Everyone has been pretty wonderful on the whole when it comes to reviews,
and I really appreciate that. In a slight response to anyone wondering why
my writing is rough and tends towards lots of mistakes, well, that is
mostly my fault for not going in and adding enough detail after I finish.
Why is that? That is easy enough to answer: all chapters I write are first
drafts and I never revise them except to look over to make sure I have
chronology and names approximately correct. I suppose if I were a better
person and more careful I would revise things, but I don't have time. I
can either write with an hour here and there during the week, (I can only
manage to get 3 or 4 hours total per chapter really) or I can revise. I
find it more satisfying to write. Sorry if my notorious lack of polish
bothers anyone. Maybe some day I'll go back and add in all the stuff that
could make this decent, but I most likely will just continue writing
stories instead of going back to my old ones. I want to explore motives
and situations. I especially like the idea of Enishi falling for Kaoru but
not really noticing until it is too late. Hehehe. Enough of my blather,
on with the chapter.
Oh yes, and I of course like an idiot already messed up the chronology I'm sure. It starts out on Sunday here because the party was on Saturday. Originally I had planned the party on Friday and that's why I messed up. I think. I can't remember really. Gome.
Disclaimer: Ah, sweet disclaimer. I own nothing Rurouni Kenshin. Sad Christmas.
Chapter 3
Kaoru was making her way through the gym complex when, as she was passing one room, she got a glimpse of long red hair. Only one boy had hair that distinctive shade, and of course she felt pulled to go and say hello. It was worse than a need to talk to him. The guilt she felt at going on a date was easily defined by the fact that she loved him but that he was not the one in any sort of romantic situation with her. She was willing to admit that to herself freely enough. Taking down and retying her messy and still slightly sweat dampened hair; she hoped she looked somewhat presentable. Silently entering the training area she saw several other people practicing. For a long time she had known that Kenshin fenced, but this was the first time she had seen him do it. As always, and in a completely expected way, she felt inferior to his talent. The foil moved around and in so fast she had trouble following it, though his partner was doing a decent enough job. The hair she had seen earlier was running down his back out of the protective headgear in contrast to the white cloth. The difference in skill was not readily apparent to Kaoru. The men moved with such grace, and nothing they did really gave the other any trouble. However, it could not go on indefinitely and it didn't take long until Kenshin feinted back and then did something, later Kaoru described it as it looking like he struck from every angle at once, and the match was over.
Both men removed to an area further back and other people stepped in to take their places in the area. They took off their helmets, and Kenshin also began to remove other superfluous articles. She made her way over to congratulate both men on their match. Kenshin waved her over, and Kaoru wondered if he had seen her when he was fighting. Practice sword slung onto her shoulder, she felt nervous because of how out of place her look and fighting style were here. Her raw power and slower movements would be easy to beat compared to the speed and precision this sport offered. She simply should not compare two very different styles. Kenshin drew her into a hug and Kaoru stiffened a little bit before softening, as the action was wholly unexpected. He must be on an adrenaline high from the fight, she thought.
"Kaoru! What a surprise, I never thought I'd see you here. A friend of mine came to visit and we couldn't resist giving a shot at some matches. Oh, yes, let me introduce you. Kaoru Kamiya meet Hajime Saitou." Kenshin face was red with exertion, but happy as ever.
"Pleasure." Saitou's sour expression gave his words a sarcastic edge.
"Nice to meet you." Kaoru felt odd as both men became quiet and looked at her. "Your match was amazing. I don't know a lot about fencing, but I can at least tell the difference between you and the other people here. How long have you been doing this?"
"Saitou and I go way back. I've known him since my high school days when we were both in fencing classes. Our teacher was very intense and I still remember how hard I worked to try to win against him. What a strange man. If I remember he had a bit of a drinking problem too." Kenshin was being unusually talkative; it was nice to experience.
"We surpassed his talent long ago. Talking about him is a waste of time. You're too sentimental Himura." Saitou seemed like a very down sort of person and Kaoru felt like she didn't particularly want to keep talking to him. Gold eyes and black hair that fell in strands about his face only heightened his disaffected air. What startling eyes they were. It was just another odd friend for Kenshin. He seemed to collect them.
"Has he always been this serious?" Kaoru said to Kenshin in a stage whisper.
"Since before he was born I imagine." Kenshin answered with a smile. Saitou arched an eyebrow and ignored them both.
"I'm going to get changed. I'll be out in a moment. Good meeting you Miss Kamiya." Saitou nodded in her direction and then made his way towards the locker room.
"So what are you up to today Kaoru? You left the party rather early last night." So he did notice. "I'm sorry it wasn't all that fun for you. I know you didn't know as many people there."
"It all turned out ok. I had some people to talk to." Why was she skirting the subject? Shouldn't she be happy to tell him about her good fortune?
"Well, Saitou and I are going to hang out today, maybe go to a movie or something. I was going to go see if people wanted to come with, but I'm pretty sure the majority of them are nursing a hangover. What about it?" A day. A day spent with Kenshin and his friend. He was unusually happy and talkative. Everything she had been hoping for, but for once she was not able to go. Kicking herself mentally, she put on a smile in a slightly forced way.
"I'm sorry Kenshin, but I can't." He looked disappointed. Damn it all.
"Why is that Kaoru?" She knew that this was going to happen, but she had thought she'd be able to keep it from him for a little longer. Might as well jump on in. He was one of her best friends after all.
