Love Generation: True Love Never Runs Smooth
Disclaimer: All rights and privileges to Rurouni Kenshin belong to Nobuhiro Watsuki, Shuiesha, Sony Music Entertainment, and associated parties. All rights and privileges to Love Generation belong to Fuji TV, Koiwai Hiroyoshi, Nagayama Kouzou, Kimura Tatsuaki; Asano Taeko and Ozaki Masaya; . The characters of this series are used without permission for the purpose of entertainment only. This work of fiction is not meant for sale or profit. So don't sue.
Act 1:2 Partings
The interior of the museum was cavernous, the walls and floors clad with a rich red marble that gleamed in testimony to its meticulous upkeep. Kenshin tried to be as inconspicious as possible as he searched for the ticketing booth, tip toeing uneasily through the well-heeled, well-educated museum goers that morning. His collar chafed his neck and the shirt and tie outfit just felt strange - adding to his discomfort. He stole a side glance in to the exhibition hall as he passed by, reassuring himself that he had got the right place. Long red banners unfurled on either side of the entrance announced an exhibition of Tang dynasty artefacts from China.
How much is it? he whispered hoarsely to the lady at counter as he felt for his wallet. He stepped back in surprise when he heard a gentle voice call his name.
It was like stepping back five years in the past -
What are you doing here-? He turned to face the speaker - Yukishiro Tomoe. Her hair was caught up in exactly the same timelessly elegant way, and a single strand of pearls gleamed softly at her neck. Dressed in a simple light grey dress, she was slimmer, more elegant than he remembered - more beautiful.
Um - well, Sano told me you were working here and I happened to have some time to kill... his voice trailed off as she stopped just paces in front of him. She looked surprised, a little confused, but her gentle gaze was very familiar - the same look that had always made him feel so warm... he jerked himself out of his daze, so, how are you?
She nodded, hands clasped infront of her, I'm fine. And you?
Yeh- great. He ran a hand nervously over his hair, So - when did you get to Tokyo?
Her eyes became a little uncertain. she spoke as if she were choosing her words carefully. They sent me here last year.
Last year?! Kenshin exploded, forgetting all his self-consciousness. She winced slightly and glanced apologetically at the people milling about. He lowered his voice, Last year? Why didn't you give me a call?
Tomoe lifted her shoulders barely perceptibly.
He tried to sneak a look at her left hand, which was covered by her right. Did you get married or something?
Of course not, she protested, shaking her head slightly.
You mean, not yet he grinned teasingly, Just look at you - you look great! She really did. She smiled shyly. He sighed with mock severity, And to think I used to worry so much about what would happen to you after I dumped you....
You know you have that the wrong way round... she corrected, mock-severely, although she was smiling in amusement, If I recall, I did the dumping - for - certain indiscretions...
He felt the back of his head thoughtfully. Is that what happened? He put his hands up to defend himself when he saw her give him a look of mild outrage, Wow - you know what - suddenly it all came back to me, you're absolutely right... still he tried to look hurt, I can't believe you're still holding that against me after five whole years ...
Tomoe laughed, shaking her head, comfortable now.
Except, maybe... if you can... all that easy comraderie drained away in an instant, and he forced the uncomfortable words out, Would you be able to have dinner tonight? he managed.
A look of mild surprise spread across her features ...
Yukishiro-san? Xun xian-shen yi jing dao le. A man called from the exhibition hall in mandarin.
Shi de, wo ma shang lai, she answered fluently, before turning apologetically to Kenshin, who was staring at her with undisguised admiration.
he breathed, impressed. I didn't know you could speak mandarin - The man hovered somewhere behind them, coughing in impatience. Sorry - are you busy?
She nodded, lowering her voice, I'm sorry - you came all the way....
No, I mean, I understand, he whipped out his business card and pen and scrawled his cell number on it, he gave it to her. Call me - whenever...
She took it smilingly, Thank you - It looked to him as if she were clasping the card a little more tightly than she needed to... could it mean?... - and - he looked up hopefully, - good bye.
*******
Kaoru scanned the deserted cafe, found the person she was looking for and made her way to join him at his table. She was uncharacteristically solemn as she approached, still undecided on the line to take...
I'm still mad at him, she decided. Well of course - he had dumped her at the station at two in the morning. I can't believe I actually agreed to come out. Kaoru conveniently forgot that it never took much to persuade her to leave the office. Mentally she rehearsed the scenes to come - she'd be mad, he'd be mad too, they might both have hissy fits. A little later, he'd call, sounding sorry, she'd be sorry too, they'd make up...
