Boxers' Café.

Chapter 7.

Misao had awoken up the aroma of fresh buttermilk pancakes. Rousing from the bed, she stretched her arms, a sleepy smile on her lips. Another scent had faintly intermingled with the strong smell of pancakes—it was Enishi's cologne. His indent in the bed was still carved onto the sheets. It had been a week since he had begun sleeping next to her at night. Lying back down onto the bed, she faced the direction of where he had slept the night before, tracing the dent of the pillow of his head. She had pretended to not notice his trips into her bed, since she knew that if he knew of her knowledge that he would stop. Even if she wanted to wake up and see him sleeping, she didn't want his nightly visits to stop. Misao held the sheets to her a little closer; his warmth in the morning was sorely missed. Somehow she had an inkling that he knew that she was awake waiting for him to come join her, that they were just playing a pretend game of ignorance. She enjoyed how he would have his arm lazily draped over her waist, how he gave her a soft kiss on her neck before falling into a dreamless slumber or how he would snuggled closer to her when a breeze came by, but when dawn came, they played that game of bickering. Misao's tired eyes glanced at the clock, it was nearly time for work.

'I should charge him for letting him into my bed,' Misao thought, 'He's making me not want to leave to work.' Then again, she had to accept that she fully took pleasure in his silent attention. Finally throwing off the covers, Misao stumbled towards the shower, but when she came downstairs that day, she only found a plate with pancakes and a glass of orange juice, but no Enishi. However there was a small card beside her plate. Walking towards the dining table, she picked up the card and read its contents.

"Happy Birthday, Misao."

-Enishi

She had forgotten that it was her twenty-sixth birthday. She wondered how he knew, but why would she question him? All he had to do was look into her files and guessing from this, he probably did. Sitting down onto the chair, she began indulging in her pancakes, wondering if he would return tonight. Smiling thoughtfully, Misao picked up her purse and left the house. Today was supposed to be a busy day for Kaoru since she was preparing fresh flowers for a wedding. While stepping into the small flower shop, Misao spotted a daily customer and a red-headed one at that.

"Good morning, Kaoru, Kenshin!" Misao greeted cheerfully, slipping on her green apron. Kaoru grinned at Misao and Kenshin nodded in her direction, but they both returned back to their quiet conversation. Misao never bothered to hear what they said to each other since it was obviously they're usual greetings. Misao just thought it was odd how Kenshin had come to the small shop every day to buy one lily and making an excuse that it was for his mother, sister, grandmother, and everyone under the sun except for a potential girlfriend or wife. Turning her back on them, she decided to give them a bit of privacy and busied herself with finishing up the wreath of flowers that Kaoru had left behind to entertain her new guest. Misao always thought it was cute the way how Kenshin always made excuses of why he was there, sometimes he'd see Kaoru twice a day by purposefully leaving behind a jacket or so and so. However, there was this one incident when Kenshin did buy a rose, but left it behind. That was the only time he didn't come back to pick up his 'belonging.' Misao had caught Kaoru placing the flower into a thin vase by her working desk. Across the room, Kaoru and Kenshin gave each other knowing glances.

"I think she knows."

"It's okay. Misao won't tell. She's not that kind of person," Kaoru grinned, "that's why I hired her, you know." Kenshin slipped his hand on top of Kaoru's, giving her a warm smile.

"You understand why though…why we can't come out into the public…" Kenshin whispered quietly boring into her eyes with his purple gaze. Kaoru looked away to look at his hand on top of hers. Intertwining her fingers with his, a smile creased her face.

"I will wait for you," Kaoru murmured, "but we can always leave…and start over…" Kenshin's eyes saddened as silence engulfed them.

"I have to go to work now..." Kenshin excused himself and left the flower shop without a glance behind. The glass door shut with the ring of a bell. Misao stood up to stretch her arms around from bending over the vase for so long. She took a peek at Kaoru from her angle, finding Kaoru's downcast eyes. Kaoru stared at her hands for so long that she didn't know how much time had passed by before letting her head fall into her arms on the table, staring at the wall near to where the dried up rose had shriveled. Maybe that's what their love would end up as; a shriveled rose. Something that was easily thrown away without a second thought.

'Maybe that's why he doesn't want to leave or come into the public…' Kaoru thought sadly, 'am I an embarrassment?'

"Hey! Kaoru! It's lunch time!" Misao hollered waking Kaoru out of her small thoughts. With a cheeky grin plastered onto her face, Misao waved Kaoru's jacket around.

