Shinta-Fan: all right guys here's the next chapter! But before you read on I have an important announcement to make. June 11 I will be going to the Philippines and will come back July 5. So once I come back I'll quickly start writing! Okies! That's all.

Lastly I wanna say thanks to my reviewers! )

Chapter Fifteen:

----Last time Kenshin and Kaoru decided to go to the mall and there they spent their time together. Just when Kaoru thought nothing could ruin her time with Kenshin, a "friend" of his bumps into them and she (Shazi Cheng) tells Kaoru that she was once a girlfriend of Kenshins.----

: Kenshin's Pov. :

" Just as Kenshin said I'm his friend but there's one part he left out. I'm also his ex-girlfriend." I almost choked as I heard it coming out of Shazi's mouth. I looked at Kaoru who looked at Shazi in surprise. I had totally forgotten about Shazi. Heh she'd be pissed if I told her that.

"I don't mean to be rude Shazi but I promised Kaoru that I'd spend time with her so can you just go to Hiko's house and I'll meet you there later?" Shazi frowned and folded her arms together.

"Kenshin I haven't been at your house before so I don't know where you live!"

"But you do have the directions don't you?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

"Well I lost it!"

Great…this isn't how I planned the day. I hope Kaoru's not too angry. I looked at her expecting to see an angry face but she was only looking at Shazi in a confused manner. I smiled, she's very different from Shazi. Kaoru then looked at me.

" Um well we were just about to get food. Have you eaten yet?" Kaoru asked.

"No not yet."

" There's no point on leaving her Kenshin so she can just join us. Really I don't mind." I just nodded as Shazi linked arms with me.

"Great! Where are we eating?" I was about to answer but Kaoru interrupted.

" Umm Kenshin? I'm going to use the restroom."

"Are you okay?" I asked with a worried look.

"Don't worry. It's not that. I just need to use the restroom." She said with a reassuring smile. I sighed once she was out of range and looked at Shazi with a frown.

"Saying I was your ex-boyfriend was an unnecessary thing to say." I said folding my arms.

"Well we were a couple back then. I just wanted her to know just incase she wonders why we're close."

"We were only going out because you wouldn't leave me alone." She looked at me hurt and annoyed.

"Never mind! Lets just not talk about this..we always end up fighting." She faced her back to me and spoke again ",….the food court is over there right? I'll go on ahead and line up. You wait for Kaoru-san." She then left making me feel guilty for saying what I said. This isn't going to be easy.

: Hiko's House:

"Wow! Kenshin! Your house is so big!" Shazi said looking around.

"Actually.." Shazi ran into the living room before I could say anymore.

"This mansion is much bigger then the one you used to live in. Can I look upstairs?" she asked turning around towards my direction. Kaoru who was behind me took a step forward and bowed as Hiko came in from the kitchen. He wasn't going to be too happy. Hiko first looked at Kaoru then at me and then at Shazi.

"Ah…Cheng-san. What a surprise to see you here. How come I was not informed baka-deshi?" he said looking over at me with a glare.

"It was actually my fault…I came without telling him." Shazi interrupted.

"Well I'll have you know that I have other visitors coming over and there will be no extra beds for this week. So she'll have to stay at your house." I closed my eyes and gave a sigh. This was gonna cause problems. She doesn't even know I'm married..

"I thought this was your house Kenshin?" Shazi asked with a confused face. Hiko started to grin knowing where this would lead.

"Heh…He's-"

"Why don't I show you around?" I interrupted glaring once again at Hiko. He was going to give me a hard time if we stayed long.

'But Shazi's gonna figure sooner or later that something's going on between Kaoru and I.' I looked back noticing that Kaoru was quiet. Actually she had been a bit quiet ever since Shazi came.

"Kaoru," she looked up as I called her name. ", are you okay?" she smiled and gave a nod.

"Well let's go show her around Kenshin. Don't wanna keep her waiting." Kaoru said walking towards Shazi. Before I could catch up with them Hiko grabbed my shoulder.