He was staring fixedly out the window, seeming not to have noticed her arrival. She frowned slightly at that, but chose to say nothing as she eased into the wooden chair across from him.
So what's the big emergency? She broke the silence abruptly, as was her way. She pulled the menu over and studied it. Calling me out right in the middle of a working day, she complained, putting on her best I'm-terribly-busy -and-important act. I've tons of work to do...
Nomura Shinji finally turned to look her way. We haven't been seeing too much of each other lately, he observed coolly.
She scoffed, Well - what did you expect? We're all busy now we've started work. Excuse me, she waved at the waitress, flashing her open smile, Earl grey tea please! she ordered chirpily.
He fiddled with his cup, Things have changed. We've changed.
What's wrong? She leaned forward, genuinely concerned. Shinji wasn't playing along today - he wasn't saying any of the things he should.
We're just pretending that nothings' changed when everything has. He was finally able to look her clearly in the eye. His fingers drummed restlessly on the table surface.
She held her breath, a faint suspicion dawning.
So... The room seemed to be shrinking in on her. His words echoed dully in her head.
He stood up and left the restaurant unceremoniously, not sparing a single look behind.
*****
Some hours later and the tea pot lay as empty as the cafe, silent now with the departure of the noisy lunch crowd. Kaoru had sat serenely through the bustle, taking occasional sips at her tea as if her world hadn't just come crashing down around her ears. Now she was gazing out the window, face cradled in her hands, watching the autumn leaves blow by...but it was time to go.
Sighing wearily, she shifted and her left hand fell to the table, making her start as it grazed past the tea cup, at the chinking sound it made. Turning her hand over, she gazed at the diamond blazing confidently from her ring finger, as if seeing it there for the first time.
And then the tears came.
*****
Somehow she had made it back to the office, all smiles and cheery greetings, evidence erased. Not that she was able to concentrate on anything when she had finally reached her workstation. Giving up all pretence at work, Kaoru rested her chin on crossed arms and considered the stuffed Hello Kitty Shinji had given her last Christmas. She reached out and began to fiddle with its ears. Within minutes, she was leaning back in her chair, tossing the toy aimlessly in the air, catching it, tossing it, catching it...
She blinked when the toy failed to return into her hands. Looking up, she saw Kenshin standing over, holding her toy in his hands, a puzzled look on his face.
Give it back, she said tiredly, reaching for it, but he moved it deftly out of her reach. Her eyes narrowed.
I SAID, Give it back!!! she growled as she pulled herself out of her seat and lunged at him. Kenshin sidestepped neatly again. A mini scuffle broke out.
Saitou's voice cut through their grappling. What are you doing? His strode up to them, still speaking, Are you done with the work I gave -? His crisp voice stopped in mid-sentence when he saw Kenshin cradling the pink and white toy.
Flushing slightly, Kenshin tossed the toy quickly back to its owner, It's hers...
Saitou seemed not to have heard. Playing, Himura? His eyebrow arched unpleasantly. Sorry to have to tear you away from your amusements. Get over to my desk NOW. He turned on his heel to leave.
Kenshin didn't manage to hide his wince. Meanwhile, Kaoru gloated evilly, relishing his reaction to her next masterful move.
she called after Saitou, in a voice dripping with sweet, youthful innocence. Kenshin surveyed her with evident disdain, as he fought his inner gag reaction.
What is it, Kamiya? Saitou turned back to face her. Incredible. Kenshin swore his boss's tone had actually softened.
Oh Kachou, I'm really sorry, Kaoru's eyes swam with tears, My grandmother (gulp) just called to say she's taken ill. She lives all alone and hasn't anyone to look after her. So I was wondering - if its all right - may I go over to her place now?
Saitou nodded briefly before turning away to his desk, saying over his shoulder, "That's fine, we'll see you tomorrow then.
Kenshin's jaw hit the ground. Kaoru dropped him a wink, smiling broadly. She reached down and picked up her bag, before bowing to rest of her colleagues, Thank you everyone! Work hard! I'm off!
Kenshin could only watch in disbelief as the rest of the office waved back to her, sending good wishes to her grandmother. Surely they weren't all taken in...?
The sharp tone brought him to his senses and he made his way quickly to his superior's desk.
