Tomoko-chan: I don't know WHY I'm even writing this thing. . . Of course I
love my dearest, darling Kenshin, but I have almost FIFTY comments on my
other fanfics, Emerald Eyes, and I have just ONE chapter on it! Jeezus-
pleezus! Insanity, I tell you! I was thinking I should just quit this one,
but then I thought of how I SOOOO need to get Kenshin back in this thing,
and have Kaoru and ***** hook up. (I can't tell you who the asterisks stand
for; it'd be too much of a spoiler. You'll find out real soon, though.
Promise! ^_~). I also got the comment saying Kenji should slam the door in
Kenshin's face, and I LIKE that idea! I do believe I will use it! Whee!
Keep the suggestions coming, and I'll post them. Obviously, some of you are
too lazy to scroll back to the first post, saying that I don't accept
flames, so for all of you bakas, I'll say it YET AGAIN!! *clears throat and
gargles a glass of water* Ahem. . . NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
FLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMES!! *pant pant wheeze* Okay
then, now on with the show!
*****
Sunlight. Sweet, warm, buttery sunlight, smothering every inch of her bare skin in viridian pleasure, clogging the pain. Choking the agony. Kaoru held the final cardboard box, the ends slipping from her strained fingers. A slick of sweat quivered on her wrinkled brow as she slammed the last of the work onto the carpet of their new home. It was actually much nicer than the photographs, and Kaoru had to wonder if there was something wrong with the nearly-perfect apartment. It had a comely living room with modern decorative promises and a sliding door leading to a miniature balcony. The burnished, tawny, adobe walls corresponded well with the deep crimson terra- cotta tile in the kitchen and dining room, which came with shinned wood- polished counters and even a dining table. There were two bathrooms: one in the master bedroom and one in the hall. The one in her soon-to-be bedroom was highlighted in a cheery purples and greens and visions of violets and other dark-hued flower bounced around. In the other, there was white tile and blue walls, which images of the sea adorning its presence. The master bedroom had crimson walls and a tan carpet, and almost screamed 'Give me gold and scarlet curtains and comforters!' In the smaller bedroom, there were deep, navy blue walls and matching patterns bellow as carpets. It seemed so perfect. . . Everything made to be decorated, except. . . except. . .
"Except I won't have enough for furniture." Kaoru thought aloud, broken. It was true. She had nine thousand dollars left, but would that be enough for couches, beds, chairs, and entertainment centre, and TVs? Doubtful, Kaoru sulked. And those were just basics. What about a boom box? Kenji would want an entertainment system sooner or later, as well. She thought about going back to the other apartment to get the TVs and Kenji's Gamecube, but what if Kenshin was there? He would think she'd come crawling back, or even make her stay. She didn't want to see or be seen by him ever again.
She sighed. They needed beds, at least. "Come one, Kenji. Let's go to the furniture store and get you a new bed."
"Yay!" Kenji squealed happily, unaware how unhappy Kaoru was, and even sadder she would be in a few hours thanks to rising prices. She closed and locked the door behind Kenji, and shoved the keys in her pocket she was turning around to head down the stairs with Kenji when-
"Kenji!" Kaoru gasped at the sight of Kenji hanging on the railing of the stair case. He swung by it, his little feet dangling like dead mice. "KENJI!" She screamed in terror. He looked up, his eyes wide and innocent, and his mouth in a pleasured smile.
"What is it, Mama?" He asked sweetly. "Whoa," He added quickly as his hand slipped from the railing and he began his two-story fall.
"KENJI!" Kaoru shut her eyes, un-able to except the fact that her son's head had just cracked on the concrete below.
*****
"Fuck!"
Kenshin threw the assortment of meaningless papers from the table to the floor, flinging them in a rage. Bastard bitch of a whore! Kenshin cursed over and over, both aloud and in his mind. How could she do this to him? She promised. She VOWED. She vowed on her life, through sickness, and bad times, and just about every negative image imaginable, and here he was, two messages on the answering machine blinking red accusation on how his wife had left him.
The first was from her lawyer, which he thought was ironic considering she was a lawyer herself, saying that she had requested divorce and would need to meet in her office at twelve o' clock on Sunday to organize the papers. The second was from her, with that damnable message that stuck in his mind, repeating like a heart-searing broken record.
'Did you think I was fucking stupid?'
Well, actually, in a way, yes. How could he not have? Why would he have done it otherwise if he did not know she would have even the slightest suspicion? 'Did you think I was that naïve?' Yes, because that was how it always was. Kaoru had always been the maiden in distress, and Kenshin would swoop down, sword in hand, and slay the monsters for her, and their love would grow. But now. . .
'Ten thousand dollars. All mine.'
That was the part that really tore him. He wouldn't be able to survive. He knew he should just get a job, but it seemed almost impossible. He had no experience, and hardly remembered anything from college. He had just worked in that damn little cube of an office for most of his life and never suspected anything different.
'How could you do this to your FAMILY?'
He didn't know. He just couldn't figure it out. It had seemed so right at that moment. Like God practically sent down a golden paper laced with the plans, and would be signed with a lead pen dipped in blood and illuminated by the-
Fireflies. . .