"Why don't we go somewhere special today? My treat!"

"What about the flower shop…I can't—"

"Just for today," Misao smiled, "You need a vacation some time you know…" Kaoru gave a weak smile before joining Misao.

"Thanks Misao…" Kaoru said, "…maybe I do need it…It's nice to have you around…"

"No problem," Misao chirped, locking up the floral store, "Let's check out that new Thai restaurant over there…it looks pretty good…" Misao glanced at Kaoru.

'At least, she looks a little bit happier now…' Misao thought, 'she definitely needs a break…' Hooking her arm with Kaoru's, Misao went into small trot, dragging a giggling Kaoru.

"Misao! All the people think we're crazy!"

"Who cares!" Misao grinned, "Just smile at them!"

Enishi twirled the credit card in his hands in boredom. He was at the mall, in the women's' section. Why? Misao's birthday. Somehow he had this ludicrous idea of buying Misao a dress and all the accessories that went with it. He never bought women's clothing before, but now he knew that everything must match for a woman to wear it. It had been three hours already. Enishi had always appreciated how the women looked, but he never knew just how hard it was to attain it until now. The model came out with a black dress that had two straps and a cut that ended in between her chest. The satiny dress ended six inches above her leg—the model struck a pose and Enishi immediately envisioned Misao in it.

"I'll take that one." The clerk gave a pleased smile, before snatching the credit card out of Enishi's hand. He couldn't wait to see Misao's face.

Driving back to the mansion, Misao hummed to a song that she used to sing. She had gotten a girls' bonding day with Kaoru and it was fun. They had gone to lunch at Amber, and decided to leave the shop closed to go shopping instead and both bought the cutest set of shoes. Kaoru bought a new summer dress and a jean jacket. Misao purchased a new pair of jeans and enjoyed herself with a pearl drink. To say the least, it was the most relaxing day she ever had. She never did these things with any of the ladies at the café since they were so much older and busier. Parking the car into the garage, Misao had a good feeling about their newfound relationship. Right when Misao opened the door she was attacked with a dress in her face.

"Ommfph!" Misao nearly ripped the dress off of her face, "What the hell?!"

"Put it on. We're going to be late if you don't hurry," Enishi commanded, walking around the living room trying to tie his tie, looking for his shoes. Stepping into the living room, Misao pouted as she dropped her other shopping bags, holding onto the delicate dress.

"Why? Where are we going?"

"I made reservations at this restaurant," Enishi mumbled, "You've got forty minutes." Scrunching up her face, Misao decided to hold onto her tongue until after she got ready. She ran off to quickly shower and threw on the dress arbitrarily, while applying lipstick, eye shadow, and some powder. Slowly putting on her pearl earrings, she plucked the shoes that were laid beside her bed, strapping them on before attempting to run down the stairs. Nearly falling off the staircase, Misao paced herself, walking slowly towards Enishi who stood at the bottom of the flight of steps, staring at her. He watched as her hips moved to each side and how the dress was definitely her size. It clung to the curve of her hips, complimenting the small of her stomach. The strappy dancing heels accentuated her long milky legs. She smiled at him as she got to the bottom to meet him. That particular smile was the type of smile that he would gladly jump and bed with. He abruptly looked away. He didn't want her to think he was staring. He needed a cigarette. Now.

"Well? I thought we were rushing?" Misao questioned. Nodding, Enishi held his arm out for her to hold onto before walking to the garage where his white Acura NSX awaited. Opening the door for Misao to climb into the passenger's seat, Enishi followed up and zoomed out of his estate using stick shift and towards the bustling city night.

"So tell me, why are we going out? And where?"

"It's your birthday after all, why would you want to stay home? Enishi explained, "We're going to a classy Italian restaurant. One of the best in the state and we're going to attend to a reclusive club."

"A club?" Misao's eyes widened.

"It's where I usually go on Friday nights. Can't break a tradition now can we?" Enishi chuckled before swerving towards the valet where the car was parked. Misao entered into the restaurant with Enishi in her left arm, in awe of its Greek-like architecture and the sculptures that decorated it's entrance.

"Do you have a reservation?" the receptionist asked, but recognized Enishi right away, "Oh, I'm sorry Mr. Yamamoto, please. This way." Enishi nodded before leading Misao to their table that had a vase filled with white roses. Misao sat in the chair that Enishi pulled out for her, flushing slightly by the people who sat beside them since they were staring at them.

