Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is the
creation of Nobuhiro Watsuki, with the manga and anime rights belonging to Jump
Comics and Sony Entertainment, respectively. FF is non-profit, meant for
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Chapter Twenty
*************
The time had finally come to go back home. There was disappointment in her heart more then relief. It's true that the first two weeks had gone by slow but after their anniversary the weeks had just flown by. Kaoru sat in the car, contemplating their time spent away from Tokyo. She found that after so long, Kyoto had finally begun to feel like home.
It was Sunday night and traffic was supposed to be light so it wouldn't be long before they where back at her house. She was going to tell him today that she wouldn't be able to see him the rest of the week because her father was coming into town.
The driver's door opened then, Kenshin sat and slammed the door closed. His mouth was set into a thin line and his forehead was creased in a thunderous scowl. He was angry and she knew why. The media hadn't let up and there were several more pictures of them floating around, there was one in particular that was upsetting him though.
The picture was taken the day after their anniversary just as Kenshin was handing her his gift, which happened to be a small jewelry box. She liked the picture, so she'd kept a clipping, the headline to the picture read; Is Himura Kenshin getting married?
Her thoughts turned away as Kenshin angrily jabbed the keys into the ignition, brining the car alive. The engine roared ferociously before he set it into gear, driving away from the house that'd been their home for the last couple of weeks.
She was glad she'd taken her sleeping pill before leaving the house, she was beginning to feel drowsy already. The roar of his engine, she knew would lull her to sleep. The highway she noted was very dark and the car sped along much too fast for her to see the scenery as it changed. It was a long time before she spoke but now her words were low and slurred. "You're staying over, right?" Her half lidded eyes gazed in his direction.
"Aa," he answered as he glanced her way. A tiny yawn escaped her lips before her eyes finally fluttered closed. He sighed in frustration, he hadn't meant to cuss in front of her but fucking reporters, why couldn't they just let things be? Yes, he was short tempered and yes he'd pulled a gun out on them on more than one occasion but damn it the way they hounded him, they where lucky to still be alive. What if he'd really been about to propose? Fucking bastards, they better not spoil things when he finally asks her or there's going to be hell to pay. His knuckled turned white as he gripped the stirring wheel, feeling his blood bubbling with anger again. All he could do was exhale, taking deep breaths in an effort to calm down.
He glanced at her, watching her sleeping form. He reached out and tucked a few errant strands behind her ear. A ghostly smile touched his lips, glad to see her wearing the dragon fly earrings he'd bought her, companions to her bracelet. The back of his hand smoothed over her cheek distractedly, he was used to coming home and finding her in bed. Always there and always waiting for him. What was he supposed to do now? The longer they spent together the more reluctant he was to let her go.
He turned his eyes back to the road and shifted gears. The car lurched forward, speeding down the highway as it gained speed. His thoughts were turbulent these days more so than they'd ever been when he'd assassinated, just in a different way now.
They'd begun to stay in doors more and more since a couple of reporters had begun to hang around the house. Of course he knew how to make them go away but Kaoru insisted on not drawing anymore attention to them. Maybe that's why he was upset with her, because she'd kept him from smashing their camera's over their faces. A cruel smile crossed his lips at the thought, it held a moment or two before he let it drop, fading away from his mind.
So what if people thought he was getting married. Maybe now other women would leave him alone. He hated been hassled and Kami only knew how he hated been hounded. He hoped the media's report of his proposal would satisfy the stalkers and other fans, he was off limits now and hopefully they would leave him the hell alone.
Kaoru mumbled, shifting in sleep until she was closer to his seat. He pulled his jacket off and set the car on cruise control while he put his jacket on her, zipping it close. A smile hovered on his lips by the time he was done. He'd noticed she seemed to like his clothes, or the smell of them. He retracted his hands, switching the cruise control off as he sat back in his seat. A sigh escaped his lips, finally relaxing; he let his head fall against the seat, keeping his eyes on the road as he drove.
