AN: Thank you all for the awesome reviews. When I did the double posting of this story and Things Left Unsaid I was soooo elated by the response they received. Thank you. Oh, and I am working on Things Left Unsaid- it may take a bit longer…but it is coming along.

Side Note- Some people have emailed me with questions and stuff, and I have been an awful writer and not responded. Please, continue with them, and I will REALLY make an effort to write back. Bother me over and over again if I don't respond. Seriously.

Disclaimer- Okay, I don't own Kenshin

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Caged

A Brief Encounter

Chapter Four

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Kaoru tilted her head back slowly, letting the warm rays of the afternoon sun seep into her chilled skin. The light lingered invitingly on her face, and through the thick fabric of her dress it whispered along her arms and legs. It rarely felt like this. Warm enough to be almost a tangible thing. She shivered slightly from the simple pleasure that sitting in the sun brought her. Beneath her skin she could practically sense her bones soaking in the heat. She rested her head against the heavy glass window next to her head and did her best to enjoy the moment. Kaoru was calmer now than she'd been in a long time.

Languidness had stolen over her from the moment she'd taken refuge in a far corner of her favorite sitting room. Surrounded by dusty books and other relics of the past, the space had changed little over the years. Old wood lined the walls and made up the sturdy tables and uncomfortable chairs. A tattered tapestry hung above the lit fireplace. The scene on it was too old and faded to discern. She was seated in what she had discovered from an early age was the only comfortable place in the entire room, a window seat tucked up against the far wall. Filled with squishy, ill formed mauve patterned pillows, it lay half hidden behind an especially large double sided bookcase. Large enough for two or three people, she'd settled on it over an hour earlier and had stayed there since.

She'd napped for a bit, the heat of the sun fueling a deep exhaustion she'd barely recovered from. Curled up like a cat, the sleep had been short and shallow. Kaoru poked at the pillow beneath her. She was still tired. Her body felt weak and ill used. If possible she would have stayed in bed all day. But Aoshi would have worried. A quiet, tense worry that would have surround the two of them for several days until she was back to herself. And she refused to let Lady Yumi see her so weak. Her hand tightened on the fabric beneath her. Stiffness ran through her shoulders and down between her shoulder blades. Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly and tried to expel the negative thoughts.

She had to think positively. Although the day had started late, it had all the makings of being a fairly good one. That is…after she'd woken up. The nightmares she'd had were expected, and she was determined not to let them ruin what could be a fine day. No need to focus on waking up drenched in sweat and shivering with both pain and fear. No need to dwell on the thought that tonight would more than likely be a repeat of the last. She just had to work harder at shutting them out. Aoshi couldn't know how much they haunted her, or how much she dreaded sleeping these next few days.

Kaoru pushed the thoughts away; this was not helping her day get any better.

Lady Yumi was busy entertaining the court, planning and participating in the upcoming fair. Kaoru had done her duty yesterday, and she wouldn't need to make another appearance for a while. Her head ached, her body hurt, and she had more bruises than she could count- but she was done. Unfortunately, she knew that by the time she had fully recovered from the experience, she'd be called on again. At least Lady Yumi paid her little attention during the days she wasn't needed in court. Thank God. Just the presence of the woman made her miserable.

Kaoru had taken a long soak in the tub after waking, trying to expel the tautness that refused to leave her. The water had been so hot, white wisps of steam had curled out of it and into the room, and the clear lavender scented liquid had left her skin red and sensitive. It hadn't done much good however. She still felt both tired and tense. The sun helped now, but she suspected that she truly wasn't relaxing- just succumbing to fatigue. Kaoru was enjoying the solitude though.

The room was empty except for her, and she was thankful for the stillness. The members of the court never wandered into here, it was too dull to excite their particular taste. No one of style would want to pour over old books and other trinkets. And it wasn't quite secluded enough for a secret rendezvous. Even the servants avoided this room, though Kaoru suspected that was due to her own regular presence.

