Disclaimer: I do not and never will own Rurouni Kenshin.

A/N: Yes, I'm back. Now that I have more time, I am here to continue and finish this story. Of course, to do so, I'll need to support of my darling readers. Please do review to tell me what you think. And thank you so much to those who reviewed to tell me how much you like this story, encouraging me to continue. Believe me, it means a lot to me. Actually, I have been working on this chapter for a while already, it's because of the long disconnection with this story which make the progression of this chapter so slow. I find myself trying to get into the character's head again and here is the chapter…finally!

Healing by KatsunoCZ

Chapter 12

"Okita…" Kaoru said.

Okita didn't reply but stared deeply into her eyes. He walked towards her, a frown forming on his face.

"You never told me that Enishi is your fiancé," he said.

"Because he is not!" Kaoru exclaimed, "What did he tell you?"

"He said that you're his fiancé but you're not in love with him…"

"There! You have it, I'm not in love with him. So there is no way that I'm his fiancé. It is my father's idea. Enishi and I are just friends. Besides, I'm in love with someone else."

Okita looked at her, surprised, "Who are you in love with?"

Kaoru shrugged, "No one you know."

But Okita knew, he knew exactly who it was. He had seen the way she looked at Saitou, but he wouldn't press her. He was not ready to hear that from her yet.

"Come on, let me walk you home…" he said, taking her hand.

Kaoru did not move. "Why are you waiting out here for me in the first place?"

"I'm just very surprised by Enishi telling me that you are his fiancé, and let me tell you that it is not a very nice shock. Especially when I don't want you to be engage to anyone."

Kaoru just nodded, she could read deeper in what Okita had just said but she just pretended that she didn't know.

They walked in silence all the way to the building of apartment she was living at. Kaoru was deep in thought. It was funny how the man she badly wanted didn't want her as bad as she did and the man she didn't want was trying to hold onto her no matter what. Then, she glanced at Okita, she didn't know what to make out of him. He was there for her when she was feeling uneasy during the extravagant party that Saitou brought her to, and he seemed to care enough for her to worry about her safety.

Upon reaching the apartment Okita offered to walk her up again but Kaoru declined.

"Thank you, Okita, but I'll be fine. Thank you for walking me home." Kaoru said, smiling softly.

Okita saw her soft smile and nodded, "Good night, Kaoru."

Kaoru smiled again and begun walking up the stairs, but she could feel Okita's gaze on her. Why did her life become so dramatic once she came back to Japan?

When Kaoru entered the apartment that she shared with Misao, she knew that Misao was asleep as it was silent and all the lights were switched off. She guessed that she will have to pry out all the juicy details about her date with Soujiro tomorrow; Kaoru smiled at the thought of that. She was happy for Misao; her own relationship with Saitou wasn't what she would call normal. It had been days since that night at the party and still he did not call. It had been too long, if he had wanted to call, he would have done so a long time ago. Could it be that he really didn't want her anymore?

Kaoru hated to feel this way, she hated the way she waited on his calls and yet she cannot bring herself to call him first. She would not like to appear like a desperate woman, she knew that he had enough of that. As much as she wanted to hear his voice, she wouldn't let go of her pride just to call him.

Why was she so weak? It was like she was no longer in control of her own life, her emotions were in a whirlwind and it was making her really frustrated and confused. She wanted to become stronger, no longer did she want to dwell on her feelings for Saitou or the fact that he did not call. Kaoru gave out a determined sigh and decided fiercely that she would forget how much she loved his kisses and how safe and secure she felt his arms.

But it didn't turn out as nicely as she planned, no matter how determined she was, because that night, Kaoru did not sleep at all.

It was Monday morning and Saitou was sitting calmly at his desk with a mug of steaming coffee and a parchment in his hand. Only that he wasn't reading the parchment. He was thinking of the child-like woman that he met not so long ago; Kaoru.

Saitou did not understand his actions. Before, when he was interested in a woman, he would just pursue her with all the charismatic charms he had and once he was bored, he would drop her, like he always do. But he did not understand why this courtship with Kaoru lasted for so long; longer than he liked.

