Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ To Love Again ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Silent Tears of Agony 
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.03.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 659 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.03.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 659 | Status: Completed
Title: To Love Again; Chap: 8
Thank you to Brittanie Love and I'm Trouble for beta-reading. :)
Hello, before I get started, I have one announcement and three questions I would like to ask you.
1) sabella/pan is having a Winter Fanfiction Contest . Any pairing is acceptable, so long is the fic has a winter theme (at least I think that is the rule). If you're interested, check out sabella/pan's site. http : // www . freewebs . com / sabellapan (Take out the spaces. If the address doesn't show up on this page, then check out hers and my bio page.)
2) I read a story sometime back where Kaoru was kidnapped to bring out the Battousai, she was raped and thought that now Kenshin won't love her because she isn't innocent. Kenshin doesn't know where she is, but he has turned into the Battousai. Eventually, one of the underlings of the man who kidnapped Kaoru escaped and let Kenshin know where she was. The problem is, I don't remember the title of the story and I can't find it either. If somebody recognizes the description, would you let me know please? Thanks. :)
3) I've noticed there are a lot of songfics here. I think it would be cool if there was a category for songfics, is anybody else interested in petitioning ff (dot) net for one? (And does anybody know how?) If anybody is interested, either leave a review or contact me via e-mail: silenttearsofagony (at symbol) yahoo (dot) com and put "kenshin" in the subject bar. Thanks! :)
4) Does anybody know what happened to the 2003 RKRC Awards, the link doesn't work anymore and in fact, tfme doesn't exist anymore. Did the awards get canceled? That's so sad, if they did. X(
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Kaoru set down the groceries on the counter when a hand covered her mouth.
"Did you really think you could escape me koishii?" Kaoru's eyes widened in shock and fear. That was Soujiro's voice!
He chuckled darkly, his warm breath on her neck causing her to shiver.
Kaoru squirmed in his tight grasp, and gasped as he suddenly turned her around to face him, pinning her against the counter.
"That was really very cruel of you, leaving me all alone like that without even saying goodbye."
A familiar feeling of anxiety washed over Kaoru as she stared at his twisted smile. She knew what was coming.
"It's been such a long time since I've had you." He reached a hand up to touch her face. Kaoru turned her face away, causing Soujiro's face to twist in anger. "I see living on your own has brought back your independent streak." He grabbed her hair and gave a painful jerk so that she was forced to look him in the eyes. "I guess I'll just have to remind you what happens when you defy me." He pulled his hand back to hit her. With no way to protect herself Kaoru scrunched her eyes closed, preparing for the blow.
Kaoru sat up gasping for breath; sweat was pouring down her body. 'Calm down Kaoru. It was just a dream. He doesn't know where you are and he can't hurt you anymore.' She told herself while taking deep, calming breaths. The dreams had started after the first break-in and had been increasing ever since. As were the break-ins. Over the past month there had been six. Nothing was ever stolen , but things would be moved around or the light was left on, when she didnt remember doing so. She had called the police of course, but since she had no idea who was responsible and nothing was stolen, it wasn't high on their priority list. All they told her to do was change her locks. That meant she would have to talk to Ryuuzaburo-san, since he was the supervisor.
Kaoru sighed. She had felt so awful telling him she couldn't come over to see his art work like she had agreed to do. It was obvious from the look on his face that he had been looking forward to it. But there was no way she was going to be alone in a man's apartment. She had only agreed because she was too distracted to realize what she was doing. She still avoided him out of guilt, however. Perhaps, Kaoru mused, once Aoshi and Misao moved out they could all meet so she could make it up to Ryuuzaburo.
Kaoru smiled when she felt Misty nudge her hand in an attempt to get an early breakfast. She might as well give in to the cat's demands, she knew there was no way she would be able to get back to sleep now.
???????????????????
"Those two had better get here soon with the food," Megumi growled. Kaoru smiled at her. She and Megumi had taken the boys to the park and decided that a picnic dinner sounded nice. Now they were waiting -- impatiently in Megumi's case -- for Kenshin and Sano to come with the food.
"I'm sure they'll be here soon," Kaoru reassured Megumi while checking on the boys to make sure they were okay. Megumi drummed her fingers on the table.
