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; Script translation by CJ Morikai at http: //www. geocities.c om/mor ikai/lovege n/LG0 0.h tml. 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 2.0: The Onigiri in Question
11:30 AM
The exhibition centre was in the heart of town and resounding with the low hum of countless tradespeople making purchasing decisions. Kenshin stepped onto the escalator, fidgeting with the French cuffs on his white tailored shirt.
The pleasantly hypnotic murmur of background noises was suddenly split by a boisterous yell.
Heads swivelled in his direction as a girl dressed in a beige skirt and blouse outfit took the escalator stairs two at a time in order to catch up with him. She stopped on the step behind him, hands on her knees, panting slightly.
Turning his head, Kenshin looked frowningly at Kaoru. Stop shouting my name like that in public okay? he scolded, It gives people the wrong impression. They'll think we're friends. Blowing out his breath, he turned back just as the escalator brought him to the next floor. Walking quickly away, he scanned the room. Kaoru had to half run to keep up with him.
What do you mean, she asked in his ear. Before he could react, she reached out to grab his hand, eyes flashing naughtily.
Kenshin jerked his hand away as if he had been burnt. Stop hanging on to me!! We're working! he resisted the temptation to wipe his hand on his shirt. And – you're younger than me! He didn't bother to explain whether he meant 1) if anyone should be making moves, it ought to have been him since he was older; or, 2) his tastes just ran to older women.
He took off again at top speed, Kaoru trailing doggedly. He made the mistake of stopping to read the exhibition signs and she was on to him, this time trying to link her arm with his.
Will you stop it? he asked in an aggrieved tone of voice. So annoying He wriggled his arm free and scooted as far from her as possible, muttering to himself, . Hara-san #@!!! Where on earth is he?
Hara-san worked for a company with a potentially big account, and he was proving prodigiously difficult to track down. After thousands of phone calls, Kenshin had managed to secure Hara-san's agreement to meet while he attended a trade exhibition.
Kaoru watched Kenshin comb the room, a dubious expression on her face. As he walked towards her, having completed his first circuit with little success, she decided that his mode of operation didn't suit her at all. Turning to the person standing next to her, she asked, Excuse me sir, but would you happen to know where I can find Hara-san?
the middle-aged man blinked at her through thick glasses. Hara-san? That's me.
She flashed a victory smirk at Kenshin as he approached. He ignored her, instead cruising in to seize control of the conversation.
Hara-san? Let me introduce myself,' he took out a name card and offered it to the older man, bowing deeply, I'm Himura from the advertising agency. We had arranged to meet.
Hara-san took the proffered card and brought it under his nose. I remember, He studied the card before putting it away in the inside pocket of his jacket. He seemed to be feeling around for something else. Actually, its good timing, he commented, pulling out an envelope and giving it to Kenshin, My boss's daughter is involved in this ballet performance tomorrow night. Be glad if you could go in my place. With that, he turned and began to walk away.
Kenshin stared open-mouthed at his retreating back, his carefully crafted sales pitch evaporating into thin air, the envelope lying in his still-open hand. What just happened?
"Finished? Kaoru stuck her face in front of his. Let's take the Hamamatsu line on the way back okay? They do a great lunch at...."
Is that why you wanted to tag along? Narrowing his eyes, he turned to her, unconsciously crumpling the tickets as he closed his palm in a fist. She gave him a Well, d-uh look that said it all. Waving her away like a pesky fly, he started after Hara-san. I'm still working
Kaoru grabbed his elbow before he could get away, It's all right, Kenshin. No one's going to say a thing if you have lunch with the business departments' assistant.
