Kenshin was on high alert as he sat in the corner of his room, fully dressed with his sword resting against his shoulder. It wasn't the first night he'd gone without sleep and likely would not be the last. After bidding Kaoru goodnight and giving her a chaste goodnight kiss, due mostly to the fact that Yahiko was sleeping nearby, he'd returned to his room and began his night vigil. The fact that the suspicious people had turned up around the same time Kaoru's new suitor and his father was too much of a coincidence. He'd fought enough battles against underhanded men to know that such things never happened.

He glanced at the clock and sighed. It was just minutes to midnight. The time was passing slower than he'd like. He gripped his sword tighter as images of Kaoru flashed through his mind. Her smile, her laugh, her graceful movements as she moved through her katas, her tears. They were all so precious to him, more precious than he could ever have imagined. He was going to live with her. Truly live with her in this new era and that meant taking down anyone that might take that away from him.

He immediately straightened as he sensed a wave of several dirty, violent ki signatures moving towards the dojo. He gripped his weapon tightly and stood up silently leaving his room and closing the door tightly behind him. He moved to the veranda and sat down in front of Kaoru's door leaning against one of the wooden beams as he waited for the trespassers to arrive.

"Which room is the girl in?" A voice whispered.

"I don't know. Try them all." Another voice replied.

Kenshin waited an saw a group of four men round the corner. There were seven more wandering the compound but he decided to worry about them later as the leader of the group, a burly man with a sword at his hip stopped near Kaoru's bedroom door.

"I bet it's this one." He said roughly. "Do you think the boss would mind if I have a taste of the woman before we deliver her?" He asked reaching for the door handle.

Kenshin unsheathed his blade quick as lightning and rested the tip of it inches from the man's wrist.

"Remove yourself and your cohorts from the place immediately." Kenshin said in a low deadly voice.

"Are you the red haired watchdog I've heard about?" The man asked turning to look at him. "You don't look all that scary to me." He sneered.

"I will not ask you again." Kenshin said. "I'd rather not resort to violence and wake the ones sleeping inside."

"Well, sorry shortie, but we have a job to do. If that means we have to kill you to get it done, then so be it." The large man replied pulling out his blade.

"As you wish." Kenshin said softly before launching his attack.

As he'd anticipated. The majority of his opponents were your average thug. Stronger but without the true skill needed to wield a blade effectively.

In order to keep the commotion from waking Kaoru, Kenshin had skilfully directed the battle away from the main house and back towards the front gate. It was a little risky considering it put Kaoru's room out of his sight, however he didn't want her to be put in a vulnerable position. Startled into a half conscious state and dressed in only a sleeping yukata would certainly qualify as vulnerable in his book.

He heard the sound of a gun being drawn behind him and gritted his teeth turning towards the sound and was pleasantly surprised when his would be assailant suddenly shrieked and dropped the firearm, a kunai embedded in the flesh of his hand.

"What the heck is going on here Himura!?" Misao shouted landing lithely next to him with Aoshi just steps behind her.

"I'm happy to see you both." He replied. "However I haven't much time to explain." He turned to the young woman who's braid was swishing in the wind like the tail of an angry cat. "These men came here to kidnapp Kaoru. I led the battle away from her but I'm worried for her safety. Will you watch over her for me? She's should be sleeping in her room. Yahiko is with her but he's likely sleeping as well."

"You got it Humura!" Misao chirped before dashing off in the direction of the house.

"I know who hired these men." Aoshi said shifting the grip of his swords in their sheath in his hand.

"Thank you Aoshi." Kenshin replied. "Please tell me all you know after we have captured the ones responsible."

The seasoned warrior nodded before surveying the fighters gathered. "These won't be much trouble for you, but I'll offer anyway. Would you like assistance?"

Kenshin smiled at his old enemy turned friend and nodded. "Please. I'd like to end this quickly, for her sake, that I would."

Aoshi nodded and pulled his blades free. The two fighters attacked their opponents with blinding speed and staggering strength. One after another the hired muscle fell before their blades. Kenshin was a flash of red, paired with a wicked glint of gold and silver as he moved bringing his foes down with pinpoint accuracy. His companion was shadow within the shadows forcing his opponents to their knees without even truly realizing what they were fighting against. In hardly any time at all, prone bodies littered the yard as the two victors stood tall, strands of red and black hair whipping in the autumn wind.

"Thank you for the assistance Aoshi." Kenshin said sheathing his blade. "It was much faster to take down this number of opponents with two people."

"Indeed." Aoshi agreed sheathing his own weapons. "We should shift our focus to capturing the masterminds of this operation." He said as they moved towards the main house. "The information I gathered was slightly disturbing." He admitted.

Kenshin nodded. "Of course, but before that I need to wake Yahiko so he can stand guard. He shouldn't-" His body suddenly went rigid, his blood turning to ice in his veins as a sound interrupted him.

"Kenshin!" Kaoru screamed her voice thick with fear.

#%#%

Misao sat near the door of Kaoru's room peeking through the crack in the door she'd left in order to reassure herself that the other woman was safe. She rolled her eyes as Yahiko snorted in his sleep and then rolled over scratching his stomach.

