs. Kamiy was soon by Kaoru's side.

"Hiko-san! please come in!"

"Eh?...you two know each other? Isn't he the guy that keeps on calling you?" Kaoru asked but said the last part softly.

"Hiko is a high school friend. He moved back here few weeks ago." Mrs. Kamiya said leading them to the living room. Aoshi, Enishi and Misao came a few minutes after. As Aoshi saw Kenshin he frowned and went to Kaoru.

"What is he doing here? Who is that other guy?" he asked coldly.

"That's Kenshin's uncle. He's a good friend of okaa-san." she replied still a bit shocked. Soon Enishi stood at the other side of Kaoru. She looked at him and he was staring at Kenshin. As Kenshin looked around he saw Aoshi and Enishi giving him a cold look and Kaoru in the middle confused. He sweat dropped and looked away.

'great...i'm really in for it.'

"Ano…May I please use the restroom?" Kenshin asked looking at Mrs. Kamiya.

"Sure! Right down the hall!" Kenshin bowed and quickly left. Kaoru watched him but he ended up turning left which led to the backyard. Kaoru then followed but then was stopped by her mother.

"Kaoru! Aoshi, Misao! Everyone! Please meet my friend Hiko!"

"I believe Kaoru and I have already met."Hiko said.

"hmm? Really? Why didn't you tell me!"

"Uh…I didn't think you knew Kenshin's uncle."

"Now.. now. no need to be shy! Kenshin invited her over for dinner a few days ago..or was that a week ago? I'm not sure."Hiko said as Kaoru twitched. She had felt eyes from behind staring at her and she knew who they were.

"Really now? I wasn't informed of this." Aoshi said taking a step forward.

"So he's the guy that keeps on calling here! interesting!" Misao said popping out of nowhere. She kept on ranting and asking questions to her mother as the Enishi and Aoshi listened to Hiko. Kaoru backed out quietly and ran to the backyard where she found Kenshin sitting down. He looked up as the door opened. Kaoru looked at him and sat next to him.

"…we are going to die in this house Kenshin. Because Hiko is telling Aoshi and Enishi the night I went to your house to eat." Kenshin stiffened. ", Did you know that your Uncle knew my mom? You didn't seem surprised when you came in."

"No. I didn't know at first. But he told me before we came here." he said in a low voice.

"This is crazy! Kenshin! Lets get out of here!" he looked at her surprised.

"W-what do you mean?"

"I mean let's go somewhere else! What else do I mean! Cause for sure I don't want to be here. Let's go to your place! No one would expect to find us there!" Kenshin sweat dropped. Kaoru got up and pulled Kenshin with him.

"A-ah..m-matte!(wait)" Kaoru went to the right side of the fence and opened the gate and kept on running as she dragged Kenshin. She ran till they were out of the block panting as they slowed down. Kaoru folded her arms and pondered on where to go as Kenshin followed from behind.

"Kenshin? why are you behind me? come here!" she said linking her arm with his and pulling him to her side. He blushed with the touch and looked down at his feet.

"A-are we really going to my place?" Kenshin asked.

"Hmm.. actually no. Cause I just realized that's a bit to far for walking." She said passing by some people. They stayed silent and kept on walking aimlessly.

"Kaoru. I need to talk to you now." Kenshin said stopping her with a serious tone.

"Um. Okay." Kenshin gave a sigh.

"I know things are already complicated but let me warn you I have tried to tell you the past few days but Enishi was in the way."

"What is it?" Kenshin opened his mouth but nothing came out.

'am I really going to tell her that she's getting married to me? That sounds stupid! In fact she's probably going to think I'm just kidding! Ugh…damned Hiko..why'd he make such a stupid promise..well..here goes nothing.'

"Your mother and Hiko made a promise to each other a long time ago and that promise is that we are getting married. I know this is sudden but that is why we came over to your house and why everyone is there." Kenshin looked at Kaoru waiting for her response. At first she looked at him seriously and soon laughter filled the air. Kenshin sighed. Just like he expected. Kenshin frowned and grabbed her wrist walking back to her house.

"Kenshin where are we going? Let me go!" she pulled out of his grip and Kenshin turned to look at her with amber eyes.

"Kaoru what I said earlier wasn't a joke. I mean it." Kaoru looked at him seriously.

"Y-your not joking…" Kaoru stared at him.

'…i-I'm getting married? …to him! I-I'm just dreaming! What would Enishi say! He would be outraged!' Kaoru fell only to be caught by Kenshin. He gave a sigh, she had gone unconscious. As Kenshin reached the house he thought a way of going in without them noticing, which was probably pointless because they were bound to notice sometime that Kaoru and Kenshin were missing. Still Kenshin entered the backyard and as he went around the corner Aoshi was standing in front of them. Kenshin sighed.

"What did you do to Kaoru?"

'oh fuck you. I don't need this shit right now.' Kenshin ignored him and went inside the house and passed the others as they stared at him as he went up stair to put Kaoru down on her bed. Misao raced up the stairs.

"What happened to Kaoru!" Enishi followed behind and grabbed Kenshin by the shirt.

"What the hell did you do to her!" Kenshin took his hand off of him as amber eyes glared at him.

"I did nothing to harm her. We were at the back and she wanted to get away. While walking I told her about the marriage, which I'm sure you all know about now. Since some of you are giving glares." Enishi went over to Kaoru.

"Why is she unconscious?" Misao asked.

"After I told her she fainted. So I had to bring her back here."

"Kaoru. Are you okay?" Enishi said interrupting them. Kaoru was now awake getting up slowly.

"Yes..haha..i had the funniest dream-" she found everyone looking at her and her eyes widen.

"It wasn't a dream!" Kaoru got up from her bed angrily looking at her mother. Kamiya sighed.

"Kaoru..calm down. Remember that your anger might-"

"Yes I know what would happen! But this-this is just crazy! How can you just suddenly hook us up together!"

"This was a promise made long ago Kaoru."

"So what! You should have at least told me before I met Enishi!"

"Honey, I'm sorry I didn't think Hiko would come back." Tears were all ready spilling down Kaoru's cheeks. She faced Enishi.

"Enishi…"

"Don't worry Kaoru. I all ready knew this. At first..i didn't like the idea..but there's nothing we can do. If your mom wants you to marry..then you have too."

"You knew? W-why didn't you tell me?" Enishi closed his eyes.

"Heh..is that why you punched me?" Kenshin said with a grin.

"You little-" Hiko and Kamiya stopped Enishi from attacking Kenshin. Kenshin who was leaning against the wall stood up.

"I didn't want to get married either. But that doesn't give you a right to hate me and also pick a fight just because of one measly kiss. So don't blame this shit on me." Kenshin then walked out of the room.

A/N: sorry I took so long to update! Plz r&r!