*Author's notes: Can't think of any, other than a million apologies for a
late update. I just moved to a new house and adding in school turned out to
be my woes for two months. ^^ Luckily, I already started chapters for all
my other stories, so I'm not too behind...eh, well, at least I think
For Love or Money Chapter 3
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Cunning. Inventor of new and modern torture. Moronic roosterhead. Idiot. And so many more insulting names ran through her head. Her boss was nowhere in sight after storming through a pair of doors right of his desk and slamming them shut. There was no desk, chair, computer, or file cabinets; zip nothing nada for a secretary. And she couldn't even stand to go near those closed doors that practically screamed 'leave me alone'. All she could do was slouch in the cushiony leather chairs in his office and watch the ticking clock with hawk-like eyes. The hands were going so slow she was half tempted to move them herself and just go to her lunch break. Giggles crept through the woodwork of the door and Kaoru turned her head towards them. More giggles followed by a very loud moan. She jumped up from her chair and fled to the sitting room outside, her cheeks burning red. *That playboy! Of course he would have a bedroom right by his office!* She laid down on the couch and buried her face into the velvety pillows, rubbing a cheek against the soft cloth. So what the heck was she suppose to do now anyways? Lie around and listen to him having 'fun'? Something loud beeped, making Kaoru jump. The source of the sound coming from a small black machine on a table next to the coach. Hesitantly, she pushed the large button and Himura's voice filled the air.
"Oy, secretary," Feminine giggling filled the background, wait, were there TWO girls in the bedroom with him? "Call the kitchens below and ask them to bring a bottle of the best champagne up and three glasses."
Yes, there were two other girls. The machine clicked off and Kaoru began to fume at the lordly tone he was using. She slammed the operator's number on the telephone nearby and in a gruff voice ordered a large bottle of water and three plastic tumblers. They promptly arrived and Kaoru plastered the sweetest, most submissive servant girl smile she could summon up and knocked politely on Himura's bedroom door. He had been modest enough to slip on a bathrobe when he opened the door and Kaoru pushed the tray into his hands and pivoted on her heel to turn and walk away.
"Hey, wait, what the hell is this? I ordered the best champagne and three glasses!" He said angrily and pushed the tray back into her hands. She took it and batted her eyelashes.
"Oh, my, Himura-san, I could have sworn that you said water and three plastic cups. It is completely my mistake, would you like me to call the kitchens and order what you really need?" She cooed and Himura gave a sneer.
"Yeah, you do that." He slammed the door closed and she stuck her tongue at him before heading for the elevator.
"Order what you really need, neh? You're going to drink your words in a second Himura-san."
The kitchens were the size of her old house and the full staff of world famous cooks was playing dice when she sauntered into the room. They all looked up in surprise and started to get up from their game but Kaoru gave a cheery grin and waved them down. Hiking up her shirt sleeves, she pulled open the immense stainless steel refrigerator door and grabbed whatever was near; soy sauce, malt vinegar, some strange yellowish liquid, a bottle of actual champagne and many more. The spotless kitchen table was soon covered with all sorts of cooking ingredients and all the cooks had now abandoned their game for better entertainment, the sight of a young woman mixing everything in a crazy frenzy. When everything had been whipped into a watery mess, she carefully opened the champagne bottle and dumped half of the $500 worth of alcohol down the drain. She then used a pipe to pour in the mysterious concoction she had created into the bottle. With a vigorous shake, she pushed the cork back and whirled around to the cooks.
"May I have three of your best champagne glasses please?" She said and one of the cooks scampered to get the glasses. With a hearty thanks, she took her prized work back to Himura's office. This time, Himura opened the door with mussed hair and two bright hickies on his neck. He didn't say a word and grabbed the bottle and glasses from her. With a genuine smile on her face, she plopped down on the velvet couch and stared at the ceiling, counting down the seconds.
"KAAAAAMMMIIYYAAAA!!!!!!!!!"
Ah, how sweet the sound.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru flopped down on the chair and placed her lunch on the table. Megumi and Misao stared at the girl who was hungrily concentrating on her udon noodles.
"Eh, so Kaoru, how was your first morning with Himura?" Misao asked hesitantly.
"Inersbogepul." Kaoru took a deep swig of her iced tea. "Sorry, it was wonderful."
"Wonderful?" Megumi asked curiously as Kaoru finished gulping down the rest of her udon soup. She slammed the bowl down and took one last drink of her tea.
"I was able to receive my just rewards, let's just say." At this, Kaoru gave a broad smile and the two girls immediately leaned closer to Kaoru.
"I hope you didn't do what I think you might have done." Misao groaned but her eyes twinkled with excitement.
"Hey Jou-chan!" Sano shouted from across the courtyard. "Nice vintage! And I'll see you after lunch Tanuki-kun!"
"Tanuki-kun?" Megumi grumbled.
"Vintage, Kaoru?" Misao said.
"I gave him what he needed, we argued, I won, and now he's sulking in his bedroom with his two whores. He also told me he didn't want to see my face for the rest of the day, so I guess I got the day off. You know, I think I might get used to this, outwitting him is so easy." Kaoru said.
