Author's Notes: Finally! An update! Sorry about the delay, but I've had some health issues (nothing serious) and it is affecting my ability to concentrate. I still am continuing with the story though. No worries! It will finish, not as quickly as I hope but it will be finished! Please keep sending the reviews because not only do I adore them but they inspire me to continue on!

This chapter was a bit difficult. I had some very specific goals in mind for this chapter and I just kept writing and re-writing it and I think I finally got it right. This one was even harder for me because this is one of my favourite moments in Persuasion and I wanted to do it justice, but also make it very Rurouni Kenshin.

Betas: Sumiregusa (word cannot express how much I adore this woman) and Animaniacal (great beta, has been a huge help with this story)
Rating: T
Warnings: Some violence
Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Persuasion is in the public domain, but was written by Jane Austen.

Chapter 12

He could not forgive her, but he could not
be unfeeling. Though condemning her for the past, and considering it
with high and unjust resentment, though perfectly careless of her,
and though becoming attached to another, still he could not see her suffer,
without the desire of giving her relief. It was a remainder
of former sentiment; it was an impulse of pure, though unacknowledged
friendship; it was a proof of his own warm and amiable heart,
which she could not contemplate without emotions so compounded
of pleasure and pain, that she knew not which prevailed. - Persuasion, Jane Austen

Tokyo, 1872

"Ow, don't pull that hard!" Sayuri exclaimed as Kaoru moved the brush through her hair.

"If you would stay still, I could finish!" Kaoru put the brush down, and twisted Sayuri's black hair, pinning it up artfully. She placed a festively coloured kanzashi at the crown of her head, completing the look.

"There, done." Kaoru stood from her kneeling position behind Sayuri and admired her work. Tonight was the night of the lantern festival and the entire Maekawa family plus Kaoru and Yahiko were heading down to the river to enjoy the festivities. Everyone was dressed up in colourful summer yukata to celebrate.

Hiroki poked his head into the room to check if the women were ready. "You both look lovely, so we should be going. The girls left a few minutes ago with Yahiko."

Sayuri admired herself one last time in the mirror before standing. "I'm not surprised, they probably wanted to go meet Kenshin."

"They do spend a lot of time with him." Hiroki escorted the women outside of the house into the warm summer night.

"Both those girls are crazy about him. If Akiko isn't with him, all she does is talk about him." Sayuri huffed as they left the dojo. Kaoru walked slightly behind Sayuri and Hiroki, as the married couple continued to discuss Kenshin and his perceived relationships with Misao and Akiko. Every neighbourhood had its own gossip, and lately the biggest topic in theirs was the handsome young swordsman and the two girls who were occupying his time.

"Either of them would be a good match," Hiroki offered. "Tokio did say it was about time that Kenshin married."

"If it's a wife he wants, the obvious choice has to be Akiko. She would make a proper wife for anyone. Misao is still too wild."

"No, I definitely think that Kenshin prefers Misao." Hiroki declared.

"What? No! Clearly Akiko. She would be perfect for him. They would make such a handsome pair together."

"I think Misao's liveliness is what he prefers."

"What makes you think that?"

"I saw them talking together the other day. He said something and the girl practically did cartwheels."

"He was speaking with Akiko too."

Hiroki turned around to Kaoru. "What do you think? Should Kenshin choose Misao or Akiko?"

Kaoru stopped walking, looking between Sayuri and Hiroki. Both of them looked at her expectantly, waiting for her answer.

"Well," Kaoru started, trying desperately to think of something to say. "I think Himura-san knows his own mind well enough and if he wants to get married, he will choose someone who will complement him in every capacity."

"Obviously, Akiko," Sayuri gloated to her husband. Together, the three of them continued walking. As they got closer to the river, sounds of excited people and music could be heard. Alongside the river, the road was lit with red paper lanterns, and festival booths were set up along the street, with merchants offering trinkets and food to the people walking by. The streets were crowded with people as the lantern festival had grown in popularity over the years. Making their way through the crowds, they greeted several of their neighbours, and everyone's mood was happy and cheerful.

