Author's Notes: Okay these are going to be some long notes.

First off, sorry this has taken a long time. With spring came a couple of changes to my life and how busy I am. My lazy winter days are over and my spring is filled with many commitments. My to-do lists have to-do lists. However, I am not giving up on this story and I think that the piece that was giving me the most trouble is finally solved and I can continue on. Right now I'm working on final edits to the next two chapters, plus detailed outlines of the next 5 or so and finally writing. My outline has a total of 22 chapters and we will see how it ends up.

This story will be finished. It might be a bit slow but I will finish.

A few comments on my comments. Thanks everyone for the kind words. I can't believe that I have over 100 reviews. You guys are the best! I noticed a few people were commenting on point of view. And especially how they want to see Kenshin's thoughts on the whole situation. When I first started writing this I made a very firm decision on how the story would be from Kaoru's point of view. There are some big Persuasion moments that I want to retain (if you are familiar with the book then you probably know THE moment) and to do that, I can't really delve into Kenshin's POV. Trust me, it will be worth it. It's also why I wrote the backstory chapters from Kenshin's POV since we don't really get to know what he is thinking in the rest of the story. Again, trust me. It will be worth it.

Betas: Sumiregusa (thanks for helping me to stay on the path to finishing this story) and Animaniacal (her detailed edits have been a life saver)
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 13

Anne found herself by this time growing so much more hardened
to being in Captain Wentworth's company than she had at first imagined
could ever be, that the sitting down to the same table with him now,
and the interchange of the common civilities attending on it
(they never got beyond), was become a mere nothing - Persuasion, Jane Austen

"Your ankle is looking much better, my dear." Dr. Genzai prodded at Kaoru's foot that was outstretched in front of him as they sat together in her sitting room. Since she had injured it, Dr. Genzai had stopped by every few days to check on her and today was the last check up before he would declare her healed enough for her to start training again. After he was finished, Kaoru put her tabi back on, relieved that she could finally get back to her normal routine. The swelling had gone down after a few days and most of her mobility had returned a few days later, but she had been taking it easy, not wanting to aggravate the injury.

"You should be able to get back to training tomorrow, as long as you go slow and don't push yourself." Dr. Genzai, leaned back and smiled.

"I will, Dr. Genzai. Thank you." Kaoru reached across the table next to them and poured two cups of tea. She passed one of them over to the doctor.

"Checking up on you wasn't the only reason for my visit today. I have good news for you." Dr. Genzai smiled as he took the offered cup. After taking a sip of his tea, he reached into his sleeve and pulled out a letter written on expensive looking paper. Kaoru took the offered letter and started reading, her eyes widening in shock.

"I received this yesterday. It's quite unexpected actually. But I think you should consider it. With that sum, you can pay off all your debts and still afford to buy a smaller house for yourself and Yahiko." Dr. Genzai took another sip of tea.

"You think I should sell?" Kaoru reread the letter, surprised at the amount offered for the Kamiya-dojo on behalf of the Kumo Company.

"It might be your best option. Paying off the dojo will take years. This way you can move on and create a life for yourself and Yahiko."

"But, what about my school? I can't just walk away from everything the Kamiya family has built."

Dr. Genzai set down his tea and took Kaoru's hands in his own. "Kaoru, my dear, I don't think your family would want to see you poor and without a home. I know you want your dojo back, but this could be the best option for your future."

Kaoru looked at the letter again. Having her own home, being free from debt and financially secure were things that she desperately wanted. But she wanted to have all that and keep the Kamiya-dojo. Hadn't she vowed that she would do whatever was required of her to to get the dojo back. And now, only few short weeks after that decision she was going to break that vow? No, in this matter, she would make up her own mind. Decided, Kaoru folded the letter and handed it back to Dr. Genzai.

"Can you please contact the Kumo company and tell them thank you for the offer, but I am not willing to sell the dojo at this time."

"Kaoru, please take some time to consider their offer. It's a large amount of money. You might not ever get another offer like this again."

"My mind is made up. I'm not selling."

"If that is what you want." Dr. Genzai relented, disappointment evident on his face. Kaoru chose to ignore it, resolved to stick to her commitment to get her dojo back on her own terms.

"It is. It is my decision, and that's final."

ooooo

Kaoru opened the door to the dojo, excited to finally be returning to her training routine. When she opened the door she saw the last thing she ever expected to see.

Akiko and Kenshin were standing in the middle of the dojo. Kenshin was standing behind Akiko, his arms wrapped around her, adjusting her grip as she swung a wooden practice sword. He was pressed right against her, his head hanging over her shoulder, murmuring instructions as she raised the sword and swung it back down again. Something in Kaoru finally snapped seeing them so close together.

