Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.
Title: Chance for Love
Rated: PG-13
AN: This is my first attempt at writing a fanfic. Please bear with me as I get used to the process. I recommend criticism good or bad. The reviews are what tell me what you as a reader like or dislike. I won't change everything in the storyline, but I will try to add what you like.
Italics - Thoughts
BTW this is AU
AN: Been really busy. To make up for that, I made this chapter extra long. Thanks for the reviews. Appreciated it. R&R!
Chapter 4: Jealousy
Kaoru looked down at her hands nervously. Who was Akira? Did he to also live there with them? Was there some kind of rivalry between them two? Kaoru had a lot of questions running through her mind. She wanted to ask Kenshin, but she just didn't know how.
She glanced over at Kenshin and held her gaze with his face for awhile. Kenshin seemed to be concentrated on the road. Kaoru was relieved though. Unlike Misao's dangerous and fast driving, Kenshin drove fast but very smoothly.
After Kaoru had dragged Kenshin out of the kitchen, Kenshin had to get something from his room. When he reappeared with a duffle bag they both went to Kenshin's car and got in. Kenshin had been a real gentleman, Kaoru had to admit. He had opened the door for her and asked her if she needed anything or any help. Kaoru had just smiled politely and shook her head.
Kaoru sighed. This was sure going to be one long ride, but she didn't mind. In fact, she was glad. For some reason, she felt comforted by his presence.
Kenshin, feeling Kaoru's gaze upon him, turned his head away from the road and looked over at Kaoru and smiled.
Kaoru immediately blushed and looked back down at her hands.
Kenshin smirked and drifted his attention back at the road. "We'll be arriving shortly."
Kenshin took one hand off the steering wheel and found Kaoru's hand. With his eyes still content on the road, Kenshin squeezed Kaoru's hand affectionly.
"I'm really glad you came." He said softly.
Kaoru, taken back by this, just nodded and smiled. "I'm really glad I came as well."
Kaoru also squeezed back his hand. After another moment of comfortable silence, Kaoru finally managed to gather her courage and looked over at Kenshin.
I might as well ask. Kaoru thought. He seems in a good mood.
"Kenshin?" Kaoru asked.
Kenshin came across a red stop light and stopped.
Turning around, he met Kaoru's gaze and smiled. "Yes, Kaoru?"
Kaoru smiled relieved seeing that it was okay for her to ask. "Umm...who is Akira? Is he some friend of yours?"
Just as the last word left her mouth, Kenshin slid his hand away from Kaoru's hand and placed it back on the steering wheel. Kaoru felt Kenshin stiffen and she immediately felt bad.
Pain and hurt flashed across her eyes. Was it something I said? Kaoru thought grimly.
She looked over at Kenshin and saw his knuckles turning white as his grip tightened on the wheel. Kaoru's guilt got to her. What did I say?
Kaoru placed her hands on her lap and gazed out the window trying to hide the hurt look on her face.
"I'm sorry." Kaoru said quietly. "I shouldn't have asked."
As soon as the light turned green, Kenshin sped off. Kaoru's guilt suddenly turned to fear as she saw Kenshin driving very fast. She held her grip on the seatbelt tightly.
Kaoru wanted to tell Kenshin to slow down but fear got to her. She was too scared to even look over at Kenshin. She had seen the golden glint in his eyes. The dangerous glint.
Kenshin swerved the car and continued driving down a narrow road. Finally a gigantic building came in view. Kenshin kept on driving and swerved the car into a parking space.
"We're here." Kenshin said emotionlessly as he continued looking outside at the road.
Kaoru, who was terrified as it is, continued clutching on to the seatbelt. For some apparent reason, she felt scared of him.
Kenshin turned his head and looked over at her. Instantly he felt guilt well up in him.
"Miss Kaoru?" Kenshin said lowering his head in shame as the violet color reappeared in his eyes. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to me. Please forgive this unworthy one."
