Alright I give up. My life is so hectic I can't get a moments peace to sit and write. So I make no promises except to finish this confounded story! Thank you to all of my reviewers old and new! I love you all dearly, and will answer some of your reviews at the conclusion of this chapter. Well, tally ho!

Disclaimer: Don't own Rurouni Kenshin or any of its characters, but all of the peeps you do not recognize are mine.

Note: Italics are someone's thoughts.

Chapter: 28: Meddling in Other's Affairs

The weeks had slowly turned into months and Kaoru found herself staring at her reflection. Her pregnancy, now five months along, was completely visible. She traced the stretch marks with her forefinger and sighed. Long gone were the carefree days of her youth. She was a mother to a three year old and expecting again. She sighed tiredly as she noticed that the circles under her eyes looked darker than normal. She shook her head and turned to finish getting dressed. After all, Kenji would be expecting his breakfast not long from now and she still had to feed the livestock.

Sayo closed the door to her room and breathed deeply. She was utterly exhausted. Carter had been whisking her all around the dance floor tonight and her feet were sore.

'Maybe a bath?' She slipped out of her shoes and walked over to the basin to wash her face. The cold water caused her to shiver and she glanced up at her reflection. She grimaced. How she hated that mirror. She hated the woman that stared back at her, daring her to speak out. She glared harder at her visage, but the figure in the mirror only glared back. Sayo couldn't hold the stare so she looked away and decided to just turn in for the night.

She threw herself on the bed and rolled over to stare at the ceiling. She was tired of the same thoughts that drifted through her head every night. 'What am I doing?', 'What's wrong with me, I should be happy?', 'Why do I still feel so empty?.' All that ever seemed to rid her of those thoughts was alcohol. She often found herself drinking herself sick just to be able to forget the world and him.

She sat up angrily. 'Why am I thinking of him again? He's long gone.' She looked at the vanity table Carter had recently bought for her apartment, and for a moment she envisioned her old dresser back at the farm. "NO! I refuse to go back!" She shouted and threw the pillow at it.

Now she was breathing heavy and sweating profusely so she rose and walked over to the window. She lifted the sill and stuck her head out into the cool night air. She filled her lungs with the frigid night air and began to relax. 'He's long gone. Probably happier anyway . . . I just don't . . . understand . . . why do I still feel guilty?

"Full house." Carter said with relish as he laid his cards on the table. The tavern was brimming with smoke and several men had already passed out from the large amounts of alcohol. Carter wasn't all too interested in the drinks or the company. The only reason he was there was to play poker. He had begun when he was quite young and Old man Blackshield had said he was a natural ever since then he made a habit of visiting the local saloons.

He would usually clean out every man that would play him. And no one ever questioned hi honor. He had made a rather high impression of himself the very first time a man had tried to pick a fight with him. It had been an easy night of poker. The man had been a novice and sucking him dry had been all too easy for Carter. He had risen to leave when the man shoved him back down into his chair shouting curses and accusations of foul play. He had of course tried to reason with the man before using drastic measures, but when the man persisted to rage on Carter merely pulled out his colt and shot him.

No officer had tried to arrest him and he had simply walked out of the bar that night un-assaulted, as he would now do with these gentlemen.

"Well, kind sirs. It's been a pleasure, but I must resign myself and go home. It is rather late." A couple of the men swore under their breaths, but Carter let it slide. He certainly wasn't going to be the one to start a fight tonight especially since he had won. His slid his hat onto his head and walked out onto the street and lit a cigarette. He puffed for a few minutes then threw the butt onto the ground and stomped it out.

He was rather restless and he had already taken Sayo home for the night. He mentally smacked himself for thinking of her again. As the days rolled by she had become more and more of a distraction for him. After all, he was at one time a man very easily pleased with any woman's company. Lately though the only one he ever even wanted to see was Sayo.

