Love Generation: True Love Never Runs Smooth

Gomen nasai!!!! I just got so swamped at work.... thanks for the reviews. I'm going to do reviewer notes in my next update, I'm just happy to be able to post this at all... (sighs).

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 2.2: Gambatte, Kenshin!

9:30 AM
Monday morning, and work was already off at a blistering pace. Kenshin was hunched over his laptop, feverishly scrolling through his spreadsheet as he double-checked graphs and figures, deliberately ignoring Kaoru's questioning side-glances. Either she was being extraordinarily sensitive, restraining herself from posing whatever questions she had outright - or she was just out of sorts. Whatever the case, he was thankful.

Himura, get over here. Saitou's brusque tones cut over the office bustle.

Kenshin stepped away from his desk, happy to escape her silent interrogation.
Her narrowed gaze traced his path as he left the room, just as her cellphone went off. Picking it up distractedly, she gave her usual greeting with half the normal verve, Hi hi –. Meanwhile , she was straining about in her seat, curious to see where Kenshin had gone, until the person on the other end spoke up. She turned back to her phone, eyes widening in surprise. Soujiro-san - ?!
For Kenshin, it was a classic case of out of the frying pan and into the fire. He followed Saitou into the empty conference room , mind scanning through the catalogue of his recent infractions in the hope of finding the reason for his special attention. No such luck. He couldn't discover any outstanding instance of bad behaviour. What?!! What?!! He agonised silently as his superior slowly lit a cigarette, shifting uneasily under the dispassionate amber gaze.
Saitou released a slow stream of smoke into the air before speaking. I'm going to have to ask you to give up the Hokkaido project.

Kenshin looked up, startled. The Hokkaido project had been the last on his list. It's going well, he blurted out.

Is it? Saitou arched an eyebrow. I've heard otherwise.

Friday's conversation with the creative team floated back into his mind, but he refused to believe that it was still an issue. Shaking his head, he asserted, You've heard wrong.

Saitou stubbed his cigarette out. The creative team haven't prepared a single thing.

Well, it was obviously still an issue for them. Kenshin sighed in frustration. Of all the immature reactions-! They had had their disagreements, but he had never imagined they would risk the company's business just for the sake of getting back at him . The frustration and disappointment were painfully acute. He found himself unable to say anything. So he merely nodded before turning to go.

There's nothing wrong with having your own views, Saitou spoke up. But there's an art to bringing your view to bear on others. Bulldozing your way through is going to get you nowhere. You have to learn that.

Kenshin blew out his breath, nodded again and left.

10:30 PM
With the exception of a party of hardcore clubbers, they had Fu-Ra pretty much to themselves. Seated at the bar with cocktails in their hands, they watched the other group frug it out to a tired house beat.

Anyway – Soujiro smiled brightly, that's about all there is to tell about my hometown.

Kaoru blinked herself back to reality. Oh. That was - interesting.

Well, it's your turn now. What about Nagano?

Impossibly, her mind had actually wondered again. Drawing herself up, she shudderingly considered the rest of the evening to come, stretching out interminably before her, filled with hours of colourless, polite conversation ... She couldn't bear the thought of it.

You know what, Soujirou-san, she said abruptly, swinging herself down from the barstool. I forgot – I've got to get home to record a program for a friend – she flashed a strained grin, So – I have to rush!

Program -? What program?

Oh – um – that quiz show that's so popularshe's crazy about it. She was already walking away, I guess we'll have to do this another time - sorry!

Escaping to street level, Kaoru breathed a sigh of relief. Guiltlessly, she threw back her shoulders and began walking briskly towards the subway station, humming a little tune under her breath. On a whim, she took out her cellphone and began scrolling through the numbers as she moved.

A wicked light went on in her eye as she considered Kenshin's number.

He sounded tired as he answered,

She pinched her nose in an effort to disguise her voice. Guess who? If you are unable to answer within three seconds, your cellphone will self-destruct. One two

Don't you feel silly doing this sort of thing?

Not really, she giggled. Where are you now?

Where are you now? He sounded distracted.

she stuck her nose in the air, I'm at Fu-Ra with Soujirou. We're having lots of fun – you know, I have a feeling it might get interesting before the night is over

Great. Have fun. Hang up and leave me alone, she interpreted.