Go have lunch by yourself!' he said, as he shrugged her arm off irritably, I'm not finished here
He froze mid-gesture and turned to see Tomoe standing a short distance away, drinking in the scene in front of her. He dropped his arms to his side and spun around to face her directly, stammering out a , feeling strangely guilty, like a kid caught with his hands in the cookie jar -
She looked fabulous! Kenshin began to space out – the view before his eyes began to take on that strange soft focus it always did when he was looking at her. Another elegant dress, this time a deep navy blue wool with slim fitting sleeves that ended at her elbow. A jeweled brooch sparkled on her chest, mirroring the sparkles in her eyes. You cut your hair she said wonderingly as she stepped closer, surveying his shorter pony tail. That brings back memories, she said in a friendly way, It's exactly the same length as when we were in high school.
All Kenshin could intelligently manage was a mumbled, , even as he flushed pink with pleasure. Peripherally, he noticed Kaoru hovering interestedly around and forced himself to stop his woolgathering. Uhm. So why are you here today?
Tomoe sighed lightly, Why else? Translating. There's a delegation of Chinese attending the exhibition this morning.
Oh really? He saw Kaoru stepping resolutely closer and decided it was better to end the conversation quickly, Well, good. Work hard, okay? I'm really busy too! He reached out and grabbed Kaoru by the arm - just as she stepped beamingly into their little circle – and marched her firmly away. He called out over his shoulder.
What are you doing? Kaoru protested, straining to look back as he guided her away. That was SO rude. I only wanted to meet your friend – Why does she look so familiar? Ah! A light went on in her eyes and she gave her arm an energetic twist, breaking free of his arm lock. I know
She dashed back to a puzzled Tomoe, grinning cheerily, Hi hi! I'm Kamiya Kaoru! Hello!
Kenshin wedged himself between them hurriedly, She's my junior, younger than me by two years, her name is Kamiya
Straining around Kenshin, she smiled and waved.
Uhm. Hi. Tomoe offered tentatively. A scuffle broke out in front of her, as Kenshin tried to block Kaoru from view.
Oh for goodness' sake Kenshin, stop being so immature, Kaoru strong armed him away, It's a rare occasion – I have to say hello. Turning to Tomoe, she bowed formally before continuing, perkily, You must be Kenshin's high school girlfriend! The Yukishiro Tomoe that he still loves and can't forget, right?
Tomoe looked stunned. Nursing a sore elbow, Kenshin felt his heart give a double flip before sinking somewhere below his knees. You're too much he directed at an innocent-looking Kaoru.
*****
1:30 PM
Kaoru bounced down the corridor heading back to the office, Kenshin trailing sullenly some distance behind. Yukishiro-san looks much more beautiful than her photograph, don't you think? she called over her shoulder, What great skin, she was practically glowing! She has to be in love, don't you think? Do you know who her boyfriend is? She stopped and turned, waiting for him to catch up.
.just don't talk to me for the rest of my life. Kenshin walked right past without sparing her a second glance. He reached out and pushed the office doors open, We're back, he announced half-heartedly, entering to a chorus of "Go kurou samas" and "Otsukares" (thanks for the hard work).
Saitou gestured him over.
As he approached, his boss eyed him appraisingly, as if gauging his mood, before asking off-handedly, Are you getting used to the work?
Kenshin wondered what kind of answer Saitou was looking for. His new boss had certainly lectured him often enough about outward conformity – was he looking for inward conformity too? He had been in the accounts department for only a short-time, but already concluded that most of Saitou's staff were of the yes-man variety he absolutely hated. He gritted his teeth, readying himself for the fray.
Can anyone get used to this type of thing? he responded coldly. Scurrying around after people, bowing and scraping, saying yes to whatever those stupid customers want do you actually call this work?
The hush that followed his words told him the office was eavesdropping for all its worth.
You hate bowing that much? Saitou leaned back in his seat, smirking casually - the calm before the storm. The office shifted restlessly.
Kenshin replied quietly. I just don't want to do this forever. He dropped his gaze, unable to hold Saitou's smug amber glare for any longer. As he studied his shoes, he wondered if they would fire him or if they would show a little mercy and force him to hand in his resignation instead.
I see. Saitou shrugged himself upright and started sifting through the papers on his desk. The submission deadline for the annual Hokkaido winter-campaign competition is on the tenth. You'll be handling it He looked coolly up at Kenshin, who was gaping incomprehensibly at him. I don't like to repeat myself, Himura.