"Ahem." Kaoru was done with being subtle.

"Kaoru!" Akiko stepped away from Kenshin, a deep blush colouring her checks.

"Akiko, what's going on?" Kaoru was not impressed. The general assumption by everyone else was that Kenshin and Akiko were almost engaged but that didn't mean they were allowed to behave like this. Kaoru ignored the deeper part of herself that was shouting "hypocrite", as her behaviour with him when she was a teenager had been much worse.

"Kenshin was just showing me some basic strikes." Akiko looked away from Kaoru's harsh glare. Whatever reason she gave would not excuse her behaviour. "I asked him to show me, after he was so heroic in saving you the other day."

"If you want to learn kenjutsu, you could ask," said Kaoru. "I would be happy to teach you."

"Don't blame her, Kamiya-san," Kaoru turned towards Kenshin, and gave him an equally harsh glare. "I was selfishly indulging her request."

"Just don't do it again," Kaoru snapped, her temper boiling over at his dismissive attitude. Kenshin blinked a bit at her response, but instead of replying he merely nodded at her. He then quickly excused himself and left.

"Please don't be hard on Kenshin," said Akiko after he had left the dojo. "I should be blamed, not him. I kept bothering him to show me some kata until he relented."

Kaoru didn't reply, not really wanting to hear any more. That didn't deter the younger girl from continuing to talk about the red-headed swordsman.

"It's just, when I saw him save you," Akiko fidgeted, nervous from Kaoru's harsh look. "It was like in the stories. The dashing swordsman saves the damsel! It was so romantic and I want it to be like that for me too!"

"I am not a damsel." Kaoru was appalled at Akiko's words. Did she really want to be in a situation where Kenshin had to save her because it was romantic? Kaoru decided to knock some sense into the younger girl. "And I think you are confusing fact with fiction. Just because I know how to protect myself and handle a sword, does not mean that I want to be in a situation where I need to use it. Someone could get hurt, or killed!"

"I… never really thought about that."

"I suggest you do." Seeing Akiko looking sheepish, Kaoru softened a bit, realizing she was taking her anger and regret out on the younger girl. Kaoru approached her and put a hand on her shoulder in a comforting manner.

"No one wants to see you get hurt," Kaoru offered and Akiko perked up a bit.

"Especially Kenshin?" asked Akiko.

"Especially Himura-san," said Kaoru, though it pained her to admit it.

ooooo

"It's so good to see you again, Kenshin," Maekawa said as everyone settled down for dinner. "I was starting to wonder if you had disappeared for good."

"I was called away on government business, and unfortunately I have to leave again in a few days," Kenshin said as everyone started to eat.

"Not again," Akiko pouted. "You just got back!" After monopolizing his time for weeks, Akiko had been quite upset when he had left, stating that he had been requested in Kyoto for a few days. She had moped around the dojo, lamenting the loss of his company and hoping for his quick return.

"I'm sorry, but I will only be gone to Hakone for a few days. I have been asked to attend to something there and it requires my immediate attention." Kaoru wasn't sure if anyone else noticed but Misao looked up sharply at Kenshin's words.

"Hakone?" Hiroki tapped his fingers on the side of the table in thought. "I have been meaning to make a trip there. I have some associates who would like to work with me on one of my shipping ventures."

"Really?" gasped Akiko, turning to her cousin. "We should all go! There are some beautiful onsen there. And shrines! You can go meet with your business partners, and once Kenshin is done he can join us!"

"Yes!" Misao shouted, banging her hand on the table. "That's a brilliant idea. We should all go to Hakone." Misao looked at Kenshin pointedly.

"I don't know if that is a good idea," Kenshin answered. "I can't involve you in my business." Kenshin returned Misao's gaze with his own meaninful stare, but she refused to look away. Akiko waved it off, oblivious to the battle of wills between Misao and Kenshin that was playing out in front of them.

"We won't bother you with your government stuff, but we could use a break from the city. Isn't it a great idea?" Akiko poured on the charm, desperate to convince everyone to agree to her plan.

"Well, I think it's a great idea," Sayuri added. "I would love to get out of Tokyo and Hakone must be so beautiful right now. We should go."

"I think we will! What do you say Himura?" Hiroki asked.

Seeing the hopeful looks from around the table, Kenshin relented, stressing again that he wouldn't be able to join them the entire time. Akiko and Misao cheered at their victory, and even Sayuri clapped her hands in joy.