He turned down another street and looked up. "You've got to be kidding me." He grumbled to himself, he had unconsciously made his way to Sayo's apartment. He looked up at the window where Sayo's room was. The room was dark, but the lacy curtains that floated in and out showed him that her window was left open. 'She shouldn't go to sleep with the window open like that.' He thought to himself and made a mental note to rebuke her for it later.

He started back down the street towards his city home and mulled over the past months. Had it only been months since Sayo had walked into his life. It seemed like so much longer . . . and at the same time strangely short. He rolled his neck around in an effort to relieve the tension. Finally he made it to his house. He took out his key and unlocked the front door. The servants would be asleep by now so he had no need to bother them with his arrival.

His slipped out of his coat and laid it on the chair sitting in the main foyer. He walked slowly back to the master bedroom and turned up the gas lamps. The minutely furnished room gave him a sense of familiarity, and he slipped out of his suit into more suitable bed clothes. He turned back the blanket, turned out the lights and crawled into bed. The bedroom that had once retained warmth and familiarity stared back at him with a cold and ominous feeling. He put his hands underneath his head and stared out into the darkness.

He thought it strange that he should be longing for a certain someone. What was it about her? He rolled over to silence the disturbing thoughts and drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

----------------------------------5 months since Sano and Kenshin left--------------------

His back ached, his feet ached, his rear ached, Kenshin Himura just ached, not only physically, but emotionally. He missed Kaoru and worried about her constantly. How was her pregnancy, did she get his last telegram, how was his son? So many unanswered questions screamed out at him. He had decided after leaving the last town to head south instead of north. He had no idea where Sano could possibly be, but he figured either way would have been a gamble.

If Sayo didn't want to be found then there was nothing he could do about it. It was finding Sano that would be the problem. Sano. He knew that leaving Kaoru had been risky, but no one knew what he knew about Sano. How he had found Sano at death's door, and put so much time into bringing him where he was today. He coud still see Sano's expression as he gazerd across his fields for the first time.

----------------Flashabck--------------------

Sano stared in wonder at the tiny seedlings just beggining to bud across the acres of land that stretched out before him. Kenshin smiled at the wonder on his friend's face, and cleared his throat. "So . . . what do you think?"

"You're serious? You're giving all of this to me?"

"To be honest, Sano, it's really not that much land, but I know that after time you could possibly afford to buy some more."

"Kenshin, I-" Sano couln't say anything. Kenshin only smiled and planed a hand on his shoulder.

"You'll do a good job. I don't consider this a gamble. You know me I'm not gambling man." Sano had regained his voice enough to give a huff of a laugh. "That's for sure."

"Well, I'll be by tomorrow to check up on you." Kenshin turned to go when Sano spoke again.

"Kenshin, you've done a real work with puttin' up with me, an' I know I'm in no position to be asking any favors, but . . . I don't trust myself. I mean I know I'm stupid . . . if I eve start to do something really stupid you'll stop won't you?"

Kenshin smiled at this man he was begginning to see as a friend. " Sano, I swear if you ever try to pull anything really stupid . . . I'll knock some serious sense into you."

--------------------End Flashback-----------------------

Sano. The man had a head as thick as granite and once his mind was made up there would be no going back. Even if he did find Sano, there was no guarantee that Sano would even listen to reason. He groaned to himself once more as he rode down the street aimlessly. He had had that argument with himself at least a thousand times a day and he was tired and ready for bed.

He tied Summer to a post and headed inside the tiny inn. He glanced around the tiny foyer and headed to the reception desk. "Excuse me?"

The tiny woman's eyes glistened in delight as she beheld the man standing in front of her desk. She reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled sweetly. "Can I help you?"

Kenshin did all he could to keep from rolling his eyes. What did she think he wanted? I mean it was an inn for goodness sake! "I would like a room please." He stated as kindly as possible under the circumstances.

The woman's eyes saddened slightly. "I'm sorry Sir but we're all filled up."

'Great. That's just perfect.' Kenshin did all he could to be civil and turned to leave.

