Disclaimer: I do not own RK. Just an avid fan. Also, any similarities and or/inconsistencies with real life are purely coincidental. No harm intended. Just for reading pleasure =)
~o~o~o~
London Heathrow Airport – one of the busiest international airports in the world. All passengers aboard the Japanese airline started to alight. "Thank you for travelling with us!" the stewardess cordially greeted each passenger as they left the aircraft. Kenshin grabbed his hand luggage from the overhead cabin. His load mainly consists of his everyday clothes and some thick jackets for the winter. He also brought his laptop, a travel guide to UK, and some ready-to-eat snacks.
He was exhausted after the long flight. Was it more than twelve hours? His head was aching a bit. He is not used to travelling, let it be travelling alone. It was his first time to set foot on a foreign land. It was really not in his persona to explore the world outside the office walls or the usual four corners of his apartment room in Tokyo. It was his haven, his silent sanctuary. "Welcome to London!" The huge signage at the airport read in bold fonts.
What pushed him to go out of his comfort zone? He actually had a mission: to find his missing girlfriend. Well not actually missing in the strictest sense of the word. Kenshin just couldn't rest his thoughts ever since Tomoe stopped communicating with him. It was more than two months since he last heard her voice via an overseas call. They didn't argue nor did they quarrel. It was actually unusual for them to have misunderstandings or petty fights. Their relationship – which they are supposed to celebrate the fifth anniversary of next month – was practically smooth-sailing. Kenshin knows deep inside of him that Tomoe is the one he's going to marry. And he was pretty sure that she feels the same for him. But as much as he wanted to always have Tomoe by his side, Kenshin allowed her to pursue her dreams. Tomoe is an ambitious lady, and he loved her for that. She wanted to have a fruitful career in the banking field. So when Tomoe was given the opportunity to work for a multinational corporation in London, she did not hesitate to grab it. And Kenshin supported her all the way. It was only three years anyway. After that, she'll go back to Japan and settle with him. That was the original plan. And Kenshin thought there will not be any complications.
A long-distance relationship is bound to fail. He has heard this from most of the people he shared his story with: his uncle, cousins, close friends, some colleagues at work. They basically said the same thing. But Kenshin did not mind. Their relationship will prove them all wrong. They will get through this. He trusts Tomoe. And the feeling is mutual. Or was he just assuming? They would constantly communicate through chats or calls. It depends on whether Tomoe was busy or Kenshin wasn't, or the other way around. The distance and her physical absence actually made him miss her more. And it made him realize how much he really loves her.
But the two-month hiatus pained Kenshin to the bone. He couldn't stand the longing. What was it that he was hanging on to? Why does he feel uneasy? Something must be wrong. It just did not seem right for him not to know what's happening to Tomoe. Or her whereabouts. He would often feel worried and nervous at the thoughts running on his mind. Maybe she was just too occupied with her work? Maybe something serious or urgent came up and she didn't have the time to inform him? Or she was just not okay at all. Or Tomoe probably had moved places? Maybe she's starting to feel different. Maybe she has found another man. And she's probably planning to dump him? Well, that escalated quickly. Tomoe wouldn't do that. She is ambitious, yes. But unfaithful? Not until the sun sets in the east. It was just impossible. Kenshin knows her so well. So it pains him to think about the reasons for her sudden withdrawal. There's no way he could tell, unless he made a move. And so he did.
Wearing casual denim pants and a black printed T-shirt under his thick cotton jacket, everything in front of him was new and uncertain. Kenshin followed the wave of passengers and underwent the necessary security checks and immigration steps. He pulled a piece of paper from his backpack. It was his personal note to where he would be heading next. Then his mind went blank for a second there. As much as he would like to commend himself for finally making a move to see Tomoe, he lacked preparations. The decision was hasty and impulsive. He didn't even book a room at a nearby hotel. Great! So where will he spend his first night there? And did he bring enough money? Is he familiar on how to go around the city?