"Boys." She muttered listening carefully to the sound of battle around her secretly checking on Aoshi's condition and breathed a sigh of relief.

Her love didn't sound exhausted or injured. She could rest a little easier. After traveling all day and most of the night she was absolutely exhausted. Just as she was nodding off, she heard the sound of footsteps too heavy to belong to belong to any of her friends. She was wide awake in an instant and spotted a thick man rounding the corner, his gaze focused on the door of Kaoru's room.

"Oh no you don't!" She hissed sprinting towards the man. She leapt up and slammed her foot into the man's throat just below his jaw sending him flying into the yard where he gasped and grasped at his throat. Misao nodded and then turned to face the other two that had come with him and cracked her knuckles. "Don't you jerks know it's impolite to bother a lady while they're sleeping?" She asked. "I guess I'll have to teach you jerks some manners!" She snarled attacking with full force.

She was so caught up with her opponents, that she didn't notice a pair of younger, thinner men approaching the sleeping space of her dear friend.

#%#%

"Kenshin." Kaoru said with a smile as he walked through the gate. "How was your trip?"

"It went well." The redhead replied setting his knapsack on the floor near the door. "Nothing major. Misao sends her regards, she even sent me with some sweets for you." He said straightening from where he'd sat to slip off his shoes.

When he turned to face her, a warm smile on his face, she could no longer contain herself. With a small squeal she launched herself at him wrapping her arms around his neck holding him close.

"Welcome home Kenshin." She whispered in his ear.

He hugged her back, his arms tightening around her waist. "It's good to be home." He replied leaning back a little to kiss her temple. "I missed you Tsuma."

She smiled, blush tingeing her cheeks and threaded her fingers through his bangs. "I missed you too darling." she replied.

He smiled and his gaze flickered to her lips. Her heart doubled it's pace as he slowly leaned towards her with his lips parted. Her eyes closed in anticipation and-

Kaoru gasped in alarm as a hand roughly covered her mouth and her hands were pressed together, rough rope circling her wrists tightly. She struggled under her assailant, memories of the incident in Enishi flooding her mind and increasing her strength. Just as she was about to bite the man's hand, he leaned down and laid his lips by her ear making her shudder in revulsion. The only person she wanted that close to her was Kenshin.

"Stop your struggling missy, or my partner there will kill the boy." He hissed.

She immediately froze, her gaze flickering to where Yahiko lay just feet away sleeping soundly, a man standing ominously above him with sword drawn. There was no way she was going to allow any harm to come to him while he was so vulnerable. Instead she glared at her kidnapper as he turned her on her side, forced her arms behind her back and bound her wrists with excessive force. She stood obediently when he pulled her up her focus on Yahiko still sleeping though it was restless now. She listened carefully and could make out the sounds of swords clashing as well as flesh pounding flesh. As she suspected, Kenshin was already fighting. She was led outside and she kept her eyes trained on her bedroom door. As soon as Yahiko was out of danger she would make her move.

"Come on Atsu!" the man hissed. "Leave the boy, he's worthless now. We need to get this girl out of here before the guard dog figures things out." He hissed.

Atsu left the room and Kaoru was frustrated to see that his blade was sheathed. There was no way for her to tell if he'd used it on Yahiko. All the more reason to act quickly. Without a second thought, she shifted her head and clamped her jaw down as hard as she could on the man's hand nearly gagging on the taste of his blood.

"You crazy bitch!" He snarled pulling his hand back and slamming his opposite fist into her face knocking her to the ground and bloodying her nose. "Get her Atsu!"

Kaoru gasped as she tried to scramble away with her hands bound. No, this was not going to happen again. She was not going to be taken from her friends again. She refused! Red hair, violet eyes and a warm but slightly sad smiled filled her mind. These men were not going to take her from him!

Atsu reached for her and she sucked in a deep breath doing the only thing she could think of.

"Kenshin!" She screamed.

#%#%

Yahiko bolted upright at the sound of Kaoru's scream and scanned the room. Ever since returning from Enishi's island she'd woken up screaming for Kenshin more than once. However, a quick scan of the area told her that she was gone. As he scrambled from his bed and grabbed his wooden sword, he heard the sounds of battle outside and wondered, not for the first time, how he had managed to sleep through such a thing.

He raced outside and saw Misao fighting a thug in the backyard. He turned his head and was shocked to see one man holding a bleeding hand, and another reaching for Kaoru who was laying on the ground, her face bloodied and her hands tied behind her back. Rage erupted within him. She had suffered more than enough, she and Kenshin were finally together, the way they should be. He was not going to let some stupid thugs get in the way of that!

With a shout, he launched himself at the man reaching for Kaoru slamming his sword down into the juncture of his neck and shoulder, sending the man sprawling the to the ground and tumbling over the edge of the veranda. He then turned to the bleeding man and swung his sword again, hitting him hard in the side and forcing the man to stumble back away from the woman he'd come to love like a sister. He moved to stand protectively in front of her with his sword drawn.

"You two," He snarled. "Stay the Hell away from Kaoru!" He turned back to her and helped her to her feet. "I don't have anything to cut the ropes, sorry. Misao's here, and from the sound of things, Kenshin and Aoshi are probably out front. Hurry there!"

