Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.
Summary: Kaoru is a well known couples therapist whose dark secret is revealed: she has never had a boyfriend. So now she must advise a famous CEO, Kenshin Himura, on how to treat women to regain back her life and reputation. KK.
Note: This idea came from a book I have, but not have read yet. The novel is by Jane Teller, and it is called Female Intelligence. The part I took from the real story is the whole not wanting the press involved thing.
Love, Seduction, and Counseling?
By: Espiritus
Chapter Three
The first seven calls to Himura's private secretary failed miserably, as did her several attempts waiting for an opening in his antechamber. What was he, the president? For Christ's stakes the man was protected, and not to mention possessed basically by his Nazi like secretary who, to Kaoru, sounded like a bitter old woman.
She flinched.
Okay, that was a terrible thing to think, but the woman properly deserved it. All Kaoru tried to do, on several, actually seven, different occasions was set up a meeting with Himura at whatever time he was free. But despite all her pleading, and waiting, and wasting money on taxis and other such transportation all she got in response was: "He's too busy."
To busy my foot, Kaoru had exclaimed in her mind. She shivered thinking about how long she had waited in the lobby; it was just plain rude. On the phone was no different.
"Could you please check once more? It's important that I converse with Mr. Himura." Kaoru had begged. It wasn't below her, especially since at the moment she had to no job and desperately wanted her own back.
"I'm sorry, Miss., but that is not possible." Kaoru fisted her hands wanting nothing more than just to scream at the woman, but never got the chance because the line went dead.
That happened several times. Kaoru even disguised her voice five out of the seven. It was no use against the Nazi.
Even in the waiting area everyone was rude. Well New York was known for the rude aspect of its people, and Kaoru for one was glad not to take part in any of that nonsense. In fact, rudeness among couples was another reason why relationships failed she mused.
Focus, girl. Take deep calming breaths, and think of nice thoughts.
It didn't work.
Kaoru pounded her head against her dinning table, the salt and pepper shakers moved around violently, and the bottle of garlic sauce broke. Damnation. Maybe Misao was right. Maybe she had to meet this Kenshin Himura--or god in any other words-- in person. No, Kaoru stopped her thoughts. She would do this her own way, and she would succeed, even if she had to barge into his office and grab him by the collar. What's the worst that could happen? It would be better than the multiple times she waited, each time for over six hours.
"Well you could get arrested, or be thrown out and humiliated." Megumi said stepping out of the rest room. Yes one week had already past since the late night phone call, and that only meant that Kaoru had less time to regain her career.
"So I said that out loud, did I." It was more of a statement than a question. Kaoru knew she sometimes talked out loud when deep in thought.
"Stress does that to some people, Kaoru. If I were you, I would try not to be so frustrated over it." Megumi waved her hand, walking over to the kitchen to make some coffee.
Kaoru said nothing in response since Megumi was accurate; she was frustrated, and she was stressed beyond belief. Even finals when they'd been in college seemed nothing in comparison. Megumi sat down across from her.
"Where did Misao go?"
"Out. Or that's what she said when I asked." Megumi sipped her coffee, her eyes never leaving Kaoru's form. A small smile implanted itself on her red painted lips. How they never came off on cups, or utensils, or men, Kaoru still had yet to figure out.
"Hmm..." Megumi hummed lost in thought. Kaoru looked up from the phone which she'd been starring at, trying to dare herself to call once more.
"What are you thinking about?" Kaoru asked suddenly, the humming noise getting on her nerves. Anything for the past week annoyed her immensely, especially Misao and all her different tactics on how to try to cheer her up. Needless to say, they never worked.
"Maybe barging into Mr. Himura's office isn't such a bad idea." Megumi sighed, "That or we could try to find his cell number."
Kaoru face blanked, and then, from out of nowhere, she started laughing and found that she couldn't stop. This whole idea was a sham, was bogus; completely impossible. Misao had been right, it would take over a million years for a mortal like herself to get a private meeting with Mr. Himura, the aggressive business man who captured and destroyed women's hearts by the dozen.
What was the use in wasting time to try and get a meeting with the god? Not only that, but she was wasting time on a man that might not even accept her proposal. Let's face it, he would probably not even want her help, and like all other well known people hated the press and articles about himself. No, she was stupid to even think that Kenshin Himura would degrade himself to have her help him, and help her in return.
It was time to focus on herself, and her time, on a different angle--there was always more than one. She would aim her career more towards the common people; how she first started out. Besides, it was better to work with non-famous people, they weren't as spoiled.
Setting on a smile, her mind was made up. She would start over. This pursuit was a fruitless waste of time.
