A/N: Wow! So I haven't fallen off the face of the earth after all? lol My only excuse for taking so long in getting this chapter out is that the past Christmas and winter have been one of the worst times I have had in a long, long time. Between family stress, being horribly sick and having house guests for a little over a week, I had somewhat of a melt down. Needless to say it didn't leave me with a lot of energy to put into anything but getting thru my daily existence. It's getting better, slowly, but surely.
So onward with Chapter Six… I will give fair warning… the chapter ends with a bit of a lemoney/lime scene. If you aren't comfortable with such, don't read it.
Chapter Six:
Kaoru stared out the window of her office, marveling at how routine her life had become over the past few weeks. Sano would drive her to work, where she would deal with the crisises and trials of running her father's company. He would drive her back to Kenshin's apartment where she would spend most nights alone or occasionally with Misao. The threat to her life seemed distant and unreal. A knock on the door broke her from her thoughts and she looked up to see Sano standing in the doorframe. A quick glance at her clock reminded her she was late yet again.
"I'm sorry Sano," She apologized as she stood up. "I'm day dreaming again, and on a Friday afternoon."
The tall ex-street punk shrugged. "It's okay. You've got a lot going on."
Kaoru laughed a little at that. "I do, but I don't."
He raised one eyebrow in question.
"Well, I was just thinking how I'm either here or at Kenshin's penthouse. That's it. No going out to the mall, no going to the movies. Our last trip was to the park a over two weeks ago. I'm starting to go stir crazy." The intensity in her voice made her pause.
Sano walked across the room. "Is that why you've been so moody lately?"
The sly smile he gave her took away any sting his words might have had and she couldn't help but laugh.
"I think so." She dropped back down into the chair with a sigh. "It's not that I'm ungrateful for what everyone's doing, but I'm going bonkers just sitting there night after night. He's been a perfect gentleman and you've been super to drive me back and forth. But, I miss my Miata. I miss going to the movies on a whim and I haven't been to the dojo in weeks!"
"I can't imagine what it would be like to be so cooped up like that. I think it would drive me bonkers as well. Hmmm. We will have to do something about this."
"Like what?" She asked, bitterness coating her voice. "The last time I asked if I could go to the mall, he gave me a fifteen minute lecture why it wasn't safe for me to be out alone."
"Well, I have to agree with him on that one, but I think one ex-street punk would be able to handle any threat to you." Sano said, giving her his best gangster look and cracking his knuckles menacingly.
Kaoru giggled. Yet inside she knew Kenshin would trust no one but himself to protect her, but then again… maybe Sano plus Misao would be enough. She felt the laughter drain from her eyes. This would not be easy to ask.
"Uh-oh, you have that look on your face." He said, torn between laughter and suspicion. "What are you up to?"
"Oh, just an idea I thought of." She looked up at him. "This is a lot to ask of you Sano, but would you be willing to go out with both myself and Misao?"
He fell silent. The echo of a pain that would never heal flashed in his eyes. "She's the vampire, isn't she?"
Kaoru nodded. "I wouldn't ask you, but I have to get out. I'm dying to go dancing or to the movies or something. He never wants to do any of those things, but I think if it was you and Misao going with me he might say okay."
"I don't know, Kaoru." There was a huge difference between knowing Kenshin
associated with vampires and having to do so himself. He wasn't sure he'd be able to look at this Misao and not see his sister's death. "Let me think about it."
She touched his arm. "Thank you. I wouldn't ask, except I'm desperate."
He gave her a wry smile. "That's what I figured. Now if you don't mind I'd rather not spend the night at the office."
"Of course." She laughed, and handed him her heavy briefcase.
With a running commentary on what it was like to be a pack mule, Sano led the way to the elevator. They stood in quite companionship as the elevator lowered smoothly to the basement level. His roadster was parked in its usual spot and it was just a moment before they were both inside and he was maneuvering through the parking lot. She found herself wishing it was still summer and they could have the top down. His car just wasn't as fun with the top up.
'Hey Sano… would you take my Miata out? It's probably rusting in the parking garage."
He rolled his eyes at the thought of squeezing into her tiny two-seater. "Y'know compared to your car, this is a luxury vehicle, but yea, I'll take it out for you."
"Thanks."
As they pulled up to the huge apartment complex, she reached behind her to grab her purse.
"Are you coming up?"
"No, I'm sorry. I have to get to the gym." He flexed his biceps through his jacket. "Gotta keep this awesome bod in shape you know."
"Oh brother." She groaned. "Well, can you at least grab my briefcase for me?"
He reached back with one arm and yanked her case onto the passenger seat She grabbed it from there and heaved it out onto the sidewalk.
"Ugh. I really need to lighten this thing up. See you Monday?"
"As always." He said with a grin.
Kaoru waved as he drove away and turned to head into the building. It was five-thirty. She would be alone in the penthouse most likely. He had told her before she left that he was meeting with Aoshi tonight. There had been an interesting discovery in her case. +I hope I'll be awake to hear it.+ She thought to herself. Usually when he met with Aoshi, he didn't return until well past one in the morning, leaving her to her own devices. She banged the heel of her hand against her head.
