oOoOo Added March 23, 2007 -In the first posting of this chapter, I mentioned Megumi, but due to how Chapter 3 is developing, as I am writing it, I decided that Sano and Megumi have not met yet. I replaced Kaoru's line with another, so no plot altering changes were made. Sorry for the inconvenience guys! And thanks for reading! oOoOo
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Before the girl had a chance to fall to the floor, Himura caught her, and then laid her down on the couch. Sitting across from Kaoru on the small coffee table, he crossed his arms and studied her with his fierce eyes, "Interesting," He mused. Standing, the red head went over to the kitchen. As he opened and closed different cabinets, he found what he was looking for, a glass.
After filling it up with water from the sink, he grabbed the towel he saw on the counter. Heading back into the main living space, he threw the rag to the ground and began to wipe up the water that had begun to spread across the wood floors. After doing so, he sat back down, and then stared from the girl, to the glass, and back again.
He leaned over, and then tilted it ever so slightly over her head. Studying Kaoru again, he noticed that her skin was flawless, 'Probably using all those expensive products that common girls are dying to get their hands on,' Kenshin assumed. After a few more moments of studying her fragile form, he poured the water from the clear glass into her face.
Kaoru shot up immediately with a gasp, and then began coughing up the water that had no doubt gone up her nose. Setting the glass down next to him, Kenshin leaned over and patted her back, hard.
Once she got a hold of herself, Kaoru turned around with her blue eyes glaring, "What the hell was that for you son of a bitch!" A grin appeared on his face. He noticed that the water that had spilled was dried up, "What are you laughing at!?"
While he was not exactly laughing, the fact that he was smiling might as well have meant the same thing.
She had not finished, however, "What gave you the right to throw water in my face? Did you think it'd just suck up as soon as it hit me? Just because I can control water, doesn't mean it can control itself when touching me! Is this how a government crony, posing as a bodyguard, is supposed to act!? Especially one who's not-"
"Human?"
The girl started to say something, but realized she could not say anything. So he finally said, "And whose fault was it that they fainted when they discovered that a feared assassin was standing in front of her?" Again, she had nothing to say, and Kaoru merely sat on the couch quietly, somewhat embarrassed.
"Well excuse me for freaking out. Everyone has said that anyone who sees him and knows who he really is dies," Was what Kaoru finally managed to think to say, 'And he doesn't know what I saw…' Her eyes wavered.
Leaning in close to her, with a suggestive look on his face, while Kaoru leaned further away from him, the man said, "You can be rest assured that I won't kill you… unless I'm ordered," Kaoru had nothing but shock written across her face, "Don't worry, it probably won't happen. Someone else would try to kill you before I did. Wouldn't want to waste my time."
The girl flushed bright red, and stood up, "Well excuse me for not being worth your precious time. I'm going to sleep. Good night Fallen Angel." She headed over towards her bed, and sank into the soft futon, quickly covering up after turning off the light. A sly grin was plastered across her face, 'Since I'm not worthy of your time, here's a little payback.'
Kenshin sat on the couch, and suddenly, was soaked, "What the hell girl! You test me!"
"Not like you can hurt me, Mr. Bodyguard. Good night." While deeply inside, she was more afraid than she could admit.
--
"Mommy…" A girl of about six or seven whispered in the rain. The body of a woman, appearing to be in her mid-twenties, lay on the ground. Her shoulder length locks were plastered to her face, along with blood that was caked from a head wound, along closed eyes, and to once smooth cheeks. The child had stepped out from the hiding place her mom had directed her to. Dark feathers surrounded the body, and Kaoru leaned down to collect what few remains of her mother's wings were left.
Kneeling next to the body, she shook one of the woman's stiff shoulders, "Mommy, wake up. The bad guys gone. We can go home now."
There was no response from the quickly cooling body. And as Kaoru became more frightened, the rain began to fall harder. A bright blue light gently glowed from her small figure, as more of the girl's powers were being released from her spirit. A set of small, black wings formed on her back, as she again said, "Mommy, wake up. We can leave now."
