A/N: Another round of Rurouni Kenshin! Yay! Wow, you guys really like this story huh? Good because reviews get me writing! Yes, bad Kenshin! I'm sorry about he wait…. I, uh, couldn't get to write something good, so I took a little break and then sat myself down and opened up word to write. I hope you like this chapter!

Warning: Cursing, Aoshi and Kaoru lovin', some drama, and secrets!

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin, I wish I did!

----

The party stopped for a split second and Sanosuke was walking purposely towards the older red head, his brown eyes practically screaming that he was an idiot. He felt like one right at that moment and it didn't take Sanosuke more than a second to grab his collar and drag him to a corner where no one else was.

"What are you doing bringing Tomoe here Kenshin? I mean it's great that you've moved on but you're hurting the missy and your kid!" he snapped and raked a hand through his spiky hair. Sometimes Kenshin was just an idiot, who would have that he was, no he wouldn't think that. Sanosuke shook his head.

"I'm sorry," Kenshin sighed feeling as if the whole world was crashing upon him.

"Don't tell me that! Tell that to the little Missy!" Sanosuke pointed towards where Saitoh was talking to Kaoru, his hand resting on her trembling shoulder. Kenji on the other hand was pouting and his friends were trying to cheer him up. Another rush of misery passed through Kenshin and he felt like scum. He looked up once again and dread filled his stomach, his father was walking towards him seeming none to happy.

"Idiot!" he hissed and crossed his arms over his chest, "You got to be the stupidest son ever." Kenshin lowered his eyes.

"I know I shouldn't have brought Tomoe but she adores Kenji, and she's practically family now!" Kenshin tried to explain, but Hiko held his hand up and glared.

"No, I'll speak. Just because you've been dating for five years doesn't make her family," Kenshin opened his mouth to speak but Hiko didn't let him, "and it is easy to see that Kenji doesn't seem to return to feelings of Tomoe. So bringing her here because she adores him is still out of the question!" He cringed as his father bellowed. "Now, you go say hello to Kaoru give Kenji what ever you got for him and either tell Tomoe to leave or you both do!"

Kenshin couldn't believe it, yes he was stupid moron but wasn't his own father supposed to be on his side? Was there anyone on his side? Of course not he was the bastard who broke Kaoru's heart, the only one who really wanted to heal him. He was an asshole.

With a dejected sigh Kenshin made his way over to Kaoru. Saitoh was still there and was standing before Kaoru protectively. His hand curled tightly on Kenshin's shoulder and Saitoh leaned closer his voice deadly in his ears. "If you hurt her Battousai I will kill you." For a split second Kenshin's eyes flared gold, but as quickly as it came it left.

Kaoru's blue eyes shifted up towards him and he felt his heart race and his stomach plummet. He was a moron, but their time had passed. Kaoru was moving on, unfortunately. Her eyes held weariness and some edges of sadness, but she had moved on, maybe. Kenshin hoped for a split second it was the old them before, before she found that letter.

"What the hell is this?" she hissed throwing a crumpled letter in his face. Her blue eyes flashed dangerously and she was gripping a ladle tightly in her fists. He numbly picked it up and his eyes widened at the information splay across it. They then narrowed and he gripped the paper furiously.

"You're reading my mail!" he snapped back. Kaoru took a few steps back, but then thought better and returned to her spot, eyes still blazing.

"I was getting worried! You were gone all hours of the night and you barely even look at me anymore Kenshin! Do you even notice Kenji has grown?" she yelled back and now her eyes, one of his favorite features of hers, were watering, yet tears never fell. This time it was he who took a step back. "Now what is that?" Kaoru pointed to the letter. What is it talking about?" He looked down at the paper and ripped it into shreds.

"It's nothing," he let the pieces fall on the ground, and walked away.

"Kenshin!"/"Daddy!"

