Disclaimer: I do not own RK. But I wish Kenshin is mine. =)
~o~o~o~
His eyes were glued to the television, where an animated feature was being played. It's one of his favourite movies and he would normally get excited to watch it again. But that morning, he wasn't. How could he be? When he just learned that his daddy will be leaving soon. His dad said he needed to attend something abroad. New York – he wondered if it was too far. And if there was any chance he could make his dad stay. Maybe if he'd be a good boy and behave well, then his daddy Kenshin wouldn't leave? He could only hope. However, the large bags with wheels on them were already waiting by the door. It was not a good sign, and Kenji couldn't help but frown.
"Time for breakfast Kenji!", Kaoru greeted cheerfully and sat beside him on the couch. "Here's your cereal – with fruits and nuts as you like."
"I don't want to eat mommy." was Kenji's default answer, shaking his head in response. He didn't have the appetite to eat anything, actually.
Kaoru could read the sadness on the young child's eyes. That long face did not suit a usually-bubbly child as Kenji. She knew what that was all about. And being the ever understanding nanny that she was, Kaoru would do anything to lift his spirit up.
"There's no need for you to be sad, Kenji. Your daddy Kenshin will just be away for two weeks. That's not too long if you ask me."
But Kenji wasn't moved a bit. Even if the kid wasn't pulling a tantrum like he normally would, Kaoru was certain that more effort was required to convince him – that his dad's departure wasn't that of a big deal.
"I know! Why don't you join me for the dance?", the nanny pulled Kenji's arms and urged him to stand up. The movie was getting to the most exciting part, and the king of lemurs was about to begin his number.
"I like to move it, move it… I like to move it, move it…"
Kaoru began tapping her feet to the rhythm. Perhaps a little more energy can persuade the little redhead to dance as well? Kaoru did not mind looking silly. If that's what it takes to entertain him.
"He like to move it, move it… She like to move it, move it…"
The nanny pretended to act like a cool zebra on the next part. Then she switched to king-of-the-jungle mode on the second chorus. And little by little, Kenji was smiling again. His sadness completely turned around.
"Physically fit, physically fit… Physically, physically, physically fit…"
This time, Kaoru was in the Gloria-the-sexy-hippo character. She flailed her arms to the beat. And she swung her hips in more exaggerated fashion. She must move like a hippo, after all.
"I like to move it, move it… We like to move it!"
Kenji was already giggling as he watched how his mommy Kaoru enjoyed the dancing. And soon, his daddy Kenshin was beside him too. They were curiously tuned in to that one-of-a-kind performance, with Kenshin turning on an amused smile.
"Yey!", Kenji clapped at the end of the song. "Did you see that daddy? Mommy Kaoru is so great!"
Daddy? Kaoru froze at the sudden mention. Nervously, she turned around to confirm the inevitable – that Kenshin was indeed there. As to how long he'd been there, Kaoru had no idea. And she didn't want to know either. Why did she have to be caught by him at the most embarrassing of situations? Like all the time.
Add to the torture was Kenshin's smirk that bordered teasing. "I like that last part the most. What do you think Kenji?"
"Yeah.. I liked that hippo dance too. Can you show us how to do it, mommy?"
It was hard being the subject of humiliation, really. Especially having two redheads as the masterminds. But seeing Kenji smile delightedly like that, Kaoru wouldn't complain a thing.
"Hmmm – looks like my baby is okay now.", she concluded as she caressed Kenji's hair. "Come, let's accompany daddy to the car."
Kenshin pulled his luggage bags and rolled them outside. While Kaoru and Kenji walked beside him. The items were arranged on the compartment afterwards.
Turning to Kaoru, the now-gentle boss of hers said: "I'll leave Kenji to you for a while."
"No need to worry about him. I'll take good care of Kenji.", Kaoru gave her assurance.
Then Kenshin kneeled down to his son's level. "Daddy will be back as soon as the conference is finished. Can you promise me that you'll be a good boy?"
"Yes daddy." The kid threw himself for a hug. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too.", Kenshin hugged him back. But he also glanced at Kaoru when he said that. Warm violet eyes sending her a message – that somehow, he was unwilling to leave. Sapphire eyes read it well, and Kaoru was pinched inside.
"Please take care and – ", Kaoru couldn't control the words from escaping her mouth. " – and don't stress yourself too much."
His heart suddenly felt heavy, overwhelming. There was really no need to worry for him, but Kenshin liked the thought anyway. And using his own way of telling her he understood, he answered Kaoru with a soft kiss on her cheek. "I will.", Kenshin said with a smile.