"You're coming too, right Kaoru?" asked Akiko. The room quieted suddenly and Kaoru paused mid-bite.

"I don't know, it seems sudden and I have classes to teach," Kaoru said starting to give the many excuses running through her head. While getting out of the city and seeing some of the countryside would be enjoyable, she wasn't sure if she would feel like a welcome member of the party.

"Please Kaoru!" begged Akiko. "Uncle, you can spare Kaoru for a few days."

"I can. You should go Kaoru, and enjoy yourself."

Kaoru glanced around the room. Everyone was looking at her, expecting her to agree. Kaoru briefly noticed that even Kenshin was looking at her, waiting for her decision. Kaoru made her mind at that, finally acknowledging to herself that of all the people here she probably deserved a trip away from the city more than anyone else.

"When do we leave?" Kaoru felt odd at how confident she sounded.

"Well, then it is decided." Hiroki declared. "We are off to Hakone!"

ooooo

Kaoru stepped out of the carriage and looked around the small sleepy town where they would be staying for the next few days. It was nestled in the mountains, surrounded by lush green trees that seems to grow from everywhere. It was a stark difference from the sprawling and bustling city that Tokyo was quickly becoming. Even the air in the mountains seemed calmer. The area was peaceful and Kaoru was glad she had agreed to come. She could almost feel like heavy burden she carried with her lifting somewhat, giving her a short reprieve from her cares.

Hiroki had arranged for a carriage to take the party to Hakone, splurging on the western luxury to everyone's delight. The trip up to Hakone had been long but lively, with Akiko amusing everyone with playful chatter. Kaoru had watched the scenery pass by, as they moved from the low lying flats of Tokyo into the hearty green hillside, passing by large lakes and slumbering mountains.

Hiroki had arranged several meetings with his business associates and would be quite busy. The women planned to visit some of the well known sites in the area, including the famous shrines. Kenshin didn't comment on his plans for the next few days, only mentioning that he had a friend who would be joining them.

Once everyone was out of the carriage, they entered the large inn at the centre of town. The innkeeper bustled up to greet them at the entryway.

"Hello," greeted Hiroki. "We need rooms for six people."

"Of course!" The innkeeper grinned and turned to bellow down the hall, "Tadashi! Get up here and take their bags!"

A young man came scurrying out of the hall, pushing his glasses up his nose as he tucked a small book into his sleeve.

"Yes, Father," Tadashi bowed and took their bags. Hiroki quickly made arrangements with the innkeeper getting a room for himself and Sayuri, and another for Kaoru, Misao and Akiko. After they had it all settled, they left to go explore the town.

As they were walking out of the inn, a tall man with a large, cocky grin on his face approached them. He was dressed in a white jacket and pants, his chest bare and a red headband holding back a black mass of spiky hair.

"Kenshin! About time you got here!" the tall man said, and Kenshin broke out into a rare genuine smile.

"Sano," Kenshin greeted him. They clasped arms and Kaoru could see immediately that there was a deep friendship between the two men.

"These are my friends from Tokyo." Kenshin brought Sano over to meet them.

"Heya," Sano nonchalantly nodded towards Misao.

Misao coloured and hissed at Sano, "Not here, you idiot."

"Oh…wait what?" Sano said, as everyone looked slightly confused.

"Do you know him?" whispered Akiko pulling at Misao's sleeve. Misao shook her head violently, trying to direct attention away from Sano's obvious blunder. Kenshin quickly recovered and introduced Sano to the rest of the party.

"May I introduce my friend Sagara Sanosuke. This is Maekawa Hiroki, and his wife Sayuri, their cousin Maekawa Akiko." Hiroki and Sayuri bowed, along with Akiko who gave Sano a dazzling smile.

"Makimachi Misao," Kenshin indicated towards Misao, and Sano just winked at her.

"And this," Kenshin continued, with a slight hesitation, "is Kamiya Kaoru."

"Kamiya?" asked Sano, and an even wider grin broke out on his face. "The Kamiya Kaoru?"

Kaoru was taken a back a bit. How would Sano know about her?

"Yes," said Kaoru slowly. "That's me."

"This is the kenjutsu teacher?" Sano nudged Kenshin. "You didn't tell me she was a looker. Ha!" Sano laughed at Kenshin's obvious embarrassment and the others seemed very confused by the two men's strange behaviour. Sano approached Kaoru and bowed deeply in front of her.