"I'm going on a date in a couple hours." Something froze in Kaoru, or maybe it was the mood between them. She couldn't put her finger on it because she swore her heart was beating fast enough to kill her. So much stress. All the practicing she had used to warm up was useless as she went into a cold sweat. Kenshin's expression flickered for a moment, but Kaoru didn't notice it. The smile never faltered on his face.
"Have a great time! And tell me all about it when you get back tonight. I hope he's nice to you. if he's not then Sano and I would be glad to take care of him for you." Kenshin gave her a surprisingly tight hug. "I have to get going too. Saitou tends to just leave if he waits for too long." They waved at one another and Kaoru made her way home as Kenshin met Saitou in the locker room.
Saitou was surprised to see Kenshin looking so serious. Often he had that amiable and absent smile on his face. Frankly it was fake and annoying to Saitou who knew that that was just a projection of a person who was not Kenshin. Saitou hated seeing people pretend to be what they weren't. That Kamiya girl was odd. He didn't see any falsity in her. There was her obvious adoration for Himura that she attempted to hide, but that was minor. What she presented to people was what she was. It wasn't a wise idea, but it was admirable to some extent. It was appropriate that such an innocent and Himura were together. He was tying his combat boots as Kenshin walked in.
"Is the girl coming with us?" Saitou knew that Kenshin was the type to invite her, not that he minded, because if Tokio had been free today. he shoved down the thought of her as weakness. Kenshin looked visibly deflated, so something was wrong. "What? Did you two have a fight or something?"
"She's busy." Hmm. Busy meant another person. She was either going on a date or she was spending time with a different friend. Himura wouldn't be this moody about her being with a friend.
"You always move too slow Himura." Saitou was unsurprised to find Kenshin whip around with a dangerous look in his eyes. The gleam was almost predatory. It was the look he got when fighting intensely and Saitou decided it was best not to press the issue any more. It was almost fun seeing the calm little man in a rage, but it unwise to push his luck. Striding out to get a soda from the vending machine, he wondered if things would have been this difficult for Kenshin before Tomoe. But he wasn't going to bring up Tomoe. He actually wanted to have a good day.
*
He arrived looking devilishly charming in a short-sleeved shirt and a black tie, with loose pants rather like those little old men wear. Only Enishi was no little old man. He stood on her porch a moment as she tried not to stare at him. When he arched an eyebrow Kaoru came to and invited him inside while she found a coat. Honestly, she didn't know why he wasn't freezing, but somehow it seemed like something she should not be surprised about. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and looked around in a critical manner, as if memorizing everything about her living space and evaluating it as well. Kaoru hoped she was up to his standards, and tried to shove aside the voice that angrily asserted she should have cleaned up a little. Mostly she succeeded. Flattening out her plaid skirt, she took out a long coat so that maybe her legs would be just that much less cold. If he had just been a minute or two more she would have been out front and ready to meet him so that they could avoid.
"Hello, I don't believe we've been introduced." Megumi. Naturally. Kaoru stifled a groan.
"Enishi Yukishiro. It's a pleasure." Kaoru was amazed that he could sound both sincere and sarcastic at the same time.
"Megumi Takani. Kaoru hasn't mentioned you before." Megumi gave a sly smile. "How long have you known one another." Kaoru stifled the instinct to shut her up and run away.
"I believe we've had the pleasure of knowing one another for about a day." Enishi liked this girl, he had observed her before and he liked her ruthlessness. She was just like all the women who had been in his life, excluding Tomoe. Being on familiar ground eased his nerves around Kaoru.
"It's already dark and I'd like some dinner, so if you'll excuse us Megumi." Kaoru broke the disturbingly intent stare each had on the other. Although having the force of their glares focused on her was uncomfortable, it was still better than prolonging things. Megumi sure was never going to let her get away tonight until all details had been disclosed. Kaoru sighed.
"You kids have fun then. Good meeting you."
"Likewise." Enishi possessively put an arm about Kaoru's shoulders for Megumi's benefit as they left. Kaoru tensed perceptibly but did not push him away. "My car is just a little ways away. I hope you enjoy where we're going for dinner. I hear they are better than decent." Three stars, very expensive but not too posh, not that he was going to tell her that.
His car was sleek, black, and expensive looking. Kaoru didn't know much if anything about cars, but she was sure that it cost more than her life was worth to own something like this. Without a word he opened the door for her and she stepped into the cold and sterile environment. How could a car be this clean? It was shocking after Sano's death trap bucket of a car covered in old garbage and dust. Somehow that car felt better than this one did though, and Kaoru thought maybe because this thing felt like a piece of industrial equipment. It was a little better when he turned it on and things lit up. The heat was nice too, though her cheeks were red with a blush that refused to remove itself since she had left the house. The drive also took place in silence, but it was not wholly uncomfortable. Kaoru didn't really have anything to say and didn't know how to start casual conversations. Enishi, who had been prepared for the usual array of light conversation that his ladies subjected him to, turned on some music to fill the gap. After he turned it on Kaoru fiddled with the stations, found something she liked, sang along for a little bit, changed it again, and sat back only to repeat the process when commercials came on. There she went with that whole. adorable business again. It was unreasonable; he should have found it annoying. They reached the restaurant and were quickly seated. They decided fairly fast as well and then Kaoru finally felt real pressure to start talking.
"So what's it like, being a business major? I think that maybe it's the one kind of class I haven't taken.. Or did I take it?" She couldn't remember. Semester? Classes? What were classes? Her nervousness manifested in general panic.
