Forgive me for my delay. The past few months have been trying to say the least. But people come into our lives and then leave for reasons we will never fully understand, and at the end of it all, life goes on. So shall this tale. I was also struggling with the tone of the end. But it is what it is and I lay it all out for you to read. As always, I do not own the characters below. Enjoy!

"Sano?"

Kaoru opened the door and peered down the hall. Faintly she could hear the television. She hoped he hadn't left yet. "Sanosuke?"

"Yeah?" He came out of the kitchen, a beer in his hand. "What do you need Jou-chan?" She stepped out into the hall, holding the gown to her chest. It fell to the floor, covering her bare feet. The tall man's brow furrowed. "Where are you off to tonight?"

"I have a charity dinner."

"With Himura?"

She nodded. "My part of the deal." She swallowed, knowing now what she had somehow gotten herself into. "I need you to zip me."

Megumi had helped her on Saturday when the woman had taken her shopping. She was feeling better after her her time with Kenshin last night. Now that she was moments away from walking into his world, she was anxious.

Her friend approached her and she turned so he could access the zipper. He pulled it up and it snagged as it reached her waist. She sucked in a breath and lowered her shoulders. He zipped it the rest of the way. She let go of her breath.

"Lets see."

Slowly she turned around. "You had better not laugh at me." Kaoru warned.

Instead, Sano took a step back and whistled. "You look amazing."

Kaoru rolled her eyes and moved back into her room to look in the full length mirror. The dress was a dark blue. It hugged her torso in a ruched pattern through her waist. It accentuated her bust, having in shimmering waves to the ground and she fought the urge to cross her arms across her body. Megumi had coerced her into buying silver sling backs. At least the heel was a wedge and not a stiletto.

She touched the silver chain around her neck. She didn't have any fancy jewelry and she wished now she had accepted the woman's offer for accessories. As it was, she hadn't been able to go to the salon. She had managed to subdue her hair, pulling back the from and allowing the long black tresses to fall down her back. Despite the gown, Kaoru felt underdressed.

A knock sounded at the door. Panic settled in her stomach and she whirled. "I don't know if I can do this." She wailed.

"Shut it. You look stunning." She heard Sanosuke yell from the living room.

She bit her lip and frantically looked around for her shoes. She found the box on the floor and sat down to put them on. From the living room she could hear the soft murmur of voices. She stood and took a deep breath. She could do this. If Kenshin would willingly walk into the lion's den, she could do the same. She moved to her dresser and picked up the box that housed the ring the redhead had given her. She opened and felt her breath catch once again at the sight of the sapphire nestled in the bed of diamonds. Gingerly she slipped it onto her finger and picked up her small purse and shawl.

The two men were standing, both watching the television. She paused when she spotted Kenshin. His dark auburn tresses were pulled back, a sleek tuxedo adorning his frame. It was tailored to fit him and Kaoru swallowed, knowing she was once again stepping out in public, this time knowingly on the arm of one of the richest men in the country, if not the world. As though sensing her presence, he looked up at her.

He offered her a fleeting smile before turning his attention back to the game. Then he stopped and really looked at her. His violet eyes widened slightly and she nervously glanced at her dress. "Do I look okay?" She asked softly.

Sanosuke looked up and cast a quick grin in Kenshin's direction. "I already told you. I'm not telling you again." He told her with a shake of his head as he settled onto the couch.

Kenshin stared at her for a full ten seconds. He blinked and gave himself a shake. With a soft smile he held out a hand to her. "You are beautiful" He told her simply.

The genuine compliment sent butterflies fluttering in her belly and she felt herself flush. "Thank you." She murmured. She wrapped her shawl about her shoulders. He held out a hand to her and she gingerly took it. His fingers were cool and wrapped around her hers. "Shall we?" She asked.

The smile he gave her warmed her. "We shall."

Kaoru turned to look at Sanosuke. "Don't wait up."

He glanced at her with a smirk. "I'll probably be later than you."

"Then I won't wait up." She sneered.

Allowing Kenshin to tug her out of the apartment, she finally fell into step behind him. "What was that all about?" He asked her.

"Sano is working at the bar tonight."

"And?"

She shrugged. "Chances are he will do what he can to pick up some random barfly and go home with her."

As they entered the elevator, Kenshin was silent. "Does he do that often?"