"Megumi," Kaoru slammed her hand on the table, shaking off the remnants of laughter. "I have decided to give up this worthless pursuit."
The latter didn't seemed astonished or surprised, merely disappointed. "Giving up so soon?"
As Kaoru's father always said, "If it sounded like a challenge, it is a challenge." But Kaoru was in no mood for Megumi's trivial mind games, the vixen she was. Kaoru turned her gaze away, and looked up at the sky light; blue sky and whites clouds filled the area, at night it was just black, no stars, no moon.
"Not today, Megumi. I'm tired of it." She looked towards her friend, who had a small look of confusion on her face for a moment before it vanished, and was replaced by understanding. Kaoru nodded once and stood. "I think I'm going out for a little walk, maybe around Central Park. I would invite you, but..."
Megumi shook her head, "I understand. Besides I need to go apartment shopping. I would invite you but..."
Kaoru snorted at Megumi's imitation of her at the moment. She always understood everyone. Kaoru walked to the door and was about to close it when she turned to look at Megumi once again.
"I'm not giving up on my dream, Meg." Kaoru smiled recalling what Misao had said once, "I'm merely expanding my horizons a bit."
"I understand."
Kaoru closed the door and walked off, hearing the slight noises of Mozart coming from her neighbor's apartment.
Kaoru turned around hearing her voice.
"Kerry, is that you?" She smiled seeing her friend take off her sunglass revealing beautiful hazel eyes. Never would Kaoru admit that she'd always been a little bit envious of Kerry's good looks; hazel, almond shaped eyes, long light brown hair that curled slightly at the bottom, and heart shaped face adorned with naturally rosy cheeks. Kaoru could admit that Kerry was a catch for any man.
She gave a small laugh, her light brown hair dancing as she tossed it over her shoulder. "I should have expected you to be out in the public eye so soon; you were never one to cower."
Kaoru let herself soak in the compliment that is until, "You've always reminded me of a man."
Kaoru coughed, sliding her own sun glass back on to cover the murderous look in her eyes. Kerry still stood there smiling, not knowing what she had just said. Kaoru really like Kerry, she really did, but it was at times like that she liked to question Kerry's intelligence. But there was one thing that Kaoru was sure of, Kerry only wished to compliment her strength; all she needed was better communication skills.
Giving a small smirk Kaoru nodded, "Yes, very true. Anyway, how have you been?"
The girl sighed, and sat down next to Kaoru. "Gary and I broke up." She sounded sad, but Kaoru couldn't help but perk up at the idea. Maybe she could help, not that she was glad about Kerry's sadness, but Kaoru was a couple's guru, things of this sort interested her.
Kaoru patted her shoulder reassuringly, remembering the very attractive man who use to come by to give Kerry flowers. They seemed so in love, but as always, appearances were deceiving.
"I'm sorry, Kerry, what happened? You both seemed so much in love."
Kerry shook her head and planted back on a smile, "It doesn't matter, Doctor, what's done is done, and besides you can't help because were not a couple anymore." Kaoru smiled, knowing that this time Kerry was joking and understood what she had said. It was her little way of saying that she didn't want to talk about it.
"Hey, how many times have I told you not to call me that?"
"What does it matter, Doctor Kamiya?" Kerry stood up and put her glass on her eyes once more. "I have to go; I have a date in thirty minutes."
"On the prowl so soon?" Kaoru joked standing up to hug her friend. Kerry flashed a smile; she could have been a model if she wanted to.
"There is no reason to sit around a mop, besides I know you wouldn't." She slapped her in the head, "Oh, I'm so sorry, Kaoru. I did even ask you how you were doing."
"Don't worry about it, besides my life isn't as interesting as yours."
"True," Kerry joked, "but at least your life doesn't have heartache. I don't mean to be rude, Kaoru, but really consider yourself lucky to never have had a boyfriend. But even so, I know that once you do it will be for life. You always had good judgment, and with your skills in relationships it is sure to last. Just be careful, men are pigs."
So with one last hug Kerry left Kaoru to ponder about her words. Consider herself lucky? that was a first. Yet there was a tone of warning in Kerry's voice, foreboding if you will. Kaoru didn't like it at all. Shut up, Kaoru, like you're ever going to have a relationship. You'll die an old maid, and maybe, if you're lucky, become a nun. Kaoru laughed at herself quietly, as to not attract the attention of the runners, and little kids zooming all over the place.
She was so lost in her thoughts that Kaoru never noticed a woman come sit beside her until she was nudged awake.
