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 entertainment only. FF can be archived anywhere, just let me know where. Please send no flames, I'm sensitive. But for all other comments 0o you may contact me at or through the website.
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Chapter Twenty-Five
It was nearly midnight. In a room all but obscured by too much splendor: with grand windows and marble floors, and everything decorated in dark rich tones, past streamers and glitter strewn over the tables and floor—when he finally admitted, he had known. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he had known and still . . . He was angry.
Now, as people gathered, slowly, filling up the dance floor—he retreated, falling further back into the shadows cast by the heavy velvet drapes that tumbled off the sills like vast cobalt waterfalls. As they danced nearly around him, curiously glancing at the way his eyes seemed to shift between oddly colored shades—he glared at them with such venom they seemed to shudder beneath his gaze. And quickly moved away. While he watched them, in cold glittering hatred, the expression on his face seemed to twist with his resentment and the harsh expression settling there after, did very little to hide the worst of a rapidly rising temper . . .
The constant babble around him only worsened his demeanor. Provoking him so easily—he took a breath, stepping further into the back, into the dark, until his back lay flush against the wall. And that bout of anger he'd been so keen of not letting go, finally sprouted all about him.
His day though it'd started of well enough had slowly and thoroughly deteriorated, worsening with the passing of every hour until now—he hadn't minded working detail on New Year's eve, he'd always had to before but for once, he'd thought things might pan out just a bit differently. But no—it didn't matter that he'd been sure of how she felt or that she'd end coming to this because she'd already said. He should have known. He shouldn't have been so fucking involved in this project or so fucking trusting. And now, as his nostrils flared and anger coiled around his gut, he took another breath, trying to hold on to some semblance of control. But he just, he couldn't–
He couldn't understand why she'd so suddenly decided she'd rather stay at home, especially after asking him to bring her should her father not come. He just—he didn't understand and it bothered him, more than just a bit that she wasn't here at all. That she'd waited till the very last second to tell him—had upset him but more than that, it was the fact that she hadn't even been upset, that she'd just decided she'd simply wouldn't come after all—that had really made him angry.
And now as his heart rate began to escalate, all he could do was close his eyes, knowing it couldn't be helped it any more than he could control the color of his eyes . . . He was just . . . so fucking frustrated, he couldn't help but think she'd stayed at home to meet with someone else. Though just the thought of it, just the mere idea of her and someone else, bouncing around on his bed . . . It was enough to make him want to pull out his gun and shoot off someone's genitals.
"Himura-san?"
"What?" His eyes had opened and narrowed, conscious of several peoples' gaze. "What," he barked, not caring how he sounded. As he glared at them, making them turn around again. He asked him, "What?" Impatient suddenly to get away, to be alone.
"Ku- Kurizuma wanted to see you."
"Well I'm busy." As he moved away from the wall, leaving the stuttering youth behind, he had no doubt he'd run back to Kurizuma. Fucking people, they always needed something. If it wasn't for one thing or another—Ghh, he hated them. As his anger tittered and pace hastened, he pushed past several people on his way to the terrace, careless to the fact that he might knock someone over in his haste. He needed air and he needed it now. Kami only knew; if they had a problem they could try and say something to him about it, he didn't really care. He was on edge today and a fight wouldn't be all that unwelcome.
As he opened the doors to the balcony, feeling the cool air wash over him, he gave a grateful sigh at finding the terrace as empty as he'd thought. As he stood there, just under the shelter of the doorway, starring out into the gloomy sky, he couldn't help but think the day had darkened considerably since that morning; the slight drizzle had turned into pouring rain which he was kind of glad for. Dim weather had always had a way of appeasing the rising anger as well as calming the stirrings from within . . . Like so often before, he closed his eyes and let out a frustrated sigh, he didn't know why he was having such a problem with this. He shouldn't—but he did. Because of her. He sighed once again and opened his tired eyes, focusing on the murky blue sky, which suddenly reminded him so much of her eyes—his thoughts whirled into something dark.
And he was forced to shut his eyes again, trying with all his might, to block the jealous thoughts filling up his mind. As he tried almost desperately to breathe the calm, cooling air the rain had brought, he knew it wouldn't be enough. Nothing, at this moment, could ease away the troublesome thoughts. Just as being here—he admitted—wasn't doing him any good. He tapped his ear piece, frustrated. "Hunter, report to me now."
There was no point in continuing to get angry when he didn't even know what was going. He knew that. The problem was that he'd never really trusted people, all people including women and the fact that Kaoru was the first woman he'd ever loved only complicated things even more. He loved Kaoru, truly, much more than words could ever possibly express but he even so, he couldn't help but feel like she might try to run off the first chance his back was turned.
He couldn't say when he'd begun to feel that way but he'd already warned her. He wouldn't just let her go, more to the point there wasn't any place she could go where he wouldn't follow and bring her back. She was his and they belonged together. In time, she'd come to realize just how much.
A sudden tingling at the back of his neck alerted him of someone's approaching and it wasn't long before a tall, dark haired man found his way to the balcony, coming to stand right at his side. As Kenshin half turned. "I need you to stay up here." His voice cut crisp across the silence, heeding a quick affirming nod. Though as he turned, Hunter seemed to shift a little.
"Will you be gone long?"
"Yes," as he turned the rest of the way, liquid blue glinting off his eyes. He said, "I'm not coming back tonight." Hunter nodded, of course, understanding evident in the small smirk beginning on his face, as he stepped aside, allowing him a clear path to walk on past him. Kenshin inwardly sighed, ignoring the urge to literally wipe the smile off his face. As he walked on past him, briefly glancing at the time instead, he decided, that for tonight at least, he'd simply let it pass and quickened up his stride. Knowing it was almost midnight; he pocketed his ear piece and quickly reached the elevators in under a minute flat.
He was in a hurry to get home. There were things he wanted to say to her, things they needed to discuss but most of all he wanted to make sure she was indeed alone. He was suspicious by nature, he knew that but in her case these 'suspicions' escalated into something much, much worse. Jealousy is not something he was familiar with and had to admit, had a much harder time in trying to control.
As he glanced at his watch again, beginning to feel the stirrings of irritation at the slowness of the elevator. It suddenly chimed, the doors drew open and he stepped inside, quickly pushing the button down to the garage before he sighed and leaned against a wall, wondering, if perhaps all that time alone, hadn't caused him to become too paranoid.