"What?" She looked over at the redhead. "Pick up chicks at the bar?" Kaoru shook her head with a chuckle. "He really doesn't." She pressed her lips together. "In fact, I think he might be a bit smitten with someone."

"Oh really?"

Shrugging nonchalantly, she offered him a grin. "Did he ask about your assistant?"

The violet eyes studied her. "No. Should he have?"

The bell dinged, indicating their arrival on the ground floor. He gestured for her to exit and he followed, his hand on her lower back. Recalling the gesture from the other day, she managed to not stiffen. Instead of a town car, a limo waited. She glanced over at him and he raised an eyebrow. "Tonight we ride in style."

The driver came around and opened the door for her. "I could get used to this." She offered, her smile deepening. She slid onto the soft leather. The car door slammed behind him as he slid in next to Kaoru. "Champagne?" He asked her.

Her dark blue eyes swerved in his direction. "Why not?" She answered though there was hesitation in her voice.

He reached for the open bottle in the ice bucket. He filled one of the flutes and handed the glass to her. "I figured you might want a bit of liquid courage."

Her full lips quirked. She accepted the glass. "I won't say no to that, though if you really want to quell my anxiety, you'll pour me a shot of whiskey."

The comment had him blinking. "Whiskey?"

She shrugged as she sipped the bubbles. "I'm a jack of all trades."

"And apparently full of surprises."

Kaoru blinked. "You think so?"

"You are a well respected sommelier who drinks wine for a living. Last night you were sipping on vodka martinis and now you claim to toss back whiskey. I would definitely say surprises."

"I'm not sure if I should be flattered or not."

Kenshin grinned. "Be flattered." He sipped from his own glass. "I'm intrigued. I wonder what other surprises you might have in store."

Kaoru took another sip and raised an eyebrow. "intrigued. That's a line if ever I heard one." She stated.

"Maybe." He watched her and Kaoru shifted. "But it isn't a word that I use often."

She let loose a nervous giggle. "And you find me intriguing?"

Now he raised an eyebrow. "That I do."

She glanced out the window. "What is the event that we're attending tonight?" His words were adding to her anxiety. It wasn't as if they even had a future. This charade would come to an end in just a matter of weeks.

"It's a fund raiser for County General."

She nodded, absently sipping her champagne. "Is there an agenda this evening?"

"There is actually. As I mentioned, I am pursuing a personal venture."

"Concerning the hotel?" She asked. Kaoru had made herself make time to look him up. He was the president of the Palladium hotel. He had taken over just over a decade ago. In the last ten years, he had taken grown the business to a national level, proving to be a beacon of hospitality and luxury. The hotel itself was featured consistently on top ten lists. She had stumbled upon the article in 'Forbes' that had listed Kenshin as number 4 on the top ten most eligible bachelors. No wonder Aya had been so snarky with her digs about the man.

"Not directly, no. I"m actually interested in purchasing a resort on the coast. It's a personal interest and I'm looking for some investors."

"Why not just buy it?"

"I could, but then it would be incorporated into the company. I'm trying to avoid that."

"Hence the need to have me on your arm as a distraction?"

He grinned at her. "A very welcome distraction."

His smile warmed her and she took a deep breath. "So I will just stay on your arm and keep my mouth shut."

"You don't have to keep quiet. Although I can't imagine the conversation will be of much interest. However, there will be some hotel and restaurant people there. But its mostly lawyers and doctors and their spoiled society wives."

Kaoru froze at his words. Aya was one of those spoiled society wives. "I might know some people?" She asked lightly.

"Even if you do, we have an arrangement; I have no intention of going back on it."

"I don't think that at all." Anxiously she fingered the silver chain around her neck. "I don't know why I let her bother me so much." She muttered.

"Kaoru-dono." She turned back to him. "Don't worry about her. You're on my arm for now and the for seeable future. I will take any fires that might be tossed your way."

"If Aya is there, she's not likely to toss fire, just shade."

"Either way, You are my fiancee." He reached out for her hand, studying the ring on her finger. His dark eyes looked up at her. "I protect what's mine."

His own words echoed in his head as the car pulled up to the hotel. It was owned by his uncle's company, though not as grand as the Palladium where he kept his office. For the needs of the hospital, it was better suited for the fund raiser. It was partly why he was expected to attend. He was also interested in making contact with a possible investor. The man had been vague in agreement, and Kenshin preferred to attack the situation directly. He only hoped he could keep his focus on his goals.