Feathers were clenched tightly in the girl's small hands. A heavy hand landed on her shoulder, and the girl nearly shrieked. Another hand, however, stopped the action, "Do not make any noise." The voice of a young man said, "Do not look at me." He made the girl stand, as his hands continued to guide her, and keep her mouth shut, "And you will not be harmed." When the child nodded, he moved his hands, and then whispered into her ear from behind, "Now go home. I am sure someone will be there waiting." Kaoru did not immediately act, but a firm push from behind, set her legs in motion, "Run."
She did as she was told, and only stopped momentarily at the corner, to see the last locks of red hair, as whomever it was left the scene of the crime. As the girl began to run, her wings faded, and the blue glow disappeared, the feathers of her mother's wings still clenched tightly in her hands.
--
Kaoru sat up quickly in bed, gasping for breath. It was the first time in several months since she remembered the scene of her mother's death. She glanced over to the couch, looking for the red head. What surprised her was he was not there, 'Then again, I did soak it…' The actress found him sitting against the wall nearest the windows. His head was bent low, as if in sleep. Studying him, she thought, 'If only he knew…'
Sapphire eyes narrowed at him, with the thought of her demon mother's death. However, her thoughts could not linger on the past. Kaoru noticed that the curtains were drawn, allowing only dim light from the outside world. Thankful for the act that the fallen creature had no doubt done, she glanced over to her clock.
10:30 A.M.
To the right of it, a small red light blinked on her phone. Debating whether or not to check the message, she decided to do so, despite the fact it would probably lead to an unruly assassin.
Play.
Message sent yesterday at 1:15 A.M.
She must have been so tired the phone call passed her unconscious mind.
Kaoru! Oh my god are you alright!?
The girl could barely stifle her laughter, at the voice of her worried friend, Misao.
I just heard on the news that you were home. You're not hurt? I don't believe a word the news whores say. I won't believe you are okay until I hear it from your own lips. The terrorist guy didn't starve you did he? Lack of food is one thing you definitely DON'T need right now. Don't you worry about work. The director already told me that you have the rest of the week off to recover. So that gives you three days. I heard you have a bodyguard now! Is he cute? I hope he feed-
Delete.
Kaoru didn't dare listen to another word the loud message contained, for her own sake. Glancing over to the assassin's corner, she hoped his head was still bent. She slightly paled when she saw his fierce eyes glaring at her. However, Kaoru was not about to apologize to him for listening to her own messages in her own apartment.
Choosing to ignore the man, Kaoru stretched a little as she sat on her bed, rolling her shoulders and raising her arms high above her head. After the little ritual was complete, she continued disregarding him, and made her way over to the kitchen. Reaching into the fridge, she pulled out the last bottle of water, and drank in very little time. As she was drinking, she finally realized how bare her fridge was, "Looks like I'll have to send someone on a shopping spree…" She mused. Glancing over to the red head, who had only moved by shifting his gaze, she smirked, while inwardly cringing. However, she would not let the opportunity pass her by; no matter how much she may fear the aftermath.
'Aftermath my ass. He can't lay a finger on me, not with the government hanging over his head.'
Shutting the refrigerator door, and then tossing the empty water bottle in the can for recycling, she walked to the bathroom, again not saying a word to the man. Instead, she shut and locked the door, and set about a morning shower.
--
Oh how she had tempted him with that little morning stretch of hers. Kenshin had wanted to strangle her, with how she was unknowingly tempting him. Did she seriously expect him to remain passive the whole time?
'She does, and you know she does.'
