Tomoko-chan: Konnichiwa! If you haven't already read my warnings and
disclaimers, I suggest you do so. I'm not wasting any of my time or money
on stupid people who file law suits on me because they don't like my fan
fic. And I'm definitely not going to explain all of those paragraphs of
stuff here, so if you haven't read all that stuff, do it now! NOW, I SAY!
This takes place in present time, Tokyo, Japan, for your information. It
has come to my attention that people are 'pissed off' at me. Well, I hope
this makes all of my 'loyal fans' *snicker* feel better, as this is the
longest chapter I've ever written for any story. For everyone else, I don't
really care. No offence, I pray. ^-^
*****
Even though they were on the twenty-sixth floor of the apartment building, the screams of the city echoed up to them. The honking cars and faint titter of human chit-chat intertwined with the passionate moans emanating from her throat. The white drapes shielded their naked bodies from the heat of the accusing, all-knowing sun. Kenshin knew, too. He knew this was wrong.
"Ahh," A painful cry escaped her lips. Tears misted her blue eyes. Kenshin moved her ebony hair from her smooth, creamy face. He smiled at her. She opened her eyes, staring ever so innocently up at him and his hair of fire.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," She hissed, a tear running down her cheek.
"You're crying." Kenshin stated, catching the tear with his finger.
"It. . . hurts." She closed her eyes again, three more tears fleeing her face. Kenshin smiled warmly, kissing her forehead and moving her slender frame up against his own. Her petite body squished against his hard chest muscles.
"Don't worry," He explained tenderly. "It just takes a while because I'm so big."
Her features widened in fear, and her eyes emptied out the last few tears within them. She wrapped her arms around his neck, ruffling his mane of crimson glory. He seemed so calm over this, it astonished her. Of course, she was a professional, in a way, but he was so loving, it was as if she had known him for twenty years instead of twenty minutes. She felt immeasurable trust in him.
After another brief pressure within her and another wince of pain, she heard him hum in content. "I'm in!" He joked foolishly. Maybe he is a fool, she thought. Maybe I'm a fool, but then again, only fools get into heaven.
Heaven.
She wondered why she had used the word so loosely. There would be no heaven for her, not now, not ever. In a way, she was surrounded by devils. Men who wanted her for one night, one hour, ten minutes. It was always lust that followed her, never love. She could not afford to love. Yet, she felt the faintest glimpse of love within this man. Deep in her heart, she wept because he was only another devil, but she buried that thought and let him hold her. It wouldn't have mattered what she thought anyway. You can only hold off the incubus for so long until you get too tired to resist and have to let it through.
Incubus.
Now there was a word she could never overuse. Every night, every day, every moment, she was plagued but some kind of demon or another. They were always screaming at her. They were always trying to get in her pants. She hated them for that. She hated all of them. Men, they sickened her. She would not have held this job if her life wasn't on the line. Well, her drug life at least. She had met few men to love. Aoshi was no exception, though. He was a brother, therefore she was almost required to love him. But she did love him, none the less, and felt brief love for this man, so she let herself go, succumbing to the heat and smothering music and the man pounding hard above her. There was no joy, yet there was no sorrow. No, she corrected. There was sorrow, but no pain. No torture or suffering, but sorrow. Her world was a middle earth, lonely, calming, yet sad.
She was stuck in Limbo for eternity.
*****
Coffee drizzled loudly in the heated pot, its warm aroma drifting to her. Her sweating, naked body heaved with the motion of her thick breaths as sun beams danced on her belly. Kenshin had opened the drapes, allowing the clean, innocent sun shine through after being held back for so long, like a child that was told he must wait to play on a jungle gym and was now finally set loose. The soft music was replaced by pop as Puffy Ami Yumi blared annoyingly on the stereo. She panted, looking down below her, and seeing a few speckles of blood dotting the cream sheets. He must have had to tear his way through, she thought, nearly horrified. The sight of blood did not frighten her, it almost humbled her, but the thought of him having to actually rip her open, it made her hot face go pale. She was not exactly small, so-
"You're welcome to some coffee." His smiled glowed at her, warming her like a distant star. She smirked.
"No. I'd better get going." She sat up, stretched in a cat-like manner, and draped her legs over the side of her bed. He was clad in a blue bathrobe, his wet, scarlet hair flowing graciously to his waist. He strode coolly to the bed stand and grasped his leather wallet.
"Is twenty okay?" He inquired.
"Oh, no. It was my pleasure." But then, the thought of bills, food, and other miscellaneous expenses popped into her mind. "On second thought, twenty will be fine." She pulled her revealing tank top over her head, her words muffled by the cloth. He closed his eyes, giving her a smile as smooth and clear as water. The bill crunched approvingly beneath her palm as he handed the money to her. "Thanks," she mumbled as she stuffed the dirty paper into her tight jeans, which she pulled over her legs and thighs at present. Kenshin's eye followed her long legs' cramped movements with awe. He walked into the kitchen, shaking the sight from his memory.