The door opened and he stepped out into the flashing lights. Inwardly he groaned, not having once thought about the press. Before he had not cared. Now photographs with Kaoru on his arm would begin to circulate. He feared that her friends, or even his uncle, would come after her. But his words that he had murmured to the woman remained with him. He wasn't sure when he had started thinking of her as his.

He sighed and turned back to the car, holding a hand out to her. She peered up at him and took his hand. Gently he pulled her out of the backseat. She swayed slightly on the heeled sliver shoes. He moved closer to her, steadying her. She smiled gratefully at him and Kenshin swallowed. The woman was stunning. The dark blue dress clung to her curves before draping elegantly around her ankles. Her dark hair gleamed in the light, tumbling down her back. Her makeup and jewelry were simple and elegant.

As he tucked her hand under his arm he guided her towards the red carpet. She looked around, blinking as the cameras flashed and people shouted out questions. "Have I told you how beautiful you look?" He asked her softly.

Kaoru looked up at him abruptly. Her smile grew, lighting up her deep blue eyes. "Yes. But thank you all the same." She whispered, her cheeks flushing.

He moved her past the press, ignoring them as they asked him about his empire, his uncle, and about her. He paused briefly at the photo op, pulling her against him. He grinned for five seconds before ushering her along. She cast him a glance and he shook his head as he moved towards the coat check. "I didn't want to invite unnecessary questions."

"What?"

"Telling them you were my fiance would only have the press ask more questions. I thought it best to let them wonder who the mysterious beauty on my arm was."

"I wasn't overly concerned about it. I mean, we both have our part to play. The fewer people who are aware of it, the better. Besides, I get the impression your cousin, or whatever the hell she is, is about to answer any questions they might have very soon." She turned to look at him, her large blue eyes bright.

The sight of her, made him grow still. Kenshin swallowed, his mouth dry. The woman was stunning. Under different circumstances he could see himself inviting her to attend this event as an actual date and not as some lie to get his uncle off his back. He blinked at her and offered an awkward chuckle. "Yes, well, Misao does like to make a spectacle. It's what she does." He offered his arm back to her.

"Does she work for the magazine?"

"Mostly freelance with them. She heads up the PR for the company. But she has a really good relationship with the Editor. 'Vanity Fair' is a prestigious magazine for Palladium to have in her corner."

"What should I expect from her?"

"You plan to spend time with her?" He looked up at her in surprise.

"She wants to meet up tomorrow evening."

"You're having dinner?"

"No, just drinks. With the past two nights, I'm going to have to pull a shift at Aria to make sure they're all set with inventory for the weekend. I usually do it Mondays, but we went out. With this evening, I had to make other arrangements at Helios as well. We're meeting after my shift tomorrow night. That's the plan anyway."

Kenshin started and it took him a moment to identify the feeling as guilt. "Forgive me Kaoru-dono."

As they entered the ballroom, she turned to him. There was surprise in her azure eyes. "For what? You haven't done anything wrong."

"It didn't fully occur to me that you would have rearranged your schedule to attend the event tonight. Or the full ramifications of it."

"Of rearranging my schedule?" She waved a hand. "I rearrange my schedule all the time. It comes with the territory. Thats one of the biggest differences between hotels and restaurants. They're both hospitality and while I would imagine hotels have their fair share of random disasters that can ruin them, restaurants fly by the seat of their pants. Everything can be fine and then two servers call in sick on a night when there's four hundred covers and then a third slips and has to be rushed to the emergency room. Meanwhile, guests could care less about all of the bullshit. The only thing they care about is that your ruined their anniversary because you sold out of the lamb shank special at 7:30 and they waited five minutes past their reservation and then, didn't get to sit at the window like they wanted."

She stopped to take in a breath and Kenshin put a finger to her lips. "A shot of whiskey for the lady." So busy talking she hadn't even noticed he had directed them towards the bar.

She blinked and Kenshin grinned to himself, enjoying catching her off guard. "Bourbon, on the rocks." He held up two fingers to indicate that he would take one as well.

"Sorry. I get worked up sometimes."

"You have nothing to apologize for, that you do not." He handed her the glass from the bartender. He took his and tapped the glass to hers. "Let's stop over analyzing this." He leaned towards her. "We are supposed to be in love." He murmured.

