co·op·er·a·tion | \ (ˌ)kō-ˌä-pə-ˈrā-shən:br /

1. an act or instance of working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit; joint actionbr /

2. the association of persons or businesses for common, usually economic, benefit

Warning: Adult type situation briefly mentioned

Chapter 12: After-Effects

Kenshin moved fast. Before Kaoru realized who the voice belonged to - but could it be anyone else? - he had them both upright and his shirt straight and hands nowhere near her body. In fact, he stood a few feet away from her. Kaoru scowled at him for the sudden loss of heat, then turned to flash her displeasure at the interloper.

Somehow, half of Hiko's lips twitched upward while the other half pursed out, as if he couldn't decide whether to be amused or pained. "So I guess you two talked it out and are moving straight into the bedroom."

"We might've, if we didn't get interrupted," Kaoru muttered.

Kenshin, on the other hand, looked utterly mortified, as if he was a teenager caught making out in front of a parent. "I'm sorry, Shishou," he blurted out. "I don't know what came over me."

"I do," the master replied acerbically.

"Hiko-san, is there a reason why you're here?" Kaoru asked impatiently.

"I live here."

She gritted her teeth at his deliberate obtuseness and clarified, "Here, in this room?"

He smirked at her, seemingly enjoying the failed attempt to keep her frustration at bay. "Actually, yes. One, I wanted to see how things were progressing. Apparently very well, though I saw some things I should never have seen. And now I'm going to have nightmares for the next month so thank you for that. And two, it's past midnight and while you are adults and can stay up as long as you please, you both also have jobs to do in the morning. More so my baka deshi than you, Kaoru. He's got a couple of important meetings and the start of Yahiko-kun's internship, in case you both forgot."

Kenshin nodded immediately. "I'll take her home right away, Shishou."

Kaoru shot him a scrunched up look. Why was he acting so agreeable? "Um, thanks Hiko-san, but I think we'll be okay taking it from here." She emphasized her words with a pointed look.

Hiko shrugged his broad shoulders and turned away. But as he strode out, he added, "Be gentle with him, Kaoru. It's been a while since his last relationship."

She watched in bemusement as Kenshin's face blanched and then he glared ferociously in the direction where his mentor disappeared. "Are you okay?" she asked him.

"Fine," he responded brusquely without looking at her.

Sighing in annoyance from both the untimely interruption and the brush-off, Kaoru stood up to face him. "That's not quite the right answer. Care to try again?"

Something in her tone must have sunk into his brain. This time, Kenshin focused on her and furrowed his brows. "What?"

She stepped closer to him. "If we're going to be dating, you can't just brush away my concerns with a crabby 'I'm fine', especially when you're not. So let's try this again. Kenshin, are you okay?"

It took him a few seconds to understand what she was saying and he exhaled, tugging on his hair in frustration. "It's just Shishou acting like himself at my expense," he muttered. "And walking in on us like that?"

Kaoru chuckled ruefully, relaxing at his explanation. "Well, we are out in the open in the living room. And if you mean what Hiko-san said as he left, he was just being protective of you, Kenshin."

"Really? Because it seemed like he was trying to embarrass me, as usual," he muttered.

"I think it's sweet he was warning me. It shows he cares about you."

"I'd rather he find a better way to express his care," Kenshin muttered but his shoulders loosened as the tension faded. "Well, he's right about one thing. I've got a lot of work to do tomorrow and it starts early. So I'd better get you home."

She'd known the evening was over as soon as Hiko spoke, but it still didn't ease the stab of disappointment at his words. At least there was always tomorrow to see each other. "There's no need to take me, I'll take a taxi," Kaoru objected.

"I'd rather see for myself that you get home safely. Besides, it'll give us a little extra time together."

The disgruntlement eased in her chest and she smiled, suddenly feeling a little shy. "Well, let me at least help you put the food away before we head out."

"No, just leave it. Sarujiro-kun will clean everything up. He hates it when I mess with his kitchen system, which I always seem to do no matter how careful I am. He won't say anything to me but I'll feel his condemning stare for the next two weeks. And believe me, it gets a little disturbing."

"But it's so late, he must be sleeping," she protested.