Kaoru and Kenji's voices mixed as they cried out. He didn't want to hear them right then so he went outside to walk. He returned to the house an hour later and slipped into bed next to his wife. She snuggled up to him instinctively, and he wrapped his arms around her small frame.

That had been the tip of the ice burg. His relationship with his wife, now ex-wife, had never been the same. Why hadn't he told her? No, he wasn't ready to reveal himself then and he hadn't done so yet either.

"Kenshin, is something wrong?" her voice brought him back from his musing and there he notice another emotion in her eyes, amusement, along with the pain and sadness.

"Ah, no, sorry," he blushed and rubbed the back of his head. How are you, Kaoru?" For a few moments she looked shocked but she forced a smile.

"I'm doing okay and you?" she replied civilly. Kenshin couldn't help but feel stung by her tone. It felt as if she were forcing herself to be nice to him. She probably is you idiot.

"I'm fine," he nodded and quickly left her presence, but not before telling her good-bye. As he approached his son Kenshin felt his chest constrict as Kenji gave him a death glare. Yahiko and Tsubame were playing a video game while his other friend, a girl he hadn't met yet, was cheering them on. Kenji on the other hand had probably been watching the exchange between Kaoru and him ready to jump in if he felt needed. Now it was almost if his haunches were raised. "Hello, Kenji," Kenshin smiled at his son. The boy only snorted, "Well, Tomoe and I wanted to," he trailed off. Where was Tomoe? Looking around he saw her chatting politely with Megumi. That's not good he sighed. Anyway, Tomoe and I just wanted to say happy birthday and give you this." Kenshin handed him a long slender box. Kenji reluctantly took it.

"Bye," he bit out and Kenshin smiled at the boy.

"Good-bye," With a bow he saved Tomoe from Megumi and went off.

Kaoru felt her knees finally give way and she sat in a chair, but she made sure she did so that no one noticed how tired she was of being strong. She just wanted to go in a corner and damn it! Yet, there was Kenji and he would worry and hate Kenshin more. In full truth she was as much of a cause of the divorce as he was, and she finally had proof that she hurt him. His eyes that were amethyst with speckles of gold spoke of hurt and remorse for a split second as he stared into her own.

"Uh, Ms Kamiya," Tsubame asked the woman as she tugged at her sleeves. Yahiko and I were wondering if Kenji could open his presents because I have work to go to." Kaoru smiled at the girl and nodded.

"Yes, he can open presents."

-----

"So, Kenji, did you enjoy your party?" Hikaru asked during school that Wednesday.

"Yeah, it was awesome!" he replied, but his mind was on what happened earlier that week at his birthday party. His father had stopped right in front of his mother and just stared as if he were stuck in memory or emotion. He didn't know what, but now he was so confused about his so-called uncaring father. Plus, he had to go to Kenshin's that weekend also.

Kenshin had called later that week and had asked if Kenji could stay with him that weekend since he didn't see him that much for his birthday. Kenji on the other hand tried to explain to his mother that he saw his father more than enough that weekend. She didn't listen to him and agreed. When he had asked her, no demanded, why. She had told him that his father loved him very much and wanted to see him also that he and his father should work it out. He's an idiot and cruel. I hate him! Kenji seethed.

"Space cadet!" Hikaru tugged lightly on his hair, her dark eyes flashing angrily. What did you get from your dad? You didn't open it at the party." Shaking his hair out of her vicious grasp Kenji sent her a searing glare.

"I haven't opened it. What ever it is I'll probably hate it, and mom will have to return it," he sighed.

"So, then why don't you open it and get it over with? Like I do with gifts from my grandma," Hikaru shrugged. Allowing her to receive a deadpanned look Kenji shook his head at her. "Oh, come on. Maybe it'll be cool?" she tried to suggest.

"Shut up. It won't be cool. It's from him!" Kenji snapped back, but he regretted it as Hikaru move back as if she had been hit.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

" 'Karu," he sighed opening his mouth to say an apology, but nothing came out. Instead of waiting for him to say something Hikaru walked away towards her class. I'm an idiot like he is!