*Previous hour before*
"What *cough* kind of *hack* champagne was that?!! You did that *cough cough* intentionally!" Himura was still gargling the after effects left by the "champagne". Kaoru merely leaned against his desk and folded her arms across her chest, a smug smile gracing her face.
"I asked you if you wanted me to get what you really needed and you agreed. Surely, you can't fire me for agreeing, but if you would like to, I think a few million might-"
"Forget it," He cut her off. "I'm not wasting my money on an incompetent secretary." He snapped and went back into his bedroom the third time in the morning. "And I don't want to see your face for the rest of the day, got it?"
*Present time*
"Ano...Kaoru-chan... are you sure that's wise?" Misao asked but was immediately distracted by her own boss walking towards their table.
"Makimachi, I need these files printed and filed away before your hours are over." He tossed a thick packet onto her lap and Misao could only stare in utter adoration as he nonchalantly walked away. She hugged the papers to her chest and leaped up from her seat.
"Matte Aoshi-sama!! I'm coming with you!!!" Misao called out as she sprinted towards him.
Megumi and Kaoru shook their heads and a slightly uncomfortable atmosphere took over the table.
"So...how did you get to know Misao?" Kaoru asked politely.
"Sano told her that I needed a place to stay and she accepted." Megumi said quietly as if she was remembering an unpleasant memory. She stood and neatly straightened invisible wrinkles on her skirt. "I'm sorry, but I should be getting back to work, I have to clean that baka's office again."
"Good luck." Kaoru called out and leaned back in her seat, feeling alone. So what could she do for the rest of the day? Misao and Megumi wouldn't be getting off of work till 6 and she now had 5 hours to kill. Terrorizing her boss would have to wait till tomorrow since she couldn't bear seeing his face again. How could such a spiteful person like him be so handsome? Beauty hid too many things. "Ugh, handsome? Yeah right." Kaoru muttered under her breath.
"Excuse me, would you mind if I sit here?" Kaoru looked up to see a youthful man with a cheerful smile on his face.
"It's a free country, for the most part." Kaoru stated and the man's smile grew brighter.
"Is that a yes?" He asked as he patiently stood with his tall mug of steaming coffee.
"Sorry, I tend to be a little ambiguous in giving answers. Sure, you can sit here."
He sat down in Misao's chair and took a slow sip of his drink. He looked so young; perhaps he was a mail boy? Eager for talk, Kaoru scoured her mind for ways to start a conversation.
"So you must be Himura-san's new secretary?" He asked her as he set his cup down. Kaoru blushed at his remark.
"Am I that infamous already?" She asked inquisitively.
"Let's just say that everybody three floors down heard your name earlier." He gave a chuckle. "I think the only other person he reserves that yell for is Sagara-san."
"Sano? Keh, that stupid roosterhead." Kaoru growled. "He deserves to be yelled at everyday."
"Oh?" The man turned his full attention on her.
"He actually tricked me into signing a contract! Me! And now I have to work with that air headed guy up there till I get a better offer from another company or he fires me and pays me several million dollars!" Kaoru said, obviously already exasperated about her situation.
"Air headed?" A voice hissed from behind her. Kaoru swiveled around her seat to meet the glare of Himura himself.
"Yeah, you know, the airhead up there." Kaoru said casually. "Would you like a seat, Himura-san?" She pointed to Megumi's chair.
"Would you happen to be referring to me?" He asked, ignoring her offer.
"You're the one saying it." Kaoru crossed her legs and gave a neutral face to Himura. He gave her a look that could kill.
"I need my schedule for today." He said through gritted teeth. Kaoru gave a shrug and switched legs.
"You didn't brief me on what kind of duties I'll be performing, that and you left nothing that a secretary can use, such as a computer, a file cabinet, a phone, a desk, a chair," Kaoru ticked off with her fingers. "You get where I'm going, right? And you also told me straight out that you didn't want to see me for the rest of the day. Did I miss anything?" She tapped her head with a finger in contemplation. "I believe that's about it, but if I have forgotten something, enlighten me."
Himura gave her another killer look before slamming his hands on the table and storming away. The smiling man gave a chuckle, forgetting about his coffee as he turned his interest to her.
"I believe I now understand your previous actions earlier to Himura-san, though he does have a limit." The smiling man warned.
"Don't worry, I think I know when to stop. Just short of him throwing me out of his window."
"Well, if you'll excuse me, miss, I have pressing matters to attend to." The man gave a deep bow and left.
"Nice guy," Kaoru commented. *Wait, I forgot to ask him what his name was. Maybe I'll ask Misao later on* Kaoru gave a deep sigh and then stood up, preparing to go back to the office and brave Himura again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru could only stare at the monstrosity sitting before her and her mouth could only drop in complete disbelief.
"And this is...?" She asked slowly at Himura who was arrogantly leaning against his desk. *How is it that everything he is does is conceited?*
"Just giving what you needed, remember?" He said with a sunny smile.