"He's awake. He doesn't sleep until Shishou and I both do, and sometimes even later than that. Come on, let's get you home."

Still dubious, Kaoru had no choice but to collect her purse from the kitchen and follow Kenshin through the maze of the house. As she stepped out of the family room, she caught a glimpse of the young man converging straight for the tray. But she didn't have much time to think further about it. Kenshin pulled her jacket from the foyer closet and helped her into it before opening the front door. The Porsche SUV was still parked there. Walking around the car, he opened the passenger side door for her and she slid inside.

The front of the car was more impressive than the back, simply because she could see more of the features it offered. Kenshin climbed in the driver's seat and pressed the button to turn on the engine. As before, it growled to life and the dashboard lit up to show the status of the car.

Kaoru clicked her seatbelt on and shot him an amused glance. "Whatever happened to 'I like Japanese cars'?"

Kenshin smiled, a little rueful. "Was it too much? This is actually a borrowed car. Sometimes I need a bigger vehicle for clients and to carry around equipment. This fit both bills, though I have to admit it was probably a little overkill. But some of the people I work with are impressed with luxury brands like this, and it makes me appear successful. Clients want to see tangible proof of prosperity to ease their fears on making investments and contracts."

She chuckled. "It would have been a lot easier to say you just wanted the car to make you look good."

Kenshin grinned at her as he headed out of the neighborhood and to the main highway. "I just did."

As Kenshin drove, Kaoru snuggled into the leather seat that cradled her so comfortably her eyelids drooped. While she didn't have to get up as early as Kenshin, she didn't usually stay up so late either. It had been a long week and an even longer weekend, though it ended far better than she'd expected.

She must have dozed because the next thing she heard was Kenshin saying, "Kaoru, we're here."

Kaoru cracked one eye open and groaned. Sure enough, they were sitting in front of her apartment door. "I'll just sleep here. This seat is more comfortable than my bed."

He laughed as he turned off the engine. "Can I ask you something I've been curious about?"

"Of course." With a regretful sigh, she sat up and covered a yawn with her hand.

"Your dojo is from the 1800's, which means there's probably living space in the back. Why are you living here in an apartment when you can just stay at the dojo?"

"Good question." Kaoru stifled another yawn. "When my mom died, it was bad enough because my dad and I saw her shadow everywhere. But we had each other so it bearable. So when my dad passed away, I decided I couldn't stay where the memories haunted me nonstop. Aoshi helped me find and pay for a place near by so I didn't have to live at the dojo anymore. It costs me money to live here, sure, but it was important for my mental health back then." She gazed at the medium rise building she currently called home. "I'll move back to the dojo one day, when I'm ready to make new memories. It's a beautiful space and I go back there to air it out and dust once in a while."

Kenshin nodded as he flashed her a small smile. "I can imagine it's a great place to raise those kids you want."

She blushed at his reference to the breakfast meeting conversation. "Anyway, I didn't realize how tired I was. Thank you for the evening and the ride home." Kaoru then smirked at him. "I'd invite you upstairs but apparently you're afraid of Hiko-san disapproving and yelling at you."

He scowled. "What? I am not!"

"You totally are. You looked like you didn't dare touch me with a fifty foot pole in front of him."

"It's weird! I don't want Shishou to see things like that." Kenshin shuddered and unsnapped his belt. "Now, come on, it really is getting late and I'm meeting Yahiko-kun at seven." He walked her upstairs to her apartment despite her protests that she could go up alone. She was only slightly amused to note that he didn't even attempt to kiss her again, countering his denial that he was afraid of Hiko and his threats. "Good night, Kaoru."

"Good night, Kenshin." Kaoru unlocked her door and went inside and only then did Kenshin leave. She heard his footsteps fade away, unable to stop herself from a wide and silly smile spreading across her face. With her impromptu nap and sudden surge of happiness, it was going to be hard to fall asleep. But then again, she figured the endorphins would help overcome any exhaustion from not getting enough rest.

She was right. The same giddy feeling didn't leave even when Kaoru awoke the next morning. She hummed to herself as she hopped out of bed and into the shower far more cheerfully than she usually did. Getting ready only seemed to take seconds instead of minutes and Kaoru left her apartment nearly floating as she headed to Aoshi's home. She would update her friend and ask him what plan Misao concocted last night.