"She's going to be awfully angry when she finds out your married." He said with a grin. I shrug off his hand in annoyance.

"Tch…I'll deal with it." I said walking away.

"Careful she's very clingy to you. Oh and once your done showing her around leave." With that Hiko went back into the kitchen.

I went upstairs and found them in one of the guests room. Shazi who was in the walking closet came out and smiled as she saw me.

"Man! Does all the rooms have a bathroom and a walking closet?" I nodded and looked at Kaoru. Though she said she was okay I knew something was bugging her. She would sometimes space out. I know she'd be surprised that I had a so called 'girlfriend' but I didn't think it would affect her that much. I snapped out of thoughts when I heard a loud cough and looked back at Shazi. She had an annoyed look on her face, guessing that she didn't like what she saw.

"So what's this about you not living here?"

"I live in another house." I said looking at my watch. ", Hiko's guests will be here soon. Let's hurry with the tour so we can leave." It took as about 5-10 more minuets and finally we left. Hopefully she wont ask why Kaoru is also there at the house..but I doubt that. While driving we were really quiet making it feel a little awkward. Kaoru and Shazi sat in the back at the opposite ends looking out the windows.

"That's a nice necklace you have there, Shazi-san." Kaoru said breaking the silence. Shazi held the necklace up and smiled proudly.

"Arigatou. Kenshin got it for me."

"Sou.. ka. How long have you known Kenshin?"

"I've known him since 6th grade. I was a new student at the school, my parents wanted to move and so they did without even talking to me about it. I was really angry at them cause I was really close to my friends at my recent school. The first one to befriend me at school was Kenshin. At that time he was in 9th grade. From then on we became friends and he'd always take care of me." She replied looking at the necklace admiringly. Kaoru smiled.

"So…your sixteen right now then?" Shazi nodded.

"We're here." I said as I drove into the drive way. Kaoru showed Shazi her room and later both sat at the living room.

"If you guys don't mind I'm going to take a shower." I said looking at them nod after my remark.

: Regular POV.:

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The living room was filled with silence with two girls not knowing what to say or do.

"So Kaoru-san? How long have you known Kenshin?" Shazi asked looking at Kaoru.

"Um Since the beginning of school, so last year." Kaoru said getting up and going into the kitchen. ", I'm getting a drink. Do you want anything?" she asked raising her voice a little.

"Water would be just fine." As Kaoru came back she handed the glass of water to Shazi as she set her cup of lemonade down. Shazi took a few sips and looked at Kaoru with examination before speaking.

"You seem to know your way around Kenshin's house. Do you come here often?" Kaoru hesitated on telling her the truth for she knew Shazi would be shocked. It was way too obvious that she still has feelings for Kenshin and Kaoru didn't want to break her heart.

'The poor girl, I wouldn't blame her for still having feelings for Kenshin. He's quite the catch.' She caught herself from continuing her dirty thoughts and realized this wasn't solving anything.

"Gomen…….I don't want you to take this the wrong way…demo..I live here too." As if on Q, Kenshin walks into the living room.

"Hey guys. Sorry if I took long." Kaoru, who was facing Kenshin, smiled nervously. Though a bit confused Kenshin looks at Shazi wondering why it was so quiet.

"Umm…is everything okay?" he asked. Shazi turned around with rage burning deep in her eyes. She then stood up making Kenshin take a step backwards.

"You two are living together?" she asked with demand and a slight hint of holding her rage.

"Eh….a-about that.." Kenshin rubbed the back of his head trying to explain his situation. Shazi waited a moment and raised an eyebrow.

"We're about to be in college and she needs a place to stay.. so I offered."

"I see…." She folded her arms and frowned. "Is that really the truth?"

"As I said before we're just friends and this has nothing to do with your business so accept what you hear and get over with it." Kenshin said coldly. Kaoru saw the hurt look on Shazi's face but didn't say anything.

