DISCLAIMER : I don't own any of the characters from the anime Rurouni
Kenshin
READ THIS ( this is actually quite important despite being sooo long )
author's notes :
yes, i actually updated ! ... i plopped myself in front of the comp and started typing away, and before i knew it, VOILA ! chapter 8 materialized before my very eyes ... aaargh, who am i kidding ... i took soooo long to update and really, i'm soooo SORRY to all those who have patiently waited for an update from me ... * mentally kicks myself * ... that's why i made this chapter much longer than usual ...
more kenshin x kaoru fluff, although this time i'm not exactly sure it's fluff ... but hey, it involves kissing and all ... so all you fans of kenshin and kaoru pairing, this chapter's for you ... erm, don't hate me though if ur disappointed by this chapter ... this chapter is a bit weird, and it's definitely left hanging ... soooo REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW !
to everyone who has written a review, I LOVE U !!!! ... ehehehe * sweatedrop * ... really, i do ... mwah ! ... oh yeah, and to Zion Guardian, i don't exactly know what you mean by ' constructive criticism, but if you do have the time, pls do ok ?
... for those asking why i take so long to update, well, it's really my fault ... i'm just plain lazy ...
if you guys have any questions about the story, stuff about the plot or characters or whatever that you would like to clarify, you could post your questions along with your comments in the reviews ... i'd be glad to answer them in the next chapter in the author's notes ...
thanks again for all u guys who wrote reviews ... annoying as it may be, i'd like to remind u guys to REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!
ENJOY !
anata ^_^
Chapter Eight – The Truth Hurts
I know a lot of you guys skip the author's notes, that's why I sneakily * grin * inserted this portion here after the title ... pls write a review ... especially those who like to read but don't review, this is the best time to write one ... note that this paragraph is not part of the storyline ...
After almost an hour, Kenshin's vigorous knocking had turned into furious banging.
IHe was angry – angry because his mind couldn't force his body to just stop and walk away, angry because she had rejected him, angry at the world for giving him such a bad day, and most of all, angry that after forty – seven minutes, he was still standing there banging on the door like some idiot ; yet he realized that he was not angry at her at all.
His anger eventually morphed into hurt, then into plain confusion, then into apathetic silence.
Kenshin stopped knocking. His hand paused in midair before dropping to his side. He sighed. By now, the neighbors probably thought him insane or possibly worse. He thought for a moment before slowly turning away from the door. His steps were excruciatingly slow, but he continued, step by step until his foot touched the sidewalk. He didn't seem to notice that the front door had slightly opened, barely an inch in width, but just enough for Kaoru's curious eyes to peer out from within.
Unbeknownst to Kenshin, Kaoru had been standing in front of the door the whole time, her heart breaking as each rap was inflicted upon the door. She wanted to open the door, she wanted to let him in, even just to talk, but she knew that things weren't that simple. The moment she let a man like Kenshin into her home, everything would change. True – he was already in her heart, but that didn't mean she couldn't prevent him from realizing that. That was why a sense of relief coupled with acute disappointment filled her as she peered through the barely noticeable sliver and watched him leave.
Kaoru was too caught up with her emotions to wonder why Kenshin's movements were so slow. All that was in her mind was that he was leaving ... walking away from her house – away from her, plus the fact that his rear was quite enticing encased in the Armani pants that matched the jacket.
Kenshin smirked to himself. He knew not even Kaoru, much less any woman, could resist observing his backside in motion, as one of his ex – girlfriends had once told him " You've got an ass that just won't quit. " Everything was still going according to the plan he had formulated during the car ride to Kaoru's abode, after all, she had opened the door hadn't she ? Despite the slight obstacles such as Kaoru's lack of cooperation and his somewhat humiliating and painful rejection, he would still follow his plans with a little assistance from his godlike speed.