"Wait Sir! I know of a place you could rent out."

Didn't this woman get it? He wasn't looking for a place to live. He just wanted to stay one night, but he guessed he could at least listen. "Could please tell me where to find it?"

"It's a friend of mine's. I'm sure they would love to help you out." The woman scribbled an address on a scrap of paper and shoved it toward Kenshin. He picked it up cautiously and stared at it. He looked up at the woman who was smiling sweetly at him.

He uttered a quick "Thank you" before he walked back outside. 'Guess I could try this place out. What harm could it be after all?' Kenshin mounted his horse again and began to ride down the street. He was getting bored with all the harbor towns. They were all the same, cold. No one wanted anyone to stay. All of the immigrants milled about aimlessly and peopled were constantly getting robbed and even killed.

He started down what appeared to be one of the busiest streets and apparently he had picked the most hectic time to be riding down it. A boat had just disembarked and hundreds of people with no direction were wandering around like mad. Kenshin furrowed his brow in frustration. All he wanted was a warm bed to fall asleep in.

A young girl's cry caught his ears and he glanced up sharply to find a young couple being assaulted by a rather unruly group. His eyes hardened as he watched the scene unfolding before him. A young boy who couldn't have been more than eighteen had placed himself between a girl and the leader of the group.

"Just leaves us alone. We don't want any trouble." The young boy said with gall. The largest man spat out a sticky brown liquid into the dust and sniffed loudly. "I don't think he's knows who he's a talkin' to boys." The group laughed and the young boy's eyes darted back and forth warily.

"My name's Clayte and these here are the best noble gents in all the town." Another chuckled rippled through the group. The boy took a step backwards and placed his arm out protectively. In an instant the boy was dangling a foot off the ground by his shirt collar. Clayte held him at and arms length and snorted. "You tryin to be some sort of a hero boy? Don't think ya know what yer dealin' with. We just want to have a lil' fun now don't we boys?" The group smirked and nodded their heads.

"No-" "YOU just listen here boy! You ain't nothin' not git outta here." With that Clayte threw the young boy out into the street. The girl screamed in terror as she watched her protector fly through the air and land in a heap in the middle of the road. "Now little missy . . . what might yer name be?" The girl's eyes flashed with terror as Clayte slowly shuffled up to her side

"No! Oh, someone please help!"

Kenshin couldn't take it any more, he had gone so long with out interfering with anyone else's troubles and now he was doing it again. He grunted to himself, jerked on Summer's reigns, and galloped over to the scene just as Clayte latched onto the girl's arm.

"Excuse me if I'm interrupting anything, but I don't think she likes that very much." Clayte turned his eyes Kenshin and smirked. "You talkin' to me mister?" Kenshin just sat calmly upon his horse daring the man to try anything.

"Look bucko. This aint none of yer concern so git!" Clayte growled and clutched the girl's arm even tighter. The girl gave a yelp and searched Kenshin's face pleadingly.

Kenshin dismounted, "Let the girl go." The statement was said so quietly and impassively Clayte thought he had just imagined it, but one look into the red haired man's eyes told him differently. 'Unbelievable I can't believe this guys is standin' up fer this wench.' He chuckled to himself and looked up at Kenshin with a smirk. "You don't know who I am do you?"

Kenshin remained completely still and just looked at his opponent.

Seeing Kenshin was not going to answer Clayte stretched out his free hand to elaborate. "I am Clayte Brinks and these here are my men. No one and I repeat no one messes with us. I can tell yer a new country boy so I'll let yer noble act pass this time, and I won't beat you to a pulp. Now git on outta here unless you want to get hurt-"

Bang Bang Bang

In a flash Kenshin had pulled his rifle from his saddlebag shot it three times overhead and pointed it at Clayte's forehead. The men in Clayte's group had pulled their revolvers and had them all aimed back at Kenshin. With more nerve than he had Kenshin spoke. "I don't think you understood me." Kenshin said slowly, "I said let the girl go, that is unless you want to lose your life." Seconds ticked by slowly. The crowd that had gathered was completely hushed. Kenshin held his breath for what seemed like and eternity and then . . . Clayte released his hold on the young woman who, once free, came scrambling up behind Kenshin and clung to his back. "Wise choice."

