Disclaimer: I Do Not Own Rurouni Kenshin and its Characters.

A/N: Hello, everyone. First of all...Thank you, Thank you and Thank you for all those of you that had given in your Reviews! I appreciated it very much. And because of you, my reviewers, that I still keep writing this story. So thank you all very much again. Also to my dearest, Howard: Thank you for everything you've done. Especially editing this chapter for me. I owe you one, mann! To my sister, Mayme...goodluck with your story! I loved it so far!!!!!

Um right as for the story format, it'll be the same as the previous chapters that is...

"SPEECH"

THOUGHTS

Alright so on with the story!!!

Chapter 8

Kenshin stared out at the total darkness of the starless night and sighed deeply. He had been standing there for how long, exactly, he wasn't even sure. As soon as he had gotten home he had walked out onto his balcony.

For some strange reason the silence around seemed to make him feel comfortable. What Aoshi had told him afew hours back still echo in the back his head. Yet he couldn't place it, how could his decision about taking a project could relate to the fate of a company. Most of all what company would that meant. Deciding it was no use thinking, and that he would probably find it out after meeting up with whoever he have to meet the next day, he made a beeline into the kitchen. Grabbing a can of drink from the fridge, Kenshin leant casually against a counter. A wild idea came to him. Well it wasn't exactly wild, but it was something he wouldn't choose to do if he can help it. Kenshin knew if he would only make up his mind to call up his uncle, all of his questions would be answered. Damn, if I call him up he'll find a way to say something nasty again. And all that talk about being stupid and being an idiot would surely come up.

Shaking his head lightly he threw the now empty can of drink into the trashcan and stalked off into the darkness of his apartment. No, I won't call him. I'll get the answer I need tomorrow.

Soujirou tapped his foot impatiently on the sidewalk infront a crowded restaurant. The Yukishiro guy could arrive any minute now....Hurry Up Kenshin. Please don't be late! He thought desperately. He had arrived some twenty minutes earlier just to make sure everything will run smoothly. Kenshin should've been with him by now, but the idol's still nowhere in sight.

"Kenshin, Hurry up!." He muttered darkly under his breath.

"Good afternoon Seta san." An overly confident tone caused him to spin around immediately. Soujirou found himself staring into a pair of eerie turquoise-blue eyes. A breath seemed to caught in his chest. This guy infront of him doesn't look a day older than twenty but his hair was of the most extraordinary color. It was pure white. I will never understand these weird fashion and hair trends.

"I see, Himura's late as usual." The young man spoke up. Soujirou smiled goodnaturedly back, "You must be Yukishiro san. The traffic's bad today, he'll be here shortly. It's a pleasure to meet you." He said formally all the while holding out his hand. Enishi merely looked away from the man before him in an ultraly bored manner, causing Soujirou to quickly lower his extended hand. Gosh! This guy's so rude!

"Well, I'll go and wait inside then." Without waiting for reply, Enishi stuffed his hands into his side pockets and strolled airily into the restaurant leaving Soujirou to stared blankly after him.

Shrugging the young manager turned around and faces the buzzing street once more. The manager's heart leapt as soon as he caught sight of a red sport car zooming in his direction. Waiting until that car swerved up at the curve and the sound of the engine die before hurrying towards the driver, who just emerge from the car.

"Kenshin !!" Soujirou screeched and started to drag the still confused idol by the arm into a very crowded restaurant.

"Wait Souji-what's the hurry??" Kenshin asked yanking his arm back from Soujirou's clutch. In a flash Soujirou managed to pull his idol by the arm again. "Well, that guy's here, He's waiting for you."

That answered his question so he let his manager dragged him as he let his eyes survey the surrounding of the restaurant. Then his eyes rested on a familiar man. He narrowed his beautiful eyes wondering What is he doing here.

To his utter amazement Soujirou pulled him straight into the direction of that man. Then it dawned on him, ofcourse how could he be that thick. They stopped at a small circular table right at the very end of the restaurant. The young man that was seated at the table merely look boringly up at them from the menu he was reading. Not bothering to stand up he smiles or rather smirk at the newcomers.

"Yukishiro san, This is –"Soujirou spoke up all the while gesturing to Kenshin who was standing next to him.

" Late as usual Himura." The young man snickered cutting off Soujirou very rudely. Soujirou turned swiftly to Kenshin who now look as if he would very much like it if he could kill the young man infront of him.