"Are you Doctor Kamiya?" Kaoru unconsciously lifted her sunglass higher and sunk down as though she were trying to hide. Damn it all, where did this person come from? The woman was beautiful and looked quite familiar though Kaoru couldn't place her from where, maybe she was a model; she certainly had the smile, and hair, and eyes, and legs...basically the whole package.
She was defiantly better looking then Kerry with her deep onyx eyes and raven black hair pulled up in a French twist and designer cloths. Why did this woman want to talk to her? If she was here to make of a joke then she had another thing coming that was for sure.
Bracing herself for an oncoming impact, and most likely migraine, Kaoru shook her head and said, "Yes, guilty as charged. You're not going to spite me, or beat me down for being a couple's therapist without ever having a boyfriend are you?"
Kaoru guessed that her quite serious comment was amusing to the woman in question for she laughed lightly putting an ever so gentle finger over her lips. So damn feminine, Kaoru thought.
"Did I say something funny, Miss..."
The woman shook her head letting loose a couple of bangs which floated gently down her face, "No, no, I'm sorry. It's just that I have never before heard someone get so defensive over their name."
Kaoru huffed loudly crossing her arms. "Well you would do the same if you were me."
The woman sobered immediately and said her apologies with a light tongue. "I was just going to say that I really do admire you and your talent with couple's communication. Before the whole scandal, which might I add was wonderful, I looked you up...they said you were the best."
The woman waved her hand lightly, "But that was about a year ago with my ex-boyfriend, the man was so arrogant, anyway we ended up breaking it off. I found someone new and we both decided it was best just to remain friends, you know. I'm sorry, I'm telling you all these things about me and you don't even know me."
Kaoru didn't mind at all, she laughed. "It's really okay, my friends call me somewhat of a busy body, but I'm sensing here that this is not what you wanted to say to me, it was more of a poorly planned ice-breaker."
The woman blushed, or so it looked like, but it could have just been a trick of light. "You are good, you read me through and through. And yes that is not what I wanted to say.
"I just wished to explain my thoughts on how the public eye has treated you--it's distasteful and horrid. I think, due to your extensive success, that people would still wish for you to be their therapist. No only that, but what does it matter if you have or have not had a boyfriend. Personally, I think it is great for you really have no bias on which gender is in the right or wrong.
"Communication," The woman stressed excitedly, "is suppose to be mutual, not one favoring the other. Why should men learn who to speak "womenspeak" and women learn how to speak "menspeak" per se? Why can't there just be a middle ground which all people can communicate on..."
The woman was on a tangent yet Kaoru could not agree with her more. Finally someone other than herself knew what she was talking about...did this woman read her books or what?
"I'm so sorry, that's the most I have ever spoken before, I must have said something dull witted by the look on your face." She was flushed and breathing heavily...yes it seemed so. Kaoru smirked and shook her head.
"Well that's communication for you, too much can lead to a world of trouble, and too little can lead to nothing. It's a strange a fine line that couple's wonder on, and a great leap of faith. But on the contrary, you said nothing dull-witted, I'm just happy that someone finally understands what I have been writing for years."
"Oh, yes. I did read your books and they opened my eyes to the problems both men and woman have. In a relationship, as you stated, it is not just the man's fault but also the woman's. I know in your book, in the author's note--yes I read that too-- you said you have gotten all your facts from observation and not biasness.
That's why I think that you being single proved to be such a God given gift for idiots such as myself. Your ideas are almost all fact and not stupid nonsense that some of my acquaintances talk about."
Kaoru felt herself sweat-drop. The woman, who she still did not know her name, and still look awfully familiar, seemed like a person who never talked. How could she tell? It was the eyes, the subtle depression and mysteriousness' of the eyelids, and the fact she quickly ran out of breathe. The women, whoever she was, must have been really glad to see her. Or hyped off on coffee or some exotic drug.
"Many women that I have talked to have expressed a deep sense that everything that goes wrong in a relationship tends to be on the man's conscious. Me, personally," Kaoru explained, "I have seen it mostly with the women. Some tend to talk too much which leads a man to believe that they are nagging and dominating, which isn't good for the man's ego.
"Yes, I know an ego isn't good, but women have to learn how to take a little and give a little. Let their men have fun and learn of their own downfall. Of course, the men are to at fault because they are less communicative then women usually are, and it leads an insecure women-- which is most of the time all women--to believe that they aren't good enough, or that their being cheated on. Like I said before, the line is very fine and very hard to walk. "
The woman was quiet for a moment before she sighed and leaned contently down against the park bench. "You and my ex would get along wonderfully."
Kaoru cocked her head to the side, "You think. Who's your ex, by the way?"
The woman looked strangely over at her and gave a startled gasp. "So you didn't recognize me, I thought as much." She stretched.
