This story turned out completely different than I've originally envisioned, as if it had a life of its own. Read at your own discretion but be warned: waff alert ahead.

Yasmin


Priorities

The sound of the keys unlocking the entrance door broke up his concentration. His eyes roamed to the right bottom corner of the computer screen, checking the time. He pursed his lips together, disappointed with the passage of the time, and once again focused on the screen, struggling to finish the email on his hands.

From the entrance, muffled sounds indicated that the newcomer had just displaced her keys in the glass bowl used for that effect and was now removing her jacket and shoes. Soon, she was moving further into the apartment.

"Hey!"

At the sound of her voice, Kenshin lifted his eyes from the computer to find his girlfriend peeking through the doorframe of his office.

"Hi" he replied back.

A sad smile appeared in her lips.

"Still working?" she asked.

His gaze returned to the computer and his unfinished email. And there were still several tasks to do before he was able to call it a night.

"Yeah." It was all he was able to say. He was in the middle of a demanding project that required him working overtime and to bring work to home most nights and even some weekends. He was tired, worn-out and stressed. He didn't feel like talking much, beside his girlfriend already knew about his current situation.

"No problem. I'm going to take care of dinner!" she replied, trying to sound cheerful.

He could see through her pretense. His eyes flew back to her in time to grasp her downcast look, as she turned around. She was unhappy and he knew it.

"Kaoru, wait!" He called for her before she was able to disappear into the apartment.

She turned around slowly. This time he really looked at her, appreciating her beautiful features and taking notice of her aspect. It's so stupid how sometimes we forgot to appreciate what we have right by our side. He smiled and spread his arms to her.

"Come here, love!" he begged, pulling the chair away from the desk.

He was greeted with a genuine smile from her. Then she crossed his office to melt in his embrace.

They stayed there for a while just holding each other, feeling each other. He could smell the odor of jasmine on her, from her favorite perfume. His hands were on the small of her back, pulling her to him. He could feel her hands entangled on his hair. She kissed the top of his head before switching positions so she could sit on his lap, burrowing herself further into him and hiding her face on his neck. But then, he heard the chair cracking.

"I'm not sure if the chair will be able to hold us, honey" he whispered in her ear.

She moved her head a bit so she could look into his eyes, and pretended to be insulted by his words.

"Are you calling me fat?"

He laughed and nodded his head.

"How could I say that about you? You are absolutely perfect, honey! I'm just pointing out that the two of us might be a little too much for this chair."

Her fingers traced the muscles of his chest.

"I don't care" she replied with a mischievous smile.

He could feel her holding him tighter and her face returned to her favorite hiding spot: his neck.

"I just want to stay here holding you". She added.

He wanted that as well. So he closed his eyes, cuddling her, relinquishing on the feel of her body close to his.

"I missed you" her words were low and muffled, barely inaudible.

"I missed you too" He smiled and kissed her head.

He felt guilty for his carelessness towards her. She was the most important person in his life and he barely made time for her. He pulled her out of his embrace so he could look upon her face.

"I'm sorry I've been so negligent with you, lately."

With her finger she shushed his lips.

"I know Kenshin… I know how important your work is and how hard you have been on it. I understand that and I accept it" a small smile played on her lips "but… but sometimes I cannot help but miss you… but I know that things will be back to normal soon. At least I hope so."

He smiled at her words.

"Besides, you will have to compensate me somehow for this" she added, playfully, rubbing her nose on his.

For a moment he wondered what he had done to deserve such a comprehensive and supportive girlfriend. And realized how much he needed her around and how much he really missed her.

"I will" he replied, looking deeply into her eyes.

She smiled then gazed away for a moment, brooding some passing thought.

"But… Kenshin, I miss talking with you…" she admonished, with a low voice "I don't want to burden you, but sometimes it would be nice if I was able to talk about my life and my problems with you".

She was right and he knew it. He had been a crappy boyfriend, too absent and negligent. She deserved better. Well, he could be better to her and he should be if he wanted to keep her!

Once again he gazed his computer and his unfinished email. Then he made a decision. He closed the lid of his computer and pulled Kaoru off from his embrace and up.

"So, what do you think if we skipped the cooking part and ordered some pizza tonight? You can tell me all of what is been going on with your life over dinner and then we could spend the rest of the night cuddling and watching a movie."

"But you have to work! Your work is important!" she babbled, feeling confused with the change in plans.

"No more than you Kaoru… and the truth is I also miss being with you. I guess we both need some 'we' time together."

He took a double look to his sexy girlfriend.

"Besides, I'm not the kind of guy that lefts my girl needy." He added, playfully.

She blushed, taking in the double sense of his words.

"Kenshin!" she playfully punched him in his chest.

He easily got a hold of her fists and pulled her close. One of his arms encircled the small of her back and the other moved to her face to caress her check. Her skin felt like velvet on his hands. Then he traced her lips with his fingers. She gasped.

His kiss was gentle and affectionate. As he pulled back, he watch her slowly open her eyes and hold her gaze on his. He got lost in her bright blue eyes.

"I love you Kaoru. You are always my priority. You are allowed to punch me next time I forget that."

Her smile was dazzling.

"I won't forget that!"