As the elevator stopped and doors drew open, almost three minutes later however he longer doubted he was right. But rather like, he'd already wasted too much. As he strode across the poorly lit parking structure, wondering if everything would fall apart tonight, he reached the end of the line and quickly got to his car. Unlocking the car and jumping in with the ease of some one practiced. As he jabbed the keys into the ignition, roaring the engine to life, he thought—this was it—a moment or two before his tires screeched and he sped out of the garage.
His heart, unusually animated, seemed almost . . . incited, at one point by some unknown presentiment. As he cut across the highway, thoughts, drifting to the image of laughing eyes and tempting lips. He remembered suddenly . . . that time, in the park when all she'd done was laugh and danced around the span of his arms, moving close and sauntering off. The way she'd melted against him when he'd finally caught her and kissed her. He glanced at his watch again; no longer mad but rather impatient now. As the little hand moved up a number, moving to indicate ten before the hour, he shifted gears, racing down the street, but with one thought; if he hurried now, he'd only just make it.
· · · · ·
"I'll talk to you later." Kaoru sighed, trying to keep frustration out of her voice. "I know." She nodded. "I love you too." She clicked off her cell and placed it on the coffee table.
"Who were you talking to?"
Kaoru looked up, her mood brightening immediately. As she stood, smiling largely in the direction of his shadow. "My papa," she answered as she walked on towards him, paying little, if any attention to the dimming room. "You're home early," she noted. "I'm glad, now I don't have to wait up." As she gestured towards the couch, where a pillow and a blanket laid abandoned. She watched his gaze flicker to the many candles laid about the room, since earlier when she'd been afraid the lights would go out. "So how was work then?" She asked, as she took a hold of his hand and led him over to the couch.
"Fine," he answered and took his seat.
Kaoru flopped down next to him, catching sight of the frown on his face. "What's wrong?"
He half turned, regarding her a moment before he asked her—"Why did you stay home tonight?" In a voice, neither cold or warm but flat and brisk, at odds with the blankness in his face which she surmised, aught to have helped in someway, hide the anger this suspicion must have caused. Still–
Kaoru smiled. "Is that what's bothering you?" As she turned in her seat, taking both his hands in her, she quickly tried to sooth the mounting anger she saw her careless gesture had provoked. "Kenshin . . . I just–I wanted to be alone when I broke the news to my papa, that's all."
And for a moment as he gazed at her behind a well built wall of carefully constructed indifference: emotionless as he watched her grip his hands, soothingly tying to reach him as she brought his hands up to her lips, for soft tender kisses—he seemed almost unwilling to bend. Almost—but as he watched her, un-phased by the small burst of anger—he conceded.
"What happened?"
She sighed and squeezed his hands. "I'll be honest Kenshin." Kaoru looked at him trying her best to smile. "He didn't like what he heard." She bit her lip. "I tried to make him understand. It's just he thinks—" She looked away from him. "He thinks you're not serious about how you feel."
Kenshin's eyes narrowed. He could just imagine what the conversation had been like. "He thinks I'm using you?"
"The words came up." She admitted. His face had closed off and she knew he'd be upset. But he'd asked and there was no reason for her to lie, she'd said she was going to be honest and she was. "I love my papa Kenshin." Gold flitted across his eyes. "And I've always valued what he's had to say." He turned his face away, pulling his hands out of her grasp. "Kenshin—I told him I didn't care what he thought." As she climbed on top of his lap, carefully cupping the sides of his face with her palms. She said, "I just want to be with you." That's all she'd ever wanted. Kami only knew—"to love you." She kissed the sides of his face. "No matter what."
But for a long time, it seemed, he just looked at her. As every bad thought he'd had that day just seemed to drift away into nothingness; his jealousy, the murderous thoughts even that bout of irrational anger he'd experienced early on. All he could do was gaze at her until slowly his hands settled on her hips and he at last found the right train of thought again. "I left angry."
"I know," she admitted.
"Did you mean for me to be?"
"Of course not." She snapped, took a calming breath and smoothed out her face. Her tone much lighter when she spoke again. "I just—I wanted to be alone when I told him." She turned her face away just slightly, enough to avoid his gaze. "I knew it would take me a while to get through to him." But the main reason, the one that remained undisclosed was that she hadn't wanted him to see her cry. Her father was never careless with his words, except for when he was mad and he had. He'd been livid and had said some rather harsh things. Things she knew he hadn't meant. But still—"I'm sorry."
He inwardly sighed and pulled her close again. Noting, just something about the way she apologized, the way her bottom lip slightly quivered. He just couldn't stay mad, not with her. As he pressed his thumb and forefinger to her chin, moving her face to meet his gaze, he thought—there was no laughter in her eyes now, no curve to her pout, just dejection, as if ready to be admonished. But for what—his gaze remained fixed on her a moment longer, wondering if perhaps—he aught to let it go, wondering would only get him into to trouble. And for whatever reasons, he had the distinct suspicion, she was vindictive. Though he couldn't deny this aspect of her personality didn't intrigue him, for now at least he though he'd simply let it be.
As the corners of his mouth turned up again, she seemingly relaxed, watching him with such eyes . . . he couldn't help but kiss her. It was small and chaste, a mere touch of the lips but the way it suddenly made her smile. It's what made all the difference to him now, what would make him build her castles in clouds if she so desired. As he gazed at her, hands slowly settling on jut of her hips again, he at last, admitted the truth behind these trials—the reasons for his actions.
"Midnight," he said as he glanced at his watch. "Marks the beginning of the New Year." As her arms snaked around him, drawing them even closer still, he said. "I also wanted it to mark our first real anniversary." Kaoru's head tilted in confusion and he sighed. Thinking this was harder than he'd thought. He licked his lips and braved the statement. "You love me and you know I love you." Kaoru nodded slowly feeling her heart bounding the limits of it's home. "So, then . . . marry me?"
Just like that, just like all those times before, as her expression and breath both caught, her heart simply faltered and she slumped into his arm, fainted.
