I do not own Rurouni Kenshin :-)

Strange Affliction

Chapter 1 – Unfavourably Favourable

It's not as if this day had begun in a way which was different from the day before or the day before that. It did seem however, as if Kamatari was calling all his favours. And when he called them, in it was as if the whole world was on hiatus so that he could have what he wanted. Then again he had saved her from that strange man with the plastic flower quoting lines from 'black books'. And when she thought about it a little bit longer, he'd helped her when she had needed it the most, so she guessed it was time to pay him back for his prior acts of kindness.

'What you're asking for Kamatari means I have to spend 6 whole weeks with you and your family.'

'Yes. And you owe it to me.'

'What about my boyfriend? What will he say when he calls and I have to tell him I'm going off to the English countryside with my "friend"' stated Kaoru mimicking the quotation marks, after which she neatly folded her arms.

'You have a boyfriend?' returned Kamatari sceptically.

'Technically.'

Kamatari raised an eyebrow and gave her "The Look".

'The technical ground's of it's not being true,' she admitted.

'6 weeks and all favours even, Kaoru. Please. And you know I never say Please.'

'Fine. I'll play the role of pretending to be your beloved to perfection,' she grinned cattily. In hindsight Kaoru knew it wouldn't be hard to play the part. She did love Kamatari but it wasn't the same emotion one had for a lover, but the type of bond which could be tested numerous times, never to be broken.

Living and in some instances working with Kamatari was a new experience everyday, but she knew that she would never trade in what she did. As a highly sought after bridal wear designer, Kaoru sometimes worked with Kamatari on photo shoots or at exclusive weddings. An experienced photographer such as Kamatari knew how to capture the beauty of each event in a moment. Kaoru had no trouble at all in admitting that Kamatari was an extremely talented individual, his confidence regarding his position within his family however, left much to be desired. She wondered how they failed to see that he clearly didn't like to date women at all. Kaoru knew she would have no problems acting her part as the besotted beauty, she knew practically everything about, his life, his work and most importantly his family…

'Yahiko is a cousin of mine whose parents passed away. He lives at the manor under our care. Tsubame is not related to me by blood but she has been pseudo adopted by our family as well. We kind of just found her. Then there's Ayame and Suzume, my little nieces. Ayame's mother is Tae and Suzume's Mother is Sae. Megumi is another cousin who is apparently dating some great hulk who we'll meet on the trip. There's my sister Misao, who has this major love thing for Aoshi. I can't really explain her…you have to experience it yourself Kaoru love. And lastly there's Kenshin.'

Oh she had heard of Kenshin. The shrewd businessman with a distant aura insular personality and somewhat latent charm, women liked him but he didn't give them much time, only attending affairs he needed to and never more. Apparently he was the watcher, keeping a close eye on all family affairs, stepping in at just the right moment.

'Without him, I'm sure we would all fall to pieces…he just seems to know how to keep the ball rolling. When any of us are in trouble he's the one we go to.'

She had seen pictures of him in newspapers before…the large cross marring his cheek had been entrancing. She wondered why it was there.

She watched patiently in amusement as Kamatari eyed the pairs of clothing she had lain out on her bed for inspection. Humming to himself he touched her clothes now and then talking to himself, and occasionally nodded in agreement with something he'd said under his breath. She had arranged her wardrobe, which reflected what she knew his family would expect her to wear, mixed with what she liked to wear. This mainly consisted of elegant pieces which were suitable if one was always attending a family picnic crossed with an afternoon soiree.

'Mmm I can see you've picked out all your more sedate yet timeless pieces. You really have my family's tastes in mind don't you' he seemed oddly staid.

'Well I don't want them to think I'm some hobo wearing Boho. I do want them to think I care for you, love you and appreciate you for the wonderful person that you are. And they have to know I'm all about being independent and supporting you. So this strikes the right cord doesn't it?'

'Yes it does, but put in some other nice, weird pieces which are your style…colourful darling, is what you are' he said winking before leaving her to pack her things.

