Welcome! Much love and inspiration to everyone. The feedback has been fantastic and has me thinking about things that I hadn't given thought. Tomoe is not someone that I have written often, if really at all. While her and Kenshin's backstory in the manga is tricky and full of conflict, I always thought there was love between the pair, tragic and volatile as it was.
I hope everyone is surviving the pending end of the world. Hopefully April brings better news for everyone. I just want to state, the following chapter has some explicit language. I would like to point out that this story is rated M. Only because I've been in trouble before, I want to make sure that I make it known. Consider yourself warned. As always, the following characters are not mine. On to the next chapter!
Kaoru tapped her nose with her pen as she contemplated the wines in front of her. "I'll take two cases of the red." She looked at the distributor. "You can be here Friday for a staff tasting?"
The rep nodded his head. "Line up is at four?"
"I'm not usually here Friday nights. Rachel will make sure you are set up. We'll see how it does here. If it works, I might consider it for Aria too."
He beamed. "Fantastic. I'll call you next week to set up an appointment for that Brunello we discussed."
Absently Kaoru nodded and glanced at her watch. It was just after four. The bartender picked up the empty glasses and she rose from her position. She nodded to the two guests sitting on the other side and headed back to the office. She opened the door and sat at the computer, her thoughts still on the night before.
They had met at the Akabeko for drinks when she had gotten off work. It had been strange for her to discuss matters of her job with someone other than Sanosuke. A pang of guilt hit her. It had been several days since she had last spoken to her best friend. It was strange not to wake up and find him sitting on the couch watching the television or playing video games. Not that she wasn't enjoying her time at Kenshin's. Last night definitely revealed some of the perks of having the redhead close at hand.
She grinned, recalling the kiss, the way his hands had slid along her neck, his tongue tracing her lower lip. A shiver of desire caressed her and she shook her head. Booting up the computer, she put in the orders she needed for the weekend and began making the changes to the list she would print on Friday. The dinner tomorrow night had thrown off her schedule slightly and she was adapting as needed.
Next to her, her phone chimed, and she glanced at it, seeing she had several missed calls.
One was from Sanosuke. He hadn't left a message and she opened her phone to see he had texted her.
Drinks tonight. No excuses.
Another was from Misao. She hadn't spoken to her since the other night when she had gotten on her case about her sex life. She flushed and wondered if Misao had also said something to her cousin. She hoped not.
Another call was from Kenshin. He hadn't left a message either, though he had called twice. She had told him she rarely checked her voice mail. It couldn't have been super important If he hadn't left one. The last call was from Aya. Kaoru stifled the groan. Up until a few weeks ago the woman had been cleanly eradicated from her life. Now, somehow, the woman had managed to imbed herself firmly in it.
Not wanting to be bothered by the woman, Kaoru opened her phone and sent a text to Kenshin.
You called?
She returned her attention to the screen. A moment later her phone rang. She answered it without looking. "Hello?"
"Kamiya-sama? This is Beshimi, over at the Palladium. I was wondering if there was a time in the morning that would be best for me to come over and begin prepping for dinner tomorrow night."
Cursing her mind raced through everything that had to happen. She had already received the wines yesterday. Kenshin had bought more wine glasses, something she had told him was unnecessary as she could have borrowed them from the restaurant. "Maybe around eleven?" She suggested.
"That could work. I've already begun to prep some of the items, most notable the custard you and I had agreed upon for dessert."
"Great. Um, you still have the menu we discussed written up somewhere?"
He chuckled. "I do."
"Great. Will you bring it? I want to have something the guests can look at and I can't recall the specifics of what you are putting together."
"I sent it over to the printer we use here at the hotel."
"That wasn't necessary." Kaoru sighed.
"It's not a hassle. Humira-san wants to make sure everything goes off perfectly."
She pressed her lips together. So far, she felt she had done very little for this event. "Tell Kenshin that I insist on taking care of the menu as I want to double check vintages. I think I might actually change one of the wines."
"Really?"
"Upon a second thought I think a Muscadet might go better with the second course than the chenin."
"It's your party." He told her. "I will see you around 11 tomorrow morning. I'll email you the menu so you can look it over."
"Thanks."
The call disconnected. She dropped her phone on the desk and felt the first twinges of anxiety. She always got this way before a wine dinner, but this one was different. It was the first event she was planning with Kenshin as her fiancée. She nibbled on her fingernail. Briefly she wondered just how this might end.
Her phone rang again, and she glanced at the caller id before answering. She felt a flutter of warmth. "Hey."
