Standard disclaimers:
I don't own Ruroken. Unfortunately Watsuki and some big name companies already
have this privilege.
Special thanks to Hana Himura who edited this story for giving me helpful
hints and advice and to Firuze Khanume for giving helpful comments and
critics.
Oh... well... this is alternate universe, so I can do with the characters what
I want (to a certain extent). You will see what I mean...
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IMPORTANT FROM THIS CHAPTER ON:
My dear and tortured pre-readers told me that this fic is going to be
a bit too strong for the weak stomach... so there will be two versions of
this story:
One rated PG-13 and one rated NC-17.
The lemons will be marked, so even when you read the NC-17-version you will
have the chance to skip the lemons you don't want to read =^^=.
Warning for this chapter (NC-17-Version):
It contains Yuri, so if you are offended by this kind of thing, I recommend
you to leave parts of this fic 'out'. Just don't read it =^^=.
erm, since NC-17 will be banned from FF.net, you will find this version on my
homepage, you'll find the link on my profile here on FF.net.
I'll upload the NC-17-version on my homepage on Thursday, September 19th.
Sorry for the delay, but I can't work on my homepage earlier.
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CHAPTER 6: CELEBRATING
~Two days later, evening~
Four women were gathered around the kitchen-table, busy with
preparations for the party which was supposed to take place this evening.
Megumi was chopping radish, trying to fight raising tears due to the acidic smell
"Misao? Have you prepared the carrots?"
"Yup, the tofu is already chopped as well."
"The beef is ready, too."
Tomoe set the plate back into the fridge while Tokio tried desperately to
arrange all beer-cans inside only to give up frustrated.
"Our fridge is too small."
Megumi grinned evilly
"It is not our fridge that is to small, Tokio, it is you and your friends
who are drinking far too much alcohol than it is healthy."
Standing up, Tokio glared over to the fox
"Do you won't a drink tonight or not?"
"I didn't mention that I am an exception, Tokio."
"Hey, girls! Can I help you?"
Enishi appeared in the door-frame only to face four annoyed faces.
Lazily he caught a knife thrown at him in mid-air.
"OUT!"
He just shrugged
"Don't complain later. I offered my help."
"Are you already done with cleaning the living room?"
"Don't panic, Tokio. Everything is fine."
"Thanks, Enishi." Tokio gave up putting all cans into the fridge and
wiped some sweat from her forehead. For the third time she checked the
ice-box "The crushed ice should be enough for the cocktails..." she sniffed
under her arms and turned up her nose "I need to take a bath before the guests
arrive."
Her hair gluing in her face, Tomoe could only agree.
"Me, too."
Misao was skillfully cutting the leek into tiny bits in one fluid move
"Why don't you two go up, have a bath" she blinked at her older sister
"and style yourselves."
"Misao and I can take care of the sweets alone."
Megumi just set the last ingredients on the kitchen-table, mis trustingly
and carefully checked by Tomoe.
"Don't use your special recipe, Megumi. Misao's cop is coming."
Misao struggled with a feeling of embarrassment, anger and pride. Pride was
winning.
"He is really sweet, isn't he? He is such a handsome, sweet, intelligent and
nice guy..."
Roughly she was interrupted by her sister, who had to hear stories about the
heroic, young man 48 hours during the last two days
"We all know, that he is handsome, and we all agreed already with you."
Misao stuck out her tongue
"You are only envious, Tokio."
It was time for Tokio to leave together with Tomoe and to head to the
bath-room.
****
Misao was at the end of her tether and knocked vehemently on the bathroom door while
Megumi's voice was heard
"COME OUT OF THE BATHROOM IMMEDIATELY! I know what you are doing, but this is
NO reason to occupy the room for HOURS. I want to have a shower as well!"
Sighing and regretting Tomoe took a cloth while Tokio stood up and threw an annoyed
glance at the glass-door dividing the shower and the bath-tube from the rest
of the bath-room.
"Just a second, Megumi!"
With a last regretting look both friends left the bath passing a furious
Megumi and a not less annoyed Misao.
"You two are not the only ones living here."
"You give me no chance to forget this, Misao." Tokio snapped back and shoved
her younger sister to the mirror. "Better put some make-up on to impress your
oh so 'handsome' cop, little Misao."
Much to her surprise, Misao didn't protest and just grinned evilly and
meaningful.
Something was wrong... but she had no time to wonder, Tomoe just grabbed her
on the collar of her yukata and pulled her out of the room.
"Let's get dressed and arrange your hair, Tokio."
****
As they both were dressed, they went down only to find Aoshi and Enishi
sitting comfortable in the opened window, both smoking, Enishi with a beer
by his side and Aoshi with his unavoidable tea. Shortly Tokio wondered what kind of tea
Aoshi and Megumi had brewed together this time, it had to vanish before the
guests arrived.
But even more the smell in the air let Tokio and Tomoe stop short. Not a
second later Tomoe had recovered and snapped the cigarette from Enishi's mouth.
"I can't believe that you two are smoking this crap right now! There is
a policeman coming! Now we have to light some 'joss sticks' to cover the
smell."
Negligent Enishi shrugged
"I didn't invite the cops, a stupid idea by the way. I admit, it is a thrill
if he finds out something, but it is annoying that we have to hold back."
Aoshi took a last drag, closing his eyes delightful before he carefully
tugged it out and placed the last half back in his packet.
"In one point I have to agree. It was not very wise to invite them, especially
after Yamamoto's murderer. If he snoops around to much, I'll have to take
care of him. We should take care that nothing arouses their suspicion."
Tokio turned red as a tomato
"Hey,.." she meant to defend herself "it was late in the night, I was standing
in front of this corpse and he was trying to start a small talk about Misao!
I thought that would be the best possibility to get rid off him."
Aoshi raised a brow
"Getting rid of him by inviting him? Maybe for the moment, but now we have to
face the trouble. You gave him a card blanche with the invitation."
"Besides" Enishi interfered "A cop is nothing for our little Misao.
If he dares to come to close to her, I'll take personal care of him as well."
"We don't need even more trouble with the police, Enishi." Seriously Aoshi
sipped on his tea and registered Tokio's suspicious look and tried to calm her
"It is only plain green tea. Relax." He turned back to Enishi "It would be
better to let me handle the issue..."
"EXCUSE US!"
They heard a shouting from the entrance.
"Come in!"
Kenshin and Asiyah entered the room and after a brief greeting they handed
Tokio their gift: a bath-foam flavoured with green tea and citrus.
"It is supposed to be stimulating." Asiyah explained while Enishi eyed
the newcomers furtively but intensely.
The red hair they shared was too remarkable to be over-seen and their relation
was undeniable though there were differences in their features. Enishi knew
Kenshin for a very long time now, but this was the first time he met his
sister. Where had she been all the time? Somewhat pleased he registered the
greeting she sent in his direction, she still remembered him.