Saitou launched into his verbal flaying. Usually, the words were sharp enough to draw blood, but Kenshin barely winced at the tirade, because over Saitou's head he could see into the corridor and watch Kaoru's progress out to the elevators.
Himura, this hard headedness is getting you nowhere fast. I run this department with rules which I expect to be followed...
Over Saitou's head, Kaoru was making neck slitting motions. Kenshin gritted his teeth and forced himself to ignore her.
I will not have you playing a fool.... Kaoru was now miming a deep belly laugh. Something tic'ed in Kenshin's face.
YOU'RE TOO MUCH!!!! Kenshin threw the words out with accompanying fist waves. Both Saitou, and directly above him, Kaoru's, faces registered momentary surprise.
Just who do you think you are talking to? Saitou unfroze in an instant and slid into his most sarcastic skin-peeling tone. Behind him, Kaoru did a V-sign and bounced away. The rest of the office cowered in anticipation of Saitou's words. Your attitude needs serious correction... Sighing, Kenshin resigned himself to being verbally drawn and quartered.
*****
11:30 PM
Kenshin loosened his tie as he made his way into a dark doorway. The music rolled up the narrow stairs in waves, and the beat pulsated through his veins. Pausing at the bottome, he could feel the tension begin to leave his neck. He shrugged and shouldered the steel door open, plunging himself into an industrial-looking space that was packed shoulder to shoulder. He navigated his way blindly to the usual corner that his friends occupied, coming to a sudden stop as a particular voice soared over all the others...
My name is Kamiya Kaoru and I'm soo pleased to meet you all! From today, please call me Kaoru-chan!"
A chorus of happy male voices chanted after her,
Thank you! Thank you! Now everyone, make sure your seatbelts are buckled - and please enjoy the flight! A cacophony of wolf whistles indicated that her words had been well-received.
Kenshin strode up to the table and took in the scene at one glance. His usual crowd of friends, a bunch of girls he didn't know - and one very annoying colleague. Dressed in an air stewardess uniform to boot.
What do you think you're doing? Kenshin didn't care if the whole table heard. In fact, great if they did.
Kaoru stared at him in surprise.
What, . You're not an air stewardess.
Sano dragged his eyes away from the girls to wave a glass at Kenshin, Kenshin, you and Kaoru-chan aquainted? He hiccuped happily.
Kenshin snorted, refusing to answer the question. When you said air stewardesses, I thought you meant real ones, not... he rolled his eyes in Kaoru's direction,
I'm insulted, one of the other girls leaned forward, a smile playing over her features. I'll have you know I'm the real thing.
Yeh. So am I, ANA Another smaller, peppier one piped up.
The first one continued, edging closer to Kenshin, Or - do you need more convincing? Would you like to see me in my uniform...?
Kaoru broke in then, See - they wanted to see us in uniforms. That's why I'm wearing one.
Kenshin shook his head and stared out at his friends - Sano, Chou, Soujirou.. You guys... enjoy looking at her?
Whooo hoo. Yeh baby!... Mmm-hmm, I think she looks great!.... I'm on Cloud Nine!
Kenshin massaged his forehead. There's no accounting for taste I guess.
Seee. They like me, nyeh! Kaoru preened and the rest of the table cheered lustily.
Kenshin could barely contain his distaste. Didn't you say you had to visit your grandmother? He asked sarcastically.
My grandmother is a very kind lady, Kaoru said virtuously. I went by to see her and she told me not to bother myself, that I'm still young and should be going out and enjoying my life.
Kenshin couldn't help shaking his head in disgust, You're such a liar.
Liar. You're lying.
Don't call me that!
Sano called over then, Hey, Kaoru-chan. Whaddya want? It's on me! She tossed her head and disappeared from his side in an instant.
Blowing out a breath of mingled annoyance and relief, he leaned his aching back against the vinyl seat rests. He automatically brought his hand to knead his forehead, in a bid to relax. It was so unfair. Just when he thought he could shake off the daily stresses - his blood pressure must have taken a sudden upward spike.
I met Kaoru when we were working part-time at a racing track, a low voice spoke musingly in his ear.
He turned and saw the first stewardess who had spoken. Even through the dim light, he could see that she was stunningly beautiful. Not like that idiot.
Megumi. Takani Megumi, she introduced herself, And you're Himura Kenshin. Sano told me, she supplied. Anyway - she looked amused, what I was trying to say - is that Kaoru takes some getting used to."