"It's dull. I'll be glad to finish undergrad work. When I finally get to law school maybe things will get challenging. Maybe. It's the family business after all, I've been preparing for it for years." Being honest and straightforward? What was wrong with him? He needed to put her at ease again. "You look terribly pretty. I must admit I don't enjoy company as nice as yours very often. People in my house tend to be focused on studying and partying." That appeared to help a bit.
"Thanks. I don't meet new people very often. I admit, I'm pretty nervous right now." She paused a moment, glad to have gotten it out. "Family business?"
"My father's a corporate lawyer. I will be too, in time." He smiled, but his eyes were glassy as he said it.
"I think you'd be terribly good at it. But did you ever want to be anything else?"
"No." There was no room for argument with his father.
"See, I couldn't do that. I've wanted to be so many things and then decided against it that in the end I probably won't be anything. Maybe I should just be a wandering vagabond." Kaoru gave a little laugh. "Roaming the country with just a car and some clothes. It's a funny picture, I think. Too bad it's not very realistic." Both of them had a mental image of her as a vagrant and somehow it seemed to Enishi she could do that just as well as being a society woman. Why couldn't he classify her?
"Doesn't your family have any particular line of work it specializes in?" Enishi was glad the topic was shifting away from his family and himself.
"My father sold his corporate soul. I never asked him what he did, I just know he's an executive somewhere in Seattle." Kaoru didn't look nervous anymore, but there were something odd about the way she was speaking.
"Whom does he work for?"
"I told you I don't know." Her reply was slow and she was looking off in the distance at something. He needed to get off of this line of questioning before she became emotionally inaccessible.
"Last week my Professor told us an amusing story." So she didn't want to talk about her family either. Interesting. Not that it was important. Enishi just worked as hard as he could at amusing her until the food arrived. Even though he had never been good at telling jokes she still laughed at his flat delivery. Maybe she just appreciated the attempts, but when she laughed her eyes crinkled just a little at the corners. She's an honestly happy person. The concept seemed a little odd to Enishi. He would never say he was unhappy before Tomoe died, but he did not live like this girl did. It was almost a shame what he was going to do to her. But there was no room for regrets in revenge.
They ate, paid, left, and climbed back into his car with a vague feeling of expectation. It was very dark out, and cold but clear so that the stars were pretty bright. He had an impulse to take her somewhere else, and it came to him in a flash that he'd like to show her a place he found not long ago. Kaoru fiddled with the radio again, full and not really paying attention to the where they were going. But when she noticed that they were going not only steeply uphill but also in the opposite direction from home, she got a little curious. If it were Megumi, she would be demanding to know where we were going and why. I probably should. I mean, I don't really know him, but he's not the kind that would take me somewhere secluded to so something. inappropriate. she refused to define what inappropriate would entail. However, she was getting increasingly alarmed. She looked at Enishi's intent expression. I can't even tell if he's happy or excited. He's worse to read than Kenshin. It was a mistake to think of Kenshin. She wondered what he was doing and how his day with Saitou went. Telling him about her date had been a mistake. Oh gosh, the car was stopping. There were trees and shrubs and most definitely no people around. Urp. Enishi got out and opened the door for her.
"I want to show you something." He motioned for her to follow and led the way through the trees. After a minute or two they got to a clearing next to the side of a very steep hill. It overlooked a goodly portion of some of the suburbs and the glinting lights complemented the stars fairly nicely, albeit being more orange. It was pretty though, and Enishi just looked out over everything without moving towards her or saying anything. Kaoru felt silly at being so worried. He wasn't like that, and she trusted her instinct that said he wasn't going to hurt her. After a few minutes he began to walk back. They hadn't talked, but it had been a nice moment. Once back in the car, Enishi was unsure of what to do. It was only around 10 pm or so and it wasn't as if there weren't other things available. Kaoru, who was glad that he had been willing to share something with her, even if she didn't know what significance it held, decided that she wanted to not go home yet. Being with Enishi was what she wanted more than anything at that moment in time.
"Let's go play pool." Kaoru's voice seemed loud in the silent car.
"What?"
"I want to go play pool, and I know a bowling alley that has it for cheap. Let's go. unless you object to pool."
"No. Just tell me where to go." It was a relief that he didn't have to think of anything. Most of his other dates had been the traditional sort of dinner, movie, than back to his place for. but he didn't think that would be wise to even suggest on a first date. Kaoru gave him a few directions, and then the old bowling alley loomed in front of them. There were a few people there, mostly old league bowlers doing their Sunday night tradition. All the pool tables were open and they quickly positioned themselves at one. Kaoru enjoyed giving a shot at things, but she would be the first to admit that although she was decent that Enishi was downright impressive. Was he just good at everything? At this point she should just accept the fact that the people she chose to hang around with were just super human in many ways. Although there were moments that Enishi seemed inhuman. eep he was looking at her looking at him again. He must have made his shot and she just didn't notice.
"Would you like something? I'm going to get something to drink." Enishi pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose with a finger.
"Some water would be nice, thanks." Kaoru tried not to blush and concentrated on what she would do for her next shot.
Enishi felt good about how the evening was going, albeit a bit confused. Why had he taken her to where he practiced martial arts? It was a place he used to be alone. Maybe he wanted her to feel she was special in some way. Things would progress faster this way. Yes. That was the answer. He needed to trust his intuition more. He waited for the man to go back and get some bottled water from a cooler and observed Kaoru squatting near the table looking at the pool balls and working the geometry of her shot. Her tongue stuck out the side of her mouth just a little and she squinted in concentration. A smile came, unbidden, to his lips. It quickly faded as a relatively young, as in his late thirties maybe, bowler oozed his way over and tapped her on the shoulder. Enishi watched her reflexively begin to attack and the stifle the reaction before hurting the man. The man, oblivious to the fact that he had almost given himself a trip to the hospital proceeded to put a slimy arm around her shoulders and hit on her. At least that's what the body language said. Kaoru, alarmed and angered, was twitching around the eyes. She extracted herself, was again encircled, and again extracted herself. In many ways it should have been funny, and a part of Enishi found it quite humorous.