He found himself strongly attracted to her and she can make him hot with just one touch and yet he knew so little about her. Now that he think of it, their relationship, starting from when they first met, wasn't so 'normal'. He didn't feel as in control as he usually did. Although he always teases Shougo about Kaoru, the truth was that he wasn't so comfortable with Kaoru spending so much time with his best friend.

Kaoru was different, she was so innocent and sometimes even naïve to the point where she was ridiculously cute. She obviously didn't understand man like him, and definitely wasn't used to the games that he usually play. He could also see that she was extremely kind with her warm and gentle smiles, Kaoru possessed an unaffected warmth that he had never seen before. Shougo had pleaded on Kaoru's behalf, telling Saitou to let her go, and that he had no right to diminish the beautiful spirit of Kaoru just for his own games. Saitou had ignored him, but what Shougo had said did bother him. It was true, he had no right whatsoever to destroy that wonderful warmth of hers and that definitely she deserved someone better other than him.

Kaoru practically ran out of the lecture theatre and sped all the way to Shougo's art studio without stopping once. She had made her decision; she was going to work on the paintings which were to be displayed with Shougo's in the new art gallery he was going to opened. It was going to be her debut as an artist, and if people like her works, there was going to be a possibility that she could drop Medicine and work full time as an artist.

Shougo hugged her happily when he heard the news, "So, do you have any idea what kind of paintings you are going to work on?"

Kaoru thought about the numerous sketches that she had made of Saitou and decided that some finished paintings of him should be displayed. "Of course, I will paint other things of course. Like beautiful sceneries of nature, the crowded buildings in this city…or even this University itself!"

Shougo nodded approvingly, "Yes, I like your portraits of Saitou. They are wonderful and you did a great job with the colouring. We shall work on your other paintings from now on."

Kaoru smiled at him, "Oh, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. I owe you so much. Thank you, Shougo."

Shougo smiled back at her. "Don't worry about it. At least now you know what you really want with your life. Maybe you should let your father know about it, at least he won't pressure you anymore about being a doctor if he knows."

Kaoru eyes darkened and she shook her head sadly, "Do you remember that last time when I fainted in the park and Saitou rescued me?"

"Yes," Shougo said.

Then, Kaoru told him about why she was in the park in the first place, she also told him about how her father had arranged her engagement with Yukishiro Enishi. "Enishi and I talked about the arranged engagement and I thought that I was clear with the fact that there was no way I'm going along with my father's plan. But I think he still doesn't get it, and my father definitely isn't changing his mind."

Shougo's eyes widened at the mention of Enishi's name, "The man you are engaged to, his name is Yukishiro Enishi?"

"Yes," Kaoru replied, "But you see, I'm not that worried because they can't force me to marry anyone. Which is why I think it is better if my father did not know of my new decision to take on Art seriously, he will be furious and he can be very cruel when he's angry."

Shougo nodded distractedly, he could not believe it, Kaoru was engaged to Saitou's step-brother? Everything was more complicated than he think, but he wasn't going to tell Kaoru about it. He just kept silent as Kaoru rambled on about her frustrations. They really should just concentrate on their paintings now.

That night, work at The Iwasaki's went smoothly without a hitch. There wasn't any crazy drunken man about or Enishi or Okita. So Kaoru was left to do her work in peace. But that night, she was overcame by a different kind of sadness, everything had happened so fast in her life that she didn't realized how much she missed America and Sano and Yahiko. She missed their harmless jokes and the times where they tried so hard to cheer her up whenever she was having one of her bad hair days.

So straight after work, she walked to the Cyber Cafe near bye to use the Internet and just as she expected, there were several e-mails from both Sano and Yahiko berating her for not contacting them and lots of threats if she does not reply their e-mails. Kaoru laughed herself silly at the content of their e-mails and it was the one of the rarest times where she felt the most happy and relaxed.

After she had replied their e-mails and apologized profusely for the lateness, she walked back to her apartment, surprised to find Misao still awake and sitting on one of the sofas.

"Where were you?" Misao asked, "I was waiting for you to come home!"

Kaoru laughed, "I went to the Cyber Café near The Iwasaki's, and why are you waiting for me?"