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In the utter darkness, surrounded by blackness so vast and encompassing, it almost overwhelmed her. A strange, cold breeze seemed to sweep around her, stirring a sense of familiarity. As hushed whispers rose, deep from within the breeze, warning and crooning softly against her ear, making her shiver in response; as a strange corner of her soul instinctively recognized this darkness, here, where it had once dared to live—her haven—her abyss.
"The shadow's again?"
Kaoru turned, quickly trying to see beyond the stretching darkness all around her, as her skin and soul vibrated in response to his presence, she tried almost desperately to discern him from the shadows. She knew he was out there, she could feel him. The thought was confirmed when she caught a flash of gold just beyond her reach.
"Are you trying to hide?"
When he laughed, suddenly close, his warm breath burned hot against her face making her turn and reach for something that wasn't there. As he laughed and continued to move away, hidden by the shadows, he knew she couldn't see. He whispered, "Don't you know yet?"
As she turned, blindly trying to reach him, he laughed and suddenly grabbed her hands. "Koishii." His touch was fleeting and comforting. Manipulative in the way, she'd long come to need and crave.
"You can't hide from me."
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"Koishii?"
"Can you hear me?"
"Koishii, please."
Still she was as motionless as the doll once created for his destruction. There, on the bed they'd shared so many times, propped against his pillows and supported by his arms. As the first stirrings of desperation began to creep into a small consciousness part of his mind—"Kaoru . . ." He felt it, slowly moving to the surface, uncoiling like some great snake.
"Koishii . . ."
He was lost. And the echoes of his voice were almost too far gone but she heard him. The constant rasp of his voice, finally did manage to pull her from the darkness which had consumed her. As she slowly opened her eyes, finding his face mere inches from her own, she smiled, trying to dispel the concerns she saw etched over his still beautiful face. Though she began to tremble, overcome by the strong sense of confusion, she'd only ever once experienced, she said. "You asked me, right? It wasn't just me hearing things."
The corners of his mouth turned up then just slightly but enough. "I asked." He said, as he pulled her face close to him again. "Do you accept?"
Koishii . . . You can't hide from me . . . It was a whisper, like things you think you hear the breeze whisper in your ear but they echoed, ringing much too loud and much too true for her like. As her eyes closed, overwhelmed by the hot stinging sensation just behind her lids. She said, "I do." Accepting his proposal, "I will."
Relieved he leaned into her again, grazing her lips with barely there kisses that soon coaxed her to respond. As he kissed her, gently, lightly . . . Kaoru let herself be drowned.
Her thoughts spun and whirled in terrible disarray, crashing from one end right down to the other, making it so hard to understand . . . Why . . . the abyss, the shadows, him. Why was he even there? The tightening in her heart was beginning again; she could feel it beginning to tear. Right at the seams, were the pain would most likely kill her. It hurt. And she just couldn't help it then tears sprang to her eyes. She'd known all along that it was inevitable, wherever there was a beginning, there had to be an end. But . . . she'd come to love him so much.
Kenshin broke the kiss suddenly and pulled back. "What's wrong?"
Kaoru kept her eyes closed, taking shallow breaths. "I'm just happy."
"You cry because you're happy?"
"I'm happy." She assured and opened her eyes. "But I cry." Her voice wavered. "Because of you." Her whisper, soft and sad, let him see the truth behind her words. "Because of how you make me feel."
Confusion crossed his face and she knew he didn't understand but that was for the best. She raised a trembling hand to his face, gently caressing his cheek. "Wwh–when." She paused and cleared her throat. "When do you wish to marry?"
"Soon," his eyes fluttered closed in an array of dark lashes as he leaned into her hand. He thought he'd like to marry her soon. He harbored the fear of her leaving, so for him the sooner the better. As his eyes opened and locked with hers. Ensnared by features he'd so come to adore: eyes, darker than the bottom of the sea; skin so soft it rivaled the finest silk; the pale pink of her pout and the richness of her hair—it all made him aware of just how dear she was to him. Taking all that into account, he reconsidered and thought, maybe she'd want more time. Sighing he offered her the choice, "We can wait for your father to come to Tokyo . . . if you want?"
Kaoru shook her head. "I don't." Her hand caressed his jaw. "I don't need a big wedding or to wait on anyone at all, I need is the priest and you or whoever we may need to be make it legal."
He smiled, inwardly glad at her response. He'd have tried to change her mind, had she said anything else. "I know someone." He said, as he took hold of her hand. "He can marry us tomorrow."
Kaoru nodded. "That's perfect." She would be able to be his wife before—she let the thought fade. The binds where all still very well in place, they'd only torn a bit tonight. And as long as he sprung no more surprises, she could endure. The pain was only a mild discomfort now and though her heart ached, she new the pain would be swept away the moment the color of his eyes had changed. Decidely, it was in her best interest to keep him close now. To keep the pain away, she'd have to make sure his eyes burned a deep molten gold every time he saw her. From now on . . .
Kaoru's gaze refocused, as she extended her arms to him. He smiled and sank into them without a second thought. So contend at her response, she couldn't help but hug him close, breathing in the soft scent of his hair as she began to undo the tie of his hair. Her fingers threaded into the softness of it, playing with the crimson locks she'd always loved so much. As he shifted however, her brow creased. Usually she felt comforted by the heaviness of his body, the weight of him pressing her to the bed but for one reason or another, that seemed absent today . . .
"Kenshin?"
"Aa." He answered, making himself comfortable against the hollow of her throat.
"Can you kiss me?" She kept her hands in his hair even as he lifted his head off her chest. His eyes, whirling with feelings she couldn't just name—but knew, deep in heart. If he could just make the world fade from view, she'd somehow find herself again. In his eyes, his touch . . . "Please," she pleaded. "Touch me," and as his eyes darkened. "Love me," she begged, watching as tiny flecks of gold appeared in the dark depths of his eyes—"Make the world fall away. I need—" his mouth covered hers then, kissing her passionately and possessively, urgent in the need to comply with her request. As he kissed her and touched her, stoking the fires of her desire . . . Until they drowned, both, in warmth and joy, a delight so great, it shattered her resolve.