Kaoru was under no illusions as to what type of family Kamatari came from. They were old money, affluent and deeply traditional with strong family ties. She understood why he was finding it difficult to admit to his family the truth about his sexuality. In fact she was finding it difficult to believe that the great Kenshin who had been repeatedly described as an extremely perceptive individual would have missed Kamatari's quite blatant choices. He was either completely oblivious or entirely aware, and Kaoru suspected it was the latter. She decided that the least amount of contact with him would be best during her stay, if only that was the case.

Kaoru stood in front of her mirror and deliberated over her only pair of good clothes which were not packed away in her round suitcase. It consisted of a green metallic silk sleeveless top with a gathered neckline, dark blue jeans and green and cream crocodile skin RMK stiletto's with a silver heel. Her hair was in a high ponytail and her long green beaded chandelier earrings swung lightly near her bare neck. Her earrings and necklace rule was this: in the daytime extravagant earrings meant no necklace. A simple necklace meant matching simple earrings. As far she was concerned this rule was to be abided by under all daytime outfits. Her little cream jacket completed the simple yet elegant look which she had been hoping to achieve.

'Oh you do look fine Miss Kaoru!' commented Kamatari in a heavy English aristocratic tone.

'Why thank you my dear friend! And may I say that you look quite smart on this fine morn as well,' she returned in her best plummy English accent. Despite his sunny front, Kamatari was quelling on the inside. His stomach was turning and Kaoru knew it.

'It will be fine Kamatari. Seriously. Have you ever thought that maybe they'll be cool with it when you tell them?'

'Of course. But that would be expecting too much love.'

'Sometimes I think that you have severely misjudged the way they'll react. Especially when you talk about how much they always support one another, and I'm sure they'd support you as well.'

'We'll see Kaoru, we'll see.'

The drive up was quiet, way too quiet. Too preoccupied with his own thoughts Kamatari didn't even notice when Kaoru kept glancing at him. His stony profile was distinctly unlike Kamatari at all. His nervous and weary aura was slowly seeping into Kaoru as she began feeling the pressure of what could happen, after all 6 weeks was a long time.

Sighing she placed her hand on Kamatari's.

'Stop. Worrying after the fact is not going to help anyone.' She murmured quietly. Slipping on her sunglasses she turned and faced him with a mischievous grin on her face 'We'll just show them how fabulous we are.'

'We're here,' he announced in a simultaneously happy yet forlorn tone.

'Mmm and if you keep up that attitude they'll spot it from a mile away Kamatari,' she replied as she forward to gain a better view of the clearly gargantuan mansion sprawling across the English countryside. It was very old England with balustrades and a fountain. A fountain for heavens sake! It was so big you could have bathed all of India from the water in it. Yet there it was delicately littered with statues of half naked mermaids. Rolling her eyes, the car came to a halt which prompted her to get out.

'I'll get the suitcases!' announced Kamatari as soon as he had alighted from the car. She recognised it as a mild form of procrastination but let it go.

Spying them from the apple tree around the side of the house, Yahiko was first to greet them.

'Hey Kamatari. Who's the Ugly?' he asked in a low whisper which Kaoru heard but chose to ignore for several reasons. I mean she didn't want to go to jail for severely beating a 14 year old did she?

'You're not so hot yourself Yahiko-chan' commented Kamatari.

'Don't call me chan!'

'Whatever,' shrugged Kamatari carelessly, 'This is Kaoru, Kamiya Kaoru, and she's going to be staying with us for the holidays,' he continued a light warning in his tone.

Kaoru watched the exchange and waited as Yahiko's eyes started at her feet and travelled up inch by inch until his eyes met hers. His thoughtful look became a glare.

'Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to stare Busu.'

Must not beat child, chanted Kaoru faithfully in her head wondering whether the kid realised how hypocritical he was being. Turning smartly on her heel she walked calmly towards the house, Kamatari following dutifully with their luggage.

The entrance to the house was two large heavy wooden doors which opened inwards. They were engraved with some sort of leafy epitaph which she didn't bother stopping to really admire after all she had plenty of time to do that later.

The front doors opened into a large sparsely furnished circular wooden room. The open doors on the other side displayed a staircase which probably led to the second level where all the bedrooms were. Though she had yet to see it entirely, Kaoru liked the layout a lot. The house was large enough to separate the living quarters from the general everyday area.