"Thank you for taking me out, Enishi. It really means a lot to me. Not a lot of people do this…" Misao beamed becoming a bit shy in the new environment that she found herself in.

"No problem. Besides, you are a guest in my home. Didn't your parents do things on your birthday?" Enishi implored, drinking the white wine in front of him. Misao's expression changed into an empathetic manner.

"When I was fourteen, my parents died," Misao revealed, but didn't explain more since the waiter came for their order.

"You were orphaned?" Enishi queried, a little shocked—he had gotten an impression that Misao's life was as normal as it got considering her attitude toward everything.

"Not really. I had my older brother, Miwa. I loved him a lot," Misao answered happily.

"Loved?"

"He took an addiction to drugs." And that was all she needed to say, because at that moment Misao's face fell. He had not meant to make her feel this way, this sadness. It was so heavy that he could feel its weight upon himself.

"I see." Their appetizer came along as they ate silently for a few moments before Misao decided to break the silence.

"He was a great guy, you know—before the addiction, that is…" Misao began, "You could say he was my slave."

"I'm assuming you both were close?" Enishi asked, "How far apart were you—in age?"

"He was ten years older and he was admirable—everything he did. He always spent time with me when our parents were gone, he even played tag with me even when his reputation at school was…let's just say he was one of those tough guys who were usually quiet and domineering," Misao described with a loving behavior, "He took care of me when I was sick, read me bedtime stories. He even let me sleep with him when I was afraid or at least I claimed to be…sometimes I just said so, so that I could sleep with him and he knew it." Misao's face had a dreamy expression where she was reliving past memories.

"How did he become an addict?"

"When our parents died…something in him just snapped…our parents…he was so obsessed with making them proud…" Her eyes became hazy, but they cleared as soon as Enishi purposely cleared his throat. The main course had arrived in all its glory.

"Why don't we forget our pasts and enjoy today?" Enishi offered, "It's the only way to live today to its fullest." Before Misao could say anything, Enishi had reached over and gave a light kiss on her cheek. "It'll be alright." Misao gave him a shy smile and a small blush from his innocent kiss. She didn't know why, but she always flushed when someone showed affection towards her. She hated blushing, because it always gave her feelings away, but it was something that she just couldn't control. As soon as her embarrassment went away, her spunky personality flew at him like a curve ball.

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"I went on a shopping spree with Kaoru today, and it was great!" Misao exclaimed waving her hands in gestures, "I must've tried on every pair of shoe before they found my size though…and Kaoru laughed at me when I tripped over a stack of shoe boxes!" Misao pouted from the bad experience. Enishi listened to her with genuine curiosity, wondering just how much could a person trip over things in one day. It was amusing to say the least. Misao went on about her day and just how well she got along with Kaoru that Enishi couldn't resist, but provoke her.

"So when are you going to ask for her hand in marriage?" Enishi laughed, "Since you two get along so well…Don't mind me, I think lesbians are great…" Misao's eyes turned red, before she punched his arm out of anger, forgetting that she was in public. Enishi silently laughed at her expression as soon as she realized everyone's eyes were on her, a shade of red tinted her cheeks while she apologized to the people around her. She was quite disappointed that Enishi didn't even flinch from her punch, silently muttering to herself how she should've brought one of those brass knuckles.

"Damn you," Misao muttered under her breathe in hopes that only Enishi heard. His grin only widened when he heard her. They had moved onto dessert and she was practically stuffing her face with the strawberry sherbet, glaring at him with a vengeance. His laughing eyes told her that her glares didn't have the slightest effect. The check came while Misao licked the last sweet flavor of strawberry, reluctantly pushing the empty cup away.

"Where are we going after this?" Misao asked, folding her arms onto the table casually. Enishi checked his watch before answering her.

"A club."

"What kind of club?"

"A place where you drink and dance? What other kinds of clubs are there? Care to share?" Enishi gave her a skeptical look, "Don't tell me you haven't been to a club before…." Misao suddenly found the vase very interesting. Enishi gave a sigh of exasperation before pushing his index finger on her forehead, making her look up at him.

"First time for everything?" Misao gave him a cheeky grin.

"Aoshi was never into that kind of thing, but hey…I've been to one once…" Misao gave an apologetic smile for her inexperience.

"Let's go, before you trip and hurt yourself," Enishi snickered, holding his arm out for Misao. She yanked on him for good measure before walking out the candlelit restaurant with all the prosperous people staring at the odd pair.