A larger part just wanted to beat the crap out of that man for touching her.
The man, who had patiently for a moment or two been waiting for payment for the liquids, cleared his throat. Enishi turned and threw some money at him without taking his eyes off of Kaoru and the man still attempting to get close to her. Grabbing the drinks he strode over, purposefully in a leisurely manner to hide his rage, which was beginning to seethe. Setting the drinks on the side of the pool table, he tapped the man on the shoulder to get his attention. Kaoru gave him a grateful glance.
"I don't think the lady appreciates that." Enishi pushed at his glasses again.
With a sour expression the man turned and then looked up at Enishi's much taller frame. "Let the lady make her own choice. We were talking, now get lost."
"I think you should take your arm off of her." The man had better get a clue soon.
"I'll do whatever I like, mind your own business." Turning back to Kaoru. "C'mon honey, I want to show you a real good time. Let's hit the town tonight."
Tapping his shoulder again, Enishi exerted more effort to hold his wrath in check. "Take your arm off of her before I am forced to remove you."
Narrowing his eyes, the man looked Enishi up and down. He looked behind him and made a motion with his head. A large man walked over from a far off lane, he matched Enishi in height but where Enishi was lean this man was bulky. There was no difference in Enishi's expression or stance, but he was well aware of how the situation had changed. No he felt perfectly willing to do what he wanted to do from the beginning.
Enishi sighed. "Very well." Whipping around he punched the large man in the stomach making him double over, then used his elbow to jab him in the upper back and dropping him to the floor. A vicious couple of punches to the other smaller man quickly dispatched him to an unconscious trip to the floor. Kaoru was grateful to be no longer molested, but this was a shocking development. Everyone in the bowling alley looked a little shocked. Usually people took it outside. Usually it didn't go that fast. The big man began to get up, but was stunned so was taking a little while. Enishi looked like he was perfectly willing to wait for the man to get up to finish the fight, but instead Kaoru took action. Grabbing Enishi's hand she ran out as fast as possible, abandoning their pool game among other things. At least she had enough presence of mind to grab her purse, but her coat was left behind as a casualty. Once outside and at the car, she made Enishi start it up and leave before the men recovered. When it seemed as if they were a few blocks away, she felt better.
"What was that?! I don't think that the situation called for action that drastic!" Kaoru's adrenaline levels were really high and screeched just a little.
"It took care of things efficiently, didn't it?" Truthfully, he also was a little angry at himself for giving in to his violent urges. It showed a lack of self-control. He couldn't afford that. But when that man touched her.
"Oh lord, and my coat's gone forever I'll bet. There's no way I'm going back to that bowling alley! Not ever." She fidgeted in her seat. The evening had certainly been interesting.
"I'm sorry you're displeased."
There was a silence for a while as Enishi drove her home. Things had been less than perfect from his perspective as well. But the damage was reparable. She didn't seem all that angry with him, just concerned and overly excited. The flash in her eyes was better than the dull confusion and vague worry she had reflecting since leaving the restaurant. The way she had her legs propped against the door was quite indecent in that skirt as well, now that her posture was relaxed and natural. He directed his attention towards traffic again reluctantly. For the rest of the drive home he considered whether he should try to kiss her or not. Kaoru, for the rest of the drive, considered whether she was flattered or horrified. He had been protecting her after all, even if the violent means were less than ideal.
When they arrived in front of her house, Kaoru got out and wrapped her arms around her cold body. She had really liked that coat too. Darn it all. Enishi walked her up to her door. Kaoru evaluated the date in her mind and tried to arrive at a decision. He didn't say anything, even as they stood in front of her door. It made Kaoru think of last time, and she invariably thought back to how they kissed. Enishi was trying to find the right thing to say to her.
"Oh hell." Kaoru exclaimed softly before grabbing him and pulling him to her. She had to admit that she had wanted this again, and judging from his reaction that she could feel while pressed against him, so had he. Enishi, surprised but most definitely not displeased, felt how soft she was and how she still shivered a little from the cold fall night. Her mouth was a little spicy and warm though, which was enough to spur his need. Damn it, he wanted something in her but not his tongue and not in her mouth. Kaoru pulled back with a smile even as he felt his control slipping.
"Just thought I'd say goodnight. We should do this again sometime. but something that doesn't involve pool." She smiled lazily.
"Nnnnn." Was all he could manage to say in response so soon.
She walked inside and waved to him and he wandered back to his car. He looked dazed, and it was nice to think she had been able to phase him in some way. Turning away from the door she gave a little yelp as Megumi smiled at her from a chair in the living room. With fingers steepled and a terribly amused expression, she looked more like an evil fox than ever before.
"You looked like you were trying to swallow him whole. why didn't you invite him in? I could have made myself scarce." Megumi was obviously laughing at her.
"It was our first date. I'm not THAT easy." Kaoru sighed and dropped her purse on the couch before flopping beside it. "Besides, I have to tell you that tonight has been stressful enough without needing to worry about other complications."
"Stressful?"
"Well, it all started when I suggested we go play pool."
