Mina!(everyone) thank you for the reviews! I'm sorta being a lazy ass right now but i'll update soon! Heh heh!

Chapter Eight:

Kaoru woke up from her alarm clock and dressed for school. It had only been two days since the announcement of her marriage and almost half of the school knew Kaoru and Kenshin were getting married. Of course none other than Misao was the source to all of this. Kaoru did not feel like eating so she only took a bite out of her toast and took a sip of her juice then left for school. While walking her mind was still filled with questions and also about the wedding. Her mother said the wedding would be in two weeks, which would give them time to prepare and pick out a wedding dress for Kaoru. Mrs. Kamiya decided they would have the wedding old fashion style.

"So we're going to be wearing kimono's? Oh how cool! I've always wanted to wear one!" Misao said excitedly. Sano, who was beside Kaoru, grinned.

"Heh heh.." he had been smirking and chuckling for some time once Kaoru reached school and it was beginning to bug her.

"Okay, mr. 'heh heh' why are you always doing that?" Kaoru said a bit angry.

"Ah..sorry Jou-chan..i just cant imagine you getting married before all of us. Especially to Kenshin!" Kaoru sweat dropped.

"What do you mean by that!"

"Nothing. Well since I'm your best friend I get to be the bride's maid right?" he said jokingly. Kaoru rolled her eyes.

"I'm going to have Misao be the bride's maid. Oh ya.. Misao can you please call Tae-san and inform her of the….wedding?" Misao nodded.

"Still not used to saying the 'word'?" Kaoru punched him lightly on the shoulder. As she looked up she saw Enishi opening his locker. She stopped walking and looked at him with a guilty feeling. Sano and Misao looked back at her.

"You guys go ahead.." as they left she went up to Enishi. He looked her and gave a small smile.

"My sister will be here next week." He said closing his locker.

"That's great.." Kaoru still felt guilty. They had cleared things over with each other. They were no longer together anymore. Even if this was an arranged marriage she still loved Enishi and did not want to leave him.

"So..does she know that..um..we're not together anymore?"

"Ya. I told her yesterday."

"Enishi..i'm sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for."

"Hey guys!" the two looked over and Kenshin was walking towards them. Kaoru sighed and Enishi frowned. Before Kenshin could go near Kaoru Enishi blocked him.

" I need to talk to Kaoru."

"Kaoru is not marring you. If she doesn't want to get married there is nothing anyone can do." Kenshin grinned.

"Really now? I don't mind being married to her. I'll even admit it. Yes I do like Kaoru. I like her a lot." Kaoru blushed and looked down at the ground. Enishi gripped his shirt and pushed him to the lockers.

"Enishi! Wait! Please don't cause any trouble! He just wants to talk to me." Enishi let go as Kenshin dust his shirt. Kenshin grabbed her wrist and took off leaving a pissed of Enishi. As Kenshin stopped he found an angry Kaoru looking at him.

"Why did you do that?" Kenshin sighed.

"I couldn't help myself. It's fun to see him get angry especially you."

"What did you want to talk about?"she asked ignoring his reply.

"Ah..about that…I tired to talk to my uncle about this whole marriage thing and he said that we had no choice to get married. I'm suspecting this has to do with money." Kaoru's eyes widen. ", Since we have to get married I'll let you cheat on me..so you can still be with your precious Enishi." Kaoru looked at him shocked.

"But…why are you doing this? I thought—you liked me?" He looked at her with a grin.

"Hmm? I thought you would like this? Why are you doubting my offer now?" He took a step closer to her. ", It's as if you almost..like me. Are you sure you're really in love with Enishi?"

" I--…."

"You know. You shouldn't confuse people, it's a horrible thing to do.", his eyes were turning amber. Kaoru noticed he was moving closer and closer to her, just before their lips met he walked away.

"I'll see you later Kamiya, or should I say Mrs. Himura." Kaoru blushed. Was he teasing her! He had some nerve to do that. Kaoru froze and shook her head. What was she thinking? Sh-she wanted him to kiss her…again! After that school had seemed like a regular day. Like the marriage thing never even happened. Megumi of course apologized for her behavior recently but other than that it seemed like a regular school day. Kaoru sat down on a bench right outside of school. A few more people left the building from afternoon activities. Kaoru's thoughts were still on Kenshin and about the marriage. The weird thing was her friends and even Misao didn't mind about the marriage thing and they were actually excited. The only people who objected was Enishi and Aoshi….and herself.