"How's your afternoon?" Kenshin's voice flowed through the line.
"Starting to stress a bit."
"About?"
"The dinner tomorrow night."
"Do not stress. I'll have Megumi look into the final details."
"I don't want her to. I need to have something to focus on tomorrow or I might go crazy."
She heard him chuckle. "How much longer will you be at the restaurant?"
"I'm getting ready to head over to Pacific Heights for a tasting and then I'm free."
"Dinner?"
Kaoru bit her lip. "I have to meet Sanosuke. No excuses as to why I can't meet him."
"Afterwards? There's something I need to discuss with you."
Her heart pounded. "Really?"
"Nothing serious. I have two friends who will be joining us for dinner tomorrow night. I just want to touch base with you in regard to the nature of why I invited them."
Kaoru blinked. "I didn't know you had friends." She teased though she was a bit surprised by the last-minute addition.
"I didn't know they were going to be in town."
"I'll call you when I finish up with Sanosuke."
"I could join you."
She hesitated. "I think Sano and I need to have a night the two of us. I think I've been neglecting him lately."
There was a beat of silence. "After you have your time to catch up, perhaps we can have a late dinner."
"Sounds like a plan. I'll try and be done around ten. That should give Sano and I plenty of time. And I can try and plant the seeds of him and Megumi. Or at least prod him into doing something."
He chuckled. "Be wary. She's been in a mood."
"Really? And what could have prompted that?"
It sounded as though he paused "I'm looking forward to seeing you later.'"
She couldn't keep the silly grin that crossed her features and she was glad there was no one in the office to see. "Me too." She agreed.
The call ended and she bit off the giddy giggle that bubbled up. She glanced at her watch and swore. She grabbed her things hurrying out of the office and the restaurant. Fortunately, Pacific Heights was only two blocks away. She pushed open the door, breathing in the briny smell from the raw bar.
The maître'd greeted her and led her to the back room where several members of the serving staff had congregated. She saw glasses and the bottle of Sancerre she had asked for set up and ready. The style was one of her favorites and she knew it would pair well with items offered on the raw bar. For the next fifteen minutes she walked them through the wine, answering questions. It was one of the things she enjoyed most about her job. When she was finished, she saw she had a text from Sano telling her to meet at the apartment. She grinned, slinging her purse over her shoulder. She moved through the dining room which had been sat with several guests during pre-shift. Walking through the bar she wondered, if anything, was going on between her and Kenshin.
"Kaoru! They said you weren't working but here you are!"
Her blood froze at the sound of that voice and she looked up slowly. Sure enough, at the bar sat Yvonne and, at her side, Aya. She had been bracing herself for dinner tomorrow night but had not been prepared for a chance meeting.
"How are you ladies?"
"We're doing well. We wanted to come by and see how you were doing." Yvonne chirped after giving her a light hug.
Kaoru shook her head, turning her attention to Aya. She kissed the woman's cheek. Her eyes darted between the two women, wondering if she was missing something. "I'm well." She answered slowly.
"Dinner is still on for tomorrow?"
"Yes, at seven." Kaoru lifted her left hand and glanced at her watch. "Sorry, I'm running a little late for a dinner date."
"With your fiancée?" Aya asked, surprise evident in her voice. Her eyes had widened at the sight of the ring on Kaoru's finger.
Though she was actually meeting her Sano, she lied. "Indeed."
"I wondered if, perhaps, there was trouble in paradise." Aya stated, her eyes wide with concern.
Kaoru blinked at her. "Why on earth would you think that?"
"You mean you don't know?"
Kaoru crossed her arms. "I'm sure you can't wait to enlighten me." She retorted drily
Aya licked her lips. "I was out searching for something to wear for your dinner party tomorrow night when I saw your fiancée out walking with a woman."
"Probably either his assistant or his cousin."
"I saw them go into the Palladium."
Kaoru rolled her eyes. "That's where his office is based. He runs that hotel besides his place on the Hiten Mitsurugi Hospitality."
"He's on the board to the Hiten Mitsurugi?" The woman's eyes went wide. She scoffed for half a second before shining a bright smile. "Then it would be easy enough for him to get a room there without raising suspicion." Aya pulled out her phone. "I don't believe that's his cousin."
Kaoru sighed and looked at the picture the woman presented. She immediately identified Kenshin. He was hard to mistake with his flaming red hair. He was kissing a woman. Her dark hair blew in the wind revealing elegant features. Her hands were cupping the face of the redhead; the kiss appeared tender and romantic. The time stamp was from earlier that afternoon, before he had called her.