*
Damndamndamndamn. She had done it again. Slipped right past his finely constructed screen of emotions and grabbed him in an instinctual way that he couldn't deny was appealing in some ways. The whole physical side of things was so messy and brought complications he didn't need, but she made him want to give it a shot anyway. Best to put all that aside for now. At the moment it seemed that she was getting attached to him in some way, and had even mentioned seeing him again. Things would progress to a successful conclusion. He was sure of it. Tomoe would have her vengeance and Himura would pay. With that surety he walked into his house with his usual calm, cold smile. Everything was back to normal.
Oh yes, and I of course like an idiot already messed up the chronology I'm sure. It starts out on Sunday here because the party was on Saturday. Originally I had planned the party on Friday and that's why I messed up. I think. I can't remember really. Gome.
Disclaimer: Ah, sweet disclaimer. I own nothing Rurouni Kenshin. Sad Christmas.
Chapter 3
Kaoru was making her way through the gym complex when, as she was passing one room, she got a glimpse of long red hair. Only one boy had hair that distinctive shade, and of course she felt pulled to go and say hello. It was worse than a need to talk to him. The guilt she felt at going on a date was easily defined by the fact that she loved him but that he was not the one in any sort of romantic situation with her. She was willing to admit that to herself freely enough. Taking down and retying her messy and still slightly sweat dampened hair; she hoped she looked somewhat presentable. Silently entering the training area she saw several other people practicing. For a long time she had known that Kenshin fenced, but this was the first time she had seen him do it. As always, and in a completely expected way, she felt inferior to his talent. The foil moved around and in so fast she had trouble following it, though his partner was doing a decent enough job. The hair she had seen earlier was running down his back out of the protective headgear in contrast to the white cloth. The difference in skill was not readily apparent to Kaoru. The men moved with such grace, and nothing they did really gave the other any trouble. However, it could not go on indefinitely and it didn't take long until Kenshin feinted back and then did something, later Kaoru described it as it looking like he struck from every angle at once, and the match was over.
Both men removed to an area further back and other people stepped in to take their places in the area. They took off their helmets, and Kenshin also began to remove other superfluous articles. She made her way over to congratulate both men on their match. Kenshin waved her over, and Kaoru wondered if he had seen her when he was fighting. Practice sword slung onto her shoulder, she felt nervous because of how out of place her look and fighting style were here. Her raw power and slower movements would be easy to beat compared to the speed and precision this sport offered. She simply should not compare two very different styles. Kenshin drew her into a hug and Kaoru stiffened a little bit before softening, as the action was wholly unexpected. He must be on an adrenaline high from the fight, she thought.
"Kaoru! What a surprise, I never thought I'd see you here. A friend of mine came to visit and we couldn't resist giving a shot at some matches. Oh, yes, let me introduce you. Kaoru Kamiya meet Hajime Saitou." Kenshin face was red with exertion, but happy as ever.
"Pleasure." Saitou's sour expression gave his words a sarcastic edge.
"Nice to meet you." Kaoru felt odd as both men became quiet and looked at her. "Your match was amazing. I don't know a lot about fencing, but I can at least tell the difference between you and the other people here. How long have you been doing this?"
"Saitou and I go way back. I've known him since my high school days when we were both in fencing classes. Our teacher was very intense and I still remember how hard I worked to try to win against him. What a strange man. If I remember he had a bit of a drinking problem too." Kenshin was being unusually talkative; it was nice to experience.
"We surpassed his talent long ago. Talking about him is a waste of time. You're too sentimental Himura." Saitou seemed like a very down sort of person and Kaoru felt like she didn't particularly want to keep talking to him. Gold eyes and black hair that fell in strands about his face only heightened his disaffected air. What startling eyes they were. It was just another odd friend for Kenshin. He seemed to collect them.
"Has he always been this serious?" Kaoru said to Kenshin in a stage whisper.
"Since before he was born I imagine." Kenshin answered with a smile. Saitou arched an eyebrow and ignored them both.
"I'm going to get changed. I'll be out in a moment. Good meeting you Miss Kamiya." Saitou nodded in her direction and then made his way towards the locker room.
"So what are you up to today Kaoru? You left the party rather early last night." So he did notice. "I'm sorry it wasn't all that fun for you. I know you didn't know as many people there."
"It all turned out ok. I had some people to talk to." Why was she skirting the subject? Shouldn't she be happy to tell him about her good fortune?
"Well, Saitou and I are going to hang out today, maybe go to a movie or something. I was going to go see if people wanted to come with, but I'm pretty sure the majority of them are nursing a hangover. What about it?" A day. A day spent with Kenshin and his friend. He was unusually happy and talkative. Everything she had been hoping for, but for once she was not able to go. Kicking herself mentally, she put on a smile in a slightly forced way.
"I'm sorry Kenshin, but I can't." He looked disappointed. Damn it all.
"Why is that Kaoru?" She knew that this was going to happen, but she had thought she'd be able to keep it from him for a little longer. Might as well jump on in. He was one of her best friends after all.
"I'm going on a date in a couple hours." Something froze in Kaoru, or maybe it was the mood between them. She couldn't put her finger on it because she swore her heart was beating fast enough to kill her. So much stress. All the practicing she had used to warm up was useless as she went into a cold sweat. Kenshin's expression flickered for a moment, but Kaoru didn't notice it. The smile never faltered on his face.
"Have a great time! And tell me all about it when you get back tonight. I hope he's nice to you. if he's not then Sano and I would be glad to take care of him for you." Kenshin gave her a surprisingly tight hug. "I have to get going too. Saitou tends to just leave if he waits for too long." They waved at one another and Kaoru made her way home as Kenshin met Saitou in the locker room.
