Disclaimer: Nobuhiro Watsuki is the owner of Rurouni Kenshin and all of its characters.
A/N: Thanks for all your reviews everyone!! We're not QUITE at the climax yet...but keep on looking forward to it, for those who are! ^__^'' Hang on tight for just a few more chapters...but for now, enjoy!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
*~Paris, France~*
"Kaoru-san, why won't you tell me?"
Kaoru smiled down at Tsubame, blushing as the little girl posed her so many questions. She wasn't surprised, since these were her first few years in the teen life anyway...
"I KNOW you have interest in someone!! Kaoru-san, please?!"
She sighed as she stirred the batter with the wooden spoon. A kerchief was neatly tied above her head, her light blue shirt rolled up at the sleeves, and a crisp white apron with wooden buttons lining her body up to her knees with a bow tied tightly behind her. She giggled as the girl pouted.
"You're starting to grow just like Tae, Tsubame-chan. To think you were so quiet back then..."
Tsubame grinned and latched herself onto Kaoru's arm.
"Oooh, I wonder if it's Himura-san!"
She stopped abruptly, nearly dropping the bowl she'd been cradling as her hand stopped frozen while clutching to the wooden spoon.
"Himura-san? You mean Kenshin?"
The girl nodded and seemed delighted at the startled expression on the young woman's face, a tint of magenta blush caressing themselves on her cheeks.
"You know Kenshin? How do you-"
"Tae has known him for years! He used to make frequent visits to the Akabeko."
She sighed and proceeded to stir the batter.
"I see..."
She didn't mind that Tae knew who he was...just if she found out she was in love with him, she had a bad hunch that some serious gossip was about to happen...
* * *
That night, Tae sat on her bed with Tsubame by her side while they quietly discussed.
"Tae-san, aren't you going to try set Kaoru and Kenshin up?"
The woman shook her head as she undid the bun in her hair.
"These are things that young people need to unwind themselves, Tsubame-chan. Of course, I'd be more than happy to do so, but I think this time I might want to back off."
The girl looked at her curiously.
"But they're across the ocean!! They'll never meet!"
She gave a small wink at her bewildered expression as the older woman crawled into bed.
"Of course, that's something I'll obviously help out with. But she will never know that I am trying to bring them together. Secret, okay?"
Tsubame nodded, and joined Tae for a restful night.
* * *
Megumi was exhausted. Her shoes lay carelessly sprawled out on the floor, her lab coat draped over a chair, and she herself stretched out on her couch, half asleep. She groaned as she heard a knock at the door. She stumbled to her feet, her vision blurring as she clasped the doorknob and opened it.
Sano stood there, surprised at the mess she was in. Her hair drooped over her shoulders in tangles, her lipstick almost licked off completely, and her eyes half closed as she stood squinting at him.
"Sano...?"
"Megumi, what have you been up to? Drinking?"
She gave him a glare, and motioned him to come inside. He stepped in, but as soon as she began shutting the door, she collapsed onto the floor, her hand still clutching the doorknob.
"Megumi, oi, MEGUMI!"
He bent down and shook her, taking her in his arms and gently whispering in her ear.
"C'mon girl, work with me here..."
He lifted her with both arms and stalked over to the couch, laying her down gently as her eyelashes fluttered. She couldn't even open them from fatigue. He sat down on the edge and looked down at her, seeing how hard she had worked after weeks of work with little sleep.
"Such a workaholic..."
He went to the kitchen to fetch some medicine, not finding it difficult at all for her being so organized, even at such a state... With a glass of water, he went to her side again and brought his hand containing the pill close to her mouth.
"Open up, Megumi."
She couldn't hear him. She was so tired, she didn't even bother anymore. Frowning, he looked down at the pill, and almost unhesitantly plopped it in his mouth. He took in a sip of water, and without warning forced his mouth against hers, his fingers at the sides of their mouths so water won't spill. It was so unexpected that her eyes flew open, being greeted by the sight of Sano bending over her with the mouth-to-mouth treatment. He didn't withdraw until she swallowed, and with some force she managed to get it down, and she felt their mouths part. He wiped it carelessly, rubbing off some of the lipstick that had rubbed onto his lips. She sat up, her hand to hers as she gazed at him, wide eyed. He grinned at her.