He stared at the answering machine, a twisted grimace of hate on his face, clenched his fist, and brought it down upon the black box, shattering it into tiny shards of plastic.
*****
He was dead.
Oh, dear sweet Kami-sama, Kenji! She could just hear it: the sound of his small bones shattering, the sickening crunch as his skull hit the sidewalk, splattering his blood, his screams of agony as he died slowly, painfully. . .
But she heard none. There was a soft and muffled puff of what sounded like air and a brief silence. Then, a deep, masculine and handsome voice spoke from right below her.
"Well, hi there!"
She opened her eyes, revealing the tawny pupils, swimming in tears. Rushing to the railing, she clenched the cruel, rusty metal bars and heaved her torso over the side, searching frantically for the voice, and even the possible body of her son. She saw both, Kenji's frame shivering ever-so slightly, his eyes wide with fear and relief. His arms were draped around strong shoulders, bulky and tense as seen through the black, sleeveless T- shirt. There were also firm, adorable buttocks observed within the tight denim jeans stretched over them. Casually careless and coolly messy hair fell to the matching chestnut eyes, clashing with the smooth-looking tan skin. Oh, God, Kaoru gawked. An angel. God sent an angel to save my son.
There was silence for a moment, and only the unsteady breathing of Kenji and the occasional hum of a chuckle from the brown haired-stranger's lips was heard. Suddenly, Kaoru allowed a whoop of air to pass through her lungs and exhaled it by emanating a huge sob. Tears fell to her cheeks as she scurried down the steps, and eventually locking the man along with Kenji in a bone-breaking embrace.
"Oh, thank God!" She screamed, muffled by Kenji's hair. "Thank God for you! God bless you! I love you! Thank you! I love you!" Why she said 'I love you' twice, she didn't know, but her gratitude seemed impossible to pass on. The man just smiled and passed Kenji over to her open, welcome, almost greedy arms. She patted his head, stroked his hair, and never looked like she was going to let go of him. Kenji buried his face in her bosom. The stranger laughed.
"I've never been the religious type, but hey. Sure. Thank God for me!" He slid in hands in his pockets, defying reality, what with his tight pants and all. Kaoru's eyes stayed open, despite Kenji's hair getting in her face and eyes. She almost wondered why she wasn't hugging this man.
"Who are you?" She inquired, fascination and wonder still in her voice. He brightened, giving an even softer smile.
"Sanoske Sagara, ma'am. You can just call me Sano. Everyone else does." He extended his hand, and she shook it nervously. What else could you do with a man who had just saved your son's life?
"Thank you so much, Mr. Sagara. I would thank you even more, and I wish I could, but I'm in such a hurry. I need to go get furniture for my new apartment and,"
"Furniture!?" Sanoske's features shone like gold as his eyes glittered like a child's. "Did you say furniture? I'm an interior designer, and I just love to go shopping for furniture and organize stuff."
"Interior designer?" Kaoru couldn't get the puzzle to fit. His body was too fit to be working at such a gentle occupation. Sano noted her confusion and stuttered his explanation.
"Oh, I volunteer at the Y.M.C.A as a karate teacher for teenagers." He switched back to his child-like form. "I know this fantastic furniture store, beautiful antiques, and so cheap!"
Kaoru blushed without knowing it. "I think you're my new best friend. Would you please come and join us? I was thinking that we could stop for lunch afterward, so please come with us. It would be my gift, like a thank- you present. Please." She begged, but she would have had to. Before she finished, Sanoske was back with his wallet and car keys in hand.
"I'm driving!" He announced, flashing the keys of his dodge. "I have a truck, so it will be a lot easier and we won't have to pay too much for delivery." He laughed in boyish contentment. Kaoru couldn't get over on how much he looked like a little boy when excited. He reminded her of the video game character she had seen on TV, Billy Hatcher. What was it about him besides his childish looks?
::Stupid, baka rooster-head!::
A rooster! That's it! But how. . . Where did she get that memory? She shook it off, sending her red, blushing face along with it. Kaoru nodded in agreement and loosed her grip around Kenji's waist, allowing him to sneak a few steady breaths as she turned and followed Sano to the apartment parking lot.
He led her and Kenji to his rather large, white Dodge-ram, with the classic bumper sticker which read, 'Get in, Sit down, Shut up, and Hold on'. Struggling with the height comparison of the seats from the ground, Kaoru literally climbed into the truck, propping Kenji up in the middle. After panting from her great adventure with the foot-step, she pulled the seat belt around her waist and helped Kenji with his. She had a moment to observe the truck with the grey-leather interior and a smell that mixed coffee, cologne, and the faintest whiff of 'new car smell' scent before Sano got in and shoved the keys into the ignition.
What happened next was not what she would have ever expected.
When the car started, a CD automatically began to play, but it was English and therefore incomprehensible by Kaoru's means. Sanoske grinned and glanced in Kaoru's direction for a second.