"Being married to Kenshin…..i guess that's ..okay." Kaoru said out loud to herself.

"Like I said before. You need to stop confusing people." A voice interrupted her. She looked at up surprised and found Kenshin standing in front of her with his arms folded.

"Wha—what are you doing here?" she asked blushing madly. Kenshin gave a sly grin.

"I had kendo practice."

"I see.."

"What are you doing here? The sun is almost setting."

"I—I didn't want to go home yet…so..ya."

"You should go home now. It's not good for a lady to be alone at night. Here. I'll walk you home."

"Ah..no need to do that. I'm fine. Wait… walk me home? Where's your car?"

"Heh..actually it isn't mine. It's Hiko and since he found out about my plan to let you cheat on me he's making me walk to school until I give up on the plan."

"Walk! That far? How cruel!" Kenshin shrugged.

"Eh..i don't really mind. I'll just get more exercise. So are you going home or staying out here for the night?" Kaoru got up and followed him.

"Hey Kenshin? about your offer…you'll really let me…cheat on you?" he looked at her.

"Uh..ya that is if you want. Have you told Enishi about it?"

"No..but I will. But still. I don't think that's right, even if I don't have…even if we're getting married for the wrong reasons I still think one has to be faithful to his/her husband/wife." Kenshin grinned. He put his arm around her.

"Himura Kaoru. I like the sound of that." Kaoru blushed and brushed off his arm.

"I-I thought you didn't want to get married?" looking at him kind of angry.

"Oh ya! Um you know Sano and the rest of the gang are going to visit my house this weekend! You wanna come over?" Kaoru sweat dropped.

"…Don't change the subject…and ..i don't know if you house is a safe place to be in."

"Why is that?" Kaoru kept on walking.

"B-because!..the last time---oh forget it!" Kenshin moved his hand and held hers. She looked at him shocked.

"W-what are you doing?" she asked trying to pull her hand away. Kenshin kept on walking quietly as Kaoru looked at him. Her eyes widen a bit and her heart pounded she suddenly felt like hugging him, he looked really cute from her point of view.

"Hiko told me that once we are married we are moving into an apartment. It has three rooms and two bathrooms. Its pretty nice, I went over to see how it was. Its pretty big."

"I see."

" Lets go down this alley." He said grabbing her hand. Kaoru looked at the alley. It didn't look to safe.

"Why do we have to go here?"

"This is a short cut to get to your house." As they went down the alley the sun was almost down and it was getting dark. Kaoru moved closer to Kenshin. The two began to notice that this alley was really long and finaly it led out. Kaoru's eyes widen as cars passed by, people going in and out of stores.

"Where are we? We didn't get any closer to my house! You brought us to the central!"

"Eh..i thought it was this way. I swear!...maybe it was another alley…" Kenshin started think. Kaoru hit him on the head and went back the way they came from.

"Hey! Wait up!"

-few minutes later-

"I am never walking with you again!"

"Hey don't blame me. it was just a mere mistake!"

"Your not really good with shortcuts. Anyways..while walking I have decided I will take your offer. I'm sure Enishi wouldn't mind. I think."

"Okay then. I'll see ya later then."

"Thanks for walking me home." As Kaoru got inside the first person she saw was Misao.

"Kaoru! Finally! What took you so long? Did you walk by yourself! You know it's dangerous!"

"Misao! Be quiet!"

"Sorry! But I cant help it! Okaa-san and I are planning on what day you should go out to look for your wedding dress!" As she went in to the living room she found Enishi sitting beside Aoshi. It almost looked like they were planning something. Kaoru chuckled and went to them.

"And what seems to be funny?" Enishi asked with a slight smile.

"Nothing. You to look like you're going to plan something evil."

" We are planning something. But it's not entirely evil." Aoshi said. Kaoru raised her eyebrow.

