Kyaa Kyaff here!
Disclaimer: I've said it before…I guess I'll say it again! Rurouni Kenshin does not belong to me.
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'…' Kaoru thoughts
*…* Kenshin thoughts
"…" Dialogue
-------- indicates flashback
Facing Adversity
Chapter 6: Time at the Park
After returning home that night, Tomoe and Akira had informed Kaoru that the engagement was back on. She had smiled and wished them the best. Kaoru then introduced them to Tsubame, who was going to stay the night. They gladly welcomed her, and Tomoe went to set up the guest bedroom. Everyone talked a little longer, Tsubame feeling shy and awkward among such amiable people, before going to bed.
Kaoru got up bright and early the next morning, so she could be go to work and help Tsubame before practice. In the car Kaoru turned on the radio flipping through the station until she came to one she liked. Soft instrumental music filled the car.
"I love this song," Kaoru said with a smile.
"It sounds beautiful," Tsubame replied closing her eyes.
"It is by Pietro Mascagni. It's called Intermezzo Synfornica. It's my favorite."
Tsubame glanced over at Kaoru. She looked serene tapping the steering wheel unconsciously as if she were the one playing the piano.
"Do you know how to play a piano?" Tsubame asked.
Kaoru smiled, "Yeah, but not that great. I really love to play this song and the moonlight sonata by Beethoven. Those are really the only two I'm good at."
"I would love to hear you play sometime," Tsubame said shyly wanting to keep in touch with this woman.
There was something about her that calmed Tsubame and made her want to get to know Kaoru better.
"Of course I will. I can't say it will sound too good though," Kaoru replied, "Ah, we're here."
Kaoru pulled into the parking lot and got out with Tsubame. Kaoru led Tsubame inside and went up to the desk where Okita was busily going through files before the secretary arrived to clean up the mess he had made.
"Okita-san," Kaoru said trying to get his attention.
He looked up quickly, "Oh, Kaoru-san, you are here earlier then usual, and you have brought someone with you."
"This is Sanjou Tsubame. I helped her out last night. She needs protection and a place to stay. I was hoping Tae's place might have an opening."
"Let me check."
Okita turned to the phone and decided the easiest way was to call Tae directly. Kaoru waited as he called.
"Hello. Tae-san, it's Okita…Sorry to disturb you so early in the morning…I'm well and you?…That's good to hear…I was wondering if you had any room…Yes…that's wonderful…Kaoru-san is going to bring her over then…You too…Goodbye."
Okita turned back to Kaoru after hanging up the phone, "Yes, she has room."
"Okay, I'll be back. If I'm late will you please…"
"Don't worry, I will tell Saitoh-san I sent you to do something," Okita said.
"Thanks Okita-san."
"No problem. You better get going then," Okita urged turning back to his work.
Once again they were in the car. Tae's place was only a few minutes away, relatively close. It was a type of boardinghouse that Tae ran. It was protected by Saitoh's organization, and Tae took many different people in. Tsubame would be safe there.
"Tae-san is a good person. You should get along with her just fine."
Tsubame nodded as Kaoru parked the car. Going up to the door she gave it a firm knock. It didn't take long for Tae to open the door and greet them with a smile on her face.
"Tae-san this is Sanjou Tsubame. Tsubame this is Sekihara Tae-san."
Tae held her hand out to Tsubame, "Nice to meet you."
Tsubame inclined her head.
"Well, I'll leave you with Tae-san. I have to get going, or I'll never hear the end of it from Saitoh-san. I'll be back to visit. Maybe then I can play for you."
"I will be waiting," Tsubame replied.
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Kaoru kept glancing at the clock. Saitoh had been extra hard on her during practice. She was exhausted. After that he gave her as many menial tasks as he could find to keep her busy. Finally around three, she sat down to work on her report. It was now four, and she was just finishing up. Report in hand she knocked on Saitoh's door.
"Come in."
Kaoru walked in and dropped the papers on his desk, "All finished."
Saitoh leaned forward as he examined the papers. Kaoru waited in silence hoping he would let her go home. This was another form of punishment for the other day. The next two weeks all she would have to worry about was practice.
"You can leave, but before you do give this to my secretary," Saitoh said handing her some documents.
Kaoru took them and gave a grumbled goodbye before gathering her things and heading for the first floor. Misao wasn't so easy to find though. It took about ten minutes to find her. It seemed Saitoh had Misao just as busy as Kaoru. With a small greeting she handed over the documents and left. It was now almost four-thirty. She was supposed to have met Kenshin at the park already. Kaoru shook her head. First she would see how Tsubame was doing. Taking a quick drive over she got out and knocked on the door.
