Title: A New Beginning
Rated: PG-13 (Violence & Language)
Author: charismatic angel
Email: charismatic_angel@msn.com
Chapter Date: June 27, 2003
All the stuff you do not want to read but I have to say:
* sighs * I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. Someone else owns the rights and characters to this series. You know the rest…(Please don't sue me)
Chapter 11:
Kaoru awoke to the sun shining in her face. She yawned and stretched her arms over her head. The bed, which was so soft and warm, made Kaoru reluctant to wake up. It had been awhile since she was able to sleep in. She enjoyed the cushiony feeling around her for a few minutes before deciding to get up.
She got up and stretched whole body and then went to the kitchen to find something to eat. Kaoru milled around the cupboards looking for something to make for breakfast when she decided she didn't feel like making anything.
Lazily, Kaoru made her way to the couch and flopped down on it. She was just about to close her eyes, when the scent of sandalwood hovered near her nose. Eyeing the back of the couch she noticed Kenshin's jacket, which she still had to return.
Smiling, Kaoru brought the jacket closer and nuzzled it against her cheek. The leather material felt smooth against her skin as she buried her face into.
Realizing how ridiculous she was acting, Kaoru set the jacket on the opposite end of the couch.
I should give Kenshin his jacket back before I do something really stupid.
Another thought crossed her mind.
I could drop his jacket off and ask him to lunch…It wouldn't be a date or anything…We're just two people having lunch…nothing wrong about that?
Kaoru made up her mind to see Kenshin and ask him to lunch. She took a quick shower and through on some summer clothes. Looking in the mirror, Kaoru adjusted her hair and inspected herself.
What am I worried about…It's only Kenshin. He's the last person I should try to impress.
Before leaving, she grabbed his jacket and made her way down to his apartment.
Kaoru stood outside his door, slightly apprehensive. The task seemed easier when she was upstairs thinking about it. She took a deep breath and softly knocked on his door.
Patiently, she waited outside trying to hear someone stirring inside. Everything seemed quiet.
Maybe he didn't hear me?
She knocked a little harder still trying to hear if anyone was home. Nervously, she ran her hands across the jackets material and wondered what was taking him so long.
Kaoru checked her watch to see what time it was.
He's usually an early riser…it's 11:00am, he should be up by now…unless…
Kaoru gave a sigh of defeat and gave up waiting.
He must be at work or something
She wished that he were home because she would have been able to return his coat. Kaoru didn't know how long she could resist not smelling the sweet scent that surrounded the coat.
I will have to put this somewhere out of sight and out of mind until I can give it back.
Disappointed, Kaoru walked back to her apartment. When she got home she hung his jacket on the back of her door and promised herself not to touch it.
Not knowing what to do the rest of the day, Kaoru decided to take walk. It was getting more and more difficult to stay in the apartment when his jacket hung in plain sight. She noticed herself watching it out of the corner of her eye. This was way too sad!
Maybe Tsubame would like to do something
With that thought, Kaoru left to find Tsubame.
It wasn't a difficult task to locate her, because she spent most of her free time at the Akabeko, even though she didn't have to work. Kaoru, feeling a little braver decided to venture out without the aide of Sano.
After a few wrong turns and backtracking, Kaoru managed to find the Akabeko. The place seemed dead without the crowds of people swarming around and the lights flashing in the dark. Kaoru stepped into the back way and started looking for Tsubame.
It didn't take Kaoru long to find her. Tsubame was carrying a gigantic box of liquor from the storeroom, when Kaoru almost knocked her over. Tsubame juggled the box trying to keep a hold of it until Kaoru lent a helping hand. Slowly the two eased the box to the ground.
"Kaoru, what are you doing here?" she said, with a surprised expression.
"I am sorry for almost knocking you over."
"That's okay. I probably would have dropped it anyways, it was too big for me to carry." She smiled
Kaoru smiled back, "Tsubame, I was wondering…if you would like to do something? I was going to grab a bite to eat and then maybe do some shopping. Would you be interested?"
"That sounds fun! Let me go tell Tae…or she will wonder where I ran off to."
"Great!" Kaoru replied
Tsubame left to tell Tae she was leaving.
A couple minutes later she reappeared with purse in hand.
"Where do you want to go? I have a car so we can go just about anywhere."
"Let's get something to eat first. I am starving!" Kaoru exaggerated
"Hey, there is this place I've heard about. A lot of people say it's the best place to eat."
"Well, lets find this place and see for ourselves." She replied, excitedly
The two girls got into the car and drove off. Kaoru never noticed how much of a hostile driver Tsubame was until this day. She never fully understood the meaning of road-rage until she drove with Tsubame. Tsubame, wove through traffic cutting people off and shaking her fists at the people who "couldn't drive."