But with discomfort he registered the amused twisting of her lips as if she
had read his thoughts.
"Enishi Yukishiro, aren't you? We met at the tournament."
"I remember you well."
He gave her one of his winning smiles that never failed, at least not with his
sister and Aoshi decided it was time to leave his place beside Enishi and to
look for Megumi.
"Your white hair is quite remarkable."
He laughed heartfelt
"Well, at the beginning is was an 'accident'. Misao wanted to try something
on me but she mixed the bottles, in the end she bleached my hair. Father nearly
had a heart-attack as he saw the white hair, he had an important official
meeting that evening and we were supposed to take part, too. But Mother,
Tokio, Tomoe and Misao persuaded him that trying to get the hair black again
would be futile and would only end in magenta, lilac or another girlish
colour. Well, in the end everyone liked it and I bleach it regularly now."
"You are related to the Makimachis?"
"No. Our parents were close friends, Tomoe's and my parents died in a car
accident when we were still small, but the Makimachi's took care of us, so
we grew up together. I was very little when the accident happened, so I got
used to call the Makimachis father and mother. Tokio and Misao are
sisters to me, like Tomoe."
Asiyah's green eyes filled with sympathy. Now he registered the obvious
difference between Asiyah and Kenshin. Her basic eye-colour was green and
where did this strange name come from? He had never heard it before.
"Hi!"
Megumi's head popped up in the door-frame, Aoshi closely behind her.
It was the signal Tokio had waited for and she jumped up from the cushions.
"How about something to drink and dinner?"
All gathered people cheered up at once and a murmuring arose.
"Some beer for me please."
"What's it for dinner?"
"Could you make some cocktails again?"
"What about some tea? OUCH! What was that for?"
"It is beef-hot-pot."
"There will be a cop tonight, we can't prepare THAT kind of tea."
Sighing Tokio turned to the kitchen and Kenshin, feeling futile, followed her
closely
"May I help you?"
"Yes, thanks, that would be nice. We already prepared the food, but could you
help with the beer and the cocktails?"
Grinning wide Kenshin followed Tokio high on her heels.
In the kitchen Tokio found out that Kenshin was very helpful indeed. He cut
the fruits skillfully like he had never done anything else in his life and
he didn't mind to be commanded around by her. A situation she could get used
to, Tokio resumed. She needed to satisfy her noisiness
"Where did you learn this kitchen-stuff?"
He cracked s smile
"I lived alone for a long time, naturally I learned something."
Tokio loaded Kenshin with the first glasses
"Ok, this is the first one, a 'Mint Julep'. I enjoyed it in London very often,
it is another one of my favourites."
Kenshin nodded, carefully balancing the precious load in his arms and went
out of the kitchen. A bad timing.
"KAORU!"
"MISAO!"
"ORO!"
...were the last words heard before a loud clash and the sound of
splittering glass.
"KENSHIN!" Kaoru screamed at the top of her lungs trying to wake the swirly-
eyed man up, still unconscious from the clash between Misao and herself.
She placed his head in her lap and squeezed his head only succeeding in
making him feel worse.
Tokio appeared in the door and looked pissed off as Misao could tell from a
life long experience.
"Great. My cocktails are spilled."
Misao had already caught a mop and a cloth, caring for the glass-splitters
and the liquid slowly sinking into the tatami.
"Kenshin, are you all right?" Sorrowfully Asiyah frowned, seeing her brother
scattered on the ground, his head in the lap of the violent young tomboy
she had met at the tournament and slowly gaining his senses back.
"Yes." He hold his head, but everything was still in place. Only the world
seemed to turn around him.
"Kenshin, are you alright?" Kaoru squeezed him even more.
"Oro!" The world went black again.
Quickly Megumi was kneeling by his side, pushing a protesting Kaoru roughly
aside, examining Kenshin's eyes. Only to give him a smack on the back of his
head.
"MEGUMI!" Kaoru screamed.
"Ouch!" Kenshin was holding his ears about the high, squeaking voice and was,
much to everyones relief, back to normal.
Megumi threw a suspicious glance on him as he went to the living room,
supported by Kaoru and Asiyah.
"I wonder what's it with this guy. Every school-girl is drooling over him."
"She is already in university." Tokio replied dryly and in a fake surprise
Megumi raised an eyebrow.
"Really? She is behaving like a mindless fan-girl from High-school. Poor Ken-
san."
Sighing Tokio shook her head
"Don't be so hard. I am sure she has some positive sides you haven't seen yet.
She is a good friend for Misao."
"You don't like her either."
Tokio shrugged
"I don't like how she is behaving around Kenshin. I'll give her some more
time and chances."
Getting impatient and angry Megumi shoved Tokio back into the kitchen
"You are too kind, Tokio. For once I want to see that you admit that you
dislike a person from the very beginning. For now I'll help you with the
preparations."
Just as they started to prepare the next load, another guest appeared.
"Hello?" A shy voice was heard from the entrance.
Without looking up, Megumi guided her
"In the kitchen!"
Carefully a head appeared in the door-frame
"TAE!"
"Tokio." Smiling warm Tae embraced her friend "Happy birthday, my dear."
She revealed her hand that she had kept hidden behind her back "Here is
something for you."
Excitedly Tokio accepted the envelope and nosily she opened it. It contained
some 'credit notes' for meals at Tae's parents' new restaurant.
"Thanks very much, Tae."
"How was your exam, Tae?" Relieved Megumi noticed that she had pressed out
enough orange-juice once more.
Proudly Tae stiffened
"Excellent. Now I can concentrate fully on the restaurant and get it running."
Tokio took the chance
"Could you care for the dinner? Everything is prepared and in the fridge, we
just need the sauce."
"No problem."
"Oi!" The next guest arrived and immediately spotted the spilled cocktails.
The air was filled with a alcoholic odor
"What a fitting greeting." As if lead by witchcraft, he found his way to the
fridge. "Hello altogether."
"WHO INVITED YOU?"
Megumi had already turned red about the familiar behaviour, and she
realised that the beer was in extreme danger.
Sanosuke ignored her as long as he had found the fridge and opened the first
beer.
"Enishi and Tokio told me." negligent he turned to Tokio "Happy birthday."
and threw a bottle in her directions which she caught in the last moment
before it scattered on the ground.
He raised questioning an eyebrow at the last woman in the room he didn't know
yet and hastily Tokio introduced the two.
"Tae, this is Sanosuke Sagara, he organizes the races and bets in which
Enishi, Megumi, Misao and I take part in. Sano, this is Tae .... her parents
are running a restaurant downtown and she works there."
"A restaurant, he?"
Interested Sano moved closer to Tae much to Megumi's dismay.
Tae turned red and embarrassed about the attention she giggled.