"So," the faint sizzle of the hot coffee being poured into the porcelain mug was barely audible over his cheerful tone. "What's your name, anyways?"
"Oh, um, it's Misao." She was scrambled by the question for a moment. Not a lot of people asked her that, because not a whole lot of people cared. Her ice-blue eyes darted around for a few seconds as she pushed on her scandalous black boots. Inside, she wished she could be like the prostitutes in the movies: clean, attractive, and a hint of sincerity in everything they did. Then again, she wished she wasn't a prostitute at all. Misao's jeans had food stains, and more than one blood stain. Her shirt was fraying from the harsh abuse of time, and her boots were scuffed and caked with mud. Her beautiful black hair which was once her pride and joy stank of the hands of so many men, and was tangled and matted with who knows what. Her face was as sweet as ever, though, and she tried so hard to keep the wrinkles of stress and lack of sleep plague it. Kenshin smiled that deep smile again, and his eyes closed.
"Well, it was VERY nice to 'meet' you, Miss Misao."
"Aha ha," she chuckled softly. "'Miss Misao.'"
"Does that bother you?"
"No, my father used to call me that. You just reminded me."
"In any case," Kenshin placed the mug on a coaster and wrapped his arms around Misao's waist. "Whenever you need reminding, just come here. Or, I'll go find you. Okay?" He asked her with sweet child-like innocence, mixing the deepness of his violet eyes with that of her insecure, shallow blue ones. She looked away immediately, not used to people staring into her eyes. Her gaze sub-consciously turned to the table where Kenshin had set his mug, and was mortified inside to find it read 'DADDY' in dark blue, bold letters. Squirming uncomfortably in his arms, she pushed him away.
"Thanks, but I need to go."
"Alright. See you around, then?" He stood bewildered, wondering why she had broken the embrace. She nodded half-heartedly.
"Right. Sure."
Patting her pocket to make certain the bill was secure, she strode to the apartment's front door. She was tempted to look back at him and give him the privilege of seeing one of her rare smiles, but hesitated and decided against it. She had the door cracked open to a sliver, not sure whether to turn around and lock the red-haired stranger in a bone-crushing hug, slap him across the face, or just leave.
She threw the door open and slammed it behind, infuriated with herself for no apparent reason at all.
*****
She's pretty, Kaoru thought humbly.
The elevator door opened swiftly, and at first glance, Kaoru noticed she was a prostitute, but saw she was lovely as well. She had cropped hair with the strong black hue that resembled her own and icy blue eyes that froze your spine; the kind of eyes Kaoru had always wanted. The woman smiled softly, sleepiness and unhappiness falling from her face. She stepped into the elevator while Kaoru and Kenji stepped out. Kaoru squeezed Kenji's hand a little tighter as she walked out, her turquoise business suit swishing ever-so slightly at her hips. Kenji turned his head to look back at the strange young woman with ruffled hair and wrinkled clothing. His eyes shone like amethysts, making immediate reference to his father, but his hair was black like his mother, and just as smooth, shiny, and long. He smiled gleefully as he tugged his mother's suit and pointed at Misao.
"Look, Mommy! It's the pretty lady! It's the pretty lady from my dream!" His young voice was high-pitched with excitement as he tugged frantically at the off-blue jacket. Kaoru nodded thoughtfully.
"Yes, Kenji. She just might be." Her voice was soft and low so that the 'pretty lady' might not hear, but she did, and let out a muffled laugh. Misao pushed the button that would send her down to the first floor, and in a few seconds, she was gone. Kenji watched her go down, and his eyes drifted down with disappointment.
"Come on, Kenji." Kaoru scolded gently. "We're almost home." She tugged his hand for him to follow, pulling the cuff of his green 'Inu-chan' long-sleeved T-shirt with it. His little feet along with his white 'Kuri' brand tennis shoes scurried in attempt to keep up with Mommy's big, grown- up steps. Kaoru tugged almost mercilessly on her only son's hand, trying to get in her home as soon as possible. Work was just. . . frustrating. It's as if she had the worst, most horrible clients in the history of lawyer- ship. It seemed as though no one she worked with had a life outside of lies, lust, sin, and malice, and she would to have any of that rub off on her and her family. She wished that people could just get along and make her life so much easier. Life had not been easy lately, that's for sure. Kenshin had lost his job, and what with Kenji going into first grade next year, they would need to buy uniforms and school supplies and even start setting him up for college. Kenji was a smart boy, more intelligent than most second graders, but he had this terrible little knack of getting in trouble and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was always getting stuck and trees, caught pulling hair, and loosing assignments. But Kaoru knew he was good, and knew that sooner or later, Kenji would mature and become the perfect son he was destined to be. As for her troubles with Kenshin, well. . .
Kaoru didn't know what to do.
