First off I will apologize that it is so late. I have very good reasons, and then not so very good reasons, but I will explain that later. Please just read on.
Disclaimer: Say no more.
Chapter XXV: The Surprise
Cigarette smoke wafted around Saitou's stern features as he watched Kaoru happily make notes on the statuary bracketing the entrance gate to the front lawn. It had been a week since the councilmember's appearance at the chateau, and now that he knew more about the situation he was seeing everything in a clearer light. The relationships between the vampires and Kaoru were more complex than he had thought, and that deserved a careful eye.
"Stop looking so annoyed, Oji. I'm almost done." A few more notes were added to her tablet, and then she turned a smile on him. "Besides, you didn't have to come out here with me. You seem to have more fun when you're hanging out with Shinomori-san." A snort was her answer, and she grinned. "Come on, Oji, you're too uptight. Himura-sama told me about Shishio…" Her expression became a touch uncertain and less amused. "There's nothing to be worried about anymore, right?"
"Just because one vampire is dead doesn't mean you're safe from the approximately two hundred and fifty thousand others."
Pink lips parted, and she gave him her full attention. "There are that many?" Slowly her eyes lowered to the ground. "Well, I suppose if you consider how many people there are in the world it's not really that much, but…"
Saitou smirked. "You're right. There used to be more, I heard."
Blue eyes shot back up. "How many more?"
"Over a hundred thousand."
"Really? What happened to them? I know you said they don't live forever, but I can't imagine they all died of old age at the same time."
Yellow irises studied her for a moment, before he planted the butt of his cigarette between his lips and jerked a thumb over his shoulder. The line of her gaze followed his gesture back to the chateau, but she seemed confused by what he was trying to tell her. Kaoru had always been a smart brat, though, and he said nothing when her eyes widened in shock. "Himura-sama?" The shrill tone of her voice dropped to a whisper, and she sounded as if she were questioning herself. "Is that even possible?"
"The right motivation makes anything possible, wildcat."
Motivation? "Nobody helped him from the Association? Those kinds of numbers would require a planned attack, wouldn't they?" Kaoru had already guessed a long time ago that Mr. Himura had at one time been a hunter, just like her father. Knowing he had killed so many vampires, however, was unbelievable and a touch frightening.
"Normally, but Himura was never a part of the Hunter Association." A small crease was forming between her brows as she tried to figure out what that meant. He had debated on whether or not to tell her about the vampires she spent almost every day with, but he was learning that it would not be a good idea yet. It wouldn't be too much longer before he would have to leave her here by herself, and no matter how much he taught to her he knew she would never be completely safe. By monitoring her interactions with the others he was trying to figure out if he could use them to protect her. If he upset her comfort with their proximity by outright telling her that they were vampires then it would lessen her chances of staying safe. That did not mean he wasn't going to tell her things about them that she needed to know, though. For now, however, he would cover the information she had just received with a little misdirection. "Of course, neither was your father, and he did just fine taking care of that small town of yours."
A small smile flitted on and off of her lips before she turned her blind stare up at the statuary on the gate. "I guess he probably had help from Shinomori-san." That hardly made the odds seem any better, but she was having a hard time believing that Mr. Himura had taken out that many vampires. They were so powerful, and even with her abnormal strength she had struggled. That meant he had to be very well trained, and very dangerous. And motivated. Her frown deepened.
"No. They had not met yet." Shinomori was about two hundred years too young to have helped with a massacre of that proportion. "According to my information, Himura did not become acquainted with Shinomori until after he had given up his vendetta. Of course, by that time he had killed almost everyone he thought connected." Except one very important man that has eluded everyone for about a thousand years.
"He did it all alone?" For revenge? The frown on Kaoru's face softened, and the words Sano had spoken to calm her down that night Mr. Himura and Mr. Shinomori had set out to hunt down Shishio returned. Mr. Himura's wife had decided against relying on her husband, and then she had died. The realization of what that meant came to her quickly. They killed his wife. The tension in her chest eased as the reasoning behind such a violent assault became clearer, and in its place settled sympathetic regret and sorrow. "Osoraku." I understand now why he was so sure he was going to be lonely, because he already is.
A reaction Saitou had not expected contorted Kaoru's expressive face, but his own features stayed neutral. A moment later her cellphone rang, and he was automatically irritated by the ringtone. Why Kaoru thought Himura warranted a song that labeled him "The Man" was beyond his comprehension. The conversation was short, but she appeared confused and almost irritated by what she had been told. Whatever had been said had effectively cleared her mind of what Saitou had just told her, though.