In the precincts of his sport car, Misao sat in pleasant surprise that he would know her birthday, or even take her out for it. No one had ever gone out of their way to make her feel so special and she appreciated him all the more. While he drove, his right arm was on the armrest in-between them. Sliding her arm under his arm, she intertwined their arms in a loose form of affection, enclosing her hands with his. Feeling her hands on his, Enishi glanced at their hands and interlocked his fingers with hers as he drove to the dimmer side of the city. Misao looked out her window and smiled back at her reflection, feeling his hand lightly squeeze hers in return, but it only lasted a moment before he had to change gear, speeding towards their destination. Parking quickly, Enishi opened the door for Misao to climb out, noticing how the small of her back ended with a shapely bottom. Untying his formal tie, he threw it back in the car. The shirt was unbuttoned to give him a more casual look. Guiding her elbow towards the rusty front door of an old building where a long line was formed, the bouncer immediately recognized Enishi, letting them pass. They walked down a flight of stairs towards the echo of blasting music where the smell of smoke, sweat, and alcohol was prominent. Misao's eyes readjusted to all the flashing lights of the dance floor, but as soon as they reached the main room, a cluster of women crowded around Enishi.

"Ooh, Kenta…I haven't seen you here for awhile…where'd you go?" one of them whined, "I missed you!" The girls overwhelmed him as Misao began to shift towards the outer edge of the circle of ladies around Enishi.

"Ladies—" Enishi began.

"I'm going to the bar!" Misao hollered before leaving him helplessly with the other women. Misao took a huff before prying her way through the crowds of dancing people towards the bar stool where she sat down, a bit exhausted. She didn't know that there that many girls who went after Enishi.

'That playboy…' Misao thought miserably. The heat around her was beginning to get to her, because a sudden thirst emerged from her parched throat.

"What would you like, Missy?" the bartender asked, flashing her a charming smile.

"Apple martini please…" Misao replied, looking around at the people surrounding her. She spotted Enishi sliding through the crowd towards her, giving her a sheepish smile.

"Sorry…I was delayed…by some old acquaintances…" He sat down beside her. Misao picked up her martini, taking a sip. He watched her intently, noticing all the skin exposed and…the cleavage.

"Ex-girlfriends?" Misao laughed. Enishi laughed embarrassed.

"Not all," Enishi grinned, "What's a bachelor, like me to do if I go clubbing and all these girls are here? Be sterile?" Misao snorted.

"Men…you're all pigs…" Misao commented, downing the rest of the martini, a flush creeping across her cheeks. Enishi gave her cynical look before facing the crowd.

"Kenta! Dance with me!" a girl with dark brown hair came over and held onto his hand, "It's been awhile and you owe me from last time!" She gave a pouting look.

"Kana, I'm with—" Enishi began, but was cut off.

"No one," Misao finished, she glared at him to leave her alone and without a word he left with the brunette to the dance floor. Turning her attention back to the empty glass, she called for the bartender for another one. The music blared with dance music that had that beat that made her head pound in sync with it. She had drank five glasses already.

"Hello there…" A man sat beside her. She gave him a glance and she caught his eyes. He had the clearest green eyes she ever saw or maybe it was the alcohol that was making him look prettier, but she gave him a grin.

"Hello there…" she echoed.

"What's a lady like yourself doing here by yourself at a bar…"

"I don't know…maybe I should dance…" Misao drifted, her mind was in a haze.

"How about we do that," the man answered, "the name's Shin…" He led her to the dance floor by the hand, taking a lecherous look at her chest when she wasn't looking. The sheer amount of people bumping against each other made them dance dangerously close. Enishi's keen eye caught Misao on the dance floor…with a local gang member and the proximity of their bodies made his disapproval much more intense. He sat in the booth where two girls chatted away, once in a while draping a hand here and there, feeling his muscle, but he sat still, watching. After five minutes passed by, Enishi was unable to keep himself at bay offered the ladies to dance near Misao where he could keep a better lookout on her. Mingling with the other people, Enishi managed to dance beside Misao, but the crowd became denser, making him feel her every curve pressed up against him as she swayed to the music. In her drunken state, Misao saw Enishi dancing beside her and she faced him, giving him a sluggish smile. The feel of her breasts against his body and the hazy expression she had made him slightly aroused as her body brushed up against his crotch. He felt it throb a bit. He had never had her body so up close to his, or rather in such an erotic rhythm. Naughty thoughts began crossing his mind as they danced closer. Misao was feeling hot dancing next to Enishi, what did she feel again? Yes, it was lust. She was definitely feeling that for him. Right now. Believing that if they kept it going, Enishi would be sporting a very aroused member, he left the dance floor in haste to sit by the bar, ordering a drink to calm his nerves. Misao was driving him crazy at the moment.