'Kamatari!' screamed an entirely too excited voice before Kaoru only just managed to catch a small black object hurtling towards them before skidding to halt in front of her. It turned out that the object was a very small framed woman. The woman stood in font of them her mouth hanging open in surprise before Yahiko spoke candidly.

'Busu's with Kamatari.'

Grinding her teeth in irritation, Kaoru stepped forward holding out her hand in greeting to the other girl 'Hi, I'm Kaoru'

'OH MY GOD. She's so pretty Kamatari! Where did you find her? What does she do? Does she like soccer? Cos you know what's gonna happen if she doesn't! Does she play? Like play sports? Like play the Play Station? Alternatively play cards? Cos I'm cool with whatever! You know me I'm cool central!' Kaoru watched as she babbled on and on in that high pitched tone.

'Misao, have you had any sugar lately?' asked Kamatari nicely

'Sugar is nummy.'

'Yes but…never mind, this is Kaoru – she's my girlfriend,' he explained placing his hand on her shoulder.

'But…okay…cool cool.'

Nodding and exhaling slowly he looked around, 'Where is everyone Misao?'

'Out back,' replied the hyper weasel quickly.

'Alright, I'm going to show Kaoru where we'll be staying and we'll meet you on the back veranda in five minutes.' Leaning forward he whispered, 'And take Yahiko with you.'

The room they were sharing was apparently the same size as her whole apartment. She'd seen pride and prejudice and all that which seemed displayed huge rooms with énsuite and matching curtains, but this truly surpassed her expectations. The bed was Victorian style with four posts and an overhanging cream silk outlay.

'Damn Kamatari, I knew your family was old money, but seriously…this is old!'

She commented before running and jumping on the huge bed like she'd wanted to from the very first moment she'd seen it.

Although most people in these circumstances would have felt distinctly uneasy, Kaoru felt a mild sense of discomfort before she eased into her surroundings. Kamatari knew that Kaoru's sense of self worth would prevail in any situation. If anyone could stand up to Kenshin it was her.

Kaoru slouched over the bar in the entertainment room while watching Misao play Tekken on her Playstation 3. It was clear that the girl was suffering from a mild form of Attention Deficit Disorder or she was simply hyperactive. Sipping her vodka lemon and lime at 3 in the afternoon was Kaoru's idea of good day. Tsubame had come out of her brief shy spell to have a small conversation with her before returning to wherever it was she had come from, and in this house it could have been anywhere. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched as Kamatari approached her with a strange look on his face.

'Kaoru Honey, we're going to have to go to a party tonight.'

'I bought lots of clothes so stress less Kamatari.'

'Thank God I brought you with me,' he trailed off before downing the remainder of her drink.

As they walked back to their room together, Kamatari informed her of what the party was all about.

'This girl, her name's Tomoe, she's engaged to this new guy and so she's holding a small engagement party to celebrate with family and very close friends. The thing is that she and Kenshin used to date and there's still a bit of tension.'

'I thought that your brother wasn't the tension type,' she murmured

'The tension isn't from his end, it's all her. She broke up with Kenshin and he knows why but for some reason it was almost as if she didn't want to do it.'

'Okay so you mean she did it to kind of threaten him into giving their relationship more meaning but ended up leaving him altogether and regretting it?'

'Something like that.'

'Great! Past relationship tensions - I can handle that!' she responded sarcastically.

'Rome wasn't built in a day love.'

'What? That doesn't make sense at all.'

'Oh whatever, I was trying to be poetic and you ruined it with your smartness.'

'I don't understand how you've come so far in your life, I really don't,' remarked Kaoru shaking her head solemnly.

'Yes well we both have to look absolutely fabulous tonight.'

'I always look fabulous thank you very much.'

'And I know I said that you would probably get 3-4 days with my family before Kenshin comes along but he will most likely be there tonight,' he stated.

'Okeydoke, you know that if I can handle a bride and her mother on the same day, then a can deal with him too.'

'I know, I'm just saying is all.'

'You know what? With all the hype you've been giving about your big brother, I'll bet he's just one big teddy bear! Grumpy and cuddly,' she grinned

Kamatari immediately stopped what he was doing and turned to observe Kaoru, like a doctor observed his mental patients when they did something strange.