It hurt to be alone though; she'd been unable to really talk with anyone in years. She missed the communication. The ability to have a normal conversation with someone was a craving she couldn't seem to forget. To say 'hello' to her brother or comment on the weather was a small want, but the supposed triviality of it didn't stop her from longing. Her fidgety hands smoothed at the stray hairs that had worked themselves loose of her simple up do. She glanced around the empty room before turning to look out the window.

In the garden four couples were having a snow fight. They laughed and threw comments at one another as haphazardly as they threw the cold balls of snow. Kaoru looked beyond them to the stone wall that shielded her view of the outside world. She turned away from the scene of revelry and wished for a heavy drapery to cover the sight. Without everyone around, Kaoru was able to pretend that she was just a normal young woman. Alone, no one mocked, stared, or openly scorned her.

An ache near her heart made her wish silently for Aoshi to return.

Her shadow, brother, and only ally had been called away shortly after they'd arrived at her favorite hiding spot. He'd looked his ever stoic self earlier that morning, but the circles under his eyes had told a different story. He was nearly as fatigued as she was. Kaoru wasn't sure what had caused the rings beneath his empty eyes, but she'd offered the only support she could- proximity. And although it wasn't much, she knew he appreciated it. Now, however; her straightforward objective had been thwarted.

Summoned to an unexpected meeting with Yumi, she hadn't seen the anger in his face; but had known that beneath the cool façade Aoshi was furious. She'd glimpsed his jaw flex and his mouth set in the hard line it always did when he had to meet their tormentor. Her brother did not like to leave her anywhere alone except for her own bedroom. In fact, he made it a point not to. He didn't trust anyone in this treacherous place that used to be called home.

Setting wards around the room to hinder anyone that would try to harm her, Aoshi hadn't needed to say that she stayed until he returned. She couldn't feel the protective shielding, but knew that it was strong enough to keep out anyone and everyone that would raise a hand against her. Only Lady Yumi was more powerful than her magically mutilated sibling. And if he hadn't been leaving to meet her, he would have insisted that Kaoru go back to her bedroom. Her brother was worried about her; he always was right after her magic had been resealed. Kaoru knew how protective he got, subtly threatening anyone who even breathed near her. This was another reason why she had chosen a place more secluded to spend the day. It was easier for him to protect her when they were in familiar territory.

Leaning back, Kaoru shut her eyes and let her thoughts slid away from her. She didn't want to fall asleep; she'd wanted to prove to Aoshi that she was feeling much better. He shouldn't have to worry about her when he had to deal with their benefactor Yumi. Who knew what she would demand of him. Kaoru recognized how much he had given up for her, and everyday she was thankful. As a child Kaoru wouldn't have survived without her older brother. He was all that she had.

Stifling a yawn, her arms fluffed the pillow behind her back before wrapping themselves around her midsection. She only needed to rest her eyes for a few minutes. If she was lucky, her nightmares would wait until tonight to make another appearance. When Aoshi returned, she'd pretend to be feeling great. But for now, Kaoru just wanted to sink into oblivion.

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Kenshin opened the door carefully before stepping in and closing it behind him. He wasn't sure what had possessed him to go inside. With a meeting to attend, he'd known Sanosuke would be angry as hell by his absence. Angry and worried. They were in enemy territory, to forget that would be a foolhardy and dangerous mistake. And although he did not want to worry his friend, the temptation had been too strong to pass by. Sanosuke would undoubtedly grumble, scold, and tease him when he discovered why Kenshin was missing. Only after smacking him upside the head though.

Walking by the old scratched-up wooden door Kenshin had known immediately by the heavy shielding that she would be in there. No one else but her brother was capable of such untainted magic in this area, and that man had only one thing he was willing to protect so seriously.

He'd dreamt of her last night. Deep blue eyes framed by heavy dark lashes. Lashes so long and thick he'd wondered how they hadn't tangled. Kenshin hadn't seen all of her, not in real life nor in his dream, but he had felt her. The touch had been brief in reality, a supportive hand on her back. But his fantasy had expanded on that simple touch.

Kenshin had dreamed of meeting her on a beach near his home. White sand as far as the eye could see; the sky had been lit up with a red and pink sunset. The light had made the sand a deep mauve, and her own pale skin had worn a reddish hue. She'd been facing the shore all smooth clear skin and soft lines. The gauzy silver thing she'd been wearing really couldn't be considered a proper dress, but it had floated just slightly in the breeze and looked marvelous on her.