She knew this had to be coming. A week of giving her the cold shoulder had to lead to something, and here was the result. The desk looked like it had survived the feudal wars from five hundred years ago and was battered at every angle. Furthermore, the mat in which she was to sit on was moldy and green, the stuffing popping out of a millions of holes. A computer from the stone age of technology sat upon the desk, the massive machine gave the illusion that the table was actually bending from the heavy weight. Maybe it really was...
"D-does it even work?" she asked as she cautiously approached her new workspace.
"Of course." He said and looked at his gold Rolex for the time. "I have an appointment to keep so here's your work for today." An immense stack of papers came out from nowhere and he casually sat them right next to the computer.
"I need these all edited and rewritten by the time I get back to the office. Ja ne." He smoothly pivoted on his heel and left the room, leaving Kaoru still standing, dumbfounded at not only the machine but at the towering stack of papers.
"He's got to be joking, there's no way I'll be able to do this by the time he gets back!" Kaoru growled angrily. She grimaced at the putrid green mat and kicked it away so she could sit down. After pushing the large power button, five minutes passed before the computer turned on. Then another ten for her to figure out where she could type out documents. Where in the world did he find this antique? When she looked down at the keyboard, she scowled angrily. Nearly all the alphabet buttons were gone, and just where was the printer? Maybe she could borrow a computer from someone else. *I can always go pick on Sano* A grin of revenge graced her face and she got up to go downstairs but not before placing a kick at the massive machine, which only clicked and whirred in response.
Sano was nowhere to be found in his office and Megumi wasn't around either. Kaoru found herself wandering around in aimless circles when she ran into the smiling man from last week. He steadied her with sure hands and politely bowed before her.
"So we meet again, I trust that you have been making Himura's life miserable?" He said with a chuckle.
"It's getting better every day. I forgot to ask you your name and to give mine last time, I don't know how I forgot but I apologize on my bad manners." She stuck out her hand in the American style. "Kamiya Kaoru, notorious secretary of Himura Kenshin."
"I'm afraid my own introductions must come later, Kaoru-dono." He gently took her hand into his. "But I'm very sure we shall meet again in the future. Have a good day."
Her heart fluttered just the tiniest bit as she watched him walk down the hall. There was something enigmatic about that man, but perhaps his appeal came from his own mysteriousness. What was she doing standing around again? Kaoru snapped her fingers.
"A computer." She said aloud. There had to be some law that stated that an employer must include the needed materials for the job. Was it in section 3 of the office position laws? She scowled at herself as she walked around aimlessly again. Two years of non-action and she already forgot her precious information from Tokyo U. And as for handwriting them...forget it, that stack would take days.
"Hey! Wait!!!" Kaoru called out to the smiling man who was about to step into a room. He patiently waited as she jogged up to him. "Would you happen to know if there's a computer I'm able to use around here?"
"Himura didn't provide you with one?" He asked. Kaoru nodded her head and the man thoughtfully looked at her. "I'll ask someone to send one up there as soon as I can."
"Thank you so much." She said gratefully and bowed low to him.
"I believe this company will become much more amusing with you around, Kaoru-dono."
"You can just call me Kaoru." She wrinkled her nose at the honorific. "I feel old when you call dono."
He laughed out loud as he stepped into the room and closed the door. True to his word, 30 minutes later a state of the art computer, complete with printer, scanner, web cam, and various other accessories, arrived at the office and was quickly assembled by an expert hand. Kaoru had ordered the gargantuan computer to be placed on Himura's desk and was now furiously typing away the stack of files on the low desk. She was just printing the last of the documents when she heard the elevator door slide open. She twisted her neck to see her boss swaying as he struggled to walk to his office. His clothes were rumpled and his main of fire was about to burst out of the hair tie he used to keep it away from his face. He walked right past her and Kaoru almost choked at the stench of alcohol trailing him like cologne. He was laboriously trying to open his bedroom doors when he paused and turned to look at Kaoru.
"Wh-whar er you doeing hewr?" He slurred but before she could answer him with her usual sarcastic answer he clapped his hand over his mouth and sprinted to his bathroom. Several seconds later, Kaoru heard the nauseating sound of a person throwing up. Scrunching her nose in disgust, she paper clipped the last packet of documents and placed it on his desk. The retching was still going on and Kaoru cast a worried glance towards Himura's bedroom.
"Ah, Himura-san?" She called out softly. "Himura?"
She stepped into the bedroom and spotted another door hanging ajar. He was bent over the porcelain toilet, his head nearly in the hole. She quickly knelt near him as he began a fresh bout of vomiting. She gently rubbed his back and held her breath so she wouldn't breath in the bitter scent of stomach acid and booze combined. When he was done, she grabbed a towel and ran cold water over it, then began to dab at his mouth and face.
