the seduction of fire
I can't understand myself anymore but I'm still feeling lonely feeling so unholy…- Portishead
chapter three
from the shadows he rises
The night reeked of sex and sweat and all you could see as you entered the club were miles upon miles of grinding bodies. For once he was glad he was away from the crowd of grinding bodies and tucked away in a quiet booth in the VIP lounge. He could hold onto the remnants of his sanity this way.
Almost.
Through a part in the crowd, a familiar figure made his way towards the booth. He gripped his drink, in attempt to control his annoyance. But he could help it. He never did like Takasugi.
The taller man grinned and leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with deviance.
"They say that if you make an enemy of her, she could drown you in your nightmares."
He snorted and lifted his drink to his lips, savoring the feel of the burning path the vodka took down his throat. His free hand settled under the table, his fingers brushing against his sword as he fought down the urge to slit his companion's throat open.
His companion smirked at his unease. "I missed you too, Battousai."
He growled. His finger gripped the hilt painfully. "Fuck you, Takasugi."
The other man chuckled and motioned the waitress to bring him another drink. "Katsura-san is very curious to why you took up this job."
He didn't answer. His eyes lingered onto the file in front of him. Information, he mused. Katsura always had a knack for knowing when he need something, but it always came with a price. He sighed softy, watching as Takasugi pulled the waitress into his lap. The girl shifted and her blouse opened slightly, giving him a blatant view of her breasts.
"You're a pretty one. Can I give you a call later?"
The young woman giggled, sending a meaningful glance towards his seat. "I don't know…"
He sent a dangerous glare in return. He couldn't be bothered with women right now. "Takasugi," he warned.
Takasugi pouted and sent the giggling waitress off with a sloppy kiss, returning his attention to an agitated Battousai.
"So, let's talk then."
Battousai growled, but said nothing. He was squeezing the life out of the hilt at his side. Takasugi grinned and leaned forward, pushing the file across the table.
"Katsura-san has a particular interest in meeting with the girl."
He narrowed his eyes. "I never said I was going to take it."
The latter waved his hand in huff. "I forgot how much of a pisser you are. Besides, I never said that he wanted you take a job. He merely wants to meet with the girl."
His hand released the hilt of his sword. "Iie. I have my orders. You of all people know that I always carry out my orders."
"Yeah, yeah. Especially with that sword shoved up your ass."
He had enough then. This meeting had obviously been a waste of his time. But then why had he come? He had long ago stopped working for Katsura, but-
He shook his head, his bangs falling across his eyes. It was the girl. It had to be the girl. It had to be so odd twist of-
"Just look at the file, man."
And he left with it tucked safely under his arms.
~_~
Life was cruel.
Kaoru found herself outside, tucked in the corner of her balcony floor and staring an empty carton of cigarettes. She welcomed the icy air against her skin, a reminder that she hadn't lost the ability to feel. She closed her eyes, forcing all thoughts to be buried in the back of her head. Just five minutes, she mused. Just five minutes of silence. Suddenly, a blanket was draped over her shoulders.
A smile graced her lips. "You should be in bed, Misao."
The younger girl let out an unladylike snort and slid down next to her. She pulled a corner of the blanket of her own shoulders and inched closer to her. "I know. I heard you and Enishi."
"Gomen ne," Kaoru murmured, her fingers tracing over the carton in avid fascination. "He was being such an idiot…"
"So what else is new? He misled us all these years…"
She chuckled. "I still think you harbor some secret crush on him."
Misao shot up, her eyes wide with disgust. "Ew. Ew. Can say ew?"
Kaoru gave her friend a rare smile. "It was just an observation."
"Yeah, right. So-"
"I want you to go to Kyoto," she interrupted, shifting so she could face her friend. The cigarette carton fell from her fingertips, momentarily forgotten.
"What?" Misao's eyes were wide in surprise.
Kaoru ignored her outburst. "You have family there, visit them. Take a break, you definitely need it."
Misao held up a hand, her eyes darkening. "You know I don't exactly like what's left of my family, Kaoru-chan. There's a catch. Right?"
She sighed and nodded, closing her eyes briefly. "I want you to watch your health. Not only are you important to me as family, Misao. I-"
"You don't trust Enishi," the other girl murmured.
Kaoru shook her head and picked up the cigarette carton once more. She bit her lip. "I want you to be my eyes and ears in Kyoto. I want you to take in all the information you can get. Use all of our channels."
Misao nodded slowly, her gaze apprehensive. "What's really wrong, then?"
She recognized the other girl's silent questions almost immediately. The emotional signal was threatening to choke her. Kaoru placed a gentle hand on Misao's arm.
"I don't want to worry you. I'll be fine here, I promise. There's just some loose ends I need to tie up. I'll join you later. And besides, I may not trust Enishi but he won't let anything happen to me."
Yet.
Misao nodded, satisfied with her answer. "I'll leave first thing tomorrow then."
"Good," Kaoru murmured. "Good."
Because tomorrow I meet Battousai.
~_~
"So Kamiya-san, can you tell me about your parents? And perhaps your brother as well?"
*silence*
"Kamiya-san?"
"I have nobody."
- Police Interview Session XXVI, Case XX236853R
~_~
Author's Notes:
Good things come to those who wait. ^_^. I promise. I want to thank all the reviewers again. Thank so very much for staying with me, I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate all of your support. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Extra glomps to Nemo, who I absolutely adore! Go read her stuff, it's brilliant! *glomps Nemo*
Next chapter, I will get into the heart of the background of everybody's favorite raccoon girl. All questions will be answered, I promise. And no flashbacks required either… I'm too pissed at the formation of ff.net. If a moderator reads this, honestly guys! I miss my formatting.
Other than that, review please!