· · · · ·
Kaoru sighed, a little frustrated as she smoothed her hands down over her dress again. Wondering why, for the tenth time that day, did she ever decided to wear this in the first place. It was nice but—was it too simple? As she looked at her reflection, done in a long sleeved pale pink turtleneck dress, just inches above the knees. She wondered if the white Prada boots had been a bit too much. She looked nice, it's not that she didn't but . . . maybe she should have worn something else instead, something black perhaps like Kenshin . . . Kenshin . . . Kaoru smoothed down her hair again. Her heart was unusually wild in her chest and she was having problems just taking in a breath—Kami only knew—she was just a moment a way from fainting.
"Kaoru."
She raised her head and smiled a bit nervously. "I – is he ready?"
Kenshin nodded returning the smile though without any of the nervousness she felt. As he extended his hand to her, Kaoru sighed, anxiously wiping the sweat off her palms before she grasped his hand and slowly, side by side, made their way into the large hall. Though with every step, it seemed her breath grew increasingly smaller.
"Koishii?" He had turned, worried she really might faint.
"I'm just nervous." She assured leaning her weight on him as he nodded and wrapped an arm around her waist, helping her as they walked the rest of the way. It was the first day of the New Year and all offices were closed but this man owed Kenshin a favor. A big favor, he would now repay.
As they stood outside a large set of woodened double doors, Kenshin took the time to take a last look at her. This was the end of their individual lives, as they both knew; they'd be together from now. Just like Kyoto all over again, she'd be at home, waiting for him to return and he swore, on everything he loved now, he'd never ever be late. No matter what, her happiness came first and foremost; everything else, he thought, could simply wait . . .
He thought, something of his thoughts must have shown then because her eyes seemed to clear and brighten as she smiled him, he released her waist. "Are you ready?" Kaoru nodded and held his hand, gripping it tight as he smiled and opened the doors.
The ceremony was a matter of fifteen minutes, less time than the actual drive from Shibuya to Shinagawa. The process was now over and done with, and she once again felt able to breath. Still processing the fact that they'd been married, even as she held their marriage certificate in her hands—it was hard for her to assimilate. It was over.
As she smoothed her hand over the small piece of paper, her eyes intent on their written names. She silently mouthed, Himura Kaoru. Saying out loud caused her heart to stutter. Thinking it caused it to contract. So either way, she still cried. She'd cried during the ceremony, after first seeing their wedding bands and then again when they'd been declared husband and wife.
He'd been so sure, she thought, knowing he could get her to marry him. Though how could he not, she did love him, so very much it caused her physical pain sometimes. And yet, knowing what she knew, she still wouldn't give it up. She couldn't. He belong to her in way, she couldn't ever possibly describe; trying would only label him a half, a part of a whole from which he'd been torn and flung, separated by that which made the skies and stars. Forever bound and forever loved. He was hers. Like she was his . . .Himura Kaoru, she was his wife now, in the eyes of the law, she was Himura . . . Kaoru . . .
"Koishii?"She looked up, smiling beyond a childish stream of tears. "Are you ready?" She asked.
He nodded, opened the car door and let himself in. "Have you been sitting here crying?"
"Not the whole time, no."
He shook his head, as he tried very hard not to smile. He started up the car and slowly backed out of the lot. Amused, despite himself, though he watched her out of the side of his eye.
He'd spent only ten minutes talking to Sakumura after the wedding but only because he hadn't thought that was long enough for her to start crying, again. Obviously he'd been wrong, as he looked at his passenger, still caressing the words on the paper. He felt he would have smiled if not for the news he was about to voice. "I have to start work tomorrow." He said, carefully watching Kaoru as she turned her attention back towards him. "I hope you don't mind, postponing the honeymoon just till Friday."
Kaoru shook her head, smiling. "I don't mind."
He slightly nodded and turned back to the road. Kaoru though, couldn't help look at him a moment longer before her attention went back to her paper. Thinking, she would have this framed tomorrow, as her hand smoothed over the paper once more her attention drifted over to their rings. He wore the ring she'd given him along with the wedding band, both on his left hand while she wore the one ring, the symbol of his love. Kaoru sighed, happily twirling the ring. She wasn't nervous anymore so now that she thought about it she realized they hadn't even had breakfast yet. "Kenshin . . . I'm hungry."
He chuckled, not surprised at all. "We'll stop off and eat before heading home ok."
Kaoru nodded and sat back, eyes fixed on the moving scenery as he drove, a bit slower then usual, she noted. As they turned the corner, her eyes brightened considerably, spotting the House of Pasta as he pulled up almost just in front of it. Her door opened, impatiently waiting for him to set the brake before she stepped out onto the sidewalk. She was curious; she hadn't known they were going to be open today of all days. But as she walked closer to the window, leaning over the sign they'd posted, her lips moved slightly as they read over their holiday hours. Which read; Open till one, in a nice dark blue ink. As she glanced at her watch seeing it only read eleven thirty. She thought, "We have plenty of time, then."
As she turned to call him, he came to stand at her side, watching her with such an odd expression. He momentarily stunned her. "Let's just eat here, ok." He nodded and she took his hand. Entering together, as the doors lightly chimed, when they walked in.
Kaoru waved, "Maekawa-san!"
A burly man in his late forties turned, almost immediately at the sound of her voice. "Kaoru-chan, I was wondering where you were?" His eyes crinkled when he smiled at her. Almost casually his eyes drifted to her companion and their joined hands. "Did you come to pick up?" He asked, avoiding her companion's eyes.
She shook her head. "We'll be eating in."
The older man nodded and led them to a table, patiently waiting till they were both seated before he pulled out a small pad from his apron's pocket and asked them. "What will you have?"
Kenshin frowned, for a moment, confused. He didn't see a menu anywhere around so how was it they were supposed to order? "We'll have two number seventeen's, a number four and a number two." Kaoru paused. "And to drink we'll just have plain tea."
Kenshin eyed her strangely and waited till Maekawa moved away before he began to speak—though before he had his chance, Kaoru cut him off. "We've lived in this area a long time Kenshin, almost as long as Maekawa-san." She explained. "So, I know the menu by hard." She smiled cheekily.
"I see."
She stretched her hands over the table and took a hold of his. "You'll like what I picked." She promised, stroking his left hand, almost absently. "I'll eat what you don't, how's that."
Kenshin laughed; pretty sure she would in any case. He let her hold his hand as he used the other to cup her cheek. Kaoru closed her eyes basking in the caress. "Do you care where we go?" He asked; eyes intent on her face. He watched her shake her head.