"Baka, drinking at this early time of the day. You're supposed to get stupid drunk at night, not on the job." She muttered as she rubbed off the last of the sweat from his face. Grabbing a cup of water, she filled it with tap water and carefully helped him gargle it and spit it back into the sink. With a grunt, she hoisted him onto a piggyback and carried him to his immense bed situated in the middle of the room. The dark mahogany was large enough to fit several people and flagrantly smelled of various perfumes mixed together. With extreme effort, she managed to tumble him onto his mattress and somehow lay him straight on the bed.
"This was definitely not in the job description. I can't believe this, I'm helping my drunk boss into his play bed." Kaoru muttered some more. She heard a sound and she looked down to see Himura's lips moving. She bent close and put her ear near his mouth.
"G-get out." He said weakly.
"You gotta be kidding me, and what, I walk off and then get third degree murder for letting you choke and die from your own vomit?" She said angrily as she pulled off his ashtray scented jacket and threw it on the floor.
"Get out." He said more forcibly as he opened one lavender eye and glared at her.
"Fine, I'll get out when you can walk from here to the door in a straight line." She said as she pulled his shoes off. To her alarm, he began to move to sit up. She pushed him down with two hands and pulled the blanket covers over him.
"Never mind, forget I asked. I'm going to send Sano to check up on you since you obviously don't want me help. And the files that you wanted me to do are on your desk." She said and walked out of the bedroom, quietly closing the doors behind her.
"Ugh, of course, not only is he arrogant, but he has to be a drunk and a smoker." She complained as she snatched her purse and walked to the elevator. When the doors slid opened she looked up to see Sano walking out.
"Yo." He raised a hand.
"Himura is dead drunk in his room, you should check up on him." Kaoru said as she placed a foot in front of the elevator doors to keep it from sliding shut.
"I know, I was the one who took him out." The roosterhead said good- naturedly.
"You idiot!" Kaoru smacked him on the head with her purse. "The only thing alcohol does is kill your brain cells, not that you would have any trouble!"
"Hey, back back," Sano made a cross with two fingers. "And Himura needed it tonight, besides, he only had a few beers. Kenshin never could hold his liquor." He chuckled as he slipped his hands into his pockets. "Don't worry, Megumi gave him some pills to help with the hangover."
"Megumi took him out too?" Kaoru exclaimed. She raised her hand for another smack with her purse but Sano grabbed her wrist.
"What are you getting so worked up for?" He asked curiously.
"I just don't like drunks, that's all." Kaoru mumbled as she jerked her wrist out of Sano's hold. "I'm going home, ja."
Misao was waiting for her in the lobby with a tired Megumi barely able stay standing up.
"Hey Kaoru-chan. I saw Himura stumbling to his office, was he dead drunk or what?" Misao commented as she guided Megumi towards the parking lot.
"Took the words right out of my mouth." Kaoru said as the three girls got into the car. "I had to put him into bed."
Megumi grimaced and bent her head low. "It's partially my fault."
"What do you mean? Unless you hand fed him the alcohol," Kaoru said.
"It's just...Himura needed something to divert his mind and Sano and I were able to convince him to take alcohol instead of drugs. It was all we could do to just supervise him while he..." Megumi stopped and became quiet again.
"While he what?" Kaoru asked as Misao pulled into the driveway.
"Nothing." Megumi mumbled and quickly got out of the car.
"Is Himura up to something, uh, notorious?" Kaoru asked Misao as they walked into the house. "Because I don't feel comfortable knowing I'm working under a major drug dealer or something of the sort."
"Ma ma, Kaoru-chan, I'm sure it's nothing like that. Especially with Hiko- san as top president." Misao threw her purse onto the living room couch and flopped onto the couch.
"I thought Himura is the president." Kaoru opened the refrigerator and took out two cans of soda.
"Hiko-san was the president before but handed it to Himura and decided he wanted to go back to pottery. He still oversees some major decisions in regards to the company itself." Misao caught the can Kaoru threw at her and popped the tab open.
"Was he always like this?" Kaoru asked out of the blue. Misao looked at her friend from the top of her can.
"Now that I think about it, I'm not sure. I know that I heard about some of his exploits in the newspaper and from other workers in the building. I do, however, know what kind of women he prefers and his favorite places to shop." Misao said thoughtfully. "He likes his women petite, gaudy, well endowed in the chest, and slim thighs. At least that's all the women I ever see go into his office. And his favorite brand of clothes come from Gucci."
Kaoru rolled her eyes as Misao began to list more statistics on Himura. At least she wasn't going on as usual about Aoshi. Misao was starting on Himura's favorite clubs when Kaoru's cell phone starting ringing. With an apologetic smile, she flipped it open and answered. Upon hearing the voice on the other line, her face took on an ashen white and she almost dropped the phone as she swiftly went outside to talk privately.
"W-what do you want?" She said as normal as she could but from his chuckle she knew he could hear her panic.
"You." He said smoothly.
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* ^^ don't worry, the identity of the mysterious caller will be revealed later on, not to mention some other stuff. And the reason why kaoru hates drunk men and why kenshin drinks.
CrimsHeart: thanks! I took a look at Gypsy's website and it's a well-done site. I'm pretty proud that my story actually made it to a website. Thanks for your compliments! ^^
Kuikkick: thanks, I had to make Sano cunning because he always struck me as one. I'm glad you're enjoying this quickly conceived story.