Hesitantly Kaoru loosened her grip on the seat belt. She unbuckled the belt so she could turn fully to face him.
"Kenshin?" Kaoru asked in a concerned voice, fear still evident in her tone. "What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"
Kenshin shook his head and brought his eyes up to meet her's. "No. It's just that I'm not on good terms with Akira. I just don't want to talk about him."
"Oh." Kaoru said lowering her eyes.
With his hand, Kenshin brought her chin up so their eyes locked.
"I'm very sorry. Can you please forgive me?" Kenshin said in a sincere voice.
Kaoru, melting under his gaze, weakly nodded.
Kenshin pressed his lips against her in a passionate kiss.
Kaoru leaned into the warmth of his kiss. I love kissing him...His lips are so sweet...
She than wrapped her arms around his neck . Kenshin responded by wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close.
They both continued kissing until they broke apart for air. Kenshin was breathing heavily. Kaoru was breathing just as hard, her chest rising and falling in heaves.
When they both regained their breaths, Kaoru's face was tinged pink while Kenshin's face was slightly red.
Kenshin smirked and kissed Kaoru once more lightly on the lips.
"Let's go. We're going to be late." He said still smirking.
Kaoru blushed and nodded.
As they both got out of the car, Kaoru couldn't help but gasp in amazement.
The place was truly stunning. Surrounding them were huge fountains decorated in various things. Pools of water erupting from the fountains in crystal drops. Lush green trees spread around the place while paintings hung on almost every wall. The floor was made of crystalline marbles and shining bright.
Kenshin smiled brightly as he saw the expression on Kaoru's face. Priceless... he thought.
Kenshin grabbed her by the hand and led her inside. "Come on, Kaoru. There's more to see."
He was right. The inside was such a surprise. There were tons of huge swimming pools all around. From kids size to adult size. Fountains on every corner sprouting off crystal drops of water. Assistants by your side if you needed anything. An open area where you could pick fresh towels. A large restaurant at the side that was serving from veggies - to desserts. The whole place was crowded. From kids to adults were scampering around. Some in the pools, others by the lounge, and some just sitting around and talking.
During the whole time, Kaoru couldn't help but stare in disbelief. Kenshin owns this whole thing...It's so HUGE!
Unlike Kaoru who was looking around excitedly, Kenshin was watching the expression on Kaoru's face and couldn't help but smile. He felt really great as he watched Kaoru look around like a child in a candy store.
"Oh! I forgot to bring my swimsuit!" Kaoru pouted.
Kenshin smirked. "Don't worry. There were some extra swimsuits lying around the house. I brought an extra for you."
Kenshin pulled out a dark blue swimsuit from his duffle bag.
"Oh Kenshin! Thanks ever so much!" Kaoru replied brightly.
They were suddenly interrupted as 2 pretty teenage girls came up to them.
The two girls were around their age. One had long silky blonde hair while the other had short medium brown hair. Both of them were dressed in a 2 piece revealing swimsuit. The way they were eyeing Kenshin made Kaoru almost snort in disgust. They kept their eye on Kenshin looking at him as though he were the only person here and ignored Kaoru the whole time.
The whole time Kenshin remained calm unlike Kaoru who was tense.
"Excuse me, but aren't you Kenshin Himura?" The girl with the blonde hair asked.
"Yes. May I help you?" Kenshin asked calmly still having a hold on Kaoru's hand.
"Well, we were wondering if you could give us some swimming lessons. Like teach us some of the strokes? Please, Kenshin?" The brown haired girl asked now.
Oh? She's already on first name basis with Kenshin?...Kenshin was here with me first and I know that he would definitely say no to her. Kaoru thought as she turned her gaze towards Kenshin.
"Sure. Just give me 5 minutes and I'll meet you over at Section C-2." Kenshin replied smoothly. "Would you like to join us, Kaoru?"
Both the girls threw a dark look over at Kaoru, but didn't say anything.