She giggled into her drink, her cheeks blooming a becoming shade of pink. She looked out over the room. "So where do we start?"

Kenshin sipped his bourbon and surveyed the crowd. He didn't spot the man he sought currently. He offered her a shrug. "I don't know these people." He grinned at her. "Shall we check out the buffet table."

"Please! I'm starving! I didn't really get a chance to eat as I was running around all day."

"We must rectify that. The last thing I want is for you to starve to death."

Nibbling on a canape, Kaoru watched Kenshin. He was speaking with an older gentleman in a tuxedo. It didn't fit him as well as Kenshin's. Based on their conversation, she thought he might actually be a doctor with the hospital. They were talking about golf, something she had never fully understood. She had attended several charity golf tournaments, each nothing more than an excuse to drink and give money.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kenshin glance at her. She nodded, not really sure what they were talking about anymore. "Where do you like to eat?" Kenshin asked abruptly.

The question caught her attention and she turned to the pair of gentlemen, her glass halfway to her lips. "Eat?" The stranger asked.

Kenshin lightly grasped her elbow and turned her so she was more involved in the conversation. "My fiancee here is the wine director for several of the top rated restaurants in the city."

"Is that so? What restaurant?"

"Helios was the first one." She stammered.

"I know Helios" The man exclaimed. "The Osso Bucco is amazing."

Kaoru felt herself relax despite her anxiety. "it is amazing. Sometimes I just want to splurge and order it myself." The facade she wore for those at the restaurant slipped on naturally.

"You can do that?"

"Working at restaurants has its perks"

"A wine director? What exactly does that entail?" The doctor asked.

"i get to hand pick every wine that the restaurant serves."

"That must be a lot of fun. Do you get to taste them?"

Kaoru shrugged. "I'm familiar with the majority. For some reason though, I have trouble convincing the rep to let me taste a '74 Latour before I can put it on the list however."

The man chuckled before clapping Kenshin on the shoulder. "I like her. You should bring her next time." He stated before wandering off.

Kenshin watched him go a moment before turning back to her. "That was interesting."

Kaoru looked up at him "Why?"

"He rarely pays notice to anyone."

She shrugged. "He hardly paid notice to me. You had to involve me in the conversation."

"He did notice you." His brow furrowed slightly. "I am curious about one thing."

She sipped her drink. "And what is that?"

"You were different, just for a moment."

"How do you mean?"

"I can't fully explain it. It was still you, but a more, glossy version."

"Kaoru!"

The voice she had been dreading all night finally called her name. She threw a 'help me' look at Kenshin before plastering her work smile on her face. She turned to greet her former sorority sister. "Aya."

The woman held her own public facade, one Kaoru was almost surprised to recognize. She knew the woman couldn't be happy to see her, not after realizing she had still managed to one up the woman, not that she was in competition. Still, the eyes flitted towards Kenshin, almost in disbelief.

"I didn't expect to see you here." He chimed, kissing her cheek.

"Why is that?"

"I mean, just...I know that you're busy. You didn't come on Friday."

"My fiance had to work and I don't like to attend these type of events on my own." Kenshin stated, his arm sliding around her waist. Kaoru flashed him a grateful smile and then focused her attention on her adversary.

Aya was followed by two gentlemen. One was her husband, Akira. The other was another husband from Brunch that Kaoru didn't fully recall. "Kenshin asks me to come and I do what I can. We support each other that way." She retorted lamely.

The woman tittered before snagging a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. "It's nice to see a friendly face among the crowd. I get so bored at these things."

Kaoru glanced around. Kenshin was shaking hands with the men, recalling them from two days prior. She offered a casual shrug. "I don't know. It hasn't been too bad." She stated.

Aya curled her lip and rolled her eyes. "I only come because Akira drags me to them. They are so not interesting."

"Kaoru, it's good to see you again." Aya's husband held his hand out to her. She shook it, glad for the reprieve from the woman. "You look lovely."

She felt her grin tighten slightly at the compliment. While Kenshin's words earlier had been sincere, she could detect the undercurrent of sleaze from this man. "Thanks."

Aya took hold of her elbow. "Kaoru, a trip to freshen your lipstick?"