"No," she said, almost in a whisper. "I don't mind."
He smiled, of course, wondering if she'd even heard what he'd asked. As he watched her, slowly, beginning to pull away and back. He leaned over the table, surprising her as he pressed his lips to hers softly, letting the kiss linger, until she sighed and smiled—contently watching him as he sat on back.
There were a few people seated in the restaurant, still not nearly enough to have kept him from kissing her again if she'd just looked about to ask. But she didn't, Kaoru merely held his hands, studiously avoiding his gaze as they waiting patiently for their food to come. And with the vast amounts they brought, he was very soon forgotten. The queasiness she'd felt earlier in the day had completely vanished, leaving her so famished. She almost salivated at the sight. Still she remembered him seconds later and smiled before she picked up her chopsticks and began to eat.
They hardly spoke throughout the late brunch. Though words hardly seemed necessary anymore—she beamed at everything and everyone. Her eyes joyful and bright, she smiled constantly. And it was with a small sense of fear that he understood such overwhelming happiness. Though he could never express it in the same way as she often did, he understood it.
It was in awe and trepidation that he recognized the way life had narrowed all of its possibilities and wonders into a whole. The idea that she held everything that he was seemed almost impossible but–
"Kenshin?" She looked at him questioningly, forgetting all about her ice cream, as she squeezed his hand with her other.
He nodded, a little, letting her know he was fine as he unlocked the car door. He stepped back, watching her, distractedly as he waited for her sit and buckle before he closed the door again and made his way to the driver's side, glancing at his watch as he took a seat. He noted the meal had transcended on rather slowly, taking just over an hour and a half before they'd actually come to leave. Quite reluctantly, even then because Maekawa like Kaoru, had seemed surprisingly sad to see the other go.
Inwardly sighing, he glanced away and started up the car. Thinking however impossible the idea may have seemed to him at one point, he could no longer deny it being the truth. As he looked behind him, slowly pulling out onto the street. He stole a glance of her, before shifting gears along the way and taking the ramp back onto highway.
Kaoru sighed, a little before beaming. "I love that place." She said pausing only long enough between licks of her ice cream to say. "They have the best Italian food I've ever tasted.
Kenshin, who'd glanced at her from the corner of his eye, watched her, momentarily transfixed as her tongue swirled around the cold dessert. In such familiar motions, he sighed, admitting his mind did often drift whenever she was near—though who could really blame him, when she was so quite obviously distracting. Often he had paper work he'd simply just abandon in favor of tousling her around a bit.
"What's making you smile?"
For a moment, he merely stared at her, unaware he'd been doing it until she'd pointed it out. But even then, he looked at her bemusedly, until it dawned on him that she would have needed to be starting at him for the observation to have come so fast. As mischievous glint appeared in his eyes, he smiled at her, almost lazily.
It was a smile meant to disarm. And she had to blink back her surprise, caught still by the sliver of what had been his thoughts, as his smile widened, she understood, whatever it was she had seen—she'd seen it only because he'd made no effort to try and hide it.
His gaze grew heated and Kaoru, who'd stopped licking her ice cream some time ago, stared at him in silent fascination. She was so predictable sometimes, his smirk grew all knowing. He'd caught on to her fascination with eyes early on in the relationship and though they'd never had a serious argument, he knew all he had to do was release the yellowed-eyed demon that lived inside him. She'd succumb to anything after that.
"Your 'treat' . . . koishii."
Her attention returned at once to the melting treat as she stuck out her tongue, lapping at her hand and cone as she tried to catch the small viscous drops before they fell–
Kenshin shook his head, both, amused and somewhat aroused, he kept his eyes on the road there after. Still he could see her with his peripheral vision, just out of the side of his eyes. And he inwardly sighed, thinking; she really was too distracting . . . It was a coincidence simply, that Kaoru began to slurp the milky white liquid just then but even so, he almost bit his tongue, stifling an unexpected groan. She knew how sensitive his hearing was. For Kami's sakes . . . he closed his eyes, briefly, exhaling a calming breath before opening them again. And watching her swallow, slowly, licking at her lips in a way that caused his knuckles to turn white on the steering wheel. As he watcher her, calmly, reminding himself they'd have plenty of time for such things . . . later. He strengthened his resolve. He could after all be patient man.
"Do you want some?"
He grunted and she eyed him strangely. Wondering why he did that ever time she offered him some ice cream.
· · · · ·
It was dessert, of course and Kaoru sat happily on his lap, licking chocolate of her fingertips as she munched on contently. They'd spent the entire day putting away all the Christmas decorations and so the take-out he'd stopped off earlier to get had been nothing short of heaven sent. Dessert especially, despite its simplicity, was something she really had enjoyed. And what she could maybe even guess had prompted him to give up the remaining half. As she picked up another berry, slowly dipping it in chocolate, she sighed, gratefully adoring it before brining it to her mouth, slowly, savoring the moment before she picked another and did the same, all over again.
Oblivious, he knew to everything but her food. At least for a while longer still; Kenshin kept his eyes on the tv, rubbing at her back slowly while she finished 'their' dessert. Wondering, still; how anyone built so small could even manage to eat as much she did—would forever probably continue to remain a mystery. Though the way he figured, it was all probably due to some sort of fast metabolism, something in her genetic make up which . . . She sighed suddenly and leaned her head into the crook of his neck. A quick glance at the table revealed to him that which he'd already expected: an empty plate. Of course . . .
Kaoru cuddled closer into his lap just then making herself a bit comfortable which succeeded pretty much in extracting him from his thoughts as he sat there, silently awaiting her—Kaoru sighed, resting her forehead so close against his neck; he could almost taste the twined scents of fruit and chocolate coming from her breath. Enticing him, he knew, in ways he'd long ago should've come to terms in trying to ignore but all the same, he laid a hand on her lap, unconsciously pushing up her dress until his hand lay bare against her leg; so soft and warm against his skin, he vaguely watched the screen. Distractedly, instead he began rubbing at her skin, calming without meaning, her body began droop—relaxing, he realized as she fell asleep.
And still—even after all of it—after all of this . . . It was hard for him to believe; they'd just gone and gotten married. Were it anyone else other then them, he'd have said they were crazy maybe even stupid. How could two people who'd just barely met and fallen in love be then married so right away? It was strange but not as much as knowing that as new as it all was now, in the long run, he'd made the right choice.