Tae answered, "Hello, Kaoru-san. Would you like to come inside?"
"Yes, thank you."
Her gaze swept the main entrance that led into the living room, where brown spiky hair could be seen.
'No way. That can't be…'
"Kaoru-san!" Tsubame exclaimed coming down the stairs.
At the name the spiky haired kid turned. There was no doubt about it; it was Yahiko.
"What are you doing here, busu?"
Kaoru, who hadn't been paying attention to that direction anymore looked over, "Yahiko? I could ask you the same thing!"
"It's none of your business," Yahiko replied turning to watch the television again.
Tae smiled, "Saitoh-san brought him yesterday."
"Some of the gang members did get away…he's probably being careful," Kaoru said more to herself.
"Kaoru-san?" Tsubame asked uncertainly.
"I just came to visit real quick to make sure you settled in fine."
"Thank you. I'm fine. Tae-san is very kind. Many of the people here are," Tsubame said.
"That's good to hear."
"Would you…play the piano for me?" Tsubame asked hesitantly.
Kaoru glanced at her watch, "Sure."
'I didn't say I would show up. I did kind of want to, but some things are more important.'
Kaoru followed Tsubame into the entertainment room. Seating herself at the piano she sighed. Her fingers slid across the keys to familiarize herself. She hadn't done this in a long time. The only reason she had started to play the piano was because her new mother loved when Tomoe played. Kaoru wanted to see the same approval in Maya's eyes. She never found it, no matter how much she excelled at everything that pleased Maya. Kaoru closed her eyes for a second before beginning.
Tsubame smiled as she heard the melody from earlier begin to play. It truly was beautiful. Kaoru played from memory hitting each note perfectly. Two of the kids who were in the room stopped to listen. Yahiko had wandered over and watched the smile on Tsubame's face before looking over to Kaoru.
As Kaoru finished Tsubame sighed, "That was wonderful. I wish I knew how to play."
Kaoru turned around feeling a little sad, but forced a smile, "I would be glad to come and teach you when I have the time."
"Would you?" Tsubame asked eagerly.
"Of course."
Kaoru got up and walked over to Tsubame.
"I have to get going now, but I'll stop by tomorrow, okay?"
"Alright," Tsubame agreed.
Tsubame watched as Kaoru left. Yahiko walked over next to her and cleared his throat. She turned around surprised.
"Yes?"
"Umm…" Yahiko scratched the back of his head nervously, "I could help you. I know how to do the basics on the piano."
"You do?"
"Yeah…"
"I would appreciate that," Tsubame replied with a smile.
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Kaoru got into her car wondering if she should swing by the park. It was five, and she very much doubted he would be there, even if he said he would wait all day. Next thing she knew Kaoru was pulling her car onto the side of the street and getting out at the park. She was hoping to see him there. She gave a quick look around not catching sight of his red hair. Kaoru decided to follow the path to where she first met Kenshin, and there he was sitting on a bench. His face lit up as he caught sight of her.
"Baka. What are you still doing here?" Kaoru immediately said.
His smile only grew wider, "I told you I'd wait all day, and here you are."
"What's that?" Kaoru asked seeing something in his hand.
Getting up he walked over to her before presenting her with a single white rose. Kaoru looked at him in surprise.
"What? It's for you."
Kaoru accepted the gift taking a sniff of the fragrant flower, "Thank you."
He brought his hand up and gently touched her right cheek concern in his eyes, "What happened?"
"It's nothing. I'm in law enforcement, and sometimes the people like to put up a fight."
Kenshin dropped his hand trying not to frown.
"Really, it's not a big deal. It looks worse then it actually is."
"If you say so," Kenshin replied.
He then held out his arm to her, "And where are we going?"
"A walk around the park sounds nice, doesn't it?"
Kaoru smiled. It did sound nice. She laced her arm through his, and they began to walk. She loved this park. She had often as a child run away to it, since it was close to her house. Kaoru leaned her head back to look at the stars as Kenshin lightly covered the hand resting on his arm.
"The stars are so much more bright and beautiful away from the city."
"Are they?" Kenshin asked softly watching her face brighten up.
"Yes. There is a lot to miss, when you live in such a crowded area," Kaoru said turning her head to look at him.
She then turned her gaze ahead of them. Catching sight of the swing set, Kaoru released Kenshin's arm and walked over. Sliding a hand along the metal of the chain she sat down. Kenshin stood in the same spot Kaoru had left him.