"And what might this plan be?" Enishi folded his arms.

"We both still don't like the idea about you and..Himura getting married. So we're going to see if he's really worth being your husband."

"Eh! What are you going to do? Wait before you do that. Enishi I want to talk to you." He got up and followed her to the kitchen.

"So what is it?"

"Kenshin made an offer with me. He said since we had no choice I can still be with you." Enishi looked at her a bit surprised.

"Whats the catch?"

"There is no catch."

"Kaoru you do know that Himura likes you." Kaoru gave a slight smile.

"Yes I do know that and before you say anything else I have no feelings for him." Enishi looked at her seriously.

"Kaoru…I'm not sure if that's a good idea. You have been always defending Himura. I think it's better if we stay as friends." Kaoru felt like her heart was torn apart. She looked down at the floor as the awkward silence filled the room.

"I see. Maybe your right."

"I need to go home now. I'll see you later." He then left leaving Kaoru as she stared off in to space.

--- --- ---- ---- ---

"Wow! Kenshin you have a huge house!" Misao said loudly, Sano who was right next to her kept on covering his ears. Kaoru who sat quietly next to Sano looked out of her window letting another sight escape. Megumi, who was driving the car parked and went out. As Kenshin opened the door he let them take a look around. Kaoru watched the others look in excitement and smiled slightly. Ever since Enishi said it would be better for them being friends she had become a bit depressed. Kaoru didn't feel like being here so she decided to go in the backyard.

"Damn Kenshin! your such a lucky bastard!" Sano said as Kenshin showed them around on the second floor.

"This room here is my room. If ya guys want we can play x-box or something." Misao shrieked.

"Oh can we play your N-64? I haven't played this in a loooong time!" Kenshin nodded with a laugh. Sano sat down beside Misao and plug in the cords.

"What about you Megumi?"

"Hm..have you seen Kaoru?" Kenshin had almost forgot about her.

"She's probably looking around. I'll go find her."

"Hey! No cheating! Weasel!" Sano shouted.

"Oh shut up! And stop calling me weasel! Rosterhead!" Megumi and Kenshin sweat dropped.

"They're really in to the game huh?"

"Oh yes. Kaoru had to hide her N-64 because Sano wouldn't stop coming over to her house." Kenshin chuckled and left the room. He found Kaoru going up the stairs as he came down and it seemed she did not notice his presence.

"Hey, there you are." Kaoru looked up giving a slight smile when she saw Kenshin.

"You look a little down. Something on your mind?" Kaoru looked at her feet and looked back up.

"Something like that. Its Enishi. He doesn't agree. He must be really mad at me." Kenshin held her hand and brought her up the stairs.

"He's not mad at you , he's mad at me. I'm sure he hates me with his life."

"Did you know that we used to be good friends when we were little?"

"Yes. I had almost forgotten about that. The moment we met again I felt like I knew you."

"I see."

" So..since we're getting married. Lets get to know each other better." Kaoru sweat dropped.

"But we already know each other."

"Not well enough."

"And how is that possible?"

"Just by hanging out!" he said with a smile. Kaoru looked at him weird but went along with his word. They walked around the second floor and ended up staying in Kenshin's balcony as the other three played games. The balcony was huge and had stairs as you went outside.

"Do you think Enishi will forgive me?" Kaoru asked.

"Ne Kenshin?"

"Hm?"

"Isnt your name suppose to be Shinta? Why did you change your name?"

"I didn't. Shinta is my nickname. Kenshin is my real name."

"I see."

"When are you going shopping?" Kaoru looked at him.

"Um Tomorrow."

"Okay it's settled then. I'm going with you."

"Why?" she asked with a flat tone.

"Well your going shopping for a wedding dress are you not? I need to do the same. Its okay isn't it?"

"Um ya..i guess but the wedding dress that I'm buying is different it's actually a kimono like the old times."

"Ya. Hiko told me about it. I asked why at first but then again I don't mind wearing old fashion style." Kenshin said as Kaoru took her ponytail down. Kenshin looked at her as she combed her hair with her fingers and just before she was about to put it up again he stopped her making her look at him.