It doesn't matter, he thought. He had a goal. And he must focus on it. He could deal with those concerns later. With a newfound encouragement to boost himself, Kenshin read the address written on the piece of paper. It's Tomoe's office address. The office phone and fax number were also available on his note. She would of course share that information with her boyfriend. But not for the purpose Kenshin was there at the airport at that fine evening. Kenshin would naturally dial her mobile number first, but the phone was just ringing. He attempted to call Tomoe's phone at least five more times. But he just heard the ringing sound, not a single trace of her smooth, gentle voice. Desperate to hear her voice again, Kenshin's next step would be to dial the office phone number. But it won't work. Ideally, there was no one working at a bank on weekends especially at late night.
Kenshin thought it will be helpful to start asking around. If someone, or anyone, knows how he could get to the specific address written on the paper. He first approached the airport information center. The lady staff welcomed his inquiry and typed the address on the computer. She gave Kenshin the directions after searching on the online map. After the default "thank you", he left and walked forward. Where to go now? He had to wait until the next day before he could visit Tomoe at work.
He removed one strap of his backpack to put the paper on one of its pockets. Then he noticed the prominent brown box of jewelry inside. He was supposed to give it to Tomoe when she comes back from her stint abroad. But due to the circumstances, he had to bring the box along. And ask for her hand. Kenshin thought that he'll be willing to stay in London after she accepts the proposal. He'll handle the consequences later. Just cross the bridge when you get there. This is the philosophy he lives by. Simple but can be foolish at times.
He was walking ahead, but his eyes were focused on the heavy luggage bag he was carrying. He was also absent-minded. And anxious. And tired all at the same time. Then he bumped hard into something. He heard splashes of liquid dripping from the impact. But Kenshin did not see any wet stain on his shirt. When he looked up, his lavender eyes widened at the sight he encountered.
~o~o~o~
Kaoru helped the lady boss carry her items from the luxury taxi they rode in to the airport's departure area. The lady boss is an important client, so Kaoru did her job to entertain and accommodate her during her official business trip. She toured the lady around the famous landmarks of London. That would be after discussing some agenda of their company's proposed project. It was only a week, that client visit. But Kaoru felt so pressured and stiff all throughout. She was worried that the lady might not award the contract to them. So she did her best up to the very last minute.
"Farewell, Ms. Kamiya. It was nice working with you." The lady boss who was in her forties, grabbed her signature leather bag from the trolley. "And London is pretty nice. I'm sure this won't be the last time I'll visit nor the last time I'll see you." She gave Kaoru the informal parting of a wink accompanied by a smile. Did she hear it right? Did she hear that they will see each other again? If the answer is yes, then she would be very pleased. There was no doubt that the big project is theirs to manage. Kaoru's eyes reflected her glee with this confirmation. She bowed her head as a sign of respect and gratitude. "Thank you, Madam Schweighart. It's my pleasure to be of service to you."
Kaoru waved her goodbye to the boss who stepped in the passengers' area. She checked the time on her watch. It was 11:37 in the evening. It was already late. Late for her to go home and cook dinner for herself. She knows that cooking was never a friend so Kaoru was not expecting to come home and be treated with something enticing. So she decided to buy something at the airport instead. Kaoru spotted the famous hamburger chain and ordered herself a supreme meal consisting of one quarter-pounder burger, two side dishes and her favourite cola drink. And chocolate ice cream sundae of course. It satisfied her rumbling stomach. Was it afternoon when she had last eaten a full meal? Kaoru enjoyed every bite on the burger and chicken nuggets. This is her treat for herself. She would usually have food at home courtesy of her well-known cooking skills. Which was not so flavorful, to say the least. After this personal celebration for getting the much-coveted contract, she stood up to finally leave.
