I do not own Rurouni Kenshin :-s
Strange Affliction
Chapter 14 – Long Way Home
Kaoru could almost feel the blows from her abusive past reigning upon her body as she related her childhood experiences to Kenshin.
"I was powerless to stop the actions of ward officers. Only when I could see a viable option did I act."
"Your father" Kenshin confirmed and Kaoru nodded in response.
"Our ward officers didn't care much for our well being at all. They received money for keeping us and the less they gave us the more they had for themselves."
"As a department of the state they couldn't have taken much. Someone would have picked up on it sooner or later."
Kaoru shook her head tiredly "No. They were a private agency independent of the moral obligations expected by the government. They obviously bribed certain officials in order to get away with what they were doing, and it worked for a while. They only caught on when children started disappearing. And even then 6 children were dead before the government started investigating."
"Were they ever found?"
"Yes later. Once the house had closed down. I was lucky I guess. All they did was abuse me, they didn't kill me."
"That doesn't make you luckier Kaoru."
"Doesn't it? I bear my scars with a certain understanding and I often wonder if I had actually done something earlier whether I could have saved at least one of them."
"You were a child – how were you to know what was happening to the other children?"
"Because it was happening to me." She whispered. "There was one ward officer who loved to torture us. It was a form of pleasure for him" she bowed her head almost as if she was in shame. "He was the one who gave me these…" she turned around and pulled up the back of her shirt, displaying the scarring. "Sometimes he would beat me so badly I wouldn't wake up for a few days, though I didn't realise until later how bad it really was. I can't do anything strenuous anymore…I thought my scars and pains were superficial but my physician, Dr Gensai has advised me against doing anything too active." She paused for moment watching him as the words sank in "I think Kamatari knows."
"How?"
"One day I was so weakened by work and stress, I collapsed. He took me to the hospital where my doctor was called. No doubt Dr Gensai would have told him about my past and why I had collapsed. He's such a wonderful friend, he never mentioned it. He just protected me and made sure I was always in good health."
Looking for a single thread
Of melody to help me get by
Where we're passing the time
Is it real?
Does it give too much away?
It's pouring out my heart
Till you come back
A reason to stay
Do you know?
Is this way home?
Is this way?
Kenshin watched her sleeping form before returning his attention to the road. For the sake of comfort she had opted to wear the same shirt and shorts he had bought for her the previous day. He decided to take her back to his penthouse in Sydney instead of going straight home to Berry where everyone would be waiting for them. He didn't think she could really handle having so much attention right now – perhaps tomorrow they would return. Though he had told Kaoru he would be happy to wait for her to open her heart, he was only human, and finally he felt as if they were on even grounds in their relationship. Her pain would never be forgotten, but perhaps he could alleviate her insecurities enough that she'd be happy with him. He wanted her to never doubt his feelings ever again, or that he would give in, and let her suffer on her own. That would never happen, he would never let it.
Kamatari paid little attention to the task at hand which involved giving Tomoe his opinion about photographs for the wedding. He'd first taken shots that he thought would have been good places for wedding photos. The second step had been to take photos of Tomoe and Akira in the chosen spots to get the right distance from lens, lighting and angle. He'd already seen them a dozen times.
"Kamatari, you're not paying attention" Sighed Tomoe placing the photographs on the light table.
"Yes I am." He denied "Besides you know that I'll take great pictures."
"You're still worried about Kenshin aren't you" Tomoe stated softly.
"I'm not worried about Kaoru!" he responded quickly before realising his mistake.
Tomoe smiled "It's okay to be worried. She's your best friend."
"They haven't come back yet. She won't pick up her phone. The dress still needs adjustments. Things need to be done." Kamatari said quickly.
"You're not worried about things that need to be done. They'll both be back soon enough - Kenshin won't let anything happen to her. Now about this new friend you've made, what's been happening in that part of your life?" Tomoe changed the subject slyly.
Kamatari turned to the photos and shuffled them unnecessarily "I have no idea to whom you are referring."
"Shishio" Tomoe replied.
"Who?"
"Oh Kam, you'll never change" she chuckled. "Shishio is a good man."
"I'll take your word for it." he muttered shoving everything into his photo holding bag.