"Enishi.." Kenshin breathe dangerously making Soujirou shudder slightly. No, don't panic. the young manager mentally commanded himself.

Pasting a smile onto his face he continued as if everything is going just the way he wanted.

" Oh! I didn't know you two were acquainted."

Enishi snicker again lightly at Soujirou's statement.. "Why...yes we're soooo close we're almost a family isn't it, Himura?"

" I see..." replied Soujirou nodding slightly but telling from the way that Kenshin was looking daggers at the younger man Soujirou was not so sure if he could really rely on that pieace of information or not..

"Well sit down, so we can finally start." Enishi said gesturing to the vacant seats.

Soujirou sat down politely while Kenshin more or less just threw himself carelessly onto the seat.

"Alright, Yukishiro san this is Himura san's profile." The manager handed Enishi the folder containing all the informations about Kenshin's work. Enishi took it and to Soujirou's utter surprise just threw it down on the table without the least interest. Instead he continued to grin annoyingly and blabbed on.

"What do you want?!" asked Kenshin, hatred laced in his every word.

"Now, now I'd thought you'd be abit more polite now that you're what is it again? Oh yes a singer. "

It was pretty hard what Enishi had meant by that but it obviously make Soujirou very uneasy.

"I think we should get down to business, Yukishiro san." Soujirou said politely.

Enishi slowly turns to look at the manager in an extremely bored expression.

"Oh yea.. the business I almost forgot." He drawled annoyingly and drew himself up into what looked like his professional manner. "Right! I will go straight to the point then, you see I have a lot of matters to attend to which are all much more important than just talking here with you." He smirked before continuing,"I'd rather be doing some other stuff but ofcourse...I couldn't help it, no one else is available or should I say no one wants to come---"

"Just get to the point Enishi, obviously you think I'd enjoy talking to you?" Kenshin replied in a matching drawl.

Obviously he had cooled down and decided that the best way to frustrate Enishi is to seem unaffected with everything that the guy had thrown at him.

Indeed Enishi seemed unhappy with the way Kenshin is now talking. He would loved to have the older man screamed at him that would have meant what he said have sunken into the older man.

But to see Kenshin like this, talking to him like it's just an everyday conversation on a very boring issue, it starts to make him angry.

"Fine." He snapped for the first time in their little conversation.

"Like I said, I'll go straight to the point. Our company wants you to star in a TV serie we're making.

Three months, shooting the film and you'll get twice the money you earned from your previous album. It's a huge amount of money. You should think about it carefully. But If I were you I wouldn't say no to such a generous offer like this. So what do you say?"

"I trust Mr. Manager, would agree that it is indeed a very generous deal." He smirked and gaze at the young manager.

Soujirou's eyes widen at what Enishi had said, twice of what Kenshin had earned from his previous album. It's definitely a very large sum of money. But then he couldn't help thinking that there must be something behind all this. No company in their right mind would willingly pay that high just to get someone to star in a TV serie even if that person is... Kenshin. Involuntarily he turns to Kenshin. To his amazement the redhead seemed so relaxed as if all this was just some kind of a childish joke. Soujirou saw his friend's eyes flashed up for a second before he heard the confident voice of Kenshin pierce into the air of the restaurant.

"Well Enishi it is definitely a very generous offer you've got there." He paused for a moment to watch the triumphant look on Enishi's face and carry on.

"But..I'm soo sorry I had to decline that generous offer for I had a lot more work to do which are all more important than starring in some stupid soap opera." Kenshin drawled repeating what Enishi had said earlier on. He watched as Enishi's face contorted into a hideous expression. And felt even more content when the guy stood up towering over both himself and Soujirou.

"You decline? I see you're still as stupid as you are before." the young man bellowed causing the other customers to turn around from their tables.

Kenshin kept quiet and just smile in a satisfied manner, which caused Enishi to fume even more.

"Fine, Himura have it your way. Not that I really want you to take the offer anyway." With that Enishi stormed out of the restaurant without even a backward glance. As soon as he was sure that Enishi had left the place Kenshin's coolness wore off. He looked over to his manager who sat there chuckling lightly.

"Like that Soujirou?" he asked in a not surprised tone.

"Very much. A rather short negotiation isn't it. Great to see that you could wipe the annoying grin off that guy's face." The manager answer bemusedly,"But that was a very large money you just refused."