"They better be."
"Hey everybody. I bet you're glad to see us!" Megumi looked up when she heard Sano's voice.
"Finally!" Megumi grabbed the bag from Sano, pulled out a jar of pickles and started eating them like there was no tomorrow.
Sano sweat dropped. He had found his wife could be rather scary when she was pregnant and food was no exception.
"Heh. Sorry we were late. We stopped to --"
"I know, I know. You had to change your clothes first," Megumi finished for him. "I don't think I've ever met anyone who dislikes wearing suits as much as you two." She gave Sano a sexy smile. "Although you do look awfully good in one." Sano returned her grin with one of his own and leaned down to give Megumi a not-so-chaste kiss.
Kaoru turned away, blushing so hard her ears were red. Kenshin gave an embarrassed cough. "I'm afraid they're usually like this," He half apologized.
"It's okay. I know a couple back home who are the same way." Kaoru bowed her head. "It must be a wonderful feeling to love someone and know they love you in return." She said wistfully.
"It is." Was Kenshin's soft reply.
Kaoru looked up to see his eyes betraying sadness and guilt. Kaoru could understand his sadness if he was thinking about his dead wife; but what could he possibly have to feel guilty about in connection to it?
"So," Megumi's voice cut through Kaoru's musings. "What else did you guys get besides pickles?"
"Just your standard picnic fare. Hamburgers, hotdogs, buns, potato salad, macaroni salad, and of course potato chips."
Megumi pulled out a bag of chips and raised a quizzical eyebrow. "Barbecue? Kenshin, none of us like barbecue flavored chips." Kenshin fidgeted ever so slightly, but that was the only betrayal of his emotions.
"Miss Kamiya had a bag with her the other day when she was watching Kenji. I figured she must like them."
Kaoru barely fought down an ecstatic grin. 'He noticed something about me!' Kaoru shook her head at that thought. He was a very observant man, Kaoru reasoned with herself. This was nothing to get excited over. Besides after Soujiro, she had sworn she would never love another man. There was too much pain and heartache involved. With these thoughts in mind, Kaoru decided to just pretend that nothing had happened. Because, really nothing had, right?
Megumi, however, wasn't about to let this moment pass without drawing attention to it. She crossed her arms and gave Kenshin a sly look. "Really, Ken?" She drawled. "I've never known you to do something like this unless you like the person." Kaoru faltered slightly, then continued unpacking the bags.
Kenshin's eyes flicked over to Kaoru then back to Megumi to shoot her an icy glare. "What I do is my business and not yours." Meddlesome sister, couldn't she ever leave his personal life alone?
Sano cleared his throat in an attempt to clear the tension between his wife and best friend. "Ah, Meg? Remember the talk we had a little while ago?"
Megumi smirked. "Oh I didn't do anything darling. I merely stated a well-known fact."
There was a tense silence between the two siblings that was broken only when Kenji's voice rang out. "Daddy! Uncle Sano! Come play with us!"
Kozuke joined in waving them over. "Yeah, come play with us!"
'Thank you, boys.' Kaoru thought to herself as the two fathers went off to join their sons.
Megumi folded her hands and smiled demurely. "I aplogize if we --if I made you feel uncomfortable." Kaoru shook her head and smiled.
"No harm done."
Megumi looked over at Sano and the others. The wind was picking up and her brother was out in nothing but jeans and a T-shirt. He was always looking out for Kenji and then forgetting about himself. She took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. Kenshin really needed someone to make sure he was okay too. Megumi bit her lip, she was going to be in so much trouble if her husband found out about her little schemes. Well, at least she knew he wouldn't hit her. And she could hold her own in an argument.
"I meant what I said earlier." Kaoru was startled when Megumi started speaking. It had been so quiet, Kaoru had almost forgotten she was there. "Its not as if my brother is a cruel person," Megumi continued. "He is kind enough to strangers, but he will go out of his way to see that the people he likes are happy." She shot Kaoru a meaningful look.face turned red and her muscles tensed as she busied herself with the bar-b-que. "Megumi-san, I've never worked a bar-b-que before. Would you help me please?" Megumi frowned in frustration. Either the girl was thicker than she thought, or Kaoru was trying to avoid Megumi's hints. Megumi had a feeling it was the latter.