It had started out innocently enough, with small touches and comforting gestures. His hand holding hers, her fingers resting on his arm as she leaned in to say something; the words muffled and too low to hear. But by the end his hand had been running up her bare leg while her breath puffed out warmly against his neck. The silvery piece of cloth she'd been wearing tangled in both their legs. The moment had been unbelievable. So good, so unbelievably perfect. Waking up, he'd ached for her physically and mentally.

He wanted to wrap himself around her and never let go.

And after pulling himself up out of the satisfied daze, Kenshin had grown furious. He'd paced his room, trying hopelessly to dispel the urge to break everything in his sight. In his dream he'd felt her breath against him as she'd spoken quietly. But he knew as the harshness of reality set in, that her doing such a thing was impossible. The poor girl couldn't speak even a syllable. A whispered confession of love was impossible. The sun had already begun its climb into the sky when he'd taken one last calming inhalation.

Now, presented with the opportunity of actually seeing her, Kenshin had stared at the magic, probed it gently in an attempt to get through it without actually breaking it. Tearing it would have been an idiotic mistake. Undoubtedly her brother would come, and Kenshin hadn't wanted to alienate the one man he needed to get along with. So instead he'd studied it with his own magic, learning by observation the skill in which the ward had been placed. It was a straightforward use of magic, performed by one who was skilled and practiced. It hung softly in the air, tickling the hair on his arms and the back of his knees. A definite sign that the magic user was talented.

And the spell, intricately woven, would not allow anyone to pass that carried a wish to harm the person within. Kenshin was impressed by the spell's ability to be both protective and practical. It also made entering easy for him. Since hurting the person within was the last thing on his mind, he'd stepped through the magic shielding easily. It had ghosted through him, teasing his own magical senses before passing over gently.

Now he studied the room with an all encompassing glance. A well worn space that hadn't been cleaned in awhile, it also had a fainter stench of Yumi's magic within it. Obviously she was rarely in there. He furrowed his brow however at the apparent emptiness of the room. The brother would never be so foolish as to let his sister wander around unescorted. Walking past a heavy table and matching sofa, Kenshin examined the dusty knick knacks and other bric-a-brac.

He did his best to appear curious and innocent. Kenshin wasn't sure how he'd engage the woman when he met her, but he knew it was essential for him to appear unthreatening and friendly. He assumed that her brother was gone, but he still was prepared to converse with him instead of her. Kenshin could be a patient man when a situation called for it; and this situation was one of the most delicate he'd been a part of.

The soft sound of rustling fabric reached his ears, and he cocked his head in the direction of the noise. Coming from the far side of the room, Kenshin recognized the sounds of a person shifting their weight. Stepping around an uncomfortable looking couch, he realized that the room was much larger than it first appeared. He peered around a wide bookcase, and froze at the sight.

The woman that had haunted his sleep reclined against the far wall. Half curled in a window seat, her soft form was framed by a huge glass window. Light filtered through it and over her relaxed form. Inky black tousled hair fell loosely from the pins attempting to restrain it. The strands were dark and shiny, and he suddenly wanted desperately to know what it looked like completely down. A stray tendril lay haphazardly against her cheek. He stepped closer, letting his eyes drink their fill. Her quiet breathing sounded loudly in his ears and she shifted her weight once more.

Her hair only made her skin in comparison look paler. It was clear and unmarred, broken only by the black crescents of her eyelashes and the barely parted pink of her mouth. He mesmerized that face, the cute upturned nose, the high cheekbones, the heart shaped mouth. She was so pretty it hurt.

His attention shifted to the rest of her, and Kenshin scowled at the gown she was forced to wear. It was simple, well made of a rough fabric, and black. He'd never hated the color more. As soon as she was free, Kenshin would burn every black article of clothing she owned. In fact, he would dress her in the brightest, prettiest, and most expensive material he could buy. Inclined as she was, the material bunched slightly near her feet; displaying one slender calf. His eyes traced over her stocking clad foot and up the length of her leg. It too was pale and perfect.

