Love Generation: True Love Never Runs Smooth
Reviewer notes at the end : )
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 1.3 Good Bye, Sadness!
They were jammed tightly in the narrow corridor outside his apartment.
Next time, warn me when you want to drop in, Kenshin complained. Scuse me, he yanked his door open, hopped in, and slammed the door shut in his guests' faces. Sorry bout that - Give me a minute - he called, as he scurried about shoving the worst of his mess into dark corners. He glanced around quickly to reassure himself that his apartment was presentable before reopening the door with dignity, Please, come in.
Aoshi's eyes were faintly amused. Jamashimasu (pardon the intrusion). He entered and handed his package over, adding, Jiya says to put that right in the fridge. He pulled out a chair for Tomoe at the table, before settling himself next to her.
It's edible huh? Kenshin surveyed the parcel sceptically, but passed over the usual wisecracks about their grandfather's cooking. He tossed it into the fridge as he made his way to the kitchen, Tea okay with you?
Let me help... Tomoe turned from the table only to be confronted by a statue of a half-naked eight-armed Hindu goddess that Kenshin used as a key stand.
"No, I'm fine, just take a seat and relax, Kenshin looked up from the teapot and took in her shocked look, misunderstanding. You smell the curry right? That's the Indian restaurant downstairs. In fact, that was where he had gotten the statue from - they had used her as a name card holder until they realised that some of her more salient features were attracting too much unwanted attention.
she said faintly, before retaking her seat.
Aoshi looked concernedly at her, oblivious to the source of her embarrassment. Are you all right? It can be overpowering.
Kenshin cleared his throat, Um, so - aniki - how is it that you and Yukishiro...
If she noticed his addressing her more formally by her last name, she didn't show it.
Aoshi glanced at her, as if expecting her to reply. he said after a pause, It's straightforward - Yukishiro's a translator and she helps with some cases...
As if picking up her cue, she continued, "Cases where they need translations of statements given by foreigners...
Aoshi smiled briefly at her, "The pay is terrible and the hours long. It's thankless work outside of your regular job... but without you..."
She smiled back shyly. "I could say the same about you, couldn't I? You don't have to do it, but I know you're always looking out for the welfare of the foreign witnesses.
Kenshin coughed as he approached the table with three mugs of tea. Listen to the two of you, he tried to keep his voice light, you guys sound like a regular married couple...
*****
An hour later, they took their leave, and he offered to see them down the stairs. Waiting together under the flickering neon sign whilst Aoshi fetched his car, a slightly uncomfortable silence fell.
I... I tried to call your cellphone earlier, but no one answered. Tomoe spoke up tentatively.
Kenshin seemed to wake from a reverie. Sorry about that...
Her brow furrowed slightly as she pressed on, I really wanted to meet you first, to explain to you about ... well, before we met like this. A look of distress crossed her features and she looked at Kenshin with concern. He was busy studying his shoes and only nodded in acknowledgement of her words.
"I'm sorry, her voice was as soft as a whisper, I never expected this to happen - we were only working together... At any rate, I should have told you much earlier.
Kenshin shook his head to say that it was all water under the bridge. Still - "Did you - tell him that we used to go out?
He looked up and read the silent answer in her eyes. "No? Well - maybe that's the wisest thing to do. I mean, it would be weird right? And what would be the point anyway? He fought to keep the flatness from his tone, swallowing against the sudden dryness in his throat. You know... if it's aniki, I think it's good. He's good... he won't stray. Not like me."
She was about to respond, but conveniently, Aoshi's car pulled up at the curb. He saw her in and waved them off, as cheerily as he could manage.
Feeling strangely numb and utterly drained, he pulled himself back to his apartment, mechanically cleaning up all traces of the visit. As he deposited the mugs in his sink, a light seemed to go off in his head as he suddenly drew his head up. Reflexively he felt his breast pocket, then his back pocket, murmuring, My cellphone...