Hiroki led them forward, and until he finally spotted the others up ahead. Misao and Yahiko were browsing the food stalls, arguing over what they should try first. Akiko waved them over, looking very pretty in her brightly coloured yukata. Kenshin stood at her side, dressed for the festival in a dark grey yukata. Noticeably absent were the swords that were always on his hip, He looked relaxed and happy as Akiko chatted with him. From a distance the two of them indeed looked like a perfect pair. Akiko's classic features offset Kenshin's red hair, and Kaoru couldn't help but sadly admit to herself that they looked like they belonged together.

The large group walked along the riverbank, trying to find a spot to watch the boats. As they walked, Kaoru could feel Kenshin watching her. She would glance back at him, and he would look away at the last second. She wondered if he was also remembering the night she had dragged him off to the lantern festival. Was he also searching her features, trying to find the face that once charmed him so many years ago? Did he look upon her and remember her lively and carefree self? Did he see any of his former love in the now reserved kenjutsu instructor?

"Isn't this lovely," Sayuri said as the group gathered in an open spot to watch the boats. "I know it's not quite what they do in Kyoto but it's still lovely, don't you think Himura-san?"

"Yes, though I wouldn't really know." Kenshin stated.

"Wouldn't know? But don't they have the best festivals in all of Japan in Kyoto?"

"I believe that's what people say."

"But why wouldn't you know? Surely you spent time at the festivals!"

"No, I didn't, actually."

"Whatever you were doing, it couldn't have been that important that you wouldn't at least take some time to enjoy the festivals!"

Everyone grew quiet. Sayuri still didn't believe that the humble and polite Himura Kenshin had been the feared and ruthless Himura Battousai. She didn't realize that as the Hitokiri Battousai he had been confined to shadows and rumours, rarely seen, never taking the time like some of his other compatriots to enjoy the finer things in Kyoto. For all that the people of Japan had now, the freedoms and liberties that they were quickly taking for granted, he had given his youth and innocence to bring about.

"Sayuri, Himura-san made many sacrifices during the Bakumatsu…" Hiroki pulled Sayuri away after seeing the dark look on Kenshin's face, trying to explain to his wife before she insulted further one of the greatest heroes of the revolution.

Akiko patted Kenshin's arm trying to break the tension, a bright smile on her face. "Come on, Kenshin! I want a fan, and you are going to buy me one!"

"I am?" The hard look in Kenshin's face faded as he looked at Akiko. Kaoru tried not to feel regret as she remembered when she had been the one to chase away his dark thoughts and how his easily smiles and bright looks had been reserved just for her.

"Yes, you are. Let's go." Akiko laughed, tugging him away.

With the large crowds, their group soon split up, with Kenshin and Akiko quickly outpacing the rest. Hiroki and Sayuri also wandered off as Hiroki continued to berate his wife for her rude behaviour, leaving Kaoru alone. Misao and Yahiko had also left, since Misao wanted more dango and had promised to buy Yahiko some as well. Kaoru continued to walk along the river, knowing that any enjoyment she would find this evening would be in solitude. If she was going to be alone, Kaoru figured she might as well watch from her favourite spot, knowing that at least she could get a break from the crowds there.

Pushing her way through the underbrush, she made her way to the river. However, she paused when she heard someone talking just ahead. Kaoru was about to call out when she recognized the feminine voice up ahead.

"How do you know about this spot?" asked Akiko. "It's perfect, you can see the entire river."

When Kenshin didn't answer, Akiko continued on. Kaoru couldn't see them, but she could hear them moving along the river, their footsteps rustling in the tall grass. Kaoru stood still, knowing that she should leave or at least make herself known. It was shameful to eavesdrop like this, but Kaoru couldn't find the will to move.

"I'm sorry for Sayuri's earlier comment, Kenshin," Kaoru overhead Akiko apologize.

"I'm sure she didn't mean to insult me."

"But still, she shouldn't have said such a thing. Honestly I don't know how my cousin and uncle continue to put up with her! Everyone tells me she means well but sometimes, I can't deal with her and her superior attitude. Hiroki should have done what the family wanted and married Kaoru instead."

She heard the steps pause. Kaoru held her breath as Akiko continued on.

"We had hoped that Kaoru and Hiroki would marry. It was what her father and my uncle wanted. Hiroki even offered her his hand in marriage, but Kaoru turned him down."

"When did that happen?" Kaoru heard Kenshin asked.