"That's what you get for not drinkin' what you need, missy."
She couldn't help smiling, and she was laughing before she knew it. That one moment was so awkward, their mouths touching and her throat desperately reaching for the pill. But at the same time, it had been so wonderful, so sweet and tasteful...and she felt it again. His lips caressed hers as her laughter was silenced. His hand reached up to cup her cheek gently, and as if by reflex her hand rose as well, sliding her hand through his hair, slightly pushing his head towards her for more pressure. The sugariness ceased then, his mouth savoring its taste before drawing away. With his strong arms, she felt herself being laid back down across the couch, and he draped a blanket over the length of her body before realizing how intently she was staring at him, with shock.
"What?"
Her eyes softened, and she snuggled deeper into the covers. He could sense the curving of her lips from beneath the warm cotton. Her eyes closed with a flutter as she spoke.
"I didn't imagine how you could be so nice."
He raised his eyebrows, but nonetheless he pushed back her bangs and pecked her forehead before switching off the light.
"Oyasumi, kitsune-onna." (Goodnight, fox-woman)
"Oyasumi, rooster head."
He quietly smiled to himself in the dark, and swiftly departed into the dark streets.
* * *
*~Kyoto, Japan~*
Misao walked quietly, staring down at the stones that she walked upon as the remaining of the autumn leaves bade farewell from beneath the new snow. The tall presence of Aoshi beside her continued to trigger her heartbeat, her cheeks tinting pink beneath the thick scarf she wore. He didn't notice, since his gaze looked outwards towards the view in front of them. He stopped, breathing slowly as if in meditation. There was absolute silence.
"Misao."
She looked up from her dreaming.
"Yes?"
Curiosity was blended in his eyes as he turned to her, his expression unchanged.
"Who is it you care for?"
She was taken quite aback. Cared for? For that she only had one answer...but...
"Why I-I...I care for everyone Aoshi-sama. I mean there's Okina, a-and there's Omasu, and Himura and-"
His gloved hand suddenly made a sweeping movement, noiselessly rising and resting itself on Misao's lips. She stared at him wide eyed as she breathed in the scent of the damp leather glove.
"Misao, I mean exceptionally. Who is it that you care for? Or are there none?"
She tired to speak, but a great doubt in her mind didn't allow her tongue to budge. Her throat grew clogged, and she couldn't talk until she thought of something different to say.
"I-I'd like to ask Aoshi-sama what he thinks as well..."
She raised her eyes to look at him, a slight look of plea in her eyes, a look of longing. And then for the first time, she witnessed something that melted her heart.
Her thoughts rambled.
'No, he can't be...'
But her blue eyes did not deceive her. Beneath the thick wool of black, the man known for his personality of an icicle...
...was blushing...
She looked at him with awe.
"A-Aoshi...sama...?"
He began to come closer, step by step with his black boots thumping on the rocks beneath. They were no more than a foot away from one another, and he looked down at her with true, sincere eyes that showed so much emotion, Misao herself felt like she'd burst. She couldn't prevent the blood rushing to her face. He spoke.
"There are many in need for the care of others. But I..."
He paused, taking a moment to breathe.
"But I, the person who I care for..."
His gloved hand reached up a second time, and gently tucked its fingers beneath her chin. Her heart throbbed as he bent down slightly, and gazed directly into her face.
"...is you."
* * *
*~Paris, France~*
Deep in the late hours of night, the delicate sounds of pen scribbling on paper could be heard trickling out of Kaoru's room. She sat at her desk, her hand diligently moving from left to write along the lines of her paper.
Dear Kenshin,
Another cold winter night, and I'm sitting here with thoughts of a beautiful Japan with a mug of hot apple cider steaming beside me. I sometimes wonder if it would be any warmer if you were here with me-
She frowned, and scribbled it out. Sighing, she crumpled up the paper and tossed it behind her. She heard a soft thud and turned around, only to see Enishi standing behind her, his purple eyes staring emotionlessly down at her with the piece of crumpled paper in his hand.
"Enishi..."
He wordlessly opened the piece of paper, and read its contents. He immediately crumpled it up again, chucking it into the trashcan.
"Kenshin...is that whom you've grown fond of?"