For Love or Money Chapter 3
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Cunning. Inventor of new and modern torture. Moronic roosterhead. Idiot. And so many more insulting names ran through her head. Her boss was nowhere in sight after storming through a pair of doors right of his desk and slamming them shut. There was no desk, chair, computer, or file cabinets; zip nothing nada for a secretary. And she couldn't even stand to go near those closed doors that practically screamed 'leave me alone'. All she could do was slouch in the cushiony leather chairs in his office and watch the ticking clock with hawk-like eyes. The hands were going so slow she was half tempted to move them herself and just go to her lunch break. Giggles crept through the woodwork of the door and Kaoru turned her head towards them. More giggles followed by a very loud moan. She jumped up from her chair and fled to the sitting room outside, her cheeks burning red. *That playboy! Of course he would have a bedroom right by his office!* She laid down on the couch and buried her face into the velvety pillows, rubbing a cheek against the soft cloth. So what the heck was she suppose to do now anyways? Lie around and listen to him having 'fun'? Something loud beeped, making Kaoru jump. The source of the sound coming from a small black machine on a table next to the coach. Hesitantly, she pushed the large button and Himura's voice filled the air.
"Oy, secretary," Feminine giggling filled the background, wait, were there TWO girls in the bedroom with him? "Call the kitchens below and ask them to bring a bottle of the best champagne up and three glasses."
Yes, there were two other girls. The machine clicked off and Kaoru began to fume at the lordly tone he was using. She slammed the operator's number on the telephone nearby and in a gruff voice ordered a large bottle of water and three plastic tumblers. They promptly arrived and Kaoru plastered the sweetest, most submissive servant girl smile she could summon up and knocked politely on Himura's bedroom door. He had been modest enough to slip on a bathrobe when he opened the door and Kaoru pushed the tray into his hands and pivoted on her heel to turn and walk away.
"Hey, wait, what the hell is this? I ordered the best champagne and three glasses!" He said angrily and pushed the tray back into her hands. She took it and batted her eyelashes.
"Oh, my, Himura-san, I could have sworn that you said water and three plastic cups. It is completely my mistake, would you like me to call the kitchens and order what you really need?" She cooed and Himura gave a sneer.
"Yeah, you do that." He slammed the door closed and she stuck her tongue at him before heading for the elevator.
"Order what you really need, neh? You're going to drink your words in a second Himura-san."
The kitchens were the size of her old house and the full staff of world famous cooks was playing dice when she sauntered into the room. They all looked up in surprise and started to get up from their game but Kaoru gave a cheery grin and waved them down. Hiking up her shirt sleeves, she pulled open the immense stainless steel refrigerator door and grabbed whatever was near; soy sauce, malt vinegar, some strange yellowish liquid, a bottle of actual champagne and many more. The spotless kitchen table was soon covered with all sorts of cooking ingredients and all the cooks had now abandoned their game for better entertainment, the sight of a young woman mixing everything in a crazy frenzy. When everything had been whipped into a watery mess, she carefully opened the champagne bottle and dumped half of the $500 worth of alcohol down the drain. She then used a pipe to pour in the mysterious concoction she had created into the bottle. With a vigorous shake, she pushed the cork back and whirled around to the cooks.
"May I have three of your best champagne glasses please?" She said and one of the cooks scampered to get the glasses. With a hearty thanks, she took her prized work back to Himura's office. This time, Himura opened the door with mussed hair and two bright hickies on his neck. He didn't say a word and grabbed the bottle and glasses from her. With a genuine smile on her face, she plopped down on the velvet couch and stared at the ceiling, counting down the seconds.
"KAAAAAMMMIIYYAAAA!!!!!!!!!"
Ah, how sweet the sound.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru flopped down on the chair and placed her lunch on the table. Megumi and Misao stared at the girl who was hungrily concentrating on her udon noodles.
"Eh, so Kaoru, how was your first morning with Himura?" Misao asked hesitantly.
"Inersbogepul." Kaoru took a deep swig of her iced tea. "Sorry, it was wonderful."
"Wonderful?" Megumi asked curiously as Kaoru finished gulping down the rest of her udon soup. She slammed the bowl down and took one last drink of her tea.
"I was able to receive my just rewards, let's just say." At this, Kaoru gave a broad smile and the two girls immediately leaned closer to Kaoru.
"I hope you didn't do what I think you might have done." Misao groaned but her eyes twinkled with excitement.
"Hey Jou-chan!" Sano shouted from across the courtyard. "Nice vintage! And I'll see you after lunch Tanuki-kun!"
"Tanuki-kun?" Megumi grumbled.
"Vintage, Kaoru?" Misao said.
"I gave him what he needed, we argued, I won, and now he's sulking in his bedroom with his two whores. He also told me he didn't want to see my face for the rest of the day, so I guess I got the day off. You know, I think I might get used to this, outwitting him is so easy." Kaoru said.