Kaboom! Kaoru just exploded in front of everyone. No one could've recognized her for the extreme redness of her face. Nevertheless, Kaoru was floating with glee. To be given a stolen kiss for a parting gift wasn't so bad, right?
"Let's go now Katsuhiro." Kenshin turned to the family driver for instructions. The boss soon occupied the back seat and the car reversed out of the garage.
"Bye dad!", Kenji waved at his daddy Kenshin one more time. And he soon heard Kaoru call out.
"We'll wait for you. Call us when you get there, okay?", her voice trailed off.
Now, that was something. Hearing her message of concern and knowing she will wait for his return – Kenshin was happy. No one can create that kind of feeling in him quite like she could.
One final nod and the car finally went off. At the back of his mind, Kenshin wished the conference would be over soon. Because leaving home was never an easy thing, and home's where Kaoru and Kenji are.
~o~o~o~
It's been two days since his daddy Kenshin left. As per calculation, twelve more days' all it would take. And then he will see him again. Good thing his mommy Kaoru always kept him company.
So that Tuesday was another normal day at school for Kenji. No, it was better than normal. He actually got the highest mark on his math and science tests. What a perfect way to end the day!
Me-ooow!
A certain cry suddenly caught his attention on their way to the school parking. It was a little white kitten crying out for help. Kenji looked up and observed how the poor kitten struggled for balance, its body trapped between tree branches.
"Mommy, look!", he pointed and looked at Kaoru pleadingly. "Let's save the kitten, please?"
Kaoru knew that resisting Kenji's begging eyes would be pointless, as it has always been. So she quickly walked to the scene, and climbed up the tree to get the crying little kitten. Handing the rescued animal to the kid, she said: "Here you go baby. Good thing kitty didn't fall."
Kenji welcomed the white furball in his arms. And he instantly felt a sort of connection. "Can we take him with us mommy?"
"I don't know about that. Maybe the owner just lost him.. we have to make sure first."
"But we can't just leave him here. This poor kitty will cry for sure."
After a short stare-off, Kenji had the upper hand in the end. Though she was not sure if it's allowed, or if there was any rule stating the kid cannot play with pets, Kaoru let Kenji take the kitten home. Whatever makes him happy, she thought.
"We're here!", the kid exclaimed as he put the kitten to the floor. The newly-acquired pet found just the most comfortable place to lie on – underneath the dining table.
"Oh, you like to stay there?", Kenji continued to talk to the pet as if they were in a mutual comprehension of sorts. "I'll get food for you. Just wait, okay?"
"Kaoru-chan – ", the main helper handed the phone to the nanny. "Sir Ken called a while ago.. and he was looking for you."
"Looking for me? What else did he say, Ms. Tae?"
Before the helper could reply, the phone rang again. Kaoru was quick to pick it up, and she heard a familiar baritone voice from the other line.
"H-hello?", Kaoru began shyly. Speaking to him over the phone felt a bit awkward. Well, all her firsts with Kenshin were awkward.
"Hi, it's me."
Now, Kenshin's breathy sexy voice was tickling her ear too much. "Hello – ", and she ran out of words to say next.
"How are you? And how's Kenji? Is he looking for me?"
"Sometimes – but Kenji is doing good. He even got five stars at school."
"Really? I'm so proud of my little man."
"How about you? How's the conference going?"
"My schedule's loaded for the day.. been cramming since I arrived here. Actually I'm – "
"Is there something wrong?"
There was a long pause before Kaoru heard him speak again. "I'm nervous."
The way Kenshin said those words to her – it's like he's complaining. Kaoru did not expect that, because it was really not in him to say such things. Him – the ever-so-tough and almost invincible vice-president? Kenshin and the word "nervous" simply do not go on the same sentence together.
But for him to confess something as personal as that – Kaoru was lucky. Not all people can be trusted by a man who has serious trust issues himself. She need not ask him to elaborate, because Kaoru was quite certain what was bothering him. Representing the company on a global conference must be really nerve-wracking. Imagine all the high-profile executives from around the world.
Even if all she could offer was a little help, Kaoru was determined to ease his worries away. "Do you know what to do when you're feeling down?"
"What?"
"Just keep swimming."
Kenshin chuckled from the other line. "I think I've heard that line somewhere."
"Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming…"
Kenji noticed that his mom was singing over the phone. Wondering what was going on, he approached Kaoru and inquired. "Who's that mommy? And why are you singing?"