Kenshin sighed heavily,"I thought you'd know me better, Seta. That conversation is pretty long already for someone like..Enishi."

"Well, I think I do, why do you think I'm still sitting here and not murdering you for declining that offer?"

then added, "Oh I didn't know you knew that Yukishiro guy."

Kenshin scoffed and look away from his manager. "I used to go out with his sister."

That caused Soujirou's eyes to widen. "You used to go out with....oh well who cares. All I know is I hate that guy's face. "

Kenshin chuckle at his friend's statement. "Typical."

Smiling lightly he picked up the discarded menu,"So let's have some lunch I'm really hungry." Not waiting for his manager the idol start flipping through the pretty thick menu. Deeply Kenshin felt very disturbed, although he's not sure why but, he felt that this is just the beginnning of a very large problem. Pushing the uneasiness away he focused on the menu infront of him and look forward to meeting Kaoru that afternoon.

Enishi stormed into his office. He didn't expect that arrogant Himura to accept but what angers him is the way the jerk had talked to him. For a moment he wondered what would happen if he had mentioned the idea belonging to his sister. Maybe if he had really mentioned Tomoe's name..he might be seeing something fun. Enishi knew about everything that had happened between his sister and Kenshin.

Who cares. There are loads of people who will definitely jump for that offer.

A signal on his telephone set blinked, indicating an incoming call. He sighed and walked out of his office completely ignoring the call.

Enishi paused at a closed office door at the very top level of the building. He hesitated before knocking. Without waiting for any reply he threw open the door and stepped into the brightly lit office.

A very charming lady of around mid-twenty, sat behind a large table, giving order to another woman who stood calmly listening. Upon his entrance both women looked over at him. He waved impatiently at the standing woman, causing her to quickly retreat from the room. Enishi took afew more steps closer to the table. He smiles mildly at the older woman.

"You look tired." He said his eyes sparkling with concern.

The woman stared back, and heaving a sigh she let down her hair that had been tied up into a neat bun.

"There's no time to be tire now." She said calmly. She wipes her forehead with the back of her hand as if to wipe away all the troubles.

"So how did it go?" She asked eyeing the young man hopefully.

Enishi avoided his sister's gaze and walked over to the far side of the room. He stopped at a counter.

Touching the knick-knacks lightly, he replied without facing his sister. " He said...No." He spun around in time to see his sister's head drooped forward in total surrender. Quickly he continues hoping to cheer his sister up abit."But it'll be okay. I've already told me secretary to contact afew other professional actors, who I'm sure will be interested. There'll be no problem."

Tomoe stood up abruptly. Her face flushed slightly in anger. She stared straight into her brother's eyes. "Yon don't get it do you, Enishi! We need his help! Only him. There can be no replacement. It's either we have his help," she continued her voice faltering, "Or it's the end of this company." Enishi was taken aback at his sister's on the verge of tears status. It was very rare that Tomoe would be yelling but even rarer to be all teary about something. "For once, I thought you'd be able to talk to him nicely." She carried on. Enishi stood his ground and spoke back,"I don't see why we need his help that desperately Tomoe. Infact I don't' see why we need him at all. All we need is a professional actor who would bring our program's rating up. That's all we need to keep this company safe.

"I don't want another actor, Enishi! It's Kenshin or none at all. And that's final! Tomoe replied now her voice raised shrilly.

But Enishi's not going to give up anytime soon. "You want to know what he said to me? He said his time is more precious to be wasted on some stupid soap drama." Enishi snapped

Tomoe braced herself and spoke back trying her best to stay calm. "You got on his nerves, didn't you."

She watched as her brother stood in silence turning away from her.

"I didn't." He answered shortly.

"I don't believe you." She whispered lightly making her way towards him. She stopped infront of him and gazed deeply into her brother's eyes regretfully." I should've talk to him myself in the first place."

Enishi's eyes glinted dangerously." You don't trust me?!" he said his voice rose slightly.

"No, it's just that I should've talk to him myself, because I knew you don't like him, never did and never will." She ranted on tiredly.

"Oh! Great! Now you're lecturing me about my social status with Himura again!"

"Enishi, I was just saying--." She snapped back "Don't' use that tone with me Enishi."

She watched as the young man started pacing the room furiously.

"Now you're snapping at me about that jerk, Himura. You never have any problem when I talk about other people. But when it comes to Mr. Precious Himura..Do you realise that you always take his side?!! That's why I hated him!"