No. I mean, yes. Kenshin shook himself alert, amazed. He hadn't expected to survive the encounter, much less come out of it with a prestigious project riding on his shoulders.
As I was saying, Saitou heaped a messy pile of papers in front of Kenshin. You'll prepare the presentation for the pitch.
I will! Kenshin gathered the stack into his arms unsteadily, beaming from ear to ear, suddenly all fired up. Saitou watched impassively as his subordinate carted the material to his seat and plunged straight in to work. Feh! That was no challenge. These ahous are so easily manipulated. Saitou decided it was time to take a ciggy break.
Kenshin barely noticed the tea Kaoru brought him. Look at you, she commented, Why so enthusiastic?
That drew his attention. He stared at her like she had a hole in the head. Are you kidding? It's the Hokkaido campaign – it IS a big deal.
Himura's right, it IS a big deal. The rest of the office had taken advantage of Saitou's absence to crowd around and offer their congratulations. Hosaka draped himself casually over his desk. By the way, he winked at Kenshin, A tip from someone who handled the campaign successfully last year. The president of the board is a total sukube (pervert). You know – just invite him to one of those night clubs and it'll be smooth sailing for you A couple of people laughed knowingly.
Kenshin frowned. That may be true – he didn't quite manage to suppress the judgemental tone in his voice, but this year, I want to make sure we win the proper way.
Okay, okay. It's only a tip! Hosaka raised his eyebrows as he looked around the room. That's the young for you. Idealism – ain't it sweet. He threw back his head and laughed, Used to think that way myself!
*****
10 P.M.
Kenshin approached Aoshi's front door cautiously, envelope in hand. He bent to shove it through the crack, but his curiosity got the better of him. Tip toeing closer, he tried peeking through the peep-hole, sticking his tongue out of his mouth in concentration
He grabbed his head to stop its' ringing. Aoshi had opened the door on him.
How did you know he mumbled as he followed his brother in. Aoshi only shrugged cryptically. Sorry to intrude, he muttered the customary greeting then stopped short when he spotted a pair of lady's shoes by the door. I guess that answers my question
Tomoe looked into the corridor, wiping a bowl, a simple apron over her blue dress, I'm making dinner. Would you like to join us?
Kenshin remained standing in the doorway. no. Don't bother about me.
A drink? Aoshi made to walk to the kitchen.
No, no. I came to give you something, actually. Tickets, for the Leningrad ballet. He coughed uncomfortably. I HAVE to stop being such a busybody.
The ballet? Aoshi's eyes disappeared somewhere up his hairline.
Yeh, company tickets. Complimentary. He handed the envelope to Aoshi.
Tomoe turned to him, Are you sure its okay to give them to us?
Sure its okay, he adjusted the strap of his bag, They were free, and you used to like this kind of thing before. And there were two tickets. So anyway. He shrugged his shoulders, I'm off.
You're not coming in? Aoshi's brow creased in confusion.
He pulled the door shut behind him.
*****
Back at Fu-Ra, the night was just getting started. The usual crowd had gathered around the bar, toasting the first round of drinks for the evening.
Hey, Kaoru-chan! Sano waved his glass to catch her attention, What happened to Kenshin?
She shrugged as she took a big swig from her bottle. Don't know.
Maybe he has a date, Soujiro suggested to the general merriment of the crowd.
Chou added when he'd recovered, When that guy settles with one girl, that's a sure signal our youth is OVER. Sano and Soujiro nodded, laughing to themselves.
Megumi raised one fine eyebrow in his direction, That's interesting. Why single him out in particular? Don't all men find it hard to settle down with just one girl?
I don't, Sano piped up plaintively. The table dissolved into derogatory catcalls and whistles.
You mean, Soujiro doesn't, Chou corrected. They broke out in laughter again.
