Underneath It All

Chapter 10, Why Can't I

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin

Recap of the last chapter:

"So..." started Kaoru. Kenshin continued to watch her. "What happened?"

Kenshin's eyes glared at her, "None of your business" he growled. Kaoru let out a sigh. 'If he doesn't want to tell me, he doesn't have to'.

"Alright then" said Kaoru as she washed the cloth and gentle dabbed his forehead. "You don't have to tell me". Kenshin stared boggled at Kaoru. Kaoru moved her gaze to look him straight in the eye. "I'm here to listen when you need me to".

"Hey guys, I'm gonna turn on the radio alright?" said Megumi from the other side of the room.

"Kay" said Kaoru, never once leaving her gaze from Kenshin's eyes.

Several weeks passed bye. Each week Kenshin and Kaoru became closer and closer. Of coarse, Kenshin never really hung with her at school or much. They had a friendly relationship outside of school. Soon enough, Kenshin would have to tell Kaoru how he feels, but in his mind, the burning feeling of being seen with a 'commoner' still hovered over his head like thin air.

This morning Kenshin was going to meet Kaoru at Tim Hortons for breakfast. Walking leisurely down the sidewalk, Kenshin had many thoughts running through his head. Thoughts of his relationship with Kaoru and if she really was worth his reputation.

Among entering the donut and coffee shop, he spotted Kaoru sitting at a table in the far corner. Kaoru, sensing his presence, looked up at him and gave a soft smile. He couldn't help but smile back at her. Taking the seat directly across from her, Kenshin set down his backpack in the seat next to him.

"Hey you" smiled Kaoru. She was wearing a pair of simple blue jeans and a yellow tank top underneath a red zip-up jacket sweater. Her hair was pulled back in it's usual high ponytail. Not a bit of make up coated her face, except for the nude pink lip gloss that shimmered on top of her lips.

"Hey" he said. He wore a black sweater that framed his lean body, as well as a pair of black jeans.

"So, what do you want?" she asked. Kenshin looked at her and took out his wallet to take out a ten dollar bill.

"I'll have a medium Iced Cappuccino and a Chicken Noodle Soup" he said. Kaoru took his money and got up.

"Ok, I guess I'll take a chocolate chip muffin and iced tea" she took out her wallet and started taking some money out.

"What are you doing?" asked Kenshin.

"I'm getting money for my breakfast" said Kaoru, still fishing through her wallet for money.

"Just use my ten. I'll pay for you" he said.

"Are you sure? I mean, I don't like being in debt to someone" exclaimed Kaoru.

"Go ahead. You don't need to owe me back. Money ain't that important to me" he muttered. Kaoru shrugged and put her wallet back in pocket. She then proceeded to the line up.

Kenshin relaxed in his seat and looked out the window to enjoy the calm scenery outside. His eyes widened when his eyes noticed a group of his fellow classmates heading in their direction about a block away.

"Shit" he said under his breath. Quickly grabbing both backpacks he headed for Kaoru and grabbed by the arm and started heading into the park.

"Kenshin, what are you doing? We haven't even eaten breakfast yet and I'm hungry" said Kaoru, her eyes questioning. Kenshin kept walking forward at a non-stop pace, dragging Kaoru behind him.

"Something came up" said Kenshin. He glanced behind him and saw his classmates less than half a block from them. He then ran into the woods next to the park and hid behind a tree with Kaoru. Dropping their backpacks on the ground, he peered behind the tree and saw the students pass by the park.

"Kenshin, what's wro-" Kaoru was silence when Kenshin roughly pulled her head into the crook of his neck. Kaoru flushed a little at the fact that Kenshin's arms were wrapped around her and she was breathing in his tempting scent. Kenshin continued to watch the students pass bye. He could feel Kaoru's hot breath against his neck, which sent tingling feelings through his body, but he focused his attention on the classmates. Once they had disappeared from his sight he let out breath of relief. Realizing that he was holding Kaoru, he looked down at her. She was practically melted against him. He felt her bury her face deeper into his neck. Feeling vulnerable at the moment, he decided to let himself enjoy the feeling of having Kaoru close to him. More thoughts began to run through his head. Desire, warmth, happiness...guilt. He was guilty for treating Kaoru this way. Even though Kaoru was oblivious to why they suddenly ran out of Tim Hortons, Kenshin still felt horrible for not telling her the truth.

He embraced her tighter as he felt the guilt eat up inside of him more and more.

Kenshin and Kaoru walked home together since they both headed in the same direction.

"Kenshin? Um, about this morning" said Kaoru. Kenshin's face tensed.

