The Intricacies of Fate
Chapter 9- You're All I Need
Disclaimers: Standard RK disclaimers apply. I'm also borrowing the characters of Flame of Recca for a few more chapters or so. I'm introducing two songfics here so I want to say I don't own either of them. "I Need You" and "Need To Be Next To You" are not mine. They were sung by LeAnn Rimes and Leigh Nash. I'm only borrowing them. Character credits go the authors and producers, I'm a good kid, please don't sue!
*********
It has been a bizaare week in the Kirisawa penthouse. Fuuko moved in with her cousins shortly after their encounter with Madame Shedrianne. Aside from Fuuko's unnatural protectiveness of her cousins, their world would have been the same-- had it not been for Aoshi Shirofuji and Kenshin Hikoshichiro.
It was a strange affair to watch the couples every time they're together. An infinite sense of rightness and belonging radiated from the two pairs-- as if there was nothing in this world more suited for them than they are for each other. Even Fuuko was loathe to admit that one of the reasons why she felt so protective of Misao and Kaoru was because of the fact that she didn't want anything to come between the obvious happiness of her cousins.
With Kaoru and Misao's knowledge of their past, a poignant familiarity settled over their trust/doubt relationship with Kenshin and Aoshi. With the familiarity came a more open affection to each other's touch, a lifetime of touching to make up for so to speak. Their minds almost seemed attuned to each other's thoughts and barriers were finally lowered, allowing their emotion free reign.
But they still haven't found the Book of Binding Spells.
"Doushita no Fuuko-san?" asked Mikagami as he watched the play of emotions on Fuuko's face. Fuuko made a face before she sat back down on the recliner having been staring out the skylight for almost an hour. "Iie. I was just wondering what we're going to do, you know about them?" she said gesturing towards Kenshin and Kaoru who sat beside each other on the kitchen table apparently making their homework or if not, researching about the Book of Binding Spells.
They sat close to each other, with Kaoru half leaning against Kenshin who didn't seem to mind the added weight as he continued writing whatever he was writing. Every now and then, his hand would occasionally touch Kaoru's and resume his work. For Fuuko, watching those two was quite enough to make a normal person sick.
Fuuko gave a half-groan, half-sigh sound that made Mikagami chuckle. "It isn't so bad Fuuko-san, for one thing I've never seen Hikoshichiro-kun look so happy and carefree. He's had enough problems to last a whole lifetime before he met her," he explained moving a bit closer to Fuuko whose face was buried in a throw pillow.
"Even Misao is seldom home!" complained Fuuko as she removed the white headband that usually holds her bangs in place. Patting Fuuko's shoulder, a rare event that would have made Fuuko celebrate if it wasn't for her foul mood, he said mildly, "Looks like Misao-san is home now."
Misao breezed inside their penthouse, still in her uniform that was similar to what Fuuko is still wearing. "Tadaima!" she shouted before heading straight for the recliner where Fuuko and Mikagami sat and immediately threw herself at her cousin.
"Kuso! Get off me you overgrown weasel!" muttered Fuuko trying to shove Misao from her lap. "Who're you calling a weasel you brat?" exclaimed Misao with a sly grin before transferring to Mikagami's lap making the swordsman turn beet-red and her cousin furious. "Kora!" shouted Fuuko shoving with all her might at her grinning cousin who fell off Tokiya's lap and landed on her feet with a graceful motion that was all omnitsu. Kaoru's warning voice made Misao laugh and Fuuko give a slight grin.
"Look children, why don't you help out with our search for the book instead of acting like playful kittens?" asked Kaoru as she stood up and walked over to where Misao was standing. Without blinking an eyelash, she plucked three kunais and needle like knives midair that was aimed at her by Misao and Fuuko. She sighed and threw them back at the two mutinous girls who caught them as easily as she did.
Kaoru folded her arms over her chest and gave the two a patient, long-suffering look. Fuuko looked a little sheepish while Misao projected her best innocent little girl look. With a giggle, Misao glanced away from their staring contest and rummaged through her backpack. "All right, all right. You win Kaoru-neechan but first, Aoshi-sama invited all of us to his father's inquisition celebration. It's a formal, black-tie event and Megumi Sagara the wife of engineer Sanosuke Sagara III is supposed to be one of the guests. She's the owner of several rare authentic books isn't she?" said Misao smugly, waving the invitations in front of Kaoru and Fuuko.
"Sugoi! That party was just featured in the four o'clock news? Isn't that a major event where some of the most prominent people in Tokyo are going to attend?" asked Fuuko excitedly, her eyes as round as saucers. Kenshin gave a sheepish smile as he pulled out his own invitation from the pocket of his jacket. "Maa, I got one from shishou too Misao-dono de gozaru," he said before Kaoru turned to him in anger.