"Yes, a restaurant. We specialized on traditional Japanese food like beef
hot-pot and are quite popular."
Sanosuke followed Tae high on her heels as she carried the food over to the
living room where everybody already waited for them.
"Ah, the meal."
Tokio and Megumi followed closely
"AAAA, the cocktails."
They gathered around the low table in the middle with a heater and the hot pot
on it and after some confusion and embarrassment who started the meal, Sano
plainly ended the annoying discussion by putting the first portion into
the hot liquid.
"Excuse me!"
The next guest announced himself and a sly grin crossed Misao's features
as she answered
"Over here!"
Okita appeared in the door-frame and Tokio chocked on her food. Behind him
Saitou appeared.
"Hello everyone."
Kenshin turned his attention on Tokio sitting beside him on the verge of
suffocation on her food, patting her back.
"Better now, Tokio? Tokio!" Concerned he hit her back harder.
"Tokio?"
Tomoe, sitting on Tokio's other side joined Kenshin's patting.
Struggling with her breath Tokio waved her hand, Misao's lips turning into
a wide grin.
"Better now."
Still not convinced Kenshin laid his arm around her to support her and
Kaoru's eyes flashed in anger.
Saitou' lips turned into a mocking smile
"How touching, a fool and his.." but never ended his sentence for he was
elbowed by Okita who stepped forward.
"Happy birthday, Tokio." He offered her a bunch of flowers for which he had
to spend a lot of money. He had reached the shop short before closing,
accompanied by Saitou's sneering comments. But he never minded, over-all she
was Misao's sister. It was well-invested money... in his opinion, of course.
Still coughing and waving her hand thankfully Tokio struggled to accept
the bunch, but Kenshin helped out.
"Thank you very much."
Kaoru's fists tightened and the grinding of her teeth could be heard.
Misao cast a quick glance into the round
"I think you all know each other from the tournaments, except Tae maybe."
Quickly she introduced her to the persons she still not knew and
after the excitement had settled down, they turned their attention back onto
the food.
"Why did you invite him?" Tokio whispered in Misao's ear, who knew immediately
whom Tokio meant.
Furtively Misao whispered back
"Okita called me that they had 'readiness' this evening and had to be prepared
to react quickly so that he had to spend the evening together with Saitou."
Innocently she shrugged "So I told him to bring him along."
Hemming Aoshi turned the attention on him, addressing the two policemen
"So you two are in charge of investigating the murderer at the Takani-
hospital?"
"Aren't you the owner's daughter boyfriend?"
Saitou seemed to concentrate on his food but he registered Aoshi's confirming
nod.
"Yes, we are investigating the case." Quickly Okita threw in, not
wanting his friend to ruin the mood with some of his comments.
"I never heard of such a strange murderer before." Misao shuddered "It was so
unnecessarily cruel."
"This Yamamoto was the only concerned person with this kind of murder?"
Aoshi wanted to know more.
"Yes, we have never seen something like this in Tokyo before and all other
patients were unharmed and unscratched. We couldn't even find
out until now how the murderer left the hospital. All exits were closed and
the receptionist didn't notice one person leaving the building. All emergency
exits are connected to the fire-department and the nearest police-station.
When the doors are opened they give a direct alarm. But there was no alarm
and all alarm-connections were still
intact. We checked the windows, but only the ones in the sick-bays can be
opened and all windows were still closed when we came."
Aoshi settled back, outwardly emotionless, but inwardly interested. This
affair touched him as well for Megumi was his friend and being connected
to such a spectacular murderer could endanger his political career. The facts
pointed to an insider of the hospital as a murderer. The two policemen made a
quite sly and smart impression on him. He decided
to take care of the situation personally.
Kenshin was already chewing on a fact for a while and maybe this was the right
time to tell the others about his idea
"You said there was a reversed blade involved?"
Shocked Kaoru covered her mouth and paled
"A reversed blade?" it was the first time she heard about that.
"Are you the daughter of Kamiya who runs the dojo?" Interested Okita
leaned forward.
Still shocked Kaoru nodded.
"The victim, Yamamoto, trained at your school."
For she didn't trust her voice, Kaoru simply nodded.
Casually Saitou threw in
"Did you know that he took drugs?"
"WHAT?" Kaoru was truly shocked and paled even more. "DRUGS?" Her voice
squeaking once more. That could mean the end of her father's school, it
wouldn't take one more scandal.
Hastily Kenshin tried to bring the conversation back to his idea.
"And the victim had a crossed wound on his cheek?"
"Yes." chewing with both cheeks, Okita confirmed and turned to Tokio.
"an excellent meal, you are a talented cook."
It seemed as if he would do all the talking for his friend who closely
followed the exchange, but never interfered.
Taking it for granted, Tokio nodded.
Kenshin started with his explanation
"It reminds me of a manga called 'Rurouni Soujirou'. Have you ever heard of
it?"
Sano searched with his chop-sticks for a particular piece of beef in the
hot pot
"I think we all know what you are talking about. It was very successful."
Megumi shuddered
"Yes, and all this merchandising. There was a time I couldn't stand all these
pencils, cases and scrolls anymore."
Saitou had found the piece of beef Sano had been looking for
"So you read still mangas?"
Slightly Kenshin's face reddened
"Erm, yes. It is a nice distraction from learning and serious stuff."
Kaoru recovered from her shock and clapped her hands
"You are right, Kenshin. I also like reading them."
Thoughtfully Okita chewed on his rice.
"I liked 'Rurouni Soujirou' very much, a great manga. I think you are right,
Kenshin. The thought never occurred on my mind before. The murderer really
reminds me of the story."
"Great. Now our murderer is a manga-character." Saitou sneered.
"I didn't say that your murderer is a manga-character." Kenshin snapped back.
"I heard very well what you said."
For some seconds the room fell silent while Kenshin and Saitou stared hostile
at each other and it appeared to anyone that these two weren't the closest
friends.
"Erm..." Okita laughed constrainedly "Maybe we shouldn't talk about work this
evening, it is a birthday-party. How old did you get, Tokio?"
"23."
"That's a wonderful age."
"Soushi, you are of the same age."
"That is the reason why it is so wonderful, Hajime."
It was time for Kenshin to defend himself
"You read also 'Rurouni Soujirou', Soushi?"
Delighted Soushi giggled
"Yes. My favourite character is the mummy from the Kyoto-arc."
Kaoru had finished eating and leaned back
"My favourite is Akane who runs the dojo where Soujirou stays."
Megumi turned up her nose
"No wonder, Kaoru. She is just like you."
"My favourite one is Kingo the leader of the ninja-group." Misao was
drooling looking to the ceiling.
"He is an insensitive ice-block." Soushi muttered.
"Hey, don't insult our Kingo." If looks could kill, Soushi would be dead by now
as six women turned her attention on him immediately.