It wasn't long before the ride drew to a close. They did pretty good time he thought as he pulled the keys from the ignition. He stepped out and stretched, rotating his shoulders before he walked over to her side of the car. Softly lifting the handle, he opened the door and crouched by her side, pulling her closer towards the door. "Kaoru," he hadn't wanted to wake her up but he forgot to ask for the keys before she fell asleep and it'd be wrong to just go through her purse. "Kaoru," he called again.
She mumbled sleepily but didn't wake. "Koishii, you need to wake up." She mumbled again but this time she half opened her eyes. "Kenshin?"
"The keys koishii, we need them to get inside."
She yawned and slowly covered her mouth. "My keys?" She thought sleepily. "I put them in your pocket."
Kenshin dug into the pockets of the jacket she wore trying to find the aggravating pieces of metal. He growled when he couldn't find them. Kaoru opened an eye and looked in his direction. A dark scowl hovered over his handsome features, grunting when he couldn't find the missing item. Yawning, she dug into the pocket over her breast, finding the keys right away. "Here." She mumbled, snuggling closer into his jacket.
". . ." He bit his tongue to keep from cussing.
Kaoru smiled and rubbed her eyes. She was very sleepy, still she knew they where home. So despite the weary feeling, she sat up in her seat and attempted to get out.
"Where are you going?"
Suddenly startled she looked up. "Inside." She mumbled, watching him shake his head before he picked her up. "I could have walked," she half protested while her arms snaked around his neck. He only nodded, having already opened the door to the house he was able to just waltz through, making his way to the living room; he laid her on the sofa. "I'm going to get the luggage," he explained.
"Kay," she acknowledged, sitting up so she could glance at the clock, she squinted at the vcr, noting it was only ten o'clock. "Feels much later," she thought. Sitting up the whole way, she stretched before she stood. Yawning again as she made her way to the guestroom. She would wash up and change before she approached the topic of her papa's visit. Even still she would wait till they were already in bed before she spoke.
The bathroom door closed just as Kenshin stepped into the house. He brought the luggage into her room and set it off to the side by the door. Thinking, it's a good thing they ate before they left, it was ten past twelve and he was beginning to feel weary of the day. He stripped down to his boxers and drew the covers back. Sighing as he slid into the cold blankets.
Kaoru shut the light off to the bathroom then stepped out. She pretty much knew what she was going to say. Sometimes she still got a little tongue tied around him but she hoped this wouldn't be one of them. She ran her hands over her cotton pj's, wondering if he'd think they were too plain. Suddenly nervous she began to pull on the corner of her top.
The lamp next to the bed was on and she was glad he was already in bed, though it was kind of early wasn't it? "What time is it?" She asked as she crossed the room to her side of the bed.
"Twelve-thirty."
Kaoru's eyes widened in surprise. She must have misread the clock. She slid the covers back and slipped in all the way to the middle of the bed. Kenshin reached for the light and turned it off. After which he scooped her into his arms.
"Kenshin?"
"Aa, " he responded.
Kaoru propped herself on her right elbow while she folded her left over his chest. "There's something I have to tell you but I don't want you to get mad." That's not the line she'd practiced but it's what she'd been able to get out.
"What is it?"
"My papa is coming to visit me." Her heart was racing wildly even though she'd taken the Valium, she wished those damn pills worked faster. "He'll be here from Wednesday to Sunday." She paused, seeing if he'd interrupt her but he didn't. "I won't be able to see you because we'll be staying in Yokohama."
Silenced stretched across the room for a long moment before Kaoru spoke again. "Kenshin?"
"Have you told your father you're dating me?"
It was her turn to remain silent. She hadn't thought enough; obviously, she hadn't expected this question. "Kaoru?"
"I - I haven't." She admitted.
"Why?"
"You must remember what my father's like." She said as she began to draw circles on his chest. "He's very protective. I think if it were up to him, I'd never get married." Kaoru sighed. "I love my papa don't get me wrong but sometimes and this was really only sometimes, I felt like - like a doll, too fragile to be ever left alone."