Kaoru at this point was stunned. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Did Kenshin just agree with them...? He couldn't have...
Kaoru suddenly turned angry. She wouldn't show it, but she sure would express it. She grabbed the swimsuit out of Kenshin's hand and pulled her other hand out of Kenshin's grip.
"No thanks, Kenshin." Kaoru said shooting him a glare. "I wouldn't want to interfere with your lessons."
With that she stormed off, her raven hair swinging in motion behind her.
Kenshin was confused. Did I say something wrong? Kenshin thought. He wanted to go over to Kaoru and ask her what was wrong, but was pulled back by the two girls and dragged off. Kenshin shot one more sad look over at Kaoru's retreating form.
Kaoru couldn't believe it. Of all nerves! I thought he would at least come and apologize to me. Kaoru thought angrily as she stormed in search of a changing room.
Kaoru who was still fuming didn't know where she was going and accidentally collided with a hard body.
Kaoru looked up and started apologizing. "Sorry! I'm so sorry! I didn't know where I was..." She suddenly stopped short as she met dark black mesmerizing eyes.
She couldn't help but stare at him. He was a tall guy with gray hair. Not from age, but natural or dye. He was cladded in a dark purple swim shorts and had a well-build chest that showed off his toned muscles.
"Are you alright?" The guy said helping Kaoru up.
"Y-Yes. Thank...you." Kaoru said blushing profusely. "I'm sorry. I didn't know where I was going."
"It's ok." The guy said looking over at her. "I haven't seen you around. Are you new here?"
Kaoru nodded.
"I'm Enishi Yukishiro." Enishi said placing out his hand.
"I'm Kaoru Kamiya. Pleasure to meet you." Kaoru said shaking his hand. Yukishiro... Kaoru thought. That name sounds familiar. Where did I hear it from...?
"Since you're new here, would you like for me to show you around?" Enishi asked.
Kaoru snapped out of her thoughts. "Huh? Oh...Sure. I was looking for the changing room. Can you please show me?"
"Sure. Follow me." Enishi said as he guided Kaoru by the arm.
"Tomoe! Yes! I knew where I heard that name from. Are you related to Tomoe?" Kaoru suddenly asked surprising Enishi.
Enishi laughed. "You caught me. Yes, I'm related to her. She's my step sister."
"Oh...Ok.....Where do you live than?" Kaoru asked.
Enishi raised an eyebrow and looked down over at her.
Kaoru's eyes widened as she realized what she had said. "No! No! I didn't mean it like that. You see, where I'm living now is where your step sister is living. And I'm just wondering where you were living then..."
Enishi laughed looking over at her blushing face. "I have an apartment. I live there by myself."
Kaoru smiled and nodded. "Oh. Ok."
"Here we are." Enishi said coming to a halt. "The changing room."
"Thank you." Kaoru said as she headed inside to change unaware of Enishi's gaze still upon her.
As Kaoru was changing into her swimsuit, she couldn't help thinking about Enishi. Whenever she was around him, she felt open and could talk with him easily. It wasn't a crush that she had on him, but she looked up at him as somehow as a brother. But when she was with Kenshin, Kaoru was definitely sure that she was in love with him already.
Kaoru sighed. She was still mad at what Kenshin had done. Leaving her for a bunch of stupid girls. She mentally cursed at herself. Stop being so jealous!
When she was done placing on her swimsuit, she looked over at the mirror to check herself.
Kaoru grinned. Kenshin had definitely chosen a great swimsuit. The dark blue swimsuit hung to her slender frame tightly, but loosely in it's way. The color brought out Kaoru's eyes and gave it a bright sparkle to it. The swimsuit was a one piece, which Kaoru was glad. From the back it had a long V cut going all the way down and stopping midway. The front just showed a bit of cleavage, but not too much.
Kaoru frowned for a bit before tying her hair up in a high ponytail.
She looked back over at her reflection and smiled. Much better. Kaoru thought.