"It's fantastic to meet you Kaoru-sensei! Absolutely fantastic!"

ooooo

"Come, drink some sake with me, Kaoru-sensei." Sano gestured at Kaoru to come sit with him. The group was relaxing in one of the large common rooms at the inn after dinner, with several bottles of sake that Sano had ordered. They had spent the day wandering around Hakone, taking in some of the local sites. During their walk, Sano had exclusively talked to Kaoru, trying to engage her in friendly conversation, about her school and teaching, her students and home. He seemed keen to get to know her and Kaoru was not exactly sure why.

"I don't know, it's late and I should go to sleep." Kaoru looked around the room. Hiroki was sitting with Kenshin and Akiko. Sayuri had left to go to bed, claiming that she had a fierce headache from travelling. Misao was no where to be seen. In fact, soon after they met Sano, Misao had disappeared without explanation.

"Excuses. Drink with me." Sano gestured at the sake bottle.

"Sano, it's not really appropriate for me to drink with you."

"It's a drink, not a marriage proposal." He handed over a cup. "Drink." Kaoru eyed him warily. "Please, Kaoru-sensei."

"I really wish you wouldn't call me that," Kaoru said as she relented and sat down next to Sano. He poured the sake into her cup.

"Take it as a compliment," Sano said and raised his cup to Kaoru. She lifted hers in a small salute and they drank. The sake was cool and sharp on her tongue, but she liked the taste.

"I feel like you are making fun of me, for being a woman and teaching kenjutsu." Kaoru gave Sano a wry look. He laughed and poured himself another cup of sake.

"Ha! I know better than most that Japan is changing. Women teaching kenjutsu doesn't surprise me. We are quickly becoming a country of new opportunities and second chances."

"New opportunities I understand. But second chances? How so?" Kaoru was curious.

"Did Kenshin ever tell you how we met?" Sano took another long swig of sake. Across the room, Kenshin looked over at them when he heard his name. Sano raised his empty cup towards his friend.

"No," Kaoru admitted. "We don't speak much." Kaoru glanced back over towards Kenshin. He had turned his attention back to Akiko and Hiroki but Kaoru could tell that he was listening to their conversation.

"Typical. Him and his damn secrets. Anyways, a year or so ago, I was better known as Zanza, fighter for hire. I would take any fight for a price, and I was damn good at winning them. "

"Someone asked you to fight Himura-san?"

"I wish! No, I was working as muscle for some yakuza and he was sent to take care of them. Once I figured out who he was, I told them I would fight him for free."

"Why would you do that?"

"A chance to take out the Hitokiri Battousai? There aren't many who would turn down the opportunity to fight the strongest swordsman in all of Japan. If he is ever beaten, the man who beat him would take the title of the strongest." Sano flexed his arm in a mock show of strength.

Kaoru couldn't help but laugh at him. "So what happened?"

"I challenged him, he refused, and then he took out the yakuza and their thugs without even batting an eye. I challenged him again and I must have done something to really piss him off because he fought me. Best fight of my life! Beat me within an inch of it. When I asked him why he didn't kill me, he said that I deserved a second chance to do something right with my life."

"So he forgave you?"

"That man is the most forgiving person you will ever meet." Sano said, with nothing but respect in his tone.

Kaoru glanced down at her cup. " What if you did something that is completely unforgivable," she asked softly.

Sano moved closer, his voice dropping almost to a whisper. Kaoru knew she should pull back, as Sano was too close, too familiar, but she couldn't move.

"He forgave those who gave him his cross scar. Surely he can forgive anyone," Sano offered gently.

Kaoru gasped, wondering how much he knew of her past… and Kenshin's. Seeing her alarm, Sano pulled back, and held up his cup.

"Ahh… sake. You know what's the best thing about sake? It turns even the most humble man into the grandest storyteller. After a few bottles, a simple man is clever, a coward is a hero, and even the most guarded will lament over the pretty girl who broke their heart."

Kaoru looked up sharply, knowing that her face betrayed her distress. Sano's face softened seeing her reaction, and he reached out and grasped her hand.

"I'm sorry," Sano offered sincerely. "I just thought you would like to know."

"Please," Kaoru almost begged. "The past is the past, and I think it is best for all of us to leave it there."

"You really believe that?"

"I have to." Kaoru met Sano's eyes, begging him not to push her further. She could handle his friendly teasing ways, but this was going too far past her comfort zone. Kaoru chanced a glance towards Kenshin. She didn't know how much of the whispered conversation he had heard, but his tense posture seemed to indicate that he knew something of what was being discussed.

"I understand," Sano squeezed her hand again. "Let us toast. To the past, and leaving it there."

Kaoru raised her cup. "To the past."