Tomoe watched from her seat as he rushed from the room in very uncharacteristic behaviour. Kamatari was always laid back with a hint of sarcasm when it came to dealing with difficult situations. At the moment, and understandably so, he was a little out of sorts with Kaoru and Kenshin in absentia. And he was probably having issues with his feelings for Shishio as well. Despite the turmoil, Tomoe felt happy within herself. Kenshin had finally found someone who complemented his personality, and she had Akira. He was the most kind, sweet and patient man she had ever met. His caring, gentle and compassionate nature was obvious to anyone who met him and entirely different to Kenshins. With him she felt loved and just thinking about him made her feel lucky. When she had been with Kenshin she had felt the need to overcompensate, almost as if everything she did wasn't enough to please him which was odd considering he never asked much of her. That in itself was an oxymoron since his asking little of her was too high price to pay since she had wanted more. She looked forward to seeing Kaoru when she returned for the wedding; she hoped that she would be able to enjoy the festivities as a part of the family. It felt as if the Himura family was finally complete.
Sliding down from the high stool in Kaoru's makeshift dressmaking room, Tomoe walked off to find Akira before her meeting with Shishio. She had only left him one hour ago, but she missed him already.
Kamatari continued into the conservatory to look at some of the gardener's prized flora. Leaning down just below table level with the exotic looking orchid, and found the right angle before snapping a shot.
He froze as he heard the soft fall of footsteps "Kamatari?" he turned to find Shishio dressed in a dark grey suit, and white shirt. When Kamatari said nothing, Shishio continued "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you – I'm here to meet Tomoe…" he trailed off awkwardly.
"Shishio. Your presence would never be considered an interruption but rather a pleasant surprise." He smiled before cursing Tomoe for not telling him about the winemakers intended visit. He was going to take bad photos of her…after the wedding.
Shishio's stance softened, his body relaxing at Kamatari's disarming charm. He would figure out what exactly it was about Kamatari that gave him such an ethereal quality, particularly when he had that distracted look on his face. Or when he was drifting off into space, or when he was angry, or when he was…okay he looked fantastic all the time. Shishio sighed inwardly at his clammy his hands and quickening heartbeat wondering how it was that one engaged in beginning let alone continuing a relationship with someone who made them entirely too nervous. If he continued in this manner he'd have a coronary sooner rather than later.
"Yeah, I uh, have a meeting with Tomoe" Shishio grimaced as soon as he said it, realising that he'd already said those very words only a few moments ago. "She wanted to discuss a few things with me about the wedding and such. Is that why you're here?" he inquired politely after recovering solidly from his spell of stupidity.
"Not quite." Kamatari muttered, not meeting Shishio's eye as he spoke "I'm just taking a break…these are our gardeners flowers. Our adoptive mother loved orchids – they both shared a passion for flowers of beauty. He continues to tend to her conservatory even after her passing." His voice was soft with wonder as he stroked the soft petals of the hothouse orchid.
"You're all very close to one another." It was more of an observation than a question.
Kamatari did not hesitate in answering "Yes we are. I don't know if you know what it's like to have no idea of where you come from – when I was young it was a constant thought that left me feeling lost. With a family such as ours I haven't thought about it in years – we are each others saviours and we honour the bonds we hold with one another. Within this family, I feel cherished." He drew in the scent of the yellow rose his mother had loved so much, recalling how her hair would fall over her cheek whenever she inhaled a flowers scent. That earthy aroma which followed her presence was unforgettable. To be pulled away from them, after only a brief interlude in their lives was anguish and he had felt robbed. Then Kenshin had taken up the mantle, and quite commendably, but they had all felt the dull ache of loss once again.
After so long, he finally felt as if their lives were taking a turn for the best. Before it felt as if their fates were stagnant and immobile, but now Kenshin had found Kaoru, Misao and Aoshi were getting their act together (yes he'd noticed), Tomoe was getting married and finally he was feeling more secure in admitting his attraction to Shishio.
"My family was never that close." Shishio admitted "My wife and I were happy, but I think she always knew…" he trailed off, looking away sadly.
Kamatari paused in his movement "What do you mean?" he asked a little quickly.
"Not close like your family I guess." He scratched his head in thought "Yumi had very simple needs…her father was in financial trouble and there were rumours – we made an agreement, and I got married." He shrugged.
"Who cares if there are rumours about financial troubles – it couldn't have been that damaging."
"Ah! There's Tomoe, I should go," Shishio raised a hand in greeting turning away "The rumours weren't about her family – they were about me" He said cryptically.
Kamatari watched him leave. Now he was really confused.