"I love this song!" He spoke cheerfully, backing up the truck. Tapping on the steering wheel to the beat, Sanoske held his grin as the left the apartment complex. Kaoru was beginning to like the song too, though she couldn't understand it. Suddenly, Sanoske burst into loud song.
"Too-raa, Loo-raa, Too-raa, Loo-raa, YEEEEEAAAA!!!! Oh, you sing just like my muh-uhtheeeeer!!" He was unaware of Kaoru's state of shock at the unexpected explosions of notes. "Come on, Irene! Oh I swear on me, me, at this moment, you mean EVERYTHING! You in that dress, oh, I swear, it's the best, you look dirty, Oh come ooooon Ireeeeeeene!!!" His voice was slightly high, but deep feeling-wise, like bitter-sweet honey. Kenji giggled, his eyes closing along with his lips around his teeth. Sano, noticing his delight, reached over and tickled him with one hand, steering with the other. Kenji let out his teeth, laughing insanely as if hit by a laughing gas fit. Sano chuckled and Kaoru smiled in content.
Minutes passed quickly, Sano's voice occasionally harmonizing with the music that jumped from song to song. Kenji's loud, high-pitched giggled filled the truck, and Kaoru hummed in agreement to the tunes. Eventually, Sanoske pulled into a small asphalt parking lot in front of a building called 'Furniture World'. Kaoru raised an inquisitive eyebrow of displeasure, wondering if it was a joke. Obviously seeing her unhappiness, Sano blushed.
"Believe me; you're going to be glad I brought you here."
She looked into his eyes, deeply tan with the slightest hint of gold, and found she had to trust him. She grasped Kenji's waist, still rising and lowering quickly with the after effect of the giggles, and carried him down from the behemoth of a truck. Walking steadily to a beat similar to Sanoske's, Kaoru's tennis-shoe clad feet tapped against the pavement, making an unfamiliar sound. She was so used to walking in high-heels everyday, either that or her slippers, but other than that, she hardly wore any other type of shoe. Thing were really changing for her, she realized, slowing her pace top the tiniest fraction.
It isn't necessary to go into every detail of their trip to the furniture store, for once they got inside and Kaoru saw the vast, modernized collection of furniture and home supplies, there were too many movements, thoughts, and dialogue to note. Let's just say she went around saying 'This would be perfect for my. . .' a lot, and by the end of the day, everyone had an empty wallet and sore feet. Kaoru went home with an entertainment center, two couches, a loveseat, an armchair, two beds, three bookshelves, an office table, an about a million other items such as a new TV, a new game center, towels, etc. Though she lost about all of her ten- thousand dollars, she felt accomplished and pleased. She, Sano, and a snoring Kenji entered the car at sunset, and began to lead the delivery van to her apartment. Kaoru coughed, trying to make conversation.
"So, Sanoske," She started, clearing her throat. "Maybe after we're finished with the furniture, we can all go out to dinner together?" Her eyes were wide and hopeful.
"I wish I could, Kaoru," Sano checked his watch quickly. "But I'd better go see my boyfriend about dinner and see if he made anything for us."
Kaoru's face flushed white. Her eyes went blank. "B-boyfriend?"
He only smiled innocently. "Yea, Yahiko. Jesus-Christ-Bananas! I didn't even talk about him once! I'm so sorry, I'll have to introduce you two. You'll love each other, I promise. Oh, and he'll adore Kenji. He works as a pre-school teacher and does part-time in child care at the 'Y' with me. Maybe he can help with the furniture, too. He does have a pretty good sense of style, and a good back, if you know what I mean! Jeez, you two HAVE to have dinner with us tonight!" Sanoske seemed so excited and giddy over all of this, but Kaoru was still in a state of shock. Gay? Sanoske, the boy wonder, was GAY?
Well, duh. Of course. He is perfect. Kaoru sighed in spite of herself. Well, almost perfect.
"My sister Megumi is coming over tonight too. You get to meet everyone tonight! That is so cool!" Sano rambled on, until finally noticing Kaoru's distraught expression. "You will come, won't you?" His eye went soft and hopeful. "Please come."
Kaoru wanted to make up an excuse to get away; she was so angry! But, then again, she'd have to go buy groceries to get food, and she would have to buy the month's groceries along with it. She would have to get a withdraw from the ATM and then spend an hour rummaging through the aisles to find what she needed. That would take to long, and she was starving NOW.
"Of course we'll come!" She morphed her voice into a chipper tone, and Sano grinned.
"Fantastic!"
When they got back to the apartment complex, Sano quickly rushed Kaoru to meet Yahiko. It turned out they lived right below her. 'We can baby-sit Kenji for you!' He squealed, excitedly. The instant she saw Yahiko, she wanted to burst into tears. He was so handsome, it hurt. With that ebony, silk-soft hair that nearly hid his deep, blissfully gorgeous mahogany eyes, he almost seemed better than Sanoske. Not fair! Mou! Kaoru wanted to burst into tears.
"So," Yahiko panted, sitting on Kaoru's beautiful new couch which he had just carried up from the ground floor. "What brings you to this fine day at the Sakura Hills apartment complex?" He smiled a little, and Kaoru giggled, but regained. She sat next to him on the couch.