For all he'd promised her; for today, tomorrow and everyday after—for all the days of his life now, he belonged to her. He was hers. In a way, he wouldn't have ever would wanted to announce, before, to anyone. But now, as he glanced at the rings on his hand, he thought, there wasn't much of anything he wouldn't do to keep that. "Not anything," he murmured, closing his eyes against her hair as he sighed, so deeply, he felt the scent of her brush against his heart.
Sometime later when night had descended: his thoughts, no longer troubled by anything, began to wonder to things he'd paid very little attention to before all of this had occurred. Main of which had so far being neglecting to ask her when it'd be alright to fetch the rest of her things from her father's home. He was busy all of the rest of the week and then on Friday they'd be leaving on a weeklong honeymoon which he realized, meant that he'd have to hold off and wait till they came back. The thought of course, made the corners of his mouth turn down; he didn't want––to have to wait but––
Kaoru stirred just then pulling him out of his reverie as she yawned softly against his neck. Slowly raising her head, as she nuzzled him affectionately one last time before pulling a little away, smiling sleepily still. "What time is it?" She asked.
"Eleven."
Kaoru nodded and stretched, yawning once more before she rose. "We really should go to bed."
He nodded and stood. Turning off the tv with the control before he tossed it on the couch and followed, walking just a bit behind her as they made their way into the bedroom—conveniently suddenly, as he veered off to the right and closed the door behind him.
As she watched him, for a moment, disappear into the bathroom with only the slight beginnings of frown forming on her face . . . Before she shook her head, disregarding his behavior as she began to change, slowly, pulling off the pale pink dress and changing into a thin strapped camisole. While alone in the bedroom, she dressed quickly and quietly, settling on the bed, as she began the slow meticulous process of brushing out her hair.
It was minutes later, when the bathroom door suddenly opened that she looked up again. Watching him walk out—she stood and began to walk on past him, when she realized suddenly that he'd let his hair come undone; flowing down his back in long wild tangles like some sort of great lions mane—she slowed her walk. Eyes, darting between his hair and hands as she gazed at him hoping to see him strip before she made it to the door . . . She watched him, so rapt on him unbuttoning the buttons off his shirt; she never even saw the door but walked right into it with a very audible thud.
Kenshin, of course, had then to turn; smiling as she rubbed her head. "You okay?"
"Yes . . . Fine . . . Just fine—" She muttered, walking into the bathroom.
He shook his head, unhurriedly continuing his undress before tossing off his socks and clothes to the chair nearest by the window before climbing into bed. Wondering how long she'd be—he settled back against a pillow propped against the headboard, beneath a blanket and the unwelcoming bit of cold it'd always provided him before. As he waited, arms propped beneath his head, he closed his eyes, unusually tired by all the days' events . . . lingering still somewhere inside his head.
All the same, it took her several longer minutes still before she stepped on out of the bathroom, her long dark hair, now soft and free of tangles, shimmered in the soft light filling up the room. Make-up free and minty'd breath—she'd begun to walk on past the closet when she paused suddenly seeing her jeans on the bottom of the floor. She picked them up and was ready to hang them up again when she seemingly stopped. Inspecting them, under slow, careful scrutiny––only made her wonder even more. So as abrupt as the need to pick them up had been, she began to put them on. Silently cursing when she couldn't get the zipper up—she tried, for several long minutes, she kept holding in her breath, trying and trying until she got the zipper up but then after all that trouble, she found it even harder to take a breathe. "These pants . . ." she complained, "fit way too tight." Inhaling a great deep breath, she unbuttoned them, gratefully getting them undone in her first try before the breath rush out of her. As she shimmied out of the jeans—
Kenshin glanced at her, wondering, "Why—" he asked—"are you trying on clothes before you go to bed?"
Kaoru tossed the pants aside and took a moment to look in the mirror, turning sideways. She thought she didn't look any chubbier but as her hands smoothed over her hips and down the flat span of her stomach. She frowned and turned her back; looking over her shoulder to catch a glimpse of her bum. No—she thought; she certainly didn't seem to be getting fat but her pants didn't fit. And it could all be that they'd simply shrunk but—she turned to him, dressed only in her tank and matching panties. "Do you think I'm getting fat?"
"No," he reassured. "Now come to bed." He extended out a hand to her and waited for her to come to him.
And she did, after a moment's hesitation—she moved away from the mirror, slowly padding towards the bed while he turned the covers back. As she slid in next to him, feeling his arms settling around her waist; she sighed more than a little glad for the warmth always emanating from his body.
Thoughts of yesterday—she remembered had been a little too intense. She'd hardly gotten any rest and then today, with the wedding and her nervousness. She was tired. And couldn't help but yawn as she rubbed her face against his chest. She heard him sigh and was glad once again that he didn't like sleeping in any kind of clothes. As she smiled, allowing her eyes to drift almost close. She felt a comforting type of warmth encompass her. A sleep so deep, it slithered past her consciousness, eating her last thoughts as they fleeted past a shadow veiled within the shade of an abyss, which whispered to her still . . .
· · · · ·
It had been growing colder, steadily with everyday that passed. The wind had been howling for several days and dark skies had soon filled with angry clouds that seemed ready to burst at any moments notice. It was winter, after all and the breeze stirred strongly among the trees, catching bits of Kenshin's hair as he pulled the mail out from the mailbox and carried it back to the car with him. "Here," he said, handing her several small packages through the open car window before he pulled out a stack of letters from his back pocket and handed them over as well.
The air stirred strongly once again as he walked around the car, thrusting, the jagged ends of his bangs into his eyes, so that for a second or so, he merely blinked before he suddenly pushed them back, away from his face as he opened the door and let himself in.
As he started up the car Kaoru suddenly gasped. "Late presents," she cooed as she began to open one. He smiled and headed back to his apartment.
It was Thursday already, just a day before they left on a week long vacation to the Caribbean. And because of that they'd had to stop off to get the mail from her father's house today instead of Friday like they almost always did.
"Oh."