Clayte glared at Kenshin before putting out a hand to tell his men to lower their guns. "You just wait pretty boy . . . I'll git you next time we meet." Kenshin simply shrugged and used his rifle to point the men off down the street. The crowd that had gathered after seeing nothing more was to occur dispersed quickly and went back to their business.

When the men disappeared from sight, the tension fled from Kenshin's body as he sighed in relief. That had been a rather close one. The odd thing was he had seen things like this in all the towns he had passed through and had never done anything about it. He thought it funny that he had reacted the way he did. He had grown accustom to usually letting whatever happened happen, because it was none of his concern, but the young woman's fear stricken face had struck a nerve somewhere deep inside him and he couldn't stand idly by this time.

He turned to offer her reassurance only to find that she had rushed to the side young man who lay crumpled in the road. He walked up to the two just as the young man's eyes re-opened. The eyes instantly became hostile and the boy sat up and put and arm around the woman protectively. "There's no need to worry every thing's alright. They're gone now. This man saved us." The girl spoke out tenderly. The boy instantly calmed and slumped back. The girl cried in horror as she felt the body fall limp against her. "He's hurt! Please help him!"

At this point Kenshin remembered why he had decided not to interfere with other's problems because it only led to more. His back was killing him and he had just about lost his neck to some bully that picked a fight with a kid, why should he offer any more help to the young couple, but seeing the young woman's dismay all thoughts of abandoning them left his mind. He whistled to his horse who came trotting up and laid the young boy across its back.

"We'll have to find some place to stay." Kenshin said plainly as they began to walk down the crowded street.

The girl remained silent as they walked, and Kenshin began to feel uncomfortable. 'Feels a lot like how it was when Kaoru and I first met.' The thought saddened and comforted Kenshin at the same time. He decided silence was best anyway.

"Um . . ."

The tiny voice startled Kenshin and he looked down on the girl.

"Thank you for your help . . . but . . . would you have really shot that man?'

Kenshin did all he could to keep from laughing. After all he had done she was worried he would have killed the bully. The girl started at his face puzzled at what he thought was so funny. "Well, you see . . . I couldn't have possibly shot him."

"I don't understand? Are you a priest?"

"No! Nothing like that . . . I was . . . out of bullets."

Realization dawned on the angelic face and the girl paled. Moments passed then Kenshin heard a stifled giggle. "You mean . . . you bluffed?"

Kenshin chuckled and nodded, and the girl began to laugh audibly. He smiled and appraised his young companion. She was slightly shorter than Kaoru with golden brown eyes and chocolate brown hair cropped right below her chin not pretty, but not unattractive either. She was simple, cute. The dress she wore hung on her body loosely, but it could not hide the early pregnancy that disrupted the once appealing curves of a young girl.

Kenshin felt his heart go out to the her, 'So young . . . the world is so cruel to send one such as her out onto the street with nothing.' This thought caused him to wonder about the integrity of the young man that lay across his horse's back

Were they married? Or were they just another couple that thought they could get along just fine without the complexities of being 'tied' to one another. Whatever the case, he knew that he would have to find out more about the young man before leaving the girl with him.

The young girl watched her rescuer's brow twist in deep thought and she turned her eyes toward the road. She would never under normal circumstances be caught alone with a strange man . . . well not necessarily alone, but just the same her heart would not cease its erratic beat. Every time the man would turn his head to check on a road sign her heart would skip a beat and she would freeze up. She knew her concerns were more than likely unfounded, but she could not help, but feel terribly afraid of the man walking beside her. He seemed docile and perfectly calm, but then again when that horrible man had threatened her he had seemed calm back there as well. This was a man she did not want to offend in any way.