"Yahiko." She protested as he wiped some of the blood from her face with his sleeve.

"Go!" He snapped. "You're useless with your hands tied like that. Go to Kenshin!"

She nodded and rushed off in the direction of the front yard and Yahiko turned to face his opponents.

"You're going to pay for that little boy." The man with a bleeding hand said.

"You took the words right out of my mouth." Yahiko snarled. "How dare you lay your hands on Kaoru?!"

He launched forward and slammed his sword into the man knocking him back into the wall of the dojo.

"How?" The man gasped.

"You have no idea just how big a mistake you've made." Misao said stepping up beside Yahiko. "Kaoru isn't just any girl. She has the respect and affection of the OniWaban group, the last living member of the Shinsengumi, and The Legendary Battousai." She said with a smirk.

"You're so going down." Yahiko said pointing his sword at the pair of men who had paled at Misao's bold declaration.

#%#%

"Miss Kaoru!" Kenshin shouted sheathing his sword and running towards the sound of her scream.

Aoshi ran in the opposite direction likely to cut off the escape of any potential assailant who was trying to run off. Kenshin raced towards the back yard, stepping up onto the veranda and rounded the corner. He slammed into a petite body and stumbled back half a step. He reached out instinctively and caught the person before they fell, his violet eyes met a pair of shimmering indigo and he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Kaoru." He breathed pulling her into his chest. "Thank goodness."

"Ken- shin?" She whimpered.

"You're safe now Miss Kaoru, that you are." He said softly.

"Kenshin." She repeated again her voice trembling. "Kenshin!" A sob escaped her throat. "I was so frightened!" she cried.

"It's alright now." He said softly.

He noticed she wasn't hugging him back and took a step back to really look at her. He was shocked and saddened to see the bruises and blood on her face, the ropes tied tightly around her wrists.

"I'm so sorry Miss Kaoru." He said turning her gently. "I'll release you now."

He cut through the ropes and then turned her again lifting her raw wrists to his lips and kissed them gently. The tears rolling down her cheeks increased and he swept her up into his arms holding her to his chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck and sobbed into his shoulder.

He carried her back towards her room and couldn't help but smile when found the rest of the thugs sporting welts and bruises, Misao tightening the ropes on one man while Yahiko did the same to another.

"How do you like it big guy!" Misao snarled.

"I hope you have rope burns for weeks." Yahiko agreed tightening the ropes on the man sporting a bleeding hand.

"Good work you two." Kenshin said softly.

The youthful pair immediately focused on him and rushed forward leaving their defeated prey behind them.

"Kenshin! Is Kaoru alright?" Misao demanded. "I tried to protect her but these two snuck past me while I was dealing with those goons." She said motioning to the four men who laid on the side of the yard, Aoshi tightening the ropes on the last one."

"You did well Misao." He replied. "You too Yahiko." He looked at Aoshi. "I'll help you with those as soon as I get Kaoru settled."

The seasoned ninja shook his head. "No. Misao and I can handle this." He said striding forward. "She needs you right now."

"I'll help them too." Yahiko said stepping forward. "You take care of Kaoru."

"Very well." Kenshin replied. "In that case, please come get us before confronting the ones responsible for this."

"Of course." Aoshi replied.

Kenshin nodded and was about to carry Kaoru into her room and then thought better of it, given the recent traumatic experience and carried her into his room sitting down in the middle of his futon with her tucked in his lap.

"Are you alright Miss Kaoru?" He asked stroking her hair gently.

Her grip on him tightened and she yelped. He lowered her arms from around his neck and studied her raw and bruising wrists.

"Let me bandage these up for you Miss Kaoru." He said moving to shift her off his lap so he could go find the first aid kit.

"No!" She exclaimed wrapping her hands around the collar of his shirt her hands trembling. "Don't leave me. Please." She begged.

He held nodded unable to deny the neediness in her voice and wrapped his arms tightly around her, tucking her head under his chin. For a long time he sat there and held her, stroking her back, gently squeezing her arms. Anything to help her feel safe and secure. After more than an hour she let out a long yawn her head bobbing as she struggled to stay awake.

"I won't leave you beloved." He said softly. "You have my word." He pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. "Nothing will harm you. Rest Miss Kaoru."

"I can't sleep." she replied shaking her head. "I'm terrified to wake up alone, or in the hands of another enemy."

"I'll be right by your side." He assured her as he gently laid her down covering her with a blanket before settling at her side taking her hand in his. "Sleep sweet Kaoru." He said softly stroking her bangs with his free hand.

She held his hand tightly and reluctantly drifted off. Kenshin waited until she was in a deep sleep before quietly sneaking out of the room to grab the first aid kit from the kitchen and quickly returned. With gentleness and care, he cleaned the burns and cuts on her wrists and wrapped them carefully. He then washed the blood from her face gently and taped a bandage to the split in her skin along her cheek bone that her attempted kidnappers had inflicted on her. It saddened him to see her injured. It never should have happened. However, she was safe now, and the criminals would be punished for what they'd done. That would have to be enough for him for now.

#%#%

"Are you sure you don't want breakfast?" Kenshin asked as he knelt behind Kaoru pulling a comb through her silky hair, her wrists were too sore for her to complete the task herself.