"You know, a lot of women consider Ken to be a good catch. If you have any concerns about him, I could talk to you about them, if that is your wish." Kaoru's shoulders slumped and she turned to Megumi with a serious expression in place of her usual smile.
"Megumi-san, your brother seems like a very good man. And I admit he is very handsome," Kaoru fought down a blush, "but I was recently in a very . . . unpleasant relationship. Once I got out of it, I promised myself I wouldn't fall in love again." Kaoru reached out to clasp one of Megumi's hands. "Please don't take this personally. If my circumstances were different, I would gladly go out with your brother. I sincerely hope he finds someone special to help him get over his pain. I also hope that we can continue to be friends?" Kaoru looked at Megumi pleadingly.
'Oh but Kaoru, you may be Kenshin's only chance of ever moving on.' Megumi thought to herself as she nodded in response to Kaoru's request. "Of course Kaoru. I've enjoyed the time we've spent together --oh." Megumi gasped and pressed a hand to her stomach.
"Megumi-san?" Kaoru questioned worriedly.
Th-the baby's coming." Megumi panted. Kaoru's eyes widened in panic.
"Sit down, I'll go get your husband." Megumi gave a small cry and doubled over in pain. "Hurry Kaoru!"
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Kenji kicked his legs back and forth and slumped in his seat. How long had they been at the hospital? His father said it had only been a couple of hours, but it felt more like days. To put it simply, Kenji was bored. And as everybody knows, a bored four-year-old is never a good thing. Suddenly Kenji's eyes lit up with mischief and he tossed some popcorn over at Kozuke.
"Hey!" Kozuke objected and threw some popcorn back at Kenji. They were getting ready for an all out war when Kaoru stopped them.
"If you make a mess, you boys are going to have to clean it up," she warned. Well that certainly wouldn't be any fun.
So Kenji started kicking the table instead. "Kenji," Kenshin stopped the boy's legs from doing any further damage to the table. "Why are you doing this? You're usually so well-behaved."
"I'm bored." Kenji whined.
"Yeah, when is mom going to have her baby?" Kozuke piped up. Kaoru suppressed a chuckle.
"It can take a very long time Kozuke. She may not have her baby until sometime tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?!" Kenji looked as if the world was coming to an end. "But I'll miss my cartoons," he pouted.
Kenshin ruffled his hair and smiled. "I think you'll live."
"Himura-san, I could take Kenji and Kozuke to your house and stay with them until you get back." Kaoru offered. it was getting rather late. "Very well." Kenhin nodded.
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I know, its short and its overdue. I offer no excuses, only apologies. (Nothing new there).
Before I move onto the reviews, I wanted to let you know that I will be discontinuing this story. Just kidding! Sorry, sorry. Perhaps that was a lame joke, I don't know. Anyway, I will be taking a short break from this story because I'm getting tired of it right now. So, I'll be working on a new story instead. As soon as its published, I promise to continue regularly updating this story. Unless something more important happens, in which case I'll let you know. :)
Recommended Fanfic : "Altered Memory" by Kaizen00 It reads just like a romance novel. I swear it does! But its still good. :)
mellyd -- I'm so sorry. Mediaminer didn't record your review so I can't respond to it. :( But I thank you for taking the time to leave one! :)
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Triste1 -- A few grammatical mistakes? Aren't you gracious. :) Every time I go back to edit the chapters I find at least one paragraph with three or four! lol. Well I'm glad they were understandable and I'll keep working on trying to improve. You're the second person to comment on Misty. My kitty would be so happy if she understood. :) (She inspired me to put the cat in there). As for your question, well I had writers block so my cousin put that bit about motorcycles being dangerous in there. I liked it so I left it in. As for the rest of your question, well you'll just have to wait and see. :) Thanks for your review!
Galadriel Hermione Potter -- I'm so glad you like it. :) Sorry about taking so long updating this chap. Thanks for your review!