One moment she was staring at him standing on the sidewalk, the next thing she knew, he was there, his dazzling purple eyes smack in front of her, using her semi – shocked composure in an attempt to pry open the door. Just as he had done when he had tried to get into her hotel room the previous night, Kenshin stuck his foot through the door to prevent her from closing it. He flashed her his infamous grin at her jaw hanging in shock, before whispering into her ear " Deja vu ? Or are you just happy to see me again my little muffin bran. "
Kaoru stared at him incredulously for a few seconds before bursting into laughter. " That was the most unromantic pick – up line I've ever heard ! Wahahahaha ! " she choked out between bouts of coughing due to her laughing.
" Who said I was trying to pick you up ? " pouted Kenshin grumpily.
It was one thing to have a woman slam a door in your face – but to have that same woman laugh at what he had assumed was an incredibly suave statement, all in the same day, was really ego – inflating.
" You might as well have said something like ' Do you believe in love at first sight ? or should I walk by again. ' At least that one might have worked on me. Anyway, you're really cute when you're ang – " Kaoru stopped.
" Yes !?! I'm cute when I'm ? "
" Nothing. " She muttered defiantly, although the faintest trace of a smile was beginning to grace her lips once more as she noticed his eager expression.
" Can I come in ? " He asked hopefully, with puppy – like eyes, as he gestured towards her home.
She shook her head vehemently.
Kenshin nodded good – naturedly.
" Well – I'm not leaving, and since my foot's stuck jammed in the doorway, there's no way you can make me leave now is there. It's great really, me spending a beautiful morning with an equally gorgeous woman – meaning you. Since I'm stuck here – so are you. We can call this the doorway of love ! Hmmmm, how will I go though, when nature calls ? I guess I'll have to hold it in now don't I ? Maybe I – " he was cut short by Kaoru's giggles.
" You never give up do you ? " asked Kaoru after regaining her breath.
" Why would I give up when I have the stamina of ten men ? Both in and out of bed I might add. " he whispered, before winking at her seductively.
She blushed at hearing his words. " Hentai, although I must admit that I have a secret passion for men like you. "
" You mean you like perverts ? " asked Kenshin with a bemused expression on his face.
" Oh – so you are a pervert ! " teased Kaoru.
This time, it was Kenshin who blushed, his face turning beet red with the realization that he had just associated the words ' men like you ' to ' pervert ', thus branding himself a pervert.
" No no no no no ! I'm not a pervert. What do you mean though by ' men like me ' ? "
Kaoru smiled wickedly. " I like my men with stamina, after all, they're so, ahem – productive. " she whispered secretly.
" Oh ? "
" Yep – they're great for cleaning the house and doing laundry ! " replied Kaoru with a devious grin.
Now it was his turn to laugh. He had never had such a fun conversation with anyone, as compared to the one he was having at the moment with Kaoru. It was strange, really, being able to talk freely knowing that she wouldn't try to manipulate his words into some sort of business merger or a marriage proposal. All the guys he talked to were usually incredibly formal with him, or were afraid of him. The women on the other hand were a completely different story – different, and just as bad. Yet with Kaoru, he didn't have that sinking feeling that she was trying to get something out of him. Really, he enjoyed talking to her, flirting and sparring verbally with this gorgeous woman with an acerbic and yet humorous wit. This was something totally new to him.
All of a sudden, he remembered his plan – what he had to do. Kenshin's face turned serious once again. He still had to convince her to be a witness. He still had a plan to follow, and seeing that she refused to listen to his reasoning, he would have to resort to his plan B, which was bribery.
He had realized at a young age that anyone can be bought, with varying prices of course, when he had discovered that his most trusted employee had leaked company secrets to one of his rivals in exchange for a few million dollars. One of his classmates from high school had murdered her own mother for the sake of earning enough cash to buy cigarettes. These sort of happenings had opened his eyes to the ways of the world, and definitely, he was not naive enough to believe that she would actually say yes if he asked her sincerely.
Although she seemed like a very nice and wholesome person, Kenshin knew that whatever facade she had, if indeed she had one on, would crumble at the sight of a million dollar check or two. No one could resist money, but if she did, then he'd just raise the amount until she agreed. Now all he had to do was convince her to let him into her house, then surely his plan would follow through.