Kaoru knocked on his door, waited fifteen dragged out seconds, frowned, and knocked again. It shouldn't take Aoshi so long to open the door, considering how tiny his studio was. Perhaps he was in the bathroom? Lifting her hand to knock again, the door opened before she touched it.

She opened her mouth to berate him for taking so long but the words never formed as Kaoru realized who had opened the door. Misao stood there, hiding a yawn behind a hand and apparently dressed in one of Aoshi's shirts because it dwarfed her petite frame past her knees. Her long hair was loose and uncombed, as if she had just gotten out of bed. The two women stared at each other as recognition hit Misao a split second later.

"Misao? Who is it?"

Aoshi's sleepy voice spurned Kaoru to action. She shoved the door open wider and stepped inside, crowding Misao back. "It's me! What is going on here?"

Even as she asked the question, Kaoru knew it was obvious what had happened. This must have been the plan Misao referred to from the terse phone call the night before. Teetering between total disbelief and amazement at Misao's audacity, Kaoru couldn't fathom how to react to this.

Aoshi, to his credit, shot up from the futon, covering himself with the blanket completely. "Kaoru!" he replied uncertainly. "I…didn't expect to see you here."

"I can see that," she said wryly. Her eyes landed on Misao who looked torn between smugness and acute embarrassment. "I came over to ask if you wanted breakfast, but I guess it'll be the three of us instead of just two."

They both blushed and then Aoshi murmured, "Perhaps you can close the door before my neighbor Ota-san has a heart attack."

Startled, Kaoru glanced over her shoulder to meet the eyes of a flushed older lady staring into the open apartment. To her, it must appear like a scandalous love triangle or something equally torrid. "Ah, sorry!" she yelped and slammed the door shut. But as Kaoru turned her attention back to the couple, she wished she had stepped outside before closing the door. Awkward silence descended into the room and no one met anyone else's eyes.

"Um, so, how was your night, Kaoru-san?" Misao finally asked. Her voice sounded normal but the hand clutching the neck of her too-big shirt tightened to white knuckles.

"It was, uh, great." Kaoru risked glancing at them both and then sighed. They were both adults and it wasn't her place to judge them. She also had to admit to herself that if Hiko hadn't interrupted her kissing session yesterday, she might have ended up in the same situation herself. "So, um, how about I get some breakfast for us? We can meet at the dojo." She then furrowed her brows. "Um, Misao-san, what about work?"

"Work?" Misao frowned as if she didn't understand what that word meant before her eyes widened. "I'm late for work!" the petite woman shrieked and ran into the bathroom.

"Ahh, okay." Kaoru flicked her gaze at Aoshi, who looked away, studiously gazing at his blank wall. She noticed a faint trace of red around his ears and finally relented. "I'll just see you at the dojo, Aoshi. But come early." Stressing the last two words as a warning, she turned and headed out the door. Thankfully, Ota-san had left so no further questions or embarrassment occurred. The only person out on the street was a vaguely familiar brown-haired man across the street, leaning against a lamp post and reading the newspaper.

Heading to the mart to buy a nutritious breakfast of a microwave burrito and a spicy cup noodle, Kaoru took her food to the dojo and into the break room. She filled the instant heat kettle with enough water for two people and turned it on. Sticking the burrito into the microwave, she pulled out two teabags and two mugs.

As she worked, Kaoru considered the situation at Aoshi's apartment. Clearly Misao had decided to seduce Aoshi, most likely in hopes that would keep him from going after Takeda. If it weren't for the fact that this was her best friend they were talking about, she would have considered the plan ingenious, if not a bit drastic. Misao didn't strike her as desperate, but the lawyer also appeared to be the kind of woman to go after what she wanted because this was supposed to lead to a permanent relationship. After all, Misao had talked about proposing to Aoshi already. If she had thought that far ahead, sleeping with Aoshi wouldn't be too much of a stretch.

And really, it was Kaoru's untimely appearance that made it more embarrassing than it should have. Aoshi didn't look like he regretted it, only flustered that Kaoru had caught them. With the slow reaction in opening the door, they most likely had awakened from her knock and didn't have a chance to talk about what happened between them.