"I never said I was against it..i was just surprised. Excuse me I'm a bit tired from the trip so I'll just go to bed now." She then walked passed Kenshin giving him a nudge on the shoulder and went to her room slamming it hard.

Kenshin sighed and as he looked up he saw Kaoru giving him a warning with her eyes. She folded her arms and tapped her foot.

"What?"

"Kenshin! What you said was a bit too harsh. And if you haven't noticed she looked hurt. So go apologize!"

"You do realize that she suspects that there's something between us and once she finds out she's gonna try to break us up." Kaoru giggled.

"Baka. I already know that. But I wouldn't blame her. Just please go and apologize ne?" Kenshin who was a bit surprised listened and went to Shazi's room. Kaoru shook her head with a smile and decided to go out side and sit out on the porch. She closed the door quietly and enjoyed as the breeze blew through her. Kaoru smiled thinking of the girl.

'she's a cute girl. It's probably best that we shouldn't tell her that we're married. But she did remind me…..i should keep my distance from now on….but it's so hard…the way he takes care of me…and the way he holds me…I want to be in his arms more and more.' Kaoru shook her head. '..no no! I can't think that…I need to keep my distance.' Kaoru gasped as she felt two arms wrapped around her and lips nuzzling her neck.

"Kenshin…."she whispered.

"I apologized to her. Don't worry." Kaoru's heart started to beat fast by the sound of his voice so she got out of his grasp. His confused face looked at her as she looked away with a blush.

"G-gomen….i'm a little tired. I think I'll sleep also." She quickly passed him and went inside the house leaving him still confused. Kaoru closed her door and went straight to bed.

'I'm such an idiot!..'

'Do you love him?' a voice said in her head.

'…n-no! I don't……I cant.'

'Why not? He does really care for you….maybe even more.' The voice said once again.

'……' Kaoru eyes widened, quickly running to the bathroom. She opened the toilet seat and threw up blood. Pain struck her chest as she coughed up more blood making her wince. Kenshin, who had caught her running to the bathroom, rubbed her back and kneeled down next to her. He tore tissue and wet it a little wiping her mouth after she was done. Kaoru couldn't help but start crying as she wrapped her arms around him.

"Shhh…Its okay Kaoru I'm here." He cooed rubbing her back and brining her closer to him. Kaoru cried even harder burying her face on his chest.

"i-it hurts…my chest hurts when I cough it up.." she cried. Kenshin couldn't find any words to say so he only hugged her tighter wanting to take the pain away from her.

'Kenshin…….i'm scared.' She thought to herself as her eyes heavily closed.

"Please don't leave me…"

"I'm here Kaoru…I'm not going anywhere." He said looking at her sleeping form. Kaoru felt herself being picked up, she wanted to open her eyes but they were too heavy. Shazi opened her door and gasped as she saw Kaoru unconscious and in Kenshin's arms.

"Oh my god. Is she okay?" she asked going closer.

"Please get a cloth and wet it." Shazi nodded as Kenshin set Kaoru in her room. As Shazi came back Kenshin put the cloth on top of Kaoru's forehead.

"Kenshin. What's wrong with her?"

"She's ill." He said quietly.

"Ill?"

"She has a disease…and she's dying from it."

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

Kenshin woke up smelling a nice aroma in the air. He sleepily got out of his room and went to the kitchen. There Kaoru was cooking breakfast. The plates beside her were a few pancakes and one in the pan. She looked up and smiled softly. It could have been him but she seemed a little paler than her regular color.

"You really shouldn't be working." Kenshin said taking the plate of pancakes to the table.

"I'm not working. I'm cooking." She replied taking a carton of juice out the fridge.

"Ohaiyo." Shazi said coming in the kitchen.

"Ohaiyo Shazi-san! Did you sleep well?" Kaoru asked happily. Shazi stared at Kaoru and nodded. Kaoru sat down next to Shazi passing her the pancakes as Kenshin gave the two girls cups.

"Oh..Kenshin..about last night. Sorry I didn't mean to black out on you like that."