*Previous hour before*
"What *cough* kind of *hack* champagne was that?!! You did that *cough cough* intentionally!" Himura was still gargling the after effects left by the "champagne". Kaoru merely leaned against his desk and folded her arms across her chest, a smug smile gracing her face.
"I asked you if you wanted me to get what you really needed and you agreed. Surely, you can't fire me for agreeing, but if you would like to, I think a few million might-"
"Forget it," He cut her off. "I'm not wasting my money on an incompetent secretary." He snapped and went back into his bedroom the third time in the morning. "And I don't want to see your face for the rest of the day, got it?"
*Present time*
"Ano...Kaoru-chan... are you sure that's wise?" Misao asked but was immediately distracted by her own boss walking towards their table.
"Makimachi, I need these files printed and filed away before your hours are over." He tossed a thick packet onto her lap and Misao could only stare in utter adoration as he nonchalantly walked away. She hugged the papers to her chest and leaped up from her seat.
"Matte Aoshi-sama!! I'm coming with you!!!" Misao called out as she sprinted towards him.
Megumi and Kaoru shook their heads and a slightly uncomfortable atmosphere took over the table.
"So...how did you get to know Misao?" Kaoru asked politely.
"Sano told her that I needed a place to stay and she accepted." Megumi said quietly as if she was remembering an unpleasant memory. She stood and neatly straightened invisible wrinkles on her skirt. "I'm sorry, but I should be getting back to work, I have to clean that baka's office again."
"Good luck." Kaoru called out and leaned back in her seat, feeling alone. So what could she do for the rest of the day? Misao and Megumi wouldn't be getting off of work till 6 and she now had 5 hours to kill. Terrorizing her boss would have to wait till tomorrow since she couldn't bear seeing his face again. How could such a spiteful person like him be so handsome? Beauty hid too many things. "Ugh, handsome? Yeah right." Kaoru muttered under her breath.
"Excuse me, would you mind if I sit here?" Kaoru looked up to see a youthful man with a cheerful smile on his face.
"It's a free country, for the most part." Kaoru stated and the man's smile grew brighter.
"Is that a yes?" He asked as he patiently stood with his tall mug of steaming coffee.
"Sorry, I tend to be a little ambiguous in giving answers. Sure, you can sit here."
He sat down in Misao's chair and took a slow sip of his drink. He looked so young; perhaps he was a mail boy? Eager for talk, Kaoru scoured her mind for ways to start a conversation.
"So you must be Himura-san's new secretary?" He asked her as he set his cup down. Kaoru blushed at his remark.
"Am I that infamous already?" She asked inquisitively.
"Let's just say that everybody three floors down heard your name earlier." He gave a chuckle. "I think the only other person he reserves that yell for is Sagara-san."
"Sano? Keh, that stupid roosterhead." Kaoru growled. "He deserves to be yelled at everyday."
"Oh?" The man turned his full attention on her.
"He actually tricked me into signing a contract! Me! And now I have to work with that air headed guy up there till I get a better offer from another company or he fires me and pays me several million dollars!" Kaoru said, obviously already exasperated about her situation.
"Air headed?" A voice hissed from behind her. Kaoru swiveled around her seat to meet the glare of Himura himself.
"Yeah, you know, the airhead up there." Kaoru said casually. "Would you like a seat, Himura-san?" She pointed to Megumi's chair.
"Would you happen to be referring to me?" He asked, ignoring her offer.
"You're the one saying it." Kaoru crossed her legs and gave a neutral face to Himura. He gave her a look that could kill.
"I need my schedule for today." He said through gritted teeth. Kaoru gave a shrug and switched legs.
"You didn't brief me on what kind of duties I'll be performing, that and you left nothing that a secretary can use, such as a computer, a file cabinet, a phone, a desk, a chair," Kaoru ticked off with her fingers. "You get where I'm going, right? And you also told me straight out that you didn't want to see me for the rest of the day. Did I miss anything?" She tapped her head with a finger in contemplation. "I believe that's about it, but if I have forgotten something, enlighten me."
Himura gave her another killer look before slamming his hands on the table and storming away. The smiling man gave a chuckle, forgetting about his coffee as he turned his interest to her.
"I believe I now understand your previous actions earlier to Himura-san, though he does have a limit." The smiling man warned.
"Don't worry, I think I know when to stop. Just short of him throwing me out of his window."
"Well, if you'll excuse me, miss, I have pressing matters to attend to." The man gave a deep bow and left.
"Nice guy," Kaoru commented. *Wait, I forgot to ask him what his name was. Maybe I'll ask Misao later on* Kaoru gave a deep sigh and then stood up, preparing to go back to the office and brave Himura again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru could only stare at the monstrosity sitting before her and her mouth could only drop in complete disbelief.
"And this is...?" She asked slowly at Himura who was arrogantly leaning against his desk. *How is it that everything he is does is conceited?*
"Just giving what you needed, remember?" He said with a sunny smile.