"Stop feeling sorry for yourself Kamiya!" She whispered fiercely
The elevator doors opened with a soft swish and she stepped determinedly into the hallway. As she thought, the penthouse was empty. A quickly written note lay on the table.
Do not wait up. I will be late.
Staring at the note, she could feel the depression lurking, waiting to overwhelm her. She stomped her foot in defiance of it. The note drifted back to the table as she walked to her room to change. She felt better in jeans and a sweater. Even though she enjoyed dressing up, her business suits always felt so restrictive.
"After I eat, I think I'll go over and get my bokken for some practice." She said out into the emptyness of the penthouse.
As she walked to the kitchen, her stomach rumbled in soft complaint.
"I couldn't agree with you more." She laughed.
There were some delicious leftovers in the refrigerator, but they weren't appealing to her at the moment. She wanted pizza. There was one decent pizza joint remotely close by and they delivered. The only problem was the number was back in her own penthouse. Kaoru frowned. He hadn't said she couldn't go back; only that she could not leave the building without him. She paced back and forth, trying to decide. A second, louder, growl of her stomach decided her. It took some searching, but she found her keys in the very bottom of her purse.
Feeling a bit nervous, she stepped out into the hallway. After making sure she'd be able to get back into Kenshin's penthouse, Kaoru walked down the hallway to her own. With no little trepidation, she opened the door and stepped inside. She took a deep breath and smiled. A little stale, but it still smelled like home. Feeling almost like a stranger, she walked aimlessly around reaquainting herself with her own life. There were the souveniers from a trip to Africa with her father and a cheap reproduction of the Statue of Liberty from her last trip to New York City. A picture of her family was gathered up into her arms and hugged tightly. That was coming back with her. She also picked up her bokken. Her sensei would be so angry with her, not for her lack of attendance, but her lack of practice. After all it was a style of fighting her great grandfather had perfected.
Since the majority of her clothes and personal things were already at Kenshin's she didn't bother to go into her bedroom. As she walked toward the kitchen, her eye was drawn without conscious control to the bathroom doorway. She stopped and forced herself to look at it. Chills ran up and down her spine as if the werewolf still lingered within the darkened room. Fear had hidden in the corners of her mind ever since the attack. At odd times during the day she would find herself replaying it over in her mind, and any sudden movement caught in the corner of her eye could send her heart racing Nightmares of that lunging werewolf still haunted her nights. Now, standing in front of the place where her sanctuary, her home had been violated, the fear was hard pressed to be put back in its box.
"Dammit!" She shook her head. "Knock it off! I am stronger than this!"
Laying down the photo and her bokken, Karou squared her shoulders and began walking toward the bathroom. She would face this. She would not let fear rule her life. Fighting down the urge to run, she stepped into the bathroom and stopped. In the darkness she stood, wrestling with the fear. She was safe. There was nothing here that was not supposed to be. She counted to ten slowly, and flicked on the light. As she had been telling her subconscious there was nothing, no one there. She could still feel the fear, but it would not control her.
"Okay, now for the big test." She whispered and reached out to shut the light off again.
With slow steps she turned around, putting her back to the darkened room, and began walking away. The fear crawled between her shoulder blades, trying to convince her there was something behind her, but she refused to listen to it. She would not turn around to look. She knew there was nothing in the bathroom. It was empty. She made herself keep walking towards the kitchen. Taking a deep breath, she leaned against the counter. It felt as though she'd just run a marthon, but she had done it. It was a good feeling. She could conquer the fear that had lurked beneath the surface ever since the attack. To distract herself, she began looking through the kitchen drawers for the pizza joint menu. It took a opening a few drawers before she found it, but with a triumphant squeak she spied it under a map of Tokyo. Grinning in anticipation of a great pizza night, Kaoru picked up her photo and her bokken and began to walk back to Kenshin's penthouse.
The photo and the bokken went into her bedroom. The menu was carried back into the living room and she dropped down on the couch, phone in hand. She placed the order for one small mushroom pizza and a Coke with great relish. It'd been quite some time since she'd last had this particular place's pizza. The thirty minutes was going to crawl by.
Time passed quicker than she expected. An engrossing TV show had helped with that, and before she knew it the phone was ringing.
"Hello?"
"Miss Kamiya, there is a pizza delivery boy here." It was one of the front desk guards. "Did you order it?"
"Yes, I did. You can send him up."
"As you wish."
She hung up the phone and began a frantic search for her purse. Karou was still digging around in her purse when a knock sounded on the door.
"Crap. Be right there!"
She opened the door with one hand and smiled up at the young deliveryman, before looking back down. She took a step back so he could set the pizza down on the hall table.
"Will you take a credit card?" She asked still hunting through her bag. "I can't seem to find any cash."
"I will take payment in your blood!" The voice was not human.