Kaoru stepped out and was surprised to see that Enishi was out there waiting for her.
"About time! I thought it would take you an eternity." Enishi smirked as he made his way over to Kaoru looking over at her approvingly.
"Why were you waiting for me?" Kaoru asked as she followed him over to the nearest pool.
Enishi shrugged still looking over at her . "You said you were new. So I thought that I might as well keep you company if you don't mind that is."
Enishi looked over at Kaoru who smiled brightly and nodded. "I don't mind at all. Thanks."
"Might I add..." Enishi began as he looked at her from head to toe twice. "You look stunning!"
Kaoru blushed a deep crimson red. "T-Thank you..."
As they both were talking, Kaoru was unaware of where she was going and later found out.
"Kaoru..." Enishi said quietly. "Close your eyes."
"What?...Why?" Kaoru asked confused.
"Just please do it." Enishi said.
Kaoru shot him a warning look that said 'Don't-do-anything-stupid-or-I'll-really-hurt-you' before closing her eyes.
Enishi smirked and walked behind her and whispered softly in her ear. "I've got a surprise for you on the count of 3."
Kaoru shivered as his hot breath played on her neck.
"One." Enishi began.
"Two..." Enishi placed his hands on her shoulder.
"Three!" He pushed her hard but gently down into the pool.
"ENISHI YUKISHIRO!!!!" Kaoru screamed at the top of her lungs. "I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!!!"
Enishi started laughing hard holding his side to balance his weight. "The look on your face Kaoru!" He laughed even harder. "Priceless!"
Kaoru who was soaking wet glared up at him. "At least help me up!"
Enishi grinned. "Should I?"
Seeing the glare that Kaoru was shooting him, he started laughing even harder.
"Enishi Yukishiro, if you don't help me up I'm going to kill you. Wait...no. First I'm going to torture you, then I'm going to hurt you, and then I'm going to kill you." Kaoru said angrily.
Enishi smirked. "Fine, Kaoru, I'll help. Stop yelling all ready."
As he bent down, he lowered his arm to help Kaoru up. But Kaoru had a surprise for him this time. She grabbed his arm and swung him into the pool next to her.
This time it was Kaoru who was laughing hard. "You should have seen your face, Enishi. Now that was 'Priceless'."
Kaoru continued laughing, but stopped short as Enishi splashed water over her.
Kaoru gasped. "Enishi!"
She too then started attacking Enishi with the water. They both continued having a water fight for some time until they were interrupted by a loud cough.
Kaoru looked up and was surprised to see that it was Kenshin.
Kenshin was still wondering why Kaoru had stomped off so mad. He was in a deep thought, but was suddenly interrupted as cold water was being splashed upon him.
"Oro..?" Kenshin said looking around.
Mai and Aizu began giggling. Mai and Aizu were the names of the two girls that had asked Kenshin if he could give them some swimming lessons.
Kenshin frowned. It had already been 30 minutes and all Mai and Aizu were doing was flirting with him.
"Mai? Aizu?" Kenshin asked as the two girls stopped laughing. "You asked me to help you with some lessons. You two have been playing around for a long time. I think it's time that we get to work."
Both the girls began giggling again. They swam over to Kenshin and each of them latched onto one of his arms.
"Kenshin?" Aizu said as she moved closer, very closer to Kenshin. "Can't we play around for just a little while longer?"
Kenshin was definitely feeling very uncomfortable as the two girls were squeezing the life out of his arms. "Er...I got to go. My shift's over. I'll send someone else to help you with the lessons."
Before any of them could respond, Kenshin had unlatched the girls' hands off of him and quickly got out of the water walking fast away from them.
When Kenshin was sure that he was away from them he sighed relieved. Kenshin began rubbing his sore arms where the two girls had been gripping it tightly.
Kenshin sighed. He wasn't telling a lie. It was true. His shift was over and he was sending someone else towards them.