"Don't. Why don't you leave it down once in a while? You look pretty. Kaoru looked at his handsome features as he stared at her. Kenshin stood up.

"I'm going to see what they're up too."

"I'll go with you." Kaoru ran to catch up for Kenshin was already on the last steps, not looking where she was going she missed one step and fell only to be caught by strong arms. The two looked at each other once again.

"Careful." He was about to let go of her but she gripped his arms making him look back at her. She moved closer and kissed him witched surprised him. She put her arms around his waist deepening the kiss. He kissed sucked on her lower lip soon asking permission to open her mouth tasting her. His hands pushed her back closer to him hearing a moan from Kaoru. He parted the kiss only to kiss on her cheek leading to her chin and then to her neck. His hands lay on her hips as Kaoru's lightly touched Kenshin's chest.

"Hey Kenshin wou—whoooa," Sano said as the two quickly separated from each other blushing madly. ", Damn! You guys aren't even married and your all over each other!"

"Whaat!" was heard from inside and the other two girls came out.

"What happened!" Misao asked.

"Uh..nothing! Weren't you guys playing a game? L-lets go in!" Kaoru said rushing in. The others followed now bugging Kenshin.

"Come on! Tell us Himura!" Megumi whined. Sano grinned at him.

"I'll tell you what happened! I caught the two making out!"

"Whaat! I thought you loved Enishi!" Misao and Megumi said at the same time.

"I can explain that," Sano said pointing his finger up. ", Ever since Kenshin and Kaoru met they were attracted to each other but denied it! Once they got to know each other they had a hard time denying each other. Ever since Kenshin burst on his emotion and kissed Kaoru, Kaoru told her self that she was still madly in love with Enishi but she was wrong!" Sano received two punches from Kenshin and Kaoru.

"That's absurd!" Kaoru screamed. ", I don't love Kenshin! A-and back there..it was a mistake!" hearing those words hurt Kenshin's feelings a bit. Sano and Kaoru noticed Kenshin leaving the room quietly.

"Kenshin where are you going?"

"I'm gonna take a walk for a while." Then he left leaving the people in his room quiet.

"Man..i think you hurt his feelings Jou-chan."

"Ugh! You guys!" Kaoru went after Kenshin.

"Kenshin wait!" she shouted just as he walked out of the door. Kaoru pulled on his arm but he kept on walking finally once they were out the gates he stopped and faced her.

"Kenshin…I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"Why did you kiss me?"

"Huh?"

"You know what I'm talking about. Earlier you kissed me. Tell me why? If you don't have any feelings for me tell me why you kissed me?" Kenshin then turned around to walk. Kaoru went after him again.

"Kenshin wait! I'm sorry. Its just that I feel very bad hurting Enishi's feelings and yes I do love him….but not as much as I used too. They sorta changed."

"You still haven't answered my question. Was that kiss really a mistake? Were you thinking of Enishi when you kissed me?"

"No. I wasn't think about Enishi. You and he are very different. I do like you…I like you a lot but I -..it feels wrong, even if Enishi and I are not together I feel horrible for hurting him..I—I ugh! I don't know what's wrong with me! I don't want to hurt anyone!" Kaoru closed her eyes as her heart started to beat fast and as she opened her eyes she felt a bit dizzy making her wobble a bit. Kenshin put his hands on her shoulder stopping her from falling.

"Hey…are you okay?"

"Yes..sorry.. I'm a bit dizzy. But I'm fine now. ….Kenshin I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." Kenshin smiled slightly.

"I don't think I can ever stay angry at you Kamiya." A car passed by and Kaoru had noticed that car belonged to Enishi. He had not lived around here and he certainly did not know where Kenshin had lived. So why was he driving around here?

"That's Enishi's car." Kenshin turned his head and looked at the car. Not too far the car had stopped and had honked its horn. Kaoru then followed his car and not too far she hid behind a tree.

'what is he doing here?' Soon a girl came out of the house and Enishi came out of his car walking over to her.

'…that's..Enishi's ex girlfriend, Karin. They were together for three years knowing that their parents did not like each other. One day they found out about their outing and were threatened that if they were together Enishi's family would fire Karin's parents and they would be poor. What is ..what are they doing here?' Enishi gave her a hug, it more looked like a friendly hug a very very friendly hug.