"More than 5 years ago? I think Kaoru was about my age."

"I see. Did she give any reason as to why?"

"Not one that Hiroki ever shared with the family. Something or someone made her change her mind is what I heard. Until he proposed marriage, they seemed to be good friends."

"You think someone convinced her to refuse him?"

"I wouldn't be so surprised. Kaoru always does what others want of her. Her friend Tae is always telling her what to do. I would not be so easily persuaded. If I wanted to marry someone, nothing and no one would convince me otherwise."

"That is a admirable quality." Kenshin said softly.

Kaoru suddenly didn't feel like going to watch the boats anymore. She turned and left, making her way back out to the road and the crowds. Even then, there were too many people. She hurried along, trying to get away from everyone and everything she had heard.

Kaoru turned down an alley, and seeing that it was empty, started running, not caring if anyone saw. She just needed to get away from the rumours and comments and seeing Kenshin and Akiko together. She was about halfway down the street when the strap on her shoe snapped, sending her falling to the ground. Kaoru landed hard, bracing herself with her hands, with only her training saving her from seriously hurting herself.

Groaning, Kaoru rolled over on to her back, not caring if she got her yukata dirty. After a few seconds she sat up but when she tried to stand she yelped in pain as she put weight on her ankle. She looked down, and her ankle was strained but not broken, which was a relief.

"Great," Kaoru sighed, poking at her ankle. She winced, but decided that she could handle the pain and stood up. Kaoru looked up and down the darkened street. She could go back towards the crowds, and try to find Sayuri or Yahiko to help her home, or she could keep heading back towards the dojo. Deciding that it would be best to just head home, Kaoru started limping slowly down the street.

As she made her way, she heard voices and then three men came around the corner heading towards the festival.. As they walked towards her, Kaoru could see them swaying and laughing, obviously a bit drunk. Knowing that she was alone, Kaoru tried to move to the side and make herself less noticeable. One of the men nudged the other two towards her as they came close.

"Hey Sweetie," said one of the men. He was the shortest of the three, but still taller than Kaoru. "Where are you going?"

Kaoru looked around warily. The street was empty. In the distance she could hear the loud music from the festival.

"I got separated from my friends," she lied. "I thought I would take a shortcut to get back to the festival."

"We'll walk you back," offered one of the men.

"Yea, I know a great shortcut," the other one laughed.

"I can make it on my own." Kaoru tried to limp past them, but they blocked her way.

"Not so fast," said the tall one, reaching for her. Kaoru managed to duck away from his grasp.

"Please," she tried again. "I need to get back to my friends."

"We can be your friends," one of the men slurred. He reached for her again, and knowing that she wasn't going to get a second chance, Kaoru stepped back into a defensive stance as he came towards her. Even though she was used to fighting with a weapon, her training in martial arts had been extensive and she could handle herself even un-armed. The loose yukata didn't restrict her movement as much as her regular kimono, so she braced herself, and as the man stepped into her reach, she grabbed his hands and using his momentum flipped him over her shoulder. Her ankle screamed in pain at the sharp movements, but she didn't stop, quickly trying to move past the other two men who stared at her in shock.

They fumbled towards her, but Kaoru ducked and drove her shoulder into one of them, pushing him back into the other. The man yelled as the breath was forced out of his body and he stepped away, giving Kaoru an avenue of escape. She moved as fast as she could with her injured ankle but it wasn't fast enough, as she felt hands grabbing her from behind. The first man had gotten up and chased her down the street. She struggled and managed to push him off again, but not before he spun, throwing her towards one of the stone walls.

Kaoru stood her back to the wall, as the three men came towards her. One of them men had drawn a knife, and held it in front of him menacingly. One on one, she knew she could handle them, but she couldn't take all three at once, especially with her ankle protesting any movement. She was favouring it heavily, and couldn't put much weight on it. Kaoru centered herself as they came closer, ready to defend herself to the last. She was a trained kenjutsu instructor, and she'd be damned if she was going to let any of these drunks touch her.

Knowing that they had her cornered, the men closed in. Kaoru raised her arms, knowing that if she could stay upright after one or two blows, she might have a chance to attack again, and hopefully get free.