Her head snapped up and Karou found herself staring into raging blue eyes. The handsome deliveryman transformed into her worst nightmare, a snarling vampire. For a moment she was frozen in place, the fear roaring out from the hidden place she had worked so hard to force it into. He stepped forward and instinct took over. She threw her purse at him and spun around, running for the phone. A part of her wondered why she always seemed to be running for the phone in these kinds of circumstances.
He was there before her, face a mask of hatred, teeth shining like white razors in his snarl. His hand whipped out and she felt her head snap backward, pain shattering across her vision like silver stars. She fell to the floor with a thud. Dazed, she tried to scramble to her feet, but an iron grip on her arm stopped her.
"Bitch! You think you can outwit the Mistress, hiring the Slayer to protect you, but he will never save you from her vengeance." The vampire's voice hissed in her ear.
Karou screamed, partly in fear, partly in outrage. She would not be a victim! Driving her foot backward in a sharp kick, she felt the impact with his kneecap as a very satisfying crunch. He howled in pain, dropping her to the floor. She leapt to her feet. He was still between her and the phone, but maybe… The thought cut off as the vampire regained his feet.
"She wants you taken alive, but she didn't say in one piece." He snarled, and lunged.
As he sailed through the air towards her, Karou swung around bokken held with both hands out in front of her. He screamed in rage as he realized it was too late to change his leap and her wooden sword pierced his chest. The impact threw her backward into the wall with a force that drove the breath from her lungs. As they hit his body exploded into ash, drenching her from head to toe. She screamed. It was silky and slimy at the same time and she frantically tried to brush it off. She couldn't get it off. The more she brushed at it the more it clung. She wanted it off. She wanted to be free of it. She would never be safe. She would never be free. Her mind continued to race in circles as her breath came in sobs. She ran for the bathroom. Clothing lay in a long trail as she worked to rid herself of all trace of the vampire.
Uncaring as to how hot the water was she jumped under the pounding water and let it rush over her. She grabbed her scrubbie and loaded it with her favorite body wash. Her mind wasn't working, wasn't moving past the fear. She kept scrubbing her arms, her legs, her body. The tears coursed down her cheeks, the sobs almost drowning out the sound of the water. Slowly she sank to her knees, letting the water course over her as she cried.
He found her there hours later, crouched in the shower, rocking herself back and forth. Karou barely registered the water being turned off or the soft towel enveloping her. The brisk rubbing and clothing only meant that she was no longer wet and shivering. He lifted her into his arms as if she weighed nothing, and carried her into the living room to sit on the couch. He wrapped his arms tightly around her and she curled up against him.
"Karou, what happened?" His voice drew her out from where she hid.
"I just wanted a pizza." She cried softly. "All I wanted was a stupid pizza."
"Did they attack you?" His voice was deadly still.
"It was a vampire." She shuddered and he drew her closer. "He was the stupid pizza delivery guy. How did they know?"
Kenshin was sorely tempted to tell her that's why he had said she must not go out or have anyone besides Sano or Misao come to the penthouse, but he could still feel her shaking.
"You're safe now. " He whispered into her hair. "I won't let them harm you any more."
"I thought I was coming to grips with this." The words began tumbling out. "I mean nothing has had happened in weeks. I was going to work, coming back here, life was very quiet. When I went back to my penthouse, I was afraid, but I dealt really well with it. I was going to start practicing with my bokken. I just want this to be over."
"It will be. It will be." Kenshin leaned his head back to he could look her in the eye. "And you are a strong, brave woman. Even in the midst of your fear, even in the midst of being attack, you still fought back. And, Karou, you won. You defeated a vampire."
He did not add that more than likely they had sent one of the weakest to try to capture her, but the expressions that played across her face were worth the omission.
"I did, didn't I?" She said slowly as it sank in. Yes she had been terrified, but she had kept enough of her wits about her to use her bokken as a substitute wooden stake.
"Now don't go getting cocky on me." He said with an amused smile. "I don't think you're quite up to facing their Master."
She laughed weakly, and then stopped. "No… he said 'Mistress'. He said that his Mistress thought I was trying to outwit her by hiring you?"
He looked thoughtful. "Hmm. That's interesting; it's a female vampire that we're looking for then. Did he say anything else?"
Karou shuddered, remembering the fury and anger in the vampire's eyes. "Well, he did say that I was to be taken alive and that I couldn't thwart her vengeance."
Kenshin frowned; he didn't like the sound of that. If this Mistress was looking for revenge by wiping out the Kamiya line, then why kidnap Karou. He suddenly remembered his own news, but that could wait until later.
"What is it?" She had noticed the changes in his expression.
"It is nothing that cannot wait until tomorrow, after you have slept and healed from this night's events." He lightly touched the darkening bruise on her chin. "How are you?"
She blushed and looked away from the intensity of his expression. "I am feeling better. It doesn't hurt too much. Oh… and I am sorry you found me like that."
She blushed even harder as she realized that he had seen her naked. A soft, very masculine chuckle vibrated from his chest.