Feeling her heart break, she pasted on a smile. "I'm sure it isn't what you think it is." She told Aya.
"We just wanted you to know. I would hate to think your fiancée was making a fool of you." Her tone was sympathetic, but the look in her eyes revealed the delight in having shown Kenshin with another woman
Kaoru looked at her. "Your concern is touching." She stated tersely. "Now if you excuse me, I have somewhere to be."
The woman's eyes flickered with the first sign of unease. "Tomorrow night?"
"Can't wait." She told her flatly. "And you as well." She offered to Yvonne.
Kaoru turned and left without saying anything else. As she walked out the door, she thought she heard her name, but she kept on walking. She needed some time and she knew just where to go.
Sanosuke glanced at the clock on the dvr and shifted his attention back to the sportscaster. He wondered just when Kaoru would get here or if she would stand him up. He missed her, but the truth was he also needed her advice on the whole situation with Megumi. It was getting close to seven. He frowned. From what he recalled of her schedule Tuesday was one of her earlier days. Usually she was out by six. Of course, if she had caught wind that one of her regulars was coming in, she could have stayed on. However, he assumed she would have let him know.
He reached for his phone, thinking he might give her a call, just to remind her, when he heard keys in the lock. After a moment the door flung open and the woman stumbled through the door.
"Jou-chan?" He rose from his spot on the couch.
"Sano!" She giggled and dropped her bag onto the floor. "How's it going?"
"It's going." He answered slowly.
He watched as she stumbled again, struggling to close the door. Completely unlike her, Sanosuke stared, hardly daring to believe what he was seeing. "Are you drunk?"
Vehemently she shook her head. Her hair had fallen from its clip, falling in her face. Absently she brushed it behind her ear. She moved to the coffee table and placed a paper bag on it. "I'm not drunk. Not yet."
She pulled out two six packs of beer, one of them his favorite ale. Behind it she pulled out a bottle of Irish whiskey. It was already open, and he could tell that it missed more than one shot. A bit leery as to what was going on, he accepted the proffered bottle as she went to place the rest in the refrigerator.
"How was your day?" He asked tentatively.
"Great." She came in and placed her own beer on the coffee table. "It was fucking fantastic." Her voice held a hint of sarcasm and Sano took in a deep breath. That was not good. If her filter was already off, it meant this was just the beginning.
"I had thought we might go out for drinks."
"Nope. I am not in a state to deal with people."
Sanosuke sighed. He couldn't recall the last time he had seen her in this state. "Ok. I'll order out."
"Kay. I'll be right back." She moved down the hall to her room. After a few moments she emerged wearing a camisole and yoga pants she must have left behind. She technically did still live here. "Much better." She declared as she flopped on the easy chair. "So, what's been going on?"
Sano eyed her. "Not a whole lot. I have a situation that could use some input." He began, thinking he might distract her from what had her in a snit.
"With Megumi?" She nodded. "She's hot. You should totally bang her."
He frowned. "I'm working on that. However, its more complicated."
"Really?" She sat up intrigued. "Elaborate."
He shrugged. "I met up with Kenshin last week..."
"First rule." She declared abruptly. She put her beer down and reached for the bottle of whiskey. "Any time you bring up the redhead, we have to drink a shot." She untwisted the cap and took a pull. Then she handed the bottle over to him.
Gingerly he took it. While he had no qualms about drinking it, or even getting plastered with his best friend, he knew something darker was going on with her. Obviously Kenshin had factored into whatever was bothering her. The woman was a drinker, though usually in moderation. To see her like this meant she was upset. He also knew that if he played along, he would get the truth. He nodded and accepted the whiskey. "Only if you tell me why." He told her, drinking from the bottle.
Kaoru pressed her lips together. "After you tell me about Meg...or Kitsune."
Sanosuke sat back. "Apparently I need to woo her."
"Really?"
"She's got baggage,"
"We all have baggage."
Sanosuke shook his head. "She freezes up on me. Apparently, she had an abusive relationship that she's still struggling to get over."
"Then woo her."
"I want to, but she won't let me."
"Then you have to hound her. Don't stalk her, but send flowers, chocolates." She shrugged. "I don't know. Send her something that is special to her." She gasped and sat up. "Actually, you know who a great resource would be?"
"Who?"
"Misao."
"Kenshin's cousin?"
"Drink!"