Shaking his head sagely he simply stared at her before continuing to rifle through his own clothes.

After very little deliberation, Kaoru decided that the party wasn't going to be too upscale and therefore her outfit would have to be cocktail style instead of completely formal.

She opted for a buttercup yellow silk dress, with a very simple cut. Sleeveless, it had a v neck and the material hugged her hips before the skirt fell in folds around her knees. She slipped on a pair of her newest yellow Tony Bianco Eluera design stilettos which matched her outfit perfectly. She decided to put her hair up in a small twist leaving her fringe sweeping across her forehead and tucked neatly behind her right ear. All in all with a little makeup she felt she had hit the right tone for evening.

Kamatari ended up wearing a casual suit with a collarless shirt in a deep green colour and it was decidedly unlike him to wear such bland clothing. Kaoru's thoughts were interrupted by Misao who came flying through their bedroom door.

'Kaoru!' she cried out urgently.

'Misao!' Kaoru responded feeling the moment and matching her in a similar tone.

'Don't make fun,' pouted Misao.

'What's up?' she asked grinning widely at the younger girls overt nature.

'How do I look?' she asked before turning in a circle and clasping her hands expectantly.

'You look lovely Misao.'

'Just LOVELY? I need to look…sexy,' she whispered after a small pause.

'Well you do look that too,' which Kaoru found hard to dispute considering her outfit. Misao wore a black dress which looked simple from the front but was entirely backless with a slinky skirt.

'Trust me, it's a very sexy dress and you look sexy in it.'

'Of course you do honey,' chimed in Kamatari who had come to stand next to Kaoru in observing Misao's outfit.

After reassuring her several times that she did indeed look sexy Kaoru and Kamatari ventured downstairs to find Yahiko standing next to Tsubame with a slack jawed look on his face. Kaoru recognised it, and identified it as the same one a Groom had when he saw his Bride walking down the aisle. The boy was clearly lovesick and doing a terrible job of hiding it. Tae and Sae had decided to stay back and look after the girls while everyone else went. After all they could go to the official engagement party whenever that was going to be.

'Kaoru and I will be travelling down in our car, so we have room for 2 more,' stated Kamatari in a tone which implied that although there were 2 spaces he didn't want anyone to take up the offer.

'Nah it's alright Kam, Tsubame and Yahiko are coming with me.'

'WHAT?' yelled Yahiko before realising that Tsubame was standing next to him.

'I don't wanna die weasel! If that were the case I would have thrown myself of a cliff years ago,' he muttered in a low tone so only Misao could hear.

Misao however was in a good mood for some reason and chose to ignore the comment. Picking up her keys she headed towards the door connected to the Garage. Taking that as a cue Kaoru followed Misao into the large 8 car garage where she spied her and Kamatari's car and strode over to stand next to it.

The drive over was considerably quick and Kaoru loved the distinctly country scenery. Although she couldn't live here 24/7 she knew that every now and then she'd make a trip down to get away from the city stress.

Tomoe's house turned out to be another mansion, and although it didn't have a fountain it carried its own aura. The lights outside displayed the house beautifully against the evening country sky.

As they walked slowly up to the entrance which had been left wide open, Kamatari grabbed Kaoru's hand squeezing in lightly. Moving closer to Kamatari, she hugged his arm before looping them together and greeting the butler who stood at the entrance greeting each guest.

'Young Master Kamatari, How do you do this evening?'

'I'm well Jenkins, and yourself?'

'Quite well sir, and who might your companion be?'

'This is my girlfriend Kaoru Kamiya. Kaoru this is Jenkins the Yukishiro household's inestimable Butler.'

'It's lovely to meet you,' she responded politely.

'I'll introduce you sir,' turning towards the closed doors held it open and announced in a clear even tone, 'Mr. Kamatari Himura and his partner Miss Kaoru Kamiya.'

At the end of the butler's little introduction Kamatari and Kaoru strode into the large room.

Kaoru immediately sighted Tsubame, Yahiko and Misao standing and talking to a tall beautiful woman.