"Well," She started, not really knowing what to say. "I moved out from my husband's apartment, well, actually, it was mine. He didn't pay for it at all; he had no job. Anyways, I moved out because. . ." The words refused to come out, like a shy child hiding behind a mothers' frame. "I moved out because. . ." She tried again, but with little success. She pushed herself mentally and forced herself to blurt it all out. "I left because I found him cheating on me."
Yahiko's eyebrows drooped as he scooted closer to her. "That's horrible! I'm so sorry."
"No," Kaoru smiled. "Don't be." I'm fine, really." She blinked, noticing that tears were coming to her eyes and sliding down her cheeks. "I'm. . . fine." She whispered.
"Oh, honey, it's okay." Yahiko embraced her in one sudden motion, locking her arms as he squeezed her shoulders. "You're gonna be okay, now. I promise." Kaoru's eyes widened in surprise for a moment, then softened in realization and relief. Tee hee, she thought absentmindedly. He called me honey. She allowed him to hold her for a while, and was lifted away softly.
"Yahiko, ask Kaoru where we can put. . ." Sano poked his head into the apartment, and nearly gasped at the sight of Kaoru, wiping her stray tears away. "What happened?" He asked, his tone full of affection and care.
"She's just remembering things, Sano." Yahiko patted her back. "I think she'll be okay. She's a big girl now."
"Yea, I'm alright, Sanoske." She tried to sound calm through her stuffy nose. "I'm just so happy I have you guys right downstairs. I'm glad I meet you." She smiled, and they grinned back. She sniffled. "Where's Kenji?"
"Down in our apartment, watching cartoons."
"Pokemon?" She laughed.
"Yup." Sano nodded, still smiling.
"You know, your husband really sounded like a jerk! You should've left him a long time ago. You're so better off without him!" Yahiko stood up and scolded. Kaoru looked at the ground, not agreeing or rejecting the exclamation.
"Maybe."
*****
"Maybe," Kenshin whispered without really knowing he was talking at all. He had been doing that most off the afternoon and didn't move from his crevasse in his chair unless he needed to get another Asaki from the fridge. He had noticed the two twelve-packs of beer, and decided to polish it off after the message machine literally exploded beneath his palm. His face was growing redder by the minute, whether it was from the last six drinks he had finished or the struggle of fighting his tears, he didn't know. He thought about calling Misao and asking if he could 'meet' her again. It sounded promising.
He was actually thinking about moving when there came a knock at the door. They never really got visitors, often. Usually it was just Minako- chan or one of Kenji's friends with huge begging eyes saying either 'Can Kenji come to my house and play?' or 'Can I stay here and play with Kenji?'. It didn't really matter to Kenshin. He didn't care. Then again, he didn't care about much.
He wiped his face, just in case there were stray tears that had somehow escaped. Another knock banged on the door harshly. "I'm coming! Ya bastard. . ." Kenshin uttered the last sentence a little under his breath. The walls had ears, and those particular walls happened to be thin.
He opened the door, all too surprised to see Saito.
Kenshin had met Saito in college, and their relationship had neither been negative or positive. They battled each other in almost every sport, but would later come to the winning team's party. They didn't call when one was sick, but always said 'You feeling okay?' the next time they say him. They didn't share homework, but copied tests. They didn't give presents, but always came to the birthday bash. Since then, they had kept in faint contact, occasionally stopping by each others home to drink and talk, but mostly drink.
Saito didn't even hint a smile. "It's been a while."
"I guess." Kenshin slurred, shuffling his feet.
"Got any beer?"
"A couple."
"Then move your ass and let me in!" He pushed playfully. Kenshin moved to the side of the door way and let him through.
Immediately slinking over to the refrigerator, Saito grasped a bottle and popped off the cap with his fingers, showing no sign of struggle. "So," he breathed after a long gulp. "How ya been?"
Kenshin averted his gaze. "My wife left me. She took my kid and most of my money."
"Shit, man. Tough luck." He took another sip. "What are you going to do?"
"Agree to the divorce, I guess. I cheated on her."
"So?"
Kenshin raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that wrong?"
"Not really. What you do is your business. So what if you screwed around? Big deal. As if you did it to make her pissed, or something. You did it 'cause you needed a good fuckin' but she wouldn't supply, ne?"
Kenshin thought. "Well, yea. Kinda."
"So technically, it's her fault."
"I guess. . ."
"So you should go after her!" Saito exclaimed.
"What!?"
"She's your woman. She has no right to treat you like shit."
"But what if she gets a restraining order?"
"Who cares? Are you going to let a piece of paper get in the way of your wife and kid? I mean, come ON man. It's your family."
::Your FAMILY.::
"Yea. . ."
Kenshin's head swirled, mixing delusions with reality and blurring the line of real and pretend."
Family. . .Family . . .Your wife and kid. . .a piece of paper. . .wouldn't supply. . .
It all made sense. For that moment in his boozed up, red head, it all made perfect sense.
"Yea."