She blushed and didn't respond. She rose from her desk and sat on her bed, the collar of her over sized t-shirt slightly exposing her shoulder. He stood there, gazing at her, until he came to sit beside her. He whispered.
"I still don't understand..."
She turned to him, a hint of anger and mingled in her voice.
"There's nothing to understand. I don't-"
Before she knew it, his arms locked themselves around her waist, hugging her to him. She stood, resisting, but he only stood with her in his tight embrace.
"Kaoru, you know how I already lost someone..."
She fell silent, and stopped her struggling. She felt his hands stroke her back gently as he spoke.
"I lost my sister once...I'm not gonna lose another whom I love..."
"But it's pointless."
She pushed him slightly away so she could look at him.
"It's pointless if that person does not love you back..."
His face leaned forward.
"That doesn't matter..."
Her struggles suddenly began all over again, but his hold only grew tighter. She gave a hard thrust, but he seized that opportunity to forcefully push her against him even harder, this time his hand to her face so that it guided his eager mouth to her lips. Inside of her, she suddenly screamed...not for help, but for Kenshin. Then it happened.
With a loud slap, her palm came in contact with his cheek, his face abruptly forced sideways as his arms loosened his grasp. She stumbled backwards, panting, her hand clutching at her heart.
Time seemed to freeze...
Kaoru was struck by reality. She cried aloud and immediately lunged herself at the frozen form of Enishi, his hand to his cheek in shock. She hugged him and buried her face into his shirt, tears pouring out of her orbs of blue like rain.
"Enishi...I-I..."
Her body shook as she sobbed, shaking her head in disbelief.
"I'm so sorry...I didn't want to..."
She looked up at him, and tenderly rubbed his red cheek. His face looked back at her with distress. She said to him gently.
"I didn't want to...but I wanted you to understand...please..."
He lowered his head as if in defeat and muttered.
"I will not lose...not after I've lost so much..."
He spun around and ran out the door, not bothering to grab his coat as he slammed the front door behind him.
Back in the room, Kaoru's tears fell to the ground like the endless flow of rain. Her sorrow and sympathy was greater than any...
"Enishi, I'm so sorry..."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
TO BE CONTINUED...
What'll happen? Will this end as KxK after all...? O_o Nihahaha, that you shall see...soon...
A/N: Thanks for all your reviews everyone!! We're not QUITE at the climax yet...but keep on looking forward to it, for those who are! ^__^'' Hang on tight for just a few more chapters...but for now, enjoy!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
*~Paris, France~*
"Kaoru-san, why won't you tell me?"
Kaoru smiled down at Tsubame, blushing as the little girl posed her so many questions. She wasn't surprised, since these were her first few years in the teen life anyway...
"I KNOW you have interest in someone!! Kaoru-san, please?!"
She sighed as she stirred the batter with the wooden spoon. A kerchief was neatly tied above her head, her light blue shirt rolled up at the sleeves, and a crisp white apron with wooden buttons lining her body up to her knees with a bow tied tightly behind her. She giggled as the girl pouted.
"You're starting to grow just like Tae, Tsubame-chan. To think you were so quiet back then..."
Tsubame grinned and latched herself onto Kaoru's arm.
"Oooh, I wonder if it's Himura-san!"
She stopped abruptly, nearly dropping the bowl she'd been cradling as her hand stopped frozen while clutching to the wooden spoon.
"Himura-san? You mean Kenshin?"
The girl nodded and seemed delighted at the startled expression on the young woman's face, a tint of magenta blush caressing themselves on her cheeks.
"You know Kenshin? How do you-"
"Tae has known him for years! He used to make frequent visits to the Akabeko."
She sighed and proceeded to stir the batter.
"I see..."
She didn't mind that Tae knew who he was...just if she found out she was in love with him, she had a bad hunch that some serious gossip was about to happen...
* * *
That night, Tae sat on her bed with Tsubame by her side while they quietly discussed.
"Tae-san, aren't you going to try set Kaoru and Kenshin up?"
The woman shook her head as she undid the bun in her hair.
"These are things that young people need to unwind themselves, Tsubame-chan. Of course, I'd be more than happy to do so, but I think this time I might want to back off."
The girl looked at her curiously.
"But they're across the ocean!! They'll never meet!"
She gave a small wink at her bewildered expression as the older woman crawled into bed.