He patted himself all over more vigourously, then grabbed his bag which he tipped unceremoniously out on the floor. Pens, coins, receipts and crumpled food bags fell out in a heap at his feet, but no phone. Where on earth-?
He reached for the phone and punched in his number - if he was lucky, someone might hear and pick it up.
Hi hi! He couldn't keep from curling his lips in disgust when a familiar voice chirped happily through the receiver.
You're using my phone!!! He barked the obvious down the line. How can you do that - use someone else's' phone?
Hey, you're the one who left it lying around in the office! I'm just taking good care of it for you...
Kenshin had started pacing the room, kneading his forehead with his free hand. It was just a little too much for one day, and the last thing he needed right now. He kept his voice as even as could, Great. Well, thank you very much. I'd appreciate it if you could switch it off now and return it to me in the office tomorrow." He paused. he added, as an afterthought.
- No.
He stopped mid-pace. What -? What do you mean,
The doorbell buzzed.
Kenshin shouldered the phone receiver and called out, I'm coming, before speaking into it again, he stepped over the pile of papers on the floor and made his way to the door, his voice getting sharper with every word, Just remember to bring it to the office tomorrow, and that would be fine, okay?!
He wrenched the door open and stared in surprise. Standing in the doorway, listening to his cellphone, was Kaoru, smiling broadly.
She switched off the set and handed it to him. Here you go!
Wordlessly he took it and replaced it in his pocket.
What - no thank you?
Thank you.
She smiled even wider, You're most welcome. She stood expectantly in the doorway. They both exchanged a glance.
Kenshin moved suddenly to shut the door, just as she flung herself in the gap and wedged herself there.
Why me? Kenshin shut his eyes in weary defeat.
I came all the way to return your phone, and you're not even going to offer me any tea? she said petulantly.
He breathed out impatiently. Would you like some tea. It wasn't even a question.
Thank you, I would. Eagerly, she stepped into his apartment, looking over everything with curious eyes.
Kenshin headed to his kitchen. The water in the kettle was still hot, he reflected. Good. That would shorten her visit a full three minutes, not having to wait for the water to boil.
Kaoru was studying his key stand critically. Her boobs are huge, she observed. And really shiny. She arched her eyebrow and cast a look in his direction, which he totally ignored. Shrugging it off, she turned to inspect his table. How did your date go, by the way?
Kenshin jiggled the tea bags harder than he needed to. he supplied.
Uhm! - Got dumped, didn't you? she nodded knowingly. I guess that explains why you're acting like Mr Sunshine. What's this...? she stumbled over something and bent to pick it up. Shizuoka-Prefecture-High-School- Graduation-Album - she read.
Kenshin had walked over to her side, and now he reached wordlessly to take the album from her.
Are you kidding? she laughed, twisting away, What's to be embarrassed about? Don't tell me, her eyes widened, were you really geeky in school...? She began to flip the pages quickly when a single photograph flittered to the ground. Ah -
They both lunged for it at the same time, but she reached it first. Is this you? She cocked her head to one side as she studied first the picture and then him, ignoring his darkening expression, Hm - still look the same... and this girl... ! Her eyes rounded, Is this your girlfriend? - Yukishiro Tomoe? She called earlier -
He grabbed suddenly at the photograph, ripping it down the centre in the process. The two halves flittered out of their nerveless fingers to settle gently on the ground.
There was a brief pause.
Kaoru sounded unusually subdued, repentant even.
Kenshin bent to retrieve the pieces. That's enough. He spoke to the floor, his voice thick with self-control, Go home.
Kaoru stood over him, biting her lip, wavering. As he got to his feet slowly, she decided she would stay. Flipping through his year book, she began chattering with false cheeriness in her voice. Oh, I bet there's a lot of embarrassing stuff in here... lemme see She forced herself to sound upbeat,... Ken-chan - victor of the big meet.... Ken-chan's winning shot....
She jumped violently when he reached out and slammed the book shut in her hands, snatching it away from her.