She turned, stretching slightly in her sleep, and Kenshin willed himself to be silent and still. The desire he'd felt for her earlier nearly doubled. She was just as wonderful outside as she was inside.

Without thinking he took a step forward and brought his hands up as if to touch her. He needed to know if her skin was as smooth as it looked, if her hair would glide through his hands as easily as he believed. She moved again, her eyes fluttering as she lazily stirred. Kenshin stepped back immediately, forcefully willing his hands to his side. Her eyes opened languidly, twin pools of unfocused sapphire blue.

She slowly came to herself, completely unaware of him as she uncurled herself. He realized then that she hadn't just been napping, she had fallen into a deep sleep. The puffiness beneath her eyes added to his evidence, and he was aware that she must still be fatigued from Yumi's ministrations. That bitch. Glancing out the window, she tucked back a stray hair and rubbed haphazardly at the back of her eyes. Stifling a yawn, she stretched and turned her head in his direction.

Her eyes widened and she froze at the sight of him.

He smiled at her, trying to be both friendly and apologetic for interrupting her sleep. Kenshin understood from court that she was not well treated by strangers, so he put on his most open face. Let her think him a fool for not knowing who she was. She could think of him as the biggest idiot ever if she would just stay in this room near him. His eyes he knew would be a bright violet.

"Excuse me, my lady," he scratched the back of his head and averted his eyes briefly, trying to appear unthreatening. "I didn't know anyone was here."

Bringing his eyes back to her, he watched her obvious awkwardness. She fiddled with the skirt of her dress, and stared blankly at her lap. She glanced behind him as if wishing for the appearance of her brother, and Kenshin's heart twisted. The woman was so used to being treated with callousness and disgust; she couldn't even meet his eyes in fear of what they'd show. Her hand came up to brush another errant lock from her cheek, and he watched her visibly try and pull herself together.

Seeming to remember protocol, she stood up and did a slight stiff bow of greeting. Her hands shook slightly. He was dressed formally, and standing was what was done in polite circles when two met for the first time. Kenshin didn't like that she put a barrier of formality between them. But watching her gain her bearings, he knew that she needed to feel in control of the situation. Although, technically an unrelated male and female being alone in the same room was enough to incite a forced proposal on the male's side. He was glad that she didn't try to push him out the door.

"I'm sorry for intruding. Would you like me to leave?"

She seemed genuinely surprised at his words, and shrugged her shoulders. It was apparent that she had expected him to bolt at the sight of her. That being near her would sicken and revolt him. Her eyes fell to the floor and her hands bunched and twisted the fabric of her dress. In that moment he hated everyone that had so much as frowned at her.

"Thank you for sharing the space, can you recommend a book?"

He didn't especially want to read, but he did want to spend as much time with her as possible. Unable to speak, he wasn't sure if she'd try to communicate. Kenshin watched her eyes rise up to his face and her mouth open and then close in amazement. He resisted the urge to grin. Instead he tried to look friendly….but not too friendly. Turning toward the bookcase behind him, he examined the titles with forced scrutiny. Many of them were old and faded, with a thick layer of dust covering the top. He saw her approach warily from the corner of his eye, still unsure of who he was or what he wanted. Kenshin forced his body to relax, forced him to take on the body language of an untroubled, untrained, and pleasant individual.

She'd learned over the years to rely on no one but her brother, and Kenshin was going to have to be patient in his attempts at gaining her trust. Standing near him, but not too close, she pulled off several worn novels near the bottom of the shelf. The fabric of her dress teased against his thigh. The books were practically falling apart from age, mold, and use, and he comprehended that these worn and aged objects were precious to her. Kenshin didn't know what had kept her from thinking he was nothing but a useless fop, but he thanked his luck.

He reached for the top book, and froze at the scent of lilacs that seemed to fill all five senses. She even smelled good. Grabbing one, he looked down at the spine. It was a collection of myths and fairytales from the north. A collection he had at home and perused frequently. She watched him read the spine, and he saw a flush spread up from the collar of her dress over to her cheeks. She was having second thoughts about even showing it to him.