Tomoe was stunned at her brother's emotional outbreak. Calmly she put up a hand tiredly. "Please, Enishi, don't start this—"

She looked at the young man who stared hotly at the wall an irritated expression written all over his young face. "Fine! If you want him, you'll have him!" he said not looking at his sister. With that Enishi stomped towards the door. "Wait. Promise you won't do anything rash." He heard his sister's voice from behind him. He chose to stay quiet and walk out of the office. Enishi stormed back into his own office muttering strings of swear words under his breath. He shouted for his secretary who hurriedly ran into the office after him.

"Yes, sir?" she panted slightly out of breath.

"Listen, I want someone to gather every information, I repeat every little detail about everyone Himura is close to. His friends, relatives, anyone he knew! I want it immediately! Go!

The secretary took down his order fervently. But stopped at the last sentence.

"You mean every single person he knew, sir?"

He looked up at her hotly. If looks could kill the young secretary would be well dead.

"EVERY SINGLE PERSON-IN DETAIL!! He shouted causing the young woman to shudder in terror and back away out of the room as fast as her legs could carry her.

"You just wait, Himura." Enishi hissed dangerously into the emptiness of his office.

Kaoru trodded out of her school's front gate, humming a tune happily to herself. It was the last day of school and she couldn't wait to spend the upcoming summer with her friend (coughs, Kenshin).

Half-heartedly she felt a slight pang in her heart, because when the summer's over she wouldn't be coming back to this school. Knowing that she'll still have both Sanosuke and Megumi with her at the college but Kaoru also knew that it would be dreadfully quiet without Misao around. Kaoru was about to round the corner to where she hoped Kenshin would be waiting for her. Afew days back Kenshin had attempted another trip into her school ground, but as soon as he had gotten out of the car he was immediately swarmed by a very large group of teenage fans. So to avoid any unwanted attention and crowd they had made an agreement. If Kenshin's free he'll come and park his car around the corner waiting for her. But as Kaoru was approaching the corner she heard a familiar voice calling her back. Kaoru turned swiftly to find her best friend's boyfriend standing afew metres away.

"Kaoru can I have a word?" Aoshi asked uncertainly.

She returned his question with a bright smile. "Sure, why not."

Aoshi walked up closer to the girl, and look around to check that nobody's in the hearing range.

"I know this might sound strange, but..." He drew out a breath. And for afew second Kaoru felt a very awkward sensation overcomes her.

"Aoshi?" she asked anxiously.

As if reaching his decision the older guy gave a light sigh, "Kaoru..stay away from Himura."

That caused Kaoru to back away involuntarily. "Why??" she grasped staring straight into Aoshi's icy-blue eyes. Aoshi looked straight back at her, his eyes full of regrets. "It's a very complicated matter Kaoru. Just keep away from him alright? I don't want to see you being dragged into all the trouble."

What is he talking about? Trouble? What trouble? Kaoru gazed back in confusion "What do you mean? He's your friend..and you're saying as if Kenshin's dangerous." She whisper, her voice shaking slightly.

Aoshi ran a hand through his hair and look away from the young girl. "He's a very good guy, Kaoru, very good indeed. Even better than me. But being involved with him can be very dangerous. You're Misao's best friend and you're like a sister to me. So...the last thing I want to see is you being hurt."

Kaoru took another step back; she didn't like the way Aoshi is talking. As if she couldn't take care of herself. She hated it when people think she doesn't have a brain of her own.

"Well, thanks. Um look..er –I've got to go." And off she sprinted around the corner not waiting to be stopped by Aoshi.

And obviously as soon as she rounded the corner, her eyes fell on the red sport car and the idol who was leaning casually against his beloved car. He still hadn't noticed her so Kaoru took the chance to study him. He looked ever so hot with his flaming red hair glistening brilliantly in the summer sun. Then he turned to meet her gaze. His handsome face broke into a bright smile. A smile Kaoru knew came straight from his heart. She smiles back at him and ran straight to him. I don't care what Aoshi have to say. I'm sure it's not true. Although they have met each other in the period of no longer than a month. But gone were the days where Kenshin uses his 'idol exterior ' with her. He grew warmer to her by every time they met and finally Kaoru knew that all this easygoing personality was the real him. Without further hesitation she shoved Aoshi's warning to the very back of her brain. This summer things are definitely going to change. Unbeknownst to her a pair of predatory eyes watch her from afar. Eyes that would really change her summer and her life as well.