"It's fine. You were tired."

"A-are you okay Kaoru-san?" Shazi asked. Kaoru looked at her with surprise.

"You were awake?"

"I heard crying and wanted to see what was going on and I saw you in Kenshin's arms."

"But everything is fine now! See? Now eat up. I made chocolate pancakes and it's my first time so I want to see if it tastes good or not." She said with a smile. Kenshin smiled, Kaoru was back to her normal self.

"Oh ya. Sano and the gang want to meet us at his booth for the fair today." Said Kaoru.

"What kind of fair?" Shazi asked taking a bite out of her pancake.

"Oh it's for our school. Raising money to get a few new things for the school."

"Sou..ka."

"Yup! Wiat till you meet the rest of the gang. Especially Misao! She loves cute things and people! She's gonna adore you." Kaoru gave a wink at her making her blush.

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

"Kawaii!" Misao screamed and hugged the cute girl to death.

"Haha..okay Misao. Let her breath will you?" Kaoru said. Misao let go of Shazi, who was a little dazed, and laughed.

"So how'd you meed Kenshin?"Sano asked.

" In school. He helped me a lot in homework. So ya."

"Hey hey! How old are you? I'm Seventeen." Misao said cheerfully.

"I'm sixteen."

"Whaooooooa! Only one year apart! How cool! Ohhh! I wish I could be as cute as you!" she said hugging her once again.

"Misao let the poor girl go." Megumi said kind of annoyed. ",Anyways Kaoru. We need to set our stuff up and open the booth. Sano you go get the stuff from Kenshin's car."

"Wait. What about Shazi?" Kaoru asked.

"I'll show her around the school! So when we come back we can eat sweets!" Misao pulled Shazi and then left. As they set things down Kaoru noticed Megumi was quiet than usual, meaning something happened.

"Hey Megumi. What's wrong?"

"Huh? Nothings wrong." She said not looking up.

"Okay…is this about Sano?" Kaoru grinned as she saw Megumi blush. "hehehe! So it is! What happened?"

"Well…last night…Sano went drinking with a couple of his friends and instead of going to his house he went to mine."

" Oh my gosh did he rape you! Why that bastard! When he comes back I'm gonn-"

"No! heavens n-no! Usually when we hang out we talk about random things. Well last night he sat down and started to talk about his problems and all of a sudden he grabs me and kisses me! And I don't know if he remembers that or not! Ohh! That- that baka!"

"He stole your first kiss! But isn't he the one you like?"

"I didn't want it like that!"

"What you talking about?" Sano asked coming inside the booth. Kaoru turned around with anger in her eyes.

"Sanosuke Sagara!"

"oooo….i'm in trouble huh?" Kaoru folded her arms.

"I heard you were drinking last night. You remember?" Sano stiffened and gulped.

"Yes."

"Good. Well I want this fair to go well so I want you the both of you to settle things right now. And when I come back I better see a smile on her face!"

"Hai!" Kaoru winked at Megumi and waved goodbye as she left the booth. Just before Kenshin could go in Kaoru grabs his arm and takes him with her.

"H-hey! Where are we going?" he asked confused.

"Lets go walk around. Besides the Fair doesn't start in another hour."

"Soooo….." Sano started off. The room was quiet and Megumi silently unpacked the rest of the things. " About yesterday…sorry about that. I wasn't in my right mind."

"B-baka! Of course you weren't. You came to my house drunk! Good thing my parents weren't home or they'd mistake you for a rapist and beat the crap out of you."

"Geez are all of your family bullies? That explains why-" Sano fell to the ground with a big bump on his head.

"I'm trying to be serious here Sano."

"heh heh sorry. But as I said before I'm sorry about last night."

"Why'd you come to my house?"

"Well I don't really know why?...i guess cause I'm used to coming to you when there's no one else to talk too." Megumi blushed looking the other way.

"Well….t-then I'd like to know why you k-kissed me."