She knew this had to be coming. A week of giving her the cold shoulder had to lead to something, and here was the result. The desk looked like it had survived the feudal wars from five hundred years ago and was battered at every angle. Furthermore, the mat in which she was to sit on was moldy and green, the stuffing popping out of a millions of holes. A computer from the stone age of technology sat upon the desk, the massive machine gave the illusion that the table was actually bending from the heavy weight. Maybe it really was...
"D-does it even work?" she asked as she cautiously approached her new workspace.
"Of course." He said and looked at his gold Rolex for the time. "I have an appointment to keep so here's your work for today." An immense stack of papers came out from nowhere and he casually sat them right next to the computer.
"I need these all edited and rewritten by the time I get back to the office. Ja ne." He smoothly pivoted on his heel and left the room, leaving Kaoru still standing, dumbfounded at not only the machine but at the towering stack of papers.
"He's got to be joking, there's no way I'll be able to do this by the time he gets back!" Kaoru growled angrily. She grimaced at the putrid green mat and kicked it away so she could sit down. After pushing the large power button, five minutes passed before the computer turned on. Then another ten for her to figure out where she could type out documents. Where in the world did he find this antique? When she looked down at the keyboard, she scowled angrily. Nearly all the alphabet buttons were gone, and just where was the printer? Maybe she could borrow a computer from someone else. *I can always go pick on Sano* A grin of revenge graced her face and she got up to go downstairs but not before placing a kick at the massive machine, which only clicked and whirred in response.
Sano was nowhere to be found in his office and Megumi wasn't around either. Kaoru found herself wandering around in aimless circles when she ran into the smiling man from last week. He steadied her with sure hands and politely bowed before her.
"So we meet again, I trust that you have been making Himura's life miserable?" He said with a chuckle.
"It's getting better every day. I forgot to ask you your name and to give mine last time, I don't know how I forgot but I apologize on my bad manners." She stuck out her hand in the American style. "Kamiya Kaoru, notorious secretary of Himura Kenshin."
"I'm afraid my own introductions must come later, Kaoru-dono." He gently took her hand into his. "But I'm very sure we shall meet again in the future. Have a good day."
Her heart fluttered just the tiniest bit as she watched him walk down the hall. There was something enigmatic about that man, but perhaps his appeal came from his own mysteriousness. What was she doing standing around again? Kaoru snapped her fingers.
"A computer." She said aloud. There had to be some law that stated that an employer must include the needed materials for the job. Was it in section 3 of the office position laws? She scowled at herself as she walked around aimlessly again. Two years of non-action and she already forgot her precious information from Tokyo U. And as for handwriting them...forget it, that stack would take days.
"Hey! Wait!!!" Kaoru called out to the smiling man who was about to step into a room. He patiently waited as she jogged up to him. "Would you happen to know if there's a computer I'm able to use around here?"
"Himura didn't provide you with one?" He asked. Kaoru nodded her head and the man thoughtfully looked at her. "I'll ask someone to send one up there as soon as I can."
"Thank you so much." She said gratefully and bowed low to him.
"I believe this company will become much more amusing with you around, Kaoru-dono."
"You can just call me Kaoru." She wrinkled her nose at the honorific. "I feel old when you call dono."
He laughed out loud as he stepped into the room and closed the door. True to his word, 30 minutes later a state of the art computer, complete with printer, scanner, web cam, and various other accessories, arrived at the office and was quickly assembled by an expert hand. Kaoru had ordered the gargantuan computer to be placed on Himura's desk and was now furiously typing away the stack of files on the low desk. She was just printing the last of the documents when she heard the elevator door slide open. She twisted her neck to see her boss swaying as he struggled to walk to his office. His clothes were rumpled and his main of fire was about to burst out of the hair tie he used to keep it away from his face. He walked right past her and Kaoru almost choked at the stench of alcohol trailing him like cologne. He was laboriously trying to open his bedroom doors when he paused and turned to look at Kaoru.
"Wh-whar er you doeing hewr?" He slurred but before she could answer him with her usual sarcastic answer he clapped his hand over his mouth and sprinted to his bathroom. Several seconds later, Kaoru heard the nauseating sound of a person throwing up. Scrunching her nose in disgust, she paper clipped the last packet of documents and placed it on his desk. The retching was still going on and Kaoru cast a worried glance towards Himura's bedroom.
"Ah, Himura-san?" She called out softly. "Himura?"
She stepped into the bedroom and spotted another door hanging ajar. He was bent over the porcelain toilet, his head nearly in the hole. She quickly knelt near him as he began a fresh bout of vomiting. She gently rubbed his back and held her breath so she wouldn't breath in the bitter scent of stomach acid and booze combined. When he was done, she grabbed a towel and ran cold water over it, then began to dab at his mouth and face.
"Baka, drinking at this early time of the day. You're supposed to get stupid drunk at night, not on the job." She muttered as she rubbed off the last of the sweat from his face. Grabbing a cup of water, she filled it with tap water and carefully helped him gargle it and spit it back into the sink. With a grunt, she hoisted him onto a piggyback and carried him to his immense bed situated in the middle of the room. The dark mahogany was large enough to fit several people and flagrantly smelled of various perfumes mixed together. With extreme effort, she managed to tumble him onto his mattress and somehow lay him straight on the bed.