More than two minutes had passed, with Kenshin lost in thought. Kaoru looked at him worriedly, noticing that his laughter had ceased abruptly, to be replaced by a keen silence. It was unnerving, and at the same time, enjoyable. His body was mere inches away from her face, and his face provided quite an admirable view. His butt was within a hand's reach, but she regretfully resisted the urge to grab it. His lips were even more irresistible to her as she noted how sensual they were, slightly parted.
She was about to poke him when suddenly he sprang to life once more.
' Something's different about him now. ' thought Kaoru to herself, as she noticed the change of expression on his face. ' For a moment there, it was as if I could see two emotions in him, battling each other. Maybe I said something wrong. '
' I want her, and definitely she wants me too. So why is nothing happening ? Eeep !?! What the hell am I thinking ? I must follow my plans. I must follow my plans. ' chanted Kenshin to himself.
" Are you okay Kenshin ? " asked Kaoru, nervously licking her lips.
' Oh god she's licking her lips. That's the sexiest thing I've ever seen. I want to kiss her and – aargh !?! I will follow my plans. I will follow my plans. ' his mind continued.
" Erm, yeah, I am. I just lost my train of thought for a minute there. Anyway, seriously, could I talk to you even for just a few minutes. This is something really important to me and I really need you to listen, plus the fact that I need to use your bathroom. " added Kenshin.
Thinking it over, Kaoru finally eased open the door and beckoned him to follow her. She began walking towards the direction of the nearest bathroom, oblivious to the splay of emotions in Kenshin's eyes as he watched her walk. Kaoru turned around, only to find Kenshin still standing by the doorframe. She strode back to him, clasped his hand, and gently led him towards the loo.
He tapped her on the shoulder, gaining her attention once more.
" Yes Kenshin ? What mphff– "
The rest of her words were muffled as he suddenly pulled her into his arms. She looked so vulnerable and yet so delectable there, a combination of shock and possibly longing, etched on her beautiful face. Her lips parted, but no sound came from them as she watched his handsome face draw closer to her own.
' To hell with my plans. ' was Kenshin's last thought before he did the unthinkable.
He kissed her. His initially gentle kiss slowly deepened, making her whimper for more. His mouth was scorching and ardent upon hers, his tongue thrusting inside with a hunger he couldn't understand, as his arms held her captive.
Kaoru herself responded with fervor as her hands busied themselves with memorizing the feel of his hair, his skin, his ass – everything she could physically hold on to. She strained nearer, disregarding all sensibility as her senses were overwhelmed with the taste of him.
His hands released her body for a moment, only to take hold of the buttons lining the front of her blouse. Clumsily and with much haste, his fingers grasped the seemingly slippery buttons in an attempt to free her from it. He wanted to see her, to touch her, to taste her, and –
' What the hell am I doing ? ' howled Kenshin's mind furiously. ' It's wrong, it's against the plan, and it's just plain wrong wrong wrong ; but when have I ever cared about whether it's wrong or not ? She's different. '
With that thought, he reluctantly tore his mouth away from hers eliciting a moan of deprivation from Kaoru, before she realized what activity for two she had just participated in.
She gasped and quickly buttoned up what Kenshin had managed to reveal. She was shocked that she had behaved so wantonly and senselessly and the fact that it was he who had stopped it, not her. It felt embarrassing, it felt weird, but hell – it felt good.
" I'm sorry. " They both cried out in unison.
Anxiously, they straightened up their hair and clothes and nervously laughed.
After a few more awkward minutes, the two were seated on separate sofas in Kaoru's living room, their eyes looking everywhere, except at each other. Their eyes accidentally made contact for a few seconds, before Kaoru hurriedly turned away, while Kenshin merely smiled.
Finally, Kenshin broke the silence by talking.
" I'm still here you know, and I still have something I need to say. Just pretend that what had happened earlier was just something out of our imagination. Pretend it had never occurred. "
" Pretend ' what ' never happened ? " quipped Kaoru shakily, her sense of humor returning.