BattousaiGrl1 -- Considering the fact I've only been writing for a little over a year I highly doubt that, but I get your point. :) I'm glad you like the story, but I'm really running out of steam on it which is why I'm taking a break. I hope to be back soon though. Thanks for your review! :)
cyjj -- Thank you. :) Well, its not soon but it is an update. I hope you enjoy it just as much as you did the last chap. Thanks for reviewing! :)
whitesparkles99 -- Interesting name you have there. Wah, please don't hurt me! I updated right now, see? See?! (Now put that bokken back before you hurt somebody). ;P Thanks for reviewing! :)
Kodora Fairy -- I like fairies. :) Sorry this update didn't happen sooner. Thanks for your words of encouragement! :)
NO NAME -- I see you have that mystery thing going on with your name, ne? lol. Cool. Thanks for your review! :)
Brittany -- HI! Its nice to hear from you again. :) Ooh, I hate it when my foot falls asleep. lol. Yeah, I'm cooking challenged as well. No lemon. Kenshin is gonna go into this kicking and screaming, but as we all know its for his own good. :) Uh, thanks for your review on chap 6. I don't think I've ever gotten a response that strong before. :)
unknown beedee -- Wow, that's quite an unusual name you have. I put that in there because I realized that Kenji was tolerating Kaoru too well, and he's not supposed to yet. I think I went a little overboard though. I apologize about that. Thanks for your review! :)
horse-crazy-gurl -- I bet you would get along well with my cousin. She's crazy about horses too. (And just plain crazy but thats neither here nor there). In answer to your question I'll only say this, nobody we like (as I portray them in this story) will die. Okay? Thanks for your review! :)
Drain Star -- I'm glad you like the cat. :) And my story! :) Thanks for your review!
legolas EStelstar -- Thanks, I appreciate that. :)
rain angst -- Thank you. Youre welcome. And thank you again (about my name). :) Thanks for your review!
Reignashii -- I'm glad you thought it was interesting. I thought it was a rather dramatic place to leave it, much better than I did this chapter, ne? Thanks for your review!
Angel of the Deceased -- That's right I'm using your old name, deal with it. lol. Thanks, I like the way I ended it too. :) luv you sweetie.
Zerianyu -- lol. I didn't think your last review was that bad. It didn't bother me at all. So no need to apologize. Thanks for your encouragement and for reviewing! :)
reBeCCa a.k.a. dacrayZblaze1 -- In the first chapter, Kaoru thought about why she moved to San Francisco. Because I live in California, I assumed everybody would know where San Francisco is. Its a bad habit of mine. I'm sorry if I confused you. Thanks for your review! :)
Kao-gurl -- Yes, originally this story was under the romance/angst category. I switched them around because well, not much romance was happening. Later I realized I wasn't putting in very much angst so I switched the main category back to romance and changed the secondary category to drama. I'm sorry I made you sad, but I'm glad you like it that much! :) It makes me feel all fuzzy inside. :) Well, because Kenshin has been mourning his wife's death so long is the reason why he can't move on so quickly now. But he will eventually. This is a K/K story after all. ;) Thanks for your review! :)
Wow I've never received so many reviews before. Thank you all SO MUCH!
My shout-out list( author alerts and favorites ): Box Turtle, chmsweety, Shade16, Zerianyu, Hanyou Queen, Story Weaver1, sabella/pan, Horosha no Kage, Kitsune-Tenshi-16, are-en1, Julie7, Phoenix Rises, K1dgey, sataness-ov-desire, whitesparkles99, Minni May Yukibara, gaby (hyat, SailorNeo, CEEGEE, Midnight Unicorn, TanukiGirl22, Lyphta, tvsweetie, Night Imp (I wish you would just pick a name and stick with it), Selena Maxwell, ElvenYoukai, Michelena Steel, glasclach, YukiAngel28, Prince Aoshi, CelestialFire490, koorime-princess12, XxSilentxDreamerxX, The Monster in your Dreams, Wren Yang, horse-crazy-gurl, unknown beedee, swimchick1614, th-dd-dmd-mnky, jmj102, rd4everanime, Reignashii, Prometheus Unbound, LeyaBabe, WorthlessShadow, roxygrlygoddess, Sapphirefoxgirl, reBeCCa a.k.a. dacrayZblaze1, AngelBabie4u, Kodora Fairy, pyramidgirl89, aznangel91, Lady Katherine2, Bushido2,
Thank you to Brittanie Love and I'm Trouble for beta-reading. :)
Hello, before I get started, I have one announcement and three questions I would like to ask you.
