Author's Notes: Thank you to everyone who has followed, fav'd and reviewed. Honestly, seeing the little alerts show up in my mailbox, especially when I'm having a particularly nasty day at work, just make me so happy. I'm glad you guys are embracing this story. And if you like it, I really encourage you to check out the original Persuasion by Jane Austen. It's free on iBooks, and you can find copies of it around the interwebs. If reading the book is a bit daunting for you, then there is always the 2007 movie version, which is pretty faithful, if a bit interesting with the camera work. The 1995 version with Ciarian Hinds is also quite good.

And a quick cultural note…the festival I'm referencing here is the Tenno Matsuri. They really do have these boats covered in paper lanterns Japanese festivals are all kinds of awesome and one of the things I miss the most about Japan.

Beta: Sumiregusa (Everyone send her some love because she's been ill this week)
Rating: T
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Persuasion is in the public domain, but was written by Jane Austen.

Chapter 7

They were gradually acquainted, and when acquainted, rapidly and
deeply in love. It would be difficult to say which had seen
highest perfection in the other, or which had been the happiest:
she, in receiving his declarations and proposals, or he in
having them accepted. - Persuasion, Jane Austen

Edo, 1863

"Never? Not even once?"

"No, Master thought that such things were frivolous and not useful for training."

"But it's so beautiful," sighed Kaoru, a far off look on her face. She stood suddenly, almost knocking over the tea that was set between them. She hurried down the engawa and slipped on her geta. Kenshin watched as she ran up towards him and quickly grabbed his hands pulling him to his feet.

"Come on Kenshin," said Kaoru a bright smile on her face, tugging him towards the gate. "If we hurry we can make it for the start."

"The start of what," he asked letting himself be pulled forward, knowing that he couldn't resist her even if he tried.

"The lantern festival of course!" Kaoru exclaimed. She tugged on his hands again, and Kenshin laughed. Despite what Katsura had warned, Kenshin had allowed his feelings for Kaoru to grow. He was starting to realize that he didn't know if he could leave, or even live without her in his life in some way. Realizing that didn't scare him, but he was unsure if she felt the same.

Kaoru kept tugging his hand and Kenshin let her drag him along. Kaoru was smiling and laughing as they made their way quickly down the street, the last light from the sunset painting the horizon a pink and orange glow. Soon they came to the river. Kaoru kept going taking them away from the crowds.

"I thought we were going to watch the lanterns," Kenshin looked over his shoulder at the crowd of people along the banks.

"Not here!" Kaoru giggled. "I have a better spot to watch them. Come on! You're being too slow." Kaoru let go of his hand and ran ahead, her laughter teasing him to follow. Kenshin ran to catch up, easily keeping pace with her. She led them parallel to the banks and then ducked into the thick brush that grew along the river margins. Kenshin had no problem following her, and they emerged on top of a small bank, with a clear view of the river and no one else around.

Kaoru smiled as he joined her. "My mother used to bring me here every year. It's the best place to watch the boats."

They stood silent for a while, watching the river flow past them. Then as soon as the last light had left, Kenshin could make out the first boat coming down the river. The boats were covered in lanterns, with the top of the boat shaped with the lanterns into a large dome. Kenshin watched as the boats floated past, the light from the lanterns lighting up the river and shore.

"You're right," he said. "It's beautiful." Kaoru grinned at him, and grabbed his hand squeezing it tight before looking back out towards the river. Kenshin swallowed and looked down at their entwined hands. He slowly lifted his gaze and looked at Kaoru. The light from the lanterns made her face glow, and as beautiful as the boats looked with their lights, nothing could compare to the girl standing next to him.

Kenshin stared at her, knowing that what he was feeling was dangerous. In a few weeks he would be off to Kyoto to join the start of Katsura's revolution. But right now, he couldn't feel any of the coldness he would need to be an assassin that lived in shadows. All he could feel was the strong pull of his heart towards this girl who had become increasingly precious to him.

"Kaoru," he whispered, and she turned towards him. Her eyes widened and not really knowing what he was doing, Kenshin tugged slightly on their hands bringing her close. He looked into her blue eyes, shining with the light of the lanterns, and slowly brought his face towards hers. Hesitating only a small space from her lips, he looked into her eyes and seeing encouragement there, Kenshin closed the distance and softly pressed his lips to hers. He kissed her hesitantly at first, trying not to be overwhelmed. Feeling bolder as time went on and the kiss continued, Kenshin dropped her hands and brought his arms around her. She felt her hands reach up to his shoulders, and he again deepened the kiss, encouraged by her reaction.

After a few moments Kenshin ended the kiss and pulled back, despite Kaoru's small whimper at the loss of his lips on hers. Kenshin leaned forward and rested his forehead on hers, reluctant to release her from his grasp. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, and from Kaoru's rapid breath, knew that she was feeling the same.