Sanosuke rolled his eyes and picked up the bottle. He leaned back but didn't really drink any of the whiskey. He handed the woman the bottle. She took a big gulp and winced as the alcohol burned down her throat.
"What's going on?"
She shook off the effects of the whiskey and sat back in her chair. "What do you mean?"
"You want me to drink whenever word of your 'fiancée' comes up in the conversation." She reached for the bottle but he put a hand on her arm to prevent her from drinking. "Talk to me Jou-chan."
She put the bottle down and looked at him, her dark azure eyes wide. "I don't know why he agreed to this charade when he's clearly with someone else."
"With who?"
She shook her head. "I don't know. Some woman."
"How do you know?"
Kaoru cringed. "Aya told me."
"Because she's a reliable source." He stated drily.
"She had a picture."
"Of what?"
"Of Kenshin kissing some woman."
"Have you even spoken to him about it?"
"And allow him to lie to me?" Her voice was rising and Sanosuke could tell she was clearly upset with the reveal.
Sanosuke took a long drink from his beer and sat back pondering what to say. "Has he given you any indication that he would lie or cheat on you."
"No."
"Does he seem like the kind of guy who would?"
Kaoru shook her head. "No. But we had a deal. And now he could be making a fool of me."
"Think about it." He leaned forward. "He had his reasons. I don't think Kenshin is the kind of guy to pull one over on you. He asked me about you the night we went out."
She closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath. "Did he?"
"Kaoru, why are you really so upset?" Sanosuke asked, using her name instead of the nickname so she'd know he was serious. "Tell me what is really going on."
She opened her eyes and looked up at him. "He kissed me." She whispered.
Sanosuke felt his eyes grow wide. "When?"
"Last night."
"And?"
"And what?"
"How did it make you feel?"
"I thought maybe... for a moment..." Kaoru shook her head.
"You thought that perhaps this could turn into something more?"
Her azure eyes glistened. "I don't know."
He leaned forward and touched her shoulder. "It's okay to admit that you have feelings for him. I think he might feel the same way."
"Don't."
"Don't what?"
"Don't make it into anything more than it is. We have an agreement." She pushed her shoulders back, her vulnerability once more wrapped up. "Part of that agreement was that he would be faithful."
Sanosuke sighed. "Do you honestly think he wouldn't hold up his end?"
The woman shook her head. "But I hate that it was Aya who brought it to my attention so can we just drink? I'll deal with all this bullshit tomorrow but for now I just want to forget about everything."
Sanosuke knew how that could be and thought about his day tomorrow. He had the dinner, which would be his time to attempt to sweet talk Megumi and perhaps ask Misao for her help. Beyond that, he was good. Kaoru was obviously hurting though he wondered if she would admit the charade had gotten out of hand. Clearly, she was in over her head and was developing feelings for the redhead. Perhaps if he pushed. However, he decided that everyone deserved a night to self-medicate and merely sat back to watch the game.
Kenshin sat at his desk, his eyes darting to the clock. It crept towards midnight. He began thinking it was time to head home, but he still hoped Kaoru would call. Finally he sat back, tossing the contracts on the desktop. He wondered why she had stood him up. Fleetingly he wondered if she had gone to the apartment, but she had said she would call.
He rubbed his hand over his face, cursing silently. He needed to speak with her in regard to the events of the day. He needed to let her know about Tomoe coming to the dinner. However, it seemed she was abruptly not returning his call. There was no reason for it, he had officially ended things with his ex, allowing him the opportunity to pursue a future with her. Yet he couldn't shake the nagging feeling Kaoru was avoiding him.
Finally deciding to call it a night, he rose. Kaoru could be waiting for him at home. After his encounter with Tomoe, the thought of her waiting for him warmed him. She should be sitting there in a silk robe, waiting for him and here he was, waiting for her call. He didn't think she was, as they hadn't reached that point, but he was realizing more and more that he wanted to.
His cell phone rang, and he picked it up. Seeing the caller ID, he answered cautiously.
"Hello?"
"Kenshin!" He held the phone away from his ear as the caller yelled at him. "Hello? You there?"
"Yes, Sanosuke, I'm here."
"Thank god."
"What can I help you with?"
The man snorted and said something to someone that he couldn't hear. "I need you to come over."
His words were slightly slurred. "Have you been drinking?"
"Not my fault."
"I'll send a car for you. Where are you?"
"I don't need a car. Jou-chan... she needs a ride."
There was a cry in the background. Kenshin stood up strait. "Kaoru-dono?"
