Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin and its characters.
A/N: Hello everyone! It's been awhile since my last update. It had been quite a hectic month thanks to all my teachers who decided to load me with all the homework. Anyways..Thank you all so much for the Reviews. I really appreciate them. Ofcourse the credit of having this chapter posted today goes to you all my readers and reviewers. And that goes to you too Howard, for all your editing. Thank you all once again. As for the story format will be the same as the previous chapters.
"SPEECH" & -THOUGHTS-
Well that's pretty much it. So on wit the story! Enjoy!!
Chapter 14
Couple Crisis
Kaoru stared at the guy infront of her. She was very sure she had never met this person before but something in him is just…disturbingly familiar.
"Hello.." she said uncertainly as she eyed him intently. She could have sworn, she have seen that pair of creepy light blue eyes somewhere before.
The guy returned her with a smirk. making Kaoru feel very uncomfortable. "It's been long isn't it….I see, you can't remember me."
Kaoru's brows furrowed up. "Who are you?" she asks still keeping her eyes fixed on his smirking face.
Enishi scoffed at her. "Yukishiro Enishi. You want to stand here all day??" He drawled boringly.
Kaoru had no choice but to step aside and let him venture into her apartment.
Enishi stepped in and took one sweeping look at the apartment. When he turned to meet her, his eyes twinkling in satisfaction.
"You're Tomoe's brother?" Kaoru asked folding her arms across her chest. She didn't like this guy. Something in his attitude just disturbed her.
Enishi on the other hand had made himself entirely relax and had sat down on the sofa. "Nice place, you got here." He smirked glancing at her. "But isn't it abit too small for Kamiya Kaoru??"
Kaoru narrowed her eyes at the smirking guy. "What do you mean?"
"Ah! That…well. I know who you are."
"I don't understand, what you're talking about." The young girl replied confusedly.
Enishi stared at her, his eyes still twinkling. "Oh! Still couldn't remember? The daughter of the former President of Kamiya Corp. proves to have short memories huh?"
Kaoru froze at the mention of her father. She stared in confuse at the guy that now lounge on her sofa.
Enishi stood up and point a finger to his head. "Think. Does my name ring any bell?"
Kaoru tense up immediately. She had to gasp at the recognition. How could she be so dense and had completely forgotten?
Flashback
"Kaoru…Kaoru, hurry up sweety. We don't want to keep aunt Toki waiting do we?"
"Yesss, mother." The six years old replied as she rushed down the front step of a large mansion.
A chauffeur held the door of the large car for the two ladies. The young girl slid in after her mother into the backseat of the car.
"My little daughter look very cheerful today." Chitose stroke her daughter's silky lock affectionately.
Kaoru nodded. "When will daddy be back, mother?" The little girl asks hugging her teddy bear close.
"As soon as his work is done, sweety." Her mother replied a light smile playing on her full lips.
Kaoru giggled. "Daddy promised that when he's back, he'll take me to the beach!"
Chitose had to laugh "Does he now?"
"Mother? Aunt Toki's your best friend right?" Kaoru ask her large blue eyes sparkling with interest.
"Yes, sweety. She's my best friend."
Kaoru knitted her brows together. "Does her house have any girl my age?"
Chitose had to laugh again. "Yes deary, Aunt Toki had a little girl that is afew years older than you and there's also a young boy too."
"Really??!! That's so good! I'll show them my teddy!" Kaoru said hugging her little teddy close to her.
"I'm sure they'll be glad to know teddy."
The car drove into the driveway of a large house situated in the middle of a well cared for garden. Kaoru followed her mother into the house.
One of the maids showed them to the front of a room. "Mrs. Yukishiro is waiting inside, maam."
Kaoru hold onto her mother's hand.
"Chitose? Come on in." Came a soft voice from the other side of the door.
Her mother pushed the door open. And Kaoru found herself in a bedroom lined with alot of paintings. A woman sat up on the large bed with a warm smile on her face.
"Toki, How are you doing?" Chitose ask walking closer to the woman.
"Better. The doctor finally let me out of the hospital….Ahh this must be Kaoru." Toki said flashing the young girl with a heart-warming smile.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Yukishiro." Kaoru said shyly still holding tightly onto her mother's hand.
"Nice to meet you too young lady. Make yourself at home. I believe Enishi is around here somewhere."
At that moment a thundering footstep was heard follow by the banging open of the door. "Mother! Tomoe said she won't let me go to her friend's birthday party with her!" A young boy prance into the room and jumped onto his mother's bed unaware of the two strangers.