"Kaoru," Kenshin repeated whispering her name.

"Mmmm," Kaoru opened her eyes and smiled, her face full of joy. Kenshin couldn't help it and he smiled too, before he seized her lips in another kiss. Kaoru kissed him back, deepening the kiss and moving her hands up from his shoulders to the base of his neck. He pulled her in tight, giving in completely to his feelings.

How long they stood there, kissing at the side of the river while the lantern boats passed them by he didn't know. His world started and stopped at this wonderful woman in his arms.

"We should probably get back soon," Kenshin said hoarsely, reluctant to leave but knowing that they would be missed if they were gone any longer.

"Okay," Kaoru nuzzled her face into his shoulder, and sighed happily.

"I…I…" he started, stumbling over his words, not knowing how to say what he felt. This intense emotion was so overwhelming, so encompassing. Kenshin grasped at trying to find the words.

"I know," Kaoru said, eyes shining, "I feel it too, Kenshin."

ooooo

In his 14 years of life, Kenshin couldn't think of a time he was happier. Even as he sat weeding out the small garden in the Kamiya-dojo grounds under the hot summer sun, he was happy. The work wasn't really required but he enjoyed doing it, and Kaoru was out for the afternoon visiting her friend Tae. Kaoru had asked him if he wanted to come out with her but he had declined, preferring to stay at the dojo instead. He had met Tae before, but she had given him a cold look after seeing how attentive he was to Kaoru. He didn't really understand why, but Tae seemed to disapprove of the time they spent together.

Kenshin smiled as he thought about Kaoru. The week with her since the lantern festival had been…incredible. Both Kamiya and Katsura had been busy with the numerous messages and visitors almost daily now to the dojo, so they didn't seem to mind as the two teens left to go on walks. Lazy summer days were spent walking along the rivers around Edo, or venturing into the forested lands outside the city. Just yesterday they had sat together underneath the shade of a great maple tree, watching the world pass them by. Kaoru had kissed him underneath that maple tree, and he realized then that he never wanted this summer to end.

Kenshin was roused from his musings, but the sudden arrival of yet another messenger. Kenshin recognized him as he had been at the dojo before. The man ran into the dojo yard, with a panicked look on his face. Kenshin stood and brushed off his hands, feeling that something was wrong.

"Katsura-sama! Katsura-sama!" On hearing his name, Katsura and Kamiya came out of the dojo, where they had been holding a meeting with numerous other men.

"Daichi?" asked Katsura. "What's wrong?"

"You have to leave! Now! The Daimyo's men are coming!" Daichi was almost quaking in fear. Katsura didn't react in shock, but quickly turned, and started to gather up the maps that were spread between the men. Daichi followed him in to the dojo and whispered hurriedly. Whatever the messenger said, wasn't good, as Kamiya suddenly went over to the dojo wall and grabbed the katana that was placed on the stand there. The other men started filing out of the dojo, not wanting to be present when the Daimyo's samurai showed up.

Kamiya grabbed Katsura's arm as he exited the dojo, looking him fiercely in the eye.

"There will be no bloodshed at the Kamiya-dojo,." Katsura nodded at Kamiya's declaration and Kamiya released him, heading towards the dojo gates.

"Kenshin, get your things," Katsura yelled across the yard as he walked hurriedly into the house to grab his own belongings out of his room.

"What?"

"We're leaving. Now. We don't have much time."

Kenshin stepped up on to the engawa and followed Katsura to his room. He was quickly stuffing some items into a small cloth sack.

"Why," said Kenshin, his mind distraught. How could he just leave? Kaoru wasn't even here. Was he just supposed to leave without saying goodbye?

"We have to leave for Kyoto now. Don't question why, we just have to go."

Kenshin was distraught. He knew that their time in the Kamiya-dojo was soon coming to an end but he didn't think he would have to leave without saying goodbye. He had so much to say to Kaoru, so much to tell her.

"I can't." Kenshin stood firm. He would not leave without seeing Kaoru one last time. Katsura turned on him and Kenshin saw something he hadn't seen before in the ever stoic older man, fear.

"We have to leave this instant. There are a lot of men coming here, and if they find us, we will not survive. Even your skills will not be able to defeat all of them. Now grab your things. If we stay, we die."

Kenshin hesitated for a moment. Briefly he thought, that he might have a chance against the Daimyo's men. By his Master's accounts, few men could stand against the full might of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. But Kamiya had forbade any bloodshed here. Could he fight and kill in Kaoru's home. What if she came back and got caught in the fighting. He knew she wouldn't hesitate to jump in, especially if he was in danger. No, thought Kenshin, I can't risk Kaoru.

"Dammit," Kenshin swore, and turn to his room, quickly gathering up his few things. There wasn't even time to write a note. Without looking back, Kenshin quickly exited the house, slinging his small bag over his shoulder. Katsura was waiting at the gate, hat already pulled low over his head.