She loved Kenshin dearly and would do anything for him. She tried to look pretty for him and satisfy him every other night, but he still seemed unhappy. He didn't have the same passion for her when they made love, and though she climaxed every time, he didn't. She moaned with pleasure every time, but he didn't. She lay there gasping, begging for more every time, but he didn't. He would trudge away for coffee or go out for a drink and hardly ever took a shower afterwards. She knew that he was satisfied when he showered, but when he didn't, she was frightened. Was he trying to keep his smell with her when he wasn't happy as a reminder not to drift away from their relationship?
She didn't know. She couldn't have known.
But she loved him, and would die to make him happy.
After a while, she had begun to save up her extra money so she could buy a house for her family. A real house, not some cheap two-bedroom apartment with one bathroom, a cramped kitchen, and an insignificantly small living room in which they lived in now. She hated it here, in Tokyo. It made her sick to see that city, literally crawling with people and cheap- skate bastards who just wanted to wheedle some extra change out of you. She wanted to move to the United States, where she was sure it would be less crowded and certainly less expensive. Someplace desolate, yet charming, like Colorado. Yea, Colorado, she sighed within herself dreamily. That'll be the day when pigs fly out of her arse and make her gourmet French cuisine. Fumbling within her purse, she grasped her keys and pushed them into their proper slot.
"We're home!" Kaoru yelled, siding Kenji through the door. He threw his backpack onto the ground and yelled out as well.
"We're home, Daddy!" He mimicked loudly.
Kenshin was in the master bedroom, putting the finishing touches on the bed he and Kaoru shared. He didn't want her to suspect anything, so he made the bed after one of his 'friends' came over and almost always searched the house for the knick-knacks that may have been left behind as well. Things like condom wrappers, Kenshin thought with a little bit of guilt. He fluffed the pillow and put on his be, innocent, smiling face. After a quick tug on his robe to make sure it did not fall and show his erected manhood from thinking of Misao, he made his way to the living room, preparing his mind with lies.
"Hey there, you guys! You're early!" Kenshin hid his relief at the fact that time was on his side this afternoon. Just one more minute, if they had showed up one minute later, it could have been ruined. The love- making, the marriage, the life of his son, everything. He nearly shook with the thought of his life landing and shattering like a glass, ornamental plate. Kaoru flashed a fake smile.
"Well, you know," She briefly covered Kenji's ears as she mouthed the curse "The Bitch let me off early today, for once." Kenji squirmed until her hands broke free, then ran into his room to rush onto the internet. Her smile was soft and genuine this time. "So, it looks like old Mr. Hayasaka is having troubles with his wife. I saw a prostitute in the hall. She was pretty, but only about sixteen. It makes me sad." Kaoru helped herself to the coffee intended for Misao. Kenshin shivered through a smile.
"Only sixteen? Jeez."
"Yea. What is this world coming too?" She sipped the coffee slowly. "Did you find a job today?" She raised an eyebrow over the rim of the cup. Kenshin nodded slightly.
"Oh, I'm going in for an interview next week or so." Of course it was a lie. He had not searched for a job once all day. He was Misao the instant Kaoru left to the instant she got home. Only sixteen? His mind pondered with guilt, only sixteen? He had just made love to a sixteen-year-old? No, he argued to himself. He didn't make love to her; he fucked her. There was a difference. A big difference.
"That's good. Hey, maybe we can go to that little amusement park with Kenji this weekend? You know, the one by the park?"
"Oh, sure, that sounds great." Kenshin nodded a little doubtfully. He loved amusement parks, but hated roller coasters. And that was the part he questioned about Kenji being his son; he adored them. If given the opportunity, Kenji would probably choose to be on a roller coaster for eternity. It was like he was born on one. Kenshin was not sure why he hated them so. He didn't mind the speed, or the drops, or the height, or the turning and loops. He just felt. . . weird on them.
"But since tonight is a Friday," She set down her coffee and slunk over to him smoothly with sex oozing from her motions. "Maybe we can send Kenji over to a friend's house, go out to dinner, and maybe. . . after that. . ." She tugged on his robe collar gently and brushed her lips against his very gently, letting it linger and making him want more. His eyes grew wide, looking into her brown orbs that seemed to fester with power. Her pupils looked alive and wild. Kenshin had never seen her look so strong.
"Kaoru?" His statement cam out as a question.
"I'll call Minako-chan." Kaoru hugged him close.
"Kaoru. . ."
"Tell her that Kenji can play with her little girl, Ami-chan."
"Kaoru. . ."
"We can go to that new restaurant on fourth, and while you pay the bill, I'll stop by the drug store and pick up some-"
"Kaoru!"
"What?" The dreamy, wild look was gone from her eyes in an instant.
"I-" He was about to refuse her, turn her down. He didn't want her. He felt like he was stealing something from her. But the look she had, he wanted that to stay. He hugged he waist as well and brought her closer. Her happiness would have to cover all suspicion.