When she had gone into the kitchen, and then given him a mischievous look, he nearly demanded, "What are you looking at?" But had refrained. That girl would not win. Sure, he might have to watch her, but it did not mean he had to treat her like a doll. He had not liked the look that had been plastered across her face though, 'Too bad I have to keep my power in check…'
Standing up, he headed over to another black bag that had again gone unnoticed by the girl. Unzipping it, he pulled out neatly folded clothes, and looking around, decided to head over to her dresser. Pulling open one set of drawers, he found folded up bras and underwear. Looking down, he studied the lacy undergarments, 'She has good taste…' He quickly shut the drawer however, and opened the next lower one. Here were some folded up clothes, which he refrained from examining. Reaching for the last one, he was glad to find it empty. Grabbing his clothes, he set them in there, with the exception of a pair of dark jeans, and a black button-down shirt.
The red head pulled off the same shirt he had been wearing since the day before, revealing a scarred, but well muscled back. And very faintly, if one were to look close enough, they would have seen two light marks, one on each shoulder blade. He pulled on the black button-down, and then pulled off his pants, and changed into the clean ones. Refraining from buttoning his shirt, he was hoping to bug her just as much by it, as her little stretching had bothered him. A silver chain hung around his neck, and a small wing charm was dangling off of it, 'That girl should figure out what it is. If not for that, a lot more people would be dead right now.'
He heard the shower turn off, so he decided to sit on the bed, waiting for her to come out, seeing as the couch was still wet. Thinking about it, he knew he would not have slept on it even if it were bone dry. As many assassins did, they did not sleep lying down, not wanting to risk too deep a sleep at night when on duty. And since they were on duty more often than not, it became habitual.
The door opened, and out came Kaoru, bone dry and dressed. The man studied her. A yellow halter, covered by a white jacket, cropped above her waist, and a pair of blue jean shorts. In addition, a pair of black over the knee stockings set off the look. Before Kenshin could think anything of it, however, she demanded, "What do you think you are doing on my bed?"
While tying her long locks up in a ponytail, she walked toward him, awaiting his answer. She sat down on the edge of the bed, a few feet away from him. The red head finally answered her, "Well, Miss, you will find the couch to be as soaked as it was last night."
"You could have sat at the table."
"True, but I wouldn't want to be all the way across the room should someone decide to intrude."
Finished with her hair, Kaoru turned to face him, and leaned forward, "And what is the likelihood of someone actually intruding? The only reason anything happened to me, was because it was a set up. The government is watching my every move. You are proof of it," She looked him up and down, not really paying attention to his bare chest, and added, "And any demon or angel wouldn't dare approach you out of fear."
"Do you fear me?"
His sudden question rendered the actress speechless for a moment. How could she answer him? Yes, she feared him, but not for the normal reasons. She was afraid of what he was capable of, not of whom he was. She had witnessed his skill before.
"No, I am not afraid of you," Kaoru finally said. Standing up, she walked over to the windows, and pulled aside one of the curtains, letting in the bright light of the day. She blinked several times, allowing her eyes to adjust. When the young demon was finally able to look without pain, she surveyed the city. Tokyo looked as it usually did. Smog rose from the numerous streets and buildings, the sun reflected off thousands of windows, and maybe only a few miles off, Tokyo Tower rose up from the center of the metropolis.
Without warning, a tremor hit. Kaoru nearly lost her balance at the sudden force, but quickly grasped the ledge from one of her windows to keep from falling. Once she had her balance, she turned to see the assassin still watching her from the bed. It looked as though he were inviting her to her own bed. The tremor continued for a few more moments, and then stopped. Shaking the thought from her head, she remembered her earlier needs, "Oh, yeah, bodyguard guy, I need groceries. How about you go get some food for me?"
Kaoru watched as his eyes narrowed. She had already opened the curtain she had looked out of, and now bright light was flooding in. Kaoru turned around, and brought down one of the white, cloth blinds, dulling the intensity of it, and now leaving a soft white glow in the room. She did the same things with the rest of the windows, ignoring anything the assassin might be doing or thinking, 'I wonder if he'll actually go, or argue with me…' She mused in her head.
What Kaoru failed to notice, was the person on her mind was coming up behind her. So when his hand slithered around her waist, and pulled her against his body, she nearly jumped out of her skin, and was sorely tempted to try and slap him, "Let go of me."
"Not until you agree to stop ordering me around. Do you seriously think I want to be here with a stuck up rich kid?"