Kenshin grimaced, Get used to her? When pigs fly, maybe. He smiled inspite of himself, It's just as well she's an ordinary office lady and not an air stewardess. Can you imagine? The number of onboard cardiac arrests would hit the roof. The mortality rate for flying would break new records. You'd have to insure passengers to fly in the same plane as her...
Megumi was laughing too. Well, its not such a big deal being an air stewardess. she shrugged. We're just glorified office ladies, if you think about it. We serve tea too, the only difference is we're 35,000 feet in the air.
Kenshin appreciated her candidness, but protested anyway, Come on, how can you say that about the career you picked?
She slid a hand over her long black hair, Oh, I don't know - sometimes, the irregularity gets to me. She shot a look to the other end of the table where Sano was teasing Kaoru mercilessly. Tossing her hair, she turned back to Kenshin with a knowing smile on her face.
What -?
Let's go. She leaned close to whisper in his ear. The 2 of us. Come on - He still looked uncomprehending. For a walk -
Oh - right, he picked up his office bag and stood with her to leave.
Where're you going? Kaoru was all alert.
Megumi smiled demurely, We're leaving first.
See you in the office tomorrow... Kaoru made a small wave as they left.
*****
As they stepped out into the night, Megumi and Kenshin breathed deeply simultaneously, taking in the fresher air and expelling the stale smokey atmosphere from the club. She turned to him with a speculative look in her eye.
I know a quiet bar not too far from here. Or...?
She left the sentence hanging suggestively as a taxi pulled up at the curb. She reached for the door and Kenshin made to follow her, but hesitated.
He just didn't feel up to it. The thing is... today...
Megumi had one hand on the open car door.
She tilted her head to one side, contemplating him. A light went on in her almond shaped eyes, There's someone you like... she suggested.
Stupid isn't it? Kenshin laughed at himself. Someone I used to see in highschool. I saw her today for the first time in... years. It's funny - I thought that was all over but tonight - I can't seem to... Why am I telling a complete stranger?
You're still in love with her. Megumi decided to condense it for him.
Pathetic, isn't it? He wrinkled his nose.
Oh no, guys get that way too... She smiled, then looked back at the bar, then at the taxi. Well - if you don't mind, I'll just take this home...
He closed the door after her and waved her off.
*****
Three A.M.
Kaoru changed into her pyjamas and got herself a glass of milk. She was exhausted but the day didn't feel complete somehow... instinctively she reached to check for voice messages but stopped when she noticed the red light wasn't flashing.
So that's it. She swallowed hard and gulped the rest of her milk down, willing the tears not to come.
*****
Guys, if Nakamura asks for me, tell him I'll see him at 3, I have a meeting.... Hioki called over his shoulder as he dashed out of the office.
Hai, itterashai... Kaoru and Kenshin responded automatically in one voice. The doors slammed shut after him.
Kaoru leaned back in her chair and swivelled slightly so she faced Kenshin - easy enough to do as his desk was just next to hers, and only a narrow aisle separated them. He bent studiously over his laptop, ignoring her.
No meetings huh? she commented. Oh dear, oh dear. I just can't seem to concentrate... Looking at Kenshin out of the corner of her eye, she stretched and sighed, Sanosuke and I had such a romantic evening....
Please don't bother me when I'm working, Kenshin adopted a pained tone of voice.
She flipped around in her seat and clutched at the back eagerly, Oh, but don't you want to know what we did last night?
Not really. Kenshin saved and closed his spreadsheet. On the other hand, he said, putting on a dreamy expression, that Megumi-chan was really something - sophisticated and mature. Are you sure you're friends? Are you listening?
Kaoru had a slightly disconcerted look on her face.
She was incredible. We had such a great time, I've got dark circles under my eyes this morning - can you see them? he made like he was really concerned.
Kaoru bit her lip and leaned in for a closer look. She studied his eyes silently for a moment, before swiping the cellphone from his shirt pocket.
Kenshin lunged over to her desk, Give it back! Quit playing around and get back to work already...
Kaoru twisted away from his reaching arms and dialled a number quickly. Hello? Megumi?...
Kenshin gave up and went back to his seat.
Its Kaoru... So, did anything happen after you left the club last night?... Huh?..... No way!!.... Really?.... Wow. She sucked in her breath, Umm.... no, I actually think you got lucky. Okay, bye. She handed the phone back to him disdainfully, surveying him with her nose in the air. What's really incredible is you still acting so cool when absolutely nothing happened.
Kenshin smiled blandly at her. You called her for proof? He shook his head and tsked, Don't tell me you were jealous or something. Do you have a crush on me?