"Kaoru." He bent his neck and kissed her, his tongue ravishing against hers. She closed her eyes and draped her slender arms around his neck, wrapping her leg around his own, pushing him harder into her, as if trying to swallow him. She felt the wall clash against her back as she struggled for support to keep her steady. She didn't want it to end.
But just then. . .
"Ew!" Kenji screeched, childish disgust in his voice. "You guys are gross! Get a room!" He clutched a sketchpad and a blinding, shiny new pencil as he stood there, his hair undone, his feet bare with the imprints of the sock still indented within his foot. His brow was furrowed in unhappiness, but had the slightest hint of curiosity and confusion within his bright eyes. Kaoru giggled like a school girl, her face going a bit red. Kenshin smiled sheepishly. Brushing away the fact that his parents had just made-out in front of him, Kenji tapped the toe of his shoe upon the carpet and let his gaze fall to the floor. "Am I going to see Ami-chan?" He asked as a few specks of color dotted his face.
"If you want to."
"I guess so," Kenji scratched the back of his head. "I did promise Ami-chan that I'd draw her something. I guess her house would be the best place to do it."
"I guess it would be." Kenshin placed Kaoru gently on her feet and ruffled Kenji's hair. Kenji smirked, one eye looking up at his idol, his God, his father. Kenshin looked back seeing that though this child was his one and only son, the only reason he was standing here was because of some horrible mistake. They were so young when they had married, and what an anniversary it had been that year. . .
"You're the coolest, Dad." Kenji looked up, his eyes overflowing with admiration.
"Really? I'm sugoi? That's a first." He beamed with pride.
"Come on, Kenji. Let's get your shoes on, and then we can go." Kaoru patted him on the back, making her way into Kenji's cluttered room filled with books, action figures, and dirty clothes.
"Right." He scurried into his room, leaving Kenshin with one final look of love before he disappeared behind the door.
Kenshin stood, not knowing what to do. A smile clung faintly to his face, hanging on for dear life. Within his mind, a dozen things were buzzing off at once, each screaming that they were more important than the others and had to be treated first. He had to deal with so many things before he got home that night. He knew Kaoru would want him afterwards, and sooner or later she would find out. But he didn't want this to end. He loved Kaoru, more than words could touch, and he always tried to be a good husband and father, but some things just can't be dealt with so lightly.
So then, as he often did when in a crisis, nervous, or under stress, he did laundry.
*****
"What job are you going to be interviewed for?"
Kenshin was caught off-guard, his mouth stuffed with salad. "Hm?"
"I said, what job are you going in to be interviewed for? I want to know everything! The pay, the extras, the insurance, I just have to know!" Kaoru had abandoned her soup, letting the bay leaves float to the steamy top. Her eyes grew wide with interest as she waited not-so patiently and folded her hands. Kenshin had to restrain himself from gasping aloud as his face grew paper white in fear. For once, he did not know what to say. His mind had frozen over, and not a thing slipped through it.
"Well, um, uh," Kenshin stuttered. "It's, um, I think that, er,"
"What is it?" Kaoru grew suspicious, her brow become lined with rivulets of concern. Kenshin didn't know what to do.
Easy way out. . .
"I, um, wouldn't want to spoil the surprise, my little hana." He smiled calmly, but inside he feared he would soon have a heart attack. Kaoru's face softened.
"Ooh! You're so mean!" She punched him playfully in the arm. "The check should be here soon. I'll go to the drugstore, pick up what we need," She winked. "Then come back and pick you up. Okay?"
"Sound perfect." He answered, a little shaky. Kaoru stood, and leaned over to kiss him on the lips, but he turned away so she only got his cheek. Walking away and realizing that, she felt rejected in a way. He had been doing this for a while now, denying her kisses un-expectantly. A thought came to her mind. Am I not romantic enough? She shuddered, please no! In the car, instead of turning to the drug store, she turned to the flower shop, buying three dozen roses. Speeding back to the apartment, she dashed through the hallway, the occasional petal drifting away from her. Unlocking the door, she burst through it and ran to their bedroom after dropping her purse and coat. She began to strip the bed of the covers and sheets and every decorative pillow. Taking a few of the roses, she tore off the petals and scattered them on the bed sheets. When she was finished making the bed as fragrant and beautiful (in her eyes) as a rose, she noticed something among the sheets. It looked as if the rose had been bleeding, for speckles of red liquid dotted part of her side of the bed. She was confused; her period started in a week, but this blood looked almost new.
New blood?
Her head whirled for a moment, but she regained. No, she thought. Never! He would never! He loved her, and she loved him. He probably just cut himself earlier and some fell on the bed. Kaoru realized how lame and desperate that sounded.
He loved her. . .
He loved her. . .
Right?
Kaoru backed away in disgust, tears threatening her face.
Right?