Aoshi dropped his emotionless mask for a second and grinned
"I didn't thought that this guy is that popular among women."
"He is such a cool guy." Still drooling Misao let herself drop back into the
cushions.
"I prefer Harada." Sano was still looking for a larger piece of beef in the
pot.
"This freeloader?" Megumi frowned "I never liked him very much, he is such
an annoying character."
"Hello everyone. Are you talking about 'Rurouni Soujirou'?"
"Akira!" Tokio jumped up and hugged the young man.
"Happy birthday, my dear." He greeted back and whispered in her ear
"You'll get your present later."
"It is so great that you had time to come this weekend. Take a seat I'll get
something to drink and some more food."
"For me a beer."
"Some more tea please."
"Can't you make this cocktail again we had the last time?"
"A beer for me, too."
"Do you have water? I need to drive later."
A murmuring arose and after being elbowed by his sister who was leading an
interesting discussion with Enishi about old oriental weapons Kenshin
stood up and followed Tokio to the kitchen.
While they prepared the next charge the could hear the laughter and
conversations in the next room.
"Kenshin?"
"mmm?" He was concentrated chopping the fruits and not his fingers.
"You don't like this cop very much, do you?"
With an extra forceful move Kenshin chopped the green part of the pineapple
away
"No. We had some confrontations in the past."
"Some confrontations?"
Seriously Kenshin laid the knife aside
"As you know I am interesting in improving the situation of the underprivileged
people. Therefore I founded a group, we organize demonstrations and meetings
to show and make the population realise what is wrong in this country."
Sadly he looked down at the knife "Still, 150 years after the Edo-period we
haven't solved our problems."
"I think you are right to some extent." Surprised Kenshin cast a glance at
her. "We really haven't solved most of our problems yet. But what has this to
do with the cop?"
"You can imagine that the government isn't very pleased about this movement.
He interrupted our meetings several times and arrested me."
"Oh, that sounds serious."
Kenshin cracked a smile
"It is not serious, Tokio. It is just an different political attitude. On one
point we respect each other, but we could never be good friends."
"I see."
"Kenshin? Where are you?" Suspiciously Kaoru peeked into the kitchen, Tokio
and Kenshin were spending too much time alone for her taste. Tokio handed them
both some glasses and shoved them back into the party room.
She hadn't much time alone preparing the next drink for another guest peeked
into the kitchen
"All alone here?"
"Why aren't you with the other guests?"
Saitou leaned against the door-frame
"I want some tea."
"I'll prepare some for you, just a second."
Loud laughter was heard from the other room and Saitou threw a glance over
his shoulder
"This Kamiya girl is drooling over your boyfriend."
"He isn't my 'boyfriend', he is just a good friend."
"Yes, he wouldn't make a good match for a daughter of the Makimachis."
Tokio stopped short
"You investigated about my family?"
"I wouldn't call this an investigation. Your family is quite famous and I have
access to the documents about our diplomatic corp. Remember that you were
at the hospital when the murder took place."
Tokio caught the tea-bag in the last moment before the tea scattered
over the floor. She only hoped he hadn't full access to ALL files as a lower
member of the Tokyo police. Otherwise they would face a problem. She needed to
tell Aoshi and Enishi about it and she needed to know how much he knew.
Embarrassed she smiled at him
"Yes, our father is very successful and ambitious."
"He was the best one student in his graduation year."
"Yes, he got a reward." Girlishly she giggled "He framed it, it is still
hanging in the entrance of our London house."
"He married a daughter of the Ichida-family directly after."
Tokio shrugged
"It was a political marriage, but they both are satisfied with it. Father has
time to concentrate on his job and mother has enough money to spend and enough
freedom to do what she wants. You might know this."
"It is common knowledge, yes."
"Hey! Where is the beer?" Sano's unmistakable voice came from the living room.
"Coming!" Tokio turned to the fridge and Saitou had to take a deep drag from
his cigarette as she bend over. He wasn't quite sure if she was doing it on
purpose, but this position allowed him an ever better look under her skirt
than he had had when she was standing in a towel in front of him. The stockings
were ending mid-thighs and the colour of the under ware.
"peep, peep, peep." He cursed his bad luck. Just in this moment he was paged, a
bad timing. One look on his pager was enough. At least he could arrest someone
this evening.
"I am sorry, but Soushi and I have to leave."
Remembering the files about her family, Tokio quickly turned around
"Oh, that is 'sad'." She bite her lip and looked to the ground, moving one
foot embarrassed over the pattern on the floor "Could you give me your
phone-number?" She swallowed and felt her head turning red, just perfect.
"I'd like to talk to you again."
Satisfied she noticed that he was speechless for a second
"erm, sure." He took out a visiting card "here is my card."
"Thanks." Tokio took a close look on it, it was only his name, address and
phone-number on it. No clue about his rank. Quickly she handed him her own card
modestly avoiding to look into his face.
"Here." Faster then he had realised Tokio had turned back to the fridge and
he found himself with beer cans in one arm and his tea in the other hand.
"You should drink something warm before you leave for duty."
He found himself back with the others handing Sano and Kenshin their beer
before he could blink twice and waved Okita to leave. Obviously Okita
regretted to depart from the over-energetic girl by his side. He had gathered
some interesting facts about the group of friends during this night.
Directly after they had left, Tokio turned to Aoshi
"He mentioned that he has access to our family-files."
Aoshi frowned
"Is something of interest in the files for them?"
Biting her lip Tokio thought about it
"I was arrested several times in London, but father always got me out
and I was never accused. These files are kept under lock and key, so I
hope he hasn't seem them yet. I asked for his phone-number and I plan to date
with him, maybe he tells me then what he knows."
Seriously Aoshi sipped on his tea
"Good idea, Tokio. I think they are suspecting and observing us already, we
need every information we can get."
Megumi decided for one more cocktail
"If this Yamamoto took drugs and they find out about your arrests they will be
even more suspicious. Involving us all."
"And Kaoru's father owns this reversed blade sword." Kenshin pointed out,
earning a sorrowful and concerned look from Kaoru.
"I hope that they don't suspect my father." Kaoru squirmed uncomfortable.
"Well," Aoshi straightened up and got everyone's attention "I think we all
know that no one of us is the murderer and we all have an interest to handle
this affair discreetly. I don't trust these two men and I would like to start
investigations on my own. What do you think about it?"
Rumor and discussion arouse, but after some time the excitement settled down
and they all agreed that it couldn't hurt to snoop around on themselves, maybe
to prevent that they would get arrested.
The alcohol run freely down the throats during the whole evening and night,
leaving all tired and exhausted in the morning.
They had to decide whether to drive home or use the huge free space in the
house still available, so all agreed to sleep for a few hours before they
would drive home next day.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TBC.....