Kaoru ignored that, forging ahead. It's so hard to believe. You having a girlfriend in highschool, I mean... she smiled sweetly, and here you are still pining away for her....pining away, Oh, my lost love....
Kenshin's cellphone rang. He turned his back on Kaoru and answered it,
Ken-chan -? It's Tomoe.
"Tomoe? Kaoru slid her chair closer to listen. I'm so glad you called... he turned to see Kaoru nearly leaning on his back to overhear, and shoved her chair violently away. She had to grab her desk to stop herself from crashing into it. After work? Shouldn't be a problem... Is seven... no eight? Okay, eight at...
Hachiko(1) , in front of Hachiko.... Kaoru chanted.
He gritted his teeth and moved further away. No, its just a bad connection, he said. Eight o'clock infront of the station? Okay! I'll see you then.
Oh well-done, Mr Lonely Heart, Kaoru grinned at him as he put his cellphone away.
Will you just leave me alone?! Kenshin groaned in frustration.
Just then, Saitou stuck his head through the doors, Himura! I need you in the conference room now.
Kenshin grabbed his jacket and swung it over his shoulder as he breezed past Kaoru, hitting her in the head. Oh, sorry, did my jacket muss your face? he asked insincerely before heading out the door.
*****
7:50 PM
Kenshin burst into the office, arms charged with a dozen paper bags. The conference had gone on longer than he'd expected, and being the most junior, he'd been the one tasked with bringing all the materials back. The room was deserted except for... He suppressed a groan as he saw Kaoru at her computer.
Okaeri, welcome back, she greeted him chirpily.
He grunted as he threw the bags on his table and fumbled around for his own office bag.
Don't you have a date at 8? You're going to be late...
Look, I know I'm running... late... Kenshin was lying on the floor now, feeling around desperately under his desk. His hands connected with his messenger bag and he ripped it out unceremoniously, before slinging it haphazardly over his head. He rushed out the door without another word.
Lucky for some people, Kaoru muttered, turning back to her computer screen with a glum expression on her face.
*****
Is the whole world conspiring against me? Over-running conference aside - first, he had had to walk nearly five blocks before he was able to flag a cab. Then his cabbie's short cut had turned into a major city traffic snarl. Feeling a little sick, he glanced down at his watch - 8:20!
Another interminable ten minutes later and he decided he'd do better sprinting. He paid his driver and stepped out into the unmoving traffic. WIthin ten minutes he was tearing up the stairs leading to the museum, having first struck out at the subway station. He aimed for the glass doors ....and arrived just as the lights behind them went out. A security guard came out and began to secure the entrance for the night. Panting, Kenshin surveyed the area... no one.
I must have missed her - ? Exhausted, he leaned against a wall to catch his breath. It wouldn't be like Tomoe to not try and contact him first though, he reflected anxiously.
*****
Kaoru jerked her head away from her solitaire game to look around the room. Something had started ringing - and it sounded like it was coming from one of the bags on Kenshin's desk. Getting up from her seat, she started investigating for the source...
*****
For Kenshin, the whole situation felt strangely familiar. As he made his way home, he recalled how he had always managed to keep Tomoe waiting for their dates. There was always a valid excuse - just like tonight - Yamagata sensei had kept him back, or the track team had asked him for a favour. The drama club girls happened to see him pass and asked him to help shift some props - he screwed his face up. That incident had made him particularly unpopular. Of course, he was no saint, and those rumours about him straying contained more than just grains of truth - but it was all symptomatic of what he'd long concluded was his main problem - not giving enough priority to what was really important.
He had almost reached his apartment when he came to a sudden stop. Just across the street, Tomoe was waiting in the chilly autumn evening, a forlorn expression on her face.
He crossed over in a hurry.
She looked up startled.
Were you waiting for me? He could feel a cautious hopefulness start trickling back into his spirit, even through the confusion. how do you know I stay here?
She looked embarrassed. she began.
Kenshin - a familiar voice called out.
Aniki (older brother)- ?
Aoshi joined them, a package tucked under his arm. I gather you two knew each other from high school?
Kenshin looked from Aoshi to Tomoe.
I should have called, but it was on our way - Aoshi handed the package to him, This came from Jiya this morning.
On your way? He echoed faintly. The way they were standing together, the quick flash of understanding that passed between them as their eyes met... all the faint shadows of hope fled quickly in the light of his dawning realisation.