----

Aoshi stared at the screen tiredly. Once again he was at his day job, as some people liked to joke. Shaking his head, he decided today was not his day. Not only had some clumsy coworker spilled coffee all over him, but his other boss had just informed him he had to go get a person from the past, who would rather leave the past be. Also, if the files were going to stack up more he'd then be behind, and he didn't want to cancel his date with Kaoru.

Three months they had known each other before their first date and he had to admit he was glad her two friends, he believed they were, had noticed his interest in her. On their first date Aoshi had been a little nervous and worried that he would be called for his other job the one Kaoru didn't know about just yet. Yet, if she were the one then he would tell her about his dark secrets.

A swift knock broke him from his thoughts and Aoshi was surprised to see the woman of his thoughts enter. Her hair was pulled up in a high ponytail and tendrils that had escaped it hung around her face. She looked beautiful.

"Hey, uh, Yumi asked me to give you these since it's her birthday," Kaoru blushed and handed him a piece of vanilla cake with green frosting. I don't know why she didn't do it on her own you know she loves getting away from work," she babbled. Aoshi couldn't help but allow a small smile to form on the corner of his mouth. Placing a finger to her lips he silenced her.

"Thank you Kaoru," he nodded and sat back down. She took that as a dismissal and walked out of the office. Maybe today wasn't so bad.

----

Kaoru couldn't help but take a deep breath and return to her desk. She was such an idiot! Stuttering in front of Aoshi like a schoolgirl. It was almost like Kenshin all over again. No, she sighed; stop thinking about that it's in the past you need to move on! Kaoru allowed a frown to appear on her face and her brows furrowed a little as she thought of the future. She wanted more children, more laughter that would ring through the house. Yes, there would be a huge age difference between Kenji and the new child, but she was aching to have another baby. Yet, adoption at the moment was out of the question, she didn't have the finances to support another baby just yet. Plus she wasn't too old; she had Kenji when she was very young, so it wasn't like she was in her forties.

"Hey, why the long face? Aoshi snap at you for interrupting his precious work time?" Megumi asked sitting delicately on the edge of Kaoru's desk.

"No, my biological clock is ticking," she sighed placing her chin on her hand.

"Why? You've already had a kid! Here you can take one of mine," Yumi chuckled holding out a picture of her three children, all Shishio's of course. The youngest one was a three-year-old boy who looked much like his daddy.

"Jeez, Yumi, why don't you and Shishio get married or something?" Kaoru asked looking at the three boys in the picture. They were all adorable none of them Kenji's age or even older. Their ages went from ten, four, and three, and Kaoru wondered how Yumi and Shishio still managed to have a nightlife. Usually when either Kaoru or another mother in the building asked Yumi chuckled and gave a knowing smile, but she never answered their questions. This was another question Yumi never answered.

"Anyway, why is your biological clock ticking, Kaoru?" Megumi changed to subject back. The blue eyed woman sighed.

"I don't know I just want another baby, but first I have to actually have a husband," Kaoru sighed blatantly ignoring Yumi's comment about having a stable boyfriend would work too.

"Odd," Megumi sighed, she had never really felt the urge to have children probably even when she helped out at the clinic and got to hold tiny babies. She adored them, but never had she wanted to have one of her own. Maybe she just wasn't a family type of woman.

"Okay, how about this Kaoru," another coworker, Jan was it, spoke up.

"How about you bag Aoshi? Then you'd have really cute kids since both of you are lookers, or maybe even that Saitoh guy he's not that bad either!" A blush rushed across Kaoru's face as Yumi and Megumi defended her saying she wasn't that kind of woman. Jan, was that really her name, was quiet for the rest of the workday.

----

It was the dreaded Friday, Kenji sighed as his mother closed the trunk where his duffel bag was and since Sano's car broke down, his mother didn't like cars, they were going to ride with Misao. Meaning, his legs were going to be cramped in the back of her tiny car. Hikaru was standing on the sidewalk next to him her arm dangling off his shoulders, watching as Kaoru and Misao discussed things.