"I'll try to buy you some time," Kamiya quickly stated, as they left the dojo grounds. "Best to stick to the Nakasendo road. They won't be watching for travellers there."

"Thank you, Kamiya, I won't forget this." Katsura turned and headed towards the nearest alley. They needed to get out of the city and quick.

"Kamiya-san, please tell Kaoru…" Kenshin needed to leave some message for Kaoru, he couldn't just disappear without any explanation or goodbye.

"There is no time that boy. Go!" Kamiya gave him a shove. Kenshin stumbled and seeing Katsura already far ahead took off. He ran after Katsura who had also broke out into a run. Behind him, Kenshin heard Kamiya yelling towards a crowd of men that was approaching the dojo.

Kenshin managed to catch up to Katsura and together they hurried towards the edge of the city. They managed to get out of the city without being stopped and set out on the road for the long trip to Kyoto. With every step they took, they put Edo and the possibility of capture behind them. Knowing that they were out of immediate danger, Kenshin's thoughts went back again towards Kaoru.

For a few miles he brooded, not saying anything to Katsura. He didn't know if he would ever see her again. What would her father say. Did she know how he truly felt? The further he walked the more his feelings crystallized. He loved her, and he knew he couldn't live without her. And never getting the chance to tell her that, was that something he could live with for the rest of his life? Kenshin stopped and looked back along the road. Night was starting to fall and he could see the twinkling lights of Edo in the distance.

"Go," Katsura came up to Kenshin and put a hand on his shoulder giving it a firm squeeze.

"What?"

"Be at the Yamamoto Inn by tomorrow evening. I'll be waiting for you there." Seeing Kenshin's hesitation, Katsura continued. "This might be your only chance. Go. Don't have any regrets Kenshin."

Kenshin blinked as he realized what Katsura was saying. He nodded and turned away, fading in to the shadows along the road. He wouldn't have much time to make it back to the dojo, and meet Katsura further along the road, but he was determined. As he doubled back, all he could think of was Kaoru, and being able to say a proper goodbye.

Slightly breathless Kenshin finally reached the dojo walls. At this late at night he knew the gate would be locked. Sticking to the shadows he circled around till he came to an old tree that grew just outside the wall. A few quick jumps in to the tree and he was up and over the wall. The dojo grounds were silent and there were no lights coming from inside the house.

Kenshin quietly leapt down and made his way to the house. Without making a sound, he crept down the hall and opened the door to Kaoru's room and slipped inside.

"Kenshin?"

Kaoru's whispered voice was choked with a sob and Kenshin fell to his knees, gathering Kaoru close.

"Where were you?" Kaoru whispered clutching him like she would never let go. "I came back and you were gone. Then there were all these men and they said they were going to kill Katsura."

Kenshin wiped the tears away from Kaoru's face. "I know. We had to leave. I only had minutes."

"But you came back," Kaoru leaned in and kissed him. Kenshin kissed her back, knowing that this may be the last time he would ever be able to do this. But he didn't want this to be the last time. The last few hours had been agony to know that the would be separated from Kaoru forever. Kenshin vowed to change that in the only way he knew how.

"Marry me." Kenshin heard Kaoru's gasp in the dark room. "I love you Kamiya Kaoru and I want you to be my wife."

"Oh Kenshin," Kaoru held his face in her hands. "I love you too." Kenshin's heart leapt for joy.

"Then wait for me. I have to go to Kyoto now, but I will return."

"I'll wait. I promise."

"And then you will be my wife."

"And then I will be your wife." Kenshin pressed another kiss to Kaoru's lips, her cheeks and jaw. He felt her hands wrap around and bury themselves in his hair. He didn't have much time left before he left and he didn't want to waste any of it. As he pulled Kaoru into his embrace, he realized that he no matter what was waiting for him in Kyoto, he knew that he had Kaoru and her love waiting for him here. And as soon as he could he would be back, and they would marry.

And he would let nothing stop that.

ooooo

"I'm sorry, but for our revolution, I cannot allow you to live." Kenshin stepped out of the shadows. The lord's bodyguards instantly sprang into action, surrounding their employer. Kenshin leapt forward, steel reaching up to meet steel and like many men before them, they fell to the ground, their lives leaving their bodies as the blood pooled on the stone road on the outskirts of Kyoto.

The lord cowered as Kenshin approached, pleading for his life.

"Money! Women! Power! You'll have it all. Anything. It's yours."

Kenshin stood over the man, his eyes narrowed into harsh slits. Without even a reply he raised his sword and delivered the killing blow, the lord's screams echoing over the dark night.

Glossary

Engawa - refers to the typically wooden strip of flooring immediately before windows and storm shutters inside traditional Japanese rooms

Geta - traditional form of Japanese footwear that resemble both clogs and flipflops

Nakasendo Road - one of the roads in the Edo period that connected Kyoto and Tokyo