She held the plastic glass of large-sized cola drink on one hand while she was walking towards the taxi stand. She alternated texting on her right hand, and the sipping of the cola on the left. She was walking ahead, but her eyes were focused on the SMS she is composing on her mobile. She wanted to inform her teammate of the status of their proposed project. "Hey Misao! I have good news for you. The proje – " Kaoru was typing the message when she felt something bump her. Then her left hand felt colder than the other parts of her body. It was cold and it was wet. She looked at the lower part of her pink blouse and saw some darker shades covering her stomach area. The cola drink she was holding dripped on her because of the impact. Her first instinct was to open her mouth, gasp and raise a brow. "Watch where you're going!" Kaoru yelled as she checked on the wet parts of her blouse. "Look at what you've do – " As she held her head up, the sapphire color of her eyes glowed and she was not able to finish the sentence.
~o~o~o~
"I'm sorry." Kenshin dropped his luggage to the floor to quickly get the handkerchief from his pocket. He held her wet hand and wiped the cola drippings from her white skin. His hands, though calloused and bony, were gentle to her senses. She examined him as he carefully maneuvered his hands in that apologetic gesture. Her strong-spirited nature would usually come out at such an encounter with someone unknown. But Kaoru did not move to protest and she let this stranger wipe her hand. Kenshin made sure that the stranger's hand is as clean as it was before the impact. It did not reduce the stickiness she felt though. She had to clean it with water. When he was about to wipe her wet blouse, Kaoru's defensive mode resurfaced and she moved back. She sharpened her eyes towards him. "That's enough." She put her palm up front to restrict him from doing anything more. "I'll have this cleaned myself. Just be more careful next time."
Kaoru passed by him and went straight to the ladies' restroom. She turned the faucet and cleaned her hand with flowing water. After that, she scooped some to wet the lower part of her blouse with water as well. The hassle pissed her off, but only a little. She was going home anyway. She can easily change to cleaner and more comfortable clothes later. Kaoru looked at the mirror. Her face looked fine and the ponytail she assembled on her hair was still intact. But why did she suddenly feel conscious of her appearance? She usually doesn't care much about how people, or men to be specific, would judge her looks. She has lost interest in them anyway. Or in any serious relationship for that matter. Ever since that day. Looking at her reflection, Kaoru recalled the brief moment when she saw the stranger's eyes. They were mysterious and somewhat hypnotic. She wanted to yell at him for being careless. Like the way she would yell at some careless people at the public transportation. But the moment he touched her skin and the moment their eyes met, Kaoru felt she couldn't get angry at such a tender-looking face.
Kenshin stood there as the stranger he had bumped into left. He was relieved she didn't get angry. He carried his luggage back and walked to the exit. He mentally reminded himself of the directions to Tomoe's office. He is looking forward to tomorrow. He would finally see her. And then they could talk. Talk about the latest from their lives, their plans and their relationship. The feeling of hopeful and hopeless played in his heart. One part told him that he was doing well and that he should go on, while the other asked him what he was doing there in the first place. The latter part seemed to win the dilemma as Kenshin viewed the people moving around from the exit. He suddenly felt alone. Well he was technically alone and he doesn't really know anyone from that place. Except for a woman named Tomoe Yukishiro. But the unwanted feeling overpowered him to the extent that he was questioning himself whether he still knows the woman he thinks he knows. Or was he really alone?
His bag felt heavy. So Kenshin looked around to find a place to sit. He found one near the taxi stand. He sighed a deep sigh. The long flight was really tiring. But his heart was even more tired. Tired of guessing, of contemplating, of hoping. He rested his chin on top of the handle of his luggage bag. And he looked blankly ahead. What was he going to do? Will he call a taxi to take him to a hotel? Or will he just spend the night there? The cold air brushed through his skin and sent shivers to his back. He should've worn thicker clothing, he thought.
Kaoru patiently waited for her turn in the taxi queue. That day was a tiring one for her. She had to run around, albeit literally. Kaoru went back and forth. That morning, she went with the lady boss to the mall for the latter's last-minute shopping spree. Then she had to go to the office that afternoon to get her missing portfolio and do some tweaks on the report for Monday. Finally, she had to accompany the lady to the airport that evening. But the efforts all paid off and she reminded herself of the big project. Kaoru is looking forward to the coming day. She will share the pleasant news to the team. When she checked her bag to get her phone, she saw a hint of red color from her peripherals. She turned her head and saw someone familiar sitting by the stop. She looked closely to confirm who it was. And she could not be mistaken.