Kenshin's hand snuck under her top and slowly began to massage the skin underneath, feeling more at ease she continued. "I told you what happened with my mom, " she paused again and cleared her throat. "Because she was killed, I think, I think that's why he's so overprotective. I understand that now that I'm older but it was hard when I was young."
Kaoru felt the rise and fall of his chest, a silent sigh on his part. He was upset but not angry. "You understand don't you?"
"I do," he answered not really knowing what else to say. He was upset that she hadn't even mentioned him to her father even though he understood, he was still upset.
A strained silence followed his words and though she should leave well enough alone she couldn't. It bothered her that he was upset. "Kenshin?"
"I need to get some sleep Kaoru I'm leaving early for work." He pulled his hand away from under her shirt and turned on his side, facing away from her.
A prickling sensation stung her eyes and she blinked back the unwarranted tears. The pills were obviously making her crazy. She turned on her side, facing the window and away from him. She tucked herself into a small ball trying desperately not to cry. What reason did she have for crying? None she reasoned with herself. There was no reason at all. She sniffled and immediately rose from the bed.
"Kaoru?"
"Go to sleep." She said as she made her way out. She strode barefoot across the hardwood floors making her way to her father's room. She turned the knob and stopped as his heavy hand grasped her arm. "Come back to bed."
Kaoru stilled, she was torn between the safety of her fathers' room and the promise of Kenshin's arms. A churning feeling rose in the pit of her stomach as confusion set its veil over her mind. Her hand began to tremble on the knob until finally she released it, letting her hand drop away, useless at her side.
Her eyes were cast, looking at the floor; he sighed and pulled her close, imprisoning her within his hold. He felt the moisture of her tears as she rubbed her face into his chest, clinging to him until her silent sobs subsided.
"I'm sorry," he apologized over her head. He felt her nod against his chest; still he couldn't help feeling guilty that he'd made her cry simply by turning his back. Aside from it all he couldn't help but think it was a sign of her feelings towards him.
"Let's go to bed." He said, pulling her with him as they crossed the room.
He eased the covers back on his side, letting her slide in before he moved in beside her. Cuddling her to his side once they lay together.
He lay awake feeling the rhythm of her heart. He'd stopped rubbing her back a bit ago even so she'd yet to fall asleep. He kept quite hoping she would find rest but obviously she was still upset. Sighing inwardly, he gave in. "What is it?" His tone of voice was gentler than before; afraid he'd hurt her feelings in someway.
"I don't want you to go to work?"
He blinked not sure if he'd heard right. "What?"
She cleared her throat, trying to rid her voice of the roughness it held from crying. "I - I want you to stay with me."
His hand began to rub her back again, feeling the softness of her skin. He'd never missed work, ever, since he'd first begun to work.
"Never mind." She said tucking her back head into the crook of his arm. "No," he said. Stilling her movements when he felt her beginning to hide. "If you really want me to, I'll call in."
Finding his grip too strong to move away from, she settled for placing her cheek on his chest rather than hiding her face like she usually did.
"Kaoru?"
"I do." And oddly enough she did, she wanted to spend the day with him, doing things couples did. She wanted to sit in the park with him and hold his hand when they walked down the street. She wanted him to kiss her by the lake and hold her close under the shade of a tree. Tears slipped out of the corners of her eyes and now she really tried to move away. "I have a headache, Kenshin." She said, hoping he'd loosen his grip around her waist.
"I'll get you some aspiring." He said sliding her off him and standing.
"I can get it," she protested trying to sound not too desperate. She couldn't have aspiring while on medication. "I have to use the restroom anyways."
Kenshin nodded, helping her stand before he slid into the bed again. Kaoru walked out of the room somewhat hurriedly. She hadn't left any extra Valium pills out, they where all still in her suitcase. As it was, she would have to settle for another sleeping pill. She walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind. She locked it. Finding it was better to be safe than to be sorry later. She turned the light on, feeling it hurting her eyes, she closed her eyes to slits and began walking towards the sink.