Are you pining away? she asked chirpily.

Gokurou sama please lock up when you leave she heard someone else speak in the background.

Surprised, she came to a stop. Who was that? Are you still at work?

He really sounded distracted. She could hear him typing away in the background.

She frowned. But the Hokkaido campaign

My work isn't finished yet. He hung up.

Not finished yet -?

11:00 PM

Kaoru stepped through the office doors, taking in the empty office frowningly. Kenshin's laptop was still on his desk, but there was no hair or hide of the person himself. She put her bag down on her own desk, and noticed something tucked under the screen. Her lunchbox had been neatly tied up in a napkin, and a note stuffed under the knot –3 9 – San-Kyu (Thank You), she read out loud, How old fashioned!

A movement caught her eye and she turned to see the night watchman peering at her through the glass doors. Bowing, she asked, Excuse me, the other person who was here messy hair, round eyes? she made two circles with her fingers and held them over her face.

Oh him, the guard pointed to the ceiling, He went up to the rooftop a few minutes ago.



She kicked open the iron door and staggered pantingly out of the stairway. she grumbled, as she stepped out into the cool night air. A little iron ladder led upwards and she gamely pulled herself up. The whole rooftop stretched out before her – as well as a huge white sheet that Kenshin was busy spray painting. She stood there with her arms akimbo, too breathless to speak.

I'm finishing this to submit for the Hokkaido campaign, he explained, not sounding in the least surprised that she had shown up. Not from any artistic urge or desire for praise – he cocked his head and studied the corner he was working on, shaking the can vigorously as he continued, But just to feel like I had seen the project through, that I had been responsible, you know?

She lifted both her shoulders, still panting slightly.

He crouched down and began applying the paint. This whole month has been awful. Bowing and scraping to clients – even though its work – I've done nothing I'm personally proud of. But I'm not giving up yet. He straightened up and studied his efforts. I'm not changing who I am because of work. So – I'm taking this chance to do something I'm proud of and good at.

Its awful. Kaoru viewed the figures portrayed through narrowed eyes. I've never seen such a terrible drawing.

Its an image! An image!! He waved his hands, insulted. An abstraction, okay?

She stuck out her lower lip doubtfully.

You don't get it – it's supposed to be abstract. Not literal his voice trailed off as he turned to survey his work again. I actually wanted to get a professional photographer to take this, he admitted.

Kaoru hunkered down, resting her chin between her hands, watching as Kenshin busied himself touching up his art, still grumbling under his breath. She piped up, People like you are really rare.

He arched an eyebrow at her, but continued stalking around his piece, occasionally stepping in to add more paint.

A flirt, she observed, petty, lousy attitude, arrogant

Shut up! he had whipped out a rag and was scrubbing away at a portion of the picture.

I used to think you were really despicable, she continued.

But now you've seen the light, he broke in, gesturing at his creation. Seeing this, you're thinking to yourself – He's so talented! Patient! Persevering

Umm hmm, she agreed cheerfully. You've come so far – so don't give up! Even though you're all beaten up, like a cockroach

Are you trying to make me feel better or worse?

"Better, of course!" Kaoru stood up suddenly and reached for a paintbrush which she grasped close to her like a microphone, announcing, "Ladies & Gentlemen! This year's winner of the National Advertising Trophy goes to Mr Himura Kenshin! She applauded and added cheering sound-effects, Yay! Kenshin!

Kenshin regarded her askance – she really DID have a few screws loose in her head – before deciding to humour her. Okay, okay, thank you very much – I accept.

she cheered, Her eyes widened as she thought of something. Wait here - I'll be right back! She ran off towards the stair well.

The cork flew out of the bottle with a resounding pop, and the champagne bubbled out in a clear golden stream. Kaoru caught it in the mugs she had thought to bring with her.

Congratulations to the winner! She announced, offering him the first cup.

Right, right. He decided to humour her some more, Thanks everyone.

She was eyeing him strangely. There's no one else here.

He changed the subject, So – where did you get this? The champagne was great – he relished the tiny little bubbles in every mouthful.