Kaoru sighed, wishing she hadn't decided to go to Aoshi's apartment first. But she couldn't go back and change the past and what was done was done. She only hoped her knowledge of the situation didn't change anything between them.

While waiting for her food to heat, Kaoru remembered she had to tell Kenshin what days the photographers could invade the dojo. She was also curious to see how Yahiko's internship was going, but the teen would probably stop by later and fill her in. Considering which classes would adapt best with the intrusion, she patted her pockets for her phone, then groaned. It was still at home in the purse she'd taken to Kenshin's house.

Grumbling to herself, she grabbed the burrito from the beeping microwave and took the ten minute walk back to her apartment, eating her breakfast on the way. When Kaoru found her phone, she realized both Kenshin and Yahiko had texted her earlier in the morning while she was still asleep. She clicked on her student's message first, curious to see what he said.

Himura-san won't stop smiling and smirking and basically scaring everyone who works for him. Apparently, this isn't normal behavior. Kinda nervous myself…

And then five minutes later:

Did you do something to him?!

Snorting at his impertinent question, Kaoru found her mouth automatically turning up as she clicked on Kenshin's text. She tried to fight the reaction because if Yahiko saw her, then he'd know exactly what transpired between them. It would probably embarrass him to find out that his employer was dating his kendo teacher. But the teen wasn't here and, in the privacy of her own apartment, she'd allow herself to enjoy the experience of a new, promising relationship.

Good morning, I hope you slept well. Looking forward to seeing you later today

Realizing Kenshin was nearly due for his usual lessons, Kaoru hurried back to the dojo. She'd text him there and try to get some work done before he came, so she wouldn't have to worry about it later.

But at the dojo, her phone beeped and it was Kenshin again.

It looks like I'm not going to make it to lessons today. Yahiko-kun is doing great so far and I want to keep the momentum going

Disappointment filled her but at least Yahiko was learning a lot from his internship. She texted Kenshin back saying she understood. Then she told him to have the photographers come Wednesday and Thursday night next week, seven to nine, for the photo shoot.

"Kaoru?"

Looking up from her phone, she realized Aoshi was calling from the break room. Heading over there, Kaoru saw him dressed and looking like his usual self. He had damp hair, which meant he showered as well. Should she ask about Misao? Well, she couldn't pretend she didn't know anything. "Hey. Um, did Misao-san get to work all right?"

"I told her to text me when she gets there," he replied, handing her one of the mugs of tea.

"Okay, good." She took the mug and wrapped both hands around it, feeling the warmth seep into her skin. "So…you had a busy night, huh?"

Aoshi shot her a peeved warning glance. "None of your business."

She ignored the scowl and returned one of her own. "If you still plan on leaving her, I hope you'll give her the courtesy of explaining why. Tell her the truth, so she understands why this is so important to you."

"I'll consider it," he replied stiffly.

Kaoru sighed; at least she tried. "Okay." She sipped her tea, letting the hot liquid wash away the taste of the burrito from her mouth.

"I will," Aoshi repeated, this time more gently.

She glanced at him, realizing he was serious, and nodded. "Good." It was a little disappointing to find out he was still planning on leaving Misao, and she fervently hoped the lawyer wouldn't regret spending the night with him.

Clearing his throat, Aoshi asked, "And how did your evening go with Himura?"

"Ah." Kaoru couldn't help but blush as she stared at her mug. "It went well."

She could feel his eyes boring into her without even looking up. "I see. I suppose congratulations are in order. Do I need to have a talk with Himura about treating you well?"

"Ugh, no, please don't do that," she groaned. "First off, I'm more than capable of handling him. And second of all, that would be just embarrassing."

"It's not that I don't consider you capable of protecting yourself, it's to give Himura double incentive not to hurt you, or at least think twice about it." Aoshi studied her for a long moment before the faintest glimmer of a smile appeared in his lips. "Though I think Hiko-san will be the best deterrent of all."

Kaoru had to grin at that, especially from his reaction last night. "You're probably right. You know, our mothers would be thrilled we both found somebody."

Aoshi's amusement faltered but he nodded anyway. "No doubt. How is Yahiko-kun enjoying his internship so far?"