"Himura-sama wants me to drive to the airport and bring back his interviewee." The phone was slipped into her pocket, and she scowled as she marched her way back up the drive. "He didn't tell me he had an interview today. He didn't even tell me he was considering anyone." Her muttering agitated the silence as they made their way to the car, and every once in a while he would catch something about needing to be consulted since he obviously had no clue what he was doing.
"Maybe he wants you to size them up for him, wildcat." Saitou had almost dropped his cigarette to the ground before he scowled and pulled out the portable ashtray Kaoru had bought for him. The observation seemed to appease her, but she still wasn't very happy about not being told before then.
The local airport was only an hour and a half away from the chateau, and they were allowed to park close to the area where Mr. Himura's private jet would eventually come to a stop after taxing off the runway. It was just coming in for a landing when they arrived, and Kaoru watched its entrance with a sense of trepidation and irritation. She refused to acknowledge that her annoyance may have stemmed from becoming used to being the only conservationist at the chateau, and in turn earning all of the praise and attention from her boss. Of course, it was also aggravating to think of another woman trying to hang all over him like the last interviewee had. Things would be so much simpler if she could just paint.
Kaoru positioned herself expectantly in front of the car while the plane's engines began to wind down, and she briefly glanced at Saitou who was smoking another cigarette and waiting by the driver's door. If the person's first impression of the chateau and Mr. Himura was to be her then she needed to present herself well no matter how she felt about the situation. She wouldn't have felt so off-balance about it, though, if Mr. Himura had just warned her of what was going to happen. As it was, Kaoru didn't even know the person's name to greet them properly. Mr. Himura was going to get an earful before the day was over.
The steps came down and Kaoru's spine straightened automatically. Only a second later and a small woman was climbing off of the plane, and with a soft sigh Kaoru muttered about how it had to be another woman. It was hard to tell from a distance, but it looked like she was smiling from ear to ear as if she were more excited than she could stand. She was cute with her shoulder length, asymmetrical hairstyle and more fashionable than traditional pant suit. There was something just a little familiar about her tastes, actually.
"Kaoru!" The woman took off in a run as soon as her feet hit the asphalt, and Kaoru's jaw dropped open. However different she looked there was no mistaking her voice. "Misao?" Every ounce of her irritation was instantly forgotten, and she only had enough time to drop her crossed arms and take two steps forward before she had to catch the smaller woman to keep her from landing on her face.
"Oh my God! This is so awesome!" Misao squealed in delight and tightened her hold on her best friend. "I'm in France! I'm actually in France! Ahhh!" The small woman jumped up and down with her hands clutched into Kaoru's jacket sleeves. "I can't believe it! This is the coolest day ever! And have you flown on that thing!" Her thumb jerked to indicate the private jet, and her aquamarine eyes were stretched wide in emphasis. Kaoru opened her mouth to say yes, but Misao had already sped on. "Forget that! I'm so glad to see you! It's been forever! You look great!"
Kaoru returned the tight hug her best friend had cinched around her ribs, and she had to bite her lip to keep from crying. It had been forever since she had last seen her. Almost two years to be exact. She had known that she missed her, but she hadn't realized just how much until then.
"Jeez… I missed you, Kit Kat." Laughter bubbled up from the back of Kaoru's throat at the old nickname, and she squeezed Misao tight and planted a kiss on the top of her head.
"Missed you, too, Ems." A quick wipe across her cheekbone rid her of any telling moisture when Misao pulled away, and she gave an embarrassed giggle before changing the subject. "What happened to your hair? I didn't even recognize you." She flicked at the blue tip of longer hair on Misao's right shoulder.
"Do you like it? I decided I needed a change. I was getting tired of people still asking me how old I am. I mean seriously. Just because I'm tiny doesn't mean I'm twelve. I was hoping it would make me look my age at least." Aquamarine eyes gave Kaoru a hopeful look, and Kaoru nodded quickly to reassure. She honestly did look older, but she still had that air of a child playing dress up.
"It looks great on you. I think it really fits that eccentric and dramatic artist style you've always had going." The hairstyle parted to one side and emphasized just how thick her hair was. Layered bangs fell into one eye before draping in an elegant slope to end just at her shoulder. The other side layered down the side of her neck with less body, and two varying widths of dark blue streaks gave color and a hint of sassiness on one side of her face. "I just figured you'd never cut that hair of yours. It was nearly to your knees."
"Yeah, I donated it." A hand waved in the air dismissively. "I was completely fine with it, but the hairstylist I went to nearly cried while she cut it."
"Some kid's going to be really happy." Lightly her hands touched Misao's shoulders. "Anyway, what are you doing here? Did you come to visit? How long do you get to stay?"