Her face turned bright red at his words, and not just in embarrassment. As he had said those hurtful words, he had pushed her even closer to him, "I might be wealthy, but it does not mean I'm stuck up." She hotly replied, and tried to escape his firm grip around her waist. The attempt was futile, so she continued, "Look who's talking. You were the one ordering me around not too long ago."
The man's body was hot against hers, and she was aware of him breathing in deeply. Kaoru's face turned even more red, "Let go of me."
This time, he complied, and released her from his hold. Kaoru immediately turned around to face him, so she could keep an eye on him and his roaming hands.
"I'll get you food, but you agree to go with me," He started, "It wouldn't look too good if Kamiya Kaoru's 'bodyguard' were out by himself, doing a little shopping."
She crossed her arms, "Alright, if you agree to keep your hands to yourself."
"Now that's a promise, I'm not sure I can necessarily keep." Kenshin flashed her a grin, and then grabbed her by the wrist, and led her to the door. Kaoru barely had enough time to grab a purse, her cell phone, and to put her high top converse on, before she was pulled outside and into the hall.
By the time they were on the first floor, which led out into the streets, the actress had convinced the fake bodyguard to release her, "How would it look if my bodyguard were dragging me behind him?" She used his own wording against him.
Before exiting, she checked the streets left and right, to make sure that no press was outside. Unfortunately, there was. Sighing, Kaoru pulled out a pair of large, dark, but fashionable, sunglasses, and put them on. Then, she remembered, "Oh, yeah, there's an underground passage out of here that takes us up to the main streets of Shinjuku. We should be able to escape the press from there in the crowds."
She pushed Kenshin in the direction he needed to go, ignoring the stare of her landlord. The actress was already mad at him for letting the press upstairs. When they reached the door she was leading the man to, she opened it and said, "We take the stairs down, and walk a little ways. Then we'll pass one flight of stairs, and come to another. That's when we go up." Without any protest, they were soon down the stairs, and in a well lit hallway. Kaoru still had on the dark sunglasses, which made for an awkward appearance in the pass.
When they finally got to the streets, she sighed, looking around, "Not a reporter in sight." Letting out a light laugh, she suddenly remembered a not so likeable person beside her, "Well, I'll lead you to the place I usually get food."
--
Kenshin had been shocked when the girl actually pushed him towards the door in her apartment complex. And having seen her light attitude, even if it were for a moment, made him realize how much harder it was going to be to remain passive and sarcastic with her, but at the same time, all the more fun. It was amusing to watch her change her attitude, based on his appearance alone. As she led him, his phone vibrated in his pocket.
While not taking his eyes off his charge, he answered the phone, "Himura."
"Aah, I see you are prompt as always, Himura. How's the broad?" It was one of his superiors, Katsura Kogoro.
"Very obnoxious. How much longer must I be with her?"
"I see she's caught your interest then. I've never had you inquire as to how long you'd be in charge of anyone before"
"That's because I usually kill them," Was his excuse, but they both knew that it was just an excuse.
The other man laughed, "Well, I don't know. It depends on how long it takes to figure out whether or not her race is involved. Tonight, I'd like for you to go to one of the cults. It's called 'Akai.' Get the girl to have an excuse. I'm sure she has plenty of demon friends. When you are there, I'd like you to watch the guests. Look for anything unusual"
"Define unusual. It will be filled with demons," Kenshin was thinking, 'Hmm… I think I went there once…'
"Just look for someone who might be plotting bad things. That's all. Report tomorrow by voicemail." And then the line went dead.
By the time the phone call was finished, Kaoru had landed the two in front of a supermarket type store, "Well, let's get some food."
Entering the store, Kenshin walked up beside her, and said, "I need you to go to 'Akai' tonight. Invite a friend."
While Kaoru tossed some cabbage into the cart she had grabbed, she turned to him, "And why should I do that?" He couldn't see her eyes because of her sunglasses, but he knew she would not settle things until they were explained.