"Yes. I'm afraid I'll have to cancel classes for the day too." She said lowering her head touching her wrists lightly. "I can't hold a sword properly like this. They're too bruised." One tear and then another slid down her cheeks. "I can't stand this." She whimpered. "Why am I so weak?"

Kenshin laid the comb down and wrapped his arms around her from behind pulling her back against his chest.

"You are not weak Miss Kaoru. You are one of the strongest people I know." He said.

"I'm nothing but a burden to you. You're always saving me." She protested. "I run a damn kendo dojo but I can't protect myself from a couple of thugs let alone protect the ones I care about. I'm so sick of it."

Kenshin's heart stuttered at that. He'd never heard her sound so defeated, so listless. It wasn't like her at all. He turned her in his arms and grew even more concerned when she refused to meet his gaze.

"Talk to me Miss Kaoru." He urged her crouching a little, trying to meet her eyes. "What's wrong? This isn't like you."

"I'm useless." She whimpered.

"Stop this Miss Kaoru. You know that isn't the truth." Kenshin protested touching his forehead to hers, her eyes immediately closing to avoid his. "Look at me beloved. Let me see your eyes." He whispered softly. She clenched them tighter and he gently ran his thumbs over her cheek bones. "Oh Kaoru." He breathed sensing the intense sadness in her ki. It was a sensation he'd never wanted to feel again. "Don't do this to yourself. Please." He pulled her into his arms. "Let me in. I want to help you. Please let me."

Her indigo eyes that were normally so full of light and warmth opened revealing dull pools of sadness, shame and something he couldn't quite discern. It almost… frightened him, that spark of something in her eyes he'd never seen before.

"Miss Kaoru?" He questioned reaching out to touch her shoulder gently.

The moment was interrupted by light tapping at the door.

"Aoshi." Kenshin called out.

"The ones who hired those men are awake now. Do you still wish to confront them?" The ninja asked.

"Yes. We will be ready in just a few minutes." Kenshin replied before he turned to his subdued love. "Come Miss Kaoru. Let us end this quickly so we can return. Then you can rest with our friends, alright?"

She nodded and stood to her feet with his assistance and tugged at the sleeves of her kimono trying to hide the bandages on her wrists. He laid his hand against the small of her back and urged her forward opening the door for them to exit her rooms and then closed it behind them.

"Where are Miss Misao and Yahiko?" Kenshin asked.

"Sleeping at Yahiko's house." Aoshi replied. "They were both quite tired after last nights excitement. A police officer is watching over them for the moment. Your police chief wouldn't allow us to refuse the protection after we brought the men in." He explained.

Kenshin nodded. "That is good. They will get the rest they need, that they will."

"Come. They're staying in an inn at the far side of town. We will need to move quickly to intercept them." Aoshi said leading the way through town.

Kenshin wrapped his arm protectively around Kaoru's waist, the other hand touching the handle of his sword as they weaved through the early morning foot traffic and arrived at a western style inn.

"This way." Aoshi said guiding them past the startled looking desk clerk, up a set of stars and stopped at a large wooden door. "In here." He said motioning to a door where several voices could be heard arguing.

"I swear! When we got there, the red haired guy, he came out of nowhere. I've never seen anyone move that fast. Then a man in black appeared and started to help him. Atsu and his crew went around and got the girl but a boy with a wooden sword and a girl with strange throwing knives suddenly appeared and protected her. I ran before they could get me too." The most frantic of the voices explained.

"Lies! She's just one girl how hard can it be?"

"Open the door Aoshi." Kenshin said firmly. When Kaoru flinched beside him, her wrapped his arm protectively around her waist. "Do not fear Miss Kaoru. No one will harm you or take you away I promise."

She nodded and laid her hand on his arm as Aoshi threw the door open and stepped inside.

"What is the meaning of this?" Mamiya snarled before he laid eyes on Kaoru and softened a little. "Ah, so did you wise up and decided to come to us willingly little Kaoru?" He asked.

"No." Kenshin replied. "I brought her here to confirm something." He turned to his beloved who was barely trembling beside him, acting brave despite her fear. "Miss Kaoru, do you recognize these men?" he asked gesturing to the Mamiya pair.

She shook her head. "No. I remember them showing up at the dojo the other day, but I don't know them."

"Alright." He replied, it was more than enough proof that her father wasn't close with the man, not close enough to entrust his daughter to him and his son anyway. He wrapped his arm around her waist giving her a small embrace, his lips touching her temple in a feather light kiss. "That's enough. Go with Aoshi, the Mamiya's and I have some things to discuss, that we do."

"But Kenshin." She protested anxiety written all over her lovely face.

"It will be alright. I promise. Get something to eat down stairs and wait. I won't be long." He assured her.

She chewed her lip and twisted her fingers nervously before she nodded allowing Aoshi to gently lead her from the room.

"I'll keep an ear trained on this room." Dark haired man informed the red head before he closed the door behind him.

"Now then, let us get straight to the point." Kenshin said firmly. "Why did you send ruffians to kidnap Miss Kaoru last night?" He demanded.

"I told you before. The girl's father agreed that our children would marry. Since she wasn't coming willingly, I hoped to remind her of her place and bring her to where she belongs." The old man replied in a matter of fact tone.