This - is none of your business. He spoke deliberately, his voice barely under control. Will you stop interfering in my life? He turned angrily to face her, There are important memories and feelings that I don't want to share with anyone, a past that I'm trying to leave behind, and not have someone bring up again and again. Stuff that I keep inside, wanting to forget, but can't! He was yelling now, venting his frustrations. Do you understand that?!
Kaoru had gone pale to the lips. "I do understand she managed, voice trembling. I do .... I know what it feels like to be dumped too...."
She could feel herself losing control even as the words left her mouth, the rush of emotion causing a warning swell in her throat as thoughts of Shinji flooded her mind. I'm not letting him see this! She turned and fled the apartment, visibly upset.
Kenshin stared at the empty space she had left, recovering himself. Her words began to register in his mind. Had she been trying to make him feel better -?
That idiot - ! He grabbed his coat and ran out after her.
*****
He found her standing on an overhead bridge, watching the traffic pass under. Awkwardly he approached, not wanting to intrude. But she seemed to have heard him and turned around, a big smile on her face. If she had been upset, if she had cried - none of that showed.
She waved her left hand in his face as he joined her at the rails. Look at this.
What - ? Kenshin caught a flash of sparkle and glitter under the dim street lights. A ring? An engagement ring, he supplied.
She nodded, smiling, and tucked her left hand into her coat pocket, resuming her vigil over the passing cars. After a moment, she turned away and said brightly, Come on.
Let's go throw away our unhappiness. She pushed herself from the rail and started walking away. Dutifully, Kenshin followed, although he was beginning to think she must have lost a few more screws since running out of his apartment.
She tilted her head back and watched the sky as she walked. She called out to him, walking five paces behind her, Do you know why the sky in Tokyo is pink?
Er... Smog, I guess.
Umm. Its pretty. In Nagano, the night sky is always pitch black, and you can see millions of stars.
Kenshin grunted. You're from Nagano?
They were still walking in a single file, Kaoru in the lead.
And now you're in smoggy old Tokyo being an Office Lady, he commented. Did you ever think of leaving this place, and going back home? I mean after - After what? After you got ditched? Nice, Kenshin. He closed his mouth deliberately.
She shrugged. Not really. Somehow, I still feel like there's something waiting for me in Tokyo. I don't want to give up on it yet. I don't want to give up on myself yet.
He could understand that.
I don't want to give up on myself yet, either.
They had reached Tokyo bay, made their way over the pebbly beach and were standing in front of the lapping waters.
I wanted to come here - it's where I first got this ring. Kaoru looked around slowly, savouring the view. So it's only fitting that this is where I leave it behind. Kenshin looked at her uncomprehendingly as she took her ring off.
She pitched it into the waters of the bay.
Ah ---!! Kenshin jumped as he followed her motions with his eye. That ring had been at least one carat!! Are you sure that's okay -?
She adopted a martyred expression,staring stoically over the waters like a tragic heroine. He turned to face her in genuine concern - and noticed her left hand slipping surreptitiously into her coat pocket.
What are you doing?
He grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand out. The ring was clasped tightly in her fist.
You didn't throw it away! He accused.
She stuck her lower lip out. I'm pawning it for a Prada bag tomorrow.
He wrested it out of her grasp, exclaiming angrily, Why can't you stop lying?!!! He flipped the ring once in his palm before tossing it into the water.
She shrieked as it went. What are you doing?! Stop messing around!!!
Kenshin turned to her virtuously, You should be thanking me. I've thrown away your unhappiness!
THAT WAS MINE!!! She sunk to her knees, watching the lapping waves. I can't believe you did that! My Prada bag!!!
Well, it's too late now. She buried her face in her hands, even as Kenshin started laughing silently to himself.
She turned a narrowed gaze in his direction. What's so funny? She asked suspiciously.
His shoulders were quaking with suppressed laughter,
Cause WHAT?
He decided to put her out of her misery. Cause I was only pretending! I didn't throw it either. Look, He unfolded his right hand in front of her eyes. There was nothing there.