As the men leapt forwards, a grey and red blur streaked in front of her, knocking the men back. Kaoru couldn't believe her eyes. Kenshin stood protectively between her and the drunks who had quickly gotten to their feet. Memories surfaced of another time, long ago, when her feelings towards him had been uncertain and yet he had stood protectively in front of her, ready to defend her against those who meant her harm. Partly out of relief and partly because she couldn't hold herself up any longer, Koaru collapsed to her knees, eyes never leaving Kenshin's form in front of her.

"I'm going to tell you once to leave," Kenshin said calmly. "I suggest you listen."

The men didn't even reply and simply charged at Kenshin. He easily dodged the strikes, and even though he wasn't armed, it didn't take an expert in fighting to know that he was the most dangerous man there. The first two men were knocked to the side with precision hits to sensitive areas, one in the neck and one in the stomach. The last man stood with the knife, trembling as Kenshin came towards him. Recognition flashed over his face as he took in the red-headed man stalking towards him. Before Kenshin could strike, the man dropped the knife and ran, not wanting to end up in a crumpled heap like the others. As the man ran, Kenshin turned, relief briefly flashing across his face as he saw Kaoru on the ground but unhurt.

"Are you alright?" Kenshin asked, leaning down to offer her a hand up. Kaoru nodded as she took his hand and he effortlessly pulled her up to her feet. Kaoru winced as she tried to stand on her ankle and Kenshin's hands instantly shot to her waist to steady her. Kaoru grabbed on to his arms for support. They paused for a moment, both unable to move. Feelings that had long been buried, stirred to life as she realized how much she had missed his touch. It may have been seven years, but his hands burned through the sleeves of her yukata. Had he always been this warm?

Kaoru raised her eyes, throwing caution aside. She needed to see. His eyes were still guarded, as they had been these last few weeks, but she felt, rather than heard his sharp intake of breath as she faced him. Kaoru opened her mouth, not knowing what to say, perhaps to thank him, perhaps to apologize, perhaps to tell him all the things that she wanted him to know, when she heard the sounds of someone running towards them.

"Kaoru! Kaoru!" Yahiko yelled as he ran forward, Akiko following close behind. Kenshin let go of Kaoru, and Yahiko grabbed her in a fierce hug. Akiko ran up to Kenshin, shock apparent on her pretty face.

"Are you okay? We saw everything," Yahiko pulled back from Kaoru, but didn't let go of her. "Those men. We saw them attack you and then Kenshin just disappeared and then he was in front of you and are you okay, did they hurt you?"

"I'm okay," Kaoru reassured her student. "I think I need to get back to the dojo though."

"Your ankle," Kenshin said, indicating her foot that she was still not standing on. "Can you walk?"

"With help," Kaoru winced as she tried to move. Yahiko instantly shifted around to brace her for which she was grateful. "I just need to get back and rest."

"Let's take you back to the house," Akiko came forward to help Kaoru also.

Yahiko pulled Kaoru's arm around his shoulder, holding her up as she tried to hobble down the street, Kenshin and Akiko following behind. It was slow going and it soon became obvious that Kaoru would not be able to limp all the way back to the dojo. They entered another, larger street and in the distance they saw a sake merchant was pulling a cart filled with barrels.

Kenshin walked over to the merchant and said something quietly to him, pointing over at Kaoru. The merchant nodded and Kenshin pressed some money into his hands.

"Yahiko, will you take Kamiya-san back to the dojo?" Kenshin asked as he walked over with the sake merchant and cart. With no effort, Kenshin picked up Kaoru in his arms and gently put her on the back of the wagon. His indifferent look was firmly back in place.

"You can count of me!" Yahiko said enthusiastically. The merchant pulled the cart away, with Kaoru in the back. Kenshin watched as they walked away and then turned to Akiko, offering her his arm. Together, they walked back towards the festival.

As the cart slowly made its way back to the dojo, Kaoru fought to keep the tears from falling. She would not cry over this, but she felt so overwhelmed. Even after all this time, he could not stand to see her suffer. She might never be forgiven for her actions, for being weak, for not trusting in him, but that did not mean he would be cruel or abandon her in return. He truly was the best of all men, Kaoru thought as she continued to fight the tears that threatened to fall for the things that might have been and the love she would never have.