"I really wished you didn't have to go," she sighed and Kenji nodded. I really wanted you to come to the movies with me." A slight blush tinged his cheeks from her comment. She didn't mention Yahiko or Tsubame he gulped. For the first time in his life he would have gone out with Hikaru alone on something like a date, but his father ruined it. Sure it would have been more of a hang out thing, but it would be his mother's face that counted, when he would tell her he was going to the movies with Hikaru. Actually he could picture it now, her face beaming and her eyes, the ones he inherited, shining with happiness.

"What movie were you thinking about going to?" he asked glancing at the girl from the corner of his eyes.

"Oh, it depended on whether you were going or not. If you were going we'd watch an action or horror film, but since you can't I'll probably go to some sappy chick-flick and laugh at the ridiculousness of it," she grinned and Kenji cursed under his breath. When he and Hikaru watched movies together they would almost always comment on things either how cool that move was, for action films, or how stupid/scary that scene had been, during horror films. Only once had she made him watch a chick-flick and they had both fallen asleep during it, much to his mother's amusement, on each other. Luckily they had been at his house or her father would have murdered him.

"Ready?" his mother's voice broke him out of his thought process and he moved away from Hikaru, but not before she latched onto him with a huge hug. Kenji's blue eyes widened in shock as she clung to him for a few seconds before letting go.

"I'll miss you. Call me when you get back in town okay?" she asked tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ears. Kenji nodded jerkily and walked towards the car where Misao was grinning like a Cheshire cat. He knew that smile it warned him of unrelenting teasing.

"Kenji's got a girlfriend," she said playfully as he buckled himself in. She was about to continue when his mother, thankfully, intervened.

"Misao stop teasing my son and get on the road or I'll drive," she threatened laughingly. Misao squeaked and stepped on the gas, peeling out of the driveway. Kenji turned towards the window and waved at Hikaru until she was only a tiny dot. A small smile rested on his lips and he leaned back in the seat thankful Misao, who he was seated behind, was so short, unlike Sanosuke.

"So, Kenji what'd you all get for your birthday?" Misao asked as she drove. Flicking her blinker on at the stop sign she look back at him for a split second.

"Uh, clothes, video games, random things," he shrugged.

"What? No car?" she frowned at the rearview mirror. Kenji shook his head sadly. He had actually been very eager to get a new car, but when none of his presents were keys so he gave up, plus his mother didn't like cars at all.

"Kenshin has two gifts for Kenji," Kaoru replied.

"Really? Wow!" Misao grinned and Kenji's eyes widened. Of course my father's a lot richer than we are for some reason he has a lot of money Kenji frowned. "Hey, Kenji what was your first present?" she asked. In the backseat Kenji shifted uncomfortably unwilling to announce to his mother that he hadn't even opened it. "Kenji?" Another bout of shifting and he caught his mother's eyes in the side view mirror. She knew.

"I believe he got a special heirloom," his mother said, her tone odd to his ears. She wasn't happy that he didn't open the present. "One that meant a lot to Kenshin."

"Oh, wow you mean that its," Misao trailed off and gave a whistle. "You lucky duck, Kenji!" The red head on the other hand was floored. He was lucky? Huh? Shaking his head he laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head.

"Uh, yeah, really lucky," he mumbled, embarrassed. The chatter went on like that for the whole trip and Kenji relaxed a little as his mother and Misao told jokes and old stories of when they were younger. He noticed that his father was never brought up in stories. Maybe it was to not upset him or even his mother, but he was thankful for it. He was going to have to spend the weekend with him, so he didn't want to hear about him.

Pulling into the parking lot of the mall, Misao told Kenji that after his dad picked him up she was jacking his mother and taking her shopping. He couldn't help but beam at the woman, his mother didn't buy much for herself anymore, actually he never remembered her spoiling herself. The smile dropped off his face as he recognized a familiar car pull up next to them and his father stepped out this time alone. Good he learned Kenji snorted.