"He hasn't said yet but Kenshin canceled lessons today so I'm assuming it's going well. I guess it gives me time to catch up on some paperwork. Oh, and part of Yahiko's internship includes modeling some kendo equipment so photographers will be around for two days in the evening, probably next week." Kaoru caught sight of Aoshi tightening his lips in disapproval and sighed. "I know, not my idea of fun either but apparently it'll help get us new stuff and it's free publicity."

"And you're doing it for the sake of your new relationship."

She glared at him for implying she was compromising herself and the dojo for the sake of a man. "I agreed to this before we had our conversation last night, thank you."

"Of course. I should have realized."

"Hmph. I'm going to get to work."

It felt odd not to have Kenshin come in for his lesson and the seconds seemed to tick by slower than usual. Kaoru hadn't realized the impact of his presence in her life. She sighed; he had taken it over so thoroughly it was throwing her off balance when she didn't see him as usual.

Kenshin texted her back acknowledging the days for the photographer but otherwise, no one else contacted her the whole day. Aoshi disappeared from the dojo and Hiko didn't show up until evening classes started. Somewhat disappointed but trying not to mope, Kaoru threw herself into teaching with energy she didn't feel inside. Even Yahiko hadn't made an appearance, no doubt having had a long first day with his internship.

She was still feeling a little lonely as she trudged home. Aoshi told her he needed to get in touch with several people and Hiko merely smirked at her before leaving. With a sigh, Kaoru let herself into the apartment and took a shower before hunting for a snack.

Her phone rang halfway into a pint of chocolate brownie ice cream and Inuyasha reruns. Kaoru reached for the mobile, mood picking up as she saw the name on her screen and clicked the talk button. "Hello?"

"Hi, it's me. How was your day?"

Smiling, she sank deeper into the couch cushions and turned off the tv. "It was just alright. How about yours?"

"Good. I really enjoyed showing Yahiko-kun around, more so than I thought I would."

From the warmth in Kenshin's tone of voice, he meant every word and Kaoru let a flare of pride warm her heart. Yahiko had certainly matured from a bratty kid to a focused, hard working young man. She'd like to think she helped instill that kind of disciplined mind in him. "If he's interested in something, he puts his whole self into it. I know that as his sensei I'm a little biased, but you couldn't have made a better choice for the internship."

Kenshin chuckled. "I'm a little biased towards his sensei myself, but I agree. Even so, I just ended a very long, if productive, day with him and I'd rather talk about you instead. So why was your day just 'alright'?"

Shrugging even though he couldn't see it, Kaoru reluctantly heaved herself off the couch to put the ice cream carton back into the freezer. "It was just slow and boring. I didn't have my usual annoying noontime student to drive me crazy, and Aoshi and Hiko-san were busy. All in all, very monotonous. Except this morning, of course."

As she spoke, it occurred to her that Kenshin probably didn't know what happened between Misao and Aoshi. Kaoru wondered if she was supposed to tell him. Doing so would probably make Aoshi look bad and the two men might get into a fight because they didn't appear to like each other very much. Even his reaction to the news that she and Kenshin were dating was lukewarm at best. Kaoru didn't want any more animosity between them and she was sure Misao wouldn't want that either. But not telling him also felt like a kind of betrayal. Kaoru shook her head, wondering how she got herself into situations like these.

"You mean your handsome, talented, and sweet noontime student. What happened this morning?"

"Um…" Should she say something? Would Kenshin be angry if she kept this from him? He had told her he was supposed to take care of Misao since she lived away from her family, but did that mean Kenshin had to know everything going on in their lives? Kaoru was sure that she'd prefer Aoshi not know any details about her romantic life, even if he suspected something. And Aoshi definitely wished she hadn't barged in on them because he hadn't been able to look at her directly in the eye since this morning.

Ultimately, Kaoru decided it was Misao's decision to tell Kenshin whenever she wanted to. So she replied, "I forgot my phone again so I had to go back home to get it. Oh, and I ate a microwave burrito for breakfast. My life is so exciting."

"A burrito? That's not very healthy. Why didn't you just cook something?"