"Oh yeah." A small cough cleared Misao's throat, and she backed up a step to hold her hand out politely in greeting. "Misao Makimachi. I am here for my interview with Mr. Himura." The tone of her voice was serious, with just a hint of mischief. When Kaoru just stared at her, she reached for her hand and patiently shook it. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Kamiya."
When the power of speech finally returned, Kaoru's jaw dropped open. "You're kidding!"
"Nope."
"Really?"
"Yep." Misao was giggling and had once again lost all composure. "Isn't it great?! He called me a couple of weeks ago and asked me some preliminary questions, and then he had me put together a résumé and portfolio to submit. He was really impressed when he called me back. Oh and, he made me promise not to say anything. It was supposed to be a surprise." She was grinning from ear to ear again. "Well, actually he said it was punishment for not telling him about me, but I can tell he just wanted to surprise you. He's really nice, isn't he?"
A soft smile tugged at her lips, and Kaoru nodded. "Yeah. Mr. Himura is a really kind man. I think you'll like him."
"I'm still a bit nervous. I don't want to mess up and lose the chance to work here with you."
"Just treat this like you would any other interview and you'll be fine."
While they had talked Saitou had helped load up all of Misao's luggage into the trunk of the car. Shortly after a cough urged them to hurry things along. Sapphire eyes finally glanced at Saitou, and then she grinned and pulled Misao over to introduce her. "How's your Japanese, Misao?"
"Still just conversational. I haven't had anybody to practice with since we graduated, and I didn't grow up in a strictly Japanese speaking home like you did."
"You'll be fine." A quick switch of languages included Saitou into the conversation. "Oji, this is Makimachi Misao. Misao, this is my oji, Saitou Hajime."
Hesitantly Misao bowed and said hello, but it was apparent she wasn't as properly schooled as Kaoru had been in etiquette. "Hey. Isn't an oji an uncle or something? I thought you didn't have any family." The observation was whispered out of the side of her mouth, and Kaoru gave Saitou an apologetic look when he huffed and turned away. The fact that Misao had switched back to English and then proceeded to think he wouldn't be able to understand her had been rude, but she knew Misao hadn't meant it to be that way. Saitou was just a grump.
"He's a really good friend of my dad's. He's just visiting for a while. Come on. We can catch up in the car. I want you to tell me everything you haven't been able to over the phone."
The two women sat in the back and chatted the entire way to the chateau. Every once in a while Saitou would glance in the rearview mirror and frown as they caught up, but his contemplative scowl had little to do with their reunion. Once again Himura had gone out of his way to do something that would make Kaoru happy. He had said that he preferred her happiness over sorrow, and this would definitely keep her content. Himura's fixated concern bothered him in more ways than one.
As a man who had promised to watch over his best friend's daughter he didn't like Himura's interest because it held a suggestive hint that he was vying for her affections. While it was none of his business who the wildcat dated, he didn't like the possibility of a vampire being a candidate. There were too many ways for a relationship like that to go wrong, and he would be damned if he let Himura or any other vampire convince her to be turned.
On the other side of the coin he was afraid that Himura's interest had nothing to do with true affection, but rather he was only concerned with his own comfort and pleasure. If her scent really did affect him in the way he had described, then her being upset or afraid meant his walking air freshener was sour instead of sweet. By keeping her happy he was assuring the aroma he had surrounded himself in would continue to be pleasing and he could be happy. While Saitou obviously had no qualms with keeping Kaoru happy, he didn't like the side-effect that came along with it. "…like a ripe peach begging to be eaten." That was what he said. He prefers her to smell sweet and happy, but he all but admitted that it's hard for him to resist feeding off of her when she is. Was there a limit to how happy she could be? Could she be so happy that it caused him to lose his control? Saitou wanted answers, but the way to get them was not what he considered preferable.
For now he would have to trust that Himura would not willingly injury himself as he had just to protect her for no reason. Saitou only hoped that his protectiveness was not just a reflection of his unwillingness to share her with another vampire. That sounded a little too much like Shishio's obsession with her. The only other reason he had for not immediately jumping to any conclusions was the couple of years Himura had spent building up a resistance. Even to a vampire that was enough time to give credit.
"Oh my God! Look at it! It's so much better in person!"
"I know, right?!"
The excitement of having someone to share her overzealous and delighted observations with had loosened Kaoru's exterior wall of professionalism she had built. Suspiciously Saitou wondered if Himura hadn't hoped for that to happen on top of making her happy. At one point that week he thought he remembered her grumbling about Himura claiming she was too polite.