" Do I make you nervous ? " asked Kenshin.
" No. "
" Then why are your hands shaking ? "
Before she could reply, Kenshin took her hands and held them tightly with his own. Unexpectedly, the touch of his hands calmed her down. It comforted her, although she had no idea why. Kaoru looked up and found him gazing at her with such an intensity that she could swear sparks were flying in the air.
" I'm sure you know quite well that I need you to be my witness. Don't refuse me without hearing things out. I'm innocent – you know that. The man that was murdered had unsuccessfully tried to rape my sister last night. The scumbag's name is Jake, by the way. " Kenshin paused for a moment as he noticed Kaoru's almost inaudible gasp.
" So he's ... "
" Yes, he's definitely dead. Now since he did try to hurt my sister, that gives me a motive for sending him to the next life, in the eyes of the judge and jury. To make things worse, there were a few strands of red hair, although I'm not quite sure they're mine, found in the scene of the crime. Now that's incriminating, more so since I have a sinking feeling that the dna test will reveal that they are indeed my hair. That's why I need you to – "
" To testify ? To stand in front of a huge crowd of people and tell them that I know that this man is innocent ? To tell them that you didn't murder Jake and that I know because, well, I spent the night in bed with you ? " Kaoru's voice increased in volume as the words came pouring out of her mouth.
" Exactly. "
" NO. " was Kaoru's furious reply. ' Why's Kenshin acting like such a jerk. Does he really think he can buy me ? "
" I'll pay you. Here's a check for a million dollars. If you want more, tell me and I'll write you another one right here. If you want cash or properties, it will take a bit longer though since I have to get – "
" I said NO. " repeated Kaoru. " Yeah, the idiot really thinks he can buy me. I can't believe I just kissed him. '
" Fine. I'll throw in a landmark of your choice. The Eiffel Tower ? The Statue of Liberty ? Name it and it's yours. Or if you prefer – "
It was strange really, how desperate Kenshin felt. He knew there were other ways, other much simpler ways of winning a case such as this, and yet he felt the need to prove that Kaoru was just one of them, one of those money – grubbing women who just wanted him for his money. He wanted to prove that she could be bought, that she was just pretending to be nice. He was desperate because if he couldn't prove that she was just as bad as all the rest, he just might fall in love with her.
Finally, Kaoru lost her temper.
" I can't – I mean, I won't. " shouted Kaoru, fury empowering her voice. " Stop trying to bribe me because I won't testify. No matter how much money you throw in my face, I won't. Even if you promise to give me the world, I won't. "
" Why ? " asked Kenshin, as his heart began beating faster after hearing her declaration.
" .... " Silence was Kaoru's reply.
" Tell me. "
" .... "
" Please. " murmured Kenshin, shocked that he had actually uttered that word. He had never used that word after realizing that he had the world at his feet. That was approximately the year he turned nineteen years old. It was strange, saying it after all these years.
" Do you really want to know ? " replied Kaoru quietly, all her anger suddenly deflated by the simple and yet sincere word.
Kenshin nodded.
" I ... I'm married. "
to be continued ...
i hope kaoru's answer came as a suprise, after all, it's supposed to be a suprise ... don't be angry at me or anything ... there is a reason for why she's married, and no, kaoru's not a cheating wife ... everything can be , and will be explained in future chapters ...
erm, yes, i know it sounds a bit daytime soap opera – ish, so i'm sorry ... pls don't flame me if u don't like how it's going ...
oh yeah ... it's really nice that some of u guys out there mention ur favorite lines from the chapter in ur review ... that's highly appreciated ...
pls. write a review ... yes, i'm a grubby review craving fan fic writer ... aren't we all ? hehe, just kidding ... it's probably just me ... once again, look at the little purple box that comes after these words ... it says ... Click here to submit a review ... click on it ... click on it ... click on it ... honestly, if you think my fic sucks, give me constructive criticism ... in short, tell me how to improve ... thanks ...