Kaoru leaned her face in her hands, pursing her lips thoughtfully, Well, what does it take for a guy to settle down with just one person? The table pricked their ears up to listen for the answer, though they were all trying their hardest to look disinterested.
Soujiro beamed innocently at her, When he's grown up, he suggested.
Sano flicked an empty peanut shell in his direction, Oh please, how nauseating. He coughed and held forth like an orator to a captivated audience, A guy will settle down with just one girl when he only wants to do it
Only wants to do it Kaoru echoed. Megumi stifled a laugh.
..and he only wants to spend time with - that one special person. Sano finished.
There was a brief pause as the rest of the table digested this announcement. they shrugged in half agreement.
Kaoru snorted as she took another big swig. If its Kenshin, she stated, He's got another 50 years to go.
*****
Kenshin had just left Aoshi's building when he heard a voice calling out to him.
Ken-chan! This is for you! He turned in surprise to see Tomoe coming out to meet him, a lunchbox in her hand, I prepared too much
Its okay he stared at the box she left in his hands, I already ate.
Put it in the fridge for tomorrow then, she urged. The square shaped ones are salmon and the triangles
Pickled plum, he mumbled.
She looked up surprised.
It's the same as the ones you used to make for me. Remember? Summer vacation? Training for the meets? He rattled off, Square ones are salmon, and triangles are pickled plum, with a little bit of wasabi on the side
She laughed, You're right.
He nodded and shook the box lightly, Well. Thanks for this then. He turned to go but was brought up short when she spoke again.
You haven't changed a bit.
It was her tone that made him turn around to look, rather than anything else. There was a kind of sadness – empathy, pity, maybe even regret - in her eyes that he didn't want to deal with. What -?
She smiled, sadly. Acting as if you don't know a thing, but in reality, watching out for everyone else's feelings.
He didn't really know what to say, and she seemed at a loss for words as well. So in the end all he did was nod again and leave.
*****
Ten minutes later, Tomoe was back in Aoshi's apartment, dinner laid out, and the two of them seated to begin.
She was ladling out the rice when Aoshi asked abruptly, He said,
Tomoe looked questioningly up at him. He looked back at her.
You used to like the ballet before?
She put the ladle down, flushing a little as she explained, I.. learned when I was little. Ken-chan and I were high school classmates, I suppose I must have mentioned it to him
He pronounced the word slowly, tasting its familiarity. Then, as if coming to a realisation he stopped abruptly.
They exchanged uneasy glances over the food.
Aoshi leaned forward, Were the two of you
Are you that worried about it? Tomoe broke into a smile, not able to hide the falter in her voice, That makes me so relieved...
*****
12:20 PM
Kenshin leaned back in his chair, stifling a yawn as the creative team presented their initial designs to him.
Koji was speaking, As you can see, we came up with five different ideas, and internally, we think the second one the best. What do you think? The five options were tacked up on the wall behind him and he pointed at option 2, a tasteful abstract graphic, headed simply Because it's a winter's day
Kenshin straightened up. I don't like it. He rested his chin in his palm. Too wishy-washy. What kind of tagline is that anyway?
Koji looked annoyed, I came up with it –
Boring. Doesn't have any push. Kenshin continued, almost talking to himself. Option three's better. We'll go with that.
Option three featured a model with very little left to the imagination. Tsunan protested, Himura! It's a family thing – that poster's a little too sexy to be appropriate, don't you think!
Kenshin stood up to leave the room, shrugging, The photography's bad. We'll just get a famous photographer to do it.
We haven't got the budget, Koji was barely keeping his voice under control.
Kenshin had shoved his hands in his pockets, and was about to shoulder the door open. I can't believe what I'm hearing, he said, What happened to resourcefulness? Forget it, I've still got my own contacts – I'll find the photographer myself.
A chilly silence met this pronouncement. Kenshin shook his head, I can't believe it – only FIVE designs, after all this time He left unceremoniously.