Saitou was surprised to see Kenshin looking so serious. Often he had that amiable and absent smile on his face. Frankly it was fake and annoying to Saitou who knew that that was just a projection of a person who was not Kenshin. Saitou hated seeing people pretend to be what they weren't. That Kamiya girl was odd. He didn't see any falsity in her. There was her obvious adoration for Himura that she attempted to hide, but that was minor. What she presented to people was what she was. It wasn't a wise idea, but it was admirable to some extent. It was appropriate that such an innocent and Himura were together. He was tying his combat boots as Kenshin walked in.
"Is the girl coming with us?" Saitou knew that Kenshin was the type to invite her, not that he minded, because if Tokio had been free today. he shoved down the thought of her as weakness. Kenshin looked visibly deflated, so something was wrong. "What? Did you two have a fight or something?"
"She's busy." Hmm. Busy meant another person. She was either going on a date or she was spending time with a different friend. Himura wouldn't be this moody about her being with a friend.
"You always move too slow Himura." Saitou was unsurprised to find Kenshin whip around with a dangerous look in his eyes. The gleam was almost predatory. It was the look he got when fighting intensely and Saitou decided it was best not to press the issue any more. It was almost fun seeing the calm little man in a rage, but it unwise to push his luck. Striding out to get a soda from the vending machine, he wondered if things would have been this difficult for Kenshin before Tomoe. But he wasn't going to bring up Tomoe. He actually wanted to have a good day.
*
He arrived looking devilishly charming in a short-sleeved shirt and a black tie, with loose pants rather like those little old men wear. Only Enishi was no little old man. He stood on her porch a moment as she tried not to stare at him. When he arched an eyebrow Kaoru came to and invited him inside while she found a coat. Honestly, she didn't know why he wasn't freezing, but somehow it seemed like something she should not be surprised about. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and looked around in a critical manner, as if memorizing everything about her living space and evaluating it as well. Kaoru hoped she was up to his standards, and tried to shove aside the voice that angrily asserted she should have cleaned up a little. Mostly she succeeded. Flattening out her plaid skirt, she took out a long coat so that maybe her legs would be just that much less cold. If he had just been a minute or two more she would have been out front and ready to meet him so that they could avoid.
"Hello, I don't believe we've been introduced." Megumi. Naturally. Kaoru stifled a groan.
"Enishi Yukishiro. It's a pleasure." Kaoru was amazed that he could sound both sincere and sarcastic at the same time.
"Megumi Takani. Kaoru hasn't mentioned you before." Megumi gave a sly smile. "How long have you known one another." Kaoru stifled the instinct to shut her up and run away.
"I believe we've had the pleasure of knowing one another for about a day." Enishi liked this girl, he had observed her before and he liked her ruthlessness. She was just like all the women who had been in his life, excluding Tomoe. Being on familiar ground eased his nerves around Kaoru.
"It's already dark and I'd like some dinner, so if you'll excuse us Megumi." Kaoru broke the disturbingly intent stare each had on the other. Although having the force of their glares focused on her was uncomfortable, it was still better than prolonging things. Megumi sure was never going to let her get away tonight until all details had been disclosed. Kaoru sighed.
"You kids have fun then. Good meeting you."
"Likewise." Enishi possessively put an arm about Kaoru's shoulders for Megumi's benefit as they left. Kaoru tensed perceptibly but did not push him away. "My car is just a little ways away. I hope you enjoy where we're going for dinner. I hear they are better than decent." Three stars, very expensive but not too posh, not that he was going to tell her that.
His car was sleek, black, and expensive looking. Kaoru didn't know much if anything about cars, but she was sure that it cost more than her life was worth to own something like this. Without a word he opened the door for her and she stepped into the cold and sterile environment. How could a car be this clean? It was shocking after Sano's death trap bucket of a car covered in old garbage and dust. Somehow that car felt better than this one did though, and Kaoru thought maybe because this thing felt like a piece of industrial equipment. It was a little better when he turned it on and things lit up. The heat was nice too, though her cheeks were red with a blush that refused to remove itself since she had left the house. The drive also took place in silence, but it was not wholly uncomfortable. Kaoru didn't really have anything to say and didn't know how to start casual conversations. Enishi, who had been prepared for the usual array of light conversation that his ladies subjected him to, turned on some music to fill the gap. After he turned it on Kaoru fiddled with the stations, found something she liked, sang along for a little bit, changed it again, and sat back only to repeat the process when commercials came on. There she went with that whole. adorable business again. It was unreasonable; he should have found it annoying. They reached the restaurant and were quickly seated. They decided fairly fast as well and then Kaoru finally felt real pressure to start talking.
"So what's it like, being a business major? I think that maybe it's the one kind of class I haven't taken.. Or did I take it?" She couldn't remember. Semester? Classes? What were classes? Her nervousness manifested in general panic.
"It's dull. I'll be glad to finish undergrad work. When I finally get to law school maybe things will get challenging. Maybe. It's the family business after all, I've been preparing for it for years." Being honest and straightforward? What was wrong with him? He needed to put her at ease again. "You look terribly pretty. I must admit I don't enjoy company as nice as yours very often. People in my house tend to be focused on studying and partying." That appeared to help a bit.
"Thanks. I don't meet new people very often. I admit, I'm pretty nervous right now." She paused a moment, glad to have gotten it out. "Family business?"
"My father's a corporate lawyer. I will be too, in time." He smiled, but his eyes were glassy as he said it.