He glanced at her as Kaoru held out a short black negligee for him to see. "Hm," She murmured, turning the card slowly over. "Oh it's from Tai. How nice, listen to what he wrote:
Ohayo! Kaoru-chan,
Thanks for the present. I hope you and your boyfriend enjoy my gift as much as I enjoyed yours.
Hugs and Kisses Tai
For a moment, Kaoru merely smiled, fondly rereading the letter a moment longer before putting it away and proceeding to the next box. "Barrettes," she stated displaying a set of twin barrettes, with clear and blue stones. "And they're from . . . my papa." She mused aloud, turning the note over. "Oh . . . my, they're real diamonds." She said, eyes shimmering. What a great papa, she thought, carefully putting them back into their box before she picked up another package, a little plainer than the others with what looked like a child's writing.
"Now these," she said, looking over the last two. "Look like they're from the hospital." Opening a plain wrapped package, she found a set of five silver bracelets. "How cute . . ." she thought and how utterly thoughtful . . . For someone to have remembered, such a small silly little detail from one of her stories was surprising enough but nevertheless appreciated. Putting them on, turning the wrapping over, "It looks like they're from Toru . . . You know, one of the boys in my wing." As she smiled and put the box aside, she watched him glance at her. Finally, unwrapping the last one, Kaoru tore the binds and paper off, digging through the vast amounts of tissue before she paused, suddenly, surprised. "A black baccara?" Her brows knotted and she turned to him, handing him the box. "I don't get it."
Kenshin's features closed off immediately as he examined it. Carefully, moving aside the black and burgundy tissue paper the rose lay nestled in. He looked over and around the box, but at seeing only the hospital's address and no name. "I'll hold on to this." He told her, deceptively casual as he set the box aside, away from her grasp and without her notice.
Kaoru nodded and turned, looking through the small tack of letters he'd gone to get her. Distracted, if only for the time being, he shifted gears quickly setting it on fourth before he pushed the cruise control and drove, mildly at ease with a hand on the steering wheel while the other searched inside the box. Looking carefully through the layers for a note or anything of the sort . . . but instead he began to frown, worried now by the lack of one, his eyes grew dark and shadowed, bereft of feeling as the last bits of sun fell across his face.
Suspicious already, even if by nature—he was even overly more when it came to her . . . but that's because he knew things she would never understand. Things about human nature no one but a killer could ever possibly understand. For someone who looked like her . . . It wouldn't be wise for him to ignore this now. He was going to have to head downtown. Drop this off at S-9's lab and . . . he glanced at the clock in the car, reading eighteen-thirty on the dot. He thought—hurry down there.
They would have results for him in the morning if he were to drop it off before nineteen hundred hours. And he would just make it if he hurried now. Switching lanes, turning off the cruise control, he shifted back to third, picking up speed before he shifted back to fourth, heading down town instead of home now. He glanced out the window, thinking she wouldn't mind the small detour at all—if somewhere along the way, he found her something sweet to keep her entertained. Smiling, despite his worry now. Kenshin watched the sky turn a range of dark orange colored hues—so reminiscent of those in his youth, his smile vanished. Remembering . . .
Kaoru suddenly laughed. "Baka." Eyes intent, she leafed through several more pages of her letter before something unexpected fell into her lap. As she picked it up, a look of mild surprised washed over her face, briefly stunned before she hook her head. Amused, she wondered why even after all these years, he still couldn't put much thought into one of his gifts? As she shook her head, turning the check over in her hand, she paused, finding the print suddenly curious, she sniffed it and laughed. Pleased by his Cotton Candy choice—Kaoru smiled, folding the check and tucking it into her purse, she made herself a metal note to deposit it later.
"What was that?"
She glanced at him from behind her letter. "A check from my cousin, I've been getting one since he was old enough to work." Kaoru shook her head. "Don't know what he does but his checks are always very generous. I'll have to go visit him one of these days."
"Where does he live?"
"Osaka last time I checked though he does have a house in Kyoto but he never goes there." She smiled at him and continued reading her letter. It was several minutes later when the car came to a stop that she looked up again. "We're still in Shinjuku?"
Kenshin nodded and turned the ignition off. "I need to drop something off." He turned towards her. "I won't take long." He promised. Leaning over, distracting her with a kiss, he carefully picked up the troublesome gift before carefully hiding it behind him. As he broke away, smiling at the warm-fussy look in her eyes, he pulled back completely and opened the door. Stepping out into the cold winter afternoon, he ignored the thrashing gust of wind that tousled his hair around, oblivious to the winter chill, he shifted the small box against him, a bit more securely before he sighed and set off—with the door closing behind him.
Kaoru was once again left alone, watching him as he jogged across the street and into a large nameless building. Eyes lingering on the door he'd used, she sighed, wistfully touching her lips before her attention slowly returned to the letter in her lap. Though now, she realized, it'd gotten too dark to see. Sighing, almost regretfully, she put the letter back inside the envelope and set it aside, before taking a slow look around. Wondering where exactly they had gone . . . when her gaze suddenly paused, intent on a dark, red sign just beyond her door. "Fuji," she read, smiling at her luck—to have her bank right across the street from his building—she pulled the keys he'd left behind from the ignition and picked her purse up.
Nights had grown chilly in Tokyo and despite wearing jeans and a heavy knit turtleneck, she found the air to still seep through—almost, unbearably cold. Even for a January evening, she thought it was awfully cold and shivered despite her clothing. As she finished locking up the car she sneezed; distantly, distracted by the cloud of fog her breath had formed—she sneezed again and sighed, this time, hoping it wasn't a sign of her getting sick. She made her way over to the ATM where the area there at least was well lit. Glancing around, making sure she was indeed alone, she pulled out an envelope from a side compartment at the machine before pulling out her check, gently, unfolding it before she signed it and wrote her account number on it. Thinking, Aoshi really should learn to send her gift cards or something else instead. She blew on her fingertips as the feeling of numbness began to spread. Sticking the check into the envelope and quickly sealing it close. She pulled out her check-card and almost dropped it, her hands trembled so much. "You'd think I'd be used to the cold," she murmured. Blowing on her fingertips once again, she punched in her pin and made her deposit.