Shishio could feel Kamatari's eyes burning into his back as he left the conservatory to meet Tomoe outside. Although his choice in life partner had altered considerably since Yumi's death, the slow societal acceptance of changes such as these had helped him make his decision. Although he had never actually indulged in a relationship with another male since her death (or ever for that matter) he would consider it now, because of Kamatari. He had wanted a stable environment for their son, but now he was an adolescent who understood the way of the world, so maybe it was time to invest a little in himself.
"You're mind is preoccupied." Tomoe commented softly linking her arm with his as they strolled down the edge of the riverbank. What was wrong with everyone today? Everybody seemed preoccupied.
"A little." He admitted "Soujirou returns for his university holidays tomorrow." That had been his real worry.
"I don't see a problem." Tomoe responded.
"He doesn't know about…me" Even now it sounded really lame.
"He doesn't know about you…" Tomoe repeated in a funny voice, not to be humorous but in a tone edged with disbelief. "What? That you're his father? That you have cared for him? Raised him to be a well rounded individual with an open mind? Would you care to elaborate?"
Shishio was slightly put off by her sudden offensive manner which was entirely unlike her "I'm not sure. While I raised him I never indulged in any relationships. Of any kind."
"He'll understand Shish. He's not a child anymore. And you know, when I last met him, I was pleasantly surprised at how mature he was. He'll understand – he will."
"We'll see."
"By the way - who's the lucky one?"
"Nobody you know," he smiled looking away.
"You're so cute!" she ribbed him in the side before changing the topic swiftly to her wedding. Yeah she knew brides could be really annoying talking about their wedding's all the time but she didn't care. Besides it was only a week away, everyone was getting together, and she was getting excited.
"Glitter sashii – check! Penii crowns – check!" Misao chirped excitedly.
"Okay good- wait what? Penii crowns?" Megumi hissed dangerously.
"Yessum." Misao nodded enthusiastically while Megumi scrambled towards the box, lifting out the offending item.
Megumi shuddered with distaste "It's disgusting. You will be wearing this." She waved it in Misao's face before realising that Misao had used a plural 'penii'. She dug into the box only to find 3 more matching crowns with mini penii wobbling rudely of the front of the crown in between feather puffs. "Oh this is disgusting." Holding onto one, she dropped the rest back in the box with a grimace marring her lovely face. She really should have known better before letting Misao off the leash. Then again there was some redemption involved, the more prudish attendees of the hen's night could wear the gaudy glittering sash's which had the words "Undercover Bride To Be" and "Undercover Bridesmaids To Be" scrawled in purple glittery writing across them. Or they could just wear those glitter bras Misao had also purchased. At least they weren't glitter g-strings.
"This doesn't seem like Tomoe's thing at all Misao. Didn't you understand what I said when I told you 'tasteful'? I said TASTEFUL you undersized midget woman!" she hissed shaking the crown in anger, the penis wobbling dangerously with excess movement. With a final shake of pure disgust the crown, it seemed, could no longer handle the sudden movements and sprung free of the feather puffs hitting Megumi in the face at the end of her rant.
Misao brought the clipboard up to her face covering her mouth and nose in an unsuccessful attempt to hide her amusement. Megumi's face took on a whole new look, she was incensed but entirely embarrassed. Calmly placing the crown in the box, she turned and walked away; as the door swung closed behind her Misao let out a loud raucous laugh. Megumi stood behind her the door fuming with humiliation at Misao's lack of propriety. Damn weasel.
Kaoru shifted and blinked at the sight of a flat clear wall. For some reason she was no longer in the car, but resting comfortably in a king sized bed in someone apartment. Smelling a hint of pasta she slid from the bed and made her way to bathroom. The lighting was incredibly revealing, but she had to admit that she certainly looked a little healthier. The rings under her eyes had lessened and some colour had returned to her face. The mirror showed a pale faced, framed by dark hair, incredibly large sapphire eyes and rosy cheeks. She had to admit that she also felt a lot better.
After washing her face, she slowly made her way to wherever the enticing smells were coming from. Peeking around the corner she spied Kenshin standing in front of the stove wearing a dark blue apron. She stood on her tip toes and popped her head on his shoulder.
"Afternoon sweeting." He murmured.
"That nickname again?"
"Mmm remember I promised to use it in private only? And who else is there here, but you and me?" he asked lightly encircling her waist with his right arm. Kaoru sensed buoyancy to his tone, as if he had come to terms with something, and was now in a place of contentment.