1) sabella/pan is having a Winter Fanfiction Contest . Any pairing is acceptable, so long is the fic has a winter theme (at least I think that is the rule). If you're interested, check out sabella/pan's site. http : // www . freewebs . com / sabellapan (Take out the spaces. If the address doesn't show up on this page, then check out hers and my bio page.)
2) I read a story sometime back where Kaoru was kidnapped to bring out the Battousai, she was raped and thought that now Kenshin won't love her because she isn't innocent. Kenshin doesn't know where she is, but he has turned into the Battousai. Eventually, one of the underlings of the man who kidnapped Kaoru escaped and let Kenshin know where she was. The problem is, I don't remember the title of the story and I can't find it either. If somebody recognizes the description, would you let me know please? Thanks. :)
3) I've noticed there are a lot of songfics here. I think it would be cool if there was a category for songfics, is anybody else interested in petitioning ff (dot) net for one? (And does anybody know how?) If anybody is interested, either leave a review or contact me via e-mail: silenttearsofagony (at symbol) yahoo (dot) com and put "kenshin" in the subject bar. Thanks! :)
4) Does anybody know what happened to the 2003 RKRC Awards, the link doesn't work anymore and in fact, tfme doesn't exist anymore. Did the awards get canceled? That's so sad, if they did. X(
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Kaoru set down the groceries on the counter when a hand covered her mouth.
"Did you really think you could escape me koishii?" Kaoru's eyes widened in shock and fear. That was Soujiro's voice!
He chuckled darkly, his warm breath on her neck causing her to shiver.
Kaoru squirmed in his tight grasp, and gasped as he suddenly turned her around to face him, pinning her against the counter.
"That was really very cruel of you, leaving me all alone like that without even saying goodbye."
A familiar feeling of anxiety washed over Kaoru as she stared at his twisted smile. She knew what was coming.
"It's been such a long time since I've had you." He reached a hand up to touch her face. Kaoru turned her face away, causing Soujiro's face to twist in anger. "I see living on your own has brought back your independent streak." He grabbed her hair and gave a painful jerk so that she was forced to look him in the eyes. "I guess I'll just have to remind you what happens when you defy me." He pulled his hand back to hit her. With no way to protect herself Kaoru scrunched her eyes closed, preparing for the blow.
Kaoru sat up gasping for breath; sweat was pouring down her body. 'Calm down Kaoru. It was just a dream. He doesn't know where you are and he can't hurt you anymore.' She told herself while taking deep, calming breaths. The dreams had started after the first break-in and had been increasing ever since. As were the break-ins. Over the past month there had been six. Nothing was ever stolen , but things would be moved around or the light was left on, when she didnt remember doing so. She had called the police of course, but since she had no idea who was responsible and nothing was stolen, it wasn't high on their priority list. All they told her to do was change her locks. That meant she would have to talk to Ryuuzaburo-san, since he was the supervisor.
Kaoru sighed. She had felt so awful telling him she couldn't come over to see his art work like she had agreed to do. It was obvious from the look on his face that he had been looking forward to it. But there was no way she was going to be alone in a man's apartment. She had only agreed because she was too distracted to realize what she was doing. She still avoided him out of guilt, however. Perhaps, Kaoru mused, once Aoshi and Misao moved out they could all meet so she could make it up to Ryuuzaburo.
Kaoru smiled when she felt Misty nudge her hand in an attempt to get an early breakfast. She might as well give in to the cat's demands, she knew there was no way she would be able to get back to sleep now.
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"Those two had better get here soon with the food," Megumi growled. Kaoru smiled at her. She and Megumi had taken the boys to the park and decided that a picnic dinner sounded nice. Now they were waiting -- impatiently in Megumi's case -- for Kenshin and Sano to come with the food.
"I'm sure they'll be here soon," Kaoru reassured Megumi while checking on the boys to make sure they were okay. Megumi drummed her fingers on the table.
"They better be."
"Hey everybody. I bet you're glad to see us!" Megumi looked up when she heard Sano's voice.