Kenshin's eyes narrowed, flecks of gold entering the violet orbs. "You decided that taking her by force from the place where she has chosen to be, frightening her into submission would be acceptable?" He demanded.

"Yes of course. Women like her need to learn quickly that the dojo is no place for them. Their place is in the kitchen and the bedroom." the old man said with a sneer.

"You had no right." Kenshin said darkly the younger Mamiya and the escaped kidnapper blanching and stepping back at his tone.

"No right?" The old man replied.

"You had no right to treat her that way, to frighten her that way, to wound her the way you did." Kenshin snarled his purple eyes filling with more gold. "You know nothing about Kaoru. The suffering she has endured alone, the pain she's experienced protecting her friends and her father's legacy. You had no right to even think of disturbing the peace she has finally obtained. You had no right to send filthy men to lay their hands on her." He said his hand shaking near the hilt of his sword.

The man paled a little and gripped his cane a little tighter. "I admit, that was a little heavy handed of me." The man said. "I simply wished to remind her of the dangers of this world. As her guardian I'm sure you share the same sentiment."

"You're wrong. On both of those assumptions." Kenshin replied stepping forward. "Kaoru is well aware of the dangers of this world. She has faced dangerous situations many times and by some miracle has managed to walk away from those encounters relatively unharmed. I wish to protect her from such horrors to enable her to live the kind of life she chooses."

"Of course. It is your duty as her guardian to protect her." The old man said. "However your services are no longer needed. My son will look after her from now on."

"I told you that you were mistaken on both of your assumptions." The red haired samurai said his voice calm and controlled. "I am not Kaoru's guardian."

The old man's eyes widened. "What? How can that be? What are you to her then? Who are you?" He demanded.

"I am Kenshin Himura, Kaoru's betrothed." He replied watching as the men's eyes widened in shocked surprise.

"NO!" The old man exclaimed slamming his cane down. "I refuse! The girl should have been mine! If only that damn Kamiya samurai worshiper hadn't snared sweet Shizuka with his fairy tales about building a kendo school to teach people to use the sword that protects. What a joke."

Kenshin stiffened. He recognized the name immediately. Shizuka, Kaoru's mother who had died when she was still young. It made sense now. The man Kaoru had spoken of that had fought her father for the attention of her mother. This was him. He must have learned of Kaoru's existence recently and wanted to possess the last piece of her mother that existed while simultaneously wiping out the last remaining trace of her father in one fell swoop. This man's obsession was a disease that would destroy him if he wasn't careful.

"Kaoru has made her decision." Kenshin. "She has chosen to live her life, teaching the sword style her father left behind to the new generation with me by her side. No amount of money will change that." He replied. "For the crimes you have committed towards Miss Kaoru you will have to atone. You can either turn yourselves in or I can arrange for the police to come pick you up."

Natsume lowered his head. "Let's do as he says father." He said softly. "We have hurt an innocent girl."

Mamiya stared at Kenshin with malice in his eyes. "Tell me boy, are you a swordsman?" He asked.

Kenshin nodded. "I've been wilding a blade since I was a boy." He replied unwilling to give away his past as a manslayer.

"I KNEW it!" The man roared. "Women always fall for that trick. First Shizuka now her daughter. You sword wielding bastard!" He exclaimed advancing towards the redhead pulling on his cane a glint of metal revealing the hidden blade.

Kenshin prepared to defend himself and was surprised when the door opened and Kaoru suddenly appeared in front of him lifting a metal fire poker to block the incoming blow. They met with a clang and Kaoru held off the blade, her indigo eyes blazing the the fire he'd seen the first day he'd met her.

"Never point your sword at my beloved again." She snarled before throwing the man back into the body of his son.

"Kaoru." Kenshin breathed. "Why are you here?"

"Aoshi told me everything. About this man's past with my parents. I couldn't sit idly by while you fought my family's battle." Kaoru replied before taking a step towards the pair, her eyes trained on the old man. "I do not know exactly what happened between you, my father and my mother." She said. "However, I do know that my mother loved my father until the day she died. Contrary to what you seem to believe, she did not love him because of his swordsmanship. She loved him because of his passion, his honestly, his desire to help others, his dreams of a new era where kendo could become an art that saved lives instead of taking them." She glanced at Kenshin. "I love this man, not because of his sword skills, but because of his compassion for others, his unwavering loyalty, his desire to see peace in his new era, his passion to protect the ones around him. Nothing you say or do will change my mind. Now do as Kenshin said and turn yourselves in." She said before turning back to her lover. "Are you alright?" She asked reaching out to touch his chest lightly.

"I should be asking you that, Miss Kaoru." He replied stepping closer to her. "My brave warrior woman." He said with a smile leaning down the nuzzle her hair lightly his hand cupping her shoulder. "You make me so proud."

The old man studied the pair and suddenly saw the red haired man replaced with the image of the rival from his youth. Years of resentment, jealousy, and obsession bubbling up at once. If he couldn't have Shizuka, then no one could. He gripped his sword in his hand, lifted it and lunged forward.

Kenshin immediately noticed then the man's ki shifted to killing intent and reacted with the speed he was famous for pulling Kaoru with him out of harm's way, the man stabbing through the air where they'd been standing only moments before.