"I'm talking to your dad, Kenji,", she then lent the phone to his ear. "Go on – cheer your daddy up!"
"W-what would I say? Go daddy?"
Chuckle turned to outright laughter, and Kenshin couldn't contain his amusement. Kenji was just too adorable when he acts innocently like that. And Kaoru always has her way of making him feel better.
"See? Kenji is also cheering for you. Who else do you want to hear?", the redhead was still all smiles as he heard Kaoru speak.
"No one else. You are enough."
Oh stop it, you! Kaoru wanted to squeal at what Kenshin just said. Whether it's true or he was just sweet-talking, Kaoru's face was tinted red just the same.
On the contrary, the reaction was rather serious on the other line. Kenshin was silent. Something absurd was building up inside – something real. Kenshin may be a man of few words, but he was honest. And when he said that Kaoru was enough, he meant it.
~o~o~o~
Ding dong!
Someone was making a surprise visit at the Himura mansion. Katsuhiro turned his heel toward the gate and got totally shocked to learn who it was. It was only the second time he'd seen him, but the humble helper could not be mistaken.
"Master Hiko – ", he gave the usual courtesy and bowed his head at the patriarch.
Hiko examined the surroundings. He rarely visited his son's residence, and rarely talked to him about personal matters. Their father-and-son relationship was tarnished when the then-teenager Himura decided to drop his course and abandon his schooling – for years. For three long, unacceptable years. Hiko invested so much on his son's education knowing that Kenshin would be Hiten's next-in-line. Being the only son and only child, he's the only worthy one.
But Hiko had been a forgiving father, at least back in the day. He accepted Kenshin when the younger man showed up again and asked for another chance. Kenshin did, eventually, finish his studies in flying colours. A master's degree in marketing at one of Japan's premier universities. A best in thesis award. And was it mentioned that he graduated with honours too? Hiko wondered how his delinquent son was able to accomplish all that. But then again, he was kind of expecting it from anyone in their bloodline.
Fast forward to his son's twenties, and Hiko learned that Kenshin decided to get married – fast. The father accidentally heard about it two days before the wedding. And being the master background checker himself, Hiko learned that Tomoe was the former fiancée of the rival company's heir – Kiyosato Holdings. How could that idiot son of his decide on something as serious as marriage without consulting him? That and all the other wrong decisions Kenshin made widened the gap between them.
The silent tension was not healthy anymore. So Hiko never talked to him ever since – unless of course the topic was anything related to work. They maintained a good working relationship as CEO and vice-president, for some miraculous reasons. But the father-and-son aspect still needed major fixing.
The family-man Kenshin soon realized his mistakes. He tried to reach out to his father, but most of his efforts did not prosper. Either his father was just too busy or he didn't care about him anymore. Kenshin couldn't tell. And he was close to giving up, until a bundle of joy named Kenji came into the world. When Kenshin shared the news about his newborn son, Hiko flew to Japan right away. The old man would not trade any business matters abroad for a chance to have a glimpse of his grandson. And as the years passed, Kenshin was close to certainty, the relationship that needed patching began to mend.
"Grandpa!" The little redhead exclaimed upon seeing his second – now, third – most favourite person in the world. Daddy Kenshin and mommy Kaoru were the top two, of course.
The kid ran up to him and gave the grandfather an excited embrace. "I'm so happy to see you!", the still-ecstatic kid remarked.
"I'm happy to see you too, my boy." Hiko was glad at first. But the smile turned to a default expression of displeasure. What's with Kenji's stained-up clothing and messy hair? He was itching to know who's responsible for letting his grandson look so untidy like that.
But Kenji did not mind. He dragged his grandpa to the study table and discussed the books he was reading.
"There you are, Kenji! I was looking all over for you." Kaoru came walking by, holding a bath towel in her hand. "Come, you need to wash up and brush your – "
Sapphire eyes grew big in surprise and she was not able to finish the sentence. An old man sat beside Kenji, the kid's familiarity with him must mean Kenji knew this person too well. But who could he be?
"Mommy! Grandpa is here.", the kid announced gleefully.
Mommy? A bolt of electricity sparked on his ear and Hiko hurriedly stood from the chair. Grandpa? Kaoru's muscles stiffened and her feet got frozen to the floor.
Hiko looked at her from head to toe, as he would do to someone he didn't trust. So this was the nanny he had heard about? The insufferable woman who dared to make a fool of his grandson? Thick eyebrows arched up at his displeasure.