"Finally!" Megumi grabbed the bag from Sano, pulled out a jar of pickles and started eating them like there was no tomorrow.
Sano sweat dropped. He had found his wife could be rather scary when she was pregnant and food was no exception.
"Heh. Sorry we were late. We stopped to --"
"I know, I know. You had to change your clothes first," Megumi finished for him. "I don't think I've ever met anyone who dislikes wearing suits as much as you two." She gave Sano a sexy smile. "Although you do look awfully good in one." Sano returned her grin with one of his own and leaned down to give Megumi a not-so-chaste kiss.
Kaoru turned away, blushing so hard her ears were red. Kenshin gave an embarrassed cough. "I'm afraid they're usually like this," He half apologized.
"It's okay. I know a couple back home who are the same way." Kaoru bowed her head. "It must be a wonderful feeling to love someone and know they love you in return." She said wistfully.
"It is." Was Kenshin's soft reply.
Kaoru looked up to see his eyes betraying sadness and guilt. Kaoru could understand his sadness if he was thinking about his dead wife; but what could he possibly have to feel guilty about in connection to it?
"So," Megumi's voice cut through Kaoru's musings. "What else did you guys get besides pickles?"
"Just your standard picnic fare. Hamburgers, hotdogs, buns, potato salad, macaroni salad, and of course potato chips."
Megumi pulled out a bag of chips and raised a quizzical eyebrow. "Barbecue? Kenshin, none of us like barbecue flavored chips." Kenshin fidgeted ever so slightly, but that was the only betrayal of his emotions.
"Miss Kamiya had a bag with her the other day when she was watching Kenji. I figured she must like them."
Kaoru barely fought down an ecstatic grin. 'He noticed something about me!' Kaoru shook her head at that thought. He was a very observant man, Kaoru reasoned with herself. This was nothing to get excited over. Besides after Soujiro, she had sworn she would never love another man. There was too much pain and heartache involved. With these thoughts in mind, Kaoru decided to just pretend that nothing had happened. Because, really nothing had, right?
Megumi, however, wasn't about to let this moment pass without drawing attention to it. She crossed her arms and gave Kenshin a sly look. "Really, Ken?" She drawled. "I've never known you to do something like this unless you like the person." Kaoru faltered slightly, then continued unpacking the bags.
Kenshin's eyes flicked over to Kaoru then back to Megumi to shoot her an icy glare. "What I do is my business and not yours." Meddlesome sister, couldn't she ever leave his personal life alone?
Sano cleared his throat in an attempt to clear the tension between his wife and best friend. "Ah, Meg? Remember the talk we had a little while ago?"
Megumi smirked. "Oh I didn't do anything darling. I merely stated a well-known fact."
There was a tense silence between the two siblings that was broken only when Kenji's voice rang out. "Daddy! Uncle Sano! Come play with us!"
Kozuke joined in waving them over. "Yeah, come play with us!"
'Thank you, boys.' Kaoru thought to herself as the two fathers went off to join their sons.
Megumi folded her hands and smiled demurely. "I aplogize if we --if I made you feel uncomfortable." Kaoru shook her head and smiled.
"No harm done."
Megumi looked over at Sano and the others. The wind was picking up and her brother was out in nothing but jeans and a T-shirt. He was always looking out for Kenji and then forgetting about himself. She took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. Kenshin really needed someone to make sure he was okay too. Megumi bit her lip, she was going to be in so much trouble if her husband found out about her little schemes. Well, at least she knew he wouldn't hit her. And she could hold her own in an argument.
"I meant what I said earlier." Kaoru was startled when Megumi started speaking. It had been so quiet, Kaoru had almost forgotten she was there. "Its not as if my brother is a cruel person," Megumi continued. "He is kind enough to strangers, but he will go out of his way to see that the people he likes are happy." She shot Kaoru a meaningful look.face turned red and her muscles tensed as she busied herself with the bar-b-que. "Megumi-san, I've never worked a bar-b-que before. Would you help me please?" Megumi frowned in frustration. Either the girl was thicker than she thought, or Kaoru was trying to avoid Megumi's hints. Megumi had a feeling it was the latter.