"Aoshi!" Kenshin called when the man turned towards them still filled with killing intent. The dark clad man appeared in and instant. "Take Miss Kaoru and get the police, this man will not turn himself in quietly."

Aoshi nodded and moved further into the room even as Kaoru reached for Kenshin.

"Kenshin! I can't leave you like this, not when it's my fault-"

He silenced her with a quick kiss to the temple. "Let me protect you." He said softly before pushing her into Aoshi's waiting arms.

"You're not taking her anywhere!" The man shouted taking a step towards the retreating figures.

Kenshin moved quickly and blocked the man's strike knocking the blade cleanly from his hand. "Aim your blade at my most precious person again and I'll show you exactly why I was given the name Battosai in my youth." He snarled as he leveled his blade at the man.

His son paled. "Ba- Battosai?" He squeaked. "The famous assassin who worked for the government and vanished without a trace?"

Kenshin glanced at the young man and he gulped in obvious fear half tripping, half crawling towards his father.

"That's enough father. This obsession of yours has gone on long enough." He sighed. "I always wondered why it was you so strongly objected my desire to study swordsmanship. Now I understand. Mother suffered as well, never able to live up to the memory of the woman you'd lost." He lowered his head. "Please release us father. We have suffered enough and brought pain upon another who didn't deserve it." He turned towards Kenshin and bowed. "I apologize for both deceiving you and for going along with my father's plan instead of protecting Lady Kaoru."

"Don't bow your head to some samurai has been you useless boy!" The old man raged.

Kenshin blocked the blow he aimed at his son and frowned down at him. "A man who can only focus on what he has lost, will never see the precious things he has until they too are lost to him. I know that better than most." The man glared at him. "I can see you're in no mood to listen to me so I will leave you with just one more word of advice." His expression hardened. "Stay away from my family and my home. Threaten them again in any form and you will regret it."

#%#%

That night they ate at the Akabeko, with all that had happened Kenshin didn't have time to cook and Yahiko was adamant that Kaoru's cooking would kill them all. Kenshin studied Kaoru closely throughout the night. She still had that spark of something that made him anxious in her eyes. At the moment, she was huddled in a corner with Misao talking in hushed tones.

"So, I heard you a courting Kaoru." Aoshi said from beside him. Kenshin nodded picking up his cup of tea. "I'm surprised it took you this long." He admitted.

Kenshin sighed. "I wanted to give her time and space to recover from everything that happened." He replied. "Though it seems that particular plan backfired on me."

Aoshi nodded and sipped his own tea before setting it down. "Does she know about the state you were in when you had thought her dead?" He asked.

Kenshin stiffened a little and then shook his head. "No. We haven't spoken about that yet."

"I think it would be wise to speak of it sooner rather than later." Aoshi remarked.

"What makes you say that?" Kenshin replied glancing at the dark haired man.

"Misao has been in correspondence with Kaoru ever since we returned to Kyoto. On the journey here, she told me that Kaoru has many insecurities about herself and your feelings for her."

Kenshin's eye widened. "What does she have to be insecure about?" He demanded. "She's such a wonderful person."

Aoshi sighed. "Women are quite different from us. They take matters of the heart quite seriously and I can see why Kaoru might be feeling insecure."

"Why?" Kenshin asked.

"Your heart was frozen for more than a decade by the memory of a woman. Your first wife who, from what I gather, is exceptionally different from Kaoru." He replied. "Kaoru is very likely intimidated by your memories of Tomoe fearing that her hold on you is still present. You are her first in everything Kenshin, she is not your first in anything, what person wouldn't feel insecure with that hanging over them?"

Kenshin's jaw clenched. "That isn't true at all. No one has ever taken hold of my heart the way Kaoru has. My feelings for her are different compared to what I felt for Tomoe. They are so much deeper."

"She needs to hear that from you." Aoshi said. "Only then will she feel confident in your feelings for her."

"You're right." Kenshin said softly. "I knew of her feelings for me, and moved forward without telling her the depths of my feelings for her."

Aoshi nodded. "When you wed, it would be best to do it before the snowy season arrives or wait until spring. Traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo in the snow can be troublesome."

The redhead chuckled and nodded. "Yes of course. I will try to keep that in mind."

#&#&

"Miss Kaoru, would you walk with me for a while?" Kenshin asked once Aoshi, Misao, and Yahiko had settled in the night, the latter insisting he was staying to protect Kaoru, though Kenshin figured it was probably his anxiety triggered by nearly losing Kaoru again.

"Sure Kenshin." Kaoru replied grabbing a shawl and slipping it over her shoulders. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see." He replied taking her hand. "We have things to talk about." He said leading her towards a hill with a large rock that overlooked the river nearby.

Once they arrived, he helped her up onto the rock and then hopped up himself.

"This is a pretty place." Kaoru said tucking a section of hair behind her ear.

"That it is." Kenshin agreed. "I've found that it's quite peaceful too. I spend time meditating here from time to time."

Kaoru nodded and looked out across the valley before she glanced at him. "What is it you wanted to talk about?" she asked.