~o~o~o~
"Ahem!" She pretended to cough hardly. Kenshin lifted his head to see who it was. His eyes widened in surprise. This was the stranger he bumped into just moments ago. Is she there to get back at him? Kenshin examined her pink blouse, which looked wetter this time. "So – " Kaoru greeted after succeeding to get his attention. Kenshin suddenly felt worried. Does he need to apologize for the second time? "You lost or something?" He did not anticipate her query. He was expecting some lashing words from her after what he has done, however unintentional it was. But the stranger rather sounded concerned.
Kenshin needed a few seconds before he could give an answer. His mind was still occupied by a lot of thoughts, most are concerns about his girlfriend. "Uh – " He started vacantly. He did not want to sound the stranger was correct. "No. I'm looking for someone." He forced a smile. "Oh, so he's here to pick you up?" Kaoru continued her inquiry. Kenshin did not know what to say. He's confused whether he was ready to divulge more details about the woman he came to London for. "Actually, she doesn't know I am here." He briefly confessed. Kaoru exhaled and her curiosity heightened at his claim. His response brought out a string of questions in her mind. What was he doing there if the person he's looking for doesn't know he's there? This guy must be up to something, she thought.
Kaoru examined him further, from his physical looks to his cold and somewhat lonely demeanour. "I'm guessing that you're not from here." She spoke out her speculation. "Am I right? Or am I right?" Her voice was insistent as she titled her head sideward. Kenshin's lavender eyes studied the lady standing in front of him. How could she make all her assumptions about him correct? She was a stranger and yet her presence contrasted the cold the weather has made him feel. He had only seen her twice and yet her eyes offered sincerity and compassion. Like he could open up to her. Like he did not have a choice but to match that sincerity back by giving an honest response.
"Yeah." Kenshin replied while he forced a shy smile in admission. The concerned part of her surfaced as Kaoru pondered on what the stranger's business in London really was. He was not from there and he apparently looked like he had no clue on what to do or where to go next. "Where will you be staying then?" Kenshin sighed a second time and looked straight ahead. The stranger has been asking questions he cannot directly answer. He chose not to respond. Kaoru checked her watch again and looked at the taxi queue. She looked back at him as Kenshin prepared to stand up. Even though he just met her, Kenshin felt at peace with the stranger around. But he did not want to bother her with his personal matters. Maybe he needed a place where he can be alone, where he could clear his thoughts and rest his mind. And the taxi stand wasn't such a place.
"Where are you going?" Kaoru's voice diminished as the distance between them grew. Kenshin stopped and looked over his shoulder. His back was still facing her. "Come along." Kaoru offered an unsolicited invitation. This time, Kenshin turned around to face her. "What's that again, Miss?" He was perplexed. Kaoru took this cue to approach him. "You heard me. I said, come along. " She grabbed the handle of his luggage bag and pulled it towards the next available taxi parked at the queue. It was heavier than expected. "Wait!" It was Kenshin's turn to increase the volume of his voice. "What are you doing?"
Kenshin ran towards her as she prepared to lift the bag and put it on the compartment. His hands touched the handle, and it almost touched her hand. "You don't have a place to stay in, right?" Her eyes showed her worry. Kenshin gave her an unsure stare. There was something in those blue eyes that make him want to submit, to not contest. He has barely known the stranger but he somehow feels he can trust her. So he let go of his hand. "Good!" Kaoru exclaimed and opened the back door afterwards. She gave the driver instructions. Kenshin opened the other door of the taxi car. What was he supposed to do? Maybe lady luck was still on his side and she sent this stranger to help him. He was somehow relieved he didn't have to spend the night at the airport.
~o~o~o~
A/N: The story is inspired by one local movie that I've watched online. Comments, suggestions and/or violent reactions are welcome. Thanks for reading =)