"It's been awhile since I've swung on a swing," she said giving herself a slight push.
"Well, it's been awhile since I've pushed anyone," he replied coming up behind her.
She tipped her head back as he came over, "You must think I'm childish."
"Not at all," Kenshin answered taking the chains in his hand and giving them a push.
Kaoru straightened as he pushed her twirling the flower in her hand, "You are really sweet, you know that?"
"I try."
Kaoru decided to enjoy the moment in silence with him giving her a soft push every time she returned to him. She loved this. She never thought such a simple activity could be so fulfilling, or maybe it was because of the person with her. She certainly was attracted to him. Kenshin moved to the side after giving her a couple more pushes to sit in the swing beside her. She let herself glide to a stop.
"Do you come her often?" Kaoru asked.
Kenshin shook his head, "Only once in awhile."
"I used to come here a lot when I was younger. It was my place to run away to. It always calmed me to come here."
"Then it's a good place for our first date," Kenshin stated.
"First date? Just because I came here…" Kaoru started.
Kenshin put a finger to her lips getting out of his swing, "Yes, just because you came here."
Kaoru went to protest, but Kenshin decided this would be an opportune time to kiss her. She tried to back up and would have fallen backward off the swing if Kenshin's arm hadn't wrapped around her waist pulling her up off the seat and against him.
"There is something about you that fascinates me," Kenshin admitted quietly as Kaoru stared at him wide-eyed.
One hand to his chest, the other loosely holding the rose, Kaoru didn't know how to reply. She had been in a relationship before, but it was so long ago. She was used to immediately dismissing compliments and dates. She had to admit there was something about him that fascinated her as well, and she had only talked with him three times now. Kaoru wanted to get to know him better. She wasn't use to this and was thrown out of her element.
Kenshin tilted his head to the side still holding her, "Do you think a proper second date would be dinner tomorrow evening? That is if you are available of course."
Kaoru hesitated before answering, "I would like that."
"Would it be too much to ask for another kiss?"
"You never asked before," Kaoru replied.
"True," Kenshin said with a smile before giving her a warm tender kiss that had her moving closer for more.
Kaoru closed her eyes letting herself enjoy the feelings moving through her. She had always pushed others away, and to be kissed like this was truly amazing to her. His arms around her made her feel safe and welcome. He was warm, and as he traced his fingers along her cheek, Kaoru felt the calloused hand's strength and tenderness. A small thrill shot through her. He pulled away slightly his nose touching hers.
"How about we continue our walk?" Kenshin asked.
"Okay," Kaoru replied totally captivated by his amber colored eyes.
Kenshin kept one arm around her waist as they walked. Kaoru had to force herself not to grin like an idiot. She had never felt so happy with someone other then her sister and Akira. This was a different kind of happiness altogether though. She felt Kenshin's eyes on her as they walked. It began to make her feel nervous.
Kaoru brought her hand up to push the stray hair from her bangs out of her eyes, trying not to touch her scar that was clearly visible to Kenshin's sight, "Is there something on my face?"
Kenshin chuckled, "No."
"Then why do you keep staring at me? It's unnerving, you know."
"Is it? Gomen," Kenshin replied, "You are very beautiful."
"Yeah right," Kaoru muttered under her breath.
"Why don't you think so?" Kenshin asked leading her to the edge of a small lake.
Kaoru shook her head deciding to change the subject, "So what do you do for a living?"
Kenshin leaned against a nearby tree, pulling Kaoru along with him. She settled in his arms looking out across the lake with his hands loosely clasped in front of her. She traced a finger along his hand without really thinking about it. He caught her hand in his giving it a soft squeeze.
"I own an antique store," Kenshin answered.
"Really? That's interesting. I'll have to come by and take a look sometime. What's the name?"
"Sagara's Antique Store," Kenshin replied.
"Sagara…isn't that your friend's name?"
"Yes. He has part ownership. We couldn't think of anything better to name it. I didn't want my name up there so we just put his," Kenshin explained.
Kaoru went to reply when a ring interrupted her. Kenshin sighed reluctantly releasing her and reached into his pocket, pulling out a cell phone.
"I'll only be a second," he assured before flipping it open.
Kaoru walked over to the lake and kneeled down, so she could run her fingers through the cool water. After a few seconds Kaoru heard him approach and turned her head to see his displeased expression.
"Something the matter?"
"I have to get going. Something came up," Kenshin said.
Kaoru looked at her watch, "That's okay. I should be getting home soon anyway."