"Oh I missed you so much! Last week you said you would take me out!" Karin said with a pout. Enishi gave a slight smile and apologized.

"Sorry again. I was with Kaoru." Karin noticed his tone and the look on his face.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"Yeah…we're not together anymore. Apparently her mother made a promise to her old friend that Kaoru would be married to his nephew and he came back." Karin frowned.

" Enishi…I'm sorry .what about Kaoru? Didn't she disagree with it?.. ..If you don't feel like going out I'm fine with it." Kaoru's eyes widen.

'they're still together!...' Kaoru angrily ran to them but was stopped by Kenshin.

"Kaoru don't."

"No! Let me go!" she screamed making the two look at her in surprised. She went up to Enishi and slapped him hard.

"How long?..." she asked calmly.

"Kaoru.."

"How long have you been cheating on me!" Kenshin frowned once he heard this. Enishi looked down at the ground.

"The day I took you to the beach…for the first time." Kaoru was already crying and fell to her knees.

"Kaoru!" Kenshin knelt beside her.

" Kaoru let me explain! I did not lie when I said that I loved you back then and I still do! At first I thought I could forget my feelings about Karin after I met you. Once we started hanging out more I began to realize that I was falling for you. The day after I confessed Karin told me that her parents quit their jobs and found a better one so the threat would no longer matter. By that time my feelings were now confused cause I still loved Karin but I also loved you…and I didn't want to break up with you right after I confessed."

"You didn't tell me—because—you felt guilty if you broke up with me!" she said looking up at him.

"Two whole years! I thought for two whole years you really loved me! Enishi!"

"Kaoru I do love you! But I want to be their for Karin because she was sick! She was dying! She had cancer! Not until a year ago did she get to have surgery! She got to go too America and have surgery!"

"You did not want to break up with me because---because..you thought I couldn't handle it! And thought…and thought!--- you only pitied me! Like you pitied her! But I'm different from her! " Karin had her hand on her mouth and she too was also crying looking at Kaoru.

"No Kaoru! I don't pity both of you at all! I love you both!" Karin got to her knees and bowed at Kaoru.

"K-Kaoru--! G-Gomen-nasai! Gomen-nasai! If –if I hadn't! I knew I was wrong! I had no right! You two were together this is my fault!…I'm sorry! Kaoru-san! I'm sorry Enishi!" Karin got up and ran back to the house slammed the door shut. Kaoru got up slowly and walked away as her bangs covered her eyes. Kenshin glared at Enishi who was staring at the ground lost and ashamed.

------ --------------------- -----------

"Kaoru we should be going. Misao and the others went home already." Kenshin said getting up. They had stopped in the park for seven hours, there Kenshin let Kaoru cry until she couldn't cry anymore and talked for awhile about what had happened. Later he got then a bite to eat and some ice cream.

"I don't want to---go home. K-Kenshin…let me stay with you." she whispered. Kenshin looked at her. It might have been the moon but she looked kind of sick..a bit pale. Kenshin helped her up but she fell down unconscious.

"Kaoru!"

--Hospital--

"Yes. Kamiya Kaoru please." Mrs. Kamiya said as Misao, Megumi, Sano and Aoshi ran up beside her.

"Fifth floor. Room 98"

"Thankyou!" As they reached Kaoru's room they found Kenshin sitting down looking at Kaoru. The doctor was checking on her clipboard and looked up.

"Ah..Mrs. Kamiya."

"Is she all right?"

"Yes. She's fine. Just under stress that's all. I just need to run a few more test." Misao fell to the ground and started to cry. Kenshin was a bit confused. Kaoru was okay He was sure they were informed what happened so why did she have to cry?

"Damn it Kaoru! you scared meeeeee!"she covered her face as Megumi comforted her. Aoshi and Sano looked at Kaoru with a serious face.

"Kenshin..what happened?" Mrs. Kamiya asked as he gave a sigh.

"it's a long story."

A/N!ahhh! sorry for being late again..once again like I said up there I was lazy hee hee! Don't worry I'll update! If u R&R!