"You know, a lot of women consider Ken to be a good catch. If you have any concerns about him, I could talk to you about them, if that is your wish." Kaoru's shoulders slumped and she turned to Megumi with a serious expression in place of her usual smile.
"Megumi-san, your brother seems like a very good man. And I admit he is very handsome," Kaoru fought down a blush, "but I was recently in a very . . . unpleasant relationship. Once I got out of it, I promised myself I wouldn't fall in love again." Kaoru reached out to clasp one of Megumi's hands. "Please don't take this personally. If my circumstances were different, I would gladly go out with your brother. I sincerely hope he finds someone special to help him get over his pain. I also hope that we can continue to be friends?" Kaoru looked at Megumi pleadingly.
'Oh but Kaoru, you may be Kenshin's only chance of ever moving on.' Megumi thought to herself as she nodded in response to Kaoru's request. "Of course Kaoru. I've enjoyed the time we've spent together --oh." Megumi gasped and pressed a hand to her stomach.
"Megumi-san?" Kaoru questioned worriedly.
Th-the baby's coming." Megumi panted. Kaoru's eyes widened in panic.
"Sit down, I'll go get your husband." Megumi gave a small cry and doubled over in pain. "Hurry Kaoru!"
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Kenji kicked his legs back and forth and slumped in his seat. How long had they been at the hospital? His father said it had only been a couple of hours, but it felt more like days. To put it simply, Kenji was bored. And as everybody knows, a bored four-year-old is never a good thing. Suddenly Kenji's eyes lit up with mischief and he tossed some popcorn over at Kozuke.
"Hey!" Kozuke objected and threw some popcorn back at Kenji. They were getting ready for an all out war when Kaoru stopped them.
"If you make a mess, you boys are going to have to clean it up," she warned. Well that certainly wouldn't be any fun.
So Kenji started kicking the table instead. "Kenji," Kenshin stopped the boy's legs from doing any further damage to the table. "Why are you doing this? You're usually so well-behaved."
"I'm bored." Kenji whined.
"Yeah, when is mom going to have her baby?" Kozuke piped up. Kaoru suppressed a chuckle.
"It can take a very long time Kozuke. She may not have her baby until sometime tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?!" Kenji looked as if the world was coming to an end. "But I'll miss my cartoons," he pouted.
Kenshin ruffled his hair and smiled. "I think you'll live."
"Himura-san, I could take Kenji and Kozuke to your house and stay with them until you get back." Kaoru offered. it was getting rather late. "Very well." Kenhin nodded.
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I know, its short and its overdue. I offer no excuses, only apologies. (Nothing new there).
Before I move onto the reviews, I wanted to let you know that I will be discontinuing this story. Just kidding! Sorry, sorry. Perhaps that was a lame joke, I don't know. Anyway, I will be taking a short break from this story because I'm getting tired of it right now. So, I'll be working on a new story instead. As soon as its published, I promise to continue regularly updating this story. Unless something more important happens, in which case I'll let you know. :)
Recommended Fanfic : "Altered Memory" by Kaizen00 It reads just like a romance novel. I swear it does! But its still good. :)
My Reviewers
mediaminermellyd -- I'm so sorry. Mediaminer didn't record your review so I can't respond to it. :( But I thank you for taking the time to leave one! :)
fanfiction
Triste1 -- A few grammatical mistakes? Aren't you gracious. :) Every time I go back to edit the chapters I find at least one paragraph with three or four! lol. Well I'm glad they were understandable and I'll keep working on trying to improve. You're the second person to comment on Misty. My kitty would be so happy if she understood. :) (She inspired me to put the cat in there). As for your question, well I had writers block so my cousin put that bit about motorcycles being dangerous in there. I liked it so I left it in. As for the rest of your question, well you'll just have to wait and see. :) Thanks for your review!
Galadriel Hermione Potter -- I'm so glad you like it. :) Sorry about taking so long updating this chap. Thanks for your review!