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Started: August 1st 2002
Finished: September 15th 2002
Ja ne,
Mara
I don't own Ruroken. Unfortunately Watsuki and some big name companies already
have this privilege.
Special thanks to Hana Himura who edited this story for giving me helpful
hints and advice and to Firuze Khanume for giving helpful comments and
critics.
Oh... well... this is alternate universe, so I can do with the characters what
I want (to a certain extent). You will see what I mean...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT FROM THIS CHAPTER ON:
My dear and tortured pre-readers told me that this fic is going to be
a bit too strong for the weak stomach... so there will be two versions of
this story:
One rated PG-13 and one rated NC-17.
The lemons will be marked, so even when you read the NC-17-version you will
have the chance to skip the lemons you don't want to read =^^=.
Warning for this chapter (NC-17-Version):
It contains Yuri, so if you are offended by this kind of thing, I recommend
you to leave parts of this fic 'out'. Just don't read it =^^=.
erm, since NC-17 will be banned from FF.net, you will find this version on my
homepage, you'll find the link on my profile here on FF.net.
I'll upload the NC-17-version on my homepage on Thursday, September 19th.
Sorry for the delay, but I can't work on my homepage earlier.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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CHAPTER 6: CELEBRATING
~Two days later, evening~
Four women were gathered around the kitchen-table, busy with
preparations for the party which was supposed to take place this evening.
Megumi was chopping radish, trying to fight raising tears due to the acidic smell
"Misao? Have you prepared the carrots?"
"Yup, the tofu is already chopped as well."
"The beef is ready, too."
Tomoe set the plate back into the fridge while Tokio tried desperately to
arrange all beer-cans inside only to give up frustrated.
"Our fridge is too small."
Megumi grinned evilly
"It is not our fridge that is to small, Tokio, it is you and your friends
who are drinking far too much alcohol than it is healthy."
Standing up, Tokio glared over to the fox
"Do you won't a drink tonight or not?"
"I didn't mention that I am an exception, Tokio."
"Hey, girls! Can I help you?"
Enishi appeared in the door-frame only to face four annoyed faces.
Lazily he caught a knife thrown at him in mid-air.
"OUT!"
He just shrugged
"Don't complain later. I offered my help."
"Are you already done with cleaning the living room?"
"Don't panic, Tokio. Everything is fine."
"Thanks, Enishi." Tokio gave up putting all cans into the fridge and
wiped some sweat from her forehead. For the third time she checked the
ice-box "The crushed ice should be enough for the cocktails..." she sniffed
under her arms and turned up her nose "I need to take a bath before the guests
arrive."
Her hair gluing in her face, Tomoe could only agree.
"Me, too."
Misao was skillfully cutting the leek into tiny bits in one fluid move
"Why don't you two go up, have a bath" she blinked at her older sister
"and style yourselves."
"Misao and I can take care of the sweets alone."
Megumi just set the last ingredients on the kitchen-table, mis trustingly
and carefully checked by Tomoe.
"Don't use your special recipe, Megumi. Misao's cop is coming."
Misao struggled with a feeling of embarrassment, anger and pride. Pride was
winning.
"He is really sweet, isn't he? He is such a handsome, sweet, intelligent and
nice guy..."
Roughly she was interrupted by her sister, who had to hear stories about the
heroic, young man 48 hours during the last two days
"We all know, that he is handsome, and we all agreed already with you."
Misao stuck out her tongue
"You are only envious, Tokio."
It was time for Tokio to leave together with Tomoe and to head to the
bath-room.
****
Misao was at the end of her tether and knocked vehemently on the bathroom door while
Megumi's voice was heard
"COME OUT OF THE BATHROOM IMMEDIATELY! I know what you are doing, but this is
NO reason to occupy the room for HOURS. I want to have a shower as well!"
Sighing and regretting Tomoe took a cloth while Tokio stood up and threw an annoyed
glance at the glass-door dividing the shower and the bath-tube from the rest
of the bath-room.
"Just a second, Megumi!"
With a last regretting look both friends left the bath passing a furious
Megumi and a not less annoyed Misao.
"You two are not the only ones living here."
"You give me no chance to forget this, Misao." Tokio snapped back and shoved
her younger sister to the mirror. "Better put some make-up on to impress your
oh so 'handsome' cop, little Misao."
Much to her surprise, Misao didn't protest and just grinned evilly and
meaningful.
Something was wrong... but she had no time to wonder, Tomoe just grabbed her
on the collar of her yukata and pulled her out of the room.
"Let's get dressed and arrange your hair, Tokio."
****
As they both were dressed, they went down only to find Aoshi and Enishi
sitting comfortable in the opened window, both smoking, Enishi with a beer
by his side and Aoshi with his unavoidable tea. Shortly Tokio wondered what kind of tea
Aoshi and Megumi had brewed together this time, it had to vanish before the
guests arrived.
But even more the smell in the air let Tokio and Tomoe stop short. Not a
second later Tomoe had recovered and snapped the cigarette from Enishi's mouth.
"I can't believe that you two are smoking this crap right now! There is
a policeman coming! Now we have to light some 'joss sticks' to cover the
smell."
Negligent Enishi shrugged
"I didn't invite the cops, a stupid idea by the way. I admit, it is a thrill
if he finds out something, but it is annoying that we have to hold back."
Aoshi took a last drag, closing his eyes delightful before he carefully
tugged it out and placed the last half back in his packet.
"In one point I have to agree. It was not very wise to invite them, especially
after Yamamoto's murderer. If he snoops around to much, I'll have to take
care of him. We should take care that nothing arouses their suspicion."
Tokio turned red as a tomato
"Hey,.." she meant to defend herself "it was late in the night, I was standing
in front of this corpse and he was trying to start a small talk about Misao!
I thought that would be the best possibility to get rid off him."
Aoshi raised a brow
"Getting rid of him by inviting him? Maybe for the moment, but now we have to
face the trouble. You gave him a card blanche with the invitation."
"Besides" Enishi interfered "A cop is nothing for our little Misao.
If he dares to come to close to her, I'll take personal care of him as well."
"We don't need even more trouble with the police, Enishi." Seriously Aoshi
sipped on his tea and registered Tokio's suspicious look and tried to calm her
"It is only plain green tea. Relax." He turned back to Enishi "It would be
better to let me handle the issue..."
"EXCUSE US!"
They heard a shouting from the entrance.
"Come in!"
Kenshin and Asiyah entered the room and after a brief greeting they handed
Tokio their gift: a bath-foam flavoured with green tea and citrus.
"It is supposed to be stimulating." Asiyah explained while Enishi eyed
the newcomers furtively but intensely.
The red hair they shared was too remarkable to be over-seen and their relation
was undeniable though there were differences in their features. Enishi knew
Kenshin for a very long time now, but this was the first time he met his
sister. Where had she been all the time? Somewhat pleased he registered the
greeting she sent in his direction, she still remembered him.