"Thank you. This is perfect."

She colored brighter at his words, but smiled hesitantly at him before taking a book herself and going back to her seat. Opening it, she pulled her knees up so that her entire frame was blocked. The novel hid everything up to her well shaped eyebrows and mussed up hair. Behind her the sun showed through the window and made her glow.

He carefully approached her and trying to look nonchalant, sat at the far end of the window seat. Kenshin ignored the sudden tension that ran through her shoulders, and opened the book up. Half reading a well known story of an enchanted harp, he was just about finished with the tale before he felt her subtly start to relax. He sensed her eyes on him, studying him briefly before moving on; afraid to be caught. But as time passed, they lingered longer on his frame, and Kenshin wondered what it was she thought of him. His fingers tightened on the book he held in an effort to keep from looking up at her. Did she want him even a fraction of the amount he wanted her? Probably not.

Time passed in a daze, Kenshin soaking in the increasingly lazy atmosphere. She was still tense, still unsure of what to make of him, but she was no longer afraid as she had been initially. He turned the page and listened to her stifle a yawn. Furrowing his brow in concentration, Kenshin didn't like the way she still seemed so tired. The energy she gave off was weak, and wavered at times in thinly veiled exhaustion. It was well into the afternoon, and he knew that her brother wouldn't tolerate her doing anything that would run her down. Kenshin amended the thought. Anything that her brother could do to keep her healthy.

Fury grew in the pit of his stomach. He hadn't thought he could hate Yumi anymore than he already did. But a seemingly endless pit of rage had developed when he'd seen what she'd done to two perfectly good people. And this wellspring had grown darker and deeper than anything he'd ever had inside of him.

The woman across from him turned another page, and Kenshin let his wrath filter out. Right now the only thing he wanted to concentrate on was her. He heard her yawn again, and grasped that she would probably fall asleep at the drop of a pin. She had begun to slump more and more in her seat, the minutes between her turning pages growing longer and longer. But she wouldn't let herself sleep with him so near. She was still unsure of him, and would fight to stay awake until after he left. And more than anything he wanted her to be better than she was.

Making a great show of it, Kenshin stood up and stretched, glancing out the window before noting the page and shutting the book. Ambling over to the shelf, he carefully slid the book back into its place before turning to her. She watched him with wide eyes, anxious at his sudden movement. Smoothing his slightly wrinkled shirt, he smiled sheepishly and looked apologetically to her.

"I'm sorry, it's getting late and I have an appointment." He noted the way her shoulders slumped, soothed by his explanation. They fell further, and he tried to catch the flicker of something else in her eyes. Was that disappointment he saw? Relief? Did she think that he was leaving because he couldn't take her presence?

"This place was rather peaceful though; would you care if I came back again?"

She looked up quickly, and then just as fast looked away. Her shoulders shrugged carefully in practiced indifference, and Kenshin wished he could have a regular conversation with her. His seemingly bottomless pit of hatred for Yumi grew.

"Well," he started carefully, "I hope to see you again, my lady."

Redness covered her cheeks, and she turned her head away in obvious discomfort. He hadn't known if saying that was the right thing to do, but he had needed to say something to make her see that he did enjoy her company. If those words increased her chances of opening up to him even a fraction of an inch, they were worth it.

Stepping back and grinning apologetically for having to go, he turned and walked toward the door. He felt her eyes follow him until he was no longer visible. He opened the door, and shut it loud enough behind him that she could hear it from her place by the window. A large true smile crossed his face, and he ran a hand through his hair. Setting off toward the meeting he was now long overdue at, he didn't care what Sano would say or think. He had just come face to face with something he wanted badly. Something he wanted to wrap himself around and never let go.

It had been a first encounter; with weak, mismatched, and tense interactions between the two of them- but an encounter nonetheless. And he was determined that on that one meeting he would build the footholds of their intertwined fate.

Because they were meant to be, even if she hadn't realized it yet.

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Next Time: Kaoru reflects on her meeting with a red haired person, and Aoshi begins to notice the man focusing in on his sister...and a girl watching him. He is not pleased.

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