His mind suddenly drifted towards Kaoru. I wonder where she could be.... Kenshin thought as he started walking around to the other pools.
He suddenly stopped when he heard a bright, cheerful laugh. That's Kaoru's laugh...
Kenshin quickly walked over to where he heard the sound from and suddenly stopped as to what he saw in front of him.
Kenshin couldn't help but keep his eyes off of Kaoru. The swimsuit she was wearing showed every perfect curve of her body. She definitely looked stunning.
But what made his blood run cold was that she was with another person. A man to be exact. Not an ordinary man, but Enishi Yukishiro. Kenshin never liked Enishi and never would. Besides the fact that he was related to Tomoe, Enishi was dangerous and shouldn't be trusted. The deadly ki that he gave off made Kenshin on edge.
Enishi was just a few inches away from Kaoru who was soaking wet making the swimsuit cling to her in an indecent way. Enishi had his arm on her shoulder and was throwing water on her. Kaoru was doing the same. It seemed like they were having a water fight.
Kenshin suddenly felt a high emotion run through him. He could define it easily no doubt. It was jealously and anger.
It seemed as both Kaoru and Enishi weren't aware of his presence.
Kenshin coughed loudly catching both Kaoru and Enishi off guard.
Kaoru whirled around and was surprised to see it was Kenshin. He was soaking wet from head to toe. He was only cladded in a pair of swim shorts which were a deep shade of green. The water ripples were sliding down Kenshin's chest making him look even more sexier then ever, Kaoru was thinking.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru suddenly broke away from Enishi's grip and made her way in the pool over to Kenshin.
"Why don't you come down here and join us?"
"No thanks. I wouldn't want to interrupt anything that was going on between you two." Kenshin said as his eyes hardened, burning a deep shade of amber in them.
Kaoru's smile suddenly fell. "Excuse me? There is nothing going on between us, Kenshin."
Kaoru climbed out of the water ignoring the way the swimsuit clinged to her. She placed a hand on Kenshin's shoulder, but was shocked as Kenshin pulled away from her.
Her hand fell limp to the side.
"K-Kenshin?" Kaoru asked quietly.
Kenshin ignored her and brought his gaze onto Enishi who was still in the water. "Enishi, you're needed at Section C-2. Get there. Now."
Enishi glared over at Kenshin. "Whatever, Himura."
As Enishi got out of the water, he made his way towards Kaoru and stopped. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Kaoru. Maybe we could meet more frequently." Enishi emphasized the word 'frequently' shooting a smirking glance over at Kenshin.
Kaoru smiled brightly not aware of the hatred that Kenshin and Enishi were passing each other. "Yes, of course! It was-"
Kaoru was suddenly interrupted as Enishi bent down and placed a kiss on Kaoru's cheek. "Later, Kaoru. Himura."
With that Enishi walked off smirking all the way.
Kaoru blushed a deep shade of red and looked up to meet Kenshin's glare upon her. What frightened her the most was that Kenshin's eyes were burning a deep shade of amber with a dangerous glint upon them.
Kenshin's hands were clutched into a fist at his side. With a very determined calmness, he said. "We're leaving."
Kaoru was about to point out that they both were still in swimsuits and should change, but didn't say anything as she heard the tone of voice Kenshin had used.
She concentrated on the back of Kenshin's head instead and followed him out the door and to the car. It was definitely going to be a long ride.
Kaoru couldn't help but feel mad as Kenshin continued to ignore her. He wouldn't look at her, talk to her, or even acknowledge her presence. This was definitely getting her mad.
As the silence stretched longer, Kaoru couldn't take it anymore. "Kenshin? Why aren't you talking to me?"
Kenshin, still ignoring Kaoru, continued looking out at the road totally focused on his driving and nothing more.
Kaoru unbuckled her seatbelt so she could turn fully in her seat to look at Kenshin. "Kenshin! Talk to me!"
Kenshin still continued to ignore her.