"Oh yeah? Well, when were you planning to tell me you were going to a party like that without me?" seethed Kaoru as she shook the hapless ruruoni. "Orororo! Kaoru-dono, please don't ruin the tuxedo de gozaru yo!" yelped Kenshin as his amethyst eyes turned twirly. "Oh and I didn't even notice you were wearing a tuxedo!" seethed Kaoru not halting in her assault.
"Well, those two are definitely in love all right," Tokiya said wryly as he grabbed one of the invitations and read it. "Hey it starts at 7:30!" exclaimed Fuuko reading over Tokiya's shoulder. Cheerfully, Misao grabbed a dress box she threw on the couch and began heading for her room. "Aa, 7:30. Minna, looks like you've got 45 minutes to find a dress and makes yourselves presentable in Tokyo's glitziest event this season! Ja!" said Misao before winking and closing the door to her room.
Kaoru and Fuuko looked at each other in stunned silence before their eyes widened and they both yelled in heartfelt english, "OH. MY. GOD!"
Kenshin and Tokiya winced as both Kaoru and Fuuko sped to their own rooms as well.
*******
The lights were blinding as they stepped down from the limousine Aoshi used when he fetched them and Misao. Throughout their drive towards Hiko's bash, an electrical tension crackled in the air. The girls discreetly admired the way their men looked in tuxedoes and how sophisticated and romantic they seemed. The guys, not being too vocal about how they felt chose to sit back and admire the beauty in front of them.
The cameras began flashing when they recognized Asohi Shirofuji and the daughters of the late General Toyotomi Kirisawa. The media was in a frenzy over the almost too perfect picture they made as they glided down the red carpet and went inside the party everybody in Japan was watching.
"You look beautiful," whispered Aoshi as he leaned down and took Misao's coat from her shoulders. Misao's cheeks were flushed pink at his compliment and her cheeks turned even warmer as Aoshi's eyes spoke eloquently on how beautiful he found her this evening.
Her long hair was left hanging down her back in artful curls. Black, jet beads were intertwined in the long glossy strands and flashed at the touch of light. For once, Misao felt elegantly feminine in her satin white jersey, back-less dress. Her white satin sandals were three inches higher, making her look less petite and more long-legged.
Her sparkling eyes looked in surprise at Aoshi when she heard the music coming from the ballroom. "It's English?" she queried with a charming smile as she accepted the glass of champagne Aoshi offered. Aoshi smiled and said as he led her through the crowd. "Otou-san thought it would be best for tonight's guests," he explained as he stopped before a crowd gathered over a tall man.
The man speaking in the middle paused and excused himself when he saw Aoshi waiting for him. Misao looked up to find a magnificently chiseled profile and rugged handsomeness in the slightly older man's face. His eyes were dark and had the keen intuitiveness of Aoshi's own eyes. He seemed to be watching her with an amused gaze. "Weasel indeed," he said softly, his first remarks to her.
Misao's awe-struck look completely vanished when she realized his words. Her sapphire blue eyes began flashing fire when she answered sweetly, "I'm a weasel as much as you're an old man, indeed," placing emphasis on old man and indeed.
His frown quickly turned to amusement as Hiko turned to his silent son.
"Aren't you at least going to introduce us?" drawled Hiko as Aoshi's inscrutable expression revealed his smile. "Aa. Otou-san, this is Kirisawa Misao Meredith. She's the daughter of Aoiya Hotels CEO and General--" introduced Aoshi.
Hiko cut him off. "Aa, I know, I did a little preliminary investigation. I didn't want you going out with a gold-digger or something. I'm Shirofuji Hiko Seijuro Ms. Kirisawa. Pleased to meet your acquaintance," Hiko said as he extended his hand towards Misao. Misao's mutinous eyes showed she'd rather spar with Raiha instead of take that obnoxious man's hand but for the sake of propriety and her Aoshi-sama she gave his hand a rather painful squeeze.
"The pleasure is all mine-- oyaji," said Misao with a mischievous smile. She gave him a limpid look and continued sweetly, "Do call me Misao. I am so unused to being called Ms. Kirisawa except for my OLD sensei and otousan's friends." Hiko narrowed his eyes at Misao's sweetly insulting words before he laughed at Aoshi who stood silently grinning.
"Looks like none of your submissive, boring ex-girlfriends Aoshi. Looks like your choices are getting better," drawled Hiko as he began to turn away to mingle with the crowd. Misao glowed at the look of approval in Hiko's eyes when he suddenly turned back and said rougishly as his gaze settled briefly on the bodice of her dress. "A little flat-chested and immature though," he drawled before disappearing into the crowd.