The medicine cabinet was fully stocked something for which she was glad. Her hand moved past several bottles before she grabbed a blue one. She uncapped it and popped a pill into her mouth, resisting the urged to have more than one. Quickly closing the cap, she set the small bottle down to it's original spot. She had just a handful of water before she walked over to the bathroom, flushing it so he would know she hadn't lied. She moved back to the sink and washed her face. Always she avoided the mirror at night; it scared her to see her reflection. She was afraid of what she would see, perhaps the something she always avoided acknowledging. Shaking her head at her own paranoia she walked to the door. Unlocking it first, she then opened it, shutting the light off before she walked out.
She was prone to paranoia as of late, just like now she was afraid. Afraid of the dark and the shadows, she practically ran back to the room. Almost leaping into the bed, she slid in and snuggled against his side. His body was always warm and it gave her comfort to know he could beat anything with a gun or sword. He'd been trained in hand to hand combat, so really he could protect her from it all. "Night Kenshin." She slurred against his chest.
"Night koibito, " he returned. Holding her close to him, he fell asleep just minutes after she.
*************
Like coy whispers and strong alcohol, she lured him with her lashes and the sway of her hips. With her laughing eyes and tempting touch, she danced around the span of his arms, moving close and sauntering away. She all but melted against him when he finally caught her and pressed a kiss to her malicious lips. They had tempted him all night and all morning for the better part of the day. They stood under the shelter of a tree as a strong breeze swept by.
They where in the park, behind a tree that hid them from public view. He stood close against her form, pressing her against the tree with his body as his lips hovered over hers for seconds at a time, only long enough for him to gain his breath before he assaulted her again.
Her eyes were dazed every time he stepped away but always she pulled him back. She cuddled him and pulled on him, yanking him when he refused to move. She pouted adorably he thought as he gave in, once again capturing her lips.
Eventually he stopped when she swayed after a particularly long kiss. His heart beat in his throat, tempting to jump out of his mouth at any moment. Kaoru eyes were dark pools of cobalt pulling on his heart strings with their intensity.
"I love your eyes," she rasped, transfixed by burnished gold. "I have always loved your eyes."
The corners of his mouth hitched up, amused that she couldn't see past his gaze. He shouldn't have kissed her for so long. "What time is your father coming home?"
Confusing flashed across her face, her eyes had followed the movement of his lips but she hardly understood what it was he said. His grin grew into a smile. "When's your dad coming home?"
Her lips curved into a 'O,' trying to think back to when her father had said. "He'll be home Wednesday morning. Sometime after eight, it all depends on whether his plane is on time I guess." A thought full looked crossed her face. "Did you want to sleep over?"
It meant he would have to leave early, but he was ok with it. "If you want."
"Oh, so it's if I want." She smiled. Knowing he wanted to stay with her just as much as she'd needed for him to be with her today. His arms gripped her waist again; holding her just as tight as when she'd almost passed out.
She felt his body close and so warm; her thoughts began to drift. She blinked suddenly realizing what he was doing. Her smile turned into a wolfish grin. "Well if you wanna stay that bad, it's all right by me."
He sort of grunted, caught in the web of desire he'd meant to spring on her. Her smile was sultry and she looked at him with knowing eyes. Which from his perspective only made things worse.
"Come on," she said trying to step away. Though her struggle was only half-heartedly. "We still have the movies to go to and I don't want to be late."
Sighing in frustration, he stepped back. Trying not to look at her, he waited with his hands in the pockets of his jacket. Amusement was clearly visible on her face; she stepped in front of him for a sec, kissing his chin before she stepped aside. Pulling on his arm, she led him away from the tree and back to the little trail that would lead them out of the park.
She hummed, from out of the park and through the streets, right up until he bought the tickets for their movie. It lightened his spirits to know he made her happy. He was glad he hadn't gone to work. "Will you buy me an ice cream?" The sound of her voice was awfully close he noted. Her arms had wormed their way around his waist, holding him close. He looked down at her, nodding his head. She kissed his chin and turned, pulling him along so she didn't have to release his waist.