"I will walk you back to your car then."
Kenshin helped her up before sliding an arm around her waist and pulling her close again.
She could definitely get use to this. Walking beside him Kaoru felt content. She didn't feel so lonely. She hardly knew him, but there was something about him, a pull that had her wanting this one moment to last. They reached her car all too soon.
"You have a ride, right?" Kaoru asked not wanting to leave.
"Yes, I do."
Kaoru tried not to look disappointed.
"Don't look disappointed, angel. Tomorrow around five will you meet me here, so I can take you out to dinner?"
Kaoru felt her face heat up as he called her angel. Coming from anyone else Kaoru would have given them a piece of her mind. From him it seemed special.
"I'll be here," Kaoru said.
Kenshin nodded turning, "Tomorrow then."
"Kenshin?"
"Yes?"
"Don't I get a kiss goodnight?" Kaoru asked wanted to feel his lips against hers one more time.
Kenshin smiled walking swiftly up to her barely brushing his lips against hers before she could react.
"Goodnight Kaoru," he replied running his hand down her arm.
She watched him turn and leave a smirk on his face. Kaoru frowned. He was teasing her. Slowly Kaoru began to grin as she watched him walk away. He would regret that.
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Returning home Kaoru was in another state of mind as she opened the door.
"Kaoru, hey. We have a…what's with the goofy expression?" Akira asked, "Just where were you anyway?"
"Hm…? Goofy expression? I don't know what you're talking about," Kaoru started as her face flushed ever so slightly.
"You came in looking like…"
"Kaoru! There you are. We have a guest," Tomoe said coming from the kitchen.
A man followed right after Tomoe. Kaoru looked at him finding him familiar. She had seen him somewhere, but from where she couldn't remember.
"Kaoru this is Yukishiro Enishi. Enishi, this is my sister Kamiya Kaoru."
Kaoru finally recognized him as the man from the party she had bumped into.
"We've met," Enishi said coming over to Kaoru and taking her hand in his to kiss it as he had before.
He released her hand and stood to his full height. Kaoru was a little speechless. Akira was looking at the pair with interest, and Tomoe was coming over with a smile.
Tomoe placed her hand on Enishi's arm, "He is my cousin from mother's side of the family. He has come to visit and needs a place to stay."
"I thought Maya was an only child," Kaoru said.
Tomoe shook her head, "No. Her brother was disowned, because he left to marry a woman they did not approve of."
"Oh."
Everyone stood in silence for a few more moments until Kaoru spoke up.
"Nice to meet you again, Yukishiro-san," Kaoru started.
"Just Enishi. That's what everyone else calls me."
"Enishi."
Kaoru's stomach chose that moment to growl quite loudly as she stood there.
"I left you some food Kaoru. Why don't you go get some?" Tomoe said.
"I think I'll do that," Kaoru replied walking out of the room.
There was something about Enishi that gave her a weird feeling. Maybe it was the way he looked at her so intensely. Kaoru noticing the plate of food attacked it forgetting her unease. She didn't realize she was so hungry. Nothing could beat Tomoe's excellent cooking. Once she finished up she cleaned her dish and went back into the living room where everyone was sitting.
"Kaoru, we were just talking about how you study kendo too," Tomoe said.
Kaoru came over taking the only seat available, which happened to be right next to Enishi.
"Tomoe-san has told me you're quite good," Enishi said interested.
Kaoru stared into his brilliant turquoise eyes. They were really attractive.
Kaoru shook her head to dispel her thoughts, "She exaggerates."
"I would like to practice with you sometime during my visit if that's fine by you."
"That's fine."
Tomoe stood suddenly, "Kaoru, would you be able to keep Enishi company? Akira and I must get the rest of his things from Evergreen Woods."
"I guess so. Oh. Could you say hello to Yutarou for me?"
"Of course."
"You don't need any help getting this bum in the car do you?" Kaoru asked as Tomoe walked to the door followed by Akira.
Akira shook his head, "Don't worry. I can take care of myself."
"We'll be back real soon."
"Bye."
Kaoru watched as they left before turning to Enishi, "So…"
Enishi smiled at her, "I had hoped we would meet again. You captured my attention the night of the party."
"You probably think I'm a klutz running into you like I did," Kaoru said feeling awkward.
"No, I don't."
"Oh well. So you practice kendo. How long have you been doing it?" Kaoru asked.
"Since I was eight."
Kaoru's eyes widened, "Really? You must be good."
Enishi shrugged.
"So how long are you staying for?" Kaoru asked.