"I think you'd be terribly good at it. But did you ever want to be anything else?"
"No." There was no room for argument with his father.
"See, I couldn't do that. I've wanted to be so many things and then decided against it that in the end I probably won't be anything. Maybe I should just be a wandering vagabond." Kaoru gave a little laugh. "Roaming the country with just a car and some clothes. It's a funny picture, I think. Too bad it's not very realistic." Both of them had a mental image of her as a vagrant and somehow it seemed to Enishi she could do that just as well as being a society woman. Why couldn't he classify her?
"Doesn't your family have any particular line of work it specializes in?" Enishi was glad the topic was shifting away from his family and himself.
"My father sold his corporate soul. I never asked him what he did, I just know he's an executive somewhere in Seattle." Kaoru didn't look nervous anymore, but there were something odd about the way she was speaking.
"Whom does he work for?"
"I told you I don't know." Her reply was slow and she was looking off in the distance at something. He needed to get off of this line of questioning before she became emotionally inaccessible.
"Last week my Professor told us an amusing story." So she didn't want to talk about her family either. Interesting. Not that it was important. Enishi just worked as hard as he could at amusing her until the food arrived. Even though he had never been good at telling jokes she still laughed at his flat delivery. Maybe she just appreciated the attempts, but when she laughed her eyes crinkled just a little at the corners. She's an honestly happy person. The concept seemed a little odd to Enishi. He would never say he was unhappy before Tomoe died, but he did not live like this girl did. It was almost a shame what he was going to do to her. But there was no room for regrets in revenge.
They ate, paid, left, and climbed back into his car with a vague feeling of expectation. It was very dark out, and cold but clear so that the stars were pretty bright. He had an impulse to take her somewhere else, and it came to him in a flash that he'd like to show her a place he found not long ago. Kaoru fiddled with the radio again, full and not really paying attention to the where they were going. But when she noticed that they were going not only steeply uphill but also in the opposite direction from home, she got a little curious. If it were Megumi, she would be demanding to know where we were going and why. I probably should. I mean, I don't really know him, but he's not the kind that would take me somewhere secluded to so something. inappropriate. she refused to define what inappropriate would entail. However, she was getting increasingly alarmed. She looked at Enishi's intent expression. I can't even tell if he's happy or excited. He's worse to read than Kenshin. It was a mistake to think of Kenshin. She wondered what he was doing and how his day with Saitou went. Telling him about her date had been a mistake. Oh gosh, the car was stopping. There were trees and shrubs and most definitely no people around. Urp. Enishi got out and opened the door for her.
"I want to show you something." He motioned for her to follow and led the way through the trees. After a minute or two they got to a clearing next to the side of a very steep hill. It overlooked a goodly portion of some of the suburbs and the glinting lights complemented the stars fairly nicely, albeit being more orange. It was pretty though, and Enishi just looked out over everything without moving towards her or saying anything. Kaoru felt silly at being so worried. He wasn't like that, and she trusted her instinct that said he wasn't going to hurt her. After a few minutes he began to walk back. They hadn't talked, but it had been a nice moment. Once back in the car, Enishi was unsure of what to do. It was only around 10 pm or so and it wasn't as if there weren't other things available. Kaoru, who was glad that he had been willing to share something with her, even if she didn't know what significance it held, decided that she wanted to not go home yet. Being with Enishi was what she wanted more than anything at that moment in time.
"Let's go play pool." Kaoru's voice seemed loud in the silent car.
"What?"
"I want to go play pool, and I know a bowling alley that has it for cheap. Let's go. unless you object to pool."
"No. Just tell me where to go." It was a relief that he didn't have to think of anything. Most of his other dates had been the traditional sort of dinner, movie, than back to his place for. but he didn't think that would be wise to even suggest on a first date. Kaoru gave him a few directions, and then the old bowling alley loomed in front of them. There were a few people there, mostly old league bowlers doing their Sunday night tradition. All the pool tables were open and they quickly positioned themselves at one. Kaoru enjoyed giving a shot at things, but she would be the first to admit that although she was decent that Enishi was downright impressive. Was he just good at everything? At this point she should just accept the fact that the people she chose to hang around with were just super human in many ways. Although there were moments that Enishi seemed inhuman. eep he was looking at her looking at him again. He must have made his shot and she just didn't notice.
"Would you like something? I'm going to get something to drink." Enishi pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose with a finger.
"Some water would be nice, thanks." Kaoru tried not to blush and concentrated on what she would do for her next shot.
Enishi felt good about how the evening was going, albeit a bit confused. Why had he taken her to where he practiced martial arts? It was a place he used to be alone. Maybe he wanted her to feel she was special in some way. Things would progress faster this way. Yes. That was the answer. He needed to trust his intuition more. He waited for the man to go back and get some bottled water from a cooler and observed Kaoru squatting near the table looking at the pool balls and working the geometry of her shot. Her tongue stuck out the side of her mouth just a little and she squinted in concentration. A smile came, unbidden, to his lips. It quickly faded as a relatively young, as in his late thirties maybe, bowler oozed his way over and tapped her on the shoulder. Enishi watched her reflexively begin to attack and the stifle the reaction before hurting the man. The man, oblivious to the fact that he had almost given himself a trip to the hospital proceeded to put a slimy arm around her shoulders and hit on her. At least that's what the body language said. Kaoru, alarmed and angered, was twitching around the eyes. She extracted herself, was again encircled, and again extracted herself. In many ways it should have been funny, and a part of Enishi found it quite humorous.
A larger part just wanted to beat the crap out of that man for touching her.