"Hi," she smiled brightly at the teenaged attendant behind the counter. The boy spared Kenshin a glance before his eyes met Kaoru's again. "I'll have a double scoop waffle cone, please."
"Wha- at flavors." The boy's voice cracked, making him blush.
"Strawberry cheesecake and cherry jubilee." Kaoru went on as if she hadn't noticed. With her smile in place all the while the boy rushed to fulfill her order.
Kenshin laid out money on the counter as Kaoru took the cone, a delighted looked curved the sides of her mouth just before she began to lick around the sides, tasting the berry flavor of the ice cream.
"That looks good."
Kaoru paused mid lick as Kenshin and she turned to the new comer. Their eyes simultaneously turned to the swell of the woman's belly. The pregnant woman stood to the side, waiting her turn to get served. She spared them a smile, "Cravings," she explained.
Kaoru nodded and moved aside, out of the way, leaving a clear path. She took hold of Kenshin's arm again and led him towards the theater.
A frown settled on his face. The word, 'cravings' repeated itself over and over, filling his mind with all kinds of thoughts. Too many and all at once, he didn't understand any of them at all. All he knew was that he was thoroughly confused. The word had set something off in him.
Kaoru licked the ice cream, with a child's eagerness as they sat and watched the movie; too caught in the film she missed the looks that crossed his features or the increasing pressure of his hold. There was only the sweet flavor of her treat, the humor of the film and the warmth of his body, protecting her from the rest.
*************
Gloom bore a heaviness that didn't quite leave, even in the warmth of her embrace. Wednesday morning had come and with it their separation. He'd bathed and changed, he was already to go but he'd made the mistake of wanting to see her one last time before he left. Their trip to Kyoto had done a lot in bringing them closer together, now the problem was in letting go. It was hard to leave her side, especially because she seemed reluctant to let him go.
Kaoru had woken up while he was in the shower, feeling dazed and extremely tired. She'd stood on shaky legs and slowly put on a robe before she made her way to her father's room. Glad he had a bathroom, she'd washed her face and brushed her teeth before coming back to bed, to wait for him and their eventual kiss good bye. She picked up her watch from the stand next to the bed; it was just barely six am. Only four hours since she'd taken her dose.
Her eyes slowly rose meeting his at the door. For some unknown reason, her bottom lip began to quiver. She sat up and crawled closer to the edge of the bed. Closer to where he'd come to stand. He stood by the bed, looking at her, caressing her cheek with the back of his hand. "I'll see you when you get back, koishii." His voice was low, trying to soothe her nerves.
Nodding, she pulled him by the lapels of his coat, brining him close until their foreheads touched. Her eyes fluttered close, breathing against his skin, feeling his breath on her face. Words hovered between them, she'd wanted to say something but she couldn't remember what.
She hid her face in his chest when he embraced her. Her heart was racing much too fast to be normal. Her breath grew short, making her feel like she couldn't breath at all. She was afraid she'd faint in front of him. An anxiety attack, like before was threatening to break loose. He couldn't see her like that. He might not let her go or worse, he'd let her go and not come back.
"I'll be back sometime Sunday." She rasped as she pulled back. "Come stay with me Monday."
He nodded, laying a soft kiss on her lips. Her breath was nothing more then a puff when he finally pulled back. She licked her lips then nodded before she stood. "I'll walk you to the door." He had to leave before the attack rendered her helpless.
Quietly they walked down hall, she noted his bag was already by the door. Her right hand began to shake and she grasped his arms now with both hands to keep them from shaking. He picked up his bag before he opened the door. They paused there, under the doorway, looking at each other before they kissed again. He grasped her firmly, kissing her until he felt all oxygen leaving his being. He knew he had to go and as difficult as it was he tore his mouth away.
He set her against the wall, trying not to focus on her heaving chest. "Call me when you get home." He nodded at nothing in particular and left.