Kaoru exhaled as she turned off the living room lights and headed to her bedroom. "There's something you should know about me before this relationship gets serious."

Kenshin sounded like he was smiling as he spoke. "Ominous. What is it?"

"Well...I'm not a good cook. Actually, I'm a bad cook. I couldn't make a decent meal to save my life." She flopped on her bed and waited to hear his response. Some people, in their naivete or blindness, were quick to assure her that she was exaggerating. Others looked horrified or confused, as if what she said was impossible. But Kaoru had never had a successful session in the kitchen if it didn't involve boiling water for tea or some cup ramen. And even then, sometimes the latter didn't turn out right.

"I see. That would explain your bare cupboards and refrigerator."

"Pretty much," she agreed, mildly surprised at his thoughtful tone.

He chuckled. "Well, I guess I need to brush up on my culinary skills to impress you. I can't risk having Shishou accuse me of not taking good care of you."

Kaoru rolled her eyes. "I'm sure he won't. And I've been taking care of myself before I met either of you. I'm not going to starve, you know." Her lack of culinary skills was well-known in the neighborhood and sometimes the parents of her students dropped off some food.

"Even so, isn't it my prerogative to take care of you? I want to."

The idea that he would want to care for her froze Kaoru for a moment. It had been so long since someone else offered to help bear her burdens that she'd forgotten how nice it was to feel supported. Even Aoshi and Hiko, who were careful never to overstep their bounds as her employees, treated her more like a close coworker than a friend. "Well, then," she replied, voice shaky and full of uncertainty.

Kenshin must have picked up on it because even more warmth rang in his tone. "Let me do these small things for you, Kaoru. I know you're strong and you don't need me to, so just let me fuss over you a little."

"Okay," she whispered. The idea that Kenshin asked her permission was stunning. It showed that he recognized she didn't need to depend on him, but she would because she wanted to.

Once again, she wasn't wrong; Himura Kenshin was deadly, far more lethal than she'd anticipated. But this time, it was her heart in danger.

"Good. I'm probably going to have to cancel my lessons for the rest of the week, but I don't want to wait until Sunday to see you. How about a late dinner tomorrow?" His cheerful tone didn't indicate he knew how touched she was by his words, which was probably a good thing. It could lead to more crying which Kaoru loathed.

"Dinner sounds great," she managed to say in a normal tone of voice. "I can pick up takeout."

"No, I'll get the food. I've got a place in mind that's close to my office. But I'll meet you at your apartment after your last class." Kenshin's voice softened. "I'm sorry I can't date you properly for the next couple of weeks because of the internship. I wish the timing was better for us."

She had to laugh because he actually sounded regretful and guilty. "You don't need to do anything special for me. All I want is for us to spend time together and get to know each other better. Besides, even if you didn't have an intern, we couldn't do a 'proper date' because of my work schedule."

"Even so, you deserve the best. I'm really annoyed that Shishou already took you to so many of the good restaurants in the area. How am I supposed to impress you now? Take you out to eat at McDonald's?"

"You're silly. There's thousands of restaurants in Tokyo alone and I've hardly tried all of them. And anyway, like I said, it's more about us spending time together."

Kenshin didn't quite sound convinced as he replied, "Okay. Well, see you tomorrow then. I should get off and head home now. There's still a few reports I need to look over before tomorrow."

Kaoru frowned. "You're still at the office? When are you going to sleep if you still have more work to do?"

"When I'm done. Don't worry, I'm used to it."

"Misao-san wasn't kidding when she said you're a workaholic," she muttered. "Get some rest, Kenshin. This can't be healthy for you."

"I will." She could almost imagine his smile as he spoke. "Good night, Kaoru."

"Good night." As Kaoru hung up, it occurred to her that perhaps Kenshin didn't have anyone who looked out for his well-being either. Hiko wasn't one to coddle anyone, least of all his adult student. Was that what a grown up relationship was about? Caring for the other and being cared for in return? If so, she wondered if they would be able to set aside their fiercely independent ways to do just that. She supposed only time would tell.

Mwahahaha, Moving right along, making things worse for Aoshi and throwing in some cavity-inducing KK scenes for you all. XD

Next Chapter: Kenshin and Kaoru's first official date reveals some unexpected information