"Work. You cooperate, nothing bad happens. Is that girl who left you a message earlier your kind? Take her."
Kaoru was silenced by the 'nothing bad happens.' So she merely continued grabbing food items, trying to figure out why 'Akai' would be a source.
--
10 P.M. – Akai Night Club
Kaoru stepped out of the passenger seat of her car, while Kenshin held the door open for her, "How courteous of you," She said with a mocking tone. The girl still wore her stockings, and yellow halter, but now she had on a denim skirt and black heels, and a heavier jacket. Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, she walked forward towards the entrance to the club she had not been to in several weeks now.
She sensed the assassin right behind her, and when she got to the door, she saw an old friend of hers blocking the entrance, "Why, hello Sano. How have you been?" She raised an eyebrow as she looked up at the tall man with spiky hair.
He nearly choked when he saw her, "Jou-chan!?" The man quickly gathered his composure when he saw the man behind her, "I heard 'bout what happened. However, I suppose you are alright if your already coming here again."
"Get a grip, Tori-atama. I'm meeting Misao. You wouldn't know whether she's come yet would you?"
Shaking his head in response, Kaoru sighed, "Oh well. I guess I'll wait inside." As if finally remembering who was behind her, she said, "By the way, this is Himura Kenshin. The 'bodyguard' they put on me. Himura, Sagara Sanosuke, Sano, Himura Kenshin."
The two eyed each other suspiciously, and before they could say anything to each other, Kaoru cut in, and grabbed Kenshin by the wrist, "Come on, let's go inside. It's cold." As she led him inside, she turned around to say, "Oh, I'll see you later!" And then the doors shut, leaving Sano to his work.
As soon as they were inside, loud music and smoky air were upon them. Kaoru continued to lead the red head through the crowds, and over to the table area. Spotting an empty booth, she pointed over to it, and then they were on their way there.
When they sat down, Kaoru hissed into his ear, "What was with the evil look at Sano?"
The man stared at her with his fierce eyes, "What look? I simply studied him."
"Studied him my ass," Kaoru glared, "You better not treat Misao with such disdain."
"Or what?" He pulled her closer to him with a tight grip, "What could you seriously do to me?" Kenshin's warm breath passed her ear as he said the words, causing chills to run up her spine, "You are, after all, under surveillance."
The girl immediately pulled away from him when he said that, "For reasons that are invalid." Before the argument could continue, Kaoru's cell phone rang.
Digging around for it in her purse, she finally found it and answered it just in time, "Misao? Is that you?" The actress had to nearly shout because of the noise.
Meanwhile, the Battousai had taken to surveying the club. Scanning the crowd, he noticed many of the people socializing, drinking, and dancing. Those who were sitting were talking amongst themselves, or they were preoccupied by those of their affection. There was one table at the edge of the dance floor that caught his eyes. Three demons sat at the table, two men, one woman. Their faces did not appear as carefree as the rest in the club, their demeanor was too serious. In addition, they were looking at something on the table.
Before he could go to investigate, Kaoru interrupted his thoughts, "Ah! You found us!" She stood up and rushed over to another girl, who was just as petite and fair skinned as she.
Giving the girl with a long braid a hug, the new comer exclaimed, "Oh Kaoru, I'm so glad you're okay! I couldn't believe the news, you know they lie all the time," She paused for breath, and looked at the table, "Is that your bodyguard!?" Catching her words, she then whispered, "He's gorgeous. How'd you end up with such a hunk?"
"Shut up," Kaoru hissed, and then began a formal introduction, "Makimachi Misao, meet Himura Kenshin, and vice versa." The girl now introduced as Misao bowed meekly, as he studied her with his scary eyes.
Shakily, she said, "Well, it's a good thing I called up Aoshi-sama. He should be here in just a few minutes. I hope you don't mind, Kaoru," As she spoke, her voice grew stronger, "I figured though that since you would be with a guard, that I should bring someone too."
"No, no, it's fine."