But with discomfort he registered the amused twisting of her lips as if she
had read his thoughts.
"Enishi Yukishiro, aren't you? We met at the tournament."
"I remember you well."
He gave her one of his winning smiles that never failed, at least not with his
sister and Aoshi decided it was time to leave his place beside Enishi and to
look for Megumi.
"Your white hair is quite remarkable."
He laughed heartfelt
"Well, at the beginning is was an 'accident'. Misao wanted to try something
on me but she mixed the bottles, in the end she bleached my hair. Father nearly
had a heart-attack as he saw the white hair, he had an important official
meeting that evening and we were supposed to take part, too. But Mother,
Tokio, Tomoe and Misao persuaded him that trying to get the hair black again
would be futile and would only end in magenta, lilac or another girlish
colour. Well, in the end everyone liked it and I bleach it regularly now."
"You are related to the Makimachis?"
"No. Our parents were close friends, Tomoe's and my parents died in a car
accident when we were still small, but the Makimachi's took care of us, so
we grew up together. I was very little when the accident happened, so I got
used to call the Makimachis father and mother. Tokio and Misao are
sisters to me, like Tomoe."
Asiyah's green eyes filled with sympathy. Now he registered the obvious
difference between Asiyah and Kenshin. Her basic eye-colour was green and
where did this strange name come from? He had never heard it before.
"Hi!"
Megumi's head popped up in the door-frame, Aoshi closely behind her.
It was the signal Tokio had waited for and she jumped up from the cushions.
"How about something to drink and dinner?"
All gathered people cheered up at once and a murmuring arose.
"Some beer for me please."
"What's it for dinner?"
"Could you make some cocktails again?"
"What about some tea? OUCH! What was that for?"
"It is beef-hot-pot."
"There will be a cop tonight, we can't prepare THAT kind of tea."
Sighing Tokio turned to the kitchen and Kenshin, feeling futile, followed her
closely
"May I help you?"
"Yes, thanks, that would be nice. We already prepared the food, but could you
help with the beer and the cocktails?"
Grinning wide Kenshin followed Tokio high on her heels.
In the kitchen Tokio found out that Kenshin was very helpful indeed. He cut
the fruits skillfully like he had never done anything else in his life and
he didn't mind to be commanded around by her. A situation she could get used
to, Tokio resumed. She needed to satisfy her noisiness
"Where did you learn this kitchen-stuff?"
He cracked s smile
"I lived alone for a long time, naturally I learned something."
Tokio loaded Kenshin with the first glasses
"Ok, this is the first one, a 'Mint Julep'. I enjoyed it in London very often,
it is another one of my favourites."
Kenshin nodded, carefully balancing the precious load in his arms and went
out of the kitchen. A bad timing.
"KAORU!"
"MISAO!"
"ORO!"
...were the last words heard before a loud clash and the sound of
splittering glass.
"KENSHIN!" Kaoru screamed at the top of her lungs trying to wake the swirly-
eyed man up, still unconscious from the clash between Misao and herself.
She placed his head in her lap and squeezed his head only succeeding in
making him feel worse.
Tokio appeared in the door and looked pissed off as Misao could tell from a
life long experience.
"Great. My cocktails are spilled."
Misao had already caught a mop and a cloth, caring for the glass-splitters
and the liquid slowly sinking into the tatami.
"Kenshin, are you all right?" Sorrowfully Asiyah frowned, seeing her brother
scattered on the ground, his head in the lap of the violent young tomboy
she had met at the tournament and slowly gaining his senses back.
"Yes." He hold his head, but everything was still in place. Only the world
seemed to turn around him.
"Kenshin, are you alright?" Kaoru squeezed him even more.
"Oro!" The world went black again.
Quickly Megumi was kneeling by his side, pushing a protesting Kaoru roughly
aside, examining Kenshin's eyes. Only to give him a smack on the back of his
head.
"MEGUMI!" Kaoru screamed.
"Ouch!" Kenshin was holding his ears about the high, squeaking voice and was,
much to everyones relief, back to normal.
Megumi threw a suspicious glance on him as he went to the living room,
supported by Kaoru and Asiyah.
"I wonder what's it with this guy. Every school-girl is drooling over him."
"She is already in university." Tokio replied dryly and in a fake surprise
Megumi raised an eyebrow.
"Really? She is behaving like a mindless fan-girl from High-school. Poor Ken-
san."
Sighing Tokio shook her head
"Don't be so hard. I am sure she has some positive sides you haven't seen yet.
She is a good friend for Misao."
"You don't like her either."
Tokio shrugged
"I don't like how she is behaving around Kenshin. I'll give her some more
time and chances."
Getting impatient and angry Megumi shoved Tokio back into the kitchen
"You are too kind, Tokio. For once I want to see that you admit that you
dislike a person from the very beginning. For now I'll help you with the
preparations."
Just as they started to prepare the next load, another guest appeared.
"Hello?" A shy voice was heard from the entrance.
Without looking up, Megumi guided her
"In the kitchen!"
Carefully a head appeared in the door-frame
"TAE!"
"Tokio." Smiling warm Tae embraced her friend "Happy birthday, my dear."
She revealed her hand that she had kept hidden behind her back "Here is
something for you."
Excitedly Tokio accepted the envelope and nosily she opened it. It contained
some 'credit notes' for meals at Tae's parents' new restaurant.
"Thanks very much, Tae."
"How was your exam, Tae?" Relieved Megumi noticed that she had pressed out
enough orange-juice once more.
Proudly Tae stiffened
"Excellent. Now I can concentrate fully on the restaurant and get it running."
Tokio took the chance
"Could you care for the dinner? Everything is prepared and in the fridge, we
just need the sauce."
"No problem."
"Oi!" The next guest arrived and immediately spotted the spilled cocktails.
The air was filled with a alcoholic odor
"What a fitting greeting." As if lead by witchcraft, he found his way to the
fridge. "Hello altogether."
"WHO INVITED YOU?"
Megumi had already turned red about the familiar behaviour, and she
realised that the beer was in extreme danger.
Sanosuke ignored her as long as he had found the fridge and opened the first
beer.
"Enishi and Tokio told me." negligent he turned to Tokio "Happy birthday."
and threw a bottle in her directions which she caught in the last moment
before it scattered on the ground.
He raised questioning an eyebrow at the last woman in the room he didn't know
yet and hastily Tokio introduced the two.
"Tae, this is Sanosuke Sagara, he organizes the races and bets in which
Enishi, Megumi, Misao and I take part in. Sano, this is Tae .... her parents
are running a restaurant downtown and she works there."
"A restaurant, he?"
Interested Sano moved closer to Tae much to Megumi's dismay.
Tae turned red and embarrassed about the attention she giggled.