Kenshin took a deep breath. This conversation would not be an easy one, for either of them. However he did not want Kaoru to suffer with her insecurities anymore. He was the only one that could alleviate them after all and that meant baring his soul to her and taking the risk that she might turn away from him.

"Kaoru, has anyone told you about what happened when you disappeared?" He asked.

"No." She replied. "Whenever I asked, the others told me that it was something I needed to hear from you. Since you had never brought it up, I assumed it was something painful and decided to leave it alone for the moment."

He nodded and took a deep breath bracing for the impact of reliving the second most painful moment of his life.

"When I finally broke free and ran after you. Enishi stopped me and told me to follow the scent of plum blossoms. I demanded that he tell me what he'd done to you, but he simply kept on walking. I ran to the dojo and" He sucked in a breath his hands balling into tight fists, his stomach turning as he remembered the gruesome scene. "You were there, leaning against the dojo wall with Enishi's sword through your chest and my scar carved into your face." He shuddered, his jaw clenching as he remembered the white hot agony that had seared him all the way to the bone at the sight, at the realization that he'd failed to protect the person whom he'd loved so dearly but never told.

Kaoru immediately reached out to him grasping his hand with her own and wiping away a tear with the other. "I'm so sorry Kenshin." She murmured softly. "It wasn't me. He kidnapped me."

"We didn't know that then. He'd used an exceptionally talented man to make a corpse doll that looked just like you. Even Megumi was fooled by it." He replied turning towards her his hands reaching out to shakily grasp her forearms. "I thought you were dead." He whispered brokenly more tears escaping his lashes. "Dead, because of me."

"Oh Kenshin." She breathed wrapping her arms around his back and pulling him against her. "It's alright." She said softly stroking his hair. "I'm here. I'm alive. Take all the time you need."

He nodded and took a few moments to collect himself. He focused on the sensation of her hand moving over his hair, the warmth of her body against his, and the distinctive scent of violets that always clung to her skin. After several moments, he took a deep breath and leaned away giving her a reassuring smile but he took one of her hands in his.

"I… I didn't handle the situation well." He confessed squeezing her hand. "I didn't kill anyone." He clarified quickly.

"I know." She replied. "That isn't like you."

He nodded his heart feeling a little lighter with the confirmation of her complete faith in him. "Yes well, I…" He took a deep breath. "I ran away." He confessed. "From the dojo, from our friends, from everything." He explained. "I went to a village meant for people who had no place to return to and just sat there with my sword chained. There was nothing left of me. I had no desire to fight, or do anything. The others came looking for me, but I turned them away. I told them that I was tired. Tired of fighting, tired of existing, tired of being the last one standing."

Her eyes widened and filled with tears her slender fingers lightly covering her mouth. "I knew it." She whispered softly. "I knew that if I were to die that you would blame yourself and suffer for it." She lowered her head. "I'm so sorry Kenshin." She whimpered. "I never meant to case you such heartache."

Kenshin reached out and touched her face lightly brushing away her tears. "Listen to the end beloved." He said softly. "It is true that I blamed myself, however I eventually was prompted into action by Tsubame who came to me begging me to save Yahiko." He sighed. "I realized that as long as I was alive I could protect others and not matter what happened, that is what I should be doing. Once I saved Yahiko I fell asleep and had a dream. Tomoe appeared before me and asked if I was still too tired to stand. I told her no, that I was just resting. I told her that I had continued to wield my sword and would continue to wield it and she smiled at me. Then she told me to wake up and meet the one who wanted my smile most." He reached out and grabbed Kaoru's face turning it back to him frowning at that spark of something he could not name but did not like in her eyes. "She was talking about you." He said cupping her face in his hands. "I knew then that you were alive, alive and waiting for me to return just like you always do." He pressed his forehead to hers. "I decided then to live my life to the fullest. To continue to struggle in spite of the weight of the lives I have taken and live. It was not only what Tomoe wanted, but what I wanted." He held Kaoru's face in his hands. "I want to live with you Kaoru."

She nodded and then looked down. "Why me?" She asked softly. "I am nothing like Tomoe. I'm a swordsmanship instructor who has never wielded a true blade, a reckless, hot headed, clumsy girl who can't even make a decent meal."

So these were some of her insecurities, he realized. She felt inadequate as both a woman and swordsman a heartbreaking combination.

"I love all of those things about you." He replied gently sliding his hands into her hair. "You are brave and strong, yet kind and gentle. Your heart is overflowing with kindness and justice."

Kaoru's eyes widened before they filled with tears and she looked away from him her body shaking.

"What else is there Kaoru?" He asked her gently holding her shoulders. "Why are you so sad and conflicted? I can sense it in your ki."

She gritted her teeth and pulled away from him wrapping her arms around herself. "I'm so… despicable." She snarled tugging at her hair.

Kenshin moved closed to her. "I don't understand. Help me understand why you feel this way about yourself." He prompted.

"I'm jealous of a dead woman!" She suddenly cried out. "She was your first everything! She held your heart in her hands for more than a decade even after she died." She slipped off the rock tears streaming from her eyes as she strode towards the woods. "What kind of fool am I thinking that I could ever measure up to her." She whispered so softly Kenshin could barely hear her. A very confused Kenshin leapt from the rock and stopped her with his body holding her close. "Let go of me!" She hissed.