While Kaoru remained stoned as a statue. She knew she owed the old master an explanation. For pretending to be Kenji's mom. For pretending to be Kenshin's wife. And for all the complications in between. But looking at the intimidating presence that was Seijuro Hiko, the nanny could only wonder – was the make-believe game she's starting to enjoy ever going to continue? Or will someone wake her up and say, game over?
~o~o~o~
"Close your eyes, grandpa. Don't open them until I say so."
Kenji tiptoed to where his grandpa was sitting, holding something he wanted the old man to see. "One, two… Tada!", he announced after laying the surprise on the floor.
His grandpa opened his eyes as instructed. The child's innocent eyes sparkled in anticipation.
Meow!
Kenji was expecting him to smile at least, and not yell. "What is this animal doing in here?!", the unimpressed Hiko reacted by jumping out of his seat.
The anger was quite understandable. For one thing, the master was allergic to cats. And for another thing, he simply hated them. "Where did you get that Kenji?"
"Mommy and I rescued him at school. He's my pet, grandpa." The kid explained as he scooped the poor kitten back to his arms.
"But you cannot have pets, Kenji. It's too risky for your health." Hiko looked around for any helper. "Tsubame! Get this thing out of my sight – now!"
Instead of the young helper, Kaoru walked up to them and inquired rather hesitantly: "Is something the matter?"
"Something the matter?!", Hiko repeated the question in sarcasm. "Do you have any idea what you're putting him up to?"
Kaoru was startled by the rage on his voice. It was just a cat, for Kami's sake! She wanted to answer back like her usual self would. But this master was different. And she got lost for words. She knew a long sermon was impending, so she asked Kenji to leave right away. "Kenji, go to your room."
"But – ", the child was worried and confused at the same time. "What will happen to kitty?"
"We'll talk about that later. Just go to your room, please."
Hiko watched as his grandson obliged to the nanny's order. But he was far from impressed. In fact, the nerves on his forehead almost pop out in irritation. "Are you aware that Kenji has asthma? What if another asthma attack happens because you allowed Kenji to bring that thing in here. What will you do, huh?!"
Kaoru was shocked to learn of Kenji's sensitive condition. "I'm.. sorry Sir.. I didn't know."
"What else do you know then? Make-up stories and fool my grandson?!"
"Of course not, Sir. I never intended to – " Kaoru tried to defend herself, but she was shaking. A part of her felt humiliated for the insults she got. Yet a bigger part of her was hurt. Hurt for the truth that lied on his accusations.
"I don't know what Kenshin is thinking for allowing this to happen.", the still-furious master blurted out. "And to think that my coming back to this place would be a pleasant experience." Hiko uttered as a final remark before walking away and slamming the door behind him.
Kaoru absorbed the aftershock of her first – and hopefully the last – traumatic encounter with Kenshin's father. She wanted to cry her emotions out. But no, the tears just wouldn't fall. The heavy words still lingered on, however. Make-up stories and fooling Kenji. Had the simple intention of making the child's life a little brighter gone to that extent?
Kaoru walked to the bedroom to check on Kenji. She knocked on the door and peeked inside. "Kenji?"
The little boy was unusually serious, sitting on the bed and hugging a pillow to himself. "Are you alright?", his mommy inquired.
"Why is grandpa like that?", Kenji voiced out his questions. "And why is he angry at me?"
"No, he's not angry at you Kenji."
"Then why did he shout at me? And why did he shoo kitty away?"
Kaoru heaved a sigh, some sort of release for her tension. Smiling sincerely at the kid, she explained. "Listen Kenji. People have different ways of showing they care for someone – just like your grandpa. He doesn't want you to be harmed because he cares for you. And he loves you."
"But kitty would not do me any harm."
"It may be true, Kenji. But I think your grandpa is right."
Kenji looked up at her, innocent eyes begging for clarification. "You mean – we should let kitty go?", he was on the verge of crying.
The nanny wiped the tears that formed around his eyes. "We should return kitty right where he belongs."
Though it was unclear at first, Kenji eventually understood that it was for the best. Let go of things that were not meant to be his. It would be a painful parting, but hopefully everything will be alright in the end.
~o~o~o~
A/N: Hello everyone! I'm back with another chapter. Sorry for the long wait, but I hope this one did not disappoint you. Please let me know what you think, pretty please? (*Kenji's begging eyes*)
Thank you so, so much to everyone for the support and encouragement. I hope you'll stick with me til the end – but this story is not coming to its conclusion just yet (*winking*).
Until the next chapter, my dear readers. Hooray for the 21st! Ho ho ho! =)