Misao looked at him longingly from the dance floor, disappointed that he left so early. She wanted to follow him, but Shin was apparently still very interested in her. Her legs were beginning to ache, so she decided that it was either now or never, but before she even got the chance to leave, he cupped her breasts from behind.

"What are you doing?!" Misao screamed slapping his hands away, but he wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Oh come on…let's have some fun…" he whispered into her ear, licking the side of her neck.

"Ugh..." Misao tried prying his hands off, but ended up tripping in her drunken condition, "Let go…!"

"And what if I say I don't want to…" he mocked.

"She said no, so back off," Enishi intercepted, pulling Misao out of his grasp, placing her behind him. Shin narrowed his eyes at Enishi.

"Mind your own business."

"She is my business and now you're my business," Enishi stated clearly. The people around them had stopped dancing, watching the scene as it played out. Misao's pounding migraine was beginning to take its toll on her as she held the table for support.

"Watch it. You don't know who you're messing with," Shin grinned maliciously, three other men came up from behind him.

"Apparently you're nothing, since I don't know you." The black haired man snarled before throwing a punch at Enishi who ducked and quickly countered with a bone-crushing uppercut that sent the Shin flying towards his henchmen. The other two men laid him down gently before going after Enishi who pushed Misao away. Dodging one of the men's uppercuts, he knocked him with the side of his fist, giving a roundhouse kick to the second man's face. The third man took out a pocketknife, trying to stab Enishing with jabbing motions, but Enishi dodged all of it. He returned the third man with a sock to the gut and flipped him over. Without breaking a sweat, Enishi turned around and apologized to the owner.

"You did us a favor, we should be thanking you," the manager said, giving him a pleased smile. Enishi only nodded before picking up the drowsy Misao up and throwing her over his shoulder, walking out of the door. Quickly strapping Misao with her seatbelt, Enishi drove off. He didn't know when the other men would be fully conscious since they were beginning to wake up when he left the club. Making a sharp turn, he spotted a black car behind them.

"Dammit," he cursed, shifting gears, moving towards the freeway where he would be free from traffic lights. As soon as he merged into the freeway, the chase began. Weaving in and out of the lanes, Enishi sped up his car to 90 mph, exiting towards the mountains. In hot pursuit, the black car still followed. Enishi drifted his car at the left turn, speeding away into the dark road that was rarely driven. He pulled up his car to 100 mph, leaving behind a road of dust and leaves for the black car. After driving for five miles, Enishi came upon a fork in the road, taking the right most road, and parked it not far away from the fork. Quickly opening his glove compartment, he took out his handgun, and aimed it to where the black car arrived who were deciding which direction to pursue. In two shots, Enishi deflated two of their tires and they swerved to the side of the road. Rigging up his sport car, he drove past them, toward the freeway and back to his home. He made a mental note to visit them some other time when Misao wasn't around to witness his brutality. On the drive home, Misao had fallen asleep in the seat. He never knew her birthday was such a hazardous day, but nonetheless was enjoyable at one point. Picking her up, he carried her into the home and up the stairs, but upon laying her on her bed, she woke up, gripping onto his neck hard.

"Enishi…" she whispered, palming his face, closing her eyes she gently pecked his lips, but the innocent kiss soon turned into heated one as he laid himself over her, feeling her waist and hips. Misao's arms roamed over his back as she kissed him back. He had begun grinding his hip against her, nibbling her neck while she moaned. He was definitely aroused this time. Lifting his head from her neck, however, he had found Misao's eyes closed with a small smile on her lips. She was on the brink of sleep and she was drunk nonetheless. Since when did he begin taking advantage of drunken women? Groaning from frustration, he got off the bed and left her room, a slight snore could be heard coming from her bed. He was not going to sleep in her bed tonight, since he didn't want her around if he was going to have a wet dream… but as of now, his new plan was a cold shower.

"Not my lucky night…" Enishi grumbled.

Author's Note:

Thanks for all the support and wow…this was a mighty long chapter. Hope you guys enjoy it, since there won't be an update until October 23rd or later, since I won't be here. I might be able to post up chapter 8 this week since I'm halfway done with it, but I can't promise it. I'm going to change the rating of this story to rated r, since the next chapter is definitely not for children.