She hesitated, not remotely interested in listening to anything Aya might have to say. Heading off to the bathroom for gossip was not high on her agenda. A hand on her waist stopped her. "I think you look fine." Kenshin leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her neck. The spot he chose, nearly had her swooning. She sucked in a breath, fighting the urge to cave. Glancing at her rival, she giggled.

The look on Aya's face far outweighed her discomfort. The woman grew still and her mouth fell open slightly. She regained her composure quickly and smiled brightly. Aya's lip curled. "Some of us just are not so lucky as to be naturally beautiful." She chimed before sauntering off.

At her side, she sensed Kenshin's attention shift. "Forgive me. There is someone I must say hello to."

He hesitated before gesturing to her. "that's too bad. I was interested in asking Kaoru about some of the upcoming events I Had read about at pacific Heights." Akira chimed.

While a sliver of anxiety coursed through her she offered a smile to the redhead. "I'll be fine. Go. This is important for you."

She saw his hesitation, though she wasn't fully sure why. He nodded his head before approaching a tall dark haired man several yards away. Left alone with the men, she sipped her bourbon. They chatted with each other. Akira glanced at her.

"Pacific Heights?" the man whose name eluded her. "I heard they were doing A vodka dinner."

"We are. I think its next week."

"You don't know?" Akira asked her.

"Its actually not my event, but Rachael's. She's in charge of the bar there. She went to Russia last year and apparently had some epiphany in regards to vodka. She asked to do the dinner. Our chef there is brilliant and had some really great ideas. It should be a good event for them."

"But vodka?"

"It sounds promising."

"But you don't know anything else?"

Kaoru looked at him. She let loose a long sigh. She had no patience for stupidity. "As I mentioned, it isn't my event."

"But I thought you were in charge."

"I'm the wine director for the Lornat restaurant group. Rachael works for me. She had the idea and I supported it."

"So then why don't you know more."

"Again, her event; not mine."

"So you aren't nearly as important as you think you are." Akira snorted, drinking from his glass of wine.

Kaoru grew still. "I never stated that I was important."

"Then you should stop rubbing my wife's nose in all your accomplishments."

Kaoru blinked at the accusation. "I rub her nose in my accomplishments?" She asked the question slowly, still trying to ascertain his words.

The second man interceded. "I'm Matthew. We met the other day."

"Other day?" She asked, turning her attention to him, her mind reeling.

"At brunch. I think my wife also went to school with you."

"you're -"

"I'm married to Shura."

"Okay." She cast a furtive glance over to where Kenshin stood. He was deep in conversation with two men.

"You have to forgive Akira. You can't help but wonder after all the random articles you read."

She looked back over at Matthew, feeling the liquor for the first time. "What articles?"

"About restaurants; about how servers get off on mistreating people."

"Servers getting off on mistreating people." She reiterated slowly. Her blue eyes darted in Akira's direction. "Not saying I haven't witnessed frustration, but where I am, there really isn't an opportunity to mistreat anyone, otherwise that person won't have a job."

"Whatever." Akira muttered. He turned his back on her and began speaking with Matthew.

Kaoru awkwardly backed away from them. She moved to the edge of the room and took a deep breath. She put her glass down and leaned against the wall, closing her eyes. What in the world was she doing? She didn't belong here. Just because she rubbed elbows with the social elite didn't mean she was one of them.

"Are you okay?"

A voice at her elbow had her looking up. One of the waiters stood there, a look of concern in his dark eyes. Kaoru stood up and nodded her head. "Im fine. Just dizzy for a moment."

"Shall I find your someone for you?"

She shook her head. "No. It's fine. I'm fine." She reiterated.

Although he hesitated, the waiter seemed to understand and left her there. Kaoru sucked in a deep breath and surveyed the room. Finally, she spotted the redhead and began picking her way through the crowd. A she reached his side, he flashed her a smile. Absently she looked around, hoping the evening would end soon.

"And who is this lively woman?"

Her head whipped around at the question. It was the stranger with whom Kenshin spoke who had asked the question. Kenshin looked at her, meeting her gaze. He opened his mouth and appeared to hesitate. Then he turned to look at the man who had asked. "My fiance." He answered.

Definitely no turning back now. Kaoru smiled and offered her hand. "It is such a pleasure to meet you." She was so screwed.

And there it is. Thoughts, comments, and suggestions are always welcome. Until next time!