READ THIS ( this is actually quite important despite being sooo long )
author's notes :
yes, i actually updated ! ... i plopped myself in front of the comp and started typing away, and before i knew it, VOILA ! chapter 8 materialized before my very eyes ... aaargh, who am i kidding ... i took soooo long to update and really, i'm soooo SORRY to all those who have patiently waited for an update from me ... * mentally kicks myself * ... that's why i made this chapter much longer than usual ...
more kenshin x kaoru fluff, although this time i'm not exactly sure it's fluff ... but hey, it involves kissing and all ... so all you fans of kenshin and kaoru pairing, this chapter's for you ... erm, don't hate me though if ur disappointed by this chapter ... this chapter is a bit weird, and it's definitely left hanging ... soooo REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW !
to everyone who has written a review, I LOVE U !!!! ... ehehehe * sweatedrop * ... really, i do ... mwah ! ... oh yeah, and to Zion Guardian, i don't exactly know what you mean by ' constructive criticism, but if you do have the time, pls do ok ?
... for those asking why i take so long to update, well, it's really my fault ... i'm just plain lazy ...
if you guys have any questions about the story, stuff about the plot or characters or whatever that you would like to clarify, you could post your questions along with your comments in the reviews ... i'd be glad to answer them in the next chapter in the author's notes ...
thanks again for all u guys who wrote reviews ... annoying as it may be, i'd like to remind u guys to REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!
ENJOY !
anata ^_^
Chapter Eight – The Truth Hurts
I know a lot of you guys skip the author's notes, that's why I sneakily * grin * inserted this portion here after the title ... pls write a review ... especially those who like to read but don't review, this is the best time to write one ... note that this paragraph is not part of the storyline ...
After almost an hour, Kenshin's vigorous knocking had turned into furious banging.
IHe was angry – angry because his mind couldn't force his body to just stop and walk away, angry because she had rejected him, angry at the world for giving him such a bad day, and most of all, angry that after forty – seven minutes, he was still standing there banging on the door like some idiot ; yet he realized that he was not angry at her at all.
His anger eventually morphed into hurt, then into plain confusion, then into apathetic silence.
Kenshin stopped knocking. His hand paused in midair before dropping to his side. He sighed. By now, the neighbors probably thought him insane or possibly worse. He thought for a moment before slowly turning away from the door. His steps were excruciatingly slow, but he continued, step by step until his foot touched the sidewalk. He didn't seem to notice that the front door had slightly opened, barely an inch in width, but just enough for Kaoru's curious eyes to peer out from within.
Unbeknownst to Kenshin, Kaoru had been standing in front of the door the whole time, her heart breaking as each rap was inflicted upon the door. She wanted to open the door, she wanted to let him in, even just to talk, but she knew that things weren't that simple. The moment she let a man like Kenshin into her home, everything would change. True – he was already in her heart, but that didn't mean she couldn't prevent him from realizing that. That was why a sense of relief coupled with acute disappointment filled her as she peered through the barely noticeable sliver and watched him leave.
Kaoru was too caught up with her emotions to wonder why Kenshin's movements were so slow. All that was in her mind was that he was leaving ... walking away from her house – away from her, plus the fact that his rear was quite enticing encased in the Armani pants that matched the jacket.
Kenshin smirked to himself. He knew not even Kaoru, much less any woman, could resist observing his backside in motion, as one of his ex – girlfriends had once told him " You've got an ass that just won't quit. " Everything was still going according to the plan he had formulated during the car ride to Kaoru's abode, after all, she had opened the door hadn't she ? Despite the slight obstacles such as Kaoru's lack of cooperation and his somewhat humiliating and painful rejection, he would still follow his plans with a little assistance from his godlike speed.