"Yes, a restaurant. We specialized on traditional Japanese food like beef
hot-pot and are quite popular."
Sanosuke followed Tae high on her heels as she carried the food over to the
living room where everybody already waited for them.
"Ah, the meal."
Tokio and Megumi followed closely
"AAAA, the cocktails."
They gathered around the low table in the middle with a heater and the hot pot
on it and after some confusion and embarrassment who started the meal, Sano
plainly ended the annoying discussion by putting the first portion into
the hot liquid.
"Excuse me!"
The next guest announced himself and a sly grin crossed Misao's features
as she answered
"Over here!"
Okita appeared in the door-frame and Tokio chocked on her food. Behind him
Saitou appeared.
"Hello everyone."
Kenshin turned his attention on Tokio sitting beside him on the verge of
suffocation on her food, patting her back.
"Better now, Tokio? Tokio!" Concerned he hit her back harder.
"Tokio?"
Tomoe, sitting on Tokio's other side joined Kenshin's patting.
Struggling with her breath Tokio waved her hand, Misao's lips turning into
a wide grin.
"Better now."
Still not convinced Kenshin laid his arm around her to support her and
Kaoru's eyes flashed in anger.
Saitou' lips turned into a mocking smile
"How touching, a fool and his.." but never ended his sentence for he was
elbowed by Okita who stepped forward.
"Happy birthday, Tokio." He offered her a bunch of flowers for which he had
to spend a lot of money. He had reached the shop short before closing,
accompanied by Saitou's sneering comments. But he never minded, over-all she
was Misao's sister. It was well-invested money... in his opinion, of course.
Still coughing and waving her hand thankfully Tokio struggled to accept
the bunch, but Kenshin helped out.
"Thank you very much."
Kaoru's fists tightened and the grinding of her teeth could be heard.
Misao cast a quick glance into the round
"I think you all know each other from the tournaments, except Tae maybe."
Quickly she introduced her to the persons she still not knew and
after the excitement had settled down, they turned their attention back onto
the food.
"Why did you invite him?" Tokio whispered in Misao's ear, who knew immediately
whom Tokio meant.
Furtively Misao whispered back
"Okita called me that they had 'readiness' this evening and had to be prepared
to react quickly so that he had to spend the evening together with Saitou."
Innocently she shrugged "So I told him to bring him along."
Hemming Aoshi turned the attention on him, addressing the two policemen
"So you two are in charge of investigating the murderer at the Takani-
hospital?"
"Aren't you the owner's daughter boyfriend?"
Saitou seemed to concentrate on his food but he registered Aoshi's confirming
nod.
"Yes, we are investigating the case." Quickly Okita threw in, not
wanting his friend to ruin the mood with some of his comments.
"I never heard of such a strange murderer before." Misao shuddered "It was so
unnecessarily cruel."
"This Yamamoto was the only concerned person with this kind of murder?"
Aoshi wanted to know more.
"Yes, we have never seen something like this in Tokyo before and all other
patients were unharmed and unscratched. We couldn't even find
out until now how the murderer left the hospital. All exits were closed and
the receptionist didn't notice one person leaving the building. All emergency
exits are connected to the fire-department and the nearest police-station.
When the doors are opened they give a direct alarm. But there was no alarm
and all alarm-connections were still
intact. We checked the windows, but only the ones in the sick-bays can be
opened and all windows were still closed when we came."
Aoshi settled back, outwardly emotionless, but inwardly interested. This
affair touched him as well for Megumi was his friend and being connected
to such a spectacular murderer could endanger his political career. The facts
pointed to an insider of the hospital as a murderer. The two policemen made a
quite sly and smart impression on him. He decided
to take care of the situation personally.
Kenshin was already chewing on a fact for a while and maybe this was the right
time to tell the others about his idea
"You said there was a reversed blade involved?"
Shocked Kaoru covered her mouth and paled
"A reversed blade?" it was the first time she heard about that.
"Are you the daughter of Kamiya who runs the dojo?" Interested Okita
leaned forward.
Still shocked Kaoru nodded.
"The victim, Yamamoto, trained at your school."
For she didn't trust her voice, Kaoru simply nodded.
Casually Saitou threw in
"Did you know that he took drugs?"
"WHAT?" Kaoru was truly shocked and paled even more. "DRUGS?" Her voice
squeaking once more. That could mean the end of her father's school, it
wouldn't take one more scandal.
Hastily Kenshin tried to bring the conversation back to his idea.
"And the victim had a crossed wound on his cheek?"
"Yes." chewing with both cheeks, Okita confirmed and turned to Tokio.
"an excellent meal, you are a talented cook."
It seemed as if he would do all the talking for his friend who closely
followed the exchange, but never interfered.
Taking it for granted, Tokio nodded.
Kenshin started with his explanation
"It reminds me of a manga called 'Rurouni Soujirou'. Have you ever heard of
it?"
Sano searched with his chop-sticks for a particular piece of beef in the
hot pot
"I think we all know what you are talking about. It was very successful."
Megumi shuddered
"Yes, and all this merchandising. There was a time I couldn't stand all these
pencils, cases and scrolls anymore."
Saitou had found the piece of beef Sano had been looking for
"So you read still mangas?"
Slightly Kenshin's face reddened
"Erm, yes. It is a nice distraction from learning and serious stuff."
Kaoru recovered from her shock and clapped her hands
"You are right, Kenshin. I also like reading them."
Thoughtfully Okita chewed on his rice.
"I liked 'Rurouni Soujirou' very much, a great manga. I think you are right,
Kenshin. The thought never occurred on my mind before. The murderer really
reminds me of the story."
"Great. Now our murderer is a manga-character." Saitou sneered.
"I didn't say that your murderer is a manga-character." Kenshin snapped back.
"I heard very well what you said."
For some seconds the room fell silent while Kenshin and Saitou stared hostile
at each other and it appeared to anyone that these two weren't the closest
friends.
"Erm..." Okita laughed constrainedly "Maybe we shouldn't talk about work this
evening, it is a birthday-party. How old did you get, Tokio?"
"23."
"That's a wonderful age."
"Soushi, you are of the same age."
"That is the reason why it is so wonderful, Hajime."
It was time for Kenshin to defend himself
"You read also 'Rurouni Soujirou', Soushi?"
Delighted Soushi giggled
"Yes. My favourite character is the mummy from the Kyoto-arc."
Kaoru had finished eating and leaned back
"My favourite is Akane who runs the dojo where Soujirou stays."
Megumi turned up her nose
"No wonder, Kaoru. She is just like you."
"My favourite one is Kingo the leader of the ninja-group." Misao was
drooling looking to the ceiling.
"He is an insensitive ice-block." Soushi muttered.
"Hey, don't insult our Kingo." If looks could kill, Soushi would be dead by now
as six women turned her attention on him immediately.
