Chapter 10: Resolution

Sanosuke pushed his way through the glass door of the apartment building almost mauling Kenshin over outside. He was so caught up in his own thoughts to notice the figure of the red head standing before him. "Oh it's you Kenshin," he mumbled as he stared straight ahead. "Sorry." Eye contact was barely made as he focused on what was ahead of him, the ignition that matched the keys that he firmly held in his grasp. He clutched unto them tighter than necessary. "Oh and the party is still on," he said emotionlessly. Kenshin turned to watch him bewilderedly only to be greeted by his back as he disappeared down the path.

"And in case you're wondering," he raised his hand in dismissal as if clued in to Kenshin's inquiries. "I didn't say anything to Kaoru." Too far away in distance, he found himself to be shouting. "Megumi and I decided that it should be your decision as to if you want to tell her or not." He signaled the alarm on the car off and did not hesitate to jump in. The last sound Kenshin heard from Sano was not from him but rather his car speeding down the street.

As the sound of the engine faded, his reasons for visiting Kaoru soon came back into focus. He looked upon the doors that barred his entrance and he sighed heavily before welcoming himself in. It was not long before he found himself face to face with her apartment door. And he stood there feeling discouraged. He contemplated if it was futile to even wish for her forgiveness.

There was no more time for self-doubt as he heard the chains rattling in succession to him ringing the doorbell. His heart raced as the door creaked opened and the figure that emerged seized the remainder of his breath that choked him within. His head seemed to bow on its own as his thoughts thanked her for welcoming him in. "It's nice to see you Kenshin," she broke a faint smile that did nothing to veil the intense sadness that dwelled in her eyes.

Kenshin tried to remember the last time he was surrounded by these familiar four walls. His thoughts fixated on a particular memory as he stared at a photograph that adorned one side of the living room wall. Our first date. The image was overflowing with happiness and he couldn't help but smile as he thought of the pretty blue kimono she wore on that beautiful spring day.

"Do you remember that day, Kenshin?"

"Yeah, I do," he was glad that they broke the ice from just a casual question. He sneaked a look at her and then averted his eyes. Despite their brief exchange of words, he still could not help but feel a bit nervous.

"I remember feeling so awkward because I was afraid that you would detest my choice to dress in traditional wear." She turned around and smiled at him as he continued to stare at the picture. "I was so relieved when you fell in love with it." She bowed her head to hide the pink in her cheeks that came from embarrassment. "Take a seat," she suddenly suggested. "I'll go get us something to drink." Kenshin obliged and he watched as she disappeared into the kitchen.

They were both having the same lingering thoughts. In that short absence from each other's company, they could sense the drum roll of each other's hearts. They both sighed in sequence as they anticipated the continued awkwardness that would return once in each other's presence. Kaoru grabbed the two glasses that she had filled with soda and although overcome with unease, she made her way back into the living room.

"Here you go," she offered Kenshin the glass and she sunk her butt onto the couch alongside him. They both took a sip from their glasses and hoped that each other would speak.

"So…?" they both stammered in unison.

"You go first," Kaoru won the war of words and urged him to speak.

"Umm," Kenshin could not look at her. He hated that feeling of anxiety, as if they were complete strangers that only first met. He had to make a decision as to what he was going to tell her.

"I know you came here for a reason Kenshin," Kaoru was growing impatient. She shifted her posture and stared intently at him. She looked into the eyes that were gazing all over the room except at her and she felt a bit hurt. When he said nothing she folded her arms and flung herself backwards in anger.

"Look…" he finally spoke up. "I came over to apologize, okay."

"And what are you so upset about," she reacted defensively. "If anyone should be upset, it should be me. Or did you forget that you broke up with me this evening!" She tossed a pillow at him in anger and poised herself to walk away.

"Wait--" he clasped her wrist lightly. "I'm – I'm so sorry." He did something much unexpected as he leaned forward and brushed a kiss onto her lips. They made the first bit of eye contact for the evening, one that managed to last longer that one minute. The intensity that dwelled within his eyes willed her to reciprocate his actions. She kissed him back shyly. Kissing became their last resort to releasing the pent up emotion they felt inside – Kenshin's consuming guilt and Kaoru's building frustration. Kenshin eased his body forward and his weight pinned her small frame beneath him as their kisses deepened.

