a love-triangle, which started with an awakening, an arrival and a union,
where rejection is not an option. (k/k/s)
Standard Disclaimers Apply. We don't own Rurouni Kenshin… or anything for that matter… except this computer. Chapter 4Kaoru turned around to see if Soujiro was still following her. Seeing no trace of him, she sighed in relief. She was about to go back to the dorm when a large sign caught her attention.
"University Art Gallery," Kaoru said as she read the sign. Hmph! At least I could get my mind off Soujiro! I've always been interested in Renaissance Art. I wonder what the Contemporary Japanese Art looks like.
Kaoru walked silently inside the gallery. She looked around, since there were many students and professionals observing the surroundings. Suddenly, she stopped short at the painting in front of her. What's going on? She looked around the room, seeing various paintings, drawings and lithographs of her. Her mind was racing. Am I dreaming? Is… is this really me? A particular painting caught her eye and she began walking towards it.
It was a painting of her. Her hair, with blue highlights, was flowing freely at her back. Her sparkling eyes were gazing at the sky. Her cheeks were flushed and her lips were partially curved in a smile. She was wearing an immaculate, white, fluid dress with her arms stretched by her side. The painting looked exactly like her, the only difference was, the girl in the painting had silver wings and a halo on her head.
Is this really me? It can't be! It is so beautiful and majestic. I had never seen myself as beautiful… but this painting…
She placed her hand at the label under the portrait, which read Tenshi… Angel? A memory seems to be creeping inside my head but I can't seem to take a hold on it. Angel? Where have I heard that before? Suddenly a man's voice whispered in her mind over and over. Angel?
She peered at the bottom of the painting to read the name of the artist who made it. She read, "Ken…shin?"
Kenshin, who was standing behind her talking to some people, heard his name being called out. He turned around, "Yes?"
Their eyes met in an instant. Both froze and stood shocked to see each other. They stared at each other for a while before Kenshin broke the ice by whispering, "Kirei…"
Kaoru blushed at the compliment and asked, "K… Kens…Kenshin?" Baka! You're stuttering again! He wouldn't have turned around if he weren't Kenshin!
"Yes, that's me." Kenshin said quite sheepishly.
"Ano… these paintings… eto… are those…"
"Are you mad at me?" Kenshin cut her.
Catching Kaoru off guard, she fidgeted from where they were standing. She trembled from standing so close to him and from the confirmation that the girl in the painting was really her. She felt half relieved that the guy she ::almost:: liked a couple of days before remembered her but also half curious why he painted her. A part of her assumed he liked her but another part wouldn't accept it. Her mind was in turmoil and she can't even look the guy straight in the eye. Baka! Answer his question! He might think you are mad and walk away!
Still in the state of shock, she squeaked, "Why me?"
Kenshin blushed and smiled. Trying to find the right words to answer the question, he replied, "Umm… Angel, you see…"
"Oh! Forgive me for being rude! I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Kaoru Kamiya." She held out her trembling hand.
Kenshin seemed hesitant at first but he extended his hand, gently taking Kaoru's hand in his. Instead of shaking it, he softly caressed the back of her hand with his thumb, "Nice to finally meet you, Kaoru."
Kaoru blushed. Omigosh! His hand is as cold as mine. "…So?" Should I ask him? Shouldn't I? Would it seem like I was assuming something? But I really want to know! Looking up, she managed to squeak, "Why me?"
As Kenshin's blush deepened, he replied with his original question, "Are you mad at me?"
Kaoru glared at him for not giving her a straight answer but started to laugh when she realized that she was the first one to answer the question with another question.
Kenshin started to laugh with her and asked her, "Would you like to talk about it in the park? It's very crowded here and some people might hear what I am about to say."
"Okay. You're explanation had better be good."
--------
Now how can I explain this to her? Is she mad? She still hasn't answered my question. What if her answer depends on my explanation? I can't tell her that I am already in love with her just yet, she might think I am crazy. Kenshin thought.