Misao sighed and punched out at one of the pillows, "I am feeling blue and frustrated and I badly need someone to talk to."

"What's wrong?" Kaoru asked, her voice softening. "Is it something about Soujiro? Was he unkind to you?"

"No, no!" Misao said, "Nothing of that sort. We had a great time together last night, and he was very nice to me, very sweet. And…I find myself liking him very much."

"Then what are you so frustrated about?"

"He doesn't livein Japan!He's going back to America soon, and we won't be seeing each other anymore…and you know what that means, this isn't going to work out for us."

Kaoru sat down beside Misao and touched her arm reassuringly, "How can you say that after all the great times you've had with him? Besides, he seems to like you a lot, I'm sure that you guys can work something out."

Misao shook her head, "Yeah, he seems to like me a lot and we're going to watch a movie this Friday. But sooner or later, he is still going to leave, right? And once people don't see each other anymore, the feelings will slowly fade away, right? Besides, I'm not even sure he likes me as much as I like him."

Kaoru hugged Misao, "Don't worry so much Misao. Why don't you just enjoy the time you have with him now. You've started this with him, there's no way you can just back out of it when you want to. And you really like him a lot, don't you?"

Misao nodded, "No, Kaoru, I'm just afraid. I don't want it to be this way, I don't want him to leave. Why can't he be living in Tokyo?"

Kaoru kept quiet and just continued to hug Misao, trying to give her the most comfort she could offer. She understood how Misao was feeling right now but she didn't what she can say to make her feel better. She just hoped that Soujiro was the man she expected him to be.

The next day, when Kaoru ride up her bicycle to the university, she saw a familiar figure standing at the gate. It was Okita…again. Kaoru smiled briefly at him and watched him walked over to her purposefully, what did he want now?

"Good morning, Kaoru." Okita said, smiling at her warmly.

"Good morning," Kaoru said, "what are you doing here?"

"I was waiting for you."

"Why?"

"Because I haven't seen you for a long time and so here I am."

Kaoru laughed, "Okita, we just saw each other a day ago!"

Okita laughed too, "I know, but it seems like forever." Then, he looked meaningfully into her eyes and grabbed her hand.

Kaoru was beginning to feel uncomfortable, "Okita, I…"

"Hmmm?"

Kaoru pulled her hand away and looked firmly into his eyes, "Okita, I don't understand why you are here, or why you are behaving so oddly. And it is making me feel very uncomfortable."

Okita smiled easily and said, "I'm here because I like you, Kaoru. And I am behaving so oddly because I want to be closer to you. Isn't it very clear what my intentions are?"

Kaoru shook her head, "No, I told you before that I am in love with someone else. I'm sure I made it clear enough that I don't want any of this that you are suggesting."

"It's Saitou, isn't it?" Okita asked, and before Kaoru could reply, he continued, "You don't have to answer me. I know. But let me warn you, Kaoru, he isn't the man for you. He's unstable."

"I know!" Kaoru said, her eyes looking at him defiantly, "Lots of people told me about him and all about his women and all the other things he had done. So you don't have to warn me anymore, Okita."

"Then why are you still so in love with him when you know very well that he can't give you the happiness you crave?"

"I do not know myself, Okita," Kaoru replied, then her voice softened and she smiled weakly at him, "I know that you care about me, Okita. And I care about you too, but all I can offer you now is my friendship, nothing else. I'm sorry."

Okita looked at her silently and a grim smile twisted on his lips.

"Okita, please understand." Kaoru said, "I wouldn't want anything to come between our friendship. I want you as a friend, Okita."

"Only as a friend?" Okita asked, his eyes looking searchingly into hers.

Kaoru looked away and nodded, "I'm sorry."

Okita nodded and touched her hand again, "I understand, Kaoru. I think I will leave now."

Then, Okita left and walked away from her, leaving her to stare after him sadly. When he was finally out of sight, Kaoru groaned as she realized that she was late for class…again.

Darn.

That night, Okita showed up at The Iwasaki's again and Kaoru didn't know how to face him when she approached his table. Why did he come? Was he trying to make it harder for her?