Kamatari guiding her, made a beeline for the little group. Upon their arrival the unknown woman turned, her eyes lighting up with pleasure.

'Kamatari! What a surprise!'

'Tomoe, of course I'd come down to celebrate the good news with you,' he returned jovially.

'You were already down before you knew about it,' claimed Yahiko before he received death glares from all quarters. Kaoru wondered whether the kid could actually keep his mouth shut for once.

'Congratulations! Let me introduce to someone – Tomoe this is Kaoru, my girlfriend,' he stated emphatically as if Kaoru's actual presence wasn't enough to really convince the girl.

Tomoe turned her doe eyes upon Kaoru and studied her before murmuring a polite reply.

'It's lovely to meet you Kaoru.'

'Thank you, and congratulations on your engagement, I wish you every happiness in the world.'

'Oh thank you,' replied Tomoe before smiling.

So this was Tomoe. She seemed like the type that Kenshin would date. She was elegant, sophisticated, and basically looked like a model. She stood quietly and sipped her wine and listened to Tomoe talk to Kamatari. Her tones were low, even and cultured. During the conversation however, Tomoe's face stilled in surprise as she looked over Kaoru's shoulder at something which had caught her attention. Kaoru wondered what had caused the elegant woman to pause when she heard Jenkins imperious tone announce a new arrival.

'Master Kenshin Himura.'

Kaoru heard Kamatari lightly humming the Jaws theme under his breath before raising his eyebrows and quickly gulping down his drink. Kaoru moved off to the side and sidled away before Kenshin could reach their little group. As she edged herself onto a stool at the very end of the bar she watched as Kenshin Himura spoke to Tomoe and Kamatari. She saw Kamatari point in her direction before talking earnestly. It was a sin for a man to have better hair than a woman; Kaoru didn't understand it at all. His lithe form was clothed in a tailored black suit, and grey shirt which lined his body to perfection. And there was his scar on his left cheek.

Her musings were suddenly interrupted as her eyes clashed with his. He had been watching her, and only god knows how long. Lifting an eyebrow she watched him over the rim of her martini and sipped delicately without looking away. If he thought he could scare her with one look then he had another thing coming. Rolling her eyes she turned towards the barman and ordered another Martini before realising that she had only been there for half an hour and she had already consumed 3 standard drinks. Thank God she wasn't driving tonight.

Feeling a presence at her back she smiled and closed her eyes as a hand touched the nape of her neck.

'Kamatari, you're going to have to help me get into bed tonight, I've already had way too much to drink,' she sighed rolling her neck.

'I would gladly help you into bed,' rumbled a deep low tone which had her spine tingling. Kaoru froze and instantly recognised the voice. Kenshin Himura. Did she have no luck?

Rolling her head back she studied his face which was only inches from hers. No fear Kaoru, No Fear.

'As much as I would love you to put me to bed,' she smiled mischievously 'Your name isn't Kamatari, its Kenshin. Say it slowly after me, 'KENSHIN,' she repeated sounding out the word for him as if he was too stupid to know. He said nothing and continued to stare at her face.

'Oh I know I'm very beautiful but really you're making me blush,' she faked fanning her face and made to move of the stool.

'You're not what I expected.'

'And you Mister Himura are everything I expected,' she calmly placed a hand on his chest to push him away before continuing. 'I'm going to find Kamatari, have you seen him?'

'He's your boyfriend.'

'And he's your brother, what's your point?'

'Kenshin! How's everything going with business these days?' butted in some other constituent at the party, completely oblivious to Kaoru.

Kaoru could hear Kenshins low even tones in response to the question as she used it to escape away from the bar to search for Misao or Kamatari. She hadn't expected him to be so full on from the very first moment. Then again who was she kidding, Kamatari had told her what he was like hadn't he? It was a pity she found him attractive, if she didn't she would have found it so much easier to bat him away like an annoying fly. Even more strange was that she had actually enjoyed their little biting conversation….it was refreshing to see him slightly off balance even if his face hadn't shown his surprise she knew he had been.