"I did not see much." He touched her cheek softly. "You were curled into such a tight ball, I had a hard time drying you off or dressing you, let alone see anything."
Karou squirmed with embarrassment. "Yeah, but still…"
"Still nothing," Kenshin interrupted, his voice calming. "It was neither the time nor the place to admire the lovely figure you hide under all those clothes. Now, do you think you will be able to sleep all right?"
She was grateful for his insistence on sticking to the present. Closing her eyes, she took slow mental stock of herself. She knew the fear was there, but his presence made it a small and distant thing again. Then there was the fact that she had indeed slain a vampire by herself. She shuddered, remembering how his ashes coated her, and a thought struck her.
"There isn't any kind of supernatural thing that could happen from getting covered by the … the remains is there?"
He raised one eyebrow. "Do you mean could you be possessed or turn into a vampire from being exposed so closely to it's ash? No, you are safe, if you could 'catch' something from it, I would have been changed a long time ago."
His voice, so matter-of-fact, was more reassuring than anything else.
"Okay. I think I'll be okay now. I'm still afraid, but it's not overwhelming and besides, any rational person would be afraid if a Master or Mistress Vampire was after them"
Kenshin nodded. "Good. Then I will see you safely to your bed, dear Karou."
She made to answer, but found herself yawning instead. He laughed softly and stood up with her still in his arms. Karou squeaked in protest, but he assured her that since she was still in his arms, he might as well carry her the rest of the way. Kenshin waited until she was safely tucked in, a tiny figure in the middle of the large bed, before he turned to walk to his own room. He had much to think on.
"So what is the news you couldn't tell me last night?" Karou asked as she sipped her second cup of coffee.
"While Aoshi has had agents looking into who this 'Mistress' is, he also has been doing research into your family's history." Kenshin paused to take a drink from his own cup of coffee. "It seems that while in college your Father had a first love, and from that first love he had a child. You have an older half-sister."
Karou came close to spitting out her coffee. "I – What?"
"As I said. You have an older half-sister." Kenshin rose to collect the file Aoshi had given him. "Aoshi did not wish to contact her unless we felt it necessary. If the Mistress is truly seeking to wipe out the Kamiya line entirely, then she will be a target."
She was still on 'half-sister', and the fact that her father had never bother to tell her. She barely registered the manila folder he slid across the table to her.
"Why didn't he tell me? Did mother know about this?" She had so many questions.
"Perhaps he didn't know about her." Kenshin suggested. "She was born seven months after your father graduated from college."
Karou could only shake her head. "I still can't believe it. I remember when I was younger I so wanted a brother or a sister, and here I had one all along."
With a tentative hand, she reached out and opened the manila folder. A few pictures lay inside along with a type written page of information. The pictures were of a young woman, maybe a few years older than herself. She was very striking with long black hair and elegant features. She seemed very confident. Megumi Takani was written at the top of the sheet. Her age was listed as twenty-six, and it seemed she was a medical resident at one of the hospitals in Tokyo.
"My recommendation is to wait until we have eliminated the threat to your life before we contact her." Kenshin's voice cut across her thoughts.
She looked up at him, and nodded. "You're probably right. I just… I'm having a hard time with this. Aoshi is certain?"
"It is very rare that he or the Oniwabanshu make mistakes. I would trust him on this one."
Karou looked back down at the papers under the photo. "Takani Megumi… when this is over I would like to meet her."
"Then I will arrange it." He sat at the table across from her. "I would like to talk to you about something else."
Karou's heart skipped a beat, whether with dread or excitement, she wasn't quite sure.
"It was brought to my attention that you are a bit bored just sitting here in the penthouse night after night. " He said with a wry smile. "It was also brought to my attention that one ex-street punk and one sneaky vampire should be able to protect you."
Karou felt her mouth sag in shock. How had he known that she had been saying exactly that to Sanouske? He laughed at her expression.
"No, reading minds is not one of my skills. Both Misao and Sano approached me just recently to explain in no uncertain terms that I was being extremely overprotective." His expression darkened. "Though after last night I'm not too sure…."
"Kenshin, please." She had to stop him. "I will be okay. Sano has a license to carry firearms and Misao's a vampire ninja. I refuse to be a shrinking violet. This Mistress has controlled everything I do for too long. I will not live in fear, nor will I live in a cave."
She stopped, realizing with a start that during her tirade she had stood up and was now standing both fists clenched. He stared at her in both surprise and some respect. A slow smile spread across his face.
"That's true." He reached out to touch her face. "You are a very strong woman. And you remind me of someone I once knew."
Karou didn't know what to say. The expression on his face was so very human, a mix of pride, sorrow and something that made her heart sing and warmth spread through her. He took a deep breath.
"Even with the events of last night and perhaps because of the events of last night, you need to go out without me and to be able to do your normal routine."
"Thank you." Was all she could think of to say.
"Misao said if you would like, she would take you to the club tonight or wherever you'd like."
"Wooo! I would love too!" She stopped. "What about you?"