Misao's face was scarlet as she fought against Aoshi's hold, longing to kick the arrogant man's ass, Aoshi's father or not. Aoshi's slight chuckle against her ear made her turn to look at him with furious eyes. "Relax. Dad is always like that with people he likes. Ask Kenshin, he calls his student baka deshi. It just means he likes you," soothed Aoshi as he began pulling Misao towards the dance floor. With a frustrated sigh, Misao collapsed in Aoshi's arms. "Just you wait until I get my hands on him," she muttered as Aoshi pulled her into a dance.
The music was slow and sweet. The lights were soft and romantic as other couples swayed to the music. Misao rested her face against Aoshi's chest, relaxing and twined her arms around his neck. "I wonder where Kaoru-neechan and Fuuko-chan are?" she whispered before Aoshi ran a gentle hand down her bare spine. "Relax, its just the two of us for now," he whispered.
I don't need a lot of things,
I can get by with nothing
Of all the blessings life can bring,
I've always needed something
But I've got all I want
When it comes to loving you
You're my only reason,
You're my only truth
The dam of emotions were breaking. The past was merging itself with the present and an indefinable connection of hearts and souls began to happen. It was almost as if it was Misao the okashira and Aoshi the former gangster holding each other. There was too many emotions present, so many apologies hovering.
'I'm sorry I never told you I loved you,'
'I'm sorry I never understood your pain'
I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms
That carries me through
I need you
Misao looked up to see Aoshi staring down at her. He was looking at her in a way that seemed he was seeing her for the first time. There were familiar shadows in his eyes, the shadows that Aoshi Shinomori had but Aoshi Shirofuji had forgotten. Realizing the past made their love all the more precious, knowing that they were being given a second chance again.
You're the hope that moves me
To courage again
You're the love that rescues me
When the cold winds rage
And it's so amazing
'Cause that's just how you are
And I can't turn back now
'Cause you've brought me too far
Aoshi bent his head closer as he whispered, "Aishiteru Misao." Misao felt tears in her eyes but she laughed a little. "I know you do. Arigatou Aoshi-sama. I love you too," she whispered back before turning her face up to be kissed by him. Aoshi's ice-blue eyes warmed with an ardent fire before he closed his eyes and his lips met hers.
'I loved you forever, thank you for bringing me back'
I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms
That carries me through
I need you
******
"Now that is properly sickening," commented Fuuko as turned to face Kaoru in front of the punchbowl. "Nani?" she asked her eyes widening as she found Tokiya right beside her. He gave a slight grin as he silently admired the way Fuuko looked in her lavender dress. "He took your cousin out for a walk in the infinity maze," he answered biting back a smile at Fuuko's disgruntled look. "Hope they get lost there," she said and looked in surprise at Tokiya's pro-offered hand. "Want to dance?" he asked. Fuuko gave him a wide smile and said, "Why not?"
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I've run from these feelings for so long
Telling my heart I didn't mean it
Pretending that I was better off alone
But I know that it's just a lie
So afraid of taking a chance again
So afraid of what I'd feel inside
They paused in the center of the infinity maze. The dark green hedges seemed endless as Kaoru leaned back and rested against it. They've been walking around, trying to find the ending to the green maze but so far, they've not seen the way out. The air was sweet with the scent of moist grass and fragrant flowers. Somewhere, a sakura tree's blossoms flew towards them and tenderly, Kenshin plucked a blossom from Kaoru's bangs. He leaned closer and almost shyly, he entwined his hands with Kaoru and brought it up to his lips to kiss it, his eyes dark and admiring in the moonlight.
But I need to be next to you
I need to share every breath with you
I need to know I can see you smiling each morning
Look into your eyes each night
For the rest of my life
Here with you, Near with you, Oh I
I need to be next to you
"Kirei," he whispered as he stroked a hand on the softness of Kaoru's cheek. Kaoru blushed under the intensity of Kenshin's gaze. Her blue eyes were wide open with memories. Both from her past life and this one as she remembered when Kenshin rescued her. With a shaky breath, she raised her own hand and placed it against the cross scar against his cheek. "Ruruoni?" she asked with trembling lips, knowing that it was a question she was asking and one that Kaoru Kamiya also wanted to know.