'I've got the whole world in my hands, I've got the whole world in my hands, I've got the whole world in my hands,' she sang quietly to herself as she searched for Kamatari and slipped around the people standing and chatting. She found Misao and for the first time since she had met her, she wasn't speaking only gazing adoringly into the face of a tall man standing a few metres away from her. She took a guess and hazarded that the tall unresponsive man was probably Aoshi, Misao's 'love thing'. She approached Misao and stood next to her before Misao sighed and looked sadly into the glass in her hand.

'He'll never see me the way I want him to,' she admitted quietly.

'Well not if you stand here sighing all night,' she was being a bit candid, and she blamed on the excessive consumption of alcohol in a very short period of time.

'He thinks I'm too immature, which in heaps of ways I am…But in heaps ways I'm really mature as well!'

'Then show him Misao,' she responded lightly before spying Kamatari heading out the doors onto a balcony which led to the garden outside. Kaoru excused herself from the girl before quickly following Kamatari outside. She found him sitting at the bottom of the garden on a sandstone loveseat designed for two.

'Kam, what's up with you?'

'Kaoru? I saw you meet Kenshin…what did you think? Not so teddy bear after all?'

'Yeah not so teddy bear, but I bet there are still plenty of women who want to hug him,' she joked. 'I survived the first encounter unscathed if that's what you mean.'

'Oh well it's good that you've survived, but he'll be harder on you next time Kaoru now that he knows you're not just some chick I picked up in the street with half a brain.'

'Bring it on Honey.'

'That's why I thank the lord for having you around Kaoru,' he smiled quietly.

Sitting next to him he wrapped his arm around her and they leaned into one another's embrace.

'Tomoe is giving a toast Kamatari, it would be rude if you were out here with your - Miss Kamiya instead of toasting her happiness.' Cut in Kenshin, startling both Kaoru and Kamatari who had not seen him approach them. Although he had spoken in that low deep rumble he had almost paused at her saying her name. After which he turned slightly waiting for them to walk in front so he could follow them in.

As they reached the glass entrance to the room Kaoru who was slightly behind Kamatari felt a hand grip her elbow stopping her progress altogether. She knew it was Kenshin but Kamatari had already walked into the room, and calling out would have been inappropriate as the room hushed. Instead Kaoru allowed Kenshin to guide her away from the entrance to the corner of the balcony where he stood in front of her blocking any escape.

'Why are you here Miss Kamiya?'

'Well you cornered me on the balcony, so I guess you could answer that question yourself, you're not a very smart cookie are you?'

'Answer the question,' his eyes flashed gold and glowed in the dark.

'Well, Miss Yukishiro was kind enough to invite Kamatari and his partner to this party, and as I am his partner I came.'

'Don't act stupid. And don't make me repeat my question.'

'Do you actually think that your bad cop routine is going to make me answer any of your questions? Seriously, how power delusional are you that you think I'll actually be scared into answering? I love Kamatari very much, and he asked me to be here. And I came to support him as you do when you love and care for someone.' She responded quietly. 'I have given Kamatari all my support in the past and I will continue to do so in the future whether you like it or not. What do you have to say for yourself Mr Himura?'

'Kamatari knows I care for him. He's family. He can ask me for whatever he wants and I am more than happy to support his decisions.'

'Really? Then why the strong man attitude? Unless you know something I don't,' she murmured. She felt like lifting her hand and studying her nails like those actors did when they didn't care for the situation they were in but he was standing too close for her to even move a centimetre.

As her little accusation laced query hung in the air his eyes narrowed before he leaned and stated lowly.

'I'm watching you.'

'I like that you're watching me,' she replied in a mock sexy tone 'I didn't know you were such a voyeur, I'll have to let the world know,' she elaborated looking directly into his eyes, letting him know that she was up to the challenge.

'You're way too sassy for your own good,' he bit out his eyes blazing.

'And that's the way you like it,' she winked 'Now if you don't mind I'd like to go inside and toast Tomoe's happiness.'

Kenshin watched her hips sway as she walked away. Damn the woman had a smart mouth. She also had the most enticing lips he had ever encountered and he doubted that scent of Jasmine would ever just be Jasmine anymore. From now on he knew it would always remind him of her.

Hope you liked it - tell me what you think :-)

Iuvenalis.