He laughed. "I will have something to occupy my time with."
She smiled, feeling as though a weight had been lifted. It was good to be back in control of herself.
"So, the little bitch has teeth does she?" Mistress's sibilant whisper echoed through the dark room.
"So it seems, most Beloved. She was able to destroy Darrien." Mirimo sat at her feet.
Mistress snorted in dismissal, and returned to tapping long, exquisitely manicured nails on her desk. "He was but one of my most insignificant children."
The nails dug into the rich mahogany wood. "But to lose any of my children is a slight against me, is an attack against me. She will pay a hundredfold."
"What would you have me do?"
She thought for a moment. "It is time for him to pay back his debt to us. Call the young samurai, he will lure her to her death."
"So are you ready or what?" Misao addressed the door.
"Give me a minute." Karou yelled out from the other side.
The young heiress gave a few more tugs to the leather skirt, not sure whether she wanted it to sit higher on her waist or to give her a litte more coverage for her legs. She gave up and looked once more into the mirror. Once again Misao had conned her into wearing an outfit more scandelous than she normally would have. The leather skirt was black and just skimmed her mid-thigh. The shirt was a shimmering silver batwing sweater, and rose alarmingly high with each stretch of her arms. The boots were probably what made the outfit so outrageous. They were knee-hi black vinyl with one inch spike heels.
"How am I supposed to dance in these?" Kaoru asked her relfection.
"Now are you done?" Misao's voice was more than a bit frustrated.
"Yea, I think so," she called out as she grabbed a black scarf to wrap around her neck.
Karou stepped out into the living room.
"Wow. That outfit looks great on you!" Misao commented, and reached out for the scarf. "Here, let me help you with that."
"Thanks. Though I have to ask you Mis' how am I supposed to dance in one inch heels?"
"Very carefully." The vampire laughed. "You'll get used to them."
Karou rolled her eyes and obediently turned around so Misao could tie the scarf. As she waited, her eyes scanned the room, automatically looking for Kenshin.
"He already headed out." Misao answered. "And no, I'm not reading your mind. Kenshin left while you were getting dressed."
"Will he meet us at the club later?"
"Probably. There, now let's see." Misao finished adjusting the scarf and stepped back.
Karou obediantly turned around and posed. "Well?"
Misao gave her thumbs up. "Let's go."
"You know I just thought of something, I've only met you and Aoshi, but Kenshin's mentioned other members of the Oniwbanshu." Karou said as they cruised through the streets of Tokyo. "How many members to you have?"
Misao wrinkled her face in thought. "Well, let's see. The majority of the people who work the club are ours and then we have eight who are special operatives."
Karou nodded. No wonder Kenshin didn't mind her going to the club. "What do you mean by special operatives?"
"Well, they are the ones who specialize in stuff like espionage, sabatoge, That kind of thing." Misao explained, vaugely.
"Cool."
"Do you want to make an entrance or go in the back way?" Misao asked as she made the final turn toward the club.
"In this outfit? Definitely an entrance."
"You got it." She laughed, and with expert skill pulled her Stingray into the VIP spot.
As Karou reached for the handle the door swung open without her touc hing it, and a hand offered itself to her. She looked up into a pair of gleaming amber eyes, and caught her breath at the intensity of his gaze. With her heartbeat quickening, she put her hand in his and allowed him to help her out of the low-slung car.
"You look very nice." His voice was a low purr, and he allowed himself the luxury of admiring her from head to toe.
Karou could feel her cheeks flush under that inspection. "Thank you."
Kenshin raised her hand slowly to lips and placed a slow, soft kiss on the palm of her hand. Her breath caught in her throat.
"Okay you two, that can wait until after Karou and I are finished dancing." Misao's voice was full of laughter.
Kenshin turned to give the vampire an unamused stare, but even that failed to truly affect the perpetually upbeat Misao.
"Nope, not phazing me tonight, Kenshin." She laughed. "You have Karou all the time. Tonight is a girl's night out. You just take your serious self to the back and speak with Aoshi."
If it had been perhaps a month ago he would have snapped at her, only willing to put up with so much of Misao's cheerful banter. Yet tonight, he found himself, merely raising an eyebrow at the pettite vampire's orders and he marveled at the change in himself. He turned to Karou to say his goodbyes and was pleasantly surprised to see that, thanks to her provocative leather boots, she was now almost eye level with him
"I will see you later." He said, brushing her cheek with the tips of his fingers. His smile turning cocky at the shiver he caused in her.
"All right." Was Karou's breathless reply.
"Oh jeeze. Are you going to be goo-goo eyed all night now?" Misao demanded as they watched Kenshin disappear into the darkness
"No, of course not!" Karou replied indignantly.
"Uh-huh." Was all the vampire said as she grabbed her friend's arm and began dragging her to the club's door.
"Misao! Not so fast!" Karou pleaded, trying desperately to keep up with out falling or twisting an ankle.
"Heh.. sorry."