Unconsciously, they walked towards the part of the park where they first "met". Kenshin motioned Kaoru to sit beside him and he took a deep breath.
"Well, this is where it all began. As you know, I was having a nightmare when we first "met". Um…" Kenshin began.
"Eto.. about that day, I am very sorry for disturbing you. I thought…" Kaoru said.
"Oh please don't be sorry, angel." Kaoru blushed at the endearment. Kenshin continued, "I had so many problems back then. A lot of things were tormenting my mind and…"
"I'm sorry. If it is too personal, you have to tell them to me. I don't care about other people's pasts. Everybody has something to hide or something he doesn't want to talk about. If it will just upset you, I won't press you to tell me." Kaoru said to avoid upsetting Kenshin.
Kenshin's heart softened. "Well, that afternoon you woke me up, you did not only wake me up from my nightmare, you also left a light inside of me. A light I was so desperately seeking before you came along."
Kaoru blushed and placed her hand on top of Kenshin. "You think too much of me… all I did was to wake you up."
Kaoru noticed Kenshin looking at her hand so she immediately took it back.
Kenshin moved his face closer to Kaoru and looked directly in her eyes. He placed his hands on top of hers and replied, "Believe me, you did a lot more than that. Among other things, you gave me the inspiration to finish the exhibit. You… made me see beauty… to which I should find honor." Yes… in beauty, not in other people's sufferings.
Kaoru shifted in her seat and stared at her hands, which were held by Kenshin. She tried to lighten the mood by laughing, "Beauty? Well, I think you found beauty in the wrong place."
Kenshin placed his other hand on Kaoru's cheek and then smiled, "You're right… It was beauty who found me."
Kaoru looked up and gazed in Kenshin's eyes. She could have almost drowned in the intensity of his eyes. Kaoru placed her free hand and caressed Kenshin's scarred cheek as she smiled. What am I doing? I hardly know this guy. Why am I feeling this way? Why does my feelings seem to run so deep when I just met him? Why do… Kaoru's thoughts were cut off when Kaoru felt herself inching towards Kenshin. They were so close that their breaths were already mingling and they could almost feel the rapid beating of each other's hearts.
"Kaoru-chan! So there you are!" Soujiro came running towards them.
Kaoru and Kenshin jumped apart, blushing.
That was so close! Kaoru thought. "Hi Soujiro," Kaoru said coldly, "This is Kenshin Himura. Kenshin, this is my childhood friend Soujiro Seta."
Soujiro and Kenshin acknowledged each other by nodding but they both stared at each other coldly.
Soujiro turned towards Kaoru and said, "Kaoru-chan, I am so sorry for what happened earlier, I really am. Please forgive me."
Kaoru turned towards Kenshin and said, "Kenshin-san, I am really flattered and honored for what you have done for me. I am sorry but will you excuse us? We have a matter to discuss. May we resume our talk some other time?" Kaoru made her tone formal since Soujiro was present. She didn't want Soujiro to act all jealous again.
Kenshin understood the situation and replied, "Certainly Kaoru-dono, just stop by my office anytime you are free." Kenshin smiled at her before leaving.
Kaoru faced Soujiro and said, "Okay Soujiro, I am ready to talk."
Author's Notes:
Soujiro is major OOC… but don't worry minna… he's actions will be justified in the end. Besides… this is a/u, ne?
As I was searching for Kenshin and Kaoru fanarts, I stumbled upon a picture of Kaoru as an angel and she's hugging Kenshin. In line with this fic, I hope you'd visit the site. It is really beautiful. http://members.tripod.com/tanukibattousai/id182.htm
Although, in our fic, the painting of Kaoru did not hug Kenshin, it is still a good fan art, which somehow depicts what we are trying to portray.
Crys, if you read this…please email me.
Special thanks to Midori-chan. Despite her way busy sched, she still agreed to pre-read for us! ::chibi-angel and crystal okamino bows down in gratitude::
Thanks to everyone who has left a review!!! Read and review, minna! More reviews… faster chapters!!! =)
------