"Hey, Himura," Misao greeted and Kaoru gave her ex husband a quick nod as she pushed the chair forward to let Kenji out. As her son stepped out, she looked over his features making sure he was okay. She really wished he and his father would get along better, even if they weren't together anymore.

"Hello, Misao. Hey Kenji," Kenshin smiled at his son, but his own smile fell when he received a glare. He'll never forgive me will he, but how can he when I don't really forgive myself for hurting Kaoru he sighed.

"Kenji!" Kaoru nudged her son and he reluctantly stepped forward. A sad look passed over her face and she enclosed him in a tight hug. Kenji hugged her fiercely back and tried to whisper to her not to make him go, but Kaoru shook her head and pulled away from her son a little bit. Stroking his hair she pecked him on the forehead to told him to be good. He sighed in defeat and walked towards his father.

"Ready to go?" Kenshin asked and the boy nodded.

"Let's get this over with," he muttered.

----

It was Saturday afternoon, soon it would be night, and Kenji was sprawled out on the plush couch of his father's staring blankly at the television screen. While in the background his father and Tomoe were speaking in hushed tones. They seemed to be fighting, but he didn't pay any mind to it. If their volume was to get louder he would just turn up the TV. He heard Tomoe sigh and walk into another room, but his father's footsteps didn't follow hers instead they were headed towards the living room and soon Kenji's feet were moved so Kenshin could sit.

"So, do you want to do?" Kenshin asked trying to bond with his son. The boy only look at him blankly for a few seconds before turning his attention to something that was on the channel. Probably some trashy reality show. Kenshin sighed and finally turned his attention to the show. His eyes widened slightly as two girls on the television started to make out at a club for money. What in the hell is he watching? Yet, as soon as he thought that Kenji flipped the channel to some cartoons. Kenshin relaxed a little and smiled as Kenji giggled at the antics of the creatures on the screen. It seemed his son either ignored his presence or had forgotten he was even there as he laughed a little more.

He laughs like she does Kenshin thought sadly as Kenji let out another bark of laughter. Getting up from the couch he softly told his son that he was going to fix supper. Whether he heard him or not, Kenshin didn't know, but he continued his way towards the kitchen passing the one room Kenji was not allowed in.

Dinner was awkward as usual. Kenji, even though his father's cooking was on of the best things he ever tasted, picked at his food and every once in a while would take a bite. This time Tomoe was deathly silent she didn't even talk softly to Kenji asking him how he was or what he was doing at school. Yet, her dark eyes latched on to his and she finally spoke up.

"Your father told me your mother has a serious boyfriend what's he like," she asked. Kenji knew she was cryptically asking him if he accepted his mother's boyfriend unlike her. Placing the fork down Kenji tried to conjure up the imagery of the man who had taken his mother out on a date last Friday and who had brought her back her coat that Saturday morning.

"He's really tall and he's quiet. Really smart too. I think he really cares for my mom since he opens the doors for her all the time," Kenji listed some things he inferred from meeting the man for only a split second. Tomoe nodded and turned back to her food her unspoken question answered, it was a yes. Kenji hoped the answer was actually a yes when he did get to meet the man, if he ever did, but his mother was so protective of whom he met when she dated. She was always worried about him. If he didn't like the guy she was half way there to booting him out of her life, yet if she really, really liked him Kenji was sure she'd date him. Only once did he actually meet a guy and that was Enishi.

By the look of his mother he knew she liked the guy, and he probably treated her really well too. Yet, Kenji didn't like the look of him and made it apparent on his face. The second she saw that Kaoru sighed and told Enishi just to sit on the couch while she and Kenji set the table. In the kitchen, much larger than his father's, she confronted him and Kenji listed some reasons, some total bullshit other his real feelings. Kaoru looked unsure for a few moments then nodded. At that point Kenji knew that guy was history.