When she was finally standing in front of his table, he smiled at her warmly and Kaoru smiled back gratefully.

"Let's be friends now, Kaoru," he said, "And when you finally realized that I'm the one for you, I'll be here."

"Okita…"

Okita held his hand up to stop her from saying more, then, he smiled at her again, "Can I get the restaurant's special cookies and green tea?"

Kaoru nodded and smiled back at him, then she walked hurriedly away. At least Okita understood that she didn't want anything but friendship from him now. She thought him to be very considerate.

And when Kaoru finally got home that night, she was exhausted. She had to work like this or else she couldn't support herself. She hardly ever shops for anything else but groceries and she seldom eat out. Besides, she was too busy for that. Even she noticed that she was losing weight.

Misao was still awake and the moment Kaoru opened the front door, the girl bounced out from her room announcing that a Hajime Saitou had called her earlier on.

"I told him that you weren't at home and so he said that he will call again when you get home. But he hasn't call yet. I wonder, how does he know when you are going to get home?"

"I wonder too…" Kaoru said, she did not know how to respond to all this. She was so tired and Saitou had finally called. Wasn't she supposed to feel happy? But instead, she felt even more exhausted than ever.

Then, the phone rang at this exact moment and Misao smiled mischievously at Kaoru.

"I suppose that is your Saitou." Then, she went back to her own room and closed the door behind her.

Kaoru picked up the receiver and indeed, it was Saitou.

"How are you?" he asked.

"I'm fine,"Kaoru replied, "How about you?"

This conversation reminded Kaoru so much of the last time he had called her that she almost laughed.

"I'm sorry that I didn't call earlier, I was busy."

"It's all right," Kaoru said, but she knew that it was just an excuse. He could always make time if he wanted to.

"I was wondering if you would like to go to another party with me again."

Kaoru thought about it before answering, "What kind of party?"

"A beach party," he said, "and maybe we can spend a few days there at the house I have there."

Kaoru's eyes widened. Beach party and spending time with Saitou at a house he had there? Kaoru swallowed the lump in her throat.

"So what do you think?" Saitou asked.

"Okay," she said unsteadily, "when is this?"

"This Friday, the party is held by one of my business associates again. But it'll be fun, we can even go sailing in my boat."

"Okay," Kaoru said again, she did not know what to say anymore.

Saitou laughed into the phone, "Don't worry, my friends won't bite and neither do I."

Kaoru laughed uncomfortably with him and thought about what he had just said. She was sure that his friends don't 'bite' but she wasn't so sure about him not biting her.

"So I'll pick you up in the afternoon on Friday, the party's at night. Bring along some clothes with you."

"Okay, but I can only spend one night there. I still have to work during the weekends, Saitou. I'll switch shifts with another waitress on Friday."

Saitou agreed and they said their good nights and Kaoru put down the phone with a heavy heart. She knew very well what she was getting herself into. And she knew what Saitou was suggesting with that spending a night at his beach house. She could have refused him, make up some excuse and tell him that she couldn't go, but she didn't. Instead, she threw herself right into the raging fire, exposing herself to a heart ache that might come. But neither did she regret her doing because she was too in love with the man to care.

Misao came out of her room and interrupted Kaoru's thoughts.

"What did he want?" she asked savagely.

Kaoru laughed at the expression on Misao's face, "Don't be so angry, Misao. He just asked me out, let's all."

Misao fumed, "And that is why I am angry! When he's happy, he calls you and asks you out. Then, he leaves you hanging and then what? You know very well that he is bad news. What does he want this time round? Another party?"

Kaoru nodded, "Yes, and maybe spending a night at his beach house near where the party is held."

"What!"

"Yes, yes Misao. I know what you are thinking but I am still going anyway."

Misao looked at the determined face of Kaoru's and decided that she couldn't change Kaoru's mind no matter what.

"Okay," Misao said, "I know that I can't stop you. But promise this: be careful. That man is too jaded for you."

Kaoru nodded happily and hugged Misao, "I promise that I'll be careful."

A/N: More Saitou and Kaoru coming up soon. Do review and let me know what you think.