"I'm sorry for talking so much that I forgot introduce myself properly, my name is Tomoe Yukishiro."
A minute seemed to pass before realization hit her. Tomoe Yukishiro, the famous model, the one in all the commercials and magazines talked and appraised her...but, Kaoru shook her head. Newspaper clippings over the past two nights ran over her mind and for a moment, and Kaoru was stunned into silence.
Tomoe Yukishiro's ex-boyfriend was none other than the infamous Kenshin Himura.
Kaoru looked onto Tomoe's smiling face and wanted nothing more than to hit herself. Of all the dirty luck in the world, why did she come across Tomoe instead of her ex? It was if God was laughing at her right now for His silly game. She shook her head again and laughed, laughed for a few hard minutes.
Kaoru must have freaked out Tomoe for she put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Is something a matter?"
She nodded finding herself unable to keep the truth of laughter from the other woman. She told Tomoe all of her thoughts, she told her of her insane but failed idea to get Himura to back her. She explained her quest over the past few days, and she even told her of what her friend Misao said at the pizza place.
She really didn't care what Tomoe would think of her, the plan was already a complete failure, and she didn't want Tomoe to think she was going to use her for her connections. It was merely and insane friendly conversation started by a week of stress and depression. Kaoru was going to be alright, she really was. Promise.
Tomoe never said a word, she just sat and listened to Kaoru talk on and on until finally, when it was all over, she said, "I really wish he would settle down."
This was an answer Kaoru never expected. Laughter was a choice, saying she was stupid was a choice, never; "I really wish he would settle down."
Tomoe smiled briefly, "To tell you the truth, I regret not having a person like you to guide him and I in our relationship; God knows how much I needed it. But I guess it is all for the best since I have Akira now. And I must say that I think Kenshin would have been impressed that you tired to get him to back you, he likes people who don't give up."
Tomoe clapped her hands together as a twinkled came into her eyes, and mind you it was one of those scary types of twinkles which Misao usually got in her eyes. "You know I can arrange a meeting with you and him, I would really love for you to get back you job and it might be good for Kenshin as well. Despite what he says, he needs help with relationships."
Kaoru was mute. This was perfect, wasn't it; she could get a meeting with Himura...but then, Kaoru shook her head. It was impossible.
Someone might say that she used Tomoe to get to him and she didn't want that. No, she was better off just starting back from scratch; it couldn't be that hard right?
"Thank you for the offer, Tomoe, but if I'm going to get back on my feet I want to do it the right way and not use someone to manipulate my way into something. I think I'll be better off just re-opening my business and gaining back my reputation slowly."
Kaoru stood up but was stopped by Tomoe. "No one would ever blame your for manipulating anything, Doctor Kamiya-"
"Kaoru." She said firmly.
"Please, just say yes, one small dinner just between friends." Kaoru shook her head.
"I'm sorry, but no, it's better this way. Besides it not as though he will actually accept my plan, it was just a dream that's all."
Tomoe though refused to budge, "Then can you please give me your phone number just so that I may call you...we are friends, right?"
Kaoru sighed holding up her hands in defeat. "Fine. But just as friends," Kaoru mumbled writing down her cell on a piece of paper, "And I do enjoy talking to you, you actually understand what I write."
Tomoe took the paper and nodded, "Can you believe that this is the most talkative I've been in quite a while?"
Kaoru wanted to say yes, but decided to remain quite. She looked one last time on the paper and smiled before going out of the park leaving Kaoru alone again with just her glasses as protection.
Did she just make the biggest mistake of her life by turning down Tomoe's offer?
Don't think about it, besides it was not like he was actually going to go along with it. He's Kenshin Himura, god of everything."
So with a final shrug, Kaoru yawned and made her way to the nearest subway system. She wanted to take a nap and forget about her horrible, rotten week.
"So, Tomoe, you're saying you want me to actually help this Kamiya woman?" Kenshin placed his fingers together and leaned against the table forgetting his champagne for the moment. Akira, who was sitting by Tomoe, smiled mockingly.
"It sounds like a rather amusing idea, and from what Tomoe says, a pretty good offer on your part. Frent&Stan Corp. do have a problem with your 'image' and it is reducing our ability to work with them somewhat."
"I can deal with them fine; they're not that big of a problem yet, we just have to smooth over some lost profits, that's all." Kenshin state smoothly readjusting his sports coat.
"Kenshin, I truly do believe you will like her, she isn't like other women...she's different."
"And I suppose you want me to fall deeply and madly in love with her." Kenshin said with a bored expression on his face, "You know, Tomoe, I don't have time to believe in that."