At a more sedate pace, the two made their way past the long line of wanna-be's and up to where the bouncers stood as sentries in front of the entrance. The bouncers gave Misao a short bow and opened the doors for the two women. The sound roared out from inside and Karou fought the urge to take a step back. Misao felt her friend's hesitation.
"You okay?" She asked.
Karou smiled a bit weakly. "Yeah, it's just been a while since I've been out to a club."
"Do you want to stay?"
The music changed into one of Karou's favorites and she grinned. "Oh heck yeah."
Misao laughed in delight. "Well, let's go then."
The two wound their way through the crowds to the dance floor. Karou completely lost track of time as she and Misao danced. It had been so long since she'd been to a club that she couldn't recognize some of the songs they played. She tried to explain to Misao what she realized but disolved into a fit of giggles after the third try. It was simply to loud and Misao's funny expressions as she tried to figure out what the young heiress was saying only made her laugh that much harder.
They danced sometimes in their own little oasis, sometimes with others. Karou was mostly unaware of the men who tried to flirt with them, only to be chased away by Misao's mean looks. After about the tenth song, or was that the fifteenth song, Karou made a pantomine to Misao that she needed a drink. She was parched. The vampiress nodded and with easy skill led Karou through the dance floor to the bar.
"Whoa, I can hear again, sort of." Karou laughed as they perched a bit precariously on one of the many bar stools.
"Ya, I'll have to teach you some of the hand signs we use, so we can talk while we're dancing." Misao grinned. "Are you aware of how many guys were checking you out?
Karou nearly spit her drink out. "Oh, come on. There were not that many only the couple you chased off."
Misao laughed in delight. "Oh only them and about every other guy in the place. It's a good thing Kenshin wasn't out there or he would have hurt someone."
"Misao!" she exclaimed, feeling her cheeks flame. "Stop it. There weren't any guys checking me out."
At that moment one of the many waitresses walked up and placed a very tall, very fruity looking drink in front of the young heiress.
"This is compliments of the young man sitting at the far table." She pointed out a very attractive young man sitting alone just beyond the end of the bar.
"And this is compliments of another young man, sitting at the opposite table." Another waitress had come up behind Misao to place an eqully fruity looking drink on the bar before.
"Misao..now what do I do? And stop laughing at me!" Karou hissed, torn between being flattered and mortified that her friend had just been proved right.
"I suggest you raise each glass to your respective admirers and enjoy tehm." Misao giggled, though she quickly hand signed to one of the many bouncers to speak with the young men in question. It wouldn't do to have Kenshin beating the crap out of a customer.
Karou did as she asked, flashing each admirer an embaressed smile. Misao was saved from having to distract her fiurther as the bartender leaned over the wide expanse to let her know that Beshimi wished to speak with her.
"Hey Karou. You want to meet one of the special operatives?"
Grateful for the change of topics, Karou nodded and gratefully set the drink back on the counter. It had been way too strong for her tastes. Hoping somewhat less than delicately off the stool, she followed the vampiress through the crowd toward the back of the club. She nearly ran into Misao's back when she stopped suddenly.
"I have to warn you." Misao said, all traces of joking aside, as she turned around for a moment. "Beshimi is who I'm going to speak with. He's goblin-kind, which means he's a bit odd looking, so don't be alarmed."
Karou frowned. "Okay…."
She racked her brain, trying to think of what she knew about the different Immortals. With a shrug she realized it wasn't much, she would just wait and see. She didn't have long to wait. Perched on a table in the corner was what she thought was a child, but then she realized he wasn't. He could only have been four feet tall at most, his features were very pointed and his black hair reminded her of the bristles on her hairbrushes. His eyes were an odd yellow, and she had a feeling his skin color wasn't quite the same as hers.
"Ahhh, so this is the lovely Karou is it?" His voice was an odd whispery rasp.
"Yep, this is she. Karou, Beshimi, one of our master spies. Beshimi, Miss Karou, Kenshin's current client."
"It's very nice to meet you." Karou said politely.
Beshimi smiled, showing off a mouth full of very sharp teeth. "The same. Now Miss Misao, I need to speak with you for a moment."
"Karou, do you mind sitting here?" Misao gestured to the table next to them. "I'll only be a moment."
"No I don't mind at all." Karou was more than glad not to be privy to any sort of undercover, spy information. She had more than she needed already.
She dropped down in one of the many chairs and watched the crowd on the dance floor sway back and forth like some great sea creature. As her eyes wandered the crowd, a sudden flash of yellow caught her eye and Karou looked to see a shock of black hair weaving it's way through the crowd. +Yahiko+ she thought.
"I'll be right back Misao." She needed to know if that small figure was the same boy she and Kenshin had saved.
"Okay." Misao answered. She was still deep in conversation with Beshimi.
Karou forced her way through the crowd, keeping the yellow shirt in sight. The closer she came to the figure the more certain she was it indeed Yahiko. He turned his head and she knew it was him. What was he doing here? Puzzled and wildly curious, she followed him until he reached the door behind the giant tower of speakers. He disappeared through the door and she waited a few moments before following him through it. It took a moment until her hearing adjusted, and she realized there were voices from around the corner to her right.