*****
Tomoko-chan: I know, I'm evil. I can't really understand why though. I just have this urge to make everyone in my stories comepletly miserable! AHAHAHAHAHA!! Now, if you HAD read my disclaimers and warnings and such (which everyone seems to hate) you would have realized that I do take comments and such, I also take suggestions on what should happen next in the story .If you have not read the last, er, thing, then it showed what a silly rabbit you are! Ja ne!
*****
Even though they were on the twenty-sixth floor of the apartment building, the screams of the city echoed up to them. The honking cars and faint titter of human chit-chat intertwined with the passionate moans emanating from her throat. The white drapes shielded their naked bodies from the heat of the accusing, all-knowing sun. Kenshin knew, too. He knew this was wrong.
"Ahh," A painful cry escaped her lips. Tears misted her blue eyes. Kenshin moved her ebony hair from her smooth, creamy face. He smiled at her. She opened her eyes, staring ever so innocently up at him and his hair of fire.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," She hissed, a tear running down her cheek.
"You're crying." Kenshin stated, catching the tear with his finger.
"It. . . hurts." She closed her eyes again, three more tears fleeing her face. Kenshin smiled warmly, kissing her forehead and moving her slender frame up against his own. Her petite body squished against his hard chest muscles.
"Don't worry," He explained tenderly. "It just takes a while because I'm so big."
Her features widened in fear, and her eyes emptied out the last few tears within them. She wrapped her arms around his neck, ruffling his mane of crimson glory. He seemed so calm over this, it astonished her. Of course, she was a professional, in a way, but he was so loving, it was as if she had known him for twenty years instead of twenty minutes. She felt immeasurable trust in him.
After another brief pressure within her and another wince of pain, she heard him hum in content. "I'm in!" He joked foolishly. Maybe he is a fool, she thought. Maybe I'm a fool, but then again, only fools get into heaven.
Heaven.
She wondered why she had used the word so loosely. There would be no heaven for her, not now, not ever. In a way, she was surrounded by devils. Men who wanted her for one night, one hour, ten minutes. It was always lust that followed her, never love. She could not afford to love. Yet, she felt the faintest glimpse of love within this man. Deep in her heart, she wept because he was only another devil, but she buried that thought and let him hold her. It wouldn't have mattered what she thought anyway. You can only hold off the incubus for so long until you get too tired to resist and have to let it through.
Incubus.
Now there was a word she could never overuse. Every night, every day, every moment, she was plagued but some kind of demon or another. They were always screaming at her. They were always trying to get in her pants. She hated them for that. She hated all of them. Men, they sickened her. She would not have held this job if her life wasn't on the line. Well, her drug life at least. She had met few men to love. Aoshi was no exception, though. He was a brother, therefore she was almost required to love him. But she did love him, none the less, and felt brief love for this man, so she let herself go, succumbing to the heat and smothering music and the man pounding hard above her. There was no joy, yet there was no sorrow. No, she corrected. There was sorrow, but no pain. No torture or suffering, but sorrow. Her world was a middle earth, lonely, calming, yet sad.
She was stuck in Limbo for eternity.
*****
Coffee drizzled loudly in the heated pot, its warm aroma drifting to her. Her sweating, naked body heaved with the motion of her thick breaths as sun beams danced on her belly. Kenshin had opened the drapes, allowing the clean, innocent sun shine through after being held back for so long, like a child that was told he must wait to play on a jungle gym and was now finally set loose. The soft music was replaced by pop as Puffy Ami Yumi blared annoyingly on the stereo. She panted, looking down below her, and seeing a few speckles of blood dotting the cream sheets. He must have had to tear his way through, she thought, nearly horrified. The sight of blood did not frighten her, it almost humbled her, but the thought of him having to actually rip her open, it made her hot face go pale. She was not exactly small, so-
"You're welcome to some coffee." His smiled glowed at her, warming her like a distant star. She smirked.
"No. I'd better get going." She sat up, stretched in a cat-like manner, and draped her legs over the side of her bed. He was clad in a blue bathrobe, his wet, scarlet hair flowing graciously to his waist. He strode coolly to the bed stand and grasped his leather wallet.
"Is twenty okay?" He inquired.
"Oh, no. It was my pleasure." But then, the thought of bills, food, and other miscellaneous expenses popped into her mind. "On second thought, twenty will be fine." She pulled her revealing tank top over her head, her words muffled by the cloth. He closed his eyes, giving her a smile as smooth and clear as water. The bill crunched approvingly beneath her palm as he handed the money to her. "Thanks," she mumbled as she stuffed the dirty paper into her tight jeans, which she pulled over her legs and thighs at present. Kenshin's eye followed her long legs' cramped movements with awe. He walked into the kitchen, shaking the sight from his memory.
"So," the faint sizzle of the hot coffee being poured into the porcelain mug was barely audible over his cheerful tone. "What's your name, anyways?"