Kaoru started laughing too, slightly hysterically from relief. That's a good joke - it's in your pocket, isn't it? It has to be. She reached forward and plunged her hands into his two coat pockets, giggling. Kenshin was rooted to the spot, still staring at his empty right hand.
He pulled her hands out of his pockets, totally sober. I dropped it.
She was still half-giggling,
I dropped it. I pretended He repeated the same throwing motion, It must have fallen out of my hand.
You dropped - ? Look for it!!! She shoved him to the ground, GO ON - look for it!!!
You can look too! He began to comb the pebbles at his feet.
Kaoru was already on her hands and knees, frantically riffling through the pebbles. Its really expensive, really really expensive and you threw it away!!
I was only pretending! They were crawling on all fours, all over the beach.
Then why the heck is it MISSING???!
*****
Dawn broke over the city. The early morning sun bathed the cityscape in warm pinks and golds, gilding the crests of the little waves in Tokyo Bay. Kenshin had his trousers rolled up to mid-calf and was walking gingerly about the shallows, feeling carefully with his toes for the missing ring. Higher up the shore, Kaoru sat with her chin on her knees, his coat wrapped around herself for extra warmth.
she called. You know what - forget it already...
He didn't bother to look up. Forget it? I can't! He felt terrible.
I said it's okay. she frowned a little at having to repeat herself. Sighing, she continued. I mean it, it's fine. Thanks to you, I can really forget about him. Thank you. she concluded solemnly.
Kenshin straightened up and studied her. I'm really sorry. He began to make his way out of the water and over to his socks and shoes. Um... this is probably personal but... do you still love him?
Kaoru studied the skyline as she considered her answer. Yes, I do. There really wasn't any point in denying that fact. But - I found out he'd fallen in love with someone else, so what's the use of waiting around for him? I have to move forward don't I? She sunk her gaze to the pebbles at her feet. It's hard. Finding someone you love is tougher than looking for a diamond in the sand, I think.
Kenshin was seated on the ground and pulling up his socks. You'll find it again. The diamond', I mean - someone whom you can really love.
Kaoru regarded him seriously. Do you think so?
He flexed one shoulder. Sure. I think we both will, if we work hard at it.
She nodded slowly. Then set her jaw. Standing up, she flexed her arm muscles. You're right. I'll work hard at it - starting from today!
He nodded, and stood up to dust himself down.
Talking about work - her voice trailed off as she handed him back his coat. Do you know what time it is?
Kenshin retrieved his watch from his pocket, 8:15.... 8:15!! Do you think we can make it on time?
I don't know about you, but I can! She grabbed her stuff and turn to run.
Kenshin started after her, stumbling because of his shoes, Hey!! Wait up - !!
*****
Kenshin burst through the office doors, glowering as his eyes fell on Kaoru, who was already settled comfortably at her workstation. He was about to pounce on her when something caught the corner of his eye. Saitou had been slaying a couple of his minions for a budgetary decision and looked none too pleased by the interruption.
Sorry I'm late. Kenshin bobbed his head and ducked quickly into his seat, hoping for reprieve.
None was to be had. Himura, late again. Saitou dismissed his earlier victims and zeroed in on fresh prey.
went to the beach. Kenshin pulled himself up from his chair reluctantly, feeling like a school boy. Or a bug about to be squashed.
The beach? Interesting. Haven't heard that one before. Saitou's tone was nearly conversational. I suppose that explains the condition of your shoes?
The whole office swivelled to survey Kenshin's drippy, soggy, waterlogged, previously very smart, office shoes.
Kenshin nodded resignedly. Two sandy little puddles were pooling on the floor by his feet.
Correct me if I'm wrong, Himura. You are intending to meet with Syonan Corporation today, aren't you? The biggest account in your portfolio, I believe. And one that's recently announced competitive bids for its new campaign. Saitou's voice slid into a flat, ominous monotone. And this is the impression you intend to make?
Kenshin lifted one shoulder as the office collectively shuddered.