"You're happy." She observed softly.
Kenshin didn't bother denying it, "Yes. I have you." His forehead rested gently against hers.
"And I have you" she whispered back kissing him lightly on the lips.
Kenshin smiled and held her tightly against his body, his nose buried deep in her hair, inhaling its scent as if he needed it to survive. They had suddenly entered a realm where only they existed, the depth of which Kaoru was only to happy to discover. The slow release was accompanied by, the relaxation of Kenshins muscles as he let her go.
"I made some pasta – with mushrooms in traditional tomato paste." He gestured towards a pot full of pasta. Kaoru's tummy inadvertently rumbled and she laughed in embarrassment at the loud groaning sounds it made.
"I guess that means it's time to eat!" he grinned setting down the pot on the table.
"So this is your place in the city?" Kaoru asked looking around with interest. It was a very swish pad; then again this was Kenshin they were talking about. She looked back to the front door and gaped for a moment or two before collecting herself. "The elevator opens up to your actual apartment? Geez."
"Well, it makes things easy." He grinned and Kaoru stuck her tongue out at him.
The entire place screamed class with a distinct minimalist theme. The view from the kitchen and lounge room swept the Sydney harbour for 180 degrees. High ceilings, a few feature walls without being gaudy, fancy bathrooms which were still practical – oh yeah she could see herself using this place.
"Do you like the place?" he asked in a nonchalant manner, but Kaoru detected a nervous undertone to the question.
"It's lovely Kenshin." She paused, thinking about how to frame the next questions she wanted to ask. "So um, as your girlfriend I'll get to stay over whenever you're here…right?
Kenshin pursed his lips in thought "Well" he drew out the word as he pretended to deliberate her question. "I guess." He shrugged.
Kaoru slapped his shoulder in annoyance "Stop playing." Grumbling with annoyance she heaped more pasta onto her plate, shovelling it into her mouth without grace. "I'm fungy." She defended, which Kenshin translated into 'I'm hungry'. Chuckling he leaned back in his chair and watched his girlfriend eat with zeal. She was one of a kind.
Kaoru watched Kenshin eat yet another chocolate truffle gelato. No matter how much he ate, he never gained weight. The last few days they had spent together had been leisurely, happy and relaxing. The nights had been slowly getting steamier. Kaoru had always imagined that sex between couples started out hot and eventually morphed into lovemaking. But with Kenshin she had been very wrong. So very wrong. Sometimes it would be slow, with deliberate precise strokes of skin against skin. Other times it was like a maelstrom of emotions coming together in a single burst honey. Then there were the times he would act the gentle lover, before becoming demanding and dominant. She loved it when he swung between the two; it was almost as if he thought he'd gotten what he wanted from the first time, then he wanted more and it drove him insane how much he wanted.
"What is that – the truffle one?" she asked in exasperation.
"Nope." He paused to lick his spoon again "Belgian chocolate."
"Mmm." Kaoru continued to suck the remaining Nutella flavoured gelato of her spoon before noticing Kenshin. He had stopped eating and was watching.
"We better go somewhere, otherwise we won't be going anywhere." He warned her huskily.
Kaoru bit her lip and watched him through half closed eyes moaning as she licked the chocolate again; her tongue flicking out in little movements. Kenshin moved awkwardly toward her, his intentions clear in his eyes, Kaoru giggled and moved further away. Finally unable to hold out, she laughed at the annoyance on his face and started running back to his apartment. She ducked and weaved through the people, occasionally checking to see if Kenshin was following. As she hit the floor number button on the elevator she sighed and grinned as the doors slowly slid together. She leaned back on the rail for support before a hand shot through and stopped the doors from fully closing. The doors slid open to reveal a golden eyed Kenshin in distinct state of deshabille.
"Kaoru sweeting – you've been naughty." He growled, prowling through the doors blocking her path. The doors slid closed and he hit the floor button savagely. Turning suddenly he caught Kaoru's mouth with his own, smothering her gasp and, moulding her body to his own. He lifted her with ease and pinned her body against the elevator wall; her legs wrapped around his waist holding him tightly to her. Their hips rubbed together with impatience, his mouth slid down her throat, his teeth grazing her neck. Her skin was sensitive to his ministrations, particularly when his hand ventured down her stomach. She froze as his finger rubbed against her, before moaning and dragging his head back for another deep kiss.
This was how it would always be between them she thought dizzily, always.