*****
Tomoko-chan: Oooh! What's gonna happen next? No, really. I can't think of anything. Please help me! I'm sorry it takes so long to update. I have school work and recently got the game The Sims. I'm freakin' addicted! Seriously, I spend three hours per day on it! It is too much fun! I know all the cheats, so I have mansions and crap. I even make gay and lesbian couples. It's cool. Anywho, please help with the next chapter for I am barren in the desert of my mind.
ALERT! Um, I mean, UPDATE: I will be starting another fanfic soon, so please be patient with updates. Thanks.
*****
Sunlight. Sweet, warm, buttery sunlight, smothering every inch of her bare skin in viridian pleasure, clogging the pain. Choking the agony. Kaoru held the final cardboard box, the ends slipping from her strained fingers. A slick of sweat quivered on her wrinkled brow as she slammed the last of the work onto the carpet of their new home. It was actually much nicer than the photographs, and Kaoru had to wonder if there was something wrong with the nearly-perfect apartment. It had a comely living room with modern decorative promises and a sliding door leading to a miniature balcony. The burnished, tawny, adobe walls corresponded well with the deep crimson terra- cotta tile in the kitchen and dining room, which came with shinned wood- polished counters and even a dining table. There were two bathrooms: one in the master bedroom and one in the hall. The one in her soon-to-be bedroom was highlighted in a cheery purples and greens and visions of violets and other dark-hued flower bounced around. In the other, there was white tile and blue walls, which images of the sea adorning its presence. The master bedroom had crimson walls and a tan carpet, and almost screamed 'Give me gold and scarlet curtains and comforters!' In the smaller bedroom, there were deep, navy blue walls and matching patterns bellow as carpets. It seemed so perfect. . . Everything made to be decorated, except. . . except. . .
"Except I won't have enough for furniture." Kaoru thought aloud, broken. It was true. She had nine thousand dollars left, but would that be enough for couches, beds, chairs, and entertainment centre, and TVs? Doubtful, Kaoru sulked. And those were just basics. What about a boom box? Kenji would want an entertainment system sooner or later, as well. She thought about going back to the other apartment to get the TVs and Kenji's Gamecube, but what if Kenshin was there? He would think she'd come crawling back, or even make her stay. She didn't want to see or be seen by him ever again.
She sighed. They needed beds, at least. "Come one, Kenji. Let's go to the furniture store and get you a new bed."
"Yay!" Kenji squealed happily, unaware how unhappy Kaoru was, and even sadder she would be in a few hours thanks to rising prices. She closed and locked the door behind Kenji, and shoved the keys in her pocket she was turning around to head down the stairs with Kenji when-
"Kenji!" Kaoru gasped at the sight of Kenji hanging on the railing of the stair case. He swung by it, his little feet dangling like dead mice. "KENJI!" She screamed in terror. He looked up, his eyes wide and innocent, and his mouth in a pleasured smile.
"What is it, Mama?" He asked sweetly. "Whoa," He added quickly as his hand slipped from the railing and he began his two-story fall.
"KENJI!" Kaoru shut her eyes, un-able to except the fact that her son's head had just cracked on the concrete below.
*****
"Fuck!"
Kenshin threw the assortment of meaningless papers from the table to the floor, flinging them in a rage. Bastard bitch of a whore! Kenshin cursed over and over, both aloud and in his mind. How could she do this to him? She promised. She VOWED. She vowed on her life, through sickness, and bad times, and just about every negative image imaginable, and here he was, two messages on the answering machine blinking red accusation on how his wife had left him.
The first was from her lawyer, which he thought was ironic considering she was a lawyer herself, saying that she had requested divorce and would need to meet in her office at twelve o' clock on Sunday to organize the papers. The second was from her, with that damnable message that stuck in his mind, repeating like a heart-searing broken record.
'Did you think I was fucking stupid?'
Well, actually, in a way, yes. How could he not have? Why would he have done it otherwise if he did not know she would have even the slightest suspicion? 'Did you think I was that naïve?' Yes, because that was how it always was. Kaoru had always been the maiden in distress, and Kenshin would swoop down, sword in hand, and slay the monsters for her, and their love would grow. But now. . .
'Ten thousand dollars. All mine.'
That was the part that really tore him. He wouldn't be able to survive. He knew he should just get a job, but it seemed almost impossible. He had no experience, and hardly remembered anything from college. He had just worked in that damn little cube of an office for most of his life and never suspected anything different.
'How could you do this to your FAMILY?'
He didn't know. He just couldn't figure it out. It had seemed so right at that moment. Like God practically sent down a golden paper laced with the plans, and would be signed with a lead pen dipped in blood and illuminated by the-
Fireflies. . .
He stared at the answering machine, a twisted grimace of hate on his face, clenched his fist, and brought it down upon the black box, shattering it into tiny shards of plastic.
*****
He was dead.
Oh, dear sweet Kami-sama, Kenji! She could just hear it: the sound of his small bones shattering, the sickening crunch as his skull hit the sidewalk, splattering his blood, his screams of agony as he died slowly, painfully. . .