We've had this conversation one too many times for my liking. I say something once and I intend for it to be obeyed. Immediately, no questions asked. Saitou's eyes had taken on a feral glow. Your hair.
Kenshin was standing firm on this one. No way! He stepped back instinctively, reaching for his long ponytail protectively.
Saitou started riffling through Hioki's stationary drawers.
No! Saitou-san!, Kachou, you can't! Kenshin stared in amazement as the rest of the department threw themselves bodily between Saitou and himself. He sank nerveless into his chair, even as Saitou could be heard ordering them to get off him. He's not serious - is he?
It's okay, Kachou! Kenshin nearly leaped out off his skin, as a familiar voice spoke cheerily from somewhere above him. Kaoru was standing directly behind his chair, grasping his pony tail firmly in her left hand, Let me do it for you! Wielding heavy duty scissors in her right hand, she snipped off a good eight inches of his ponytail.
The entire room froze while Kaoru inspected her prize beamingly.
She swivelled a shell-shocked Kenshin around to face her. I did it, she smiled happily. I cut it - I've cut off all your unhappiness for you.
He began to regain motor control. Excuse me, he stood up abruptly, I'm going out for awhile. He grabbed his coat and left.
Saitou watched him leave, a smirk on his face. Replacing Hioki's scissors on his desk, he rounded on the rest of the room. What are you all staring at? Get back to work!
***
6:30 PM
Kaoru was chatting with two colleagues just outside the building, as Kenshin came out.
Doesn't look too bad, considering, muttered one of the guys. Kaoru's eyes followed Kenshin, twinkling mischievously.
Umm hmm, she agreed. She wondered if she'd been too merciful? She'd left enough behind to be gathered into a cute little pony tail at the base of his neck, which he'd stubbornly insisted on doing. He wasn't even in the least bit grateful either - he'd studiously ignored her the rest of the day. She stifled a laugh as she hurried to catch up with him. Probably all those jibes about him mourning over his hair had hit too close to home.
Hi hi! she called out chirpily. He continued walking. Wait up!! She ran so she was in front of him and he had no choice but to stop.
Sighing tiredly, he waited.
The bakery next door does the best cookies. I got some for you - for breakfast. She placed a warm little paper bag into his hand. So - um - bye! she bent a little to catch his facial expression, smiling a little sheepishly. Uh-oh - he still looked murderous. Better beat a quick retreat. Fixing her smile, she took one step back, than two.
I guess it's just as well. Kenshin lifted the paper bag and addressed it. I've been wanting to say something to you.
she was all ears.
He continued talking to the bag. Thank you.
She stared at him like he was crazy. You love your hair! You've had it since forever!
Thanks to you, He persisted, I can say good-bye to my past.
Hmm. Why did that sound so familiar?
Kenshin finally looked at her directly. I'm going this way. He pointed east.
I'm going that way. She pointed west.
He nodded and started walking eastwards to the station.
He pulled up short. I've something to say to you too. Kaoru waited until he turned around to look impatiently at her.
Well - what?!
Cupping her hands round her mouth, she yelled out, Uncool! This hairstyle doesn't suit you at all!!! He took two menacing steps towards her and she spun around, dashing away.
Her faint silvery laughter carried back to him on the crisp autumn wind. He stared after her fast departing back and then down at her peace offering in his hand. A lopsided smile played on his lips as he turned and continued on his way.
Notes:
Liane - Thanks for being the first to review : ) ! Um hmm, I loved the dynamics between the 2 leads in the show - made me laugh so much ^-^
Jen - I totally agree that Kaoru is annoying - I have to warn you, it gets worse before it gets better! But it DOES get better, round about Act 3 / Chp 8 (!). She is OOC - but I like to think that this is one way Kaoru may have turned out if she was born in the present. This Kaoru has a big family and has been indulged all her life - so she's a lot less mature and much more selfish. Quite a lot of the core Kaoru characteristics remain though - cheerfulness, friendliness, courage, optimism, caring heart... there's more I could say in her defence, but don't want to give too much away... - hope you'll keep reading so you can find out! : )