"Of course, that's something I'll obviously help out with. But she will never know that I am trying to bring them together. Secret, okay?"
Tsubame nodded, and joined Tae for a restful night.
* * *
Megumi was exhausted. Her shoes lay carelessly sprawled out on the floor, her lab coat draped over a chair, and she herself stretched out on her couch, half asleep. She groaned as she heard a knock at the door. She stumbled to her feet, her vision blurring as she clasped the doorknob and opened it.
Sano stood there, surprised at the mess she was in. Her hair drooped over her shoulders in tangles, her lipstick almost licked off completely, and her eyes half closed as she stood squinting at him.
"Sano...?"
"Megumi, what have you been up to? Drinking?"
She gave him a glare, and motioned him to come inside. He stepped in, but as soon as she began shutting the door, she collapsed onto the floor, her hand still clutching the doorknob.
"Megumi, oi, MEGUMI!"
He bent down and shook her, taking her in his arms and gently whispering in her ear.
"C'mon girl, work with me here..."
He lifted her with both arms and stalked over to the couch, laying her down gently as her eyelashes fluttered. She couldn't even open them from fatigue. He sat down on the edge and looked down at her, seeing how hard she had worked after weeks of work with little sleep.
"Such a workaholic..."
He went to the kitchen to fetch some medicine, not finding it difficult at all for her being so organized, even at such a state... With a glass of water, he went to her side again and brought his hand containing the pill close to her mouth.
"Open up, Megumi."
She couldn't hear him. She was so tired, she didn't even bother anymore. Frowning, he looked down at the pill, and almost unhesitantly plopped it in his mouth. He took in a sip of water, and without warning forced his mouth against hers, his fingers at the sides of their mouths so water won't spill. It was so unexpected that her eyes flew open, being greeted by the sight of Sano bending over her with the mouth-to-mouth treatment. He didn't withdraw until she swallowed, and with some force she managed to get it down, and she felt their mouths part. He wiped it carelessly, rubbing off some of the lipstick that had rubbed onto his lips. She sat up, her hand to hers as she gazed at him, wide eyed. He grinned at her.
"That's what you get for not drinkin' what you need, missy."
She couldn't help smiling, and she was laughing before she knew it. That one moment was so awkward, their mouths touching and her throat desperately reaching for the pill. But at the same time, it had been so wonderful, so sweet and tasteful...and she felt it again. His lips caressed hers as her laughter was silenced. His hand reached up to cup her cheek gently, and as if by reflex her hand rose as well, sliding her hand through his hair, slightly pushing his head towards her for more pressure. The sugariness ceased then, his mouth savoring its taste before drawing away. With his strong arms, she felt herself being laid back down across the couch, and he draped a blanket over the length of her body before realizing how intently she was staring at him, with shock.
"What?"
Her eyes softened, and she snuggled deeper into the covers. He could sense the curving of her lips from beneath the warm cotton. Her eyes closed with a flutter as she spoke.
"I didn't imagine how you could be so nice."
He raised his eyebrows, but nonetheless he pushed back her bangs and pecked her forehead before switching off the light.
"Oyasumi, kitsune-onna." (Goodnight, fox-woman)
"Oyasumi, rooster head."
He quietly smiled to himself in the dark, and swiftly departed into the dark streets.
* * *
*~Kyoto, Japan~*
Misao walked quietly, staring down at the stones that she walked upon as the remaining of the autumn leaves bade farewell from beneath the new snow. The tall presence of Aoshi beside her continued to trigger her heartbeat, her cheeks tinting pink beneath the thick scarf she wore. He didn't notice, since his gaze looked outwards towards the view in front of them. He stopped, breathing slowly as if in meditation. There was absolute silence.
"Misao."
She looked up from her dreaming.
"Yes?"
Curiosity was blended in his eyes as he turned to her, his expression unchanged.
"Who is it you care for?"
She was taken quite aback. Cared for? For that she only had one answer...but...
"Why I-I...I care for everyone Aoshi-sama. I mean there's Okina, a-and there's Omasu, and Himura and-"
His gloved hand suddenly made a sweeping movement, noiselessly rising and resting itself on Misao's lips. She stared at him wide eyed as she breathed in the scent of the damp leather glove.
"Misao, I mean exceptionally. Who is it that you care for? Or are there none?"