"No I won't. Never again." He vowed. "We need to get this sorted out. I love you Kaoru. The feelings I had for Tomoe pale in comparison to what I feel for you. Yes she took away some of my loneliness, gave me a small reprieve from my violent lifestyle, but you… You brought me back to life Kaoru. You saved my soul, gave me a reason to live, a purpose, you healed my broken heart."

She shook her head pushing at his chest. "You did all of that on your own. It had nothing to do with me." she protested.

"No!" He countered shaking her lightly. "Listen to me Kaoru! When I met you for the first time, saw how hard you were working despite all of your hardships, desperately protecting a sword style that protected life, for the first time I truly felt that what I had done during the war had been right, that I had helped the country move in the right direction. When you were hanging from Hiruma's fist begging me to run away, still trying to protect me in spite of such a dire situation, I knew I had to protect you because I knew that you would do good things in this new era. When you offered me your home, I could not deny you. I wanted to stay near you, see the kind of young woman you would become, what the swordstyle you taught would do to those around you. When you saved Yahiko and brought him in with you, though you bickered like a cat and dog, I could see that you loved the boy. It was the same with Sanosuke and Megumi. You offered them all you had with no expectations for them to return your kindness." He pulled her closer. "You protected me from my darker self when you broke the shinoepo spell Jineh had placed on you. When I left for Kyoto, you followed me. It was because of your presence there that I was able to find something that I'd lacked for many years." He pressed his cheek to her hair. "You gave me the desire to live." He whispered. "I couldn't die because I knew that you were waiting for me to return. That desire that you awakened inside me was what allowed me to learn the succession techniques from my master. It was the same while I was battling Shishio, I refused to die, because I knew you were waiting for me." He wrapped his arms around her waist noticing with relief that she was no longer struggling as hard. "When I returned with you from Kyoto and you welcomed me home, I cannot express in words the joy and contentment I felt then. For the first time since I had left my manslayer days behind, I felt at home." He laid his cheek against her temple. "You have stayed by my side through so much danger and heartache. When I thought I'd lost you, the pain literally drove me to my knees."

"But you came back stronger than ever even while convinced I was still dead." She protested pushing at his chest again.

"That was partially because I knew that you would never want me to suffer like that, nor would you approve of me abandoning our friends in a crisis over your death." He countered tightening his grip on her so that she could not escape.

"Still it was Tomoe who-"

"Was a part of my past that was holding me back." He said cutting her off. He took a step back and grasped Kaoru's face between his palms forcing her to meet his eyes. "I have not seen her shadow nor heard her voice since that day. After making peace with the part of me that was still so attached to her, she vanished. I have moved on and found a measure of peace, I believe in my heart that her soul has as well. Though I know her love for me was genuine, our relationship was tainted from the start. It was not meant to be." He searched Kaoru's brilliant indigo eyes and found that the spark that concerned him was nearly extinguished. "I meant what I said that day we went to Kyoto. I told her goodbye because I had decided to live out my life with the woman who had captured my heart." He laid his forehead against hers again. "I truly meant what I said. I love you Kaoru, I have for a long time. I want to live with you. I want to be a family with you."

Kaoru's lip trembled and she bit it nervously. "Thank you Kenshin." She said softly. "I didn't realize that you truly felt that way about me."

"I do." He replied pulling her against his chest. "I am sorry that I cannot give all of my firsts to you, but Kaoru, if you're still willing, will you entrust all of your firsts to me? I promise that I will treasure them and you forever. I love you Kaoru. The heart and soul that you have mended with your selfless love and devotion are completely yours."

She burst into tears and finally, finally wrapped her arms around him. The confliction he'd felt writhing in her ki dissipated like sand on the wind and shifted back into the warm inviting state it normally was. He leaned back and was pleased to find that the spark he'd hated in her eyes was hardly visible. He was certain that it would fade completely with time as he reassured her and showered her with his love and devotion.

Feeling much lighter, he leaned forward and pressed his mouth to hers plucking at her lips gently until they were plump and pink. He leaned back and stroked her cheekbones lightly.

"Are we good now Miss Kaoru?" He asked softly. "No more doubts about what you mean to me?"

She nodded and held his forearms gently. "Yes Kenshin." She replied. "I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier."

"Don't apologize." He replied. "I should have realized sooner that you were feeling insecure."

She chewed on her lip nervously. "I can't promise I won't feel that way again." She said softly. "But I can promise that I'll come to you when I do."

"That is exactly the way it should be." He told her kissing her forehead. "Come my beloved." He said tucking her arm into the crook of his elbow. "I'm sure Aoshi is tired of waiting for us to return. We've been here for quite a while."

"Oh, you're right." Kaoru said glancing at the moon. "I hope he isn't angry. I'll have to apologize to him."

"I'm sure he's not angry." Kenshin replied leading her down the hill. "Just tired. Besides, this talk of ours was long overdue, was it not?"

Kaoru nodded her radiant smile warming his heart. "Yes Kenshin. You're right."

Author's Note: I am so sorry for the delay! I caught the flu for the first time and the bugger took me out for almost two weeks. I'm back now and hopefully updates will be coming more regularly. Sorry for that and thank you for all the support!