In the back of his mind Saitou prayed his wife had another boy and not a girl. Girls were bad for the health. It's no wonder Kou only tried for one.
Mr. Himura was waiting for them at the front doors when they rolled to a stop outside of the chateau. Saitou opted to stay outside and smoke while they entered, and Kaoru smiled when Mr. Himura greeted them. He was just as polite as he had been the day Kaoru had been interviewed. To make sure Misao's interview was fair Kaoru followed his lead, but there was an air of excitement and restrained enthusiasm just under the surface of her words. Every once in a while she would catch Mr. Himura's lips twitch, but he never commented.
"You will have to excuse the left-handed greeting, Miss Makimachi." A vague gesture with his bandaged right hand briefly explained why. "I am walking proof of why one should be careful with what they handle." The pun was lost on the two women, but Kenshin didn't mean for them to completely understand the humor in the statement.
It wouldn't have mattered, because Misao was too preoccupied to pay much heed to Mr. Himura's damaged hand. In fact, she was about to lose her mind. The chateau was amazing, and after they had entered she spent more time asking them about the repairs they had already finished than on asking about what it was she would be doing if hired. When they finally made it to the sitting room, however, she proved that she had been paying attention. With a critical eye she looked over the wall that still had traces of the remaining fresco on it, and she questioned Mr. Himura doggedly about what he wanted and what he was planning.
The utilities had been delayed because of the fresco, and so far they had only been applied to the lower floors and the northern half of the second. They were waiting for a professional to look at the fresco before proceeding. As Misao posed each question critically Kaoru's smile grew wider and wider. Even if Mr. Himura knew little about painting restoration there was no way he could deny that Misao's knowledge on the subject was superior.
"Miss Makimachi, there is only one other person I have interviewed that has shown more enthusiasm and interest than you, and that was Miss Kamiya." His good hand waved at Kaoru and she blushed. "Even though you have admitted little experience with working on frescos I am very much impressed by your thoroughness. However, since I have been accused of being easily impressed I must defer to the advice of my head conservationist."
"Now Mr. Himura, I don't think you should rely on my advice completely. I mean, she is my best friend."
"Which means you know more about her skills than anyone except for Miss Makimachi. I trust you to be fair, and that is the very reason why I am so disappointed in you for not even attempting to recommend her for the job you yourself suggested. After all, Miss Kamiya, if I cannot trust your recommendation and opinions then whose can I?" Kaoru looked appropriately ashamed, but her mouth pursed as if she were struggling not to smile.
Misao's blue eyes darted between the two of them, and then she cleared her throat. "Perhaps I can help." She grinned when Kaoru frowned at her. "Well, I am trying to sell myself here so let me butter you up a little. Mr. Himura," she turned to him and put on her best 'I'm trying to be serious here face, so listen up,' "you have already questioned me about the fine art aspects of your chateau, but let me ask you a few questions of my own. Do you also have tapestries that are in need of restoration?"
Violet eyes glanced at Miss Kamiya, and he was barely hiding a smile. Kaoru merely sighed and waved a hand to encourage him to answer. "Yes I do. There are a few sixteenth century tapestries, as well as an eighteenth century, and a very large collection of rugs and carpets."
"Wonderful. I am sure that you were hoping to defer all of this work to Miss Kamiya, and I assure you that she will do a wonderful job on anything that you put in front of her. However, since she is not an expert in paints and in turn dyes she will not be able to match the different hues of any tapestry piece that needs repaired. Don't get me wrong, Mr. Himura, Miss Kamiya's skills are unmatched when it comes to sewing and reupholstering furniture, but she'll need my help with the dye."
"She is right, Mr. Himura." Kaoru nodded seriously. "I don't suppose I ever told you about the piece Miss Makimachi and I restored in cooperation. The fabric had all but deteriorated, and instead of sending off for the fabric to be recreated elsewhere Miss Makimachi dyed the threads, matched it to the original pattern, and then wove them together while I restored the wood, pins, buttons, and metal inlay, and then reupholstered the nineteenth century Gothic Revival chair with the fabric Miss Makimachi presented me. The piece was submitted into the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston."
"That was pretty awesome. The Dean walked around like he was the King of England for a while." A wide grin spread over Misao's face, and she looked pleased with herself.
"So what you are trying to tell me is that I would be putting quite a feather in my cap by hiring the other half of team that already works well together." The smile he was trying hard to hide was winning.
"Oh no, Mr. Himura, that's not what we're saying at all." Misao shook her head with a look that almost appeared to be too sober. "With Kaoru and I working together you would have something closer to a Native American headdress."