Oh – from kachou's hidden stash –

Kenshin nearly spat the drink out as a vision of Saitou materialised before him. If he finds out, it's your funeral!

You were the one who opened it-! she was struggling to climb up the edge of the roof, so she could swing her legs over the side.

Will you stop that! Kenshin protested, reaching for her, That's really dangerous!

But it's beautiful! She looked back at him over her shoulder, Come on up and see!

He blew out his breath, hesitated a moment, before following her lead. The ledge was high - he manoevered it cautiously - only taking a proper look when he was comfortably settled. Wow -! The exclamation left him involuntarily. The whole of Tokyo was spread out at his feet, a fantastic panorama . You're right –this really is amazing.

Some hours later, they were walking down those very streets, Kenshin's white sheet bundled away into one of the store cabinets, and Saitou's empty champagne bottle resting forgotten on the deserted rooftop. Kaoru was staggering along tipsily - most of the champagne was coursing its way through her system. Kenshin watched unsympathetically as she stumbled past a lamppost.

I guess you can come over and drink, if you really want to, he said, but you'd better know that I'm not taking care of you if you get drunk.

I know you won't, she sniffed.

He shrugged and contined walking.

You're thinking, why would she need to drink - she hasn't got any problems. Huh - that's all you know - she grimaced at him, You think being a salaryman is so tough but being an office lady is tough too!

Sure it is, Kenshin shrugged again, Very tough - sitting at your desk, daydreaming everyday.

That's mean! She pouted and ran into the middle of the street to get as far away from him as possible.

What are you doing?!! A single car veered round her, horning sharply. Will you stop that? It's dangerous.

What do you know, anyway? she slurred as she tripped along the road – now empty again. There are times when I feel like quitting too. Other times though... she lifted her head to look at the sky, smiling happily, Other times, I feel that I'm so lucky to be alive in this world...

Times when you feel lucky, Kenshin repeated. She nodded emphatically. Like when you're doodling cartoons instead of taking minutes, or when you're collecting Hello Kitty things.

She started laughing strangely.

What's with you? Kenshin eyed her warily, Laughing like that...
She waved him away airily and hauled herself up on one of the railings lining the road, before proceeding to walk it like a tightrope whilst singing off-key, There's a secret... No one knows.... She began to wobble slightly.
Will you be careful?!!!! Kenshin was concerned, inspite of himself, How many times do I have to tell you? It's dangerous!

She promptly lost her balance, giving a little shriek as she began to tip off the rails. Kenshin was there in a second, catching her just before she fell. She clutched instinctively into his coat, and leaned in towards him, eyes shut as she breathed him in - before he set her firmly back on her feet. He smacked the back of her head, I said it was dangerous!, he barked, before walking ahead, anxious to reach the traffic junction before the lights changed.

She was rooted to the spot for a second or so, watching him as he walked away from her.

I'm going home, she announced suddenly.

Kenshin turned to look back at her.

It's terrrible when I'm drunk, she chattered nervously, And I seem to be getting drunk a lot recently. Getting old I guess...

He shook his head tiredly, Sometimes I have no idea what you're trying to say.

Oh well. She shrugged, a shadow of a grin flickering across her features. Um - going back to what we were saying earlier... He was frowning now, even more confused, You know, the times when I feel lucky to be alive. I'll tell you about it!

He was deliberately patient, obviously trying to humour her. Tell me what?

The times when I feel lucky to be alive - she beamed, are when there's someone I like!

He considered that for a moment before stepping closer to study her face carefully. I - get - it! He announced triumphantly, There's someone you like right now! So - who is it? He wondered musingly, Sano, maybe? Or - Soujiro....

she cried, pointing suddenly to the sky behind him. He responded instinctively, turning to scan the darkness behind him for the source of her surprise - even as she transferred her starry gaze to his profile, transfixed.

I don't see anything... he said complainingly, as he turned back to her.

Only an idiot would look! she stepped back deliberately, a huge grin plastered on her face. Good Night, dummy! Waving cheerily, she turned and left, the smile still playing on her lips.

Reviewer notes will be in my next update, guys.... do keep reading please!