She quickly countered, "Then why don't you make time."
He was silent, but before he could answer Tomoe shook her head, "What I mean is that I don't think you will fall in love with her, I'm just saying she could help you as well. You and she, from what I have seen, would get along famously."
"Come on, old sport, what's the harm in having fun? I heard that she has never had a boyfriend, it might be fun."
Kenshin quirked an eyebrow...so it was that doctor. He chuckled. "Yes just think what that would do for my reputation, having a discredited therapist help me. No, I don't think so."
Tomoe messaged her temples as the food was gingerly placed in front of them. "One chance, Kenshin, for me. I really do enjoy this woman's company, and I believe it would be worth your time. Just a friendly dinnner is all I'm asking for."
Kenshin picked up his glass and spun the liquid contents around pondering all the while. This Kamiya doctor…could she just be trying to get into the company some how and incidentally lured Tomoe into it unknowingly.
He did have the new product to protect, maybe the competition was planning something. Truth be told, he didn't like what he heard about Tomoe's story, the girl seemed a little too honest and abrupt, that and she was jobless now. People needed money somehow...maybe another company devised this plan...
Throwing the thought from his mind, Kenshin decided with the what-the-hell- approach, after all he did need a little amusement. What would one friendly dinner with an aging hag do to him?
Tomoe said she never had a boyfriend, and he had never seen a picture of this doctor, nor did he care to, but he safety assumed she must not have any attractive qualities so therefore he was, again, in no danger of falling in love.
"Fine, Tomoe, one friendly dinner that's all."
A/N: So what did ya'll think? Good, bad, or quit writing you stupid person? And what do you people think of Kenshin that arrogant bastard...jeez, but I love him still, and don't worry he will get some major bashing from Kaoru, if you know what I mean.
Again, please read and review, I do enjoy them and they make me update faster.
And sorry for the lack of editing in this chapter, if you wish to kill me then do so when I sleep.
Battousai-chan: Yes, I know it was very uneventful, but sometimes stories have to have chapters like that you know. I hope that this chapter is a little more eventful, but I'm still building here, lol. And I'm glad that I gave you a better picture of Kaoru, I think I kind of made her in my image...I feel sorry for her. So you know that feeling too, well don't we all, though I'd rather be happy than depressed. Well thanks for commenting!
MysticalElfGoddess: Oh, I'm so glad that made your day. I hope that you will continue reading this story, it would make me very happy. Thanks you!
Sims are awsome: Should I rent the sims...I wil if I have time too, okay. Thank you for liking Kaoru, I kind of made her in my image. Please review again, and thanks.
Reignashii: Clubbing, eh? Well I might put some scenes in the story if you really want me to just to make Kaoru all pissed--it will be fun, ne? Well thank you again for reviewing, I love hearing from you and all your silly comments. Bye.
Kage Ame: Ah, my dear dear friend, how are you? And yeah about stalk...sorry, lol. And I'm glad you think I think like a business person, it means alot. Thanks and you better e-mail me soon!
royal blueKitsune: Thank you and I know that chapter was boring and I'm sorry for it, I hope this is a little better. Thank you for understanding and thanks for telling me about the Erin thing...I use that name when I show my parents my stories so they don't think I'm too werid by using names like Kaoru and Kenshin...people just don't understand.
The-Lone-Lemon: Nest chapter they will meet, aren't you excited. I'm just building tension here. Thanks for commenting, please do again, bye!
Anarana221: So you actually like how the chapters are uneventful..yay, I'm happy and thank you. I think this story will pick up pace around the fourth or fifth chapter, yet stories write themsleves some say. Thanks for the review, bye!
Kirrae: Yes and thank you for telling me that about the Erin thing. Erin is a name I use to show my stories to my parents so they don't question the names like Kaoru and Kenshin...people just don't understand sometimes. Thank you!
Black Metalmark: You think the plot is cute..hehe...thanks. Space my sentences more eh, I will try to do so in future chapters. Anything for my reviewers, right? Thank you for reviewing, bye!
Flyingwithoutwings: Yes, Meg will be in the story and that means triple the fun, aren't you happy. LOl. And thank you for understanding the need for boring chapters, and yeah Misao is quite a little fun thing I must say myself...I like people like her. Well Kenshin did kind of make an apperance in this chapter, how did you like him. Thank you for the long review, I love them and I can't wait to hear from you again. Bye.
Drawkcab: Okay, okay, but please don't die on me here. So I hope your happy with this chapter and I must say I love your...err...happiness over my story. Well until the next time, bye!
aquafinaSEK: Thank you for saying that, and don't worry I will have fun. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Bye!
Espiritus