Right here with you is right where I belong
I'd lose my mind if I could see you
Without you there is nothing in this life
That would make life worth living for
I can't bear the thought of you not there
I can't fight what I feel anymore
"Iie. I'll never leave you again Kaoru-dono," Kenshin promised and it was a promise that took many years of hurt and pain before it was finally given. The magical fire-flies from long ago appeared suddenly, lighting up their path in the infinity maze. He suddenly embraced Kaoru, as fiercely as he did when he left for Edo before. And for a brief moment, they were transported back in time. It was Himura Kenshin the ruruoni holding onto Kamiya Kaoru as he bid her farewell and thanked her for accepting him for who he is. Kaoru's blue velvet gown turned into a yellow kimono and her hair that was done in a chignon flew below her shoulders into a familiar ponytail.
'Cause I need to be next to you
I need to share every breath with you
I need to know I can see you smiling each morning
Look into your eyes each night
For the rest of my life
Here with you, Near with you
Oh II need to be next to you
But instead of a painful goodbye, there was only one thing different from the past that healed all their wounds. As tears slipped down Kaoru's face, she heard Kenshin whispering, "Aishiteru Kaoru. I'll never leave you again." Kaoru moved her arms from her side as she then embraced Kenshin, a very different scene from the past. The fire-flies gleamed in the moonlight as the image of Kenshin Himura and Kaoru Kamiya began fading back into their present lives. "Aishiteru Kenshin. Aishiteru," whispered Kaoru before the images blurred and they were their present selves again. Tenderly, Kenshin wiped away the tears from Kaoru's cheeks and he turned her face up slowly. Kaoru leaned closer as she met Kenshin's lips midway. It was a sweet kiss of love and yearning but most of all, it was a welcoming kiss. One filled with so much hope and joy.
I need to have your heart next to mine
For all times
Hold you for all my life
I need to be next to you
I need to be next to you
Need to be need to be next to you
Share every breath with you
I need to feel you in my arms babe
In my arms, babe
I need to be next to you
*******
Fuuko was enjoying the sensation of being held in Tokiya's arms when she felt the slight tension in his arms. "Doushita?" she whispered looking up curiously into his face. His dark green eyes were glittering as he subtly turned her around. "There's Megumi Sagara! Look, she's the gorgeous woman standing by the ice sculpture!" he whispered as he began pulling Fuuko away from the dance floor.
Fuuko felt her heart plummet at the obvious indifference of Tokiya during their silent moments together. // Looks like I'm too much of a tomboy to seriously attract him// thought Fuuko as Tokiya turned abruptly to her. Too engrossed in her thoughts, she never noticed the intense look in Tokiya's eyes which he masked quickly the moment Fuuko looked up at him.
Tokiya said, "Fuuko, I need you---." Her heart racing she breathlessly said, "You need me?" Tokiya quirked an eyebrow as he continued, "I need you to look for your cousins while I head over to Megumi-san." Fuuko's face fell. "Oh. I see. Well, I'll go look for them now," she said turning around, the fake cheerfulness in her voice disappearing.
"Hai... Fuuko? Be careful all right?" asked Tokiya, concern evident in his voice. Fuuko paused and sighed. //Tokiya may not love me but at least he cares. There is still hope yet// thought Fuuko with a genki smile. She turned and gave Tokiya a thumbs up sign and grin. "Hai!" she said before winking and going off in search of her cousins.
Tokiya smiled before walking over to Megumi Sagara. She was breathtakingly beautiful he realized as he was close enough to begin a conversation with her. Megumi noticed Tokiya staring at her before she tossed her head flirtaciously. "Need something young man?" she asked in a velvety voice. Tokiya opened his mouth to speak before a rough masculine voice cut in.
"Oi Fox, I wouldn't do that if I were you," drawled a tall spiky-haired man who lounged against a pillar, his white tuxedo stretched taut across his broad shoulders.
*******
Fuuko walked out into the huge garden, shivering slightly at the cool breeze. "Where the heck are you?" she muttered as she walked around, oblivious to the fact that there was only a handful of guests outside with her. Her heels made clacking sounds against the rounded stone walk as she headed over to the infinity maze. // With my luck tonight, I'd probably get lost too// she thought wryly as she entered the first panel.
The night was unusually still. Fuuko no longer felt the cold but felt the familiar tension in her muscles. There was someone following her and she could feel it. It was a cold and hunted feeling and she cursed silently, opening her purse to touch her fujin which she took off for this night.
"Konbawa Kirisawa Fuuko," greeted a soft male voice.
With a gasp, Fuuko turned around and found Raiha sitting on top of the grass hedge looking at her, his raijin gleaming in the moonlight, his katana behind his back.
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Author's Notes:
Ohayo minna! Gomen nasai! I'm so sorry this chapter took soooo long. I had difficulty coming up with the material so I hope you don't mind the songfic. Thank you so much for the reviews, I assure you its your constant support that keeps me writing this fic. Arigatou. Please review my fic. Flames and comments are appreciated. Ja matta ne!