"Let me go, I'm not doin' nothin'." Yahiko's young voice floated defiantly from beyond her vision.
"And I'm the tooth fairy." It was a familiar, wolfish drawl that followed on the heels of Yahiko's voice.
Karou sucked in a breath. Commander Saitou. She would never forget that harsh drawl. Without thinking, she rushed toward the two. As she turned the corner, she spied Yahiko struggling in the iron grip of the Mibu Wolf.
"Hey. Let him go. He's not doing anything." With reckless daring, Karou rushed forward and grabbing Saitou's arm.
She suddenly found herself pushed face up against the wall. The arm she had used to reach out now twisted cruelly behind her back.
"And should I have you arrested for interfering in an criminal investigation?" Saitou's voice was very matter-of-fact in its icy coldness.
"Some police officer you are, picking on those weaker than you." Karou forced out with breathless defiance. She whimpered as her arm was twisted higher.
"I will have you know, this 'little boy'," the voice dripped with sarcasm. "Is part of a yakuza clan that's rumored to be into heroin smuggling and is possibly associated with the vampire that's trying to kill you."
Karou shook her head in denial. How could someone so young get so deeply into the criminal underbelly of Tokyo? An ominous cha-click echoed through the hallway.
"I would hope you will put her down gently and forget about arresting her. If not, I have no qualms about putting a bullet through your head." His voice slid venomously around them.
"Ahhh. I was wondering if you would show up Battousai." Saitou's voice never changed pitch, even with the muzzle of 9mm pressed against the back of his head. "I know that you have no qualms, but won't the explanations be a bitch."
Karou felt herself being lowered to the ground and she backed away from the two men with as much dignity as she could. Saitou turned around to face Battousai, matching cold glare for cold glare. Fascinated, she watched them clash without words before Battousai slowly lowered his 9mm and holstered it behind him.
"I'm surprised to see you here of all places."
"What, do you think the Oniwabanshu would scare me off from doing my job?" Saitou's voice was scornful.
"No, but I know you hold little affection for them and they care very little for you."
"Ahhh, but we do respect the law, and when they ask we cannot refuse to cooperate." Aoshi stepped out from around the corner.
Karou was surprised to see Yahiko standing next to the Okashira.
"And will you hand the boy over?" Saitou asked.
"No, not when he has been an excellent source of information, and you have no warrant. I would hate for that flow to suddenly stop." Aoshi spoke smoothly, almost hypnotically.
Saitou slammed his hand against the wall. "How dare you use that trick on me! Do you think so little of me?"
Aoshi bowed. "Of course not Commander, but I will ask you to leave the boy alone. We will honor what Battousai has promised. When we find the lair of this Mistress, we will share that information with you."
Saitou stalked forward so he was almost nose to nose with the vampire. "You will do that or you will not like the consiquences. Japan has no true need for a group such as the Oniwabanshu. You exsist on our tolerence only, and that can run out one day."
With that he forced his way past Aoshi and strode off
"Is he always like that?" Karou asked as she sagged against the wall.
Yahiko snorted. "Usually he's worse."
Aoshi cuffed him on the back of the head. "You will respect your elders. Now I have given you a task. See that it is done."
If she hadn't been so overwhelmed by the whole thing, Karou might have laughed and the sour expression on the young boy's face as he raced off in the opposite direction Saitou had gone. She thought that the tension was gone with the Commander, but she realised she could still feel it riding the air, and she knew where it was coming from. Almost unwillingly, Karou turned to meet pair of very intense amber eyes. This was not the Kenshin from this morning, who agreed she needed to be able to go out on her own. No. This was Battousai, staring at her with a possessiveness that sent a chill up her spine. She wondered what had happened to put that heat into his eyes.
"Battousai." Aoshi's voice floated around them.
With a smooth motion, Battousai turned to the taller man. "Yes?"
"We are agreed with the course of action?"
"Of course. I think it is for the best."
"Then I will see you soon." Though he didn't wear a cloak, Karou got the impression of one swinging out behind him as the Master Vampire turned and walked away.
"Karou." He spoke only her name, but she felt her knees weaken and her head swing around to meet those eyes again. "My business is done here. We will be leaving now."
She had been having a good time with Misao, but the heat in his eyes and the command in his voice wrapped around her will and made it a tiny thing. He took her arm in firm grip and began walking her through the now empty corridor.
"Where are we going?" She asked, puzzled that they weren't going out to the club.
"My car is parked out back," was the reply.
She caught her breath at the chill in the air, her coat was still back in the club. Fortunately his Lamborghini was parked right next to the door. He said very little as they drove back to his penthouse. Karou wanted to say something to break the tension, but she couldn't find words that wouldn't sound trite or out of place. As he helped her out of the car, she stumbled against him, and he caught her around the waist. They stood for a moment, so close and she felt her heart skip a beat. He had been so controlled these past weeks, she was almost surprised when he closed the distance and kissed her. His lips were hot against hers and she melted into them. His kiss was everything she didn't know she'd craved. The feel of his lips, his tounge sent her mind reeling. With a low groan, he pulled back from her until he was holding only her elbow.