One moment she was staring at him standing on the sidewalk, the next thing she knew, he was there, his dazzling purple eyes smack in front of her, using her semi – shocked composure in an attempt to pry open the door. Just as he had done when he had tried to get into her hotel room the previous night, Kenshin stuck his foot through the door to prevent her from closing it. He flashed her his infamous grin at her jaw hanging in shock, before whispering into her ear " Deja vu ? Or are you just happy to see me again my little muffin bran. "
Kaoru stared at him incredulously for a few seconds before bursting into laughter. " That was the most unromantic pick – up line I've ever heard ! Wahahahaha ! " she choked out between bouts of coughing due to her laughing.
" Who said I was trying to pick you up ? " pouted Kenshin grumpily.
It was one thing to have a woman slam a door in your face – but to have that same woman laugh at what he had assumed was an incredibly suave statement, all in the same day, was really ego – inflating.
" You might as well have said something like ' Do you believe in love at first sight ? or should I walk by again. ' At least that one might have worked on me. Anyway, you're really cute when you're ang – " Kaoru stopped.
" Yes !?! I'm cute when I'm ? "
" Nothing. " She muttered defiantly, although the faintest trace of a smile was beginning to grace her lips once more as she noticed his eager expression.
" Can I come in ? " He asked hopefully, with puppy – like eyes, as he gestured towards her home.
She shook her head vehemently.
Kenshin nodded good – naturedly.
" Well – I'm not leaving, and since my foot's stuck jammed in the doorway, there's no way you can make me leave now is there. It's great really, me spending a beautiful morning with an equally gorgeous woman – meaning you. Since I'm stuck here – so are you. We can call this the doorway of love ! Hmmmm, how will I go though, when nature calls ? I guess I'll have to hold it in now don't I ? Maybe I – " he was cut short by Kaoru's giggles.
" You never give up do you ? " asked Kaoru after regaining her breath.
" Why would I give up when I have the stamina of ten men ? Both in and out of bed I might add. " he whispered, before winking at her seductively.
She blushed at hearing his words. " Hentai, although I must admit that I have a secret passion for men like you. "
" You mean you like perverts ? " asked Kenshin with a bemused expression on his face.
" Oh – so you are a pervert ! " teased Kaoru.
This time, it was Kenshin who blushed, his face turning beet red with the realization that he had just associated the words ' men like you ' to ' pervert ', thus branding himself a pervert.
" No no no no no ! I'm not a pervert. What do you mean though by ' men like me ' ? "
Kaoru smiled wickedly. " I like my men with stamina, after all, they're so, ahem – productive. " she whispered secretly.
" Oh ? "
" Yep – they're great for cleaning the house and doing laundry ! " replied Kaoru with a devious grin.
Now it was his turn to laugh. He had never had such a fun conversation with anyone, as compared to the one he was having at the moment with Kaoru. It was strange, really, being able to talk freely knowing that she wouldn't try to manipulate his words into some sort of business merger or a marriage proposal. All the guys he talked to were usually incredibly formal with him, or were afraid of him. The women on the other hand were a completely different story – different, and just as bad. Yet with Kaoru, he didn't have that sinking feeling that she was trying to get something out of him. Really, he enjoyed talking to her, flirting and sparring verbally with this gorgeous woman with an acerbic and yet humorous wit. This was something totally new to him.
All of a sudden, he remembered his plan – what he had to do. Kenshin's face turned serious once again. He still had to convince her to be a witness. He still had a plan to follow, and seeing that she refused to listen to his reasoning, he would have to resort to his plan B, which was bribery.
He had realized at a young age that anyone can be bought, with varying prices of course, when he had discovered that his most trusted employee had leaked company secrets to one of his rivals in exchange for a few million dollars. One of his classmates from high school had murdered her own mother for the sake of earning enough cash to buy cigarettes. These sort of happenings had opened his eyes to the ways of the world, and definitely, he was not naive enough to believe that she would actually say yes if he asked her sincerely.
Although she seemed like a very nice and wholesome person, Kenshin knew that whatever facade she had, if indeed she had one on, would crumble at the sight of a million dollar check or two. No one could resist money, but if she did, then he'd just raise the amount until she agreed. Now all he had to do was convince her to let him into her house, then surely his plan would follow through.
