AN:

Hello everyone, this is the next chapter. I hope ya like it.

Chapter Six - Acquaintance

Karou rubbed her eyes and her gaze met the white ceiling that was fast becoming familiar to her. Rubbing her eyes again she sat up, the heavy quilt fell away and she stare at it with growing confusion. When had she gotten into bed? Karou closed her eyes trying to remember.

"You'll be alright" Kenshin said. Kaoru frowned a little and replaced the beeper on the table. The message etched inside her head.

"I don't know" she sighed and sat back against the cushions, warmth washing over her as Kenshin built up the fire. "Whoever paged me is a complete stranger to me. I have no idea who they are" she shook her head

"That's not whats bothering you" Kenshin said matter of factly turning around to look at her with his catlike eyes. His voice was still cool, calm and totally un-emotional but their was something in those eyes.

"How do you know whats bothering me and whats not?" she suddenly snapped her eyes narrowing and glaring at him. Kenshin didn't make any move, he didn't even blink. "I'm sorry" she apologised and her eyelids began to grow heavy. "It's just that…its just…"

"You're afraid" he said again in his knowing tone his eyes never leaving hers.

"Hey who said I was afraid!" she yelled sitting up and brandashing a fist. Kenshin looked unruffled "Don't presume things mister!" Kenshin sighed lightly and stood up.

"Like I thought" he said to himself as he walked over to the kitchenette.

"What is?" she asked cautiously.

"You're afraid, of what you were…what you might have been" he shrugged a little and she blinked shocked. It was the fear she had kept locked deep within herself since she had awoken in hospital. What is she was an evil person? What if she had lead a horrible life? Did she really want to remember?

"How…how…how did you know?" she asked biting her lip. Kenshin looked at her, she had never looked more childlike, desperate and vulnerable than she did then. For a moment all the hard exterior was removed and she was just a girl, a desperate, lonely and scared girl. Kenshin simply glared at her and continued to make coffee.

"Does it matter?" he finally said.

"No…" she said in a small voice and laid down on the sofa starring into the roaring flames of the fire "I guess not" her vision grew dark and she heard soft footfalls and then she knew no more.

Kaoru looked around again and blushed, Kenshin must have moved her during the night. For some reason that sent a wave of embarrassment and a little pleasure running through her. Blinking she looked out of the window, it was still dark…most likely the early hours of the morning. Sighing she dropped back into the depth of the pillowed pulled the quilt over her and went to sleep.

"Kenshin really it doesn't matter!" she said for the hundreth time as she tore about picking up the small items that belonged to her. "Where's my pager? Oh god I'm going to be so late!"

Kenshin leant against the breakfast bar and watched her tear about the apartment. Their was a loud crash and one of the ornamental pecies went crashing to the floor.

"WHAT A STUPID PLACE TO PUT IT!" Kaoru yelled loudly as she continued tearing around the place. Finally ten minutes later she stood in front of Kenshin holding her back and raking her hair with her fingers, she was wearing her original clothing now washed and ironed. "Kenshin you really don't have to, I can walk…it's not far" she said again. Ignoring her Kenshin picked up his car keys and opened the door.

"Come on" he said quietly "You're already late" he stepped through the door and after a moments hesitation Kaoru followed him.

"Do I look ok?" she asked smoothing down her shirt. Kenshin examined the closed elevator doors carefully and didn't reply. "Kenshin? Do I look ok?" she asked again.

"Do I care?" Kenshin retorted coldly making Kaoru frown.

"You could at least be a litte nice" she folded her arms stubbornly and suddenly a song came on the radio. Kaoru blinked once, that song was so familiar.

Perfect by nature, icon of self indulgence just what we all need…more lies about a world that never was and never will be…

A sharp pain interrupted her thoughts and Kaoru blinked shocked out of her trance. Kenshin was staring at her expectantly and by the sharp pain in her arm she realised he had just poked her.

"Hey what was that for!" she asked yelling. People turned to stare at her and Kenshin calmly walked away "Don't you walk away from me! Kenshin!" Kenshin continued out of the building and into the parking lot. He clicked the key and the doors opened with a small beep. Kaoru checked her watch

1:55

Throwing a glare at Kenshin she got into the car. Kenshin ignored her, as always, and set the engine running. Silence filled the car as he pulled out of the parking lot and onto the road.

"Well this is a stifleing conversation" she muttered. Kenshin glanced at her but remained silent, and still as stone.

"Sano" she smiled as she looked out of the window. They had arrived at the bridge only seconds ago. A sleep black limousine was already their and a tall, spiky haired guy was stood in wait. The white suit he had on making him a sight to see. Kaoru turned to Kenshin to say thank you.

"Don't" he warned his eyes staring straight ahead. Kaoru sighed and opened the car door and shut it with a smart snap. Calmly she started to walk over to where Sanosuke was stood and smiled as he waved at her.

"Hey!" he shouted smiling a little one hand in his pocket and a totth pick in his mouth. Kaoru smiled and waved back, but then she turned and ran back to the car. Kenshin had his window down with one arm dangling over the side casually.

"You told me not to, but I am anyway. Thank You Kenshin…I honestly don't know what I would have done without you" she smiled at him. Kenshin didn't say anything or even look at her.

"Small sentiments, worthless" he said coldly.

"I was just being polite, believe it or not some people have manners" she snapped and turned to storm away. However strong fingers wrapped around her wrist and she was jerked backwards. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Sanosuke move towards them.

"You don't have to be afraid, Kaoru" Kenshin said and then he released her wrist. In less than a minute he was speeding away in his black sports car.

"Are you ok?" Sanosuke asked as he walked over to her, looking at the car coldly "Did he hurt you? Who is he?" he asked quickly. Kaoru glanced at him.

"A friend" she replied.

"Well are you ok then?" Sano asked. Kaoru smiled a little after the retreating car.

"I don't know"