"Shut-up!" He heard Sanosuke cry. "It's not my fault. You kissed a girl and she wanted to drink and now...you need to talk to her."
"Wait, excuse me?"
"Come get her because she's driving me crazy!"
Kenshin shook his head trying to make sense. "Where are you?"
"Our apartment."
"I'll be there soon."
Kenshin ended the call and took a deep breath. He picked up his phone on the desk. "Sir?"
"I need a car up front right away."
"Yes sir."
He headed downstairs and as he entered the lobby, he took note of the surroundings. It was late and it was quiet. He glanced towards the bar and saw a group of men who were finishing up for the evening.
"Sir, your car?"
Kenshin turned towards the man dressed in a simple black suit. "Thank you." He followed him out and gave him the address. He wasn't sure what to expect when he reached the apartment. He wondered why Sanosuke had called him in the first place. While Kaoru had agreed to live with him, he knew she had left stuff there. It wouldn't be completely unheard of for her to stay there for the night. And if the pair was drunk, why call him to come get her?
They reached the apartment building and Kenshin ordered the driver to wait. He climbed out, noting there was no one manning the front desk. His jaw tensed, glad to know Kaoru lived with him for the moment and pressed the button for the elevator. Too long it took to reach the ground floor and too long for him to reach to fourth floor where she had once lived. He strode down the hall to the door and knocked.
He strained his hearing against the door and finally heard someone coming closer. He stepped back as the door was thrown open. The tall brunette stood there. "Kenshin!" He cried and threw his arms about him. Taking a step back to brace himself, he nearly fell over by the tall man's weight.
"I'm so glad you're here."
"You called in regard to Kaoru-dono."
Sanosuke stood up and ushered him inside. "She's pretty drunk and needs a ride."
"You let her get drunk?"
The tall man shook his head. "I don't let her do anything. It's your fault. You're the reason she felt compelled to get wasted so you can pick up the pieces for a change."
Kenshin turned a baleful eye on him. "My fault?"
Sanosuke dipped down in a deep bow. "Proceed with all caution."
He studied him for a moment before heading towards the living room. On the couch sat his fiancée. Her dark hair was tied up high with various strands loose and brushing against her cheeks. Adorned in a faded pink camisole and tight dark blue yoga pants, the woman had her hands above her head clapping at what she saw on the television. The table was littered with empty beer bottles and a near empty bottle of Irish whiskey. She cheered with whatever she saw before her eyes lit upon him.
"You."
It was on syllable and yet it crushed his world. "Me."
"Why the hell are you here?"
At least that what he thought she asked. Her words were slurred, and she made an attempt to stand. She immediately collapsed back on to the couch to dissolve into a fit of giggles. Behind him Sanosuke slapped him on the back. "Good luck."
Kenshin turned to look at him but the brunette was already headed towards to hall and his room. He faced Kaoru. He crossed the room to her and held out his hand. "It's time to go."
She heaved a huge sigh and shook her head "Why? I'm comfy."
"This isn't where you sleep anymore."
She looked up at him and smiled. "Kenshin." The woman rose and slung her arms about his neck. "You're here to rescue me."
He allowed her to lean on him as he moved her across the room and picked up her bag. "If that's what you need."
She giggled and snuggled into his arm as they left the apartment. He pulled her into the elevator. "You didn't need to come."
"I did." As the doors closed, she fell heavily against the wall. She gripped the lapels of his jacket and pulled him against her. "I'm glad you did." She murmured before lifting her face to kiss him.
After everything he had endured, her lips were the answer he wanted, craved. Her body moved against his and she moaned into his mouth as her tongue tangled with his. She tasted of honey and whiskey, her body more than willing. Kenshin fought the urge to take advantage of her. For a second he allowed himself to indulge before he wrenched himself away.
"Why?"
"It won't be like this." He told her truthfully.
The elevator bell chimed its arrival and he hauled her against him to usher her out. Thankfully the driver idly waited on the curb and he practically tossed her into the backseat. She tumbled in and tossed him a dirty look before settling in the seat. "You are a total dickweed." She declared once the car began moving.
Startled at her hostility, he looked at her. "Excuse me?"
"As if you didn't know" She told him and crossed her arms about her chest.
For Kenshin all it did was to emphasize her bosom and Kenshin looked away "I don't know."
"Don't fuck with me." The harshness of her statement echoed in the car and Kenshin turned back to stare at her. "I know what you've been doing."