An abrupt giggle burst from Kaoru's mouth, and she lifted a hand to cover her mirth when Mr. Himura lifted an eyebrow at her. "Sorry. I just pictured that in my head."
"I see." One side of his mouth twitched, and then he glanced at his watch. "Miss Kamiya, why don't you finish showing Miss Makimachi around? I promised Mr. Takimi I would meet with him out in the gardens to discuss the fountains."
"Yes, sir." The smile on her face was the most pleasing sight he had seen since that night he had found her sleeping on Sano's couch. He was very glad that she was happy with him once again. Although her irritation had been fun, he really did prefer her smile to her scowl. The fact that Miss Makimachi seemed to be so proficient at her job was merely an added bonus to his day.
"It will be a pleasure having you on board, Miss Makimachi. If you accept, that is." Once again he shook her hand firmly with his left, and his amusement rose a notch when the small woman looked like she wanted to jump up and down and squeal. She contained herself well, though. "If it is alright, I would like to discuss the more mundane aspects of the position later. I'm sure you would like to catch up some more before I bore you with any of that. Although, I will promise that I pay much better than the Smithsonian and I don't have a problem with you staying in one of the apartments below Miss Kamiya's until you find somewhere else, if that will affect your decision at all."
"I accept! I'll start today! Please!"
"Great. How about we finish this discussion in about an hour?"
"Okay!" Misao turned to Kaoru when he headed for the door, and she mouthed another OMG before silently acting out a fist pump of victory. Once they were in the room alone Misao jumped forward and grabbed Kaoru by the hands and spun them around. "I got the job! I get to stay! We'll see each other like every day! This is going to be so cool!" A happy sigh calmed her down for a second while Kaoru laughed helplessly. "Man, we're so going to rule this place. Hey." Her hands jerked to get her attention, and she wiggled her eyebrows. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Without another word or cue to say they were on the same page, they both broke out into freestyle dancing. Kaoru wasn't even thinking about the camera that had just recently been installed in that room. Instead they were distracted by laughter from the doorway, and she threw Sano a grin but stopped acting like a fool. Misao glanced between them curiously for an introduction. She seemed less embarrassed by the spectacle.
"If I had known you liked dancing so much, Miss Kay, I would have insisted on taking you out sometime."
"Who are you?" For some reason Misao seemed almost offended, and Kaoru tossed her a questioning look.
"Sanosuke Sagara." He offered a hand for her to shake, but Misao snubbed him rather rudely. Instead she wrapped an arm around Kaoru's waist.
"Well, that's nice and all, but what gives you the right to be giving Kitty pet names? She's my best friend."
"Kitty?" Laughter bubbled up his throat, and Kaoru lifted her eyes skyward.
"It's an old college nickname." A sigh left her as Sano continued to chuckle. "It's actually Kit Kat."
"Kit Kat, huh? I like it. Sweet but crisp. So what does that make you?"
Misao stuck her tongue out at him, and Kaoru shot her a glare. "Sano, this is Misao Makimachi, or, since we're sharing nicknames, Ems."
"M&M to you, buddy. Not to be confused with the famous rapper."
Sano was still chuckling. "Of course not. Original or Peanut?"
"Hey!" Misao took a swipe at him, but Kaoru detained her. "Watch it mister! Kaoru and I are soul-mates, got that? No one knows her better than me!"
"Misao, I told you before that soul-mates are only people in a romantic relationship. We're more like kindred spirits."
"Whatever." Suddenly bored of the man in front of them, Misao started glancing around again. "So who else is hiding around here?" The question was a bit nonchalant and it caused Kaoru's grin to become teasing, but she didn't comment. Apparently the mention of romantic relationships had reminded her that there was someone else at the chateau that she would like to meet.
Kaoru knew they had been communicating a lot recently, but she didn't know just how close Mr. Shinomori and Misao were. From the way her best friend talked about the man, though, they were on very good speaking terms, and whenever there was a problem that Kaoru couldn't help her with then she called him. Since Kaoru wasn't as avid a fan of surrealism as Mr. Shinomori was she didn't feel the least bit jealous. In fact, she was happy for Misao, because it wasn't that easy for the woman to find someone to talk to about what she enjoyed. Of course Kaoru would listen to her, but what she really wanted was feedback and Kaoru had a hard time faking interest or knowledge on the matter.
"Well, there is Mr. Takimi and his assistant, Mrs. Myojin, who are here to help consult on the gardens. We usually have different contractors here to work on things that are too big for us to handle on our own, as well. Mr. Shinomori has a couple of people working for him in security now, too. He should be in his office if you would like to meet him in person. It would probably be a good idea to introduce you, that way he knows who you are and why you're here."