"Enishi! Where are your manners?" His mother scolded.
"Lying around somewhere." He answered stubbornly.
"Seriously, Enishi!" His mother repeated making the boy turn around to meet his mother's guests.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Yukishiro Enishi." He said expertly standing up straight.
Chitose smiled broadly at the young boy. "A pleasure to meet you young man..This is my daughter Kaoru."
"Hi!" he said looking the young girl up and down causing her to hold her mother's hand tighter.
"Let's go play!" The young boy said mischievously.
Kaoru look at her mother to see her nodding back.
"Okay.." She said meekly and then all she knew was being dragged away by Enishi.
End flashback.
Kaoru stared unbelievingly at the guy still sitting on her sofa. "You…What do you want from me?"
"I want nothing more than what had been promised." Enishi replied slyly.
"You had everything. My old house, my mom's dojo. My father's company!" Kaoru rasped her eyes narrowing. "What more do you want?!"
Enishi shook his head. "Those had been rightfully sold to my mother after your father died. I didn't just take it. Need I remind you, if it wasn't for my mother, you wouldn't even have the money to rent this apartment or go to a school after your parents died."
Kaoru blushed from the shame. "I'm grateful for what aunt Toki did for me and my mother." She replied quietly "May she rest in peace."
Enishi scoffed. "My mother wouldn't rest in peace as long as one other promise goes unfulfilled."
"And what's that?" Kaoru shot back hotly. She hated this guy. He's a complete lunatic. How could she forget? His mother was her mom's best friend. She had spent a lot of time at his house. Enough to know how he is. Back then she had hardly met Tomoe. The older girl had been away most of the time, either at her boarding school or at her friend's.
Enishi stood up and walk closer to the young girl causing her to back away involuntarily.
"You might not know. But our mother had made this arrangement."
Kaoru was starting to get jumpy for some reason. "And what's that?"
"Our engagement." He answered shortly a wicked grin on his face.
"No Way!" Kaoru shouted in alarm. "My mother would never make such a ridiculous promise."
Enishi just smile eerily back. "It's not a promise, Kaoru…it had already been arranged. You're just too young to remember. And before they could put it to order..well..we both know what happen."
"No..It couldn't be." Kaoru breathe in horror.
"Yes, it's true and there's nothing you can do to change that, my Kaoru." Enishi cooed sweetly as he reach out to her.
Kaoru batted his hand away furiously. "Get away from me, I refuse to accept that stupid arrangement. I never am and never will be your fiancee."
Enishi kept smiling slyly. "Why not? You had all the benefits …you get your house back, your mother's dojo and ofcourse your father's company plus half of my properties."
Kaoru was beyond angry. "If getting those things back meant I'll have to marry you then I don't want any of it! And I will never marry you too! So dream on Enishi."
Enishi acted offended. He clasped his hands to his chest and pouted childishly. "Oh really?? Oh my..am I disappointed? Fine, have it your way Kaoru…oh yes..I forgot, you're going out with Himura."
Kaoru's eyes widened at the guy as he continued.
"He's having a concert next week isn't it? Hmm..Kaoru did you know that a tragic accident can happen any time during a concert."
The young girl paled visibly at those words. "Y-you won't! You can't!!"
"Like I said Kaoru. Anything can happen during a concert." He smiled dangerously.
"You're crazy! I'll tell your sister." She shouted in the heat of the moment.
Enishi's playfulness vanished instantly at the mention of his sister. He step up to the young girl and flung her into the wall harshly, then he advance on her. Putting his hands on either side of her head blocking her escape ways.
Kaoru winced from the pain. She stared into his murderous eyes and felt herself shudder involuntarily. Enishi lean in and whisper deadly into her ears. "If our little conversation today gets into the ear of my sister or any other people..Himura would be dead before you could even count one to three. And trust me, Kaoru, I can and will do it without any hesitation."
He pecked her on the cheek and move away towards the apartment's door. "I'm giving you a day or two decide. I'm sure you will choose wisely. And remember if you tell anyone." He points a finger to his temple and mutter 'bang'. He smirked at her again as he glided silently out the door.
Kaoru slid down onto the floor. She shuddered in fear, she knew Enishi up to some extent to know that he was clearly insane. She didn't fear for herself but for Kenshin. She had to make her decision fast. If she tells anyone, Kenshin would be dead. Kenshin might be very skilled but he had no chance against Enishi when he didn't know what was coming. Kaoru felt hot tears brimming her eyes. "Mother…what am I suppose to do?" She whispers desperately to the emptiness of her apartment.