"About three weeks. I have some friends to visit."
"Is the guest bedroom set up already?" Kaoru inquired seeing two suitcases by the door.
"No, I came here without notice. It was really kind of Tomoe-san to allow me to stay on such short notice."
"How about I go and fix it up for you? You can watch T.V if you want," Kaoru said getting up.
She felt awkward sitting alone with him and was using that as an excuse to escape his presence. He had such an intense, unsettling aura about him. She was never very good at being social with people. The only time she was social was during assignments for work. Walking over to the coffee table she threw him the remote control.
"I'll be back."
Kaoru headed off into the hallway. The guest bedroom was right next to hers, and she decided to get some new sheets out of the linen closet. Going into the room she set herself to taking off the old sheets. Grabbing the pillows she took them off and threw them in the corner with the other sheets. Placing the folded clean sheets on the bed, she bent down to pick up the old ones. As she did so she heard Enishi enter the room.
Putting the two suitcases down he spoke, "I thought I would come help."
Over the pile of bedding Kaoru shook her head, "Don't worry. You are a guest, now let me take care of it."
Enishi laughed, "I can put the bed together. At least let me do that."
"I said you are a guest. I'll take care of it," Kaoru insisted walking past him.
As she did she accidentally stepped on a trailing piece of blanket that made her almost lose her balance. Enishi stepped forward and caught her arm stepping on another part of the sheet. As Kaoru set upright the sheet was given a good tug, and Enishi, his foot not firmly planted, fell backwards. Kaoru followed right after him and landed on top of him. Bracing one hand on the ground she lifted her head up and looked down. Enishi was staring right back at her merely inches away his face half covered by the sheet. Kaoru had to stop herself from laughing.
She flushed red, "Gomen!"
Kaoru struggled to get off him furthering tangling herself in the sheets. Kaoru let out a groan as she fell on top of Enishi again. He began to chuckle. Stopping her struggling she glared at him.
"This is not funny."
Enishi shook his head as he firmly grabbed her around the waist. She let out a squeak as he easily lifted her up and set her down to his side before turning over and sitting up himself. He pulled the pillowcase off his head as Kaoru extracted herself from the sheets. He laughed again.
"Mou! It really isn't funny."
"I have had women throw themselves at me before, but never quite so forcefully," Enishi said.
"What!" Kaoru grabbed the nearest thing, which happened to be a pillowcase he had just discarded, "Baka!"
Enishi held his hands up, "I was joking. I was joking."
Kaoru, still fuming, stood up and bundled the sheets together tightly so nothing would be left trailing, "I'll be right back."
She heard him stand as she walked down the hall. Taking a right she went into the washroom and dropped the sheets in the wash basket. She glared at the basket for a moment before going back to the room where Enishi was already putting on the new bedding.
"I said I was going to take care of that," Kaoru said from the doorway.
"I'm fine."
"You aren't a very cooperative guest," Kaoru declared.
"You and Tomoe-san are very much alike."
Kaoru looked on as he tried to get one side of the bedspread down while keeping the other side intact.
"Here, let me help you then," Kaoru said coming around and grabbing the corner.
After they finished making the bed Kaoru left Enishi to unpack. She sat in the living room watching T.V. There wasn't much on, and she was flipping through the channels when Akira and Tomoe came home.
"Where's Enishi? You didn't scare him away, did you?" Akira asked.
"He's in his room unpacking," Kaoru replied with a glare.
Tomoe walked by giving Akira a smack to the head, "Stop teasing Kaoru."
"Need any help?" Kaoru asked as Tomoe put a box down.
"No, I got everything."
"Yutarou is okay, right?" Kaoru asked.
"Yes. Saitoh-san has some agents there watching him. If it wasn't Akira we probably wouldn't have been able to get his things from the room."
"That's good to hear. Well, I'll be off to bed. I have practice in the morning," Kaoru said getting up.
"Goodnight Kaoru."
"Night," Kaoru replied heading for her room.
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Hey!!! What is with me and parks! Geez. More KxK next chapter!
Thanks goes out to lizzie, Sujakata, Lina, friends4eva08, Shizuka, swtrkgurlz, Kamimura Kaoru, Jason M. Lee, Crystal, Gypsy-chan, chibi-ken14, aniprinzess, redroseprincess678, penggu2000, Kriska, chibi-hime, LittleDragon5, Val, Leigh, firehawk, Luli451, Isis13, Sarah, NightRain, Jim, Random Reader, and Omochi.
Kyaa Kyaff saying love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!