"I'm sorry" said Kenshin. He was about to continue when Kaoru began talking again.

"I didn't know that you wanted to take our relationship one step further..." she said as her face showed a tint of pink. Kenshin stared shocked at her. Kaoru looked over at him.

"That was why you held me right?" asked Kaoru. Kenshin paused for a moment to think. 'She doesn't know the real reason why I did that'

"Uh...ya...Of course" he said after he thought it over. Kaoru gave him the biggest smile that he ever saw. At the moment they stood in front of her house.

"So... um... I guess... I ... uh" Kaoru stumbled.

"I'll call you on Saturday" said Kenshin. Kaoru let out a little laugh and blushed.

"Ok. Um, I talk to you later then" said Kaoru.

"Ok" said Kenshin, still trying to get over what he just said.

"Bye" said Kaoru quickly. Kenshin, whose mind was boggled at the moment breathed out a quick "Bye" as well.

Kaoru shut the door and left Kenshin standing there. 'Fuck. What have I gotten myself into?' he thought to himself.

Saturday Afternoon

Laying on his king size bed, Kenshin stared at the phone in his hand. Inside, he was having a battle between either calling Kaoru to ask her out on a date or to stand her up and not call her.

In the background, he heard the radio playing a song.

"Get a load of me, get a load of you,

Walking down the street and I hardly know you,

It's just like we were meant to be..."

Kenshin put the phone down and covered his head with his pillow.

"Holding hands with you when were out at night,

Got a girlfriend, you say it isn't right,

And I've got someone waiting too"

"But this is just the beginning,

We're all ready wet and we're gonna go swimming"

Kenshin shut his eyes tight, trying to find a way to ignore the lyrics.

"Why can't I breathe whenever I think about you?

Why can't I speak whenever I talk about you?

It's inevitable, it's the kite that we're gonna get down to Earth,

So tell me, why can't I breathe whenever I think about you..."

The moment that he first saw Kaoru popped in his head.

"Whenever I think about you..."

Kaoru blushing.

"Whenever I think about you..."

Kaoru smiling.

"Whenever I think about you..."

Kaoru laughing.

"Whenever I think about you..."

Growing frustrated at all these feelings, Kenshin grabbed the phone and dialed Kaoru's number. When I receiver picked up he listened to hear if it was Kaoru.

"Hello?" asked a sweet toned voice.

"Hey Kaoru?" started Kenshin.

"Kenshin? Oh hey! What's up?" Kaoru said.

"Listen, I was wondering if you're busy tonight"

"No, why?"

"Do you want to go somewhere with me?"

"Sure! Where?"

"It's a surprise"

"Oh, ok. Sure, what should I wear?"

Kenshin paused for a moment to think.

"I dunno, it's up to you"

"Ok!"

"Ya, so, I'll pick you up at 8 o'clock?"

"Sounds good to me!"

"Alright, I'll see you then"

"Kay" Both hung up the phone. Kenshin flopped down onto his bed and stared up at the roof. He drew in a deep breath. Letting it out after a few seconds, Kenshin forced on a small happy smile.

Disclaimer: I don't own "Why Can't I" by Liz Phair

Sorry for the shortness of this chapter, but I'm not really in the mood to write this story. If it is crap, I apologize. It's just that I'm very stressed from all the school work I've got. I have this massive project in Social about Fashion History in Russia. It's not due for a while so I'm relaxing right now. Luckily for me, I finished all my work in class yesterday so I have no homework for the weekend. Yay! Maybe, if I feel better I'll update my other fanfic, "Waves of Love".

Now, I'm glad people out there actually have some courtesy and actually review my story. I am aware that some people read my story, or they have me on their favorite's list, or they have me on their author alert list, but they don't actually leave me any review. Reviews help keep me motivated to write and they also help me become happy when I've had a crappy ass day. I love getting reviews, so it really bugs me when people just read something that took me a while to write and they don't even bother to give like a fricken minute just to review! It makes me feel as though the hours I took to write a chapter are not being appreciated by those who read.

So, please just give me a review if you really care about this story and about this author's feelings. I thank anyone who has taken time out of their day to review my story. You all deserve a cookie.

Anyways, just review now if you haven't already. Oh wait! Today I went to the Otafest at the University of Calgary! There was so much anime and the cosplay was amazing! There was a guy who dressed up as Kenshin. He didn't talk much, but his costume was really good. I'll stop yapping now.

No promises on when the next time I'll be updating.

Until next time...

Ttyl, bibi

Dev

DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!