More than two minutes had passed, with Kenshin lost in thought. Kaoru looked at him worriedly, noticing that his laughter had ceased abruptly, to be replaced by a keen silence. It was unnerving, and at the same time, enjoyable. His body was mere inches away from her face, and his face provided quite an admirable view. His butt was within a hand's reach, but she regretfully resisted the urge to grab it. His lips were even more irresistible to her as she noted how sensual they were, slightly parted.
She was about to poke him when suddenly he sprang to life once more.
' Something's different about him now. ' thought Kaoru to herself, as she noticed the change of expression on his face. ' For a moment there, it was as if I could see two emotions in him, battling each other. Maybe I said something wrong. '
' I want her, and definitely she wants me too. So why is nothing happening ? Eeep !?! What the hell am I thinking ? I must follow my plans. I must follow my plans. ' chanted Kenshin to himself.
" Are you okay Kenshin ? " asked Kaoru, nervously licking her lips.
' Oh god she's licking her lips. That's the sexiest thing I've ever seen. I want to kiss her and – aargh !?! I will follow my plans. I will follow my plans. ' his mind continued.
" Erm, yeah, I am. I just lost my train of thought for a minute there. Anyway, seriously, could I talk to you even for just a few minutes. This is something really important to me and I really need you to listen, plus the fact that I need to use your bathroom. " added Kenshin.
Thinking it over, Kaoru finally eased open the door and beckoned him to follow her. She began walking towards the direction of the nearest bathroom, oblivious to the splay of emotions in Kenshin's eyes as he watched her walk. Kaoru turned around, only to find Kenshin still standing by the doorframe. She strode back to him, clasped his hand, and gently led him towards the loo.
He tapped her on the shoulder, gaining her attention once more.
" Yes Kenshin ? What mphff– "
The rest of her words were muffled as he suddenly pulled her into his arms. She looked so vulnerable and yet so delectable there, a combination of shock and possibly longing, etched on her beautiful face. Her lips parted, but no sound came from them as she watched his handsome face draw closer to her own.
' To hell with my plans. ' was Kenshin's last thought before he did the unthinkable.
He kissed her. His initially gentle kiss slowly deepened, making her whimper for more. His mouth was scorching and ardent upon hers, his tongue thrusting inside with a hunger he couldn't understand, as his arms held her captive.
Kaoru herself responded with fervor as her hands busied themselves with memorizing the feel of his hair, his skin, his ass – everything she could physically hold on to. She strained nearer, disregarding all sensibility as her senses were overwhelmed with the taste of him.
His hands released her body for a moment, only to take hold of the buttons lining the front of her blouse. Clumsily and with much haste, his fingers grasped the seemingly slippery buttons in an attempt to free her from it. He wanted to see her, to touch her, to taste her, and –
' What the hell am I doing ? ' howled Kenshin's mind furiously. ' It's wrong, it's against the plan, and it's just plain wrong wrong wrong ; but when have I ever cared about whether it's wrong or not ? She's different. '
With that thought, he reluctantly tore his mouth away from hers eliciting a moan of deprivation from Kaoru, before she realized what activity for two she had just participated in.
She gasped and quickly buttoned up what Kenshin had managed to reveal. She was shocked that she had behaved so wantonly and senselessly and the fact that it was he who had stopped it, not her. It felt embarrassing, it felt weird, but hell – it felt good.
" I'm sorry. " They both cried out in unison.
Anxiously, they straightened up their hair and clothes and nervously laughed.
After a few more awkward minutes, the two were seated on separate sofas in Kaoru's living room, their eyes looking everywhere, except at each other. Their eyes accidentally made contact for a few seconds, before Kaoru hurriedly turned away, while Kenshin merely smiled.
Finally, Kenshin broke the silence by talking.
" I'm still here you know, and I still have something I need to say. Just pretend that what had happened earlier was just something out of our imagination. Pretend it had never occurred. "
" Pretend ' what ' never happened ? " quipped Kaoru shakily, her sense of humor returning.