She tired to speak, but a great doubt in her mind didn't allow her tongue to budge. Her throat grew clogged, and she couldn't talk until she thought of something different to say.
"I-I'd like to ask Aoshi-sama what he thinks as well..."
She raised her eyes to look at him, a slight look of plea in her eyes, a look of longing. And then for the first time, she witnessed something that melted her heart.
Her thoughts rambled.
'No, he can't be...'
But her blue eyes did not deceive her. Beneath the thick wool of black, the man known for his personality of an icicle...
...was blushing...
She looked at him with awe.
"A-Aoshi...sama...?"
He began to come closer, step by step with his black boots thumping on the rocks beneath. They were no more than a foot away from one another, and he looked down at her with true, sincere eyes that showed so much emotion, Misao herself felt like she'd burst. She couldn't prevent the blood rushing to her face. He spoke.
"There are many in need for the care of others. But I..."
He paused, taking a moment to breathe.
"But I, the person who I care for..."
His gloved hand reached up a second time, and gently tucked its fingers beneath her chin. Her heart throbbed as he bent down slightly, and gazed directly into her face.
"...is you."
* * *
*~Paris, France~*
Deep in the late hours of night, the delicate sounds of pen scribbling on paper could be heard trickling out of Kaoru's room. She sat at her desk, her hand diligently moving from left to write along the lines of her paper.
Dear Kenshin,
Another cold winter night, and I'm sitting here with thoughts of a beautiful Japan with a mug of hot apple cider steaming beside me. I sometimes wonder if it would be any warmer if you were here with me-
She frowned, and scribbled it out. Sighing, she crumpled up the paper and tossed it behind her. She heard a soft thud and turned around, only to see Enishi standing behind her, his purple eyes staring emotionlessly down at her with the piece of crumpled paper in his hand.
"Enishi..."
He wordlessly opened the piece of paper, and read its contents. He immediately crumpled it up again, chucking it into the trashcan.
"Kenshin...is that whom you've grown fond of?"
She blushed and didn't respond. She rose from her desk and sat on her bed, the collar of her over sized t-shirt slightly exposing her shoulder. He stood there, gazing at her, until he came to sit beside her. He whispered.
"I still don't understand..."
She turned to him, a hint of anger and mingled in her voice.
"There's nothing to understand. I don't-"
Before she knew it, his arms locked themselves around her waist, hugging her to him. She stood, resisting, but he only stood with her in his tight embrace.
"Kaoru, you know how I already lost someone..."
She fell silent, and stopped her struggling. She felt his hands stroke her back gently as he spoke.
"I lost my sister once...I'm not gonna lose another whom I love..."
"But it's pointless."
She pushed him slightly away so she could look at him.
"It's pointless if that person does not love you back..."
His face leaned forward.
"That doesn't matter..."
Her struggles suddenly began all over again, but his hold only grew tighter. She gave a hard thrust, but he seized that opportunity to forcefully push her against him even harder, this time his hand to her face so that it guided his eager mouth to her lips. Inside of her, she suddenly screamed...not for help, but for Kenshin. Then it happened.
With a loud slap, her palm came in contact with his cheek, his face abruptly forced sideways as his arms loosened his grasp. She stumbled backwards, panting, her hand clutching at her heart.
Time seemed to freeze...
Kaoru was struck by reality. She cried aloud and immediately lunged herself at the frozen form of Enishi, his hand to his cheek in shock. She hugged him and buried her face into his shirt, tears pouring out of her orbs of blue like rain.
"Enishi...I-I..."
Her body shook as she sobbed, shaking her head in disbelief.
"I'm so sorry...I didn't want to..."
She looked up at him, and tenderly rubbed his red cheek. His face looked back at her with distress. She said to him gently.
"I didn't want to...but I wanted you to understand...please..."
He lowered his head as if in defeat and muttered.
"I will not lose...not after I've lost so much..."
He spun around and ran out the door, not bothering to grab his coat as he slammed the front door behind him.
Back in the room, Kaoru's tears fell to the ground like the endless flow of rain. Her sorrow and sympathy was greater than any...
"Enishi, I'm so sorry..."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
TO BE CONTINUED...
What'll happen? Will this end as KxK after all...? O_o Nihahaha, that you shall see...soon...