"I suppose, but I need to swing by the car first." An amused smile lit Kaoru's features when Misao tried to play indifferent to the suggestion.
"I see how it is. I guess Aoshi is more interesting." Sano pouted a bit. "I'll get back to work, then. They're fixing the guest bathroom over here with plumbing if you want to check it out later. I think it's looking pretty good. See you, Miss Kay."
"Alright."
"It was nice meeting you, Ems."
"Just go already. Nobody cares."
"Misao." The reprimand was ignored, and Kaoru just sighed. It was easy to forgive her for being stubborn and selfish, because she was also fiercely loyal, endearingly cute, and hopelessly optimistic. She really had missed her best friend. Things were going to be so much fun now that she was there to stay. Fun, and yet still taxing, but Kaoru had grown used to that. Life would certainly be interesting from now on.
Outside Misao pulled out a large, flat box from the trunk and insisted on carrying it herself to the auxiliary building. She allowed Kaoru to guide her around the storage area briefly, but her attention wasn't focused on the collection. Instead her blue eyes would wander and glance around as if searching for something specific that she couldn't find. Eventually Kaoru gave up trying to pretend she didn't know what her little friend was trying to do and suggested they head straight for the security office.
"Oh, well if you think we should."
"We probably need to check in with him anyway. He's very serious about his job, and he likes to be aware of everyone who is at the chateau."
"Good thinking." Misao hefted the large box she had put down by the door, and followed Kaoru into the restoration rooms off of the storage area. In front of her Kaoru didn't need to hide her grin, but she made sure she was straight-faced when she knocked on Mr. Shinomori's door. There was an appropriate pause before she was told to enter, and she opened the door to find the tall man tucked behind his desk and rifling through contractor folders.
"Good-afternoon, Miss Kamiya." Light blue eyes were studying her curiously, and they shifted ever so slightly to one side when she felt Misao crowd in behind her and peek around her shoulder. "Is there something I can help you with?"
That's right. I've sent a picture of him to her, but it appears he doesn't know what she looks like. How curious. Was she afraid he wouldn't talk to her if he assumed she was a minor or something just because of the way she looks? "Just making the rounds, Mr. Shinomori. Miss Makimachi has just been hired on as Mr. Himura's painting conservationist, and I thought it appropriate to make sure she was introduced to everyone." Nothing on his face changed, but his head did tilt as if trying to get a better look at the woman behind her. A small smile tugged at Kaoru's mouth, and she stepped out of the way. "Misao this is Aoshi Shinomori. Mr. Shinomori, Misao Makimachi."
How perfectly tiny. The thought was his immediate first impression of her. After watching the two of them dance around the sitting room on the monitor he had wondered who could have such a sunny and bright personality that rivaled Miss Kamiya's. Now that he knew that it was the same Misao Makimachi that he had spoken with on a regular basis his second thought was not so nice. It would have taken little for that bastard to hurt her. Suddenly he was really glad that Shishio was dead. Imagining how easily he would have been able to back up his threat to hurt the small and delicate looking Miss Makimachi tightened his chest in agony. It was no wonder Miss Kamiya had been so overprotective of her best friend and the threat spoken against her.
Nervously Misao smiled and waved a hand shyly in greeting. "Hey." His features were so serious that it was hard to get a reading on how he felt about their sudden meeting. Briefly she gnawed on her lip and wondered if her appearance would entice the same reaction out of him as every other person she had ever met. It was especially frustrating that he appeared to be even taller in person than his picture had indicated. Next to him, she really did feel like a child. I tried really hard this time, too. I cut all of my hair off, and these heels are killing me! Please don't comment on my size!
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person." Because she had spoken with him so many times over the phone, Misao recognized the truth in the statement even though his passive features contradicted the words. The tightness in her chest relaxed, and a real smile finally bloomed on her face.
"Same here. I mean… it's nice to meet you, too." A blink from her best friend hinted that she had said something out of character, and Misao cleared her throat. "Uh, I brought something for you." A brief struggle revealed the large box she had toted along, and she settled it safely on the floor between them. Even on its side it came to her shoulders.
"Oh. I'll get something to open it with." With the chance given to leave them alone, Kaoru snatched at that opportunity and disappeared through the still open door.
Lipstick stained lips parted in shock at the abandonment, but nothing came out as she watched the man she was finally getting to see in person smoothly emerge from behind his desk. The room wasn't large so it took little effort to traverse the space between them. Every ounce of air was stolen from her lungs when he was finally standing before her, and she had to crane her neck just to look him in the eye. He was so tall and imposing, and she could see how his demeanor and appearance could give others the wrong impression. The realization that he may have suffered the same experience as she had just because of the way he looked made her happy through empathy. He's so much more handsome in person.