"Oh, um, it's Misao." She was scrambled by the question for a moment. Not a lot of people asked her that, because not a whole lot of people cared. Her ice-blue eyes darted around for a few seconds as she pushed on her scandalous black boots. Inside, she wished she could be like the prostitutes in the movies: clean, attractive, and a hint of sincerity in everything they did. Then again, she wished she wasn't a prostitute at all. Misao's jeans had food stains, and more than one blood stain. Her shirt was fraying from the harsh abuse of time, and her boots were scuffed and caked with mud. Her beautiful black hair which was once her pride and joy stank of the hands of so many men, and was tangled and matted with who knows what. Her face was as sweet as ever, though, and she tried so hard to keep the wrinkles of stress and lack of sleep plague it. Kenshin smiled that deep smile again, and his eyes closed.
"Well, it was VERY nice to 'meet' you, Miss Misao."
"Aha ha," she chuckled softly. "'Miss Misao.'"
"Does that bother you?"
"No, my father used to call me that. You just reminded me."
"In any case," Kenshin placed the mug on a coaster and wrapped his arms around Misao's waist. "Whenever you need reminding, just come here. Or, I'll go find you. Okay?" He asked her with sweet child-like innocence, mixing the deepness of his violet eyes with that of her insecure, shallow blue ones. She looked away immediately, not used to people staring into her eyes. Her gaze sub-consciously turned to the table where Kenshin had set his mug, and was mortified inside to find it read 'DADDY' in dark blue, bold letters. Squirming uncomfortably in his arms, she pushed him away.
"Thanks, but I need to go."
"Alright. See you around, then?" He stood bewildered, wondering why she had broken the embrace. She nodded half-heartedly.
"Right. Sure."
Patting her pocket to make certain the bill was secure, she strode to the apartment's front door. She was tempted to look back at him and give him the privilege of seeing one of her rare smiles, but hesitated and decided against it. She had the door cracked open to a sliver, not sure whether to turn around and lock the red-haired stranger in a bone-crushing hug, slap him across the face, or just leave.
She threw the door open and slammed it behind, infuriated with herself for no apparent reason at all.
*****
She's pretty, Kaoru thought humbly.
The elevator door opened swiftly, and at first glance, Kaoru noticed she was a prostitute, but saw she was lovely as well. She had cropped hair with the strong black hue that resembled her own and icy blue eyes that froze your spine; the kind of eyes Kaoru had always wanted. The woman smiled softly, sleepiness and unhappiness falling from her face. She stepped into the elevator while Kaoru and Kenji stepped out. Kaoru squeezed Kenji's hand a little tighter as she walked out, her turquoise business suit swishing ever-so slightly at her hips. Kenji turned his head to look back at the strange young woman with ruffled hair and wrinkled clothing. His eyes shone like amethysts, making immediate reference to his father, but his hair was black like his mother, and just as smooth, shiny, and long. He smiled gleefully as he tugged his mother's suit and pointed at Misao.
"Look, Mommy! It's the pretty lady! It's the pretty lady from my dream!" His young voice was high-pitched with excitement as he tugged frantically at the off-blue jacket. Kaoru nodded thoughtfully.
"Yes, Kenji. She just might be." Her voice was soft and low so that the 'pretty lady' might not hear, but she did, and let out a muffled laugh. Misao pushed the button that would send her down to the first floor, and in a few seconds, she was gone. Kenji watched her go down, and his eyes drifted down with disappointment.
"Come on, Kenji." Kaoru scolded gently. "We're almost home." She tugged his hand for him to follow, pulling the cuff of his green 'Inu-chan' long-sleeved T-shirt with it. His little feet along with his white 'Kuri' brand tennis shoes scurried in attempt to keep up with Mommy's big, grown- up steps. Kaoru tugged almost mercilessly on her only son's hand, trying to get in her home as soon as possible. Work was just. . . frustrating. It's as if she had the worst, most horrible clients in the history of lawyer- ship. It seemed as though no one she worked with had a life outside of lies, lust, sin, and malice, and she would to have any of that rub off on her and her family. She wished that people could just get along and make her life so much easier. Life had not been easy lately, that's for sure. Kenshin had lost his job, and what with Kenji going into first grade next year, they would need to buy uniforms and school supplies and even start setting him up for college. Kenji was a smart boy, more intelligent than most second graders, but he had this terrible little knack of getting in trouble and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was always getting stuck and trees, caught pulling hair, and loosing assignments. But Kaoru knew he was good, and knew that sooner or later, Kenji would mature and become the perfect son he was destined to be. As for her troubles with Kenshin, well. . .
Kaoru didn't know what to do.
She loved Kenshin dearly and would do anything for him. She tried to look pretty for him and satisfy him every other night, but he still seemed unhappy. He didn't have the same passion for her when they made love, and though she climaxed every time, he didn't. She moaned with pleasure every time, but he didn't. She lay there gasping, begging for more every time, but he didn't. He would trudge away for coffee or go out for a drink and hardly ever took a shower afterwards. She knew that he was satisfied when he showered, but when he didn't, she was frightened. Was he trying to keep his smell with her when he wasn't happy as a reminder not to drift away from their relationship?