"This was definitely not in the job description. I can't believe this, I'm helping my drunk boss into his play bed." Kaoru muttered some more. She heard a sound and she looked down to see Himura's lips moving. She bent close and put her ear near his mouth.
"G-get out." He said weakly.
"You gotta be kidding me, and what, I walk off and then get third degree murder for letting you choke and die from your own vomit?" She said angrily as she pulled off his ashtray scented jacket and threw it on the floor.
"Get out." He said more forcibly as he opened one lavender eye and glared at her.
"Fine, I'll get out when you can walk from here to the door in a straight line." She said as she pulled his shoes off. To her alarm, he began to move to sit up. She pushed him down with two hands and pulled the blanket covers over him.
"Never mind, forget I asked. I'm going to send Sano to check up on you since you obviously don't want me help. And the files that you wanted me to do are on your desk." She said and walked out of the bedroom, quietly closing the doors behind her.
"Ugh, of course, not only is he arrogant, but he has to be a drunk and a smoker." She complained as she snatched her purse and walked to the elevator. When the doors slid opened she looked up to see Sano walking out.
"Yo." He raised a hand.
"Himura is dead drunk in his room, you should check up on him." Kaoru said as she placed a foot in front of the elevator doors to keep it from sliding shut.
"I know, I was the one who took him out." The roosterhead said good- naturedly.
"You idiot!" Kaoru smacked him on the head with her purse. "The only thing alcohol does is kill your brain cells, not that you would have any trouble!"
"Hey, back back," Sano made a cross with two fingers. "And Himura needed it tonight, besides, he only had a few beers. Kenshin never could hold his liquor." He chuckled as he slipped his hands into his pockets. "Don't worry, Megumi gave him some pills to help with the hangover."
"Megumi took him out too?" Kaoru exclaimed. She raised her hand for another smack with her purse but Sano grabbed her wrist.
"What are you getting so worked up for?" He asked curiously.
"I just don't like drunks, that's all." Kaoru mumbled as she jerked her wrist out of Sano's hold. "I'm going home, ja."
Misao was waiting for her in the lobby with a tired Megumi barely able stay standing up.
"Hey Kaoru-chan. I saw Himura stumbling to his office, was he dead drunk or what?" Misao commented as she guided Megumi towards the parking lot.
"Took the words right out of my mouth." Kaoru said as the three girls got into the car. "I had to put him into bed."
Megumi grimaced and bent her head low. "It's partially my fault."
"What do you mean? Unless you hand fed him the alcohol," Kaoru said.
"It's just...Himura needed something to divert his mind and Sano and I were able to convince him to take alcohol instead of drugs. It was all we could do to just supervise him while he..." Megumi stopped and became quiet again.
"While he what?" Kaoru asked as Misao pulled into the driveway.
"Nothing." Megumi mumbled and quickly got out of the car.
"Is Himura up to something, uh, notorious?" Kaoru asked Misao as they walked into the house. "Because I don't feel comfortable knowing I'm working under a major drug dealer or something of the sort."
"Ma ma, Kaoru-chan, I'm sure it's nothing like that. Especially with Hiko- san as top president." Misao threw her purse onto the living room couch and flopped onto the couch.
"I thought Himura is the president." Kaoru opened the refrigerator and took out two cans of soda.
"Hiko-san was the president before but handed it to Himura and decided he wanted to go back to pottery. He still oversees some major decisions in regards to the company itself." Misao caught the can Kaoru threw at her and popped the tab open.
"Was he always like this?" Kaoru asked out of the blue. Misao looked at her friend from the top of her can.
"Now that I think about it, I'm not sure. I know that I heard about some of his exploits in the newspaper and from other workers in the building. I do, however, know what kind of women he prefers and his favorite places to shop." Misao said thoughtfully. "He likes his women petite, gaudy, well endowed in the chest, and slim thighs. At least that's all the women I ever see go into his office. And his favorite brand of clothes come from Gucci."
Kaoru rolled her eyes as Misao began to list more statistics on Himura. At least she wasn't going on as usual about Aoshi. Misao was starting on Himura's favorite clubs when Kaoru's cell phone starting ringing. With an apologetic smile, she flipped it open and answered. Upon hearing the voice on the other line, her face took on an ashen white and she almost dropped the phone as she swiftly went outside to talk privately.
"W-what do you want?" She said as normal as she could but from his chuckle she knew he could hear her panic.
"You." He said smoothly.
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* ^^ don't worry, the identity of the mysterious caller will be revealed later on, not to mention some other stuff. And the reason why kaoru hates drunk men and why kenshin drinks.
CrimsHeart: thanks! I took a look at Gypsy's website and it's a well-done site. I'm pretty proud that my story actually made it to a website. Thanks for your compliments! ^^
Kuikkick: thanks, I had to make Sano cunning because he always struck me as one. I'm glad you're enjoying this quickly conceived story.