Teeth chattering, she pulled her statement free. All the while, thinking; she loved her cousin, she really did as much and she was sure as he loved her too. But maybe, she thought, it was time she asked him about wiring her the money instead. Sneezing once, twice and then a third time, Kaoru stuffed the statement into her pocket and thought, yeah, it's definitely time she asked. Pulling on her sleeves to cover over her hands, she slowly turned and began to walk away when the doors to the bank suddenly exploded with such force, she staggered back, unable to see beyond the cloud of dust showering debris in large fragmented heaps all around the street.
As she coughed, watching the remains of dust settling into bits and slivers—a masked man suddenly ran out from where the bank wall had stood just moments before, looking anxiously around. When he spotted her, Kaoru tried to back away—gaze, intent on the building across the way.
"Where's you car?"
Kaoru's attention quickly came back to thief. Raising her hands in surrender. "I don't have one," she said, lightly admitting. "I can't drive." But his eyes fell on her jeans and she realized, if belatedly, that she'd left his keys hanging out. Damn it!
"You're a liar." He sneered and pointed his gun at her. While she watched him approach her, briefly unsure if he could really be that dumb. She wondered—why he didn't just ask for the keys to get tossed to him. It would have been safer.
As he made a grab for the keys, she knocked the gun out of his hand with her left while her right hand drove upwards in a forceful thrust to the throat. Making him choke and stagger as tears sprung to his eyes Kaoru moved without any further warning, breaking his nose with the heel of her palm, with an exact crushing precision.
He sank to his knees, bleeding profusely now, she kicked the side of his head, sending him flying into a wall as she effectively knocked him out—just as she'd been taught. Only now, did she tremble, amazed to see that all her years of Kempo training had finally paid off. She pulled out her cell from her purse and began to dial the police.
"Put that down."
Kaoru's eyes turned back to the bank's entrance. "You have got to be kidding me." She dropped her phone and raised her hands in surrender, again. How many more where there?
The masked man shot the phone on the floor and turned the gun back to her. "Keys." He demanded.
"I don't have a car."
He cocked the gun. "Now."
"I don't have a car."
"Fuck," he approached her wearily. He'd seen the last blow she'd delivered to his brother. And as the eldest, not to mention the more cautious of the two, he put the gun right at the hollow of her throat making sure she understood the threat behind the action before he slowly reached for the keys himself.
Only Kaoru didn't seem to care anymore her eyes were intent on the building across the street, fear and worry no longer a part of what she felt as she murmured. "Kenshin . . ."
The thief's face jerked up and immediately hid behind her. Putting the gun to her temple, he peeked out from behind her shoulder. Until—there—across the street, he saw a red headed man, gun out and pointed in their direction.
"Let her go!"
"That's my husband." Kaoru said, breath short and warm. Appealing in away he didn't want to think about just then. As his hand settled on her shoulder, slowly making her move with him. He asked her, "Which car's his?"
But Kaoru kept silent.
"Don't make me shoot you." He growled. "Just tell me and I'll let you go once I'm inside." For a moment, as her face turned, just slightly but enough for him to glance at her, he thought she just might do that when the voice of someone else cut her off. "Drop your gun. And let her go. NOW!"
"Kenshin's really short-tempered." She said, almost conversationally while the thief kept his eyes on the approaching man.
"Stay back." He warned. "Stay back or I'll shoot her."
"No, he's the best marksman -"
"Shut up, shit I only needed the fucking keys." He gritted out in frustration. "Just tell me which car's his."
"I'm not going to warn you again." He promised, eyes already the color of burnished gold. Kenshin pointed his gun higher, ready for then opening he would need to put a bullet though the man's head. His intent, only too obvious.
The thief looked around fearfully now, until it struck him suddenly. And he pushed the alarm on her keys. A car to his right suddenly beeped and flashed its light. "Perfect." He thought and began to pull her along, carefully maintaining his head hidden behind her. Until the unexpected sound of rushed footsteps abruptly made him pause and he saw, for the first time at least a half a dozen men with guns running out of the building from across the street.
"He's a former S-9 agent." Kaoru explained, sensing his confusion.
"Fuck." For a moment, he cursed at his luck before gripping her tighter. "Come on." He growled, pulling her along, slowly, inching his way to the black sports car. His eyes, cautious, constantly roamed over the rooftops but it was too hard to see. It was getting dark. And either way, he imagined any sharpshooter of theirs would probably know better than getting themselves seen until they took their shot. Which he was not about to let happen. Shit! He used the control on her keys to unlock the car, keeping her in front as a shield. They neared the driver's door still keeping his movement's slow, he opened it carefully, peeking out from behind her one last time before getting in—he caught sight of the redheaded man, eyes locking on gold.
Kaoru closed her eyes. Just a second or so it seemed before the silence around them abruptly shattered, cracked, by the loud deafening sound of a shot rippling across the sky. Echoing, sickly as it hits mark and something wet splashed against the wall behind them. Making Kaoru glad at least that she'd closed her eyes, as the grip on her shoulder began to loosen, she sighed, glad to be free.
"Kaoru come to me!"
She nodded enthusiastically and ran to his side when the angry look across his face suddenly darkened, Kaoru stopped where she stood. In the middle of the street. A second shot rang out, echoing just as loudly as the first. Kenshin's gun was still raised but there was a look of horror on his face.
"Kaoru!"
She didn't understand.
"Kaoru!"
She fell to her knees.
"Kaoru!"
He was running . . . towards her. As she blinked, slowly, feeling her world begin to tilt. There was a split second of awareness, a feeling of something gone horribly wrong, quickly followed by blackness as her head connected with the pavement, Kaoru's eyes closed.
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I'm back. Please don't hate me. I know what I said. But you guys, really have to understand how hard it is for me to edit. I have no beta at all. And asking one of the readers to do it for me just seems a little too pushy. Because . . . well, I am pushy. I'm a perfectionist and those of you who email me regularly know I often write up to 35 version of just one chapter. Besides that, I got sick and lost my internet connection. So, I'm hoping the lot of you will simply forgive me if I just post this all the way through. Meaning, you count on reading the end today. (How's that, huh? Will all of you love me again . . . huh? I'll await reviews and see. ) In the meantime, lets move on to the second part of this, yes.
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Though don't forget, anything between these lines means dream sequence. Alright.
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Alright. Like always email me if you have any questions. I posted a lot this time so I that aught to hold you guys off for a while. Thanks for reading and please, don't forget to review