But she heard none. There was a soft and muffled puff of what sounded like air and a brief silence. Then, a deep, masculine and handsome voice spoke from right below her.
"Well, hi there!"
She opened her eyes, revealing the tawny pupils, swimming in tears. Rushing to the railing, she clenched the cruel, rusty metal bars and heaved her torso over the side, searching frantically for the voice, and even the possible body of her son. She saw both, Kenji's frame shivering ever-so slightly, his eyes wide with fear and relief. His arms were draped around strong shoulders, bulky and tense as seen through the black, sleeveless T- shirt. There were also firm, adorable buttocks observed within the tight denim jeans stretched over them. Casually careless and coolly messy hair fell to the matching chestnut eyes, clashing with the smooth-looking tan skin. Oh, God, Kaoru gawked. An angel. God sent an angel to save my son.
There was silence for a moment, and only the unsteady breathing of Kenji and the occasional hum of a chuckle from the brown haired-stranger's lips was heard. Suddenly, Kaoru allowed a whoop of air to pass through her lungs and exhaled it by emanating a huge sob. Tears fell to her cheeks as she scurried down the steps, and eventually locking the man along with Kenji in a bone-breaking embrace.
"Oh, thank God!" She screamed, muffled by Kenji's hair. "Thank God for you! God bless you! I love you! Thank you! I love you!" Why she said 'I love you' twice, she didn't know, but her gratitude seemed impossible to pass on. The man just smiled and passed Kenji over to her open, welcome, almost greedy arms. She patted his head, stroked his hair, and never looked like she was going to let go of him. Kenji buried his face in her bosom. The stranger laughed.
"I've never been the religious type, but hey. Sure. Thank God for me!" He slid in hands in his pockets, defying reality, what with his tight pants and all. Kaoru's eyes stayed open, despite Kenji's hair getting in her face and eyes. She almost wondered why she wasn't hugging this man.
"Who are you?" She inquired, fascination and wonder still in her voice. He brightened, giving an even softer smile.
"Sanoske Sagara, ma'am. You can just call me Sano. Everyone else does." He extended his hand, and she shook it nervously. What else could you do with a man who had just saved your son's life?
"Thank you so much, Mr. Sagara. I would thank you even more, and I wish I could, but I'm in such a hurry. I need to go get furniture for my new apartment and,"
"Furniture!?" Sanoske's features shone like gold as his eyes glittered like a child's. "Did you say furniture? I'm an interior designer, and I just love to go shopping for furniture and organize stuff."
"Interior designer?" Kaoru couldn't get the puzzle to fit. His body was too fit to be working at such a gentle occupation. Sano noted her confusion and stuttered his explanation.
"Oh, I volunteer at the Y.M.C.A as a karate teacher for teenagers." He switched back to his child-like form. "I know this fantastic furniture store, beautiful antiques, and so cheap!"
Kaoru blushed without knowing it. "I think you're my new best friend. Would you please come and join us? I was thinking that we could stop for lunch afterward, so please come with us. It would be my gift, like a thank- you present. Please." She begged, but she would have had to. Before she finished, Sanoske was back with his wallet and car keys in hand.
"I'm driving!" He announced, flashing the keys of his dodge. "I have a truck, so it will be a lot easier and we won't have to pay too much for delivery." He laughed in boyish contentment. Kaoru couldn't get over on how much he looked like a little boy when excited. He reminded her of the video game character she had seen on TV, Billy Hatcher. What was it about him besides his childish looks?
::Stupid, baka rooster-head!::
A rooster! That's it! But how. . . Where did she get that memory? She shook it off, sending her red, blushing face along with it. Kaoru nodded in agreement and loosed her grip around Kenji's waist, allowing him to sneak a few steady breaths as she turned and followed Sano to the apartment parking lot.
He led her and Kenji to his rather large, white Dodge-ram, with the classic bumper sticker which read, 'Get in, Sit down, Shut up, and Hold on'. Struggling with the height comparison of the seats from the ground, Kaoru literally climbed into the truck, propping Kenji up in the middle. After panting from her great adventure with the foot-step, she pulled the seat belt around her waist and helped Kenji with his. She had a moment to observe the truck with the grey-leather interior and a smell that mixed coffee, cologne, and the faintest whiff of 'new car smell' scent before Sano got in and shoved the keys into the ignition.
What happened next was not what she would have ever expected.
When the car started, a CD automatically began to play, but it was English and therefore incomprehensible by Kaoru's means. Sanoske grinned and glanced in Kaoru's direction for a second.
"I love this song!" He spoke cheerfully, backing up the truck. Tapping on the steering wheel to the beat, Sanoske held his grin as the left the apartment complex. Kaoru was beginning to like the song too, though she couldn't understand it. Suddenly, Sanoske burst into loud song.