The man, who had patiently for a moment or two been waiting for payment for the liquids, cleared his throat. Enishi turned and threw some money at him without taking his eyes off of Kaoru and the man still attempting to get close to her. Grabbing the drinks he strode over, purposefully in a leisurely manner to hide his rage, which was beginning to seethe. Setting the drinks on the side of the pool table, he tapped the man on the shoulder to get his attention. Kaoru gave him a grateful glance.
"I don't think the lady appreciates that." Enishi pushed at his glasses again.
With a sour expression the man turned and then looked up at Enishi's much taller frame. "Let the lady make her own choice. We were talking, now get lost."
"I think you should take your arm off of her." The man had better get a clue soon.
"I'll do whatever I like, mind your own business." Turning back to Kaoru. "C'mon honey, I want to show you a real good time. Let's hit the town tonight."
Tapping his shoulder again, Enishi exerted more effort to hold his wrath in check. "Take your arm off of her before I am forced to remove you."
Narrowing his eyes, the man looked Enishi up and down. He looked behind him and made a motion with his head. A large man walked over from a far off lane, he matched Enishi in height but where Enishi was lean this man was bulky. There was no difference in Enishi's expression or stance, but he was well aware of how the situation had changed. No he felt perfectly willing to do what he wanted to do from the beginning.
Enishi sighed. "Very well." Whipping around he punched the large man in the stomach making him double over, then used his elbow to jab him in the upper back and dropping him to the floor. A vicious couple of punches to the other smaller man quickly dispatched him to an unconscious trip to the floor. Kaoru was grateful to be no longer molested, but this was a shocking development. Everyone in the bowling alley looked a little shocked. Usually people took it outside. Usually it didn't go that fast. The big man began to get up, but was stunned so was taking a little while. Enishi looked like he was perfectly willing to wait for the man to get up to finish the fight, but instead Kaoru took action. Grabbing Enishi's hand she ran out as fast as possible, abandoning their pool game among other things. At least she had enough presence of mind to grab her purse, but her coat was left behind as a casualty. Once outside and at the car, she made Enishi start it up and leave before the men recovered. When it seemed as if they were a few blocks away, she felt better.
"What was that?! I don't think that the situation called for action that drastic!" Kaoru's adrenaline levels were really high and screeched just a little.
"It took care of things efficiently, didn't it?" Truthfully, he also was a little angry at himself for giving in to his violent urges. It showed a lack of self-control. He couldn't afford that. But when that man touched her.
"Oh lord, and my coat's gone forever I'll bet. There's no way I'm going back to that bowling alley! Not ever." She fidgeted in her seat. The evening had certainly been interesting.
"I'm sorry you're displeased."
There was a silence for a while as Enishi drove her home. Things had been less than perfect from his perspective as well. But the damage was reparable. She didn't seem all that angry with him, just concerned and overly excited. The flash in her eyes was better than the dull confusion and vague worry she had reflecting since leaving the restaurant. The way she had her legs propped against the door was quite indecent in that skirt as well, now that her posture was relaxed and natural. He directed his attention towards traffic again reluctantly. For the rest of the drive home he considered whether he should try to kiss her or not. Kaoru, for the rest of the drive, considered whether she was flattered or horrified. He had been protecting her after all, even if the violent means were less than ideal.
When they arrived in front of her house, Kaoru got out and wrapped her arms around her cold body. She had really liked that coat too. Darn it all. Enishi walked her up to her door. Kaoru evaluated the date in her mind and tried to arrive at a decision. He didn't say anything, even as they stood in front of her door. It made Kaoru think of last time, and she invariably thought back to how they kissed. Enishi was trying to find the right thing to say to her.
"Oh hell." Kaoru exclaimed softly before grabbing him and pulling him to her. She had to admit that she had wanted this again, and judging from his reaction that she could feel while pressed against him, so had he. Enishi, surprised but most definitely not displeased, felt how soft she was and how she still shivered a little from the cold fall night. Her mouth was a little spicy and warm though, which was enough to spur his need. Damn it, he wanted something in her but not his tongue and not in her mouth. Kaoru pulled back with a smile even as he felt his control slipping.
"Just thought I'd say goodnight. We should do this again sometime. but something that doesn't involve pool." She smiled lazily.
"Nnnnn." Was all he could manage to say in response so soon.
She walked inside and waved to him and he wandered back to his car. He looked dazed, and it was nice to think she had been able to phase him in some way. Turning away from the door she gave a little yelp as Megumi smiled at her from a chair in the living room. With fingers steepled and a terribly amused expression, she looked more like an evil fox than ever before.
"You looked like you were trying to swallow him whole. why didn't you invite him in? I could have made myself scarce." Megumi was obviously laughing at her.
"It was our first date. I'm not THAT easy." Kaoru sighed and dropped her purse on the couch before flopping beside it. "Besides, I have to tell you that tonight has been stressful enough without needing to worry about other complications."
"Stressful?"
"Well, it all started when I suggested we go play pool."
*
Damndamndamndamn. She had done it again. Slipped right past his finely constructed screen of emotions and grabbed him in an instinctual way that he couldn't deny was appealing in some ways. The whole physical side of things was so messy and brought complications he didn't need, but she made him want to give it a shot anyway. Best to put all that aside for now. At the moment it seemed that she was getting attached to him in some way, and had even mentioned seeing him again. Things would progress to a successful conclusion. He was sure of it. Tomoe would have her vengeance and Himura would pay. With that surety he walked into his house with his usual calm, cold smile. Everything was back to normal.