The passiveness of his features didn't waver for an instant, but his eyes were focused and searching. There was something about the way he was looking at her that gave her the impression that he appreciated what he saw. It was such a warm feeling that she couldn't help but blush, and her hands tightened on the width of the box. Whatever he saw he must have liked, and for the first time Misao felt like the most beautiful girl in the whole world. When Kaoru came back in it was to find Misao grinning like a fool.
"Uh, here." The top was pried off, but Misao was too short to lift what was inside straight up and so Mr. Shinomori assisted. Once it was out of the box he was blocked from view by the large frame that had been hidden inside. Neither Kaoru nor Misao could see him or what was held in the frame, but it was obviously a painting. Kaoru was curious, but Misao's expectantly fidgeting figure kept her from commenting. A few moments later Mr. Shinomori's smooth voice came from behind the work of art.
"This is new."
"Yeah. I… wanted to show you in person." Timidly she wrung her fingers. "It was inspired by you." The words blurted from her mouth, and she licked her lips uncertainly. "Do you like it?"
Slowly the frame was lowered and his eyes were once again staring into hers. "It is beautiful, Miss Makimachi, but how could I have inspired something like this?"
"It was something you said that night when I was having trouble with my other painting. 'Insight filters through the chaos like a candle's flickering light. It may hurt at first, but it will soon provide warmth.' I wanted to create that feeling. I hope it came out right."
There was a long pause, during which Kaoru felt like an unwanted bystander, and then he inclined his head. "It came out better than that."
Another blush darkened her cheeks, and she grinned like a little girl getting a compliment from her first crush. "Good, because I want you to have it."
Although his impassive mask had not faltered, the way his body language responded to the declaration spoke of surprise and immediate denial. Just barely his hands held the painting a touch away from him, and the line of his mouth tensed. "I could not accept it."
"What?" Kaoru blinked as sorrow that was engineered to rip at heartstrings dipped every inch of her face in perfect, aching agony. I thought that was a look she only used on me. Mr. Shinomori didn't stand a chance.
For the first time ever Kaoru watched as the man seemed totally unprepared, and it took scarcely two seconds before he looked like he was going to panic. "H-hold on. I meant no offense. I would gladly accept it except…"
Misao peered up at him with eyes full of earnest hope, and cut him off before he could explain his denial. "Then you will?"
"Well I…"
"I would be overjoyed if you thought it pleasing enough to keep." The perfect breathless way she spoke would have tipped Kaoru off to her cunning manipulation, but there was a note of true anxiety in her words.
Thoroughly defeated, Mr. Shinomori's shoulders sagged and he swallowed. "Then… it will be my most prized possession."
The agony on her face melted into pleasure, and the man's tense posture relaxed. When nothing else happened, and Kaoru feared Misao was going to bite through her lip, she touched her best friend on the shoulder and jerked her head at the door. "Right. I'll… talk to you later then. You know, since I work here now and everything." She backed up as she said it, and bumped into the edge of the door. An embarrassed blush burned her cheeks, and she waved her hands nervously before turning and fleeing through the entranceway. For a second Kaoru just watched before she glanced at Mr. Shinomori, offered him an uncertain smile, and then took off after her.
"Hey, so where's my gift, soul-mate?" A bratty look was thrown over Misao's shoulder, and Kaoru giggled all the way back to the storage rooms.
X
The office was clean, modern, and decorated in a modest style that showed class and sophistication. Although Rikuto had been born in the dark he had always envied the light, and yet he was much too sensitive to its radiance to live in it. Heavy tinting covered the wall of windows behind him to protect him from his weakness, and so that he would not have to be reminded he kept his back to it. Instead his eyes looked upon the fresh and bright interior of his office. It was dimmed just enough to keep it from hurting his retinas, but it was light enough for a progenitor to imagine he was unaffected.
Every trait he had passed on to his beloved children was doubled in him. His strength was fiercer, his speed was quicker, and his susceptibility to those things that hurt them was sharper. It was the dilution of the mutation with human DNA that made the others less than what he was. Even if the human gene was submissive to the vampire gene's dominance it still had strength over the outcome. Many others refused to acknowledge that, but he understood it far better than anyone else. Humans were strong, and vampires were weak. Perhaps they were strong in different ways, but Rikuto knew better than to underestimate that strength. After all, he knew what vampires really were: a failed experiment to improve upon what already was.