The rest of the car ride was in silence. They pulled up to the building he lived and he held out a hand to Kaoru. She had dozed off, her forehead resting against the glass window. He placed a hand on her shoulder. She startled awake and blinked. She saw him and smiled. "Where are we?"
"Home."
She accepted his hand and stumbled out of the car. She looked up at the building, a frown marring her pretty face. "This isn't home."
"It is now."
She followed after him as he pulled her into the lobby and towards the elevator. "You brought me here?" she asked as it arrived.
"This is where you live."
He pulled her into the elevator. Kaoru tumbled in after him and immediately pulled away. She fell into the opposite side. "You betrayed me."
He glanced at her, startled at her words. "Excuse me?" He felt as though he had been saying that all night. "How did I betray you?"
"Were you or were you not with another woman today?"
Kenshin stilled as her words sunk in. He didn't answer as they reached their floor. Kaoru stumbled out of the elevator and fell into the door. He followed quickly behind her, unlocking it.
He thought she might make a beeline for the bathroom but instead she headed towards the balcony through the dining room and threw open the sliding door. A gust of wind hit him as the woman walked outside, her head held high as she breathed in the night air. He followed behind her.
"What did you mean?" He asked her after a moment.
"Mean?" She stood at the edge, both hands on the edge of the balcony heaving in large gulps of fresh air. "You aren't fucking serious?"
"Why did you ask me that?"
Kaoru turned, her dark eyes clear. "Were you not with another woman today?"
She had asked that already and he still wanted to know what she knew before he answered. "Why do you ask me that question?"
"Aya saw you."
His heart dropped. He could care less about this woman, but Kaoru did. "What did she say?"
"Who cares what she said." The woman turned and placed her hands on her hips. "The woman has a fucking picture of you and the woman kissing."
Kenshin couldn't help the surge of desire at the sight of the woman. In her tight yoga gear with the wind whipping her dark hair about her she was a vision. Only her accusation stalled him; that and her inebriety. "I was going to tell you."
Her eyes widened. "You don't deny it?"
He grimaced at her shriek. "It isn't what you think."
"Then by god, motherfucking explain it me."
He studied her, interested in this person he saw before him. While the woman was clearly drunk, it was still a side he hadn't seen. Actually composed, he was more curious to see where this side could lead.
"Why do you think this?"
"Aya has a picture."
That drew him up short. He realized she had already offered him this bit of information. "A picture of what?" he asked cautiously. He had been with Tomoe. Not once had he thought someone could be watching them.
"You are kissing her."
The only possible moment had been when he had kissed the woman goodbye as they both realized it wouldn't work between them. "I'm sorry. I can explain."
Kaoru waved a hand in the air. "Fuck it." She muttered turning back to look out at the city. He took a step towards her, ready to confess when she spun around again. "Can we just get one thing strait?"
Startled by her question, he looked at her. "What do you want?"
"Do not make a fool of me. Tell me you have not been fucking someone else. I don't care if it's your other love or soulmate, or some random chick. You are currently engaged to me. You belong to me during this time and whatever happens after. You promised."
He closed the distance between them. For a brief moment, he entertained the notion that perhaps she felt the same way. This possessive streak caught him by surprise, but he had to admit he liked it. "I agree. As long as my ring is on your finger, I will do everything to uphold my end of the deal." He told her. He didn't admit his interaction with his former flame. There would be time for that when she was sober. He cupped her cheeks. "I promise that I will not betray you for as long as my ring is on your finger." He reiterated.
She looked up at him and he was sorely tempted to kissed her. "Why?" she asked, her voice breathy.
Kenshin shook his head. "Isn't it obvious?" She blinked "It might have started as a charade but I'm curiousl. What could we achieve if we were in this for real?"
"What?"
He brushed a stray hair from her cheek. "I know we only have a few weeks, but I want to see where this could lead. Perhaps fate is what brought us together."
Kaoru opened her mouth to respond and the closed it. She stepped out of his embrace. She placed a hand abruptly over her lips and then rushed inside. His eyes followed her as she made a mad dash for the restroom. It didn't take a brain surgeon to realize that she had gotten sick.
There you have it. You knew that it couldn't be that simple. I'm sure I'll get some blowback for Kaoru's mouth. However, as someone who works in the industry (though currently unemployed) doing essentially what she does, when you're fired up and a few drinks in, the filter comes off. Plus, she is best friends with Sanosuke; that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
The next few chapters are proving to be a bit tricky for me. I will do my best to get them up as soon as I can. Stay safe and healthy! Kisses until next time!