"Too-raa, Loo-raa, Too-raa, Loo-raa, YEEEEEAAAA!!!! Oh, you sing just like my muh-uhtheeeeer!!" He was unaware of Kaoru's state of shock at the unexpected explosions of notes. "Come on, Irene! Oh I swear on me, me, at this moment, you mean EVERYTHING! You in that dress, oh, I swear, it's the best, you look dirty, Oh come ooooon Ireeeeeeene!!!" His voice was slightly high, but deep feeling-wise, like bitter-sweet honey. Kenji giggled, his eyes closing along with his lips around his teeth. Sano, noticing his delight, reached over and tickled him with one hand, steering with the other. Kenji let out his teeth, laughing insanely as if hit by a laughing gas fit. Sano chuckled and Kaoru smiled in content.
Minutes passed quickly, Sano's voice occasionally harmonizing with the music that jumped from song to song. Kenji's loud, high-pitched giggled filled the truck, and Kaoru hummed in agreement to the tunes. Eventually, Sanoske pulled into a small asphalt parking lot in front of a building called 'Furniture World'. Kaoru raised an inquisitive eyebrow of displeasure, wondering if it was a joke. Obviously seeing her unhappiness, Sano blushed.
"Believe me; you're going to be glad I brought you here."
She looked into his eyes, deeply tan with the slightest hint of gold, and found she had to trust him. She grasped Kenji's waist, still rising and lowering quickly with the after effect of the giggles, and carried him down from the behemoth of a truck. Walking steadily to a beat similar to Sanoske's, Kaoru's tennis-shoe clad feet tapped against the pavement, making an unfamiliar sound. She was so used to walking in high-heels everyday, either that or her slippers, but other than that, she hardly wore any other type of shoe. Thing were really changing for her, she realized, slowing her pace top the tiniest fraction.
It isn't necessary to go into every detail of their trip to the furniture store, for once they got inside and Kaoru saw the vast, modernized collection of furniture and home supplies, there were too many movements, thoughts, and dialogue to note. Let's just say she went around saying 'This would be perfect for my. . .' a lot, and by the end of the day, everyone had an empty wallet and sore feet. Kaoru went home with an entertainment center, two couches, a loveseat, an armchair, two beds, three bookshelves, an office table, an about a million other items such as a new TV, a new game center, towels, etc. Though she lost about all of her ten- thousand dollars, she felt accomplished and pleased. She, Sano, and a snoring Kenji entered the car at sunset, and began to lead the delivery van to her apartment. Kaoru coughed, trying to make conversation.
"So, Sanoske," She started, clearing her throat. "Maybe after we're finished with the furniture, we can all go out to dinner together?" Her eyes were wide and hopeful.
"I wish I could, Kaoru," Sano checked his watch quickly. "But I'd better go see my boyfriend about dinner and see if he made anything for us."
Kaoru's face flushed white. Her eyes went blank. "B-boyfriend?"
He only smiled innocently. "Yea, Yahiko. Jesus-Christ-Bananas! I didn't even talk about him once! I'm so sorry, I'll have to introduce you two. You'll love each other, I promise. Oh, and he'll adore Kenji. He works as a pre-school teacher and does part-time in child care at the 'Y' with me. Maybe he can help with the furniture, too. He does have a pretty good sense of style, and a good back, if you know what I mean! Jeez, you two HAVE to have dinner with us tonight!" Sanoske seemed so excited and giddy over all of this, but Kaoru was still in a state of shock. Gay? Sanoske, the boy wonder, was GAY?
Well, duh. Of course. He is perfect. Kaoru sighed in spite of herself. Well, almost perfect.
"My sister Megumi is coming over tonight too. You get to meet everyone tonight! That is so cool!" Sano rambled on, until finally noticing Kaoru's distraught expression. "You will come, won't you?" His eye went soft and hopeful. "Please come."
Kaoru wanted to make up an excuse to get away; she was so angry! But, then again, she'd have to go buy groceries to get food, and she would have to buy the month's groceries along with it. She would have to get a withdraw from the ATM and then spend an hour rummaging through the aisles to find what she needed. That would take to long, and she was starving NOW.
"Of course we'll come!" She morphed her voice into a chipper tone, and Sano grinned.
"Fantastic!"
When they got back to the apartment complex, Sano quickly rushed Kaoru to meet Yahiko. It turned out they lived right below her. 'We can baby-sit Kenji for you!' He squealed, excitedly. The instant she saw Yahiko, she wanted to burst into tears. He was so handsome, it hurt. With that ebony, silk-soft hair that nearly hid his deep, blissfully gorgeous mahogany eyes, he almost seemed better than Sanoske. Not fair! Mou! Kaoru wanted to burst into tears.
"So," Yahiko panted, sitting on Kaoru's beautiful new couch which he had just carried up from the ground floor. "What brings you to this fine day at the Sakura Hills apartment complex?" He smiled a little, and Kaoru giggled, but regained. She sat next to him on the couch.
"Well," She started, not really knowing what to say. "I moved out from my husband's apartment, well, actually, it was mine. He didn't pay for it at all; he had no job. Anyways, I moved out because. . ." The words refused to come out, like a shy child hiding behind a mothers' frame. "I moved out because. . ." She tried again, but with little success. She pushed herself mentally and forced herself to blurt it all out. "I left because I found him cheating on me."
Yahiko's eyebrows drooped as he scooted closer to her. "That's horrible! I'm so sorry."