"Eh! I kissed you? Crap…I don't remember much…sorry."

"That was my first you know." She said rather annoyed.

"Heh..be lucky it's someone you know."

"You know what I noticed? You're never serious. Every time we talk you goof off. The only time your serious is with Kaoru." Silence filled the air. " Now if you don't want to have anymore bruises on your head answer my question." Sano looked at Megumi surprised because it looked like she was about to cry and he's never seen her cry before.

"You know what? Forget it." Sano grabbed her hand before she could leave and hugged her.

"I didn't mean to hurt you, Sorry. You were probably saving that kiss for that mysterious guy you like." He said jokingly making her laugh a bit.

"Baka..the mysterious person I like is you." Megumi quickly covered her mouth.

'oh my god..i cant believe I said that out loud.' Megumi's heart began to beat fast as she looked up to see his reaction.

"Megumi…" was the only thing he could say.

"Heh…it's okay Sano. I didn't mean to say that out loud." She said moving away from him.

" That gift you got on Valentines Day…you were going to give it to me?" Megumi nodded with a blush.

"Look. I'm not expecting you to like me back and I don't want you to feel guilty. Cause there are a lot of girls at school that like you too. I just want to know…when you kissed me…did you think I was Kaoru?"

"…no…I kissed you because I wanted to thank you for listening to me all those times I talked to you when there was no one else to talk too…..and I mean it." Megumi smiled.

"Then….your welcome."

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

"Ne Kaoru?" Kaoru, who was ahead of Kenshin, looked back.

"Hmm?"

"About Shazi and I…we-"

" Kenshin. I'm not angry about that. I kinda knew you were lying to me back then when you said you never had a girlfriend before."

"….I agreed to go out with her so she'd stop bugging me." Kaoru stopped and turned around.

"You what! That's mean!"

"I was arrogant back then." He said shrugging his shoulders. Kaoru smiled and rolled her eyes.

"Just like how you were arrogant when we met?" she asked with a smirk.

"Well….here lets put it this way. I went out with Shazi so she would stop bugging me and we decided to get married so are parents would leave us alone. Plus we had no choice." As Kaoru was walking backwards she turned around.

"So…you don't really like me then?" she asked pretending to be hurt. Kenshin who hadn't looked at her smirking face looked up.

"What?"

"I'm saying all those times you've kissed me meant nothing? I'm just like an eye candy huh?" she asked trying not to giggle.

"Ah-no! I didn't mean that!" he said catching up with her.

"Suuuure you didn't." before Kaoru could take another step Kenshin turned her around so fast she got dizzy. As she looked at him and he was staring intensely at her.

"Eh…."

"I really do like you Kaoru. I'm not pretending anything." He said moving closer towards her. Kaoru laughed.

"Mou! Don't be angry…I was only joking." She said putting her hands up in defense.

"Is that what you were thinking the whole time? That you meant nothing to me?" Kaoru blushed as he stared at her again.

'wow…he's really serious about this..' Kaoru smiled gently.

"No Kenshin. Don't worry about ne? As I told you before I'm only joking. If that really got you then I'm sorry." She said giving him a kiss on the lips. "Now, let's go find Misao! They should be around here somewhere. Oh ya that kiss you got is gonna be your last one. I don't want to get caught by Shazi! Then we'll have to tell her the real truth!" she said going ahead of him.

Kenshin sighed looking up at the sky.

'I should have told her then that i love her… but I don't have a clue on how she feels. Sometimes she acts as if she's really in love with me and other times she acts as if we're only good friends. Kamiya Kaoru you're a hard one to figure out.'

" Kenshin! Hurry up! I think I saw Shazi and Misao in the high school building!" Kaoru shouted.

" Next time we're alone….i'll tell you for sure how I really feel Kaoru."

TBC…………

A/N: that's the end of this chapter! I will see you then on July! TT ( a month! Oh man! Sorry guys!) hope you liked this chapter! And I'll update as soon as possible! Ja ne!