Kaoru started shaking her hand in front of Kenshin. "Hello?! Talk to me, baka!"
Kenshin suddenly grabbed her hand and turned around and glared at her. "Be quiet."
He turned his attention back to the road and let go of Kaoru's hand.
"You know what, Kenshin?" Kaoru began, trying to keep her voice from trembling. "I hate you. One moment you love me and the next you hate me. What did I even do?"
When Kenshin didn't reply, Kaoru continued. "I should be the one mad at you. The one that should be ignoring you. You're the one that should deserve this. Not me."
Kenshin drew the car to a halt as they approached a red light. Still looking out, Kenshin continued to ignore her.
With her hand, Kaoru grabbed Kenshin's chin and moved his head toward her so he would look at her directly.
Making eye contact with him, Kaoru continued talking as her eyes started watering. "You brought me along to be with you. But do you know what you did? You just left me for 2 stupid girls. Let me guess, I must be ugly. Or maybe I don't have the figure that you're looking for. When I first met you, I thought that I could finally be in love, but I was wrong. To you I'm just an ugly-"
She was cut off as Kenshin pressed his lips fiercely against her kissing her passionately.
Kaoru was surprised for a long time, but quickly responded back kissing just as fiercely.
They continued kissing until Kenshin slowly pulled away much to Kaoru's disappointment.
"Never, ever call yourself ugly. To me you're the most beautiful person ever." Kenshin said softly as he wiped the tear that was sliding down her face gently.
Kenshin suddenly felt guilty seeing that she was crying because of him. "Kaoru, I'm very sorry. Very sorry. I'll understand that if you never forgive me I'll even understand if you don't want to be with me. I'm so sorry for all-"
This time Kenshin was cut off as Kaoru pulled him down for another kiss. This one much more passionate then the other.
They suddenly broke apart as they were interrupted by loud honking behind them. The light had turned green.
With both their faces flushed, Kenshin continued driving. Instead of making the turn toward the mansion, Kenshin drove further and parked in an isolated area.
This time Kenshin turned around and faced Kaoru. "Kaoru? Do you forgive me?"
Yet again, he was pulled down in another short and sweet kiss.
"Hope that answers your question." Kaoru said as she pulled away smiling.
Kenshin smirked and was about to kiss her, when Kaoru placed a finger on his lips and shook her head. Kenshin looked over at her confused.
"Tell me something," Kaoru said looking Kenshin straight in the eye. "Why exactly were you mad at me and ignoring me?"
Kenshin pulled back in his seat and sighed. "The same reason you were mad at me."
"What do you mean?" Kaoru asked confused.
"I was jealous. Jealous of you being with another guy. Jealous of him kissing you. And jealous for him even being near you." Kenshin said lowering his eyes. "I want you to be mine, Kaoru. I...I...I just don't want to lose you."
Kaoru wrapped her arms around him and pressed her forehead against his. "I am yours, Kenshin. I will always be yours and only yours. You'll never lose me."
Kaoru kissed him on the nose. "There was also one thing I wanted to ask you, Kenshin. And this time please answer and don't get mad or anything. Promise?"
Kenshin hesitantly paused, but nodded.
Kaoru took a deep breath. "Why do you hate Akira and Enishi so much?"
Kenshin instantly pulled away from her.
Kaoru frowned and felt suddenly cold as his warmth left her. She asked in a concerned voice. "Kenshin?"
Kenshin slid his hand over to Kaoru's and gave it an affectionate squeeze. He turned his head toward her and looked over at her seriously.
"They killed my sister." Kenshin said quietly.
Yes!!!!! Finally done!! So VERY Sorry for the long wait. Like I said before, this Chapter was made especially long since I took a long time updating. Well? What do you think? Love it? Hate it? Please R&R!!!!!!!!! I need as much feedback as possible.
Anyhow, Until Next Time!!!!! Don't Forget To R&R!!!
Until Next Time!