The sound of his father's cell phone tore Kenji from his memory and he looked up to see Tomoe looking a little unhappy. His father didn't seem all that happy either. Flicking open the device he answered and walked quickly towards the forbidden room. He closed the door and Kenji's brows furrowed. His father was being secretive.

After thirty minutes of silence, in which he finished his meal, Kenshin returned to the table and ignored the questioning look Tomoe gave him. A frown appeared on Kenji's face as he began to think about how his father was acting now. Maybe that's why mother and he broke it off his secrets, maybe they were so big she couldn't handle them. After his father's return Kenji went to the guestroom. Around eleven thirty he migrated to the couch as usual and passed out.

The sound of voices awoke Kenji from his deep sleep, but it wasn't his father and Tomoe. No, the voices were both male, one was his father's he knew that, but the other was slightly familiar as well. They must have either been standing by the door or in the dinning room.

"They need you," the familiar voice stated firmly.

"I don't see why they have you and the others," Kenshin sighed. I don't want to do this anymore. It has already ruined one marriage and it's starting to ruin my other relationship." Kenji's eyes snapped wide. Whatever the man wanted his father to do it had ruined his parents' marriage.

"The others aren't as good or efficient as you are," the unknown man sighed.

"I won't do it. Tomoe doesn't like it when I have to go out at night and all these missions do is cause more hurt and damage I'm not fifteen anymore," Kenshin hissed.

"No, but you're still Battousai," the other replied. Battousai? Kenji wondered what that meant. Creeping around to look at the two men he what he saw shocked him. There standing across from his father was his mother's boyfriend.

----

Earlier that Saturday night before his visit with the Battousai, Aoshi was sitting in front of one of the most gorgeous women he knew. Her deep blue eyes smiled at him as he pulled the chair out for her. They talked, well it was mostly her talking, about life and her son. She loved to talk about Kenji and he didn't mind. It meant he didn't have to reply to terribly much and he could admire her, plus she wasn't bragging about the boy.

"This is a really good place Aoshi, how did you find it?" she asked placing a piece of lobster in her mouth and relishing at the taste. A small smirk twitch at the corner of his mouth as she enjoyed her meal.

"That's my little secret," he spoke softly. Kaoru raised an eyebrow at him and this time popped a shrimp in her mouth.

"Oh really?" she beamed at him. He was quite nice off duty, actually when she bothered him Wednesday he had been pleasant then too.

"Yes, you see I have certain ways to find things out," he smirked.

"Like a ninja?" she joked and Aoshi almost let shock appear on his face. She's close. Yet, his facial expression had never changed.

"Exactly," he replied smoothly and Kaoru was let to a fit of giggles. So how was your weekend so far?" he asked.

"Oh well so far it's been really good. I dropped Kenji off at his father's and was dragged off to go shopping," Kaoru's voice shook a little when she mentioned Kenshin, but she fondly remembered the shopping trip.

Misao practically dragged her throughout the whole entire mall looking for the perfect dress for her. They finally stopped at an incredibly expensive looking store. Her green eyes lit up and she shoved Kaoru in.

"You know I'm really jealous," she stated right off the bat. Kaoru frowned and cocked an eyebrow in confusion.

"Why?"

"Aoshi Shinomori asked you out! He is practically God's gift to women! Now try this on," Misao spoke quickly as she shoved a dress towards Kaoru.

"I didn't know you felt that way," Kaoru spoke numbly.

"Of course you didn't, but I'm happy for you after what you went through with Kenshin it's good to see you dating again," Misao replied and shook her head when Kaoru came out. Tossing another dress toward her friend she continued. "Plus if he's interested in you I don't have much of a chance yet, but if you break up could you steer him my way?"

"Uh, sure I suppose if it's not a messy break up, and I've dated before Aoshi!" Kaoru defended herself.