-""-
Kenshin stood on his balcony looking over the city. He smiled happily to himself. Everything seems to fall into place easier than he had expected. Next week after his concert, he had a little surprise planned out for Kaoru. He sighed contently.
"Oi Kenshin! Are you home?!" Sano's voice drifted over to him.
Kenshin heaved a sigh. "On the balcony." He shouted back to his friend.
A second later Sano walked out to join his friend. "Good day isn't. Nice weather."
Kenshin chuckled. "What is it Sano?"
Sanosuke grinned sheepishly. "I promised Megumi to pick her up but my car..er it had some technical problem that hehehe..I couldn't seem to fix..soo…"
The red headed idol sighed. "..So you want to borrow my car?"
Sano retuned him with a nod and a tiny wink.
Kenshin shook his head and let out a sigh. "..Only until four o' clock alright?"
"Thanks! You'll always be my number one friend!" Sano jumped in relieve. Who know what will happen if he didn't show up on time. For all he knew he wouldn't want to spend any more time sitting in the rain for Megumi's sympathy.
"The key's on the counter."
"Alright.." Sano replied shortly as he padded away.
Then something flash through Kenshin's mind. He dashed off after his friend. But he was too late. Sano had already reached the counter and had found the tiny velvet box that Kenshin had placed there earlier.
"What's this?" The spike-haired asked curiously as he picked the tiny box up.
"Sano put that down!" Kenshin cried rushing forward. But the younger guy had already opened the box. At the sight of what was inside a wide smile played across his feature. "Oohhh!!! Kenshin….This is just!"
Kenshin rolled his eyes a tiny blush creeping up onto to his cheek. "Just don't' tell anyone alright?"
Sano grinned and did a zipping action at his mouth. "Well I better get going!" He said placing the box carefully back onto the counter.
"Oh by the way..Kenshin your front door's not lock."
"You lock it for me will you."
Sano winked. "Sure!"
"And be back at four alright?!" He shouted at his departing friend.
Kenshin sighed at the sound of his front door slam shut.
The idol made his way into the kitchen, he reach out for his favorite mug. As he reached it his hand accidentally knock it off the shelf shattering it into pieces. Cursing lightly Kenshin bend down to clear up the fragments. A sharp piece cut into his finger drawing blood. Kenshin wince and stare down at the blood dripping from the cut. He had never believed in omen but at that moment he felt deep inside him that something bad is going to happen soon. His thought jumped instantly to his blue-eyed angel. He hadn't seen her for a while now. With his tight schedule, the last time he had seen her was about last week. He decided to call her up to make sure she was okay and for his own peace of mind. He drew out his cell phone and quickly dials her number, completely ignoring the cut on his finger. He waited patiently for her to answer but she didn't his brows furrowed up involuntarily.
Kenshin pulled his phone away from his ears irritated and dial her number again. Once again no one answered. He stood up and glided briskly into the living room and grab a piece of tissue and dab at the cut. Quickly he grab his purse and was about to rush out the door when his phone buzz alerting him. Instantly he press answer without looking at the ID ringer. "Miss Kaoru?" he asked quickly
"Sorry Kenshin. I'm not Miss Kaoru." Came Soujirou's voice on the other side of the line.
"Oh! What is it Souji?" Kenshin drawled back unable to keep the annoyance out of his voice.
"They move the meeting up for two hours. Which is in about twenty minutes." Soujirou said hurriedly over the phone.
"What?! Look I just let a friend borrow my car. I wouldn't be able to make it." Kenshin replied running a hand through his hair.
"No problem. I'm right infront of your apartment building."
"Fine I'll be right down." He said as he disconnected the call. Once again his thoughts change to Kaoru. –Don't think too much, Kenshin. It's just the work pressure. She'll be fine. There won't be a problem.- He assured himself as he walk out of his apartment.
-""-
Misao sat at Aoshi's office table looking at various papers that were strewn about. A knock was heard at the door causing Misao to sit up straight. She put on her professional expression and cleared her throat. "Come in."
An awkward looking messenger stepped in. "Er..Shinomori san's not here?"
Misao rolled her eyes. –And did he see any Aoshi in here?- Biting down her tongue so that she wouldn't say what she got on her mind, she put on a light smile. "No. Shinomori san went out just afew minutes ago."