BattousaiGrl1 -- Considering the fact I've only been writing for a little over a year I highly doubt that, but I get your point. :) I'm glad you like the story, but I'm really running out of steam on it which is why I'm taking a break. I hope to be back soon though. Thanks for your review! :)
cyjj -- Thank you. :) Well, its not soon but it is an update. I hope you enjoy it just as much as you did the last chap. Thanks for reviewing! :)
whitesparkles99 -- Interesting name you have there. Wah, please don't hurt me! I updated right now, see? See?! (Now put that bokken back before you hurt somebody). ;P Thanks for reviewing! :)
Kodora Fairy -- I like fairies. :) Sorry this update didn't happen sooner. Thanks for your words of encouragement! :)
NO NAME -- I see you have that mystery thing going on with your name, ne? lol. Cool. Thanks for your review! :)
Brittany -- HI! Its nice to hear from you again. :) Ooh, I hate it when my foot falls asleep. lol. Yeah, I'm cooking challenged as well. No lemon. Kenshin is gonna go into this kicking and screaming, but as we all know its for his own good. :) Uh, thanks for your review on chap 6. I don't think I've ever gotten a response that strong before. :)
unknown beedee -- Wow, that's quite an unusual name you have. I put that in there because I realized that Kenji was tolerating Kaoru too well, and he's not supposed to yet. I think I went a little overboard though. I apologize about that. Thanks for your review! :)
horse-crazy-gurl -- I bet you would get along well with my cousin. She's crazy about horses too. (And just plain crazy but thats neither here nor there). In answer to your question I'll only say this, nobody we like (as I portray them in this story) will die. Okay? Thanks for your review! :)
Drain Star -- I'm glad you like the cat. :) And my story! :) Thanks for your review!
legolas EStelstar -- Thanks, I appreciate that. :)
rain angst -- Thank you. Youre welcome. And thank you again (about my name). :) Thanks for your review!
Reignashii -- I'm glad you thought it was interesting. I thought it was a rather dramatic place to leave it, much better than I did this chapter, ne? Thanks for your review!
Angel of the Deceased -- That's right I'm using your old name, deal with it. lol. Thanks, I like the way I ended it too. :) luv you sweetie.
Zerianyu -- lol. I didn't think your last review was that bad. It didn't bother me at all. So no need to apologize. Thanks for your encouragement and for reviewing! :)
reBeCCa a.k.a. dacrayZblaze1 -- In the first chapter, Kaoru thought about why she moved to San Francisco. Because I live in California, I assumed everybody would know where San Francisco is. Its a bad habit of mine. I'm sorry if I confused you. Thanks for your review! :)
Kao-gurl -- Yes, originally this story was under the romance/angst category. I switched them around because well, not much romance was happening. Later I realized I wasn't putting in very much angst so I switched the main category back to romance and changed the secondary category to drama. I'm sorry I made you sad, but I'm glad you like it that much! :) It makes me feel all fuzzy inside. :) Well, because Kenshin has been mourning his wife's death so long is the reason why he can't move on so quickly now. But he will eventually. This is a K/K story after all. ;) Thanks for your review! :)
Wow I've never received so many reviews before. Thank you all SO MUCH!
My shout-out list( author alerts and favorites ): Box Turtle, chmsweety, Shade16, Zerianyu, Hanyou Queen, Story Weaver1, sabella/pan, Horosha no Kage, Kitsune-Tenshi-16, are-en1, Julie7, Phoenix Rises, K1dgey, sataness-ov-desire, whitesparkles99, Minni May Yukibara, gaby (hyat, SailorNeo, CEEGEE, Midnight Unicorn, TanukiGirl22, Lyphta, tvsweetie, Night Imp (I wish you would just pick a name and stick with it), Selena Maxwell, ElvenYoukai, Michelena Steel, glasclach, YukiAngel28, Prince Aoshi, CelestialFire490, koorime-princess12, XxSilentxDreamerxX, The Monster in your Dreams, Wren Yang, horse-crazy-gurl, unknown beedee, swimchick1614, th-dd-dmd-mnky, jmj102, rd4everanime, Reignashii, Prometheus Unbound, LeyaBabe, WorthlessShadow, roxygrlygoddess, Sapphirefoxgirl, reBeCCa a.k.a. dacrayZblaze1, AngelBabie4u, Kodora Fairy, pyramidgirl89, aznangel91, Lady Katherine2, Bushido2,