Aoshi dropped his emotionless mask for a second and grinned
"I didn't thought that this guy is that popular among women."
"He is such a cool guy." Still drooling Misao let herself drop back into the
cushions.
"I prefer Harada." Sano was still looking for a larger piece of beef in the
pot.
"This freeloader?" Megumi frowned "I never liked him very much, he is such
an annoying character."
"Hello everyone. Are you talking about 'Rurouni Soujirou'?"
"Akira!" Tokio jumped up and hugged the young man.
"Happy birthday, my dear." He greeted back and whispered in her ear
"You'll get your present later."
"It is so great that you had time to come this weekend. Take a seat I'll get
something to drink and some more food."
"For me a beer."
"Some more tea please."
"Can't you make this cocktail again we had the last time?"
"A beer for me, too."
"Do you have water? I need to drive later."
A murmuring arose and after being elbowed by his sister who was leading an
interesting discussion with Enishi about old oriental weapons Kenshin
stood up and followed Tokio to the kitchen.
While they prepared the next charge the could hear the laughter and
conversations in the next room.
"Kenshin?"
"mmm?" He was concentrated chopping the fruits and not his fingers.
"You don't like this cop very much, do you?"
With an extra forceful move Kenshin chopped the green part of the pineapple
away
"No. We had some confrontations in the past."
"Some confrontations?"
Seriously Kenshin laid the knife aside
"As you know I am interesting in improving the situation of the underprivileged
people. Therefore I founded a group, we organize demonstrations and meetings
to show and make the population realise what is wrong in this country."
Sadly he looked down at the knife "Still, 150 years after the Edo-period we
haven't solved our problems."
"I think you are right to some extent." Surprised Kenshin cast a glance at
her. "We really haven't solved most of our problems yet. But what has this to
do with the cop?"
"You can imagine that the government isn't very pleased about this movement.
He interrupted our meetings several times and arrested me."
"Oh, that sounds serious."
Kenshin cracked a smile
"It is not serious, Tokio. It is just an different political attitude. On one
point we respect each other, but we could never be good friends."
"I see."
"Kenshin? Where are you?" Suspiciously Kaoru peeked into the kitchen, Tokio
and Kenshin were spending too much time alone for her taste. Tokio handed them
both some glasses and shoved them back into the party room.
She hadn't much time alone preparing the next drink for another guest peeked
into the kitchen
"All alone here?"
"Why aren't you with the other guests?"
Saitou leaned against the door-frame
"I want some tea."
"I'll prepare some for you, just a second."
Loud laughter was heard from the other room and Saitou threw a glance over
his shoulder
"This Kamiya girl is drooling over your boyfriend."
"He isn't my 'boyfriend', he is just a good friend."
"Yes, he wouldn't make a good match for a daughter of the Makimachis."
Tokio stopped short
"You investigated about my family?"
"I wouldn't call this an investigation. Your family is quite famous and I have
access to the documents about our diplomatic corp. Remember that you were
at the hospital when the murder took place."
Tokio caught the tea-bag in the last moment before the tea scattered
over the floor. She only hoped he hadn't full access to ALL files as a lower
member of the Tokyo police. Otherwise they would face a problem. She needed to
tell Aoshi and Enishi about it and she needed to know how much he knew.
Embarrassed she smiled at him
"Yes, our father is very successful and ambitious."
"He was the best one student in his graduation year."
"Yes, he got a reward." Girlishly she giggled "He framed it, it is still
hanging in the entrance of our London house."
"He married a daughter of the Ichida-family directly after."
Tokio shrugged
"It was a political marriage, but they both are satisfied with it. Father has
time to concentrate on his job and mother has enough money to spend and enough
freedom to do what she wants. You might know this."
"It is common knowledge, yes."
"Hey! Where is the beer?" Sano's unmistakable voice came from the living room.
"Coming!" Tokio turned to the fridge and Saitou had to take a deep drag from
his cigarette as she bend over. He wasn't quite sure if she was doing it on
purpose, but this position allowed him an ever better look under her skirt
than he had had when she was standing in a towel in front of him. The stockings
were ending mid-thighs and the colour of the under ware.
"peep, peep, peep." He cursed his bad luck. Just in this moment he was paged, a
bad timing. One look on his pager was enough. At least he could arrest someone
this evening.
"I am sorry, but Soushi and I have to leave."
Remembering the files about her family, Tokio quickly turned around
"Oh, that is 'sad'." She bite her lip and looked to the ground, moving one
foot embarrassed over the pattern on the floor "Could you give me your
phone-number?" She swallowed and felt her head turning red, just perfect.
"I'd like to talk to you again."
Satisfied she noticed that he was speechless for a second
"erm, sure." He took out a visiting card "here is my card."
"Thanks." Tokio took a close look on it, it was only his name, address and
phone-number on it. No clue about his rank. Quickly she handed him her own card
modestly avoiding to look into his face.
"Here." Faster then he had realised Tokio had turned back to the fridge and
he found himself with beer cans in one arm and his tea in the other hand.
"You should drink something warm before you leave for duty."
He found himself back with the others handing Sano and Kenshin their beer
before he could blink twice and waved Okita to leave. Obviously Okita
regretted to depart from the over-energetic girl by his side. He had gathered
some interesting facts about the group of friends during this night.
Directly after they had left, Tokio turned to Aoshi
"He mentioned that he has access to our family-files."
Aoshi frowned
"Is something of interest in the files for them?"
Biting her lip Tokio thought about it
"I was arrested several times in London, but father always got me out
and I was never accused. These files are kept under lock and key, so I
hope he hasn't seem them yet. I asked for his phone-number and I plan to date
with him, maybe he tells me then what he knows."
Seriously Aoshi sipped on his tea
"Good idea, Tokio. I think they are suspecting and observing us already, we
need every information we can get."
Megumi decided for one more cocktail
"If this Yamamoto took drugs and they find out about your arrests they will be
even more suspicious. Involving us all."
"And Kaoru's father owns this reversed blade sword." Kenshin pointed out,
earning a sorrowful and concerned look from Kaoru.
"I hope that they don't suspect my father." Kaoru squirmed uncomfortable.
"Well," Aoshi straightened up and got everyone's attention "I think we all
know that no one of us is the murderer and we all have an interest to handle
this affair discreetly. I don't trust these two men and I would like to start
investigations on my own. What do you think about it?"
Rumor and discussion arouse, but after some time the excitement settled down
and they all agreed that it couldn't hurt to snoop around on themselves, maybe
to prevent that they would get arrested.
The alcohol run freely down the throats during the whole evening and night,
leaving all tired and exhausted in the morning.
They had to decide whether to drive home or use the huge free space in the
house still available, so all agreed to sleep for a few hours before they
would drive home next day.
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TBC.....
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Started: August 1st 2002
Finished: September 15th 2002
Ja ne,
Mara