"Oh!" the messenger looked fidgety.
Misao stood up and walk towards the messenger. "This there something? You can leave it with me."
"There's a note for Shinomori san." He said withdrawing the note from his pocket. "But I was ordered to hand this only to shinomori san."
Misao was starting to get slightly annoyed with this guy. "It's okay. I'll give it to him later."
"Er..it's okay. I'll come back later." He said pivoting for the door. But Misao blocked his way with her hands on her hip. "I said I'll give it to him later. You can leave it with me. Or is it that you don't trust me?" She asked looking annoyed.
"N-No Miss. Makimachi it's not like that." He quickly refused. Eventhough he was just a messenger he knew full well that this young girl is his boss's girlfriend. And obviously annoying her would not be a very good idea. He might get fired if she complains about his attitude. So he had no choice but to hand over the note.
"Thank you." Misao said smiling mildly. "You may leave."
The guy walks away nervously. Well if his boss asks, he'll just say that Miss Makimachi took it. Sighing he walk slowly down the hallway.
Misao went back to sit behind Aoshi's table. She takes a look at note in her hand. It said 'Target found at K apartment.'
-What does that suppose to mean? Some kind of a joke?- Shaking her head she crumble the note and threw it into the trashcan. –Aoshi already had so much work. I couldn't have this joke bother him.- She thought making up her mind.
-""-
Aoshi stepped out of his car and walk up the front door of a large mansion. He rang the bell and stood back to wait. An elderly butler answered the door and bow slightly to him. "Master is expecting you, Shinomori san."
The elderly man showed Aoshi into a tiny library. "Master will be with you shortly." He nodded and takes a look around. He hadn't been in this house for many years already. The last time was when he had to do a group research with Kenshin for a class at school.
"Long time no see, Shinomori." A voice causes him to spun around.
He nodded curtly to his friend's uncle. "How are you, sir?" He asked politely
"Abit disappointed to be honest. Want a cup of sake?" Hiko ask walking in closer.
"I don't drink..during the day." He replied neutrally.
Hiko shrugged. "Fine. Now let me guess why you're here…." He said as he sat down onto one of the velvety armchair. "…sit." He said indicating another chair for his guest. "…You came because you're concern about my stupid nephew isn't it?" He continued as he pours himself a cup of sake.
"In a way." Aoshi replied shortly.
"I see. So it's more to do with Yukishiro?"
The young businessman nodded curtly.
Hiko raised an eyebrow. "You don't trust Yukishiro Enishi." The older man concluded.
"Afraid that he would drag innocent people into his game of revenge against my stupid nephew?"
Once again Aoshi nodded.
Hiko chuckle lightly. "My stupid nephew did not seem to be interested in his own problem..I don't see why you should be so concern."
"I've had afew people trailing Enishi and he's definitely up to something. I'm sure it's not going to be something good." Aoshi muttered darkly.
"I know. I have afew people following that kid too." Hiko replied nonchalantly as he sipped his sake.
Aoshi's eyes widened in surprise. He knew Hiko was something close to a mafia, but he didn't expect the guy to keep track of his nephew's problem that closely. After all the guy had made it clear that he didn't care about his nephew. But this proves it all wrong.
"So you mean..if anything really happen you'll…" Aoshi's sentence was cut short by Hiko's bark like laugh. "No, no, no! If you expected that I will help him. No way! My idiot nephew will have to help himself."
"But…" Aoshi started only to be stopped by Hiko once again.
"I just want to be posted on what he's up to. After all he's going to be the one to run my business when I retire. If he can't even take care of his personal affair by himself, there would be no hope for him to run my businesses."
Aoshi stared blankly at the older guy, unsure of what to say.
Hiko sighed and stood up indicating the end of their conversation. "Well if that's all. I better get back to work." He patted Aoshi's shoulder lightly and walk airily away.
Aoshi stood up as the same butler bow, holding the library's door open for him.
He walks down to his car deep in thought. Meeting with Hiko had confirmed one thing. Enishi is really up to something and it's not going to be something nice. He didn't know why he had to be all concerned. It's not like Kenshin's his best friend or anything. Shaking his head he got into the car.
"Where to, sir?" Asked his driver.
"Back to the office." He replied shortly and sat back as the car drove out of the driveway.
A/N: Well that's it for this chapter. What do you think? Do let me know, leave some comment alright? In other words Please Review!! See you all again soon.