It was hilarious to see such a refined girl act so differently when driving.
After many one fingered gestures, Tsubame finally found a parking spot. Parking was not Tsubame's forte. She had at least 3ft away from the curb and her front end was sticking out. Kaoru wasn't sure if she should say anything for fear of Tsubame's "road-raged" reaction.
They walked what seemed like forever when they arrived outside an ancient looking teahouse. Kaoru was amazed to see something of this sort in New York City. Everything was made of either brick or glass. The place made her think of home and how much she missed it.
"What's this place called?" Kaoru asked
"Shinta" Tsubame replied
What a peculiar name?
Kaoru and Tsubame walked inside and were greeted by a stern Japanese looking woman. The lady pursed her lips as she saw them walk up to the podium she stood behind.
"Reservations?" The lady mono tonally asked
"Uh…I didn't know we had to have one?" Tsubame replied
The lady rolled her eyes and pulled the reservation book closer to her.
"I am sorry but without a reservation I can not seat you. If you wish I could put your name on the list." She said, not too anxiously
"No…that'll be alright…thanks anyways." Kaoru softly spoke
She wasn't getting used to the cold attitudes some of the people had around here. It was disheartening that not too many people were friendly. Of course, there was always Sano, Tsubame…and Kenshin.
Just as they were about to leave, Kaoru heard a familiar voice calling out to her.
"Miss Kaoru" the voice trailed
Kaoru turned around to see Kenshin waving madly at her.
"Excuse me Aya" He said pushing past her.
"Miss Kaoru, what are you doing here?"
What is he doing here and why is he wearing a…chef's uniform?
Kaoru smiled at Kenshin, "I didn't expect to see you here? Sometimes I think you follow me." She chuckled.
Kenshin looked taken aback by her last comment.
Kaoru noticed and said, "I didn't mean that Kenshin. I was only teasing."
His expression turned to normal and then he eyed Tsubame.
"Oh Kenshin, this is Tsubame. I work with her at the Akabeko."
"Pleased to meet you Miss Tsubame." Kenshin nodded
Tsubame smiled and blushed at the same time.
"Were you going to eat here?" He asked, curiously.
"Ya, but we needed a reservation. We were just going someplace else."
"Oh no Miss Kaoru, if you really want to eat here I can arrange it." He said overly excited
"Well…I don't know,…" she said, eyeing Aya who was looking on with great curiosity.
"If Miss Kaoru wants to eat her, then Miss Kaoru will. I am the owner, so it is my pleasure to invite you to eat in my restaurant." He said happily
"You..you own this place." Kaoru said gulping
"Yes." He replied, wondering why she was so surprised.
"Come let me show you two around." He said, leading them further inside, while Aya scowled at them.
End of Chapter 11
I am sorry this chapter is so short. As promised, I updated for my loyal readers. It has been my pleasure to fulfill your requests.
On the other hand, I just received my first negative review. I didn't expect everyone to like this fic and was quite pleased when I received all your positive responses. Like I said, I am a tough cookie and can take criticism. British lit prepared me for moments like these.
Although, I have to be truthful...I have been watching the series for about a month now. This is my first fanfic and I know that I am going to do things wrong. Yes, I have done research on RK and have the manga on CD but that doesn't make me an expert.
As a reader, I don't get too upset when someone takes my fave characters and alters their personalities. If they can make it work, great…if not I move on and forget about it.
I knew very well, when I started writing this fic, that some of the characters would be very out of context. This is an alternate reality…things will be different from the Anime and Manga.
I am sorry to all of you loyal Enishi fans. I never meant to hurt any of your feelings by portraying him as such a "bastard." It's fiction not the actual Anime or Manga…it's your choice if you continue reading.
There are many Battousi fics out there that reflect Kenshin's personality far from what it is…but I never take it to heart…I find them interesting to read…knowing Kenshin will still be Kenshin, no matter how anyone writes them.
I, in no way feel Kenshin
is represented as holy, he was the
"Hikitori Battousi" for pete's sake!, does killing innocent people make someone
holy? Even if they have changed? I think not…In no way does that spread "light"
onto Kenshin and Kaoru's relationship. Being assaulted by Enishi's hand doesn't
make her want Kenshin all the more…in fact she is trying to avoid being in a
relationship due to that fact. If anything their relationship will be based on
starting over for many obvious reasons….
None the less, I will keep this review. It is after all, someone's rightful opinion.
I am sorry to have ranted on so much, but I am not out to ruin your day. It saddens me to know my fic ruined someone else's. Once again you all have my humblest apologies.
Thank you for reading…I enjoy every one of your reviews. They are what get me through days like these :)