The two continued to make their way along the road in silence. Venders called out to them often, but Kenshin continued to walk and pay no heed to them. He glanced down at the slip of paper in his hand re-reading it for the hundredth time. He groaned inwardly, 'When will I find this confounded place?'

He looked up again and found himself staring at one of the largest houses on the block. It was a deep gray with snow white shutters. The balcony that hung over the front porch was supported by thick white columns and the front door had a tiny glass window in the middle of it.

The pair was dumbstruck as they took in the sight. Neither of them had even seen a house so elegant. Kenshin looked at the street address and caught his breath. It was the same one as on the paper. Her heard a soft sound at his side and remembered his company.

"Did you say something?"

"D-do you live here?" The girl's eyes were huge and filled with wonder.

"Um no . . . that is . . . I was looking for a place to room, and a friend suggested this." It wasn't the full truth, but he had a feeling that the young lady beside him would not like the idea of his finding a place to stay from a complete stranger. He tossed the reigns over to her but they fell limp at her feet.

She stood there staring at them questioningly then looked up at him. Kenshin sighed and leaned over to pick them up. This time he laid them in her hands. "Hold on to these while I go talk with the master of the house."

The command was so direct the girl stood rigid and watched Kenshin make his way up the steps. Kenshin stood in front of the oversized oak door and took a deep breath. 'Well, here goes nothing.'

Well then that wasn't too shabby now was it? Anyways hope my loyal readers enjoyed it . . . that is if I have anymore. I will respond to my reviewers since it has been so long!

-----------------------------My Reviewers----------------------------

Lily of the Shadow-It must just be me and not your gifts that are defective . . . lol. Sry making you wait so long

Half-breed-demon-fox- Well, I updated . . .eventually.

Brittanie Love- Thanks hope this one was fairly long.

Lyphta- Glad you liked the last chapter.

en route- glad you read it what . . forever ago. Sheesh I'm pathetic. Sorry about the wait!

kik-ting- Lorie O'Connel was a non-cnsequesnce character. She is in there, but it was just a little scence so it's ok if you don't remember her.

tintin-chan- Don't worry they'll be reunited . . . eventually.

rain angst- welcome for the monkey bread! lol! It's great stuff!

animemistress419- It's ok I mean I'm the one waiting months to update! Lol!

De Lazy Lime- You're right. They can't stay in inns all the nights. So mostly they sleep outdoors. Lol. I never thought to mention that . . .lol.

Kouga'sonlytruelove- Yes, Mr. Blackshield will be in for a rude awakening.

keeper-of-the-triforce- I had thought about possibly doing that, and who knows it may happen, but seriously keeping two stories going at the same time in one fic is a lot of effort and I've got tons of drama coming up in the next chapters so I doubt that I'll find a way to fit it in. But who knows?

kenjiniki- I'm glad I've continued writing this fic as well. I do aim to finish it!

erica6060- yes it will be great when they reunite.

Shattered Sword- yes my story is full of miserable people. Bwahahah I love messing with their lives. I am a fan however of happily ever after!

InuxKag's sonYoukai- Ok so that wasn't soon . . .

Lanse- Yes both of those feelings are very acurate!

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Chibi Binasu-chan- lol! Ok so how about this chapter?

Soniya Himoura- Lol my story does progress gradually, But I'm glad you like it anyway. Hope things ae moving faster for you now.

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HARU is my LOVELY- I'm glad you're enjoying it!

skenshingumi- thanks for pointing out the fact that no one relly knew why Kenshin took off! Hope the flashback in this chapter helped! And, man don't you ruin all my surprises? Lol!

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Ok well I won't say anymore. I'm looking forward to posting on the next chapter though. It's one of my favorites . . mainly because it has a cliffy ending. Once again I apologize for the long wait ,but I hope it was worth it! I remain yours truly whether faithful or not.

Kairi7