" Do I make you nervous ? " asked Kenshin.
" No. "
" Then why are your hands shaking ? "
Before she could reply, Kenshin took her hands and held them tightly with his own. Unexpectedly, the touch of his hands calmed her down. It comforted her, although she had no idea why. Kaoru looked up and found him gazing at her with such an intensity that she could swear sparks were flying in the air.
" I'm sure you know quite well that I need you to be my witness. Don't refuse me without hearing things out. I'm innocent – you know that. The man that was murdered had unsuccessfully tried to rape my sister last night. The scumbag's name is Jake, by the way. " Kenshin paused for a moment as he noticed Kaoru's almost inaudible gasp.
" So he's ... "
" Yes, he's definitely dead. Now since he did try to hurt my sister, that gives me a motive for sending him to the next life, in the eyes of the judge and jury. To make things worse, there were a few strands of red hair, although I'm not quite sure they're mine, found in the scene of the crime. Now that's incriminating, more so since I have a sinking feeling that the dna test will reveal that they are indeed my hair. That's why I need you to – "
" To testify ? To stand in front of a huge crowd of people and tell them that I know that this man is innocent ? To tell them that you didn't murder Jake and that I know because, well, I spent the night in bed with you ? " Kaoru's voice increased in volume as the words came pouring out of her mouth.
" Exactly. "
" NO. " was Kaoru's furious reply. ' Why's Kenshin acting like such a jerk. Does he really think he can buy me ? "
" I'll pay you. Here's a check for a million dollars. If you want more, tell me and I'll write you another one right here. If you want cash or properties, it will take a bit longer though since I have to get – "
" I said NO. " repeated Kaoru. " Yeah, the idiot really thinks he can buy me. I can't believe I just kissed him. '
" Fine. I'll throw in a landmark of your choice. The Eiffel Tower ? The Statue of Liberty ? Name it and it's yours. Or if you prefer – "
It was strange really, how desperate Kenshin felt. He knew there were other ways, other much simpler ways of winning a case such as this, and yet he felt the need to prove that Kaoru was just one of them, one of those money – grubbing women who just wanted him for his money. He wanted to prove that she could be bought, that she was just pretending to be nice. He was desperate because if he couldn't prove that she was just as bad as all the rest, he just might fall in love with her.
Finally, Kaoru lost her temper.
" I can't – I mean, I won't. " shouted Kaoru, fury empowering her voice. " Stop trying to bribe me because I won't testify. No matter how much money you throw in my face, I won't. Even if you promise to give me the world, I won't. "
" Why ? " asked Kenshin, as his heart began beating faster after hearing her declaration.
" .... " Silence was Kaoru's reply.
" Tell me. "
" .... "
" Please. " murmured Kenshin, shocked that he had actually uttered that word. He had never used that word after realizing that he had the world at his feet. That was approximately the year he turned nineteen years old. It was strange, saying it after all these years.
" Do you really want to know ? " replied Kaoru quietly, all her anger suddenly deflated by the simple and yet sincere word.
Kenshin nodded.
" I ... I'm married. "
to be continued ...
i hope kaoru's answer came as a suprise, after all, it's supposed to be a suprise ... don't be angry at me or anything ... there is a reason for why she's married, and no, kaoru's not a cheating wife ... everything can be , and will be explained in future chapters ...
erm, yes, i know it sounds a bit daytime soap opera – ish, so i'm sorry ... pls don't flame me if u don't like how it's going ...
oh yeah ... it's really nice that some of u guys out there mention ur favorite lines from the chapter in ur review ... that's highly appreciated ...
pls. write a review ... yes, i'm a grubby review craving fan fic writer ... aren't we all ? hehe, just kidding ... it's probably just me ... once again, look at the little purple box that comes after these words ... it says ... Click here to submit a review ... click on it ... click on it ... click on it ... honestly, if you think my fic sucks, give me constructive criticism ... in short, tell me how to improve ... thanks ...