As if he had been summoned, Misao cried out, "Aoshi-sama!" She jumped from her seat and ran towards him to give him a huge hug. Kenshin noticed the man was quite tall and very stoic. However, when he returned the embrace, he decided that he might not be so cold, "Kaoru, you know Aoshi-sama, of course, but Himura-san doesn't know him."
"Shinomori Aoshi," The man introduced himself coolly.
With just as calm a voice, the assassin returned, "Himura Kenshin."
When the introductions were completed, he again leaned towards Kaoru, "I want you to come with me. I need to blend into the crowd to look at what I want to look at."
"What the hell? You aren't using your snooping as an excuse to touch me again are you?" Her blue eyes were bright. Misao and Aoshi watched the two interact from their side of the table, unable to hear much of what they said due to the loud music.
"Perhaps," He gave her one of his now familiar smirks, "But I have work to do, and you have a race to protect, no?" Standing up, he pulled her from her seat, "Excuse us. We're going to go dance a little." Misao winked at Kaoru, while the girl merely fumed.
Guiding her into the crowd with his hand at the small of her back, Kenshin finally found a good spot to start their migration to the suspicious table. Turning Kaoru around to face him, he pulled her close to him. They were almost the same height with her heels, but he beat her by at least an inch and a half, "Now, just act like you're having fun, and everything should be fine." He continued to hold her against him by the small of her back. And he gently began to move against her. Kaoru stiffly stood there, with an arm slung around his neck, "Loosen up girl, or are you trying to make this difficult? The sooner I get a look at the table, the sooner we can sit down with your friend."
After he spoke, she started to gently grind with his movements, and ended up resting her chin on his shoulder, 'This is comfortable… I suppose. It could be worse, he could be an ugly guy.' She didn't even notice that Kenshin was slowly making his way to the table. By now, her eyes were closed, as she just moved against his firm body, totally relaxed.
Meanwhile, the red head was stuck between the affect she was having upon his body, and getting to the table, 'Why couldn't she be an actress with no charm?' He silently mused. Someone bumped into Kaoru from behind, causing her to be completely pressed up against him. Her eyes opened wide, and she took in a breath, brought out of her trance. And when she opened her eyes, she saw one of the men from the table that Kenshin had, by now, reached.
She froze up, 'He's not supposed to be allowed in here. How the hell did that pervert get in?' Her tense body did not pass up the Bsattousai's attention. Turning his head to the side, he noticed the table, and that she was staring at it.
Quickly ducking her head into his shoulder, Kaoru said, "Let's go. We need to leave." She hoped that the man had not seen her. However, her spirits dropped, when she heard his voice.
"Well, if it isn't little Kaoru. I heard about your little… bout with terrorists," His words were mocking to her ears, and demeaning. She felt Kenshin wrap his arms protectively around her, as he turned her away from the man, so that he was now facing the table.
His voice came out icy, "I suggest you leave her alone," He glanced at the table quickly, to see if what he suspected they were doing, was indeed being done, "Or I might have to have you removed from this facility."
"Oh, who are you? You know, she's a fine catch, she really is. Actress aside-"
"Don't you dare!" Kaoru turned in Kenshin's arms, her face very angry, "You know exactly what happened, and that you aren't supposed to be within ten-"
This time, Kenshin cut her off, "Be quiet, and leave him to me." He made Kaoru stand behind him now. A small crowd had formed around them, and she quickly made to hide her face from all witnesses, although she doubted it would work.
"If you come one step closer to her, I'm afraid you will be removed."
"Oh really?" The man asked in disbelief, "By whom?"
"Me."
--
End of chapter two! In all its 5000 word glory. I hope you liked it. Is the relationship between the two developing well? Or no? Do you like how I'm portraying the story? I got three reviews for chapter one, and I thank those who did. I'm glad you have enjoyed, and hope this chapter increases your interest. The plot will thicken next chapter. You will find out who exactly this new bad guy is. And were the three doing some evil plotting??? Hmm…. Review and you will be rewarded in a very good amount of time!!
-Hotaru
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