"Come on." His voice was raw with an emotion she hestitated to call need.
She could only follow him, as they walked to the elevator. He stood an arm's length from her and she realized she was disappointed. Maybe it was the alchohol she'd had, heaven knew she had a very low tolerance for it, but she wanted to feel his lips on hers again and to feel his hands on her skin.
The elevator doors opened and she walked out before him, lost in her thoughts and almost unaware of his hungry gaze as he watched the subtle sway of her hips. She waited impatiently for him to open the door. Shaking her head, she walked inside. This was crazy. What was she thinking? It had to be the alcohol. It had to be. Karou suddenly realized he was moving intently towards her.
"I have watched you flirt with other men tonight, gracing them with your smile, and it has made me realize something." His voice was a low growl as he stalked her.
"Wh-what's that." She was having a hard time thinking under the intensity of that stare.
"I need to make you mine."
She barely had time to react before he pulled her into his arms, bridging the short distance to catch her lips in a heated kiss, using tounge and teeth to drive any thought from her mind. He drew back from her with a desperate breath and Karou had a split second to decide whether to give in or close him off for what could be forever. She wanted to give in. Here and now.
"Yes." It was a breathless whisper.
"Karou." Battousai groaned and caught her up in his arms.
He carried her into the darkness that was his room and laid her with a gentleness that surprised her. He joined her on the bed, laying open-mouthed kisses on her face, her neck. Feeling daring, she reached up to lightly touch his face, to run her fingers through those rich auburn locks. He moaned against her throat and she shuddered at the feel of it vibrating through her. His tounge flicked out to carress her neck, then trailed along her shoulder, eliciting a moan from her as well. He pushed his hands up under her sweater almost desperate for the feel of her skin. Karou writhed beneath him as he ran calloused fingertips just under her bra. He bit her neck gently and she cried out. Sliding one arm behind her, he pulled her up into a sitting position. Her sweater went flying across the room.
She could feel him reach behind her, reaching for the hook of her bra. For a moment Karou blushed in embarresment. It had been a long time since she'd been this intimate with a man. She glanced up at him, looking for his reaction, and felt her embarresment melt like ice in the heat of the sun.
"Karou." Her name was a warm carresss.
The hooks gave way easily under his questing fingers and she felt it fall away. Any shyness she felt vanished at the gentle, teasing carress of his fingers, and when he lowered his head to her breasts she could think of nothing else but this moment. He pulled away, and she cried, missing his touch.
"Patience." Was his hoarse response, and his shirt joined hers somewhere on the floor.
He dropped his head to her lips and pulled her tight against him. His skin was like fire, and she couldn't help but run her hands over his skin. He groaned against her lips. She gasped as his hands dipped beneath the waist band of her skirt. She arched against him as his fingertips teased her.
"Kenshin… please…," she wasn't sure what she was pleading for, but the sensations riding her body were building higher and higher.
The shrill ring of the phone cut through the rising passion like a knife. Kenshin pulled back from the headiness of her skin. What was he doing!
"No." He groaned, using the insistance of the phone's summons to drag what little willpower he had left to disentagle himself from the one person he wanted more than anything. "I- I can't do this to you. I need to keep my focus."
Karou lay stunned for a moment. His words killing her passion more than the cold air that carressed her skin. She cried out and rolled away from him, hiding herself. What he must think of her. She could hear him rustling around for his shirt, but couldn't turn to face him. Tears trickled slowly down her cheeks to dampen the pillows. They smelled of him. She couldn't stay here with his smell, his clothing wrapped around her.
"Where is my shirt?" She asked in a small voice.
"It's right here." He touched her bare shoulder and she jumped. "Karou… I.. I'm sorry. I am better controlled than that. It won't happen again."
She could almost feel her heart breaking, even though she knew he didn't mean it the way it sounded. He did truly want her, but knowing that didn't make her feel any better. She hastily pulled her shirt on, trying to very hard not to think, to feel. When she heard him talking on the phone she ran to her room. A soft sob escaped through clenched teeth as she threw herself down onto the bed. What a fool she was. What a fool.
End Note: Once again a huge "Thank you!" to Ryu, who beta's for me and keeps me real. Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter… What? ducks tomatoes thrown at her Owww! I'm sorry I didn't finish the lemon… I'm sorry! ducks more flying fruit and vegetables Okay.. okay.. I promise.. at some point I will write a full lemon.. promise! -
Chapter Seven is not started yet, tho I'll probably begin it while I'm down in Florida… If you truly want to know the status of my writing progress.. I do update my little blog here on Fan Fiction and I also have a blog on My user name is LadyChrisA.. oooo. How original. - Thanks to everyone for sticking around.. and remember to leave a little review in the box. Makes me all silly and happy.