"No," Kaoru smiled. "Don't be." I'm fine, really." She blinked, noticing that tears were coming to her eyes and sliding down her cheeks. "I'm. . . fine." She whispered.
"Oh, honey, it's okay." Yahiko embraced her in one sudden motion, locking her arms as he squeezed her shoulders. "You're gonna be okay, now. I promise." Kaoru's eyes widened in surprise for a moment, then softened in realization and relief. Tee hee, she thought absentmindedly. He called me honey. She allowed him to hold her for a while, and was lifted away softly.
"Yahiko, ask Kaoru where we can put. . ." Sano poked his head into the apartment, and nearly gasped at the sight of Kaoru, wiping her stray tears away. "What happened?" He asked, his tone full of affection and care.
"She's just remembering things, Sano." Yahiko patted her back. "I think she'll be okay. She's a big girl now."
"Yea, I'm alright, Sanoske." She tried to sound calm through her stuffy nose. "I'm just so happy I have you guys right downstairs. I'm glad I meet you." She smiled, and they grinned back. She sniffled. "Where's Kenji?"
"Down in our apartment, watching cartoons."
"Pokemon?" She laughed.
"Yup." Sano nodded, still smiling.
"You know, your husband really sounded like a jerk! You should've left him a long time ago. You're so better off without him!" Yahiko stood up and scolded. Kaoru looked at the ground, not agreeing or rejecting the exclamation.
"Maybe."
*****
"Maybe," Kenshin whispered without really knowing he was talking at all. He had been doing that most off the afternoon and didn't move from his crevasse in his chair unless he needed to get another Asaki from the fridge. He had noticed the two twelve-packs of beer, and decided to polish it off after the message machine literally exploded beneath his palm. His face was growing redder by the minute, whether it was from the last six drinks he had finished or the struggle of fighting his tears, he didn't know. He thought about calling Misao and asking if he could 'meet' her again. It sounded promising.
He was actually thinking about moving when there came a knock at the door. They never really got visitors, often. Usually it was just Minako- chan or one of Kenji's friends with huge begging eyes saying either 'Can Kenji come to my house and play?' or 'Can I stay here and play with Kenji?'. It didn't really matter to Kenshin. He didn't care. Then again, he didn't care about much.
He wiped his face, just in case there were stray tears that had somehow escaped. Another knock banged on the door harshly. "I'm coming! Ya bastard. . ." Kenshin uttered the last sentence a little under his breath. The walls had ears, and those particular walls happened to be thin.
He opened the door, all too surprised to see Saito.
Kenshin had met Saito in college, and their relationship had neither been negative or positive. They battled each other in almost every sport, but would later come to the winning team's party. They didn't call when one was sick, but always said 'You feeling okay?' the next time they say him. They didn't share homework, but copied tests. They didn't give presents, but always came to the birthday bash. Since then, they had kept in faint contact, occasionally stopping by each others home to drink and talk, but mostly drink.
Saito didn't even hint a smile. "It's been a while."
"I guess." Kenshin slurred, shuffling his feet.
"Got any beer?"
"A couple."
"Then move your ass and let me in!" He pushed playfully. Kenshin moved to the side of the door way and let him through.
Immediately slinking over to the refrigerator, Saito grasped a bottle and popped off the cap with his fingers, showing no sign of struggle. "So," he breathed after a long gulp. "How ya been?"
Kenshin averted his gaze. "My wife left me. She took my kid and most of my money."
"Shit, man. Tough luck." He took another sip. "What are you going to do?"
"Agree to the divorce, I guess. I cheated on her."
"So?"
Kenshin raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that wrong?"
"Not really. What you do is your business. So what if you screwed around? Big deal. As if you did it to make her pissed, or something. You did it 'cause you needed a good fuckin' but she wouldn't supply, ne?"
Kenshin thought. "Well, yea. Kinda."
"So technically, it's her fault."
"I guess. . ."
"So you should go after her!" Saito exclaimed.
"What!?"
"She's your woman. She has no right to treat you like shit."
"But what if she gets a restraining order?"
"Who cares? Are you going to let a piece of paper get in the way of your wife and kid? I mean, come ON man. It's your family."
::Your FAMILY.::
"Yea. . ."
Kenshin's head swirled, mixing delusions with reality and blurring the line of real and pretend."
Family. . .Family . . .Your wife and kid. . .a piece of paper. . .wouldn't supply. . .
It all made sense. For that moment in his boozed up, red head, it all made perfect sense.
"Yea."
*****
Tomoko-chan: Oooh! What's gonna happen next? No, really. I can't think of anything. Please help me! I'm sorry it takes so long to update. I have school work and recently got the game The Sims. I'm freakin' addicted! Seriously, I spend three hours per day on it! It is too much fun! I know all the cheats, so I have mansions and crap. I even make gay and lesbian couples. It's cool. Anywho, please help with the next chapter for I am barren in the desert of my mind.
ALERT! Um, I mean, UPDATE: I will be starting another fanfic soon, so please be patient with updates. Thanks.