"Yeah, water testing dates! The only real one you had was with the Enishi guy, and you turned him away the second Kenji wrinkled his nose at him!" Misao called back. Kaoru sighed it was true. Stepping out of the dressing room she twirled. "Perfect!" Misao grinned.

Kaoru told a condensed version of her adventure at the mall, excluding everything Misao said about liking Aoshi of course she didn't want to embarrass the girl. Aoshi listened to her talk interested. It was quite a coincidence that Kaoru had been in the same town that the Battousai resided in. The same town he would soon enter to hunt down said man.

"Ah, well, tell Misao thank you because you look amazing today," Aoshi told her as he reached for her hand. Kaoru's face softened as their fingers intertwined. He was so sweet and she did care for him. Both of them leaned forward slowly and their lips brushed against each other softly. Aoshi didn't press it farther content on staying where they were at the moment. Though his hand caressed the side of her face tenderly. Pulling back, Kaoru's eyes slowly opened and she couldn't help the smile that reigned over her. Aoshi's eyes were locked on hers as he leaned forward for another kiss, and once more their lips were pressed against each other.

This time after pulling back Aoshi stood and placed the needed money on the table. "Shall we go on a walk?" he asked holding out his hand. This is romantic; Megumi will eat her heart out. Placing her hand in his own callused one Kaoru allowed Aoshi to lead them to a park.

They entered the gardens and Kaoru's breath was caught. There were dozens of fireflies. Tears began to sting at the corners of her eyes, but she never allowed them to go any farther. Aoshi wrapped an arm around her figure and allowed her to watch the glowing bugs.

This is where I met Kenshin she took a gulp of air and tried to will away the memories. She would not let them rule her! Kenshin was happy with Tomoe so why couldn't she be happy with Aoshi? Turning in his arms, Kaoru kissed him with a little more passion than before. It took Aoshi a few seconds to regain his composure, but soon he was kissing her back. To night she would get rid of those memories.

-----

A/N: Yeah, okay first of all this story is not set in modern day Japan, just wanted to clear that up before someone tells me that this isn't how the Japanese culture is. I know, but when I wrote the beginning of this story it was on a whim and I didn't really study anything, plus I had the first chapter half way done by then. Anyway, this story is also my stress relief story for when I get stuck on my original novella. So, where are they? I don't know probably America. Don't worry if I ever do another story of this and it's based in Japan I'll be sure to try to bone up on the culture first!

Actually parts of this story made me really sad, like when Kenji was talking about his gift from Kenshin. I don't know why but I pictured Kenshin looking so sad and I felt really bad then.

Oh, yeah Aoshi and Misao. I can't promise anything really. If the characters come together then they will I won't force them to be a couple because a lot of people like it. I'm sorry. (I hope I don't lose a lot of fans) On another note, Aoshi smile alert! Sorry about the kissing scenes –ducks behind a chair in case there's angry KxK fans- but I have to try and make it real! I warned you guys!

Okay before I get a bunch of questions, if I do, Aoshi had never met Kenshin before then, so when he met Kenji for a split second in the first chapter of course he didn't put two and two together. Yet, as you can see he's a little suspicious about it. Of course by next chapter Aoshi will have put two and two together because he's smart like that!

About Tomoe, I'm not trying to make her seem like a bitch, sorry if I do, but I want to put it across that she isn't too keen on Kenshin's job, being as it's illegal. (I know you guys know by now! If you don't just ignore me!) Plus there's got to be some friction for those two to break up. Also I will not portray Tomoe as a whore or anything, I'm not that kind of a writer.

In truth my dear readers I wasn't sure this chapter would make it past seven pages, but it did and I'm extremely happy. It also helps that so many of you reviewed! I really liked Misao in this chapter and I hope I gave you guys enough Aoshi time. Please review it keeps my spirits up when you do! This is a really long authors note.

Next Time: Kenji is shocked that his mother's boyfriend knows his father. Also introduction of another admire to Kaoru, Soujiro Seta.