He brushed past Hosaka and Hioki as he crossed the corridor back to the office, coming to a stop when Hioki hailed him, Hey, how did it go? I passed by just now and it sounded like you guys were arguing."
Kenshin was genuinely surprised. "Arguing? He blinked and looked back at the conference doors, We weren't arguing. It was only a discussion."
Hioki whistled. "Some discussion! Want to grab lunch?"
No thanks – I've still got some work to do...." He waved them off and entered the empty office. Seating himself at his desk, he pulled out the bento Tomoe had given him the previous night.
"Ah! Obento! Pork cutlets & onigiri! Wow! Fantastic! Who did it for you?" Kaoru materialised suddenly, leaning over his shoulder and sniffing at his food.
Kenshin ducked out from under her, taking his bento with him. Yeh, I wonder who, he said smugly. Could be any number of girls, you know
With disconcerting accuracy, Kaoru homed in. It's Yukishiro Tomoe! she exclaimed. By the way he was ignoring her, she knew she'd hit the nail on the head. "Pork cutlets stuffed with carrots, even if you don't like it you'll have to finish it all, she cooed, Cut into little heart-shaped pieces, all for Ken-chan. If you don't finish it, Tomoe will be sooo hurt."
Kenshin lifted out one of the cutlets in question and showed it to her. "Say what you will, he said In any case, you don't know how to make these...."
She gasped first before hastily lifting her nose in the air and assuming a lofty, woman-of-the-world tone, "Please don't insult me! I'm not one of those stereotypical girls who use cooking to get to a man's heart.
"Hai, hai, you don't have to say anymore.... Kenshin stood up and, using his chopsticks, waved one of Tomoe's onigiri gingerly in her face, Look, see how perfectly triangular this one is - can you make it as perfect as this?"
"Of course I can. She lost her snotty pose. I can make all the shapes of onigiri."
"Oh really?" His tone was light, but the arch of his eyebrow spoke volumes.
"Yes, she stamped her foot, and make it as beautifully too!"
Kenshin had carefully re-deposited his precious onigiri, and was now grabbing for one of her hands. Let's see – what shade is this? Blood and gore? Rotten Plums He inspected her nail polish critically. If you made onigiri with this hand, he lifted it to show her, I'd lose my appetite.
She wrenched her wrist free and seized one of the onigiri, lifting it high over her mouth.
Will you stop it!!! Kenshin lost his all his smugness, half-lunging to save the little parcel of food.
She lowered it carefully and returned it to its place, Such a precious thing. She simpered, I suppose I should give it back Flashing him a V-sign, she swept away for her own lunch appointment.
*****
8 P.M.
Kaoru was seated at her low table, feet tucked cosily under the warm electric blanket, ready to tuck into dinner. "Itadakimasu (let's eat) she sang, picking up her chopsticks.
Megumi was looking around Kaoru's tiny little room. The main door opened on a small recess, where all her shoes were kept. The rest of the square room was on a tatami-covered platform. Besides the square table, there was a low dresser on which a 14 inch television sat and a single mattress overflowing with toys and clothes wedged tightly under a row of windows. Just to the right of the dresser, a door opened into a tiny kitchen.
The glasses are in the cupboard
Megumi headed there as instructed and returned with two mugs. Got them.
Kaoru took a big bite and shut her eyes in ecstasy. These crab croquets are the best – they're from the restaurant I told you about, round the corner"
Megumi tasted obligingly. Not bad, she acknowledged. But your kitchen's as clean as when you first moved in.' she continued, as she popped a couple of beer cans and poured them out, don't you ever cook?"
Kaoru snorted and waved her unfinished croquet in the air. "Give me one good reason why I should - ? When you can buy heaven so cheaply in the corner stores, why slave over the stove for less? She shook her head disdainfully, It pisses me off – every time I come across a man who thinks a woman's only job is to cook for him, I want to chew him to pieces!"
"I'll drink to that." Megumi clinked her mug with Kaoru's and took a sip. "Who are you talking about anyway?"