She didn't know. She couldn't have known.
But she loved him, and would die to make him happy.
After a while, she had begun to save up her extra money so she could buy a house for her family. A real house, not some cheap two-bedroom apartment with one bathroom, a cramped kitchen, and an insignificantly small living room in which they lived in now. She hated it here, in Tokyo. It made her sick to see that city, literally crawling with people and cheap- skate bastards who just wanted to wheedle some extra change out of you. She wanted to move to the United States, where she was sure it would be less crowded and certainly less expensive. Someplace desolate, yet charming, like Colorado. Yea, Colorado, she sighed within herself dreamily. That'll be the day when pigs fly out of her arse and make her gourmet French cuisine. Fumbling within her purse, she grasped her keys and pushed them into their proper slot.
"We're home!" Kaoru yelled, siding Kenji through the door. He threw his backpack onto the ground and yelled out as well.
"We're home, Daddy!" He mimicked loudly.
Kenshin was in the master bedroom, putting the finishing touches on the bed he and Kaoru shared. He didn't want her to suspect anything, so he made the bed after one of his 'friends' came over and almost always searched the house for the knick-knacks that may have been left behind as well. Things like condom wrappers, Kenshin thought with a little bit of guilt. He fluffed the pillow and put on his be, innocent, smiling face. After a quick tug on his robe to make sure it did not fall and show his erected manhood from thinking of Misao, he made his way to the living room, preparing his mind with lies.
"Hey there, you guys! You're early!" Kenshin hid his relief at the fact that time was on his side this afternoon. Just one more minute, if they had showed up one minute later, it could have been ruined. The love- making, the marriage, the life of his son, everything. He nearly shook with the thought of his life landing and shattering like a glass, ornamental plate. Kaoru flashed a fake smile.
"Well, you know," She briefly covered Kenji's ears as she mouthed the curse "The Bitch let me off early today, for once." Kenji squirmed until her hands broke free, then ran into his room to rush onto the internet. Her smile was soft and genuine this time. "So, it looks like old Mr. Hayasaka is having troubles with his wife. I saw a prostitute in the hall. She was pretty, but only about sixteen. It makes me sad." Kaoru helped herself to the coffee intended for Misao. Kenshin shivered through a smile.
"Only sixteen? Jeez."
"Yea. What is this world coming too?" She sipped the coffee slowly. "Did you find a job today?" She raised an eyebrow over the rim of the cup. Kenshin nodded slightly.
"Oh, I'm going in for an interview next week or so." Of course it was a lie. He had not searched for a job once all day. He was Misao the instant Kaoru left to the instant she got home. Only sixteen? His mind pondered with guilt, only sixteen? He had just made love to a sixteen-year-old? No, he argued to himself. He didn't make love to her; he fucked her. There was a difference. A big difference.
"That's good. Hey, maybe we can go to that little amusement park with Kenji this weekend? You know, the one by the park?"
"Oh, sure, that sounds great." Kenshin nodded a little doubtfully. He loved amusement parks, but hated roller coasters. And that was the part he questioned about Kenji being his son; he adored them. If given the opportunity, Kenji would probably choose to be on a roller coaster for eternity. It was like he was born on one. Kenshin was not sure why he hated them so. He didn't mind the speed, or the drops, or the height, or the turning and loops. He just felt. . . weird on them.
"But since tonight is a Friday," She set down her coffee and slunk over to him smoothly with sex oozing from her motions. "Maybe we can send Kenji over to a friend's house, go out to dinner, and maybe. . . after that. . ." She tugged on his robe collar gently and brushed her lips against his very gently, letting it linger and making him want more. His eyes grew wide, looking into her brown orbs that seemed to fester with power. Her pupils looked alive and wild. Kenshin had never seen her look so strong.
"Kaoru?" His statement cam out as a question.
"I'll call Minako-chan." Kaoru hugged him close.
"Kaoru. . ."
"Tell her that Kenji can play with her little girl, Ami-chan."
"Kaoru. . ."
"We can go to that new restaurant on fourth, and while you pay the bill, I'll stop by the drug store and pick up some-"
"Kaoru!"
"What?" The dreamy, wild look was gone from her eyes in an instant.
"I-" He was about to refuse her, turn her down. He didn't want her. He felt like he was stealing something from her. But the look she had, he wanted that to stay. He hugged he waist as well and brought her closer. Her happiness would have to cover all suspicion.
"Kaoru." He bent his neck and kissed her, his tongue ravishing against hers. She closed her eyes and draped her slender arms around his neck, wrapping her leg around his own, pushing him harder into her, as if trying to swallow him. She felt the wall clash against her back as she struggled for support to keep her steady. She didn't want it to end.
But just then. . .