Kaoru stood at the door feeling numbness setting in. Eventually she turned away; a small shiver ran down her spine when she closed the door. The shiver grew stronger as she reached the bathroom. Trembling now she removed her robe and stepped into the shower.
Cold water beat against her face and it's then she realized she must have fallen asleep in the shower. Quickly she stood, her head was pounding terribly but she ignored the symptom as she shut the water off and stepped out. She put on her robe and began drying her hair. She'd fallen asleep for goodness knows how long while her father was due to come at any moment.
She slipped as she ran out of the bathroom, thinking herself lucky that she didn't fall. She rushed into the guestroom, looking around for the simplest of clothes. All she found where jeans and a shirt she'd already worn. She smelled them and put them on when she found them to be ok.
Five minutes later she found herself dragging the Louis Vuitton suitcase she'd taken to Kyoto. She was glad she hadn't unpacked. She slipped just as the front door opened.
"Kaoru?" Kamiya Kenji ran to his daughter's side.
"Papa," she squealed as he helped her stand. She should have put her watch on. "I'm so happy to see you." Embracing him in a bear hug.
He laughed and patted her head. "Is this all you're going to take?" He asked as he looked down at her suitcase. She had a tendency for over packing so one bag alone seemed odd to him.
"This is it; I'm all ready?" She said looking up at her father's smiling face. He nodded and she let him go. He picked up the suitcase with one hand while he used the other to push her in front of him.
She waited patiently on the porch as her father locked the door to the house. Strolling together to the car. It was a nice black Honda that reminded her of Kenshin's car. She frowned a bit at the reminder of him.
Her father touched her arm, waiting for her to get in before he closed the door. Surprised for a bit she looked at him, then smiled foolishly, she knew she'd spaced out. The door closed once she was in. The brand new smell of the car was strong and she coughed after she'd taken a deep breath.
Kenji laughed mirthfully as he started the car, shifting into first. He drove down the familiar streets turning a corner as he headed for the highway. He glanced at his daughter who glanced out the window as they left the limits of Tokyo. His eyes fell on her ears, noting the new dragon fly earrings on her lobes. It looked liked real diamonds and he didn't remember buying her those. His brown crinkled in thought.
"What's wrong?"
He smoothed out his face, when he looked at her again. "Just thinking about work koneko." He smiled lightly. "So what have you been doing these last few months?" He tried to sound casual when he spoke.
Kaoru gave him a funny look. "Papa I call you three times a week sometimes even four and always for an hour or more. You know what's going on." Her stomach tumbled at the bold face lie. She hoped the truthful mask was in place as she spoke. She still didn't know if it was a good idea, to tell him about Kenshin. It was an on going debate within herself. In the end her father was all she would have but if she told him now she was afraid he'd take her far away. She didn't work and had no way to stay in Japan. It was too early in her relationship with Kenshin to ask him if she could stay with him. All in all she was still undecided.
Kenji stared at his daughter for a long moment. Eventually nodding before he set his eyes back on the road. He couldn't help but feel that he was missing something. He didn't think she lied but that perhaps she was omitting something. Hmm.
*************
Kaoru felt her eyes going wider with every corner she turned. The house they where staying in was big. She'd been left alone in the house while her father went to a meeting but now she wished that she'd have insisted on going with him. She was sure he would have taken her with him.
She left the upstairs and went back down to the first. Dinner would be nice to have ready by the time her papa came home. She kept her hand on the banister as she descended down the stairs. It felt weird to be in a new house. Kaoru made her way into the kitchen, not hoping to find anything in the fridge. She wasn't disappointed. Though she was saddened to find it was empty. Now she couldn't make dinner. Her mouth formed into pout as she went back to back to the living room. She should have brought a book or something. Sighing she laid on the couch, closing her eyes for what she hoped what a peaceful nap. Sleep was good idea, especially since neither she or Kenshin had gotten any rest. She shifted on the sofa, tucking her hands under her chin; she drifted off to sleep.