"Is Megumi home?" he murmured between their lip locks and Kaoru moaned a yes in response. However, she wiggled free from his embrace and hurriedly pat herself back into composure. They couldn't do it here, not here and not now she thought. Not while Megumi was still home. Kenshin inched in closer towards her but she stopped him in his tracks. "We can't Ken - - bad timing." She sighed heavily feeling more defeated than he did. She was surprised once he clasped her hands into his.

"I never wanted to break up with you Kaoru," he finally worked up the courage to tell her. She was surprised by the words that escaped from his lips. He continued. "It's just that I did something really horrible and I wanted to save you the pain of heartbreak." The weight on his conscience burdened his frame of mind and he felt relieved as Kaoru hugged his face within her grasp. He found the cushiony comfort of her lap and he finally released his tension in a small trail of tears.

"We'll discuss everything later," she suggested. She combed her fingers through his ponytail gently as she dried the dampness from his face. "It's already 6 pm. We should get ready for the party."

"Do you mind if I lay here, near you, for a little while longer?"

She nodded a silent response and kissed him on the forehead submissively.

Megumi overheard most of their conversation. Refusing to admit to herself that she was eavesdropping, she was just relieved that the two managed to work things out. For the first time, she selflessly hoped that his preempted confession would not change anything. Her thoughts surprised even herself as she wished nothing but the best for the couple.

She was already dressed. She decided that it was time she headed over to Tsubame's. That way she could assist with any last minute preparations. She venerated herself in front the mirror and took a deep breath before making her way into the living room.

"I'll see you later Kaoru," she bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement of Kenshin's presence. To avoid any opportunity for an awkward moment, she quickly unlatched the locks and made her exit outside. She leaned her back against the wall in ease and sighed in relief before she sashayed herself down the flight of stairs. She wondered if they would pick up from where they left off.

B R E A K

Tsubame and Yahiko were relaxing on the two-seater couch in her living room. Sitting opposite to them was Aoshi and Misao, while exhaustion seemed to completely overwhelm Hannya and the others. Everyone was tired. Yahiko was one step away from lolling his head off. It was a miracle that he somehow managed to stay wide-eyed. It was time for them to go home. Their bodies longed for showers as sweat trailed down on each and every one of their frames. Yahiko yawned loudly in laziness.

"Alright guys, we should get going," Yahiko shifted his posture sluggishly and he kissed Tsubame who was still lying near him on the forehead. "I'll see you later baby," he whispered and he finished fidgeting by stretching himself forward. "Aoshi? You leaving man," he turned to the love birds that were now cuddled up at the couch's right corner. He wasted no time in awaiting a reply as he contorted his face in repulsion and distaste. Nothing grossed him out more than seeing those two going at it. Misao waved her arm in reply to Yahiko's question and he took that as a hint for his dismissal.

He ran into Sanosuke outside as he closed Tsubame's front door behind him. Just the guy he did not want to see. He at least hoped the incident from earlier on today was now behind him.

"Hey Yahiko! Where you off to man?"

Yahiko kept his face forward and brushed past Sanosuke as though he didn't see him. He could not believe he was speaking to him so casually after he stormed off earlier that afternoon with no explanation. He was not in the mood to tolerate his incessant mood swings especially when he was having a mood swing of his own.

"Yahiko, wait up man!" Sanosuke rushed after him. I wonder what's his problem Sano pondered. He didn't know why his mind flashed back to earlier when he had snapped at him. And from that moment he fit the pieces of Yahiko's indifference together. "Look, I'm sorry man."

The words stopped Yahiko in his tracks. Who knew that was all it took to calm his anger. He let loose the air that was trapped in his lungs so tightly and he waited to hear what his friend had to say.

"Kenshin and I… we're dealing with our own private problem. The issues are too involved for me to explain. Or rather, the explanation should come from him, not me."

Yahiko finally turned his back to face him and Sanosuke apologetically continued. "My main intention for coming here was to erase any doubt in your mind that the birthday party plans would be ending."

"Why would it have ended in the first place?" Yahiko drilled him. His own question made him realize how serious their dispute could have been. "Never mind," he decided to brush it off. "I'm heading on home to eat and take a quick shower." He resumed walking and found himself standing right beside Sanosuke's car. "Well I guess I'll join you then," Sanosuke offered. "Wanna jump in?"

Yahiko stood there silently for a moment before he caved in. "Sure, why not?"

B R E A K

a/n: Sorry for taking so long to update. Just a question, did any of you guys wish to have more emphasis on TsubamexYahiko and MisaoxAoshi? Or are you satisfied with the story being predominantly based around KenshinxKaoru and SanosukexMegumi?