"Himura Kenshin." Kaoru popped the remainder of the croquet into her mouth and began chewing viciously.
"Kenshin? Megumi nursed the mug in her two hands, cocking her head thoughtfully, I-don't-know, he struck me as a decent enough guy.
Kaoru choked. NO WAY! He's a total fake! He thinks he's so cool, but the truth is, he's just an old fashioned, demanding, I'm the man – I rule the castle kind of person – yeccch, she washed her mouth down with beer, Just looking at him makes me want to fight!!
Megumi's eyes twinkled mischievously, she purred, don't you know that love starts from repulsion?
Kaoru was halfway through her second croquet.
You know, Megumi put her mug down and touched the tips of her fingers together in demonstration. Like polar opposites on a magnet attract – it works for men and women just as well. Fighting, arguing then in the next second, they're together, inseparable!
Kaoru promptly keeled over and went into a coughing fit. Megumi obligingly slapped her back until she recovered. Oh FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, Kaoru's face re-emerged, beet red, still coughing intermittently. Please, Megumi, that's the most nauseating thing I've ever heard... She pushed the rest of the croquets at Megumi, Will you just shut up and start eating already?
*****
ELSEWHERE IN TOKYO; SAME TIME
Kenshin was standing over his stove, shirt sleeves rolled up, arms akimbo, watching his stew simmer. - I get angry the minute I see her, he was saying.
Soujiro was sitting expectantly at his dining table. Her? As in Kaoru-chan?
Kenshin rolled his eyes. Don't call her – it sounds awful. He sniffed the food critically and added more pepper, before turning to face Soujiro, Makes her out to be all sweet and innocent personally, she strikes me as really self-centred. How to describe it? He pulled open a cabinet and brought out some bowls and cutlery, Put it this way then, if Kaoru was stuck on a snowy mountain with a man she wouldn't share - she'd sneak off and eat everything she could get her hands on at once, just to survive.
He brought the steaming pot, the bowls and cutlery to the table, and laid it in front of Soujiro, Try it – see how it tastes
Soujiro dug in cheerfully, Mmm. Great!
Kenshin grinned a little smugly before helping himself.
But – I like that Soujiro continued thoughtfully. Kenshin looked up at him incredulously. You know, the kind of girl that would fight to the end to survive.
You're kidding me right? Kenshin stared disbelievingly at his friend. You'd like someone like that? Immature, insensitive, selfish – that kind of girl fits your bill?
Soujiro wrinkled his forehead, "You really have a great way of putting things – ! I guess we all have different tastes, in girls and in food He had sneaked the soy sauce into his hands and was surreptitiously adding it to the pot.
Kenshin smacked his hand away Don't you dare – you'll spoil it!!
*****
Notes:
Wow... sorry for the long delay, and thanks for the reviews : ) .... there aren't very many but they're really thought provoking, and more than make up for volume. (That said, I wouldn't be unhappy if I got more reviews either... : P )
Jen: Yay... glad you'll keep reading : ) - hmm, you re right, Kaoru in this story is a LOT like Misao...oops.
Nigihayami Haruko: Am I sticking closely to the LG story line? - definately. When I started this project, that was the intention - (1) because, I think its a great story line - and I wanted to share it as it was. (2) also a bit of a writing exercise for me - to take a pretty detailed but unpolished / rough transcript (full credit for that at end of whole fic) and translate it into readable story. Will I deviate from the story line -for now, only minor deviations. I'll probably not change major events in the story - but I HAVE changed how the characters react to the event, to try and keep their personalities more in line with what we are used to. E.g. Kaoru and Kenshin go to a hotel in Chp 1 is unchanged. But what Kenshin's intentions are have been changed - Teppei is a lot more hentai than Kenshin is - and while I think I can stretch his personality to be someone who is open to flirting , the thought of a playboy / hentai Kenshin just doesn't cut it for me in ANY universe. Okay, its just me being prudish, maybe! Another person I tamper with is Saitou. Anyway... thanks for the questions, they were great... hope u keep reading!