To start off their summer break, Sanosuke decided that a day out at a park would get all his friends into what he called the 'Spirit of Summer'. So off the gang went to spend the day at a nearby park. The sun was out and shining brightly proclaiming a true atmosphere for picnicing. Kaoru sat on their blue-stripe picnic blanket, looking at the other groups of teenagers obviously enjoying themselves. It was really a wonderful day, yet some people are still bickering as usual.

"Sano, I really have no idea how you have the guts to come out in that!" screeched Misao pointing at

her friend who sat cross-legged and was trying various types of cookies that Megumi had brought along with her. Sano, who thought it would be a good idea to show summer spirits was wearing what he proudly announced as his summer attire. Much to Misao's disgust that is. For he was wearing a bright fluorescent green shirt with three wide slashed on either side. Creating an effect as if he had been recently clawed almost to a lifeless state by some vicious monster. And to match off his shirt he had on a (very) bright yellow shorts. He shrugged at Misao's comment, as if nothing could make him feel out of place in his stunning outfit

"This is call summer fashion, weasel girl." He said proudly pointing to himself.

Popping another strawberry into her mouth Misao scoffed back." Sure, but Sano, make sure you stay away from me. I don't want anyone to know that I, Makimachi Misao, have a friend with the worst fashion sense ever! She said wrinkling her nose in pure distaste.

Sano on the other hand act as if he didn't hear the young girl's shrewd comment. Instead he plopped

down onto his girlfriend's lap. Megumi giggled at his action and bend down her head making their forehead touched.

"I hate your shirt, but I still like you, rooster head."She cooed sweetly into her boyfriend's ear, making Sano blushed peony red. He in return drew her closer and kissed her tenderly.

Misao looked that the two mushy couple infront of her and scoffed iritatedly. "OH! Pleeeassse! Would you two mind?! It's open-space, public area.." she screeched waving her arms wildly.

Kaoru knew that Misao was in a horrible mood due to the fact that Aoshi had been very busy lately and hardly have anytime for the young girl. And according to Misao, he had left for a business trip without even telling her.

Kaoru let her mind drift to..(um I think you all know who..) unaware that a little debate had started between her two friends, until Sano's voice penetrated her thoughts.

"Watch it, weasel girl. Kenshin's not here as well, but Kaoru's not even half as grumpy as you are!"

At that moment Kaoru heard her cell phone ringing from somewhere in the bagpack. Hurriedly she groped around into her bag and after what seemed like eternity, she finally withdrew the tiny phone. While she was doing all this Sanosuke and Misao seemed to be very deep into their argument to notice anything else. (And Megumi had decided to go find get something from the car.) Kaoru ignored her bickering friends and peered at the ringer's ID. A smile flashed onto her face. Quickly she presses the answer button.

From beside her she heard Sano's triumphant voice,"See?! She's even smiling."

And to her surprise Misao just stood up abruptly and shouted back. "Fine! This is no Fun! I'm going home now!" then stalked off, leaving Sanosuke to gape after her.

"Hello...um Heeelloo, miss Kaoru are you There?" a voice seeped from her cell phone.

Realizing that she haven't reply yet Kaoru quickly answered, "Yess..Sorry I didn't hear you just now."

"Oh,okay.."Replied Kenshin sounding very relieved to hear her reply.

"Where are you?" He asked causing Kaoru to smile contently.

"Hmm..at the park with..someone." she answered hoping to get him to ask whom it is she's with.

Then she'll tell him that she's with this very cute guy and make him jealous.(If it's possible)

"Oh. So you're with Sano." He said as a matter of factly, shattering Kaoru's little evil plan to pieces.

"How did you know?" she asked back full of surprise.

Kaoru could hear Kenshin chuckling from the other side of the line." I think I could hear Sano's voice pretty clearly from here." He said grinning wickedly, "And...what kind of a shirt is it, that he's wearing?"

""What?! How could you....?" Kaoru turned to look around and to her amazement saw Kenshin leaning against a tree some twenty feet away from where she sat. He was waving lightly at her a wide mischievously grin on his face. I thought he said he's busy today...how could he be here....Wait I hope he didn't....

A/N: Hehehe! Another long chapter isn't it. I hope you liked it. And as always. Review Please!!!!