"Ew!" Kenji screeched, childish disgust in his voice. "You guys are gross! Get a room!" He clutched a sketchpad and a blinding, shiny new pencil as he stood there, his hair undone, his feet bare with the imprints of the sock still indented within his foot. His brow was furrowed in unhappiness, but had the slightest hint of curiosity and confusion within his bright eyes. Kaoru giggled like a school girl, her face going a bit red. Kenshin smiled sheepishly. Brushing away the fact that his parents had just made-out in front of him, Kenji tapped the toe of his shoe upon the carpet and let his gaze fall to the floor. "Am I going to see Ami-chan?" He asked as a few specks of color dotted his face.
"If you want to."
"I guess so," Kenji scratched the back of his head. "I did promise Ami-chan that I'd draw her something. I guess her house would be the best place to do it."
"I guess it would be." Kenshin placed Kaoru gently on her feet and ruffled Kenji's hair. Kenji smirked, one eye looking up at his idol, his God, his father. Kenshin looked back seeing that though this child was his one and only son, the only reason he was standing here was because of some horrible mistake. They were so young when they had married, and what an anniversary it had been that year. . .
"You're the coolest, Dad." Kenji looked up, his eyes overflowing with admiration.
"Really? I'm sugoi? That's a first." He beamed with pride.
"Come on, Kenji. Let's get your shoes on, and then we can go." Kaoru patted him on the back, making her way into Kenji's cluttered room filled with books, action figures, and dirty clothes.
"Right." He scurried into his room, leaving Kenshin with one final look of love before he disappeared behind the door.
Kenshin stood, not knowing what to do. A smile clung faintly to his face, hanging on for dear life. Within his mind, a dozen things were buzzing off at once, each screaming that they were more important than the others and had to be treated first. He had to deal with so many things before he got home that night. He knew Kaoru would want him afterwards, and sooner or later she would find out. But he didn't want this to end. He loved Kaoru, more than words could touch, and he always tried to be a good husband and father, but some things just can't be dealt with so lightly.
So then, as he often did when in a crisis, nervous, or under stress, he did laundry.
*****
"What job are you going to be interviewed for?"
Kenshin was caught off-guard, his mouth stuffed with salad. "Hm?"
"I said, what job are you going in to be interviewed for? I want to know everything! The pay, the extras, the insurance, I just have to know!" Kaoru had abandoned her soup, letting the bay leaves float to the steamy top. Her eyes grew wide with interest as she waited not-so patiently and folded her hands. Kenshin had to restrain himself from gasping aloud as his face grew paper white in fear. For once, he did not know what to say. His mind had frozen over, and not a thing slipped through it.
"Well, um, uh," Kenshin stuttered. "It's, um, I think that, er,"
"What is it?" Kaoru grew suspicious, her brow become lined with rivulets of concern. Kenshin didn't know what to do.
Easy way out. . .
"I, um, wouldn't want to spoil the surprise, my little hana." He smiled calmly, but inside he feared he would soon have a heart attack. Kaoru's face softened.
"Ooh! You're so mean!" She punched him playfully in the arm. "The check should be here soon. I'll go to the drugstore, pick up what we need," She winked. "Then come back and pick you up. Okay?"
"Sound perfect." He answered, a little shaky. Kaoru stood, and leaned over to kiss him on the lips, but he turned away so she only got his cheek. Walking away and realizing that, she felt rejected in a way. He had been doing this for a while now, denying her kisses un-expectantly. A thought came to her mind. Am I not romantic enough? She shuddered, please no! In the car, instead of turning to the drug store, she turned to the flower shop, buying three dozen roses. Speeding back to the apartment, she dashed through the hallway, the occasional petal drifting away from her. Unlocking the door, she burst through it and ran to their bedroom after dropping her purse and coat. She began to strip the bed of the covers and sheets and every decorative pillow. Taking a few of the roses, she tore off the petals and scattered them on the bed sheets. When she was finished making the bed as fragrant and beautiful (in her eyes) as a rose, she noticed something among the sheets. It looked as if the rose had been bleeding, for speckles of red liquid dotted part of her side of the bed. She was confused; her period started in a week, but this blood looked almost new.
New blood?
Her head whirled for a moment, but she regained. No, she thought. Never! He would never! He loved her, and she loved him. He probably just cut himself earlier and some fell on the bed. Kaoru realized how lame and desperate that sounded.
He loved her. . .
He loved her. . .
Right?
Kaoru backed away in disgust, tears threatening her face.
Right?
*****
Tomoko-chan: I know, I'm evil. I can't really understand why though. I just have this urge to make everyone in my stories comepletly miserable! AHAHAHAHAHA!! Now, if you HAD read my disclaimers and warnings and such (which everyone seems to hate) you would have realized that I do take comments and such, I also take suggestions on what should happen next in the story .If you have not read the last, er, thing, then it showed what a silly rabbit you are! Ja ne!