Kenshin wasn't one to complain, but Kaoru was really using up all of his energy. It was almost as if she knew what part to play when they made love, and it drove him insane. She'd be the innocent lover – hesitant and aroused, the vixen – drawing out the slow seduction until neither of them could take it anymore and sometimes she wouldn't wait – simply taking everything he had to give.
It was incredible how much he could find in one person, sometimes the universe and at other times a small pearl of fortune. He memorised every scar and freckle on her body, tracing a long whitened scar along her forearm which lay on his shoulder. She was perfect, and she was his. In the middle of his joyful inward proclamations, Kenshin realised that Tomoe's wedding was in 4 days time. It was time to get back to reality – and for the first time in his life, he was looking forward to it.
Megumi went over the hen's night itinerary once more before looking out the window for the fiftieth time.
"Ah hah!" she heard Misao yell at her from somewhere.
"What?" she asked in annoyance trying to spot the source of Misao's voice.
"You're worried as well." She stated matter of fact, before popping up from behind the couch.
"How long have you been there?" she asked in irritation.
"Long enough to see you look out that window and down the driveway about a hundred times." She told Megumi smugly.
"Oh big deal. Look Kaoru's supposed to be at this hens night and if she's not it'll screw up the numbers." She huffed.
"Screw up the numbers?" Misao repeated before laughing raucously and stopping as she heard a car engine that sounded just like Kenshins coming toward the house. Jumping up she pushed Megumi out of the way and stared down the drive to where she spied his car coming toward the house with speed. No one else drove so recklessly (except her of course) – it was definitely Kenshin! On her knees from Misao's hasty shove, Megumi looked over the windowsill and breathed a sigh of relief. They were finally back.
Kamatari wound a slim black tie around his neck. The buck's night was tomorrow – the same time as the hen's night. He had a fair idea of what was going to happen, and although he liked all the guys who were going to be there, he really wanted to go to the hen's night. In fact Tomoe had invited him.
He was still thinking about what Shishio had said; intrigued to such an extent that he hadn't stopped repeating those words in his head.
…the rumours weren't about her family – they were about me…
Okay so he wasn't that stupid. Shishio had admitted that he thought that Kamatari hadn't liked him. He remembered the hand fleetingly touching his own, with purpose.
Leaving the tie done up loosely around his neck Kamatari strolled leisurely down the stairs, sliding on his sunglasses as he made his way outside. So he was a little overdressed for the occasion, but in his opinion he looked just as hot so it really didn't matter.
He glanced up as car he recognised as Kenshins came racing down the driveway in typical Kenshin style. The man had no speed perception at all. Squealing to halt metres from where he stood, he watched Kaoru exit the car hastily slamming the door shut. She ran and hugged him with an exuberance he hadn't seen in a while. She glowed with a renewed quality he couldn't quite put his finger on.
"I missed you Kao." He said stoutly.
She grinned "Eh, I needed a few days in heaven to get me back on track." She shoved his shoulder playfully while noticing his considerably formal attire and wisely decided against questioning him. Kamatari looked over at his brother and waved before getting into his car.
Rolling down the window he grasped Kaoru's hand and kissed it, "It's good to have you back." He said before reversing in wide arc and speeding off down the driveway in a spray of gravel.
"Where's Kam going?" Kenshin asked after finally finishing taking their luggage inside.
"Oh I dunnow."
"You know don't you." He observed her sly smile.
"I might." She grinned and turned as Misao came careening down the stairs to hug Kenshin enthusiastically. She didn't show Kaoru the same enthusiasm and held back waving awkwardly.
"Mi chan" said Kaoru softly "I'm sorry." Her arms opened wide as the smaller girl hurled herself into Kaoru's arms.
"I was totally going to forgive you" Sniffled Misao.
Kaoru chuckled "It's good to be back. I almost can't even remember why I left."
To this Misao squeezed her tightly in a mini bear hug.
"We're glad to have you back." She whispered in Kaoru's ear.
I had a dream I,
Stood beneath an orange sky,
With my sister standing by,
With my sister standing by,
I said Sister here is what I know now,
Here is what I know now,
Goes like this,
In your love, my salvation lies,
In your love, my salvation lies,
In your love, my salvation lies,
In your love, in your love, in your love.
Home is where the heart is, thought Kaoru as warm rays of the afternoon sun fell on her face. I've finally come home.
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cheers,
Iuvenalis.