Karin, on the other hand, had been closer to the finished product. She hadn't been strong, or fast, but she hadn't been human, either. Humans did not heal like she had. He wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it himself when they had used to play together as children. Other things as well had convinced him that she was the answer to all of his problems. If that old, vampire bitch Lilis had not interfered he wouldn't have been forced to let her slip through his fingers.
The most amazing thing about Karin, however, had been her ability to reproduce. That woman, Takara, had resembled his cousin in so many ways, but he still wouldn't have believed them related if Lilis had not interfered again. It angered him still that Takara had died in the encounter, because he was certain her blood would have proven useful. After all, it had been surprisingly resilient.
A knock sounded on his door and he called the person in. "Father." Cold grey eyes glanced up at the man standing in his office, and he was like a black stain on the bright interior.
"What is it that would cause you to come to me personally, Kanryuu?"
"I have carried out my orders as you requested. My brother is dead. Shall I have the others instructed to mourn?"
"You have done a necessary evil, my son. I thank you for your sacrifice." Rikuto stood from his desk and looked somber despite his smile. "We shall all mourn the loss, I most of all. My family has suffered too much death these last few hundred years."
"I am sorry, Father."
"Thank you, my son, but I trust that was not your only reason for placing yourself in danger of being detected." There was a sternness in his voice that was just like a father instructing his child.
"Of course not. I have discovered the reason why the Council, and more specifically that Blood Traitor, was so interested in Shishio." His lips spit when he spoke of Himura, and Rikuto's features tightened. Himura was the worst kind of evil his bloodline had ever spawned. There were too few of them left now because of him. One day he promised he would rid the world of his sickening presence.
"Did they discover whose child he was?"
A buzz from the intercom interrupted them, and then a man's voice spoke softly into the ensuing silence. "Forgive me, Udo-sama, but your afternoon appointment has just arrived."
"Thank you, Hoji. I shall be with them in a moment." The speaker clicked, and then his attention returned to the man in front of him. Kanryuu continued without missing a beat.
"I made sure they were unable to, but it was his target that they seemed to be more interested in." A folder was presented and Rikuto accepted it after a moment. "Her name is Kamiya Kaoru. Everything that there is to know about her is in that file. The only thing that seems to be missing is why my brother was so attracted to her that he lost his mind."
Grey eyes pierced into his soul and Kanryuu swallowed nervously. "Explain."
"It was her scent. He said it was like ecstasy calling to him to devour her, and he couldn't help himself. Apparently no one else could smell it but him. I'm not sure what it means, or if it was true, but I am prepared to do some more digging if that is your wish."
With an intent gaze he searched her file, but nothing jumped out at him. He would not ignore this, however. Even if there was nothing special about her, anyone that was important to Himura was worth looking into. He was such a reckless child when it came to his loved ones. "Do what you do best, Kanryuu, and report everything you discover directly to Hoji."
X
A/N: So here's the deal. I am working full time, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. On the two days that I have off I am interning until 2 in the afternoon, and then I have classes all evening. Then I have to make time to do my homework, spend a little quality time with my man, and then work on a crazy portfolio that I may never get done. If that doesn't spell it out for you clear enough… I'M GOING INSANE! I like my free time, and I'm going to have nervous breakdown because I am not getting any! Ahh!
Now that that is out of the way, I have a sheepish admission to make. I've had this done for a long time, but I also didn't have it done. What I mean is that I had a very clear idea of what I wanted in this chapter, and what you read is only half of what I wanted. Because I was so set on making sure I had everything in this chapter that I wanted, I just kept writing, and writing… and writing… until I had like 30 pages. Around page 28 I realized that this wasn't going to work. I had to break it up into two chapters, because that was just too much of a difference in chapter length and flow between the last 24 chapters and this one. So there we have it. Fortunately this means I already have the next chapter completed. You're just going to have to wait a little while before I post it. A little incentive would be nice… evil laugh.
Not much of Kenshin in this chapter, but I promise that the next chapter has a lot of him. The little hints about him hopefully appeased you. On a side note, the song stated that Kaoru uses for his ringtone is the song by Aloe Blacc. My boyfriend was completely obsessed with that song before it even made it on the radio, and I really thought it was funny how he would strut around to it. Anyway, just a bit of fun.
The relationship between Aoshi and Misao is so cute and sweet! I like writing about them! Believe me, they get along a lot faster than the other two. About the little piece at the end, I wanted to make sure we all finally got to meet Rikuto… or maybe you caught what his alias is… I'll talk more about why I chose him in the next chapter, as well as more information about Kaoru. I know I've frustrated a few people about the lack of hints about her. I'm trying to remedy that in an appropriate way that won't mess up my storyline. For now, please leave me a review, and tell me what you think. Thanks so much!