Kamiya Kenji loosened his tie as he entered the house. The lighting was dim, he noticed as he came into the house. His eyes narrowed trying to see his way around. He bumped into something hard, almost dropping the take out he held.
Kaoru's head jerked up, looking around in for what had made the noise. Her father's shadow stood under the arch of the kitchen. He was bent, rubbing his shin. She yawned and stood. "Are you all right papa?"
His head jerked up at the sound of her voice. "I'm fine; everything's just dark."
"Sorry papa, I fell asleep when there was still light out. I didn't get a chance to turn it on."
He nodded. "I brought us dinner."
Kaoru sniffed, "It smells familiar." She said taking the bag from his hands before she turned the lights in the living, setting up their late lunch on the coffee table.
"How was work?" She asked when he sat down in front of her.
"Hectic, it seems as if Akihito corp. is trying to move in on Shinbashi for the bid on Takasugi." He removed his jacket and tossed it off on the sofa behind him.
"I thought you guys where on good terms with Akihito corp.?"
"We were but if things don't pan out for us, it could get really messy. I've told you how Kogorou feels about been out done by the Akihito's." He said as he began to eat the spaghetti of his plate.
Yes, old rivalries. She nodded in understanding. Though it frightened her to see how all things were connected. She frowned and shook her head trying not to think too much on the subject; otherwise she would start seeing nonexistent patterns.
"I have two more meetings this week but they'll be in the mornings so we have to rest of the day to do whatever you want."
Her father's gentle voice lightened the mood she seemed to be falling into. She tried to smile for him as best she could through out the rest of the meal, nodding and answering at all the right cues, even though her mind seemed to drift elsewhere.
*************
Their days had been full of activities, walks and talks. She'd spent her time ignoring everything but the presence of her father. Their days together were drawing to a close though and she couldn't help but be upset. Kaoru pulled the covers higher up her chest but found that no matter which way she turned she just couldn't get comfortable.
After an hour of tossing and turning, she got up. She stomped over to the thermostat and adjusted it, until the room became ice cold. Sighing she walked back to the bed and slid in. She was hoping that was enough to get her to sleep.
With a frustrated breath she settled in and closed her eyes. A twinge ran over her left palm, causing it to spasm. She fisted her hand involuntary until the spasm passed. A drowsy feeling settled over her body and mind rendering her immobile. 'There's something wrong,' was the fleeting thought that passed over her conscious right before she fell asleep.
Kamiya Kenji put his report on the coffee table; he would finish reading the rest tomorrow. He closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose before he rather reluctantly stood, stretching his aching muscles. It was Friday and he should really put his work aside specially since today had been his last meeting. Still he was so used to reading over his reports at night; he couldn't sleep without doing it. A bad habit he hadn't been able to shake off.
He shook his head, yawning as he began to walk around, checking all the doors; he made sure they were all locked. The light he decided he would leave on, just in case. Slowly he treaded up the stairs and to his room.
A chilling cry froze his thoughts and for a split second he felt his heart stop. "Not again." He breathed. "Kami please not again." He ran to his daughter's room afraid of what he would find. His heart beat faster than he could think, faster than he could count. A second cry rang out, this time louder than the first. He reached her door and flung it open. Rushing to her side as she screamed bloody murder.
I hope you guys liked the chapter. It's just over twenty pages, I had to trim it several times to keep it from going into thirty.
Small Note: Confusion has set its veil over her feelings as well as her thoughts. The pills and her will to push all other thoughts away are working together, forming an illusionary reality where she can exist with some sort of peace.
Kenshin, an active participant in her life has been pulled into the silvery web she's created for them both. Enjoying their time together, he'd been oblivious to the fact of conception. It's not till the movie theater when they both encounter a pregnant woman that he realizes what might come out of their unions. Though confused he relishes the thought and hugs her closer to him. His happiness is interrupted with the visit